Over the past few weeks, our most active record reviewers have had the task of choosing their 5 favorite recordings of 2023, and here they are. This selection is unique and quite different of all you can find on the web or through traditional medias.
With Rádio Mistério, the Brazilian virtuoso extends his reach with an exciting and personal collection of songs that make for great progressive jazz-pop. Leaning more into the role of a singer-songwriter, Martins arrives at a sound that is his own whilst paying tribute to rock and pop influences as much as jazz masters of the past. The spectre of Clube da Esquina looms large in Martins’ blend of jazz harmonies, Brazilian rhythms, and Beatles-esque melodies, though now imbued with contemporary flourishes from hip-hop, modern jazz, etc. His vocals are filled with a warm, soulful quality that adds an intimate and personal touch to the music, with lyrics in Portuguese that delve into themes of introspection, love, and the mysteries of life. The production elements are perfectly congruent with the lo-fi 80’s aesthetic. The songs cover nice ground too, with a well-curated setlist that boasts some stellar guest performances. It’s clear Martins has made something special here, a work that is complex yet accessible, one should hope he continues in this direction.
For the complete list, click here!
