iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

I admire how @loylecarner.bsky.social has carved out his own lane in hiphop, and excels at what he does. I love the live music backing him on this album.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

This is such a masterpiece. @joearmonjones.bsky.social is incredible, both in his own playing and in how he’s able to get the best from his collaborators.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

It’s insane how gorgeous the new Brandee Younger album is. Layers of beauty, and many of my favourite musicians making guest appearances!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

It’s always educational when a new volume of Spiritual Jazz drops. Some cool stuff was happening behind the Iron Curtain. Thanks Jazzman Records!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

I always know I’m going to enjoy a @gondwanarecords.com release, and @ambreciel.bsky.social did not disappoint with this one. It’s lovely, and I like seeing Canadian representation on this label!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Finally home with time to listen to music and to really dig into this Little Simz album, which is brilliant. She’s such a good writer and has such a clear voice. “Blood” is “We Cry Together” done properly. Going to be playing this a lot.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Day 3 of Mtl Jazz Festival (for me) was wild. Great masterclass by @natesmithdrums.bsky.social, early exposure to new Thundercat material (can’t wait for the next album), caught a bit of Derrick Hodge’s set (with @bigyuki.bsky.social!), and a revelatory set by Elijah Fox that was the best yet!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

This new Web Web album is fun. It’s a little all over the place but often very solid. The inclusion of JJ Whitefield on much of the album is interesting (I’m more used to their collabs with Max Herre).

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

Been so busy seeing music I’ve barely had time to listen to any. This McKinley Dixon album is inspired though. Another classic. His flow is unmatched and I love the live jazz elements. Can’t wait for his show in the fall!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

I love getting unique teacher gifts that prove kids really do pay attention to what you do (and read your shirts and notice what’s on your playlist). @dessadarling.bsky.social

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

Been years since I last played this. Dr. Monokrome’s beats sound like the best of the early 00s, and are still hot. I miss Priviledge and wonder where Thrill Gates is. Of course billy woods is the stand-out artist - it’s cool to hear him explore now familiar themes back then.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

There is so much to like about this collab between Lukah and Statik Selektah! Great beats and thoughtful raps, with a range of guests. Need to come back to this one.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

Is there any band better than @theroots.bsky.social? @questlove.bsky.social has the stamina of drummers half his age, Black Thought has unlimited breath control, and every member of the band is a virtuoso player and consummate performer. They were so good tonight I didn’t hate being at Rebel!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

This new Robert Glasper album is gorgeous! I had no idea it was coming out; I hope there are going to be physicals made. I’d love to see Glasper perform this material live in a small club.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Shout out @rapmusicplugpod.bsky.social for putting me on to Mary Sue and the Clementi Sound Appreciation Club. This is some fantastic Eastern jazz rap. Mary Sue reminds me a little of PremRock and Defcee, and sounds so good over this band. Cool find!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

This new Theo Croker album is so good! Great vibes and energy throughout! I hope that some physicals are coming, because this is something I want to keep.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

Finally had time to listen to all of Josef Leimberg’s new two-hour opus on World Galaxy, and it’s gorgeous. Leimberg brings together the LA jazz scene for this spiritual odyssey, and it’s transportive.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

There’s just something about @dylanowenmusic.bsky.social and this new album that really appeals to me. I did not grow up in a small town, but there’s something so universal about the way he writes about his youth. He’s a rapper that deserves more attention (I wish he’d tour here).

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

I think @andrewww.bsky.social is almost as prolific as Boldy, but this collaboration with Esh & The Isolations is up there with his sleepingdogs work as some of his best. Grief Club, and this album, is fantastic, and has me feeling some kind of way.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

I keep discovering these fantastic Toronto jazz bands, and it’s got me wondering if we are on the cusp of having a break-out moment for the scene here. We need a Toronto version of We Out Here!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

I always enjoy a new Aesop Rock album, but I wish he’d limit himself to 30-40 minute releases. I always find that the albums run too long, as his delivery wears me out after a while. There are some gems here, and some great features, but it’s too much for me.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

There’s so much variety on this @panamsterdam.bsky.social album! Some songs are funny, other’s serious. Most are rap, but there’s singing, jazz, and lots of surprises. It’s a really solid package.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

So glad to have these Navy Blue albums in my collection. His thoughtful music really speaks to me, and as good as MIKE and Mike Shabb were the other night, he was the highlight. Would love to see him headline next time.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

I always enjoy seeing the @snottynoserezkids.bsky.social. These guys are just getting better with time, and can really rock a show. Thanks to @downiewenjack.bsky.social!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

What’s going on in Québec that causes so much fantastic solo piano music to be made there? Laurie Torres is terrific, and belongs alongside Alexandra Streliski and Jean-Michel Blais. This is gorgeous.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Is there any rapper more expressive of his gratitude than MIKE? His shows have such a positive vibe. Also so great to finally see Navy Blue perform. I hope this isn’t the last I see of Mike Shabb and @nicholascraven.bsky.social too (even if he did just film).

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

I’ve only recently learned about Diskarte, an excellent jazz band from Toronto that includes a vibraphone! This debut album is really, really nice.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

This new Yugen Blakrok album is incredible. It reminds me of early 00’s underground rap, with its focus on lyrics and messaging, as well as its dark soundscape. I would love to see her perform this live.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

If anyone belongs on a stage with a full symphony, it’s Lido Pimienta. This new album is thrilling in its scope and power. (I don’t think this is the Colombian Enya album she promised, but it’s still awesome).

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Not at all surprised that this new Vega Trails album is so nice. Everything @gondwanarecords.com puts out is golden. I love how their music always sounds like their cover art - that’s not easy.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

I somehow lost track of the new Fly Anakin album and am only listening to it now. It’s so good! F.A’s levelled up for sure, and the beat selection and guests are so on point. This is the best album in his discography yet.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

When I caught @maxrichtermusic.bsky.social the other week, it was the pieces from In A Landscape that resonated with me the most. Beautiful album, and a nice way to start a holiday Monday.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

On Weirdo, Emma-Jean Thackray is credited with playing 14 instruments as well as singing, producing, writing, and almost everything else. It’s a really impressive feat, and a cool album. I think fans of Hiatus Kaiyote would really like it.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

Once again, Femi Kuti delivers a solid album of political commentary and great rhythms. His work always feels good.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

I love when music matches the weather perfectly. Right now, the sky is black with clouds, but the sun is still bright, and it’s both raining and it isn’t, and that’s what this sounds like. @leavingrecords.bsky.social

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

The way this matches my mood today is probably concerning. billy woods is one of one, and the most interesting writer working in any genre.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

I’m behind in everything these days, so am only now checking out this excellent new @fielded.bsky.social album. I like the live band accompanying her, and her writing and voice are on point. She’s such an interesting artist!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

I caught Salpa supporting @pumablue.bsky.social last week, and am glad I did. His music is very nice! A little genre-defying, and very soulful.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Recently I was thinking about how long it’s been since we’ve seen anything from the Soul Jazz Orchestra, and then I found out that Pierre Chrétien has another band, Cinephonic, with some of the group, and it’s fantastic. Smokey noir-ish film score music with lots of vibes!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

I don’t usually love soundtracks, but when John Carroll Kirby does it, and it sounds a lot like one his regular albums…

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

There is no greater proof of the healing power of music than going to a Mustafa show and listening to him crack jokes on stage when once he wept singing the same songs. Tonight was so good for my soul. Shout out @danielcaesar.bsky.social, @rexorangecounty.bsky.social, and the dancers!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

I’m always happy to have new @boniverwi.bsky.social to listen to, but I do miss the experimentation of some of his/their earlier work.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

I completely forgot to tap into this new Sault album. Their warmth is always welcome.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

I am really liking this more ambient approach @pumablue.bsky.social has taken with his new music. He’s stripping down song structure to the bare minimum. It made for a really restful, contemplative concert tonight, and the crowd intuitively got that. Felt a bit like worship.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

This new Gerald Clayton album is what I like about Blue Note Core. It is relaxing and proficient and in addition to his keys it features artists I admire like Joel Ross and Elena Pinderhughes. It’s good stuff.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

Finally tapped into this new Above Top Secret, and the energy on this is so great! @sunsunbeats.bsky.social went wild on the production, and @witchprophet.bsky.social sounds so different (in a good way). Can’t wait to see this performed on the 15th!

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

Really impressed with the ongoing evolution of Oscar Jerome, as heard on this new album. He’s as good a songwriter as he is a musician, and this album has a great groove to it.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

I’ve been vibing out to this excellent Adrian Younge album. I love how he’s embraced Brazilian rhythms on this.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Lushland, the new album from Silas Short, is terrific smooth r&b/soul. Recommended way to wind down after a long week.

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JimKongIll @jimkongill.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

I think it’s cool how Salami Rose Joe Louis sounds like no one else. Her lush beats/soundscapes complement her gentle voice so nicely. This new album further refines her sound.

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