Jan 4 2019

Best of 2018 #46: Chris Abelen – “Songs On the Eve Of Dismissal”

 

This gospel for a cubicle life captures the angst of the career employee, and it does it with a seriousness and sense of humor, both.  And Chris Abelen doesn’t treat the subject like some superficial topic.  There’s a sincerity throughout that is unmistakable.  There’s also a series of catchy melodies and engaging grooves that makes this album very easy to like.  It’s a little something different, but delivered in a way that feels comfortingly familiar.  Lorena del Mar‘s vocal antics really cinch this album as a winner.

The album is Self-Produced.

Music from Haarlem, Netherlands.

Read more on Bird is the Worm.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon

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Jan 3 2019

Best of 2018 #47: James Davis Quintet – “Disappearing Roads”

 

As this site illustrates day after day, there is no end to the wonderful studio recordings from the modern scene.  That said, an essential element of jazz is improvisation, and how that expresses itself in a live setting.  Sometimes we’re fortunate that someone is there to hit a record button.  Such is the case with this excellent live session from trumpeter James Davis and his quintet’s performance at the Chicago venue, The Whistler.  With pianist Rob Clearfield, guitarist Dave Miller, double bassist Matt Ulery, and drummer Quin Kirchner, the quintet embodies all the reasons why we should be sure to balance out our digital/CD listening routines with the simple act of buying a ticket to hear some of this magic occur in a live setting.  This album is everything that’s great about the modern jazz scene.

Released as part of the Whistler Chicago music series.

Music from Chicago, IL.

I wrote about this album for The Bandcamp Daily.

Available at:  Bandcamp

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Jan 3 2019

Best of 2018 #48: Mia Dyberg Trio – “Ticket!”

 

It is one of the more compelling moments in jazz when a saxophonist spreads her instrument’s flames out wide in a way that transforms the ferocity into something bordering on hypnotic.  On her 2018 release, Mia Dyberg lives in that moment.  What makes Ticket! most special is that the shows of strength and power range along a wide spectrum of force and restraint.  As such, Dyberg’s trio shows that modulations of intensity are merely different paths that lead to the same captivating destination.  The fun is in following those different paths, and knowing exactly each time where they’ll lead.

Released on Clean Feed Records.

Music from Berlin, Germany.

Read more on Bird is the Worm.

Available at:  Amazon

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Jan 3 2019

Best of 2018 #49: Alex Oliverio’s Sunshine Ensemble – “Sunshine Ensemble”

 

Sunshine Ensemble is the perfect name for Alex Oliverio‘s folk-jazz project.  This music lifts the spirits with its friendly demeanor, and the tones are as warm as the sun’s touch on the skin after a long, dreary winter.  The theme of his EP was a reminiscence upon the apartment complexes of his youth.  It’s a quirky concept, fun even, but ultimately it’s eclipsed by the music’s immense effusiveness and addictive melodies.  It’s just a breezy four track EP, but this is such an exemplary example of a modern folk-jazz recording, I had no choice but to give it a slot in this year’s Best Of list.

The album is Self-Produced.

Music from Seattle, WA.

I wrote about the album for The Bandcamp Daily.

Available at:  Bandcamp

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Jan 3 2019

Best of 2018 #50: Miles Okazaki – “Work”

 

Quite out of the blue and as casually as tossing a coin into a fountain, Miles Okazaki released a six-volume solo guitar interpretation of the Thelonious Monk songbook.  It’s a hell of a statement, even if it wasn’t offered up that way.  Okazaki has often displayed a whimsical demeanor to his wonkish music endeavors, which might explain why a project that might be a cerebral exercise for other musicians comes off as a heartfelt, thoughtful exercise, as if a puzzle enthusiast spent a lazy Sunday afternoon joyfully assembling one of the world’s most difficult puzzles.

The album is Self-Produced.

Music from New York City.

I wrote about this album for The Bandcamp Daily.

Available at:  Bandcamp

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