Preston Frazier’s Best of 2014 (Rock, Roots + Pop Music): Brownout, Seth Walker, Chicago

Preston’s Frazier’s Best of 2014 list for Rock, Roots and Pop includes recognizable names like Chicago, St. Vincent, Richard Thompson and Toto — along with some lesser-known acts who deserve wider notice.

No. 10 — LOUISE GOFFIN – SONGS FROM THE MINE (POP): Louise Goffin is a proven songstress in her own right, and for Songs From The Mine she assembled a small but impressive lineup. They provide just the right amount of tension, making this album captivating from start to finish. Check out “Everybody But You.” You’ll listen to Songs From The Mine again and again.

No. 9 — CHICAGO – NOW: XXXVI (ROCK): Back in June, I said Chicago’s Now: XXXVI “may well be the venerable band’s first great album of new material in a generation.” Six months later, this Best of 2014 entry has not lost a bit of luster. Now: XXXVI hits the mark based on strong in-house writing — with everyone from guitarist Keith Howland and drummer Tris Imboden (the rocker “Free At Last”) to founder Robert Lamm contributing (with an especially strong “More Will Be Revealed”). There are not many bands in their 40-some year of existence which can break new ground. Chicago has here.

No. 8 — AMY LaVERE – RUNAWAY DIARY (POP): Don’t let Amy LaVere’s beauty fool you. A wonderful duet album with John Paul Keith as Motel Mirrors, and numerous other appearances, have already shown the powers and elegance of her voice — not to mention the virtuosity of her acoustic bass playing. The Luther Dickinson-produced Runaway Diary also shows her strength as a composer.

No. 7 — ANI CORDERO – RECORDAR (ROOTS): The leader of the rock en espanol band Cordero delivers a heartfelt and powerful collection of solo songs of love and protest. Recordar harkens back to the days of Mexican protest songs, but incorporates many elements of traditional music from all over Central America and Puerto Rico. Granted the songs are classics from the 1930 to the ’70s, but Ani Cordero arrangements and vocal approach adds a new-found fire and urgency to them all. This album should not be missed.

No. 6 — SYD ARTHUR – SOUND MIRROR (ROCK): Progressive rock by definition breaks the mold and Syd Arthur’s Sound Mirror does just that on this Best of 2014 honoree. The English band combines analog-sounding synth textures, rock guitar, distorted mandolin and violin playing to produce a sound that is all their own. Syd Arthur also demonstrates the ability to craft a good song. “Autograph” and “Sink Hole” are just two of the tracks bringing all these elements together on Sound Mirror.

No. 5 — JOSE JAMES – WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (POP): This London-based singer-songwriter delivers another gem with his fifth release, While You Were Sleeping. Combining the best elements of jazz and soul, Jose James’ expressive and tasteful band (consisting of Kris Bowers on keyboard, Richard Spaven on drum and Solomon Dorsey along with producer Brian Bender) seamlessly weaves cool harmonic textures, jazz elements and R&B elements which showcase his perfect phrasing and wide range. Check out “It’s All Over Your Body” and “Make It Right” for proof.

No. 4 — CATHERINE RUSSELL – BRING IT BACK (POP/JAZZ): Wait, before you yell, “Shenanigans! This is a jazz album,” I’ll admit you are right. Bring It Back is one of the best jazz albums of 2014, though it does incorporate elements of pop music. It easily would have made my Best of 2014 jazz list — had I realized early enough that it came out in 2014, not 2013. Nevertheless, it is a brilliant album. Sure, Russell is a world-class jazz and pop singer. Would she have worked for Steely Dan as long as she has if she wasn’t? What is not as well known is that she is expert at arranging, coproducing and leading a band. Bring It Back shines from end to end. The title track hits a high mark, and the album never lets up. Check out “Aged and Mellow.” Her backing combo is superb, and Catherine Russell arranges light horn textures which gently compliment a few tracks. Bring It Back is not one to be missed or forgotten.

No. 3 — JUDITH OWEN – EBB AND FLOW (JAZZ/POP): Don’t let the sweet and expressive vocals fool you on this Best of 2014 entry. Judith Owen, wife of Harry Shearer, knows how to craft a song. Her original compositions are outstanding. Anguish, betrayal and loss haven’t sounded this good since Linda Thompson’s 2013 release Won’t Be Long Now. But, unlike Thompson, Owen has a distinct 1970s Laurel Canyon-vibe to her music, with hints of jazz. “I Would Give Anything” and “Under Your Door” are so stellar they almost overshadow classics like “In The Summertime” and “Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On the Jukebox.” Ebb and Flow is a treat from start to finish.

No. 2 — SETH WALKER – SKY BLUE SKY (ROOTS): I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say Seth Walker’s Sky Blue Sky is a musical treasure. He combines bluesy vocals, expertly subtle guitar playing and moving songwriting to create another highlight for both his career and 2014’s musical landscape. The lead off track, “Easy Come, Easy Go” chugs along with a wistful exuberance, but things get darker and come to a boil with “Trouble (Don’t Want No)” then reach a climax with “Either Way I Lose.” I dare say after “Grab Ahold,” my favorite song of 2014, Walker has already grabbed your heart out of your chest and stomped on it.

No. 1 – BROWNOUT PRESENTS BROWN SABBATH – BROWNOUT PRESENTS BROWN SABBATH (ROCK): How can a band which is supposed to be a side project be so excellent? Well, in Brownout’s case, their Best of 2014 entry incorporates essential elements of a great band, Gruopo Fantasma, and then turns the funk up to 11. Latin rhythms, slashing electric guitar, funky bass and one muscular horn section make for a driving combination. For the album Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath, all these elements come together (with help from vocalist Alex Maas) to produce a powerhouse of music that hard rockers and Groupo Fantasma fans alike will love. Check out “Iron Man.” It doesn’t get any better than this.

BEST OF 2014: HONORABLE MENTIONS

KERE BUCHANAN – GOODBYE YESTERDAY (POP): This New Zealander is a master producer whose chops behind the boards are only eclipsed by his talent at arranging music and playing most instruments. Kere Buchanan’s Goodbye Yesterday harkens back to the salad days of California AOR, with great harmonies, intricate chord changes, savvy keyboard parts and outstanding lead vocals. Highlights like “Could This Be Love” and the Bill Champlin-sung “Never Gonna Give You Up” begin with an old-school foundation, yet bring a modern sensibility and spirit. This is a fantastic album.

THOMPSON FAMILY – FAMILY (ROOTS): What do you get when you pair great songwriters in the same room with great musicians? A great album. In this case you get a great Thompson family album with two of the best vocalist in the business (Linda Thompson and son, Teddy Thompson) and a guitar legend, Richard Thompson. Add in stellar contributions from the Rails (Kami Thompson and husband James Walbourne) and grandson 17-year-old Zak Hobbs, and you have a singer-songwriter classic.

ST. VINCENT – ST. VINCENT (POP): St. Vincent’s self-titled album is a gem mixing inventive guitar with starkly effective synth bass and drums and flourishes of keyboards. The effects are hypnotic and powerful. Try the track “Birth In Reverse” for a taste.

NATHAN EAST – NATHAN EAST (JAZZ/POP): Bass player to Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and Toto, as well as to his own group Fourplay, East steps out on his own with an eclectic and exciting mix of jazz funk and soul. It’s obvious East has chops, but the album proves beyond a doubt he has tasteful soul. As band leader on this project, he expertly integrates the styles and chops of people like the late Ricky Lawson on drums; Jeff Babko, David Paich and Greg Philliganes on keyboards; and Ray Parker Jr. on guitar. Highlights include an interpretations Steve Winwood/Blind Faith classic, “Can’t Find My Way Home.”

TOTO – 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR: LIVE IN POLAND (POP/ROCK): How can a band who gives us no new music, but instead songs which are in many cases decades old, make a Best of 2014 list? The band is stellar. Nathan East teamed with drummer Simon Phillips (a 23-year member of the band) make a fantastic rhythm section. Joseph William is at the top of his game vocally, and keyboardists David Paich and Steve Porcaro are predictably brilliant. Steve Lukather is the musical glue holding it all together, and playing world-class guitar. Listen to the song “Stop Loving You.” That will put a smile on your face.