Preston Frazier’s Best of 2019 Jazz list includes MaiGroup, Alan Evans, Catherine Russell, Jon Herington and Jim Beard, Bob Sheppard, Oz Noy and Kelley Suttenfield, among others.
No. 10. TEYMUR PHELL – MASTER VOLUME: The Israeli-born, New York-based bassist Teymur Phell proved to be an accomplished band leader and composer on this first Best of 2019 Jazz entry, which also serves as his solo debut. Master Volume displays the bass chops which have made him an in-demand session player (Simon Phillips, Oz Noy). The lead-off track, “Zero to Sixty,” also shows his excellent arranging skills. The songs are engaging and the production utilizes the skills of Phell’s talented guest artists (Mike Stern and Dennis Chambers, among others) while not showing off a lick for lick’s sake. Check out the title track. There truly is something here for every jazzer.
No. 9. OZ NOY – BOOGA LOOGA LOO: New York-based Oz Noy continues to impress with his unique brand of jazz. Booga Looga Loo is a weird and wonderful collection of standards and classic-rock tracks, all done up in Noy’s unique and distinctive style. Bassist Will Lee contributes vocals on the Beatles’ “Eight Days a Week,” but Noy’s voice on guitar is just a clear on the other covers and the five originals found here. Noy continues to trust his music forward, whether it be his originals or choice covers like “Bemsha Swing.” This is another great addition to Oz Noy’s catalog.
No. 8. PATRICE JEGOU – IF IT AIN’T LOVE: The next Best of 2019 Jazz honoree covers all the jazz bases – from the title track’s big-band feel, to funk (“Yes We Can,” the Allen Toussaint classic arranged by David Paich of Toto fame) to an acapella reading of “Lover Come Back to Me,” which features Mark Kibble and Alvin Chea. Patrice Jegou covers a lot of musical ground, and every mile of the trip is joyous, thanks to superb arranging and lovely orchestral arrangements by John Clayton, Jorge Calandrelli and Nan Schwartz – and Jegou’s wide-ranging vocal talents.
No. 7. JOSEPH YUN – IT’S TIME: I first heard of this project over a year ago via Facebook when Joseph Yun, a West Coast-based jazz guitarist, captured his recording of “Faraway Place” with Ernest Tubb (my bass idol) and drum legend Simon Phillips. Jun’s composition was melodically challenging, and his chops on electric guitar were equally memorizing. With the release of the self-financed and produced It’s Time, you can hear Yun in all his glory. The chops are still here, and on songs like “Zig Zag,” you get to hear his skill as an arranger and bandleader. This album has many shades, but one evident thing is that Joseph Yun is a master at his craft.
No. 6. KELLEY SUTTENFIELD – WHEN WE WERE YOUNG: I listen to a wide variety and usually review stuff I like. Occasionally, I listen to music which I think is interesting but ultimately find unappealing. When We Were Young: Kelley Suttenfield Sings Neil Young seemed to be a weird concept, which I suspected would not pan out. Yet, she made me a believer. An accomplished jazz singer, Suttenfield and guitarist Toss Sheridan breathe new life into these Neil Young classics. Subtleties that I didn’t know existed are brought forth in “Harvest Moon” and “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.” The arrangements are both compact and lush. Kelley Suttenfield’s voice is evocative and subtle, yet filled with expression. This album gets better and better after each spin.
No. 5. BOB SHEPPARD – THE FINE LINE: Tenor saxophone giant Bob Sheppard may be better known for his sideman gigs with Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell, but this Best of 2019 Jazz honoree reminds us that he’s a stand-alone force to be reckoned with, as well. Released on Challenge Records, The Fine Line is dotted with great Sheppard originals like “Run Amok,” which features electric bass by Benjamin Sheppard and a tasty interaction with trumpeter Mike Cottone. Always one who knows what note to play and how to leave space to great effect, Bob Sheppard gives “Run Amok” a smoky and progressing vibe. John Beasley, another Steely Dan alum, makes his presence known, too. Elsewhere, a cover of “Above & Beyond” finds Sheppard dancing around the melody with an intoxicating groove that makes the song irresistible. In fact, the entire album is.
No. 4. JIM BEARD AND JON HERINGTON – CHUNKS AND CHAIRKNOBS: Chunks and Chairknobs finds the Jim Beard and Jon Herington imbuing similar nuanced passion to a few standards, and well-chosen originals. It’s a joy. Obviously, the original songs are powerful, and the covers stand the test of time. Beard and Herington infuse everything with a freshness and vitality, making each essential listening and one of my favorite jazz releases for 2019. Hopefully, between Steely Dan dates this year, we can get a few live shows in from Jim Beard and Jon Herington.
[SOMETHING ELSE! INTERVIEW: Jon Herington sat down with Preston Frazier to discuss his new duo project with Jim Beard, covering Steely Dan, and his all-time favorite albums.]
No. 3. CATHERINE RUSSELL – ALONE TOGETHER: Never content to rest on the past, Catherine Russell delivers 13 stellar interpretations on this new Best of 2019 Jazz entry, not only highlighting her gifts as a vocalist but also as a band leader. Oh, and what a band: Guitarist Matt Munisteri, drummer Mark Mclean, bassist Tal Ronan and keyboardist Mark Shane conspire to deliver a timeless blend which is perfectly supportive to Russell. “He May Be Your Dog, But Here’s Wearing My Collar” has the smell of cheating all over it. The New Orleans feel of the dobro, Russell’s vocals and the piano paint a familiar and fun picture. This portrait of a vixen is funny, and compelling. “I Only Have Eyes For You” is a surprising addition, given that there are so many versions. But Russell and her small ensemble create magic, even if the spell is well worn. Perhaps that’s the charm of Alone Together: Catherine Russell is a stellar artist not just because of her enchanting voice, but also because of her gift as an interpreter and her passion for the music.
No. 2. ALAN EVANS – NOTHING TO SAY: The debut solo album by Alan Evans shows Soulive’s drummer in an entirely different light. His jazz chops are well represented, but Nothing to Say also displays his funk and rock acumen. The album gives fine doses of psychedelic rock, funk and jazz. Even more impressive is Alan Evans’ skill as a songwriter and vocalist, in addition to his guitar and bass chops. While Evans enlists a little help from Neal Evans, Darby Wolf, Danny Mayers and Ryan Hommel, among others, Nothing to Say is unmistakably his baby. It reflects the obvious craftsmanship which is the hallmark of his band, Soulive. Check out the title track, as well the standout song “Sparky the Flying Dog.” This project is a labor of love by Alan Evans which took more than four years to complete. Let’s hope it won’t take as long for a follow-up.
1. MAIGROUP – METAMORPHOSIS: If you’ve had the good fortune of seeing David Crosby and friends on tour this year, then you have no doubt been blown away by the musicianship of bassist Mai Leisz. Metamorphosis, her third album as leader, further demonstrates that instrumental prowess as well as her skill as a writer, producer and band leader. My top Best of 2019 Jazz album combines elements of jazz and rock which are completely engaging, yet steer clear of cliche. “Monarch,” the opening track, is a lovely melodic dance where pianist Simon Berggren and Mai Leisz create an ethereal soundscape before sax man Bjorn Arko and guitarist Calle Stalenbring bring in rock texture. Coproducer Greg Leisz and David Crosby also contribute touches of pixie dust, but MaiGroup’s Metamorphosis shines due to Mai Leisz’s compositions and the band’s arrangements.
ALEX SILL – EXPERIENCES REAL AND IMAGINARY: This album sat around in my car for a while. In fact, it was almost over looked. But Alex Sill is a talented composer and imaginative guitarist. His work with Simon Phillips’ Protocol starts a new chapter in his career, but Experiences Real and Imaginary proved his meddle as a band leader. The L.A.-based guitarist combines flavors of idols such as Kurt Rosenwinkel and Allan Holdsworth with his own flair, which results in an impressive solo debut. Check out his songs “The Ballad of James Dean” and “To a Theater Near You,” and be prepared to be impressed.
ORICE JENKINS – CENTENNIAL COLE: Vocalist, arranger and songwriter Orice Jenkins tackles the songbook of the great Nat “King” Cole on his fourth release, Centennial Cole. Instead of releasing straight-ahead covers, Jenkins digs deeper into the songs with intriguing arrangements on chestnuts like “Inseparable” and “Birmingham.” The results are spell binding and open the gateway to Jenkins’ prior releases.
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