Piano Piano
Sven Wunder's output is selective and always on point. One of the cream of the crop when it comes to contemporary composers, he has struck gold with 'Late Again'. The album features the 2021 track 'Snowdrops', which is easily one of the most beautifully composed songs in recent years. Taking a slightly more jazz-tinged angle than previous albums, 'Late Again' is about as glorious and sublime as it gets.
2) Ana Frango Elétrico - Me Chama De Gato Qeu Eu Sou Sua
Mr Bongo
A catalyst and dynamo of the contemporary Brazilian scene, Ana has crafted an album of punchy perfection which gets better the further you dive in. Boogie, pop, and heartfelt MPB are all covered in this gem of an album, by one of the most unique artists out there.
Playground Music
The second album from Stockholm in the top ten! The follow-up album from the amazing Dina Ögon (whose members collaborate with Sven Wunder) is slightly more pop than their debut, but still rides the funky Scandi psych-folk vibes, with heavy hip hop-esque drums. One of the best live bands we have seen in ages.
Naya Beat
They say don't meet your idols, but Asha proved this statement wrong when we met up with her in London this summer. A true legend, inspiration, and force of nature. Filip Nikolic and Raghav Mani's Naya Beat Records have taken Asha's classics and let a selection of some of the best producers in the game, such as Maurice Fulton and Psychemagik, put their trademark spin on proceedings.
Mr Bongo
This could easily be number one, but technically the digital album was out in 2022, with the vinyl release dropping in 2023. A tour de force of a supergroup, paving the way for the obscenely talented world of Brazil musicians to follow with their live show through Europe and Japan. Jamz and Sam also gave their song 'Baile De Máscaras' an electronic dancefloor club makeover to round off a stellar year.
Bay Bryan Music
We discovered Bay Bryan thanks to a Luke Una tip. Bay's stunning debut album grows with every listen, hooking you in ever deeper the more you get lost within it. An intimate, tender album that takes you on a ride of emotion. Bay is an artist to keep your eye on.
Diamond West
2023 has been strong for Brazilian albums. Rogê's 'Curyman' features string arrangements by Arthur Verocai and is produced by Tommy Brenneck of Menahan Street Band fame. Released on Tommy's own Diamond West label, this is a truly superb album.
International Anthem Recording Company
We have to admit, we love the Chicago record label, International Anthem Recording Company, but for some reason hadn't checked Resavoir's music properly. A project led by producer/composer Will Miller and friends, Resavoir's new album is a true delight. Not stuck in one genre the record floats and evolves from ambient, to jazz, r&b and hip-hop beat compositions in a relaxed, effortless way.
Self-Released
We accidentally came across the Swiss producer, Melodiesinfonie, on Bandcamp, but it has become one of our favourite albums of the year. A superb mix of styles, from lush soul and downtempo joints to the guitar-led cinematic funk of 'Stay Soft' and the contemporary Brazilian sounds of 'Água Salgada'. The latter features Pedro Mizutani, which fans of Sessa will dig.
10) Dora Morelenbaum - Vento De Beirada
Mr Bongo
We must have listened to this EP more than any other record this year. Dora's sublime 'Vento De Beirada' EP takes you on a trip into the sensuous sounds of her world. On first hearing Dora’s music, we were reminded of the transformational moment when we first discovered the Brazilian singer-songwriter, Joyce. The music is completely new to you, yet instantly familiar, like rediscovering a past love.
11) Various Artists - Hidden Waters: Strange and Sublime Sounds of Rio de Janeiro – Vinyl 2LP/CD
12) Daniel Ögren - Fastingen-92 – Vinyl LP/CD
14) Sholto - The Changing Tides Of Dreams – Vinyl LP
15) Jalen Ngonda - Come Around And Love Me – Vinyl LP
16) Various Artists - Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura Vol.2 – Vinyl 2LP/CD
17) Various Artists With Love: Volume 2 - Compiled By miche – Vinyl 2LP/CD/Cassette
18) Pharoah Sanders – Pharoah – Vinyl boxset 2LP
19) Wax Machine - The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On – Vinyl LP
20) Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti - Deja Vu – Vinyl LP
21) Various Artists Mr Bongo Record Club - Volume Six – Vinyl 2LP/CD
23) Don Blackman - Say You'll Be Mine / Your Love Makes Me Crazy - Vinyl 7"
24) Various Artists - Coco María Presents Club Coco ¡Ahora! The Latin Sound Of Now – Vinyl LP
25) Misha Panfilov - Atlântico – Vinyl LP
26) Laihonen & Salmi - Rauhan ja nautinnon puutarhassa – Vinyl LP
27) Sadar Bahar & Marc Davis Disco Gospel – Vinyl 12"
28) Grupo Los Yoyi - Yoyi – Vinyl LP/CD
29) John Haycock - Dorian Portrait
30) Cinnamon Soulettes - I'll Show You How / Wishing On A Wishing Well – Vinyl 7"
31) Various Artists - Just A Touch – Vinyl 2LP
32) Alain Goraguer - La Planète Sauvage (Expanded Original Soundtrack) – Vinyl LP
33) Yussef Dayes - Black Classical Music – Vinyl 2LP
34) Rival Self - Rival Self – Vinyl LP
35) Little Simz - No Thank You – Vinyl LP
37) Mac Demarco - Five Easy Hot Dogs – Vinyl LP
38) G.C. Cameron - Live For Love – Vinyl 12"
39) Kieran Hebden & William Tyler - Darkness, Darkness / No Services – Vinyl EP
40) Minas - Num Dia Azul – Vinyl LP/CD
41) El Michels Affair & Black - Thought Glorious Game – Vinyl LP
42) Benaddict, Slim. & Ella Mae Benaddict, Slim. & Ella Mae – Cerulean (Blue vinyl) – Vinyl LP
43) Zé Rodrix E A Agência De Mágicos - O Esquadrão Da Morte – Vinyl LP/CD
44) Flammer Dance Band - Dedikasjon Til Inspirasjon – Vinyl 2LP
45) Felbm - cycli infini – Vinyl LP
46) Abderraouf B Grissa & Dan Drohan - RBGxDD – Vinyl LP
47) JIM - Love Makes Magic – Vinyl LP
48) Nick Walters - Marine Moods – Vinyl LP
49) Mali Obomsawin - Sweet Tooth – Vinyl LP