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Our Top Ten (& More): WBGO staff’s picks for their favorite jazz albums of 2022

Cecile McLorin Salvant
Cecile McLorin Salvant

With 2022 drawing to a close, we decided to ask our hosts and staff to recommend one album that they enjoyed the most from this past year. The results, presented below, were a fascinating mix of genres and styles. As is often the case with polls and Best-of lists for jazz recordings, there wasn’t much consensus, but plenty of diversity.

Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni
The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni (Solid Jackson)

Javon Jackson Nikki Giovanni
Javon Jackson Nikki Giovanni's The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni

This February 2022 release is a masterful collaboration between former Jazz Messenger and saxophonist Javon Jackson and one of poetry’s most revered voices, Nikki Giovanni, who selected the 10 songs on the release. Jackson, with the support of his bandmates—pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist David Williams, and drummer McClenty Hunter—offer a reimagining or modernization of some well-known gospel hymns and spirituals. From their swinging, funky rendition of “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms” to their calypso beat approach on “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” they retell the story of jazz and the rock from which it was built. One song that deserves mention is “Night Song” that Giovanni lovingly sings in honor of her friend, Nina Simone, who recorded it in 1964. I highly recommend that you give it a listen, though once was not enough for me. – Sheila Anderson, Host, Weekend Jazz Overnight and Salon Sessions

Cécile McLorin Salvant
Ghost Song (Nonesuch)

Cecile McLorin Salvant's Ghost Song
Cecile McLorin Salvant's Ghost Song

I was about ¼ of the way through Cécile McLorin Salvant’s Ghost Song when I realized this was easily going to be one of my favorite albums of 2022... and it just kept blowing me away as it unfolded. It’s less of an album and more of an experience in the ways Sgt Pepper’s or What’s Going On conjured. Salvant’s expanding further into the fullness of her artistry through such an astonishing project almost took my breath away. Her songwriting resonates as instantly preeminent; her covers of Kate Bush, Sting, and Gregory Porter are rapturous; and its production with creative collaborator Sullivan Fortner, fresh and flawless. Salvant can go seemingly anywhere as a vocalist, raconteur and producer. It’s an eerie, effervescent, addictive, delicious offering. It is as if Salvant has pulled back the curtain to show the world that the immense gifts that already had her audiences spellbound for the last decade were only the tip of the iceberg, which is almost scary to comprehend and equally glorious to experience. – Angelika Beener, Host, MILESTONES podcast

Cécile McLorin Salvant - Ghost Song (Official Video)

Gerald Clayton
Bells on Sand (Blue Note)

Gerald Clayton
Gerald Clayton's "Bells on Sand"

2022 has been a year of contemplation, hope, loss, struggle and triumph. Pianist Gerald Clayton's somber, reflective and quietly rejoicing Bells On Sand manages the delicate dance of balancing all of these emotions to exquisite effect. The mood-drenched affair unites Clayton with father and bassist John Clayton, drummer Justin Brown, legendary tenor titan Charles Lloyd and Portuguese singer MARO. Highlights include Gerald's arresting and transcendent duet with Lloyd, "Peace Invocation" and his spirit-filled interpretation of his late uncle Jeff Clayton's "There Is Music Where You're Going, My Friends." There is also a vibey and memorable tribute to trumpeter Roy Hargrove. – Monifa Brown, Host, Saturday Evening Jazz

Gerald Clayton - Peace Invocation Ft. Charles Lloyd

Manuel Valera's New Cuban Express Big Band
Distancia (Greenleaf)

Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band
Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band

Manuel Valera is an artist who has a history with the station. Rhonda Hamilton used to play his music fairly often, and he was a student of Bobby Sanabria's. He also performed in our "Gateway" concert series in downtown Newark, shortly before the Pandemic shut everything down. His piano playing is very tasty, and to my ears his style lands in the orbit of those influenced by Chick Corea, which to me is always a good thing. The music on this CD is all very special to me. I watched this big band develop and workshop their music on Thursday nights, pre-pandemic, at Terraza 7, a small, shining jewel of a club in Queens, as well as at the Jazz Gallery. But seeing and hearing this big band crammed into the tiny mezzanine at Terraza was always a treat. The band is first rate, with some of my favorite artists, such as vocalists Camila Meza and Bogna Kicinska, as well as Michael Rodriguez, who is featured on trumpet on "From Afar," a piece originally commissioned by Chamber Music America. Manuel has many projects, and I am a huge fan of his solo and trio efforts, as well as the group he calls "Groove Square," but the big band might be my favorite. – Jonathan Chimene, Chief Financial Officer

Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band | Distancia

Evan Sherman
Sidewalkin’(Evan Sherman Music)

Evan Sherman
Evan Sherman's "Sidewalkin'"

My choice for this year is easy: Sidewalkin' by the young drummer Evan Sherman. After years of studying and playing with Jimmy Heath (and others of that level), as well as growing up on the NYC stage scene with Emmet Cohen, it was time. Evan has finally put out his own recording. To describe this recording....all I have to do tell you the band members chosen for recording and you'll see the whole musical story play out: Jerry Weldon on tenor, Joe [Mags] Magnarelli on trumpet, Anthony Wonsey on piano, Tyler Mitchell on bass......and some kid they found on Columbus Avenue who promised to play drums for free. Yep, Evan Sherman! – Rob Crocker, host, Late Night Jazz

Evan Sherman Quintet - The Sherman Stroll

Steve Turre
Generations(Smoke Sessions)

Steve Turre
Steve Turre's "Generations"

What do the 1960s and the 2020s (so far) have in common? There seems to be many conflicting points of view between Baby Boomers and every generation that came after. So, I chose as my top jazz album of the year a recording on which there is no conflict at all - trombonist Steve Turre's Generations. It's a perfect balance between age and experience (Turre, Buster Williams, Ed Cherry, Lenny White) and energy and youth (Wallace Roney, Jr., Isaiah J. Thompson, Orion Turre). It really does give me hope for the future. – Brian Delp, Host, Drive Time

Steve Turre "Generations" video

Jamie Cullum
For The Love (Universal Music Group)

Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum's "For the Love"

How can I not love a compilation of Jamie Cullum's work after watching him perform live at Town Hall and the WBGO Studio many years ago. Energy is off the charts! What a talent!! - Doug Doyle, Host/Producer, Art of the Story

Jamie Cullum

Louis Cole
Quality Over Opinion (Brainfeeder)

Louis Cole
Louis Cole's "Quality Over Opinion"

Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Louis Cole never disappoints and his latest offering Quality Over Opinion is no exception. It is filled with his trademark unhinged moments, juxtaposed with earnest melodies and gorgeous strings – not to mention an unexpected appearance by guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. – Sarah Geledi, Producer, Jazz Night in America

Quality Over Opinion - Louis Cole

Eliane Elias
Quietude(Candid)

Eliane Elias
Eliane Elias' "Quietude"

Eliane Elias is known more for her piano playing than her singing, but she’s done plenty of the latter over the years. On this album, in which she returns to her Brazilian bossa nova roots, it’s all about the vocals. The album features Elias singing with three different guitarists: Marcs Teixeira, Lula Galvão and the late great Oscar Castro-Neves, in what would be one of his last recordings before his death in 2013. She also does a vocal duet with another Brazilian legend, Dori Caymmi, on “Saveiros.” The result is a beautiful and sonorous collection of classic Brazilian songs done with authenticity and taste. – Lee Mergner, Editorial Content Producer

Você e Eu (You and I)

The Jon Cowherd Trio
Pride and Joy (Le Coq)

The Jon Cowherd Trio's Pride and Joy
The Jon Cowherd Trio's Pride and Joy

By all rights and designs, pianist/composer Jon Cowherd should be a “star” in modern music circles. In addition to co-leading with drummer/composer Brian Blade one of the most important and inspiring ensembles on the scene, the Fellowship Band, his collaborations span multiple genres, from Cassandra Wilson to Roseanne Cash, a project/recording dedicated to the work of vibist Bobby Hutcherson, plus musical direction of major tributes to the work of Joni Mitchell. His debut recording as a leader, 2013’s Mercy (Artist Share), is one of the finest recordings of the 21st century thus far. His latest, Pride & Joy, with Brian Blade, John Patitucci, Chris Potter and Alex Acuna, extends that level of excellence with a magnificent set of his singular work as both writer and player. This emotionally satisfying work more than ably fills the void as we eagerly await the next recording by the Fellowship Band. – John Newcott, Director of Individual Giving

Le Coq Records Presents The Jon Cowherd Trio "Pride & Joy"

The John Santos Sextet & Friends
Filosofía Caribeña: A Puerto Rico Del Alma (Machete)

John Santos Sextet
John Santos Sextet

Since jazz was born in the northernmost city of the Caribbean, New Orleans, whenever anyone asks me my opinion as to what the future of the art form holds and where it can be found, I always immediately respond, "That's an easy one. Latin America and its musicians." One of those musicians is the ubiquitous San Francisco based John Santos. Born of Puerto Rican and Cape Verdean heritage, he's been an omnipresent force there for over 40 years. In his multiple roles as an in-demand sideman, percussionist, educator and bandleader, he's constantly drawn upon his own heritage, sense of exploration, and the spirit of improvisation that is at the core of jazz's Afro-Caribbean rhythmic roots. Just released at the tail end of 2022, this third volume in a series he calls, Filosofía Caribeña, is dedicated to our ancestral homeland Puerto Rico. A small island only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, it's produced innumerable talents that have contributed to jazz history dating back to WW I when trombonist Rafael Hernández alongside 17 other fellow Afro-Puerto Ricans would serve in the 369th U.S. Army Regimental Band under Lt. James Reese Europe's baton. They would be the first to expose European audiences to ragtime and early proto-jazz with Hernández later gaining fame as the islands greatest and Latin America's most beloved composer. John continues that trajectory on this new tome by focusing on the islands African rooted rhythmic heritage in its musical forms known as bomba and plena while taking some side detours to our sister island Cuba's carnival comparsa, rumba, and son montuno. It's beautifully framed by an umbrella of jazz arranging technique and improvisation. With an amazing group of 26 invited guests and his superb Latin jazz sextet at the core, the result is a tour de force that is not only an homage to the island, but one of the most important works in the often neglected history of Latin musicians contributions to jazz's history. - Bobby Sanabria, Host, Latin Jazz Cruise

Michael Leonhart Orchestra
The Normyn Suites (Sunnyside)

Michael Leonhart Orchestra
Michael Leonhart Orchestra's "The Normyn Suites"

In general, I am hesitant to participate in best of lists, in part because there's so much great music being made every day and to reduce a year down to one or five or even ten statements seems almost impossible. Over the course of a year, my "favorites" change constantly depending on how I'm feeling, depending on what I'm doing. With that in mind, I selected a record that I loved this year that I think deserves attention, and that I have been listening to lately. I have known Michael Leonhart for years, and I also knew Normyn, his late mini dachshund who he adored. Michael took Normyn everywhere he could - certainly to recording sessions, rehearsals and meetings. Michael himself describes the record as "a requiem and celebration" and both are clearly felt in the music. This is heartfelt music and the balance between artfully arranged and orchestrated compositions and the raw, ferocious, funky underbelly of the rhythm section is a perfect musical rendering of Michael's heart. Leonhart has a lot of friends, and plenty make appearances on the record, including rapper JSWISS (the two have another project together) Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Larry Goldings, Bill Frisell, Nels Cline, Donny McCaslin, Elvis Costello, and a cadre of percussive specialists (myself included on the opening track). – Leo Sidran, Host, The Third Story podcast

The Normyn Suite #1: Nostalgia

Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
Texas Moon (Dead Oceans)

Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges' "Texas Moon"

“Thank you, Newport Folk!” exclaimed Mark Speer, guitarist for the trio Khruangbin, to an adoring crowd — at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2021. Frankly, the bewigged indie darling outfit known for their laid-back twangy vibes could fit in any music festival situation — folk, jazz, or otherwise. In early 2020, the Houston-based group teamed up with another soulful Texan musical force — vocalist Leon Bridges — for an EP of tracks evoking the scorching Lone Star State heat, Texas Sun. 2022 brought the Texans together again, this time bringing it down for Texas Moon, an EP of nighttime grooves layered with Bridges’ glowing vocals. It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock, and a project that proves everything is chiller in Texas. – Trevor Smith, Producer, Jazz Night in America

Khruangbin & Leon Bridges - Chocolate Hills (Official Video)

Ron Carter
Finding the Right Notes (In + Out)

Ron Carter
Ron Carter's "Finding the Right Notes"

When you're the most recorded bassist of all time, you really don't have to do much these days. But when you're Ron Carter it's hard to sit down. I get the feeling that playing his bass is what keeps Ron Carter as young and vibrant as he is and that's why we were blessed to have Finding the Right Notes, not only a brand new album but also the name of Ron Carter's documentary that was featured on PBS this year. The soundtrack features Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, Renee Rosnes, as well as Russell Malone and Stanley Clarke. These names are heavy hitters in their own right, but there is no denying that Ron Carter is the star of the show. – Nicole Sweeney, Host, Lights Out

Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes - Promo

Samara Joy
Samara Joy(Whirlwind)
Linger Awhile (Verve)

Samara Joy
Samara Joy's "Linger Awhile"

2022 has been another inspiring year for jazz. Asked to pick my favorite I found it impossible to narrow it down to one. That's good news. But I wanted to express my delight in the future of this music with two releases that came from the same person. The same voice. Whether her self-titled debut, or her latest, Linger Awhile, singer Samara Joy has quickly shown a developing style that indicates she's in for the long haul - alive in this music. Whether embracing a ballad, or adding her spirit to something uptempo, she tells each story like she's been there. The emerging sound I hear tells me we should all keep our eyes and ears open for what comes next. – Gary Walker, Host, Daybreak

Samara Joy - Linger Awhile (Visualizer) ft. Pasquale Grasso