Ended the long weekend and started Tuesday after my swim with A Short Diary by Sebastian Rochford and Kit Downes released on ECM in 2023.

Tyran Grillo wrote on ECM Reviews:

"In 2019, Sebastian Rochford .. lost his father, Aberdeen poet Gerard Rochford. While mourning, the drummer found himself unable to staunch the melodies welling up from within. Recorded in collaboration with pianist Kit Downes at his childhood home in Scotland, A Short Diary reapproaches that music in dedication to his family and the man whose absence left an unfillable chasm...

Despite the heartache that permeates “This Tune Your Ears Will Never Hear,” it opens with bursts of light as if to fight off the darkness of death. This feeling continues throughout, even in titles one might not expect, such as “Night Of Quiet...”

https://ecmreviews.com/2025/01/14/sebastian-rochford-kit-downes-a-short-diary-ecm-2749/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udm69jYBStA&list=PLWwRgYynvV-bVb-SO9dWupEToztvlGReA&index=1

#ecm #ecmreviews #grief #sebastianrochford #kitdownes #jazz #2023inmusic

Beyond The Midnight Sun
by Don Leisure with Amanda Whiting released by First World records in 2023

"The project is a journey down the road that was revealed to me on 'All Praises Due' on 'Shaboo Strikes Back'. Amanda's willingness and eagerness to continue collaborating was a dream come true. Being able to get harp parts from someone who is so open minded is such a rare treat that a deeper project was inevitable.

I wanted to move in a different direction from the beat tape format on my previous releases while still maintaining the core Don Leisure sound, fused with live instrumentation and vocals etc". - Don Leisure

'Beyond The Midnight Sun' is a 7-track affair comprised of delectable spiritual jazz fused with hip hop beats, psychedelic electronics and a touch of soul. -Bandcamp

https://donleisure.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-midnight-sun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AArKZ6MhTD8&list=OLAK5uy_n14QdLmsNbaTqAsz1GGJBd4a7cr4d1fOU

#amandawhiting #donleisure #jazzharp #spiritualjazz #hiphop #welshmusic #2023inmusic #DeborahJordan

One of the most exciting times of the year- here is our team’s group list of ten favorite albums of 2023 and a few runner-ups.

Https://www.postgenre.org/best-2023/

#postgenre #2023inmusic #yearendlist #jazz #music #art #BestOf2023 #postgenremedia #postgenremusic #yearend

PostGenre’s Best of 2023 - PostGenre

Below are the albums we collectively felt were the best of 2023 (technically from Thanksgiving 2022 to Thanksgiving 2023). Ties are ordered alphabetically by the leader’s last name. Following the list are honorable mentions; recordings multiple members of our small group thought worthy of merit but did not make the top ten. One trend that

PostGenre - Music beyond category
Rob Shepherd’s Favorite Albums of 2023 - PostGenre

In terms of my music writing, 2023 started off frustratingly with a few interviews that fell through and one that took place but ultimately exploded in my face. However, the year ended very strongly. During 2023, I produced several album reviews and released thirty-two interviews, with many more done but yet to be released. Many

PostGenre - Music beyond category

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#Loudwire
Here's More Than 50 New Rock + Metal Albums That Are Out Today
We've got your 2023 album release calendar so you don't miss a thing!

https://loudwire.com/2023-hard-rock-metal-album-release-calendar/

#2023AlbumReleases #MetalReleases #HardRockReleases #MusicCalendar #BandsToWatch #NewMusic #2023InMusic

More Than 40 New Rock + Metal Albums That Are Out Today

We've got your 2023 album release calendar so you don't miss a thing!

Loudwire
Not your average Laibach, but a beautiful work of art and a proper farewell if that's where they wish to stop #2023inmusic
First two new albums of 2023 for me 🤩
Iggy Pop - Every Loser vs. VV - Neon Noir.
Have you heard them, did you like them?
I kind of like both, even though neither surprised me at all ...
#2023inmusic