Best of 2016 (4)

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), and Susan 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.

Best of 2016 Rolls On (3)

This "Best of" process usually takes four posts to finish; I like to think that's because my tastes are so eclectic. It's true that I like and listen to a lot of different music plus each album reviewed has pieces or themes that really speak to me.  Again, this list is in no particular order but notice the number of releases from Sunnyside Records - I'm surprised that François Zalacain does not get more recognition.

Ryan Keberle & Catharsis - Azul Infinito (Greenleaf Music) - Talk about a band that gets better with age and work, trombonist's Keberle's Quintet - Camila Meza (voice), Michael Rodriguez (trumpet, pandeiro), Jorge Roeder (bass), and Michael Doob (drums) - grows stronger and smarter with every release.  This album pays tribute to the various groups the composer played with when he first moved to New York City, many of which played South American music. The presence of Ms. Meza (her second recording with the group) adds an extra voice and this music soars.  The interaction of the brass throughout the songs is delightful while the rhythm section makes this music soar and sway.

For more information, go to ryankeberle.com.

Enjoy this fine ballad:

 Jeff Lederer - Brooklyn Blowhards (little (i) music) - Albert Ayler and sea shanteys, a name and a style of music you may have never thought would go together in your lifetime but saxophonist Jeff Lederer, a champion of Ayler's music, is fearless, adventurous, and has a great sense of humor.  The Blowhards -  Petr Cancura (tenor saxophone), Kirk Knuffke (cornet, slide trumpet), Brian Drye (trombone), Art Bailey (accordion) and the percussion trio of Allison Miller, Stephen LaRosa, and Matt Wilson (trap drums, ship's bell, chum bucket, chain) plus guitarist Gary Lucas (three tracks) and vocalist Mary LaRose (5 tracks) - make this mashup work.  Noisy and great fun, play it loud! For more information, go to www.littleimusic.com. 

Here's the band in action:

Alan Ferber Nonet - Roots and Transitions (Sunnyside Records) - Trombonist, composer, and arranger Ferber leads this smallish "big band" through series of composition inspired by the birth of his first child.  The Nonet has been together for five albums (several with expanded personnel) and here includes his twin brother Mark (drums), Matt Clohesy (bass), Bryn Roberts (piano), Nate Radley (guitar), Charles Pillow (bass clarinet), John Ellis (tenor saxophone), Jon Gordon (alto saxophone) and either Scott Wendholt (6 tracks) or Shane Endsley (2 tracks) on trumpet). The music often crackles with excitement but there are track with a quieter, contemplative edge. No matter the type of song, this is an excellent recording.  

For more information, go to www.alanferber.com. 

Enjoy this taste:

Adam O'Farrill - Stranger Days (Sunnyside Records) - Trumpeter and composer O'Farrill, son of composer, arranger, and pianist Arturo O'Farrill, released his debut (as a leader) with his brother Zach (on drums, with whom he has released two albums as co-leaders), saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown and bassist Walter Stinson. Loaded with smart melodies and excellent musicianship, this recording illustrates the trumpeter's commitment to making personal and accessible as well as adventurous music.  The interactions between the four young musicians set off sparks throughout the program.  For more information, go to www.adam-ofarrill.com.  

Here's the opening track:

Noah Preminger - Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground (self-released) - Over the past several years, saxophonist Preminger has gotten deeply into the blues, Delta Blues in particular.  This group - Preminger plus Jason Palmer (trumpet), Kim Cass (bass), and Ian Froman (drums) - made its debut with 2 long improvisations but this nine-song program shows a band getting comfortable with each other so they can explore this material in melodic and adventurous ways.  The interaction of the trumpet and tenor sax sparkles throughout while the rhythm section creates a variety of moods.

For more information, go to www.noahpreminger.com. 

Sara Gazarek and Josh Nelson - Dream in the Blue (Steel Bird Music) - I wrote the following paragraph about this wonderful album: "Dream in the Blue" invites the listener in, makes him comfortable, makes him cry and smile and tap his feet and think about how the interactions of two talented people can open up so many possibilities. The lilt in and lift of the voice, the idea that a piano can be an orchestra or a solitary sound in a crowded lifetime, the lyrics that stir the heart, all that and more make this recording by Sara Gazarek and Josh Nelson so special." It's such a delightful program of standards and contemporary songs. Plenty of heart, lovely vocals, and intelligent piano, what a treat!

For more information, go to saragazarek.com/duo/. 

Here's a swinging track:

Peter Eldridge - Disappearing Day (Sunnyside Records) - One of more expressive vocalists, a strong composer, solid pianist, and excellent educator, Peter Eldridge makes music for adults.  This recording, his fifth as a solo artist, was built from his long-standing duo with bassist Matt Aranoff; the material features standards, pop songs (the version of Paul McCartney's "Jennie Wren" is a stand-out), and originals.  Also impressive is his use of backing vocalists (people such as Jo Lawry, Laila Baili, Lauren Kinhan, Janis Siegel, and Alan Hampton all pitch at various times). Great music for early morning, late in the day, or any time you need a boost!

For more information, go to petereldridge.com. 

Here's a poem by Robert Bly set to music by Mr. Eldridge:

Sara Serpa and André Matos - All The Dreams (Sunnyside Records) - Vocalist Serpa and guitarist husband Matos set poems to music, write original material for wordless vocals and guitars, drawing the listener to this world of quiet songs, stories, and intimate interactions. The only other voices on the CD are the synthesizers of Pete Rende and soft percussion of Billy Mintz yet there is no filler or extraneous sounds - everything one hears is in the service of the song.  The gentle quality of the music and the performances often give the program a feel of folk music but there are myriad influences.  

For more information, go to serpamatos.com. 

Here's a lovely track set to the words of poet Fernando Pessoa:

Bryan Nichols - Looking North (Shifting Paradigm Records) - Back in July I write the following words about this album: "Looking North" is music that allows the listener to relax, to listen, to create images, to enter a musical world where melody is much more important than technical prowess.  This is not music for the car but can be played when the sun shines through the window in the morning or as the moon rises in the late winter afternoon. or after the children go to sleep.  If you like solo piano music that forgoes "standards" but has its foundation in folk song, blues, and contemporary music, yet sounds quite original, it's all here in the music of Bryan Nichols."  Returning to the program after several months, the music still sounds rich, heartfelt, and so alive.

For more information, go to www.bryannichols.org.   

Here's a lovely ballad from the program, one that sounds influenced by Erik Satie:

Denny Zeitlin - Early Wayne: Explorations of Classic Wayne Shorter Compositions (Sunnyside Records) - Most of the songs on this delightful solo piano journey hearken from Wayne Shorter's tenure with Miles Davis and solo recordings on Blue Note.  Dr. Zeitlin explores this music with his usual curious nature, playing with rhythms and moods but with great respect for the melodies.  The ballads are emotionally strong, the faster pieces have strong foundations, and the solos within the songs glisten with creativity.  Recorded in front of a live audience, this album is a joyous tribute to a man, his music, and his vision as well as a reminder how one can be with respectful and creative.  

For more information, go to www.dennyzeitlin.com.

Here's a classic Miles Davis Quintet work that is such an aural delight: