Editors' Choice for April 2023

Reflective yet optimistic album from the multi-talented London musician, melding fusion jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and other genres.

— Paul Simpson

Following a 25-year hiatus, Jazz Is Dead's bosses coax the great jazz and fusion pianist back into the studio to record a sublime funky jazz and R&B set.

— Thom Jurek

This collaboration between like-minded artists takes the singer to new realms -- trip-hop, noise rock -- while delivering plenty of French pop delights as well.

— Tim Sendra

The harpist blends '70s-style soul-jazz with her own boldly contemporary aesthetic.

— Matt Collar

The genre-defying artist reflects on his family ancestry and Black history for a poetic, defiant album encouraging resistance and positive change.

— Paul Simpson

The South African artist's second album is a powerful blend of art rock and avant-garde jazz, inspired by his practice as a spiritual healer.

— Paul Simpson

Thorough three-disc anthology combining everlasting pop classics with often-thrilling B-sides.

— Andy Kellman

The iconic duo match adventurous, up-to-date production with relevant, affecting lyrics on their first album in 24 years.

— Paul Simpson

The Chicago trio's haunting, fractured fifth album marks the band's evolution from impressive to transcendent.

— Heather Phares

Developed at a series of intimate concerts, the songwriter's first album in six years takes on profound subject matter with an experimental bent.

— Marcy Donelson

The British jazz trio reflect on tragedy and loss while producing some of their most comforting and optimistic music.

— Paul Simpson

The Kansas City synth pop enthusiasts offer another warm, '80s-celebrating set full of melody and craft.

— Timothy Monger

On his first solo album in 20 years, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist delivers the record that earlier ones only hinted at.

— Thom Jurek

Accurately titled, this is suited for a disco bigger and more opulent than the one evoked on the singer's preceding LP.

— Andy Kellman

Fascinating journey into the heart of dub that collects eight albums' worth of classic '70s recordings helmed by Errol Thompson.

— Tim Sendra

Fluid outsider folk artist strays from synth experiments and creates a spare and haunting atmospheric mood heavy on environmental field recordings.

— Fred Thomas

The Arizona-born singer/songwriter continues to expand her sonic and emotional palette on her fourth album.

— Matt Collar

Polyvinyl's 2023 reissue of the hyper-pop trio's vibrant debut mixtape adds the Bonito Recycling EP and other singles.

— Heather Phares

The visionary turntablist presents a futuristic sci-fi love story, heavy on fuzzed-out guitars, crunchy breakbeats, and constant scratching.

— Paul Simpson

After a crushingly beautiful solo album about the death of his brother, the indie songwriter continues exploring grief with far less somber songs.

— Fred Thomas

Experimental songwriter builds on the lo-fi dreaminess of her last album, taking each of these eight songs in slightly different directions.

— Fred Thomas

The writer and DJ returns with her most introspective, emotionally vivid work, encompassing dreamy indie pop, post-punk, and blissful deep house.

— Paul Simpson

Roughly recorded audience tape of a London concert made up of Tonight's the Night material and other unexpected detours.

— Fred Thomas

A fascinating rendering of the St. Matthew Passion, with texts by various poets interleaved with biblical words.

— James Manheim

Created during a time of travel and reflection, the Congolese artist's eclectic second album wraps joy and sorrow in fascinating sonics.

— Heather Phares

Fourth album from multi-platinum Mississippi rap duo is made up of concise songs that are lean, purposeful, and direct.

— Fred Thomas

Passionate yet structurally insightful Chopin scores strongly in the big sonatas.

— James Manheim

An expansive yet remarkably focused two-hour jazz-rap odyssey, co-produced by Damu the Fudgemunk and featuring guest saxophonist Archie Shepp.

— Paul Simpson

On their ninth studio album, the pioneering guitar duo add subtle electronics and orchestral elements to their ambitious compositions.

— Thom Jurek

Earthy, soulfully engaging live 1972 concert from the organist and her trio.

— Matt Collar

The Norwegian singer/songwriter hits another career peak on this uplifting and philosophical set.

— Timothy Monger

Exceptional performances that grasp the essence of Dvořák's big Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65.

— James Manheim

The Texas tenor makes his Blue Note debut with his all-star quintet and occasional assistance from trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire.

— Thom Jurek

Recorded continents apart before and during the pandemic, this set manages to offer an even more intimate and adventurous musical language.

— Thom Jurek

The Korean-American electronic artist's debut album is a mixture of self-reflection, protest, and nostalgic fantasy.

— Paul Simpson