15 Jazz Albums To Look Out For In 2013

by PATRICK JARENWATTANANON, January 10, 2013 3:40 PM

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton on All Songs Considered as they previewed some of the big upcoming releases of 2013. My pick was No Beginning, No End by the chameleonic vocalist Jose James. Though he certainly has a way around the standard repertoire, this album finds James more in an R&B vein — it's not far removed from the brisk acoustic snappiness of turn-of-the-century D'Angelo, but certainly not limited to that aesthetic. James has a way of rationing his delivery just so, with the slightly streetwise authority of a Barack Obama stump speech. If you were into Robert Glasper's Black Radio, you'll dig this.

There are plenty of other buzzed-about jazz/-ish records coming in 2013, though. Here's a quick rundown of 15 more.

Joe Lovano, Cross Culture: The saxophonist clearly feels he has a thing going with his double-drummer band, Us Five. This is his third album with this group, and unlike the previous record, this one is almost entirely made up of original compositions. He tweaks his own sonic palette, adding a mezzo-soprano saxophone and tarogato to the proceedings, and welcomes guest guitarist Lionel Loueke to spice up the proceedings on six tunes. Out this Tuesday, Jan. 8.


Jack DeJohnette, Special Edition: Around this time last year, drummer Jack DeJohnette was named an NEA Jazz Master and launched a year-long 70th birthday tour campaign. Here's a reminder why he's worthy of the hubbub: A four-disc box set reissuing the 1979-1984 albums made with his Special Edition bands. These groups featured star sax soloists like David Murray, Arthur Blythe and Chico Freeman; from what I've heard of this music, it reveals his composing to be both heady and earthy, ancient and of the future. Here's a chance to rediscover why DeJohnette is more than just a great drummer. Out Jan. 15.

Chris Potter, The Sirens: You might say that the saxophonist Chris Potter plays with an epic or heroic quality: Whatever predicament he finds himself in, he's reassuringly strong enough to play his way out of it. Appropriately, his newest project is actually a song cycle inspired by The Odyssey. On his boat is the big-name crew of Craig Taborn (keys), David Virelles (more keys), Larry Grenadier (bass) and Eric Harland (drums). Sing, muse. Out Jan. 29.

Rudresh Mahanthappa, Gamak: Recent years have seen Rudresh Mahanthappa become a star in the jazz world for his busy-bee alto saxophone and the way he seamlessly incorporates South Asian music into his repertoire. His new album Gamak returns to the quartet formation responsible for his breakout successes, with a key personnel addition: Dave Fiuczynski, a guitarist with a similar inclination for virtuosic fusions. Mahanthappa and "Fuze" both play in the band of the aforementioned Jack DeJohnette, and the Gamak repertoire reflects their ongoing collaboration. Out Jan. 29.

Read More: http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/01/09/168984228/15-jazz-albums-to-look-out-for-in-2013?ft=3&f=126134671&sc=nl&cc=jn-20130113