Umbra and Kansas City Trio rank first and fifth on Plastic Sax’s Favorite Albums of 2023 list. The albums are showcases for the impeccably refined work of Matt Otto. The subtle power contained in the one-two punch from the unprepossessing saxophonist makes him Plastic Sax’s Person of the Year for 2023. The previous recipients of the designation are Seth Davis and Evan Verploegh (2022), Rod Fleeman (2021), Charlie Parker (2020), Logan Richardson (2019), Peter Schlamb (2018), John Scott (2017), Eddie Moore (2016), Larry Kopitnik (2015), Deborah Brown (2014), Stan Kessler (2013), Doug and Lori Chandler (2012), Jeff Harshbarger (2011), Mark Lowrey (2010) and Hermon Mehari (2009). Bobby Watson was named the Plastic Sax Person of the Decade in 2009 and again in 2019.