The hidden gems in recorded jazz never seems to stop resurfacing. Here are our favorites from this year.
Geri Allen & Kurt Rosenwinkel (Motema)
The beauty of this duo performance by Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel is immense. It was recorded live in Paris in 2012.
John Coltrane with Eric Dolphy – Evenings at the Village Vanguard (Impulse)
Coltrane and Dolphy live at the Village Gate in 1961 still sounds very alive.
The Complete an Evening with Joe Henderson (Red)
The Complete an Evening with saxophonist Joe Henderson’s Trio live in Italy 1987 is simply the sound of jazz. Here the concert is released in its entirety for the first time.
Paco De Lucia – The Montreux Years (Montreux Sounds)
This release covers three decades of flamenco guitar great Paco de Lucia in concert at Montreux. He is still very missed.
Shirley Scott – Queen Talk: Live at the Left Bank (Reel to Real, 2023)
This previously unreleased live recording from 1972 is a powerful and funky organ trio album. Shirley Scott
Nina Simone – You’ve Got to Learn (Verve)
Nina Simone’s previously unissued 1966 Newport set is short but sweet and shows her at crossroads artistically.
McCoy Tyner – The Montreux Years (Montreux Sounds, 2023)
McCoy Tyner plays at full force in Montreux summing up his lengthy musical career in three concerts from 1981, 1986, and 2009.
Con Alma. The Oscar Peterson Trio Live in Lugano, 1964 (Mack Avenue)
Oscar Peterson is all over the piano on this historical release of his most famous trio.
Miles Davis at the Olympia Paris 1957 (Fresh Sound)
This historical release of Miles Davis playing live in Paris 1957 is excellent music with surprisingly good sound quality.
Roy Hargrove – The Love Suite: In Mahogany (Blue Engine Records)
A burning 23-year-old Roy Hargrove plays a full suite at Lincoln Center on this historical release from 1993.
Jazz Desk 