January is a bit of a weird month for new music. It’s great because there are so many albums from last year still to discover (on best-of lists, etc) and there are always some gems dropping that tend to get lost in the mix. I’ve had a solid rotation this month though. Here they are.
Fabiano do Nascimento – Cavejaz and Aquáticos
Ok so technically two separate albums, one from late 2025 and one from 2026. Fabiano do Nascimento is a musician that creates chill, beautiful (largely guitar instrumental) music that I can listen to anytime.
SML – How You Been
From last year, an album of jazz music that is really different in how much energy and power it has. Cool and creative stuff. Great for work/drawing/cooking/.
Skyzoo – Views Of A Lifetime
One of the best MCs making hip-hop. A tight 9 song album. No skips.
Skinshape X Horus
A reggae jem from last year. I hope to hear more like this in 2026.
Open Mike Eagle – A Special Episode
I love Open Mike Eagle’s funny/serious rhymes. His beats and collaborators are always great too.
IDK – e.t.d.s. A Mixtape by .idk
More hip-hop. I loved IDK’s first project, didn’t love the second, but am really digging this one. Plus Black Thought, Pusha T, and DMX (!) feature so you know that there is something good going on here.
DJ Harrison – ElectroSoul
If you haven’t heard DJ Harrison’s tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire play that at any dinner party for a guaranteed compliment. This is like a mixtape of his talents.
Chad Taylor Quintet – Smoke Shifter
This was a best-of jazz in 2025 find and now it’s a best-of jazz 2026 for me.
Sepalot – closer
A new album from an artist I know very little about, but who makes superb beats and this collection of instrumentals and songs plays like a bit like a DJ Shadow album. So good. In fact, from their Bandcamp:
Fans of artists like The Avalanches, Caribou, DJ Shadow, or
Madlib will find plenty to love here, but Closer carries its own
unique fingerprint – a testament to Sepalot’s ability to merge hip-hop grit with songwriting grace. If “Neverlost” was a map,“Closer” is the destination: lush, thoughtful, and deeply human. Highly recommended for anyone ready to hold hands, open their mind, and let the beat guide them.
Joel Ross – Gospel Music
The vibrophonist returns with his third album (I think) to soundtrack my morning coffee for 2026. Salute!
Pneumatic Tubes – Runner’s High
I already did a separate post on this one. Still getting me high and will for a long time I think.
Other albums that I’ve been jamming to:
- Miguel Zenón Quartet – Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard
- Nas & DJ Premier – Light-Years
- Robohands – Oranj
- Tremendous Aron – no te preocupes
- Bill Evans – Portraits at the Penthouse: Live in Seattle
- Sault – Chapter 1
Remember to support the artists you love, and if you want to peruse some of the previous new music posts from this year, do it!
Comments welcome!