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BeatCaffeine's Favorite Albums of 2021

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Albums of 2021

2021 … or what at times just felt like the hangover to 2020. For parts, it seemed like a better year than the one prior, however let’s be real, that certainly wasn’t a hard bar to climb by any stretch. Over the last 12 months it’s become clear that the pandemic still remains a strong influence on all of our daily lives. It also continues to have a significant effect on music in general, what was produced, how it gets created, and often how it’s distributed. A whirlwind of complex emotions, cautious gatherings, high levels of uncertainty, as well as constantly backed-up vinyl pressing plants and more … 2021 was definitely a very challenging year for many, including musicians, record labels, and just about everyone in the music ecosystem.

Adrian Younge — The American Negro

Adrian Younge unapologetically calls out historic racism and white supremacy in new album ‘The American Negro’

Los Angeles-based composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, visionary, and one of the two people behind the Jazz Is Dead label and series, Adrian Younge, has released a powerful new groundbreaking album, titled The American Negro, which unapologetically calls out historic racism and white supremacy, and the ongoing trauma it’s caused on Black people in the United States.

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 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.

BeatCaffeine's Essential Wayne Shorter Tracks

Wayne Shorter, 1933-2023

We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of the great saxophonist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master Wayne Shorter, who died on Thursday, March 2nd in Los Angeles at the age of 89.

BeatCaffeine's Favorite EP Releases of 2021

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite EP Releases of 2021

Putting together selections for this list, I often find that there is a blurring line as to what is an EP and what is considered an album, and some of the selections below can arguably be considered full-length recordings. Sometimes I think it’s best to leave it up to the artist’s interpretation, which to me, makes the most sense. Regardless of the category, I thought this most importantly provided another opportunity to highlight more incredible recordings that came out in 2021.

MF DOOM & BadBadNotGood — The Chocolate Conquistadors

MF DOOM (RIP) & BADBADNOTGOOD team up on new version of Johnny Hammond Smith/Mizell Brothers “The Chocolate Conquistadors”

If 2020 didn’t already cause the world enough pain, on New Year’s Eve, MF DOOM’s wife Jasmine confirmed via Instagram that the legendary hip-hop artist (aka Daniel Dumile) passed away earlier this year on October 31. This was a shocking revelation for just about everyone in the music world, with artists like Flying Lotus, Danny Brown, Q-Tip, DJ Premier, El-P, Questlove, and others immediately honoring the late great rapper/producer on their social media channels.

On The Corner — Door To The Cosmos

New single released from On The Corner’s forthcoming ‘Door to the Cosmos’ compilation

Over the past decade, London’s On The Corner records has been one of the most forward-thinking labels, releasing innovative futuristic music that blurs the lines between jazz, electronic music, African, Latin, broken beat and beyond. In the words of Sun Ra, “knock, knock, knocking at the door to the cosmos,” this label is knocking down all sonic barriers on for their celebratory tenth release, which is a limited edition triple vinyl gatefold compilation out on September 18th, appropriately titled Door of the Cosmos.

Makaya McCraven - Where We Come From (CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape)

Makaya McCraven – Where We Come From (CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape)

Jazz is not dead, not even close. Not only is it thriving at this moment, the sound is evolving and speaking to a whole new generation of listeners. The evidence couldn’t be more clearer than on Makaya McCraven’s new recording Where We Come From (CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape), which brings together two of the most vibrant scenes in jazz today, Chicago and London.