Best jazz albums of 2022
Dave Douglas Quintet, “Songs of Ascent, Book 1 — Degrees” (Greenleaf Music): Deft ensemble work, real-time improvisational ingenuity and exciting instrumental solos are some of the key qualities one expects in jazz, and this eight-song album boasts them all. But what makes “Songs of Ascent” so distinctive and inspirational is not just that trumpeter Dave Douglas and his four longtime bandmates each recorded their parts remotely — from different locations and at separate times — during the pandemic shutdown. It’s that, despite being apart, they sound so together, vibrant and in the moment performing such intricate, often pulsating music. Kudos!
Cécile McLorin Salvant, “Ghost Song” (Nonesuch): No other jazz singer has opened an album with their version of Kate Bush’s twisting “Wuthering Heights” — or made it so completely their own — as Cécile McLorin Salvant does on “Ghost Song.” She shines equally whether performing her own compositions or finding new musical riches in “The World Is Mean” from “The Threepenny Opera” and former San Diego vocal standout Gregory Porter’s “No Love Dying,” which she adroitly combines with “Optimistic Voices” from “The Wizard of Oz.”
Joel Ross, “The Parable of the Poet” (Blue Note): An album-length suite of seven compositions, vibraphonist Joel Ross’ third album as a band leader is his most accomplished and absorbing. Together with his six-piece band, he makes music that seems simultaneously carefully notated and freely improvised. What results is captivating.
Tyshawn Sorey Trio, “Mesmerism” (Yeroz7 Music): When not composing operas, orchestral works or chamber pieces, Tyshawn Sorey is a protean drummer and band leader. On the aptly titled “Mesmerism,” he and his group extend the jazz piano tradition with grace, wit and understated daring.
Nduduzo Makhathini, “In the Spirit of Ntu” (Blue Note): On his tenth album as a band leader, South African pianist, composer and vocalist Nduduzo Makhathini skillfully fuses jazz with the music of his homeland and his Zulu heritage. True to its title, “In the Spirit of Ntu” is intensely spiritual in tone. It’s also decidedly contemporary — inspired by recent political unrest in South Africa — and imbued with a sense of lamentation and cautious optimism.
Also worth cheering: Emmanuel Wilkins, “The Seventh Hand” (Blue Note); Miguel Zenón, “Musica de las Americas” (Miel Music); Gard Nilssen, “Acoustic Unity” (ECM); Gilbert Castellanos, “Espérame en el Cielo” (Z Note); Samara Joy, “Linger Awhile” (Verve)