Will you be listening to the CKUA Top 100 on New Year’s Day? Of course you will. We love this annual celebration of the year that was. You won’t get any spoilers from us, but we did ask CKUA’s hosts which albums they enjoyed in 2023.
The Old Ways Remain by Blood Ceremony
“This is new music with a vintage sound, and lyrics that take listeners to another realm. Not too scary, but enough intrigue to draw one in.”
– Mark Rodgers, host of Open Nights
Ridin’ by Eric Bibb
“A brilliant artist and songwriter who preserves blues history and brings news ideas to each project.”
– Holger Petersen, host of Natch’l Blues
Hagata by TEKE::TEKE
“I’d dearly love to see Montreal’s TEKE::TEKE make the Top 100 with their AMAZING blend of Japanese folkloric and funk musics, psychedelia, and spaghetti Western; partly because it’s an under-the-radar gem, and partly because I want them to know they have fans in Alberta, so they can hurry up and tour here!”
– Grant Stovel, host of Alberta Morning
Homemaker by Jill Barber
“This album has the ability to reach everyone emotionally. I heard from a listener who was not having a good day, and heard ‘Beautiful Life,’ and messaged me to say how much that song changed her day.”
– Leo Cripps, host of Discoveries
Nagamo by musica intima, featuring music by Andrew Balfour
“This stunning and powerful JUNO-nominated choral album is not only artistically inspiring, it’s also a concrete exploration of music as an act of reconciliation.”
– Aaron Au, host of Classical Connections
More Than A Whisper: Celebrating The Music Of Nanci Griffith by Various Artists
“Nanci Griffith was an incredible songwriter we lost way too soon. She passed August 13, 2021. This tribute to her is an absolutely star-studded gathering in the songwriting world, and to get to hear John Prine again was such an amazing treat!”
– Allison Brock, host of Wide Cut Country
And Southern Star by Mikaela Davis
“This is vintage pop built around Davis’s classical harp skills and a heaping helping of country charm.”
– Joe Hartfeil, fill-in host
Resolve by Chronos Vocal Ensemble
“This album by Edmonton-based Chronos Vocal Ensemble features twelve a cappella works, including songs by eight Canadian composers, as well as six previously unrecorded works, each premiered by Chronos.”
– Orest Soltykevych, host of Raising Voices
Ginger Beef by Ginger Beef
“This is not so much as band as a deep professional and personal partnership. Flutist Jiajia Li and her husband Warren Tse (AKA MSG) set themselves up in a home studio and the resulting music plays out like a wildly frenetic night in Hell’s Kitchen, where the umami flavours dance in the spectral glow of music!”
– Tony King, host of Thoroughfare
Tears You Hide by Jeremie Albino
“He’s got that retro sound, but his songs certainly aren’t stale. ‘Across the Hall’ and ‘Tears You Hide’ are total bangers, but he’s also very adept at writing beautiful, thoughtful ballads.”
– Lisa Wilton, host of Traffic Jams
Obsidian by Naomi Sharon
“One of the best debut albums I’ve heard from an artist, it’s a rollercoaster of smooth sounds! It’s sultry and vibey, with a disco flare that also has some great tracks to dance to!”
– Priscilla Cherry, fill-in host
Masks by Des Arcs
“A triumph born from tragedy, and their finest work to date.” –
– Oskar Zybart, host of In Our Neighbourhood
Oscar’s Motel by The Cash Box Kings
“The Cash Box Kings are one of the best traditional Chicago blues bands out there, and with Oscar’s Motel they have hit all the right notes…excellent songwriting and musicianship, heartfelt vocals and a touch of humour. Highly recommended!”
– Cam Hayden, host of Friday Night Blues Party
Joni Mitchell Live at Newport by Joni Mitchell
“A spectacular moment in musical history. ‘Both Sides Now’ stops time but not tears.”
– Terry David Mulligan, host of Mulligan Stew
Walking Through Fire by Sultans of String
“This is everything that ‘folk music’ is about, which is bringing people together in song and purpose to make a better place in this old world.” – Tom Coxworth, host of Folk Routes
Astral Plains by Peace Flag Ensemble
“A stunning and instantly mood regulating record from experimental jazz collective Peace Flag Ensemble from Saskatchewan.”
– Amy van Keeken, host of Twilight and Far Out
The Drip by Rubim de Toledo
“This is a captivating musical journey that skillfully blends the infectious rhythms of Brazil, Cuba, and the Caribbean with influences from Afrobeat, funk, and contemporary jazz. The result is an addictively upbeat and vibrant collection that showcases the Western Canadian bassist’s mastery in creating multifaceted musical landscapes.”
Kodi Hutchinson, host of A Time for Jazz
