Raindrops on Roses: Angélika Beener’s Favorites of 2023

Because what’s a year without reflection? Or a million best-of lists?

Well. What an interesting trip these last (almost) 365 days have been.

So, on the B-side to the deliciously raucous “Hit the Road, Jack,” Ray Charles recorded another tune…

“Just read your paper
And you see
Just exactly what keeps worrying me
Yeah, you see, the world is in an uproar
The danger zone is everywhere”

Both songs written by “Poet Laureate of the Blues,” Percy Mayfield and recorded by Charles in 1961, “Danger Zone” sadly rings true at this moment, with man’s inhumanity to man continuing to be a relevant and haunting refrain. My hope is that bearing witness to that reality in unprecedented ways in this digital and social media age will inspire us to seek love, justice and peace more fervently than ever.

This year, Whitney Houston would have celebrated her 60th birthday. The jazz and overall music community was hit hard by the devastating losses of great musicians Aaron Spears, James Casey and Funmi Ononaiye. Icons Richard Davis and Ahmad Jamal took flight. Hip hop royalty David Jude Jolicoeur AKA Trugoy the Dove and DJ Mark Howard James (aka The 45 King) rocked our community as did Amp Fiddler, with their transitions. Harry Belafonte and Tina Turner made me reflect most heavily on the imperativeness of cultural preservation — the originators deserve their rest. We have work to do.

But some bright moments remained. Hip Hop reaching its 50th anniversary was monumental to witness. (This South Bronx native was moved to literal tears at ‘Hip Hop 50 Live’ at Yankee Stadium among the 50,000+ witnesses.) Beyoncé had one of the most successful tours of all time, but more importantly, unprecedentedly centered black queer culture on a global stage. And André 3000 gave the world the spiritual cleansing it so desperately needs with his ambient instrumental debut, outselling several hip hop heavy-hitters in the process. (There’s hope yet!)

As we close out another year, I hope that this list of a few of my favorite things brings you some joy and discovery. Best wishes for a gracious 2024 and I’ll see you soon.

ALBUMS

Javelin, Sufjan Stevans

ADDITIONAL 2023 FAVORITES
The Universe’s Wildest Dream, Marcus Strickland Twi-Life
Lean In, Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke
Mélusine, Cecile McLorin Salvant
Sundial, Noname
Brand New Life, Brandee Younger
The Omnichord Real Book, Meshell Ndegeocello
From the Dancehall to the Battlefield, Jason Moran
New Blue Sun, André 3000
Love In Exile, Vijay Iyer

BOOKS

Gentleman of Jazz: A Life in Music, Ramsey Lewis & Aaron Cohen

ADDITIONAL 2023 FAVORITES
The Upcycled Self, Tariq Trotter (Black Thought)
Lou Reed: The King of New York, Will Hermes
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), Sly Stone
*Recommended: Griot, Vol. 3, Jeremy Pelt

MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES

Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur (FX)

ADDITIONAL 2023 FAVORITES
American Masters: Roberta Flack (PBS)
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes (PBS)
Little Richard: I Am Everything (Amazon Prime)
Milli Vanilli
May the Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story
Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World (PBS)
WHAM! (Netflix)
Love to Love You, Donna Summer (HBO)
Sometimes When We Touch

BOX SETS

Diamonds and Pearls: Super Deluxe Edition, Prince

ADDITIONAL 2023 FAVORITES

Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975), Joni Mitchell

ALBUM MILESTONES MADE IN 2023

Let’s not forget Blues People by Amiri Baraka made its 60th Anniversary

For in-depth conversations music and culture milestones during landmark years, be sure to tune in to the Milestones: Celebrating the Culture podcast for a brand new Season 3, coming in 2024! Many, MANY thanks to everyone who has supported my podcast this year. I promise you an exciting 2024 with more great content and a few cool surprises in the works!