Jim Dupuis, Host of Jazz Notes on
CFBX-FM Best of 2017 Lists
There is no science as to how I pick the artists that end up
on these lists. What qualifies? CFBX has had to receive the albums in late 2016
and 2017. Simply, I have to really like the music on these albums. It should be
noted that this list contains bands on both large and small American and
Canadian labels and a bit from Europe. More frequently we now have access to Blue Note, Verve,
Sony/Okeh, Mack Avenue, etc. But you see Cellar Live, Effendi, Chronograph,
OA2, etc., too. Of course, we cannot forget our independent musicians, who
provide us with the bulk of our music. Hats off to them. I make a point that musicians
from all these groups end up on my lists and we are very grateful that they
provide us with music!
For me, it seems like it was the year of the big band or large
ensemble. Seven of my top ten instrumental groups contained at least six
musicians. It is hard for trios and quartets to compete against that kind of
fire power. Yet, some do. Looking at the lists, there are few women in the
instrumental section. But, I chose the band with women as my favourite of the
year. In the vocal section there were few men, yet I chose Gregory Porter as my
favourite of the year (Tied with Cecile McLorin Salvant.) So, a tie
for vocalist of the year. What’s with that? I could not honestly say which
album had a more profound effect on me. Both contain amazing musicians and
wonderful arrangements which are afforded by big label money. Both vocalists
are considered to be at the top in the jazz vocal field. I don’t believe in
flipping coins, hence we get a tie. Vocal albums considered may contain some instrumental tracks.
The Honourable mention lists contain albums which I kept
going back to for use on Jazz Notes because of their high level of musicianship and they would be a
welcome addition to any jazz fan’s music collection.
Best Instrumental Albums of 2017
1. Ingrid & Christine
Jensen with Ben Molder Infinitude (FamGroup)
Great compositions and wonderful musicianship from the Jensen
sisters and Ben Monder, along with a spectacular rhythm section. The only group
on this list that I saw perform this year. The performance was exquisite. They
are now getting, well-deserved recognition as musicians, band leaders,
composers and arrangers. Makes a B.C. guy proud!
2. Blue Note All-Stars Our
Point of View (Blue Note)
Super-group, recycling the name from the 1980s Blue Note project. Band
consists of pianist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, saxophonist
Marcus Strickland, guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke, bassist Derrick Hodge, and
drummer Kendrick Scott. Scary-talented and they actually play well together.
Add Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock on some tracks and as Larry Day of Curb Your Enthusiam says, “What’s not to
like?”
3. PJ Perry Quartet Alto Gusto (Cellar Live)
Perry, the
veteran bopper and alto sax player, has found the fountain of youth. He has
assembled a group of talented musicians that take you through, arguably, a
softer side of bop and stretch out their talents on classic compositions from
the likes of Parker, Golson and Gillespie. Alto Gusto contains plenty of solos,
great playing and amazing energy.
4. Prime Time Big Band Live at
the Ironwood (Chronograph
Records)
There
are very few frequently working big bands left and Alberta’s Prime Time Big Band is one of them, and
a very good one, at that. Live at the Ironwood contains a mix of
big band classics such as Sing, Sing, Sing and the Alberta Suite, which is a
commissioned composition. This release is a nice mix of classic and
contemporary big band music.
5. Louis Hayes Serenade
for Horace (Capitol Records)
Drummer Hayes provides this tribute to his mentor Horace Silver
and covers highlights of Silver’s long, outstanding career. His regular combo
and a cameo from vocalist Gregory Porter provide a fitting homage to Senor
Blues in the year that we lost him.
6. Paul Tynan & Aaron
Lington Bicoastal Collective Chapter 5 (OA2)
Here is another great, large ensemble/big band. The Canadian
trumpeter Tynan and the American bari sax player Lington have another winner in
their most recent chapter of this series. Both are important educators in their
respective countries. BCC5 is a very eclectic mix of compositions and
arrangements from big band funk to Chinese folk tunes. It is a gorgeous walk
through contemporary jazz.
7. John Beasley presents Monk’estra Vol.
2 (Mack Avenue Records)
Beasley’s
second homage to Thelonious Monk is a very spontaneous stroll through the Monk
catalogue. Thankfully he does not simply rehash Monk’s tunes but allows this
large group of excellent players room for improvisation. Monk would be proud.
8. Cory
Weeds and the Jeff Hamilton Trio Dreamsville (Cellar Live)
The prolific
saxophonist, with many other hats, must have his heart rooted in the blues. His
soulful playing, such as on “Lady Wants to Know” comes through
beautifully. Bennissimo shows off his trademark
sound. On this release, his partners, the Jeff Hamilton Trio, are given equal
prominence and they show off their considerable talents.
9. Christian McBride Big Band Bringin’
It (Mack Avenue Records)
Bassist
McBride’s big band can play anything. Funk, swing, guitar solos; they have it
all. Great selection of standards and originals played by an all-star band.
10. Felix Stussi, et al.
Les
Malcommodes Invitent (Effendi)
Another gem from Quebec’s Effendi Label. Pianist Felix Stussi and
friends don’t think outside the box. They build new boxes. After all, their
name translates to Little Troublemakers. Yet, there is a comforting feel that
is rooted in the past and a certain playfulness in their performance. They
provide a homage to the late Paul Bley, along with French cabaret music, light
avant-garde and a fast bopping finale complete with skat. Who says good music
can’t be fun? After-all it was Stussi’s 50th birthday and musical
hijinks ensued.
Honourable Mention:
Ambrose Akinmusire A
Rift in Decorum : Live at the Village Vanguard (Blue Note)
Audrey Ochoa Trio Afterthought (Chronograph Records)
Bill Charlap Trio Uptown Downtown (Impulse)
Bram Weijters and Chad McCullough Feather (Ears And Eyes Records)
Emmet Cohen featuring Jimmy Cobb Masters Legacy Series Vol. 1 (Cellar Live)
Heillig Manoeuvre Thoughtful Fun (Independent)
Keith O'Rourke Sketches from the Road (Chronograph Records / Fontana North)
Best Vocal Albums of 2017
1 (tied). Cecile McLorin
Salvant Dreams and Daggers (Mack
Avenue Records)
Hard to top this 2 CD offering. Maybe the best woman’s jazz voice
in existence, today. Mostly recorded live at The Village Vanguard, she takes us
through the Gershwins, Kurt Veill, Langston Hughes and whatever’s left of the
Great American Songbook. She can sing it all!
1
(tied). Gregory Porter Nat King
Cole and Me (Blue Note)
An amazing
tribute to Nat King Cole including sweeping, orchestral arrangements along with
a tight, talented jazz band. Every bit as good as everybody is saying it is.
You really remember Nat King Cole when hearing this album. Though, Porter does not
compromise his own voice for that effect and you are hearing Gregory Porter and
not Nat King Cole and he is amazing!
3. Diana Krall Turn Up the Quiet (Verve Records)
It’s hard to
call this a comeback album, but maybe it is. Her last album working with Tommy LiPuma, as he passed away just before it was released. She returns to the Great American
Songbook for mostly slow paced standards and adapts them to her now, mature
voice. Why? It’s what made her famous and she does it so darn well.
4. Bria
Skonberg With a Twist (Sony Masterworks/Okeh Records)
Talented
trumpeter and vocalist Skonberg is on a hot streak and With a Twist continues
that trend. It contains a varied assortment of tunes. You can find clever
arrangements of tangos, swing era tunes and even a Leonard Cohen cover. She
continues to work with very talented musicians and her playful demeanor
enhances the enjoyment of her performances.
5. Johanna
Sillanpaa From This Side (Chronograph
Records)
Calgary based vocalist/composer, Sillanpaa provides us with a mix or originals and
standards. Her originals stand up to any I’ve heard this year. When you can get
Chis Andrew, Ingrid Jensen, George Koeller and Tyler Hornby to play your
compositions on your album, you have arrived.
Honourable
mention:
Allison
Lynch Skin & Flame independent
Linda
Carone Black Midnight Independent
Mary-Catherine
Pazzano You’re Gonna Hear
From Me Glorious
Feeling Records
Monica Chapman Small
World Independent
