As I mentioned last year, I am well aware that there are a lot of people who do not care for “best” or “top 10” being used when it comes to recognizing outstanding achievement, especially when it comes to music. For those of you that applies to, you are welcome to call it my “favorites”, if you wish. This list is simply the opinion of one man, and I always welcome your feedback. There were a lot of great albums that came out this year, and these rose to the top. Enjoy!
1. 
Christian aTunde Adjuah – Christian Scott (Concord Jazz – July 31, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
2. 
Ode – Brad Mehldau (Nonesuch – March 20, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
3. 
Seeds From the Underground – Kenny Garrett (Mack Avenue – April 10, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
4. 
My Muse – George Cables (HighNote – September 11, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
5. 
The Monk Project – Jimmy Owens (Ipo – January 3, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
6. 
Alive at the Vanguard – Fred Hersch Trio (Palmetto Records, September 11, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
7. 
The Art of Dreaming – Jacques Schwarz-Bart Quartet (Aztec Musique – March 6, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
8. 
Angelic Warrior – Tia Fuller (Mack Avenue – September 25, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
9. 
Somewhere in the Night – Bobby Hutcherson (Kind of Blue – October 16, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
10. 
Be Still – Dave Douglas (Green Leaf Records – September 25, 2012) CLICK HERE TO BUY
Other Notable Albums:
Spirit Fiction by Ravi Coltrane
Another Country by Cassandra Wilson
Hot House by Chick Corea and Gary Burton
Dear Diz by Arturo Sandoval
Takin’ it There by Graham Dechter
The Baddest Monk by Eric Reed
Locked Down by Dr. John
St. Peter & 57th St. by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Down Home by Curtis Fuller
For the Moment by The Bob Mintzer Big Band
The Well by Tord Gustavsen
Where Do You Start by Brad Mehldau
Number Five by Tom Harrell
Glad Rag Doll by Diana Krall
All Our Reasons by Billy Hart
Not Getting Behind is the New Getting Ahead by Charlie Hunter
Accelerando by Vijay Iyer
Come Sunday by Charlie Haden
Signing by Joe Locke
The Absence by Melody Gardot
Free Magic by Medeski, Martin & Wood
Wonderful! Wonderful! by Joey DeFrancesco
Be Good by Gregory Porter
The Continents by Chick Corea
The Mothership Returns by Return to Forever
Triveni II by Avishai Cohen
Live in Hollywood by Poncho Sanchez
An Attitude for Gratitude by Matt Wilson
Gouache by Jacky Terrasson
Songs of Earth by Jessica Williams
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