I love finding new music and I hope this list helps you discover something new too. Here are my favorite albums and other musical discoveries from the past month.

July was not a chill summer month for me, which is why maybe my musical choices veered so far into the chill zone? I dunno, but there was plenty of good stuff to calm me down and recharge my batteries.

Lil Silva – Yesterday is Heavy

An album that bridges all kinds of styles, from electronica and jazz to hip-hop and R&B. Lots of great guest appearances. Uplifting and funky. Everything is done well here. Tied for my favorite album of the month.

FKJ – VINCENT

My biggest surprise of the month. An amazing mix of funky beats, melodies, and jazz improvisation. I wrote short post about this FKJ album I like it so much.

Apollo Brown – This Must Be the Place

I haven’t been this into an all-instrumental beat album since the last time Oddisee or 9th Wonder last dropped one, but man, this fits my mood so well right now. Perfect focus-at-work or chilling-at-home music.

Helado Negro – Far In

Breezy and funky pop just bursting with feeling. I thought it would be too sleepy for me but it’s full of joy and appreciation. I love the groove.

Alexander Flood – The Space Between

This came out in January of this year I think and I’m shocked I missed it. Pretty much everything I could want in a jazz album is here: the progressive rhythms, the horns, the keyboards. Perfecto!

Honorable mentions

Jazz is Dead 013 – Katalyst – JID is back!!! This is so good!!!

Ronnie Foster – Reboot – A truly great comeback album from a jazz legend.

Harvey Sutherland – a synthy and funky mix of R&B.

Nicola Cruz – Self Oscillation – a great set of edgy, driving electronica from one of my favorites.

Want more? See what else I found in months past and listen to my ever-changing list of favorite tracks on Spotify.