JimKongIll

I admire how @loylecarner.bsky.social has carved out his own lane in hiphop, and excels at what he does. I love the live music backing him on this album.

This is such a masterpiece. @joearmonjones.bsky.social is incredible, both in his own playing and in how he’s able to get the best from his collaborators.

It’s insane how gorgeous the new Brandee Younger album is. Layers of beauty, and many of my favourite musicians making guest appearances!

It’s always educational when a new volume of Spiritual Jazz drops. Some cool stuff was happening behind the Iron Curtain. Thanks Jazzman Records!

I always know I’m going to enjoy a @gondwanarecords.com release, and @ambreciel.bsky.social did not disappoint with this one. It’s lovely, and I like seeing Canadian representation on this label!

Finally home with time to listen to music and to really dig into this Little Simz album, which is brilliant. She’s such a good writer and has such a clear voice. “Blood” is “We Cry Together” done properly. Going to be playing this a lot.

Day 3 of Mtl Jazz Festival (for me) was wild. Great masterclass by @natesmithdrums.bsky.social, early exposure to new Thundercat material (can’t wait for the next album), caught a bit of Derrick Hodge’s set (with @bigyuki.bsky.social!), and a revelatory set by Elijah Fox that was the best yet!

This new Web Web album is fun. It’s a little all over the place but often very solid. The inclusion of JJ Whitefield on much of the album is interesting (I’m more used to their collabs with Max Herre).

Been so busy seeing music I’ve barely had time to listen to any. This McKinley Dixon album is inspired though. Another classic. His flow is unmatched and I love the live jazz elements. Can’t wait for his show in the fall!

I love getting unique teacher gifts that prove kids really do pay attention to what you do (and read your shirts and notice what’s on your playlist). @dessadarling.bsky.social

Been years since I last played this. Dr. Monokrome’s beats sound like the best of the early 00s, and are still hot. I miss Priviledge and wonder where Thrill Gates is. Of course billy woods is the stand-out artist - it’s cool to hear him explore now familiar themes back then.

There is so much to like about this collab between Lukah and Statik Selektah! Great beats and thoughtful raps, with a range of guests. Need to come back to this one.

Is there any band better than @theroots.bsky.social? @questlove.bsky.social has the stamina of drummers half his age, Black Thought has unlimited breath control, and every member of the band is a virtuoso player and consummate performer. They were so good tonight I didn’t hate being at Rebel!

This new Robert Glasper album is gorgeous! I had no idea it was coming out; I hope there are going to be physicals made.

I’d love to see Glasper perform this material live in a small club.

Shout out
@rapmusicplugpod.bsky.social for putting me on to Mary Sue and the Clementi Sound Appreciation Club. This is some fantastic Eastern jazz rap. Mary Sue reminds me a little of PremRock and Defcee, and sounds so good over this band. Cool find!

This new Theo Croker album is so good! Great vibes and energy throughout! I hope that some physicals are coming, because this is something I want to keep.

Finally had time to listen to all of Josef Leimberg’s new two-hour opus on World Galaxy, and it’s gorgeous. Leimberg brings together the LA jazz scene for this spiritual odyssey, and it’s transportive.

There’s just something about @dylanowenmusic.bsky.social and this new album that really appeals to me. I did not grow up in a small town, but there’s something so universal about the way he writes about his youth. He’s a rapper that deserves more attention (I wish he’d tour here).

I think @andrewww.bsky.social is almost as prolific as Boldy, but this collaboration with Esh & The Isolations is up there with his sleepingdogs work as some of his best. Grief Club, and this album, is fantastic, and has me feeling some kind of way.

I keep discovering these fantastic Toronto jazz bands, and it’s got me wondering if we are on the cusp of having a break-out moment for the scene here.

We need a Toronto version of We Out Here!

I always enjoy a new Aesop Rock album, but I wish he’d limit himself to 30-40 minute releases. I always find that the albums run too long, as his delivery wears me out after a while. There are some gems here, and some great features, but it’s too much for me.

There’s so much variety on this @panamsterdam.bsky.social album! Some songs are funny, other’s serious. Most are rap, but there’s singing, jazz, and lots of surprises. It’s a really solid package.

So glad to have these Navy Blue albums in my collection. His thoughtful music really speaks to me, and as good as MIKE and Mike Shabb were the other night, he was the highlight. Would love to see him headline next time.

I always enjoy seeing the @snottynoserezkids.bsky.social. These guys are just getting better with time, and can really rock a show. Thanks to @downiewenjack.bsky.social!

What’s going on in Québec that causes so much fantastic solo piano music to be made there? Laurie Torres is terrific, and belongs alongside Alexandra Streliski and Jean-Michel Blais. This is gorgeous.

Is there any rapper more expressive of his gratitude than MIKE? His shows have such a positive vibe. Also so great to finally see Navy Blue perform. I hope this isn’t the last I see of Mike Shabb and @nicholascraven.bsky.social too (even if he did just film).

I’ve only recently learned about Diskarte, an excellent jazz band from Toronto that includes a vibraphone! This debut album is really, really nice.

This new Yugen Blakrok album is incredible. It reminds me of early 00’s underground rap, with its focus on lyrics and messaging, as well as its dark soundscape. I would love to see her perform this live.

If anyone belongs on a stage with a full symphony, it’s Lido Pimienta. This new album is thrilling in its scope and power. (I don’t think this is the Colombian Enya album she promised, but it’s still awesome).

Not at all surprised that this new Vega Trails album is so nice. Everything @gondwanarecords.com puts out is golden.

I love how their music always sounds like their cover art - that’s not easy.