My Top 10 records of the year

I didn't consider any CDs that were re-releases and generally chose from jazz and R&B CDs.  Shelby Lynne's CD was the exception.

Lily Frost -- Lily Swings -- (Marquis)
Indeed Lily swings!  This is a CD that brings the great Billie Holiday to mind but, is fresh in its own way. It covers the swing sound from Bob Wills to Duke Ellington and Frost shows that she is more than just another cabaret singer.
 www.lilyfrost.com                   

Bob Brough Quartet -- Time Away (Independent)
The veteran sax player with roots in Time Warp and other projects may well be one of the brightest band leaders around.  He writes and arranges with all members of his band in mind and can play a smokin’ sax.  As a package this may be the most ‘complete’ CD I heard all year with no weak tracks.
www.bobbrough.com

Jean Martin, Evan Shaw — Piano Music --(Barnyard Records)
I hear lots of experimental or avant-garde jazz and while some of it interests me and much of it goes over my head, I kept going back to this CD. It’s title Piano Music does not give it enough credit or tell the truth.Think Nils Cline Singers.  Shaw's inventive sax riffs and Martin's manic but controlled drumming are an ear-opener and they defintely have a sense of humor and maybe a 2nd career as chefs.
 www.barnyardrecords.com
                         
Felicia Carter Feather – Feather [and] Step Lightly (Alberta Records)
This is a two disc set, from a very unique vocalist, with one disc containing originals and the other containing mainly cover versions of standards.  While I generally enjoyed the latter disc more, either disc could have been successfully released alone. Recorded at NPR studios.
 www.myspace.com/feliciacarter                                    

Michael Occhipinti -- The Sicilian Jazz Project (True North Records)         
Often labors of love, as this obviously is, can be hit and miss.  Not this one.  Occhipinti has chosen the right mix of musicians, some Italian, some not, that can blend the genres.  He is a master arranger and a wonderful guitar player. The much maligned accordion shines through on the Italian side and it must be said: “Trumpet player Kevin Turcotte is God!”          
www.michaelocchipinti.com

Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis -- Two Men with the Blues -- (Blue Note)
I wanted to hate this CD.  I always felt that Nelson has no business in the jazz world, but this pairing actually works.  Marsalis is sublime on the trumpet and Nelson’s long time harmonica player, Mickey Raphael shows off his talents when allowed.  Let’s face it Nelson’s voice isn’t suited for many styles, but they wisely picked the ones that suited him and the musicians are wonderful.
www.willienelson.com
www.wyntonmarsalis.org
www.willieandwynton.com

Al Green -- Lay It Down -- (Blue Note)
Al’s back.  Maybe he never went away and stories of concerts where he’s only on stage for  45 minutes may have lost him some fans, but there is no denying it “The Reverend” sure as Hell is still one of the best R&B voices out there.  It also doesn't hurt to have a little help from Corinne Bailey Rae and John Legend.
www.algreenmusic.com

Shelby Lynne -- Just a Little Lovin’ -- (Lost Highway)
So what’s a jazz host doing listening to somebody that was not long ago associated with the putrid world of new country?  Not sure myself, but this CD hit me in the right place.  Inspired by the music of Dusty Springfield, indeed!  Her voice suits this material to a tee and I always was a sucker for Bacharach/David compositions.  What a wonderful surprise and even more surprising--produced by Phil Ramone!
www.shelbylynne.com

Bridge Quartet – Day--Origin Records
Multi-instrumentalist Phil Dwyer, sticking to and exelling at sax here,  plays with a group of great Pacific northwest musicians.  It may have got less airplay because few tracks qualify as CANCON.  The playing is tight, the solos are well distributed and the tempos are diverse.  Another CD with no weak tracks.  They include covers of Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis tunes and some sparkling originals.
www.alanjonesmusic.com

Joe Lovano – Symphonica: The Cologne Broadcasts (Blue Note)
Wow!  This veteran reed player with the WDR Big Band, which has scores of the best musicians in Europe playing in symphony halls produced for live broadcast.  Contrast this with what my most under-rated record has for resources.  Still there’s no denying it.  Joe can flat out play!!  This is a jazz/symphonic collaboration that really works!!
www.joelovano.com

Most under-rated record of the year

Flora Ware—Insight
She has a wonderful voice and her composing skills belie her youth.  This CD has a nice mix or originals and covers.  Veteran producer Rick Kilburn’s touch can be felt throughout this CD.  Given more $$ for musicians and studio time this could have been a great CD.
www.floramusic.com

Best local release

Earthbound -- Earthbound -- (Independent)
A marvellous mix of R&B, funk and even a bit of hip-hop. Vocalist/composer Kira Haug has star potential and her musical partner Evan Wilds can play sitar, guitar, sax, etc.  A brother duo on the horns fill out a pleasing and distinct modern sound.
www.myspace.com/earthboundkirahaug

Best personal campus/community radio moment or experience of the yearI interviewed local musicians Evan Wilds from Earthbound and Rob Hall from the ghengisgandhis.  I am an acquaintance of both guys, so it was nice having them on my show.  Promoting local music is important, too!
myspace.com/ghengisgandhis
www.myspace.com/earthboundkirahaug

Record you are most anticipating for 2008

Coco Love Alcorn promises a new one and locally Kira (Haug) Gosselin.