Top Philadelphia Jazz Albums for 2023

By Steve Bryant

Philadelphia musicians have traditionally maintained a major presence in the jazz idiom, and have recorded music which has attained classical status over the years. 2023 has seen some of the best work released by its hometown artists, ranging from mainstream work by veteran players, to contributions from the new generation, as well as releases from the avant-garde and Afro-Cuban idioms. I have compiled a list of significant releases from this year.

	Kenny Barron The Source Artwork Records Pianist and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron is one of Philadelphia’s musical treasures who has been a major influence on modern jazz for over 60 years. The prolific Barron has appeared on hundreds of recordings. The latest is a solo project that he released this year. The Source is a masterful work which showcases his extraordinary technical skills, and exudes unique empathy and depth of emotion.
	Johnathan Blake Passage Blue Note Records Johnathan Blake, is part of a group of young Philadelphia musicians who have distinguished themselves in the jazz idiom. Blake has developed into a prodigious drummer and composer who has earned first-call status with the likes of Ravi Coltrane and Kenny Barron. Blake dedicated his second Blue Note release Passage to his late father the famed violinist John Blake, which results in music that exudes depth and emotion. Joining Blake on this date is emerging alto player Immanuel Wilkins, who has already made his mark on the music.
	Orrin Evans The Red Door Smoke Sessions Pianist Orrin Evans is another “Young Philadelphian” who has evolved into a creative prolific talent. Evans has developed a ubiquitous presence on the New York and Philadelphia jazz scenes not only as a pianist, but as a leader of small groups and an acclaimed big band. On top of that he has his own record label. The Red Door includes new work featuring Nicholas Payton with Bassist Bobby Hurst and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. In addition, there is some earlier work with vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, the late trumpeter Wallace Roney, and bassist Buster Williams. There is some powerful music being played on this date, which showcases Evans’ versatility as a composer as well as leader.
	Orrin Evans Holiday Extravaganza Imani Records Orrin Evans decided to gift us with his own Christmas project. This date includes a vast lineup of Philadelphia and NY performers, some of whom record on Evans’ Imani label. The set begins with a little Brazilian flavor brought by Vocalist Alexia Bontempo on “Boas Festas.” Other highlights include Milton Suggs with a soulful “O Christmas Tree,” Michelle Lordi with an evocative “Blue Christmas,” and Philly’s own TC lll closing out the set with a haunting version of “What Are You Doing NYE.”
	Michelle Lordi Two Moons Imani Records Vocalist Michelle Lordi has thrived over the past 10 years as one of Philadelphia’s best kept musical secrets. She has performed with a number of noted jazz musicians but she has associated with Orrin Evans’ stable on the Imani label. Michelle’s latest project Two Moons, produced in conjunction with bassist Matthew Parish, is a collection of straight-no-chaser tunes which are performed by Lordi in her uniquely individual style. For this date Michelle uses Orrin Evans’ Tar Baby trio which included bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits. Soprano Sax player Caleb Wheeler Curtis joins in on the recording. The music on Two Moons possesses an ethereal quality, jazz.
	Christian McBride New Jawn Prime Mack Avenue Philadelphia’s favorite musical son Christian McBride is considered one of the most ubiquitous presences in modern jazz. In addition to being considered the top bassist in jazz, McBride leads a variety of ensembles including a big band. McBride’s latest project, Prime features the latest version of his New Jawn Group, a dynamic quartet with saxman Marcus Strickland, trumpeter Josh Evans, and drummer Nasheet Waits. On this date, McBride has recorded some of the most exploratory music in a career that spans four decades. Each tune is a revelation, as McBride plays rarely recorded works by Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, and Larry Young. Yes, this release has truly earned “New Jawn” status.
	Terell Stafford Between Two Worlds Le Coq Records Even though noted trumpeter Terell Stafford is not originally from Philadelphia, he has graced our city with his presence as the Director of Jazz Studies of Temple University. In Stafford’s latest recording, Between Two Worlds, he takes a journey of the balance between his personal and artistic lives. There is an emotional rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” Some straight-ahead tunes like Strayhorn’s “Blood Count,” and even a little Brasilena on ‘Manaus At Dusk.” All the music is performed by a strong ensemble featuring altoist Tim Warfield, pianist Bruce Barth, our own Johnathan Blake, with some percussive flava by Alex Acuna.
	Elio Villafranca Standing By The Crossroads Artist Share Afro-Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca has established a formidable influence in the Latin Jazz idiom with a unique mix of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and progressive compositions. On his 10th recording Standing By The Crossroads, Villafranca takes an introspective journey into his life growing up in Cuba, as well his development as a formidable jazz pianist. The two-disc set features a dozen original compositions which reflect his personal and musical evolution from Cuba to the US. Villafranca’s ensemble includes Freddie Hendrix and Vincent Herring, with significant support from a battery of Afro-Cuban percussionists. There is even a guest appearance by vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant on the evocative ballad “I Belong To You.” This seminal work is one of the top Afro-Latin jazz releases of the year.
	Bobby Zankel & The Wonderful Sound 8 A Change of Destiny Makahala Records Bobby Zankel is regarded as the “grand old man” of Philadelphia’s avant-garde scene. With his Warriors of the Wonderful Sound ensembles, Zankel has created some of the most adventurous and provocative music in the jazz idiom. In his latest work, A Change of Destiny Zankel performs music he composed for a dance collaboration which was created to commemorate the discovery of slave quarters in George Washington’s first “White House.” Each work is a meditation on the life of these slaves. From their identification on “Naming Names,” to the religious fervor of “Ring Shout,” Zankel pays homage to these people and their quest for freedom. The ensemble features altoist Jaleel Shaw, trombonist Robin Eubanks, pianist Sumi Tonooka, vocalist Ruth Naomi Floyd, bassist Lee Smith, and drummer Pheeroan Aklaff. In an age where history is being erased, music such as this plays an ever vital role.