Category: FEATURED RELEASES

BeatCaffeine's Favorite Compilations of 2020

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Compilations of 2020

Similar to the work that goes into reissuing a rare recording can probably also be said for a well-crafted compilation. Often years in the making, there are a number of elements, including discovery, theme, selection of tracks, licensing, and a complimentary editorial component. This past year, a number of brilliantly timeless and curated compilations were released, some highlighting a specific genre or region, while others focused on an artist or a label. Regardless, here are some of the favorites from the past twelve months.

BeatCaffeine 'Favorite Reissues of 2020'

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Reissues of 2020

Not only did we see a ton of great new music released in 2020, there was also an abundance of extremely hard-to-find recordings being reissued throughout the year. Similar to how difficult it was to put together the “Favorite Albums” list, it has been just as challenging to dive into all the great reissues, and generate a similar “Favorites” list.

BeatCaffeine 'Favorite Albums of 2020'

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Albums of 2020

2020 … I mean where do we want to even try to begin. In a year that we will never forget (regardless if we want to), in which we experienced a devastating global pandemic, social unrest due to continued systematic racism, and a toxic political landscape, all resulting in a rollercoaster of emotions and unanswered questions. That being said, even through all the tragedy, heartbreak, and uncertainty, I cannot remember another year where so many groundbreaking and timely recordings where released.

dezron douglas & brandee younger force majeure

NY bassist Dezron Douglas & harpist Brandee Younger release album of music from quarantine sessions, “Force Majeure”

Making the most out of what has truly been an extremely difficult year for musicians (and just about everyone), New York bassist Dezron Douglas and harpist Brandee Younger have released a brilliant and uplifting album, titled Force Majeure on Chicgao’s International Anthem label, featuring recordings from their weekly live-stream sessions “Force Majeure: Brunch in the Crib with Brandee & Dezron”.

Sarathy Korwar and UPAJ Collective

Sarathy Korwar & UPAJ Collective release brilliant spiritual jazz recording on Night Dreamer

Since the breakthrough of his 2016 album Day to Day, US-born, Indian-raised, London-based drummer, percussionist, composer Sarathy Korwar has been releasing some of the most forward-thinking records, fusing together East African, Sufi and Indian influences with jazz, electronic music, and hip-hop. On his most recent release for the Netherland-based Night Dreamer label, he teams up with an all-star group of musicians, under the name UPAJ Collective (“UPAJ” means “to improvise” inHindi), for a fully improvised spiritual jazz session.

Legendary UK deejay Colin Curtis presents volume 2 of his ‘Jazz Dance Fusion’ compilation series

Legendary UK deejay Colin Curtis presents the second volume of his superb Jazz Dance Fusion compilation series. Where the first record focused on seventies-era selections from the great vaults of Muse Records, volume two features a brilliant collection of vocal jazz and Latin-flavored cuts, all of which where previously never released on both vinyl or CD.

Matthew Halsall — Salute to the Sun

Manchester’s trumpeter Matthew Halsall reveals new band, releases incredible album ‘Salute to the Sun’

For over a decade, composer, trumpeter, producer, DJ and founder of Gondwana Records, Matthew Halsall has consistently been at the forefront of UK’s thriving jazz scene. His 2012 masterpiece Fletcher Moss Park was named one of BeatCaffeine’s best albums of the decade. He returns with his first full-length recording as a leader since 2015, titled Salute To The Sun, featuring a brilliant new band that includes some of the finest young musicians currently residing in Manchester.