Top 10 Albums of 2024 – Kooter Jones

As we conclude another voyage around the sun, music continues to remain a positive force, and 2024 doesn’t disappoint with its unceasing delivery of exquisite releases. Music is immeasurably inspirational and can be portrayed in limitless and boundless forms. With so much magnificent music to choose from, this list seeks to explore several varieties. Surfing a sort of breaksy, watery, minimal dub & bass sound with Loidis’ One Day, it’s easy to get lost in these subtle, but deep floaters. Nubya Garcia dazzled with her Odyssey release and continues to make a strong presence in Contemporary Jazz. In 2024, a time machine transports us back to the old West, when livin’ in the country meant bein’ Cowboy with Shawn Hess’s Wild Onion record. Hip Hop was in no shortage this year either, and Seafood Sam delivers with Standing on Giant Shoulders, blending aspects of soul, jazz, funk, and a steady flow of groove throughout. Down in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a gentle wind of vocal and instrumental harmonies from Bruno Berle fill the air with the track Te Amar Eterno from his No Reino Dos Afetos 2 LP. Lau Ro also draws from their Sao Paulo roots, but takes us on a trip to the UK where they are able to find the perfect blend of psychedelic guitar, piano, and songwriting. Helping to round things out is Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee, where the listener is taken on a meandering and experimental journey. I hope everyone has an incredible end to the year filled with positivity, love, and great music.