I am super grateful to know so many incredibly talented musicians who constantly inspire me. 2022 has been no exception, as so many of these artists released amazing music this year. I want to celebrate these musicians and their accomplishments by writing a little bit about each one.
I made a playlist of some of my favorite tracks from each release. You can find the playlist here (but as always, please support these artists by purchasing their work at the links provided below): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OXlEPLOG2rqxtSVrullGd?si=943af0ff46d74e72
Also, make sure to follow these musicians on social media to stay up to date with their upcoming shows and releases (each band/artist name below links to their Instagram).
Here's a list of some 2022 releases from friends (in alphabetical order):
Aardvarticus Zeus - Aardvarticus Zeus
Release Date: July 29, 2022
Link to Purchase :https://aardvarticus-zeus.bandcamp.com/album/aardvarticus-zeus
Bellingham, Washington-based Aardvarticus Zeus' debut EP is a high-energy, engaging listening experience that sounds distinctive while still drawing from familiar sounds reminiscent of your favorite classic rock songs.
Favorite Tracks: "Macabre" & "Banks of the Mire"
Annie Booth Sextet - Alpenglow
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://www.annieboothmusic.com/alpenglow
Pianist, composer, and arranger Annie Booth writes evocative, distinctive pieces that are made even more special by the amazing band she put together for this record. The incredible musicianship, improvisation, and compositions make Alpenglow a delight to listen to.
Favorite Tracks: "Passiflora" & "Sub-Zero"
Antibroth - Antibroth
Release Date: Sep. 23, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://antibroth.bandcamp.com/album/antibroth
Antibroth combines memorable melodies with heavy, intricate, interweaving parts from the guitar and bass to create a totally unique sound. The rhythmic accuracy and precision is made even more impressive when learning that the album was tracked in one day with no cuts or edits.
Favorite Tracks: "America Pin" & "Blue Jacket"
Bailey Hinkley Grogan - 555 & Wind Song
Release Dates: Nov. 25 & Dec. 17, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://baileyhg.com/
Recorded at The TANK in Rangely, CO, "555" and "Wind Song" are the first two singles from Hinkley Grogan's forthcoming album Meditations. Subtle sounds of nature, wind, drones, and the tank itself accompany the warm timbre of Hinkley Grogan's vocals to immerse the listener in a healing and tranquil sonic environment.
Briana Harris - When We're Found
Release Date: Sep. 30, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://brianaharris.bandcamp.com/album/when-were-found
When We're Found is the debut singer-songwriter album from Briana Harris. Beautiful, surprising melodies, meaningful, emotional lyrics, and interesting harmonic moments carry the listener through the ten distinctive tracks.
Favorite Tracks: "When We're Found" & "River"
BTTRFLY Quintet - Coast
Release Date: Nov. 4, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://biglink.to/bq5
BTTRFLY Quintet's debut release Coast features established musicians Dominic Lalli, Eric Benny Bloom, Borahm Lee, Hunter Roberts, and Adam Deitch. A deep rhythmic pocket and groove accompanies the singable horn melodies, rich harmony, and melodic improvisation throughout the album.
Favorite Tracks: "Coast" & "Marauders"
Connor Terrones - The People We Love
Release Date: Sep. 2, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://connorterrones.bandcamp.com/album/the-people-we-love
At their core, each song on The People We Love is built on an infectious groove. On top of these dance-inducing rhythms lives unique harmony, great production, and understated vocals from Terrones while delivering beautifully simplistic, impactful lyrics.
Favorite Tracks: "Time" & "Prisoner"
Corsicana - The Torchbearer
Release Date: Sep. 13, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://corsicanamusic.bandcamp.com/track/the-torchbearer-2
Corsicana's dreamy 2022 single "The Torchbearer" immerses the listener in a warm, rich sonic environment. Pisano's clear, pure vocal delivery gently delivers the sentimental lyrics until the distant texture of the trumpet carries us through to the climactic end.
David Bernot - Never-Ending Cycle
Release Date: March 10, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://davidbernot.bandcamp.com/album/never-ending-cycle
David Bernot's debut release as a bandleader showcases the composer and saxophonist's compelling writing and the masterful musicality of this all-star band. High energy, impressive improvisations, and a tight band sensibility envelop the listener in each song's distinguishing environment.
Favorite Tracks: "Stamina" & "Never-Ending Cycle"
Domi Edson Trio - Stories From Solitude
Release Date: Sep. 22, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://domiedsontrio.bandcamp.com/album/stories-from-solitude
In her second full-length release as a bandleader, bassist Domi Edson has put together a delightful collection of music, including her originals and some beloved standards, that showcase this trio's clear band sensibility and wonderful musicianship.
Favorite Tracks: "Crocos" & "Panoramic"
Gabriel Mervine - GM5 & 5GM
Release Date: Dec. 28, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/gabriel-mervine/839655845
Trumpeter Gabriel Mervine's two recent releases showcase the flexibility and diversity of these amazing musicians. GM5 demonstrates the band's ability to masterfully navigate jazz tunes and changes, while 5GM transports listeners into exploratory, intriguing, and unique sonic environments.
Favorite Tracks: "Five" & "We'll Be Together Again"
Gabe Rupe GRupe - Emergence.
Release Date: Feb. 22, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gabe-rupe-grupe/1614354061
Bassist Gabe Rupe's 2022 release Emergence. features six expressive, distinctive compositions that beautifully showcase the musicianship of this accomplished band (Greg Gisbert, Chris Ferrari, Max Moore, & Paul Romaine).
Favorite Tracks: "Joey and the Wolf" & "N.Y.C.M"
High Street Joggers Club - On & On
Release Date: Nov. 11, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/high-street-joggers-club/1652255490
"On & On" is the debut single from Denver-based band High Street Joggers Club. This groovy, danceable track is full of memorable melodic hooks, vibrant guitar and synth lines, and emotional, relatable lyrics.
Ike Spivak - Earth to Isaac
Release Date: June 17, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://ikespivak.bandcamp.com/album/earth-to-isaac
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Ike Spivak's newest release Earth to Isaac is a collection of unique songs and beats that fuse elements of jazz, hip-hop, electronic, and funk to create infectiously groovy, immersive musical environments.
Favorite Tracks: "Garvey" & "I Know"
Kaitlyn Williams - Under These Lights & On 2 U
Release Date: April 8, 2022 & July 29, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://www.kkaitlynwilliams.com/links
Kaitlyn Williams consistently delivers danceable, emotional, relatable earworms that showcase her clear, striking vocals and immensely talented bandmates. Under These Lights was recorded live in front of an audience, demonstrating the band's ability to deliver a stunning live performance.
Favorite Tracks: "Don't Blink" & "The Truth"
Mama Magnolia - Dear Irvington
Release Date: Nov. 11, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://mamamagnolia.bandcamp.com/album/dear-irvington
Mama Magnolia's debut LP draws from a wide variety of influences, all coming together to create a warm, engaging listen. Meaningful, thoughtful lyrics glide over interesting song forms full of rhythmic intrigue, accompanied by smooth horn lines throughout.
Favorite Tracks: "Each Time You Lie" & "Yer's Song"
Matt Smiley - Gom Jabbar
Release Date: Dec. 2, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://mattsmiley.bandcamp.com/album/gom-jabbar
Bassist and composer Matt Smiley's 2022 release Gom Jabbar features distinctive compositions, intriguing melodies, and impressive musicianship. The use of electronics contrasts with the acoustic sounds of drums, bass, and tenor sax to create compelling textural environments in each track.
Favorite Tracks: "Jupiter" & "No Ice"
The Salesmen - /kəˈmädədē/
Release Date: June 17, 2022
Link to Purchase: https://thesalesmen.bandcamp.com/album/k-m-d-d
Denver-based band The Salesmen's debut EP is, at its core, a rock and roll album, but it has so much distinctive character that it's hard to precisely categorize. The EP is fueled by funky bass lines, infectious guitar hooks, and solid drum grooves throughout. Each song features rhythmic surprises, satisfying jams, and quirky lyrics that make it an engaging listen-through.
Favorite Tracks: "OJ & "RedRug"
I hope you enjoy checking out all of these talented musicians and hopefully find some new 2022 favorites among them. I can't wait to see what's next from all of these wonderful friends in the new year!