HCTF's best of 2020 (10-6)

• 20-16
• |
• 15-11
• |
• 10-6
• |
• 5-1

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HCTF's annual list of the 20 albums that will be in regular rotation for many years to come. As per usual many genres are represented. This blog covers a lot of ground and it shows in this eclectic, final tally.

Today: countdown from number 10 to 6.

Please shop at your local record store. Most of them have a website where you can order your stuff. Buy directly from the artist, attend live shows when it's safe to do so again. Educate your friends. Word-of-mouth can't be beat as the prime source to discover new music.

Mammal Hands: "Versus Shapes" video

Watch the new Mammal Hands video for Versus Shapes, a track from their latest album Captured Spirits: "a record that solidifies their reputation as a front-runner in the UK avant-garde jazz scene. They can soothe, snarl, and charge. No matter which path they choose, it's never a dead end."

Mammal Hands: "Riddle" video

Watch the new Mammal Hands video for Riddle, a track from their latest album Captured Spirits: "a record that solidifies their reputation as a front-runner in the UK avant-garde jazz scene. They can soothe, snarl, and charge. No matter which path they choose, it's never a dead end."

Mammal Hands: "Chaser" video

Watch the new Mammal Hands video for Chaser, a track from their latest album Captured Spirits: "a record that solidifies their reputation as a front-runner in the UK avant-garde jazz scene. They can soothe, snarl, and charge. No matter which path they choose, it's never a dead end."

Mammal Hands: Captured Spirits

photo: Alex Kozobolis

Norwich based jazz trio Mammal Hands are not purists. They love to branch out and use elements of ambient, triphop and neo-classical music in their compositions. Their new album Captured Spirits is a true cross-over record, a treasure trove of sounds and rhythms created through both improvisation and hard work.

Jesse Barrett's use of tabla gives fans of fusion something to latch unto, especially when brothers Jordan (saxophone) and Nick Smart (piano) take off with a flurry of notes. Captured Spirits is a record that solidifies their reputation as a front-runner in the UK avant-garde jazz scene. They can soothe, snarl, and charge. No matter which path they choose, it's never a dead end.