Various Artists - Acid Jazz: Best of 2020 (2020)

As the nights draw in and the year 2020 (finally) come to a close, we present you with our annual round-up compilation.

It’s fair to say 2020 did not go how anyone intended it to. The world, as we knew it, seemed to hit pause around March but all that did not stop us from releasing six brand new artist albums, reissuing six fantastic albums from the past, pressing up and sell out numerous 7” singles and releasing the third compilation in the On The Corner series.

Releasing two smash-hit singles this year, The Kevin Fingier Collective kicks off the comp in style with our last release of 2020 aptly titled Latin Dynamite. Newest signing Nimbus Sextet graced us late this year with a stunning debut album Dreams Fulfilled, subsequently named Jazz FM Album of The Week - the Glaswegian Sextet features twice with tracks Lily White and Trap Door. Fellow new signees Lightning Orchestra also landed a killer debut album in the form of Source and Deliver. Sitting atop the BBC 6 Music A playlist for nearly two months propelling Travis Murphy and his band to new and exciting climes come 2021.

Albums from seasoned professionals The Spitfires & Matt Berry all hit the dizzying heights of the official charts this year. Indeed, a rare site for an independent label. The third in the ever-popular On The Corner series saw a return by Martin & Ed to the formula that made the series initially so popular, Jazz. Support came from across the music industry with Jazz FM naming it Compilation of the Week upon release amongst others.

Reissues came in the form of an extensive licensing agreement with west African label Albarika Store. A project which will continue onto 2021 with many exciting releases scheduled. Last but not least the sound of Gospel appears on the Acid Jazz catalogue for the first time via subsidiary label Miles Away Records. Lamont Butler’s It’s Time For A Change attracted much attention and was the perfect remedy getting us through the tough early months of lockdown here in the UK.

In case you missed any of these releases this digital album celebrates and features some of our finest moments this year. From Latin Boogaloo to contemporary jazz, afro-psych, to Americana - this compilation truly reflects the diverse nature of the Acid Jazz catalogue.

Tracklist:
1 01. The Kevin Fingier Collective - Latin Dynamite (02:50)
1 02. Nimbus Sextet - Trap Door (04:27)
1 03. Lightning Orchestra - For Those Who Are Yet To Be Born (04:52)
1 04. Soul Revivers;Ernest Ranglin;Manasseh - Harder (03:16)
1 05. Matt Berry - Covered In Clowns (02:47)
1 06. Nimbus Sextet;Anthony Thomaz - Lily White (04:26)
1 07. The Kevin Fingier Collective;Gerri Granger - Don't Wanna Cry No More (03:38)
1 08. The Spitfires - Tear This Place Right Down! (03:16)
1 09. Lightning Orchestra - For Those Who Are Yet To Be Born (04:26)
1 10. Ipa Boogie - Get The Music Now (04:26)
1 11. Lamont Butler - Ungodly War (04:16)
1 12. The Brand New Heavies;Candy Dulfer - Candy Town (05:17)
1 13. T.P. Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou - Rep Pop Du Benin - Segla (06:56)