Jazz Notes Best of 2018

Best of list for 2018 from Jim Dupuis – Jazz Notes -- (CFBX-FM) Kamloops, BC

I have been producing/hosting Jazz Notes for over 17 years. Jazz Notes is a mix of contemporary and classic jazz. Each show has a segment committed to traditional jazz called the Big Easy Gumbo Segment. Jazz Notes airs specials for Mardi Gras and International Women’s Day each year. Jazz Notes is open to live jazz performances and interviews. Generally, local musicians in other genres are also invited to appear on Jazz Notes, too. I have a personal Facebook page and I manage the Jazz Notes Radio Show page. I also manage the Jazz Notes Blog http://jimmyjazztopalbums2015.blogspot.com/2016/01/. I contribute blog/photo features to the CFBX website thex.ca. I contribute interview features to earshot-online.com from time to time.

 

Instrumentals -- Best of for 2018

1              Jon Batiste -- Hollywood Africans – (Verve Records)

2              Robi Botos -- Old Soul -- (A440 Music)

3              John Scofield – Combo 66 – (Universal)

4              Bill Anschell -- Shifting Standards – (Origin Records)

5              Joshua Redman -- Still Dreaming – (Nonesuch Records)

6              Peggy Lee -- Echo Painting – (Songlines)

7              Hard Rubber Orchestra -- Kenny Wheeler: Suite For Hard Rubber Orchestra (Justin Time Records)

8              Kollage -- No Fuss No Muss – (G-THREE)

9              Cory Weeds Little Big Band – Explosion – (Cellar Live)

10           Jen Hodge All-Stars -- All is Fair in Love and Jazz (Independent)

Honourable Mention

Eddie Henderson -- Be Cool – (Smoke Sessions Records)

Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow – Music in My Mind --(Origin Records)

BC Double Quartet – Departure – (Cellar Live)

Steve Turre – The Very Thought of You – (Smoke Session Records)

Jodi Proznick – Sun Songs – (Cellar Live)

                Vocals -- Best of for 2018                  

1              Cecile McLoren Salvant -- The Wonder – (Mack Avenue Records)

2              Tony Bennett & Diana Krall -- Love is Here to Stay – (Verve Records)

3              Joani Taylor -- In a Sentimental Mood (Cellar Live)

4              Amy Cervini -- No One Ever Tells You – (Anzic Records)

5              Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley -- I Was Telling Him About You – (G-THREE)

6              Molly Johnson -- Meaning to Tell Ya – (Universal Music Canada)

7              Holly Cole – Holly – (Tradition & Moderne)

8              Andrea Superstein -- Worlds Apart – (Independent)

9              Ellen Doty -- Come Fall – (Alma Records)

10           Avery Raquel -- My Heart Away -- (GKM)

Best local release

Yale County Jug Band – Self Titled --(Independent)

Yale County Jug Band is a good time, country/roots band with rock and blues leanings from Kamloops BC. They play originals composed by band leader Gerry Sherk. YCJB is made up of two guitarists, double bass, washboard and a vocalist/percussionist. This rootsy group plays originals composed by band leader Gerry Sherk and all five band members are good vocalists, with Sherk and Marie Jackson generally taking the lead vocals.

Runners up: Practically any of the bands on the fledgling Factotum label. They are sort of a music co-op, under the leadership of JP Lancaster. The slew of young, talented musicians at Factotum play original music in each other’s bands and are getting many gigs at well known local events and clubs in the interior of BC. Factotum puts out cassettes and digital albums. It also brings upcoming bands from BC and Alberta and uses its artists as opening acts. 

Best live show you saw this year

Any number of performances I attended at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival might fit this category, particularly the Joani Taylor show at Frankie’s Jazz Club. But, I have to admit that the shows that stick out in my mind were Five Alarm Funk and The Beaches. Five Alarm Funk gets honourable mention, but The Beaches Late Show Tour stop at The Blue Grotto in Kamloops BC on April 23/18 was epic. The show was booked before they won their Juno. I think they expected smallish, dull crowd on a Monday night in the interior of BC. This was anything, but that. The four, young women from Toronto rocked out and the full house was jumping and dancing all night. The Beaches fed off the enthusiasm of the audience and put on a great show.

Most under-rated record of the year

Amy Cervini -- No One Ever Tells You – (Anzic Records)

She put out a fine vocal album with dark moments and interesting arrangements. This is her best album, to date.

Most over-rated record of the year

Van Morrison and Joey Defrancesco – You’re Driving Me Crazy – (Legacy Records)

While this is a fairly good record, I can’t say I found much enjoyment in it. I find that Sir George Ivan Morrison’s voice doesn’t always work on it. “Miss Otis Regrets” was akin to the noise you get when scraping a chalkboard with your fingernails. Even the best musicians, money can buy, can’t fix everything.

Best personal campus/community radio moment or experience of the year.

I got to interview Peggy Lee of Vancouver this year. I always wanted to speak with her, but I feared my lack of expertise in the improvisational music field would not make for good radio. She was very easy to talk with and I learned quite a bit from our conversation. A feature including an edited version of this interview is available on the Earshot site at http://www.earshot-online.com/features/2018/December/peggylee.cfm.

This Wednesday I will host the last Jazz Notes show for 2018! Early in the show I will spin Christmas music and tracks that have religious or classical sounds and happy themes. Franks Sinatra, Michel Donato and friends, oboist Cally Banham, and Matt Dusk will provide the Christmas tunes. Our man in New Orleans, John Doheny, had a birthday this week, so he will take us on a trip to “Player’s Inn.” Sadly, the beautiful voice of Nancy Wilson, was silenced last week and I will play a couple of her songs. The Big Easy Gumbo segment will feature more New Orleans artists doing Christmas material. New music instrumentals will include Jon Batiste, Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop and the Andre Lefaivre Quartet. Then, we will swing into New Years’ mode with tracks from Diana Krall, Johnny Otis and ending with the original Mr. New Year, Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, playing the iconic “Auld Lang Syne.” Hope you can tune in for a bit at thex.ca and at 92.5 FM in Kamloops. Jazz Notes Wednesday 5-7 PM PST. Peace.
Photos: Nancy Wilson, John Doheny, Guy Lombardo

Also my last 2 videos were of the CP Holiday Train that stopped in Kamloops, BC on Dec 16. They are available in Youtube links are as follows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLsY3pgTFh0 Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOkPXheiOwk Part 2

Jazz Notes Radio Show for Dec 12, 2018

This Wednesday will be the penultimate Jazz Notes show of 2018. There will be plenty of Christmas music sprinkled throughout the show from The Blind Boys of Alabama, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Vancouver’s B3 Kings (Cory Weeds, Bill Coon) and some brand-new Christmas tunes. Being the “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” controversy is losing it’s steam, I’ll keep the kettle boiling with a very cool (not cold) version from locals David and Ronda Olds. I figured a celebrate a few milestones, too. Recently it would have been the 100^th birthday of the great vocalist Joe Williams, the 98^th birthday of Dave Brubeck and happily, getting back to the living, vocalist Fern Lindzon of Toronto just had a birthday. We will hear tunes from all of them. New music will come from trumpeter Mary Goudy and her 12tet, the keys of Jon Batiste, Connie Han and Christian Sands. Some Coltrane music from Brian Baggett and a track from Coltrane’s Love Supreme. The Big Easy Gumbo segment will feature more New Orleans Christmas tunes. This time from the Dukes of Dixieland and Harry Connick, Jr. Hope you can tune in for a bit at thex.ca and at 92.5 FM in Kamloops. Jazz Notes Wednesday 5-7 PM PST. Peace.

Photos: The Blind Boys of Alabama from a show in Salmon Arm back in the 1990's. Photos attached to the poster are from a different concert in the same venue.

Best of 2017 from Jim Dupuis, host of Jazz Notes on CFBX-FM

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 50^th 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

Andrea Motis     voc. & trumpet Emotional Dance               Impulse

Linda Carone      Black Midnight  Independent

Mary-Catherine Pazzano              You’re Gonna Hear From Me       Glorious Feeling Records

Monica Chapman             Small World        Independent