Best of December 2023.
Several excellent albums were released in December that I have not included in my 'best of 2023' list, so they will be considered for the best of 2024.
Regardless of these end-of-year lists, there were quite a few interesting releases in December, and these are I listened to the most:
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Cinkuši - Bog nam greh oprosti (Mast produkcija 2023.)
Cinkuši is one of the most important Croatian world music groups. They have been on the scene for over 30 years, but are not very active in the record industry. They only occasionally release albums, and this is only their second release since 2009. In that time, Cinkuši have been delivering unforgettable concerts, with their New Year's performance in Zagreb achieving cult status. "Bog nam greh oprosti" is an album as only they can make it - unencumbered, playful and outstanding from the first to the last song. The eternal inspiration from the tradition of the Croatian region of Zagorje and the great writer Miroslav Krleža is once again present on this album. We like to describe Cinkuši as ethno-punk, and their music and energy confirm this on this album.
Ebo Krdum - Soga Jamailé (Epidemic Sound 2023.)
Ebo Krdum comes from Sudan but has been living in Sweden for several years. He drew attention to himself with the 2021 album "Diversity", and now he's back with a new album that once again contains brilliant Afro-blues songs.
Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars - Chronika (Borscht Beat 2023.)
Great klezmer/jazz master Frank Londono has released a new album with his band Klezmer Brass Allstars entitled "Chronika". Those who are familiar with London's work know what to expect from this release, and for those who are not, I will transcribe part of the description from the Bandcamp page: 'This electrifying album is a 'conscious party' that transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending traditional Yiddish and Hasidic music and Klezmer with electronic beats.'
Huuum - Huuum (Accidental Meetings 2023.)
Huuum explores the culture of the Persian region and presents it in a new light. They have described everything so well on their Bandcamp profile that there is no need to invent anything else: 'Huum's debut embodies the essence of Folk Futurism. Identifying as a band that reinterprets folklore in the present and envisions its role in the future, Huuum recognizes folklore as a potent source of a community’s emotions—rage, desire, and sorrow. The band sees various dialects, dances, and tunes as a form of revolution, preserving elements that may one day be lost. Folklore music, shaped by times of war, oppression, uprising, and rebirth, continues to resonate.'
Jumbo System - Jumbo System (Maaula Records 2023.)
Jumbo System is another French band that draws inspiration primarily from afrobeat and highlife music, and they do it very well. After their EP in 2021, they finally released their first album in December, on which they excel in all aspects expected from this genre of music. With a steady rhythm, plenty of grooves and engaging lyrics, this album keeps the listener dancing from start to finish. And then again on repeat...
Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto - Fanny Rosa EP (Llorona Records 2023.)
Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto is a legendary Colombian group that has been active in various incarnations since the 1940s. They recently released an EP for Llorona Records with previously unreleased songs as a tribute to the late master guitarist Toño García.
Okan - Okantomi (Lulaworld Records 2023.)
In recent years, many bands have come from Canada that are inspired by the traditional music of other countries, and one of these bands is Okan. The band is led by two Cuban women, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne, and on their latest album they deal with both government repression in Cuba and the inequities minorities often face in Canada. "Okantomi" is musically based on Afro-Cuban music, but also contains elements of jazz, some pop and electronic sounds.
Negarit Band - Origins (Buda Musique 2023.)
Negarit Band describe themselves as "An Indigenous Ethiopian Jazz Project", but their sound encompasses much more than Ethiopian jazz. They pay homage to everything Mulatu Astatke and other famous musicians from the region have done. Negarit Band brings together musicians from Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea and France. The album "Origins" was released by the record label Buda Musique.
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