A Journey Through Sound: My Jazz Mix
Happy New Year, and welcome to a blog inspired by my latest jazz mix! As I packed up decades of music for an upcoming move, I rediscovered hidden gems that reignited my passion for jazz. This playlist represents a tapestry of sound—a mix of classic artistry, modern exploration, and soulful melodies. Let me guide you through each track, sharing why it made the cut and how it weaves into this sonic journey.
1. The Invisible Session – Till The End. I begin with a masterpiece of groove and depth. The Invisible Session sets the tone with a lush, cinematic feel that draws you in immediately. This track’s layered instrumentation and soulful rhythm feel like a mission statement for this mix: timeless, vibrant, and emotionally resonant.
2. Takuya Kuroda – Thirteen. Next, I transition into the brilliant mind of trumpeter Takuya Kuroda. With its hypnotic bassline and Kuroda’s fluid, melodic trumpet, Thirteen effortlessly blends jazz with funk and soul influences. It’s the kind of track that demands your attention and makes you move.
3. Dan Berglund, Magnus Öström, Esbjörn Svensson, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra – Seven Days of Falling. This evocative piece from E.S.T. in collaboration with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is nothing short of majestic. The sweeping arrangement carries a sense of weightless beauty, showcasing the perfect marriage of classical and jazz elements.
4. Rare Silk – Storm. A hidden treasure from the 1980s, Rare Silk delivers a vocal jazz gem with Storm. The harmonies are hauntingly beautiful, layered over a track that feels both vintage and futuristic. It’s a true standout for its uniqueness and emotional intensity.
5. Norberto De Nöah – Bossary. I shift to a more rhythmically intricate piece with Bossaryi, blending Latin jazz influences and modern textures. The percussion drives this track forward, creating a mesmerizing flow that’s impossible to ignore.
6. Paolo Fresu & Omar Sosa – La Llamada. The collaboration between Paolo Fresu and Omar Sosa is always magical, and La Llamada is no exception. This track feels spiritual, with Fresu’s muted trumpet weaving beautifully through Sosa’s intricate piano and Afro-Cuban rhythms. It’s both meditative and invigorating.
7. Morgan Guerin – With A Piece of Mind Pt.1 & Pt.2. Morgan Guerin delivers a contemporary masterpiece with this two-part suite. The layered textures and evolving melodies showcase Guerin’s innovative approach to jazz. These tracks are a journey within themselves, blending electronic and acoustic elements seamlessly.
8. Shatter Hands – Exhausted Rescue Squad. This experimental gem takes us into abstract territory. Shatter Hands crafts a soundscape that feels cinematic, introspective, and full of tension. The minimalist approach adds a striking contrast to the mix, inviting deep listening.
9. Kenny Garrett – It’s Time to Come Home. It’s Time to Come Home by Kenny Garrett is an emotional highlight. His alto saxophone sings with passion and yearning, creating a sense of both closure and longing. It’s a poignant reminder of the storytelling power of jazz.
10. Sam Newsome – When You See the Light. I close the mix with a meditative piece by Sam Newsome. This track feels like a moment of reflection—a serene yet powerful conclusion to the playlist. Newsome’s soprano saxophone dances over a minimalist backdrop, leaving you with a sense of clarity and peace.
The Heart of the Mix. This playlist is more than a collection of songs; it’s a journey through moods and stories, a reflection of decades spent collecting music and exploring sound. Each track stands on its own but together creates a narrative that speaks to the soul of jazz—improvisation, emotion, and connection.
Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or just curious, I hope this mix inspires you, surprises you, and brings a little light to your day. Let me know which tracks resonated with you, and stay locked in for more mixes as I continue to rediscover and share music from my collection.
Listen and Share Feel free to share this blog and the playlist with fellow music lovers. Let’s keep the conversation going about the incredible, ever-evolving world of jazz!