“I’ve never worked with someone who writes like Liam,” Michels says. “He’ll freestyle some stream-of-consciousness lyrics that sound like gibberish, but then when we listen back and change a word here or a word there, they become these incredibly thoughtful and personal songs about things in his life, or a story he’s trying to tell.”

From Liam Bailey Finds His Way

Here are the albums that inspired me in March and April 2024.

Chicano Batman – Notebook Fantasy

“Chillwave synth, Latino soul, psychedelia, and sultry synth-funk.” This album is a blast.

Erik the Architect – I’ve Never Been Here Before

A hip-hop double album (who does those anymore!?) that is easily one of the best-produced hip-hop albums of the year.

Jahari Massamba Unit – YHWH is Love

This second album from duo Madlib and Karriem Riggins jazz project is classic stuff (see their first effort in my 2021 post).

Liam Bailey – Zero Grace

One of my favorite artists, this blend of low-fi reggae and soul is perfect Saturday morning music.

Laurent Bardainne & Tigre d’Eau Douce – Eden Beach Club

I just discovered these artists and can’t stop playing this album. Saxaphone, rhythms, marimbas, synths…it all blends perfectly to my ears.

The Black Keys – Ohio Players

I haven’t listened to the Black Keys for a long time, but this album has stuck, and I’m thinking it’s because a large portion of it had Beck’s hands on it. Always a fun listen.

Baby Rose & BADBADNOTGOOD – Slow Burn

Woah, where did this come from!? The consistently excellent BADBADNOTGOOD pairs up with an entirely unique voice to make something that sounds timeless.

Cor.Ece & Bad Colours – Been Here Before

This album has such a cool late night dance vibe. Not surprising as Bad Colours was on my best of 2021 list.

Blue Lab Beats – Blue Eclipse

I’ve had these guys on here in 2021 and 2022. This is the fourth album from this production duo that blends jazz, afrobeat, electronica, and hip-hop production styles into something special.

Greg Foat – Live at Villa Maximus, Mykonos

I’m quickly becoming a fan of everything Greg Foat releases (see another from this January). From his site:

Greg Foat takes his audience on a transcendent journey with his latest opus, “Live at Villa Maximus, Mykonos.” Recorded amidst the serene backdrop of the Greek isle, this album captures the essence of space jazz. Accompanied by the ethereal woodwind artistry of Sokratis Votskos, the vibrant tones of Warren Hampshire, and the pulsating rhythms of Ayo Salawu, Foat leads the ensemble, guiding listeners through cosmic soundscapes aboard his synthesizer mothership.

Other albums that found their way to me (and stayed) these past two months:

• The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis
• Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band – BRSB
• Norah Jones – Visions
• Four Tet – Three
• JJ Whitefield – Puzzled
• Bondax – Journey
• Khruangbin – A LA SALA
• Midlife – Chorus
• Tremendous Aron – A Drama On Richard Street
• Sly5thAve – Liberation

I love discovering new music and hope sharing my finds inspires you to check out something different (and support the artists you love). Happy listening. ✌️

🗒 The featured image on this post is my re-interpretation of Jahari Massamba Unit’s album cover for YHWH is Love using Affinity Designer and my Wacom tablet. 🕺🏼