I do get carried away with writing about music that moves me; that is why a "Best Of" list is so dangerous. What starts as 10 for the NPR Critics Poll (see here) ends up being 40 on this blog. I'm not very good at picking more than 5 really great albums but find that, as I listen back, my opinion usually deepens, gets stronger, from finding and hearing more delightful moments. Click on the links and listen - enjoy! Thanks for reading. 2016 was quite a crazy year for all sorts of reasons and 2017 has a great possibility of surpassing the madness of the past 12 months. Music is often the savior for many of us and will continue to do that eternally.
Again, this list is in no particular order:
Frank Kimbrough - Solstice (Palmetto) - Here's what I wrote about this delightful recording: bit.ly/2ge606D.
Stephan Crump - Rhombal (Papillon Sounds) - I wrote in August "(Y)ou will listen to this album for the impressive interactions of Crump (bass and compositions), Tyshawn Sorey (drums), Ellery Eskelin (tenor saxophone), and Adam O'Farrill (trumpet). Pay attention to how the solos grow out of the melodies, how the quartet mix their distinctive styles to the composer's vision of the music, and the clarity of the sound."
Fred Hersch Trio - Sunday Night at The Vanguard (Palmetto) - Few groups in the world more magical than pianist Hersch, bassist John Hébert, and drummer Eric McPherson. They are great in the studio and even better in person.
Thumbscrew - Convallaria (Cuneiform) - Thumbscrew makes thoughtful music, songs and sounds that both challenges the listener and rewards him or her. It is easy to discern the comfort level that Mary Halvorson, Michael Formanek, and Tomas Fujiwara have each other, that they can be "themselves" in a cooperative trio while creating a "group" sound.
Mary Halvorson Octet - Away With You (Firehouse 12 Records) - This is one of several albums on the list that I have yet to review. From start to finish, it's a great album. Ms. Halvorson, arguably one of the more original contemporary guitarists, continues to grow as a composer and arranger, finding ways to make a large ensemble sound both bigger than its parts and as intimate as a conversation between friends. This is quite a group - Jonathan Finlayson (trumpet), Jon Irabagon (alto saxophone), Ingrid Laubrock, (tenor saxophone), Jacob Garchik, (trombone), John Hébert (bass),Ches Smith (drums), andSusan Alcorn (pedal steel guitar) - and they can be exuberant.
Allison Miller BoomTic Boom - Otis Was a Polar Bear (Royal Potato Family) - Another recording I did not review but I did see this great ensemble live. Drummer and composer Miller assembled quite a band Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Ben Goldberg (clarinet), Jenny Scheinman (violin, vocals), Myra Melford (piano), and Todd Sickafoose (bass) - and they went on tour in the Spring of 2016, showing up at Firehouse 12 the first weekend in May. This is another group that can play any style of music and play well - check out the video from a gig in Philadelphia a week after the New Haven show, it's such a treat! Then, go find the CD.
Ted Nash Big Band - Presidential Suite: Eight Variations on Freedom(Motema Music) - The week before the United States 2016 election, I wrote ""Presidential Suite" will mean many things to different people but the words plus the music remind us that America can be great when our leaders work to unite citizens. Even when this country's (and the others represented on this album) problems are front-and-center, we have had leaders step up to inspire us. This music, with many songs based on the rhythms and words of African Americans, fills one with hope even in treacherous times. Ted Nash has done listeners a great service with this music, illustrating that words and music can have a positive effect on us all. Please listen." Now, this music and these words resonate even louder and stronger, much fuller than any Tweet.
Tom Tallitsch - Gratitude (Posi-Tone Records) - What a band tenor player and composer Tallitsch assemble for this recording - pianist Jon Davis, bassist Peter Brendler, and drummer Rudy Royston (with organist Brian Charette on 2 tracks - watch the video and you get a feeling for the intelligent music and the splendid interactions. Tallitsch gives the rhythm section its freedom and they respond by providing him with such great support and the freedom to move around the music with abandon and, often, grace. If you have the time (make the time), watch all the video for this Quartet from this live date.
Larry Young - In Paris: The ORTF Recordings(Resonance Records) - The final recording on the list that I did not review is this impressive reissue from Resonance Records. Organist Larry Young (1940 - 1978)moved to France in 1964 to join the Nathan Davis Quintet and, while living there, made several recordings as a sideman and as the leader of a piano trio. He had already made his Blue Note Records debut (1964's "Into Something") after several recordings for the Prestige label. One gets several different views on Young's work but can already hear how his organ style is moving away from the blues-soaked sounds of Jimmy Smith, Johnny "Hammond" Smith", and Jimmy McGriff. Amazing how much of this music sounds fresh today.
photo by David McLister
I should tell you how much I enjoyed the return of singer-songwriter William Bell ("This is Where I Live" on Stax Records) and just how great he sounded on NPR's "Tiny Desk Concerts." I grew listening to his songs recorded by himself and various Stax/Volt recording artists (Albert King's version of "Born Under a Bad Sign" still sends chills down my spine plus there's the wonderful version of "You Don't Miss Your Water" by Otis Redding). Mr. Bell's going strong at 77 and his album is a pure delight. He's had a busy career but this new album has brought a new and wider audience.
Dig the video and the preponderance of yellow:
Then, there's Paul Simon and "Stranger to Stranger" (Concord Music). The music refers back to the songwriter's long career, his journeys to South Africa and South America and into the heartland of the US plus his folk roots plus his love of 50's doo-wop and more. There's lots been written about this album - some say Simon just might retire - and the more "experimental sounds" might turn some fans off but it's certainly his most "fun" album in quite a while.
This group of albums released in 2016 includes a historical document, recording by gentlemen who started making music in the late 1960s and early 70s with the AACM, music that pays tribute, poems set to melodies, and much more!
Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra –
All My Yesterdays (Resonance Records) - I did not pay much attention to this band in its early days as I was in the thrall of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. But, while those groups were stealing the hearts of American teenagers, composer and trumpeter Thad Jones was writing some amazing songs and charts and organizing a Monday night "rehearsal" band with his friend, drummer Mel Lewis, one that began its tenure at the Village Vanguard in February 1966 and still plays there (under the monicker of the Vanguard Orchestra). This package - 2 CDs and a 92-page booklet - includes music from the first set the TJ/MLO ever played in front of a live audience and a gig from six weeks later. If you like big band music, you'll love this album. The music is raw yet polished, exciting, emotional, and downright joyous. Bless George Klabin and Zev Feldman of Resonance Records for bringing this music to light!
Alexis Cuadrado - Poètica (Sunnyside Records) - Bassist, composer, and arranger Cuadrado turns his attention to contemporary writers on his latest recording. The poetry of Melcion Mateu (also a native of Barcelona) and Rowan Ricardo Phillips (a NYC native fluent in Catalan) is put to new music performed by the poets alongside Cuadrado, Miles Okazaki (guitars), Andy Milne (piano, keyboards) and Tyshawn Sorey (drums). This music has a harder sound, more of an urban edge, than his previous recordings, and one is thrilled and moved by how the poets and musicians mix their various voices. Urgent, thrilling, striking music that inhabits your mind with each listen. For more information, go to alexiscuadrado.com.
Jane Ira Bloom - Early Americans (Outline Recordings) - The sound of soprano saxophone, in the right hands, is hypnotizing, sensual, and can paint pictures like no other instrument. Put the rhythm section of Bobby Previte (drums) and Mark Helias (bass) in the studio with Ms. Bloom and magic happens. This album is magical, personal, interactive, and uncategorizable - just let the music play and lose yourself (or, maybe even find yourself) in it.
Matt Wilson - One Big Happy Family (Palmetto Records) - Drummer, composer, mad scientist Wilson leads a number of different ensembles and on this album, he makes music with current and past members. Some tracks include as many as 11 musicians. They came together to make a tribute recording to Wilson's wife Felicia who passed away in 2014. In keeping with the drummer's passionate style, the music ranges from hard-hitting "raves" to folk-inspired and bluesy ballads. The music is also a tribute to the power of people coming together to play and how this act of creativity can stave off the darkness.
Henry Threadgill Ensemble Double-Up - Old Locks and Irregular Verbs (Pi Recordings) - It's rare that Mr. Threadgill records with pianists yet this septet has two (Vijay Iyer and David Virelles); also rare is that the composer does not play on an album of his compositions but, here, he is just the conductor. This group features the brilliant tuba player Jose Davila and cellist Christopher Hoffman (both members of Mr. Threadgill's Zooid), the "conversational" drumming of Craig Weinrib, and the twin altos of Curtis MacDonald and Roman Filiu. The four-part suite is dedicated to the composer's contemporary Lawrence "Butch" Morris (the composer, cornetist, and conductor) who passed on in 2013. This swirling, whirling dervish, music has numerous moments of delight and others of mystery; even now, nearly 10 months since I first encountered the album, I am surprised by the stunning "Part IV" and his the opening two-piano conversations pulls me into its elegiac spirit and prayer-like feel.
Wadada Leo Smith - America's National Parks (Cuneiform Records) - Mr. Smith, like Mr. Threadgill, has created his own musical language through his long career, telling stories this country needs to hear about the power of music to transform society as it explores its myriad issues and relationships. This 2-CD collection of songs not only celebrates the natural wonders (such as The Mississippi River and Yosemite) but also people (Eileen Jackson Southern, pioneering Black musicologist) and the city of New Orleans. Mr. Smith leads his Golden Quintet- Anthony Davis (piano), John Lindberg (bass), and its newest members, drummer Pheeroan akLaff and cellist Ashley Walters - his crackling trumpet riding the powerful rhythm section, caressing his fascinating melodies, and allowing moments of beauty to linger. Don't bother to tack labes onto the music of both Henry Threadgill and Wadada Leo Smith - there are few contemporary composers with their vision, compassion, and continuing brilliance. For more information, go to www.wadadaleosmith.com.
Peter Brendler - Message in Motion (Posi-Tone Records) - Bassist and composer Brendler's second recording for the LA-based Posi-Tone Records employs the same trio of musicians as his 2014 debut - drummer Vinnie Sperrazza, saxophonist Rich Perry, and trumpeter Peter Evans - and covers as much musical territory. Guitarist Ben Monder joins the ensemble on 4 tracks filling out the sound with his chordal magic and special solos. This is another album that sounds better each time one listens as you can concentrate on the intelligence of the arrangements, the breadth of the compositions, and the brilliant inter actions as well as wonderful solos.
René Marie - Sound of Red (Motema Music) - The word "sassy" has always been associated with the great vocalist Sarah Vaughan yet is equally appropriate for this splendid performer, storyteller, and composer. With songs that touch your heart and others that make you want to dance, these "Sounds" swing, dance, strut, as well as make you aware of the fragility of the human condition. Ms. Marie's longtime rhythm section of bassist Elias Bailey, drummer/co-producer Quentin E. Baxter plus pianist John Chin is on the mark throughout and the various guests add their special magic. In the long run, it's that lively and alive voice that brings you back again and again. For more information, go to renemarie.com. Here's Renè Marie and her Trio playing three songs from the album for NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert" series - you can't help notice what a delightful performer she is:
Nick Sanders & Logan Strosahl - Janus (Sunnyside Records) - Pianist Sanders and saxophonist Strosahl have been friends for a decade, ever since meeting in the rehearsal rooms at The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. For this intimate yet open album of duets, the musicians plays music that swings, sings, soars, and soothes with tunes from the classical world (pre-Baroque and 20th Century modern), the expansive mind of Thelonious Monk, jazz standards, and even a tune inspired by a video game. Respect intermingles with a sense of playfulness and exploration throughout the program; like so many recordings included here, this music sounds better each time I hear it.
It's an honor being asked to participate in a Critics Poll, fun going back and listening to albums that you really enjoyed writing about, and downright nerve-wracking trying to pick 10, especially in a year where so many good recordings crossed my desk.
2016 was a very busy year in my life and a quick glance at the number of posts over the past 12 months is evidence that I did not have as much time to sit, to listen, to contemplate, and to write. Connecticut is a small state with a decent amount of venues for live music but, due to numerous obligations, I rarely took the opportunity to just bask in the glory of watching and listening to musicians create, interact, to give of themselves, to transport listeners beyond the mundane and into worlds of endless possibilities. The albums listed below (and in subsequent posts) are the ones that made days special, that made me think, helped me see the "real" world in a different light, and gave me great joy.
As one gets older, it's often tough to find joy when the world is in such upheaval. Music not only gives us a haven from the daily insanity but, like poetry, theater, books, film, sports and more, also sheds light on the issues we should not, cannot, and often ignore.
Here's Part One:
Camila Meza - "Traces" (Sunnyside Records) - This recording, issued in late Winter, is utterly delightful. Not only is Ms. Meza a fine vocalist but this recording illustrates what a good guitarist, arranger, and band member she can be. Her group - Shai Maestro (keyboards), Matt Penman (bass), Kendrick Scott (drums), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), Jody Redhage (cello) and guest vocalist Sachal Vasandani - creates sounds that make each one of these songs stand out. In February, I wrote "Chances are good you will not hear a better CD this year." That statement, for me, still stands. (Ms. Meza is also a member of trombonist Ryan Keberle's group Catharsis whose 2016 album appears in Part Two of this list).
Billy Hart & The WDR Big Band - The Broader Picture (ENJA/Yellowbird) - Arranged and conducted by Christopher Schweizer, this album is a knockout from beginning to end. Mr. Hart, who is most often heard in quartets ands quintets, is right at home pushing and prodding a large ensemble, especially one as talented as the WDR Big Band. This album gives us the opportunity to hear the drummer's compositions in a different light and, golly, do they ever sound good. Great drumming, impressive compositions, sparkling arrangements, and powerful solos, all add to a splendid album.
Here's a nice long track to enjoy:
Anthony Branker & Imagine - Beauty Within (Origin Records) - Dr. Branker is a composer and arranger who has been involved with music as a musician, conductor, and educator for over three decades. His CV is deeply impressive (read it here) and his music keeps getting stronger. It's political and topical in the manner of Charles Mingus and Max Roach and this particular quintet of musicians - Fabian Almazan (piano, Pete McCann (guitars), Ralph Bowen (tenor and soprano saxophones), Linda Oh (bass), and Rudy Royston (drums) - play with such fire and finesse that this music is alive and powerful, lovely and emotionally strong.
Greg Ward & 10 Tongues - Touch My Beloved's Thoughts (Greenleaf Music) - The story of how this music came to life is quite fascinating (read it here); suffice to say, it's origins lay in saxophonist and composer Ward listening to Charles Mingus's "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" (1963). Ward's work for 10 musicians, created for a concert of music and dance, is filled with blues, sparkling solos, and intelligent arrangements that spark comparison to Mingus's work in its scope but does not imitate it. Especially impressive is the piano playing of Dennis Luxion and the rhythm section of Jason Roebke (bass) and Marcus Evans.
Patrick Cornelius Octet - While We're Still Young (Whirlwind Recordings) - Saxophonist, flutist, composer, and arranger Cornelius created this fine recording as a musical response to the stories of A.A. Milne that he was reading to his children at bedtime. With an impressive band - John Ellis (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Jason Palmer (trumpet), Nick Vayenas (trombone), Miles Okazaki (guitars), Gerald Clayton (piano), Peter Slavov (bass), and Kendrick Scott (drums) - and a smart group of compositions, this album features music that is contemplative yet swings, with musicians telling "stories" that flow thanks to the fine ensemble arrangements and individual solos. My review (read it here) includes quotes from both Cornelius and co-producer Kyle Saulnier. For more information, go to www.patrickcornelius.com. Here's one of the delightful tracks:
These are just five of my favorites - more to come in the next several weeks. Enjoy!
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