An interesting element in this year’s music, especially jazz, is how many artists perform in a back-up role on each other’s recordings. Another trend is how the advances in technology have enabled artists to record in places other than studios – homes, pubs, outdoors, concerts, etc. and achieve remarkably good sound quality. Interesting time to be alive to enjoy the creative flexibility allowed by technology.
| Artist | Album | Label | |
| 1 | Samara Joy | A Joyful Holiday | Verve |
| 2 | Kenny Barron | Beyond This Place | Artwork Records |
| 3 | Skyrie | Hunger Road | Self |
| 4 | Owl Song | Ambrose Akinmusire | Nonesuch |
| 5 | Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band | Walk a Mile in My Shoe | Imani Records |
| 6 | John Spillane | Fiorusce: The Legend of the Lough | Self |
| 7 | Kacey Musgraves | Deeper Well | MCA Nashville |
| 8 | Norah Jones | Visions | Blue Note |
| 9 | Eliane Elias | Time and Again | Candid |
| 10 | Amanda Whiting | A Christmas Cwtch | First Word Records |
