(featured image illustration by Ben Passmore)
“I know it sounds unlikely. But it really happened. Once upon a time, I played banjo in a duo with Chick Corea.” “He found the good in everything. I’m just so glad to be a part of this — glad I could be with him, and glad there’s more to share.”
Béla Fleck in NYS Music
Here are my favorite albums from November, enjoy!
Damu the Fudgemunk – Peace of Action
This plays like a 2024 version of DJ Shadow’s Entroducing. It’s a follow-up to Conversation Peace, which was in my top 10 of 2021.
Greg Foat – The Rituals of Infinity
This jazz album has night rider vibes, especially the track below. So cool. This is the third time I’ve had a Greg Foat album on my list THIS YEAR (see here and here). Wow.
EARTHGANG – PERFECT FANTASY
This duo is the nearest thing to OutKast these days. More Love Below than Speakerboxx, but I’m not mad at that; it’s jammin’.
Michael Kiwanuka – Small Changes
Kiwanuka always hits a somber but also hopeful mood and the music has a quiet intensity that keeps me coming back. I head Inflo and Dangermouse helped produce a lot of this which also explains why I like it so much.
Carlita – Sentimental
Just a great upbeat dance/electronic album.
Chick Corea & Béla Fleck – Remembrance
I haven’t listened to the jazz pianist Chick Corea enough and this album came out (with the great banjo player Béla Fleck) after he passed. Clearly a couple of masters at work here.
Flying Lotus – Spirit Box
The mysterious producer returns with a cool blend of afrobeat infused R&B jams and instrumentals. I really like this and hope it means more is on the way soon.
Other albums that found their way to me (and stayed) this month:
- Tuxedo – Tuxedo IV
- Father John Misty – Mahashmashana
- Erick the Architect – I’ve Never Been Here Before: The Director’s Cut
- Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Cordae – The Crossroads
- Walter Smith III – three of us are from Houston and Reuben is not
- Freddie Gibbs – You Only Die 1nce
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. ✌️
Comments welcome!