Tag: Jazz

BeatCaffeine's Best Compilations of 2022

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Compilations of 2022

As we wind down the final days of 2022, we take a look back at just some of the essential compilation releases over the past 12 months. From rare dance floor jazz to spiritual grooves and obscure Brazilian gems, there was a lot to absorb from some of the year’s best compiled releases. Similar to what we’ve seen with recent reissues, each year it seems like the quality of compilations continue to excel, with labels, record collectors, archivists, and DJs putting together some of the most interesting selections of music from all corners of the world.

BeatCaffeine's Best Reissues of 2022

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Reissues, Lost Recordings & Retrospectives of 2022

As with new releases, 2022 was a remarkable year for reissues and previously unreleased recordings. It feels like with every great new release or artists that breaks through on the scene, there are still so many records from the past to still discover, or make more readily available again. I also feel that with each year that goes by, the quality of reissues get’s better and better. The care and work that goes into many of these releases is astonishing.

BeatCaffeine's Best Albums of 2022

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Albums of 2022

It’s that time again (hard to believe), where we revisit some of the best releases of the year. In regards of new music, 2022 was one of the best in recent memory. It was admittedly extremely challenging pulling together a top 30 list, as many their were many additional favorites that unfortunately didn’t make the list. If there is time before the month is up, I might go back and extend the list to 40 or 50 releases. As always, I’m sure I missed a few that were just not fully on my radar.

Village of the Sun — First Light

Binker Golding, Moses Boyd & Simon Ratcliffe release Village Of The Sun debut EP ‘First Light’

Over the last several years, saxophonist Binker Golding and drummer Moses Boyd have been at the forefront of the thriving London jazz scene. Together as a duo, they have released six acclaimed releases and were named the “Best UK Jazz Act” at the 2016 Jazz FM Awards. They have now team up with electronic music legend Simon Ratcliffe of Basement Jaxx to form Village Of The Sun, releasing their debut EP First Light on Gearbox Records.

Ezra Collective — Where I'm Meant To Be

London’s Ezra Collective returns with incredible new album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’

Ever since the group’s 2016 EP Chapter 7, the five-piece Ezra Collective have been at the forefront of the thriving London jazz scene, releasing the highly acclaimed follow-up EP Juan Pablo: The Philosopher (2017), their debut LP You Can’t Steal My Joy (2019) and a few limited singles. The quintet returns with an incredible new full-length on the Brooklyn-based label Partisan Records, titled Where I’m Meant To Be.