Preston Frazier’s Best of 2019 Rock and R&B includes Black Pumas, Alexis Evans, Ben Levin, Grupo Fantasma, Monkey House, Isaiah Sharkey, Frederico7 and others:
No. 10. NOOKY JONES – LIKE CANDY (JAZZ / R&B): Minneapolis-based Nooky Jones delivered the goods with this five-song EP. Blending elements of jazz, R&B with a touch of hip-hop, the songs represent a bold and – dare I say – old-school feel which is unmistakably authentic. “Pardon Me,” with its Jerry Hey-like horn chart, is infectious. Vocalist Cameron Kinghorn and drummer/cowriter Reid Kennedy manage to shift shades over the five songs (sample the temptations of “Like Candy”) but a constant is the high level of musicianship. Hopefully, we’ll get a follow-up full-length album soon.
No. 9. IKEBE SHAKEDOWN – KINGS LEFT BEHIND (FUNK): It’s a crying shame that Ikebe Shakedown has been around for a decade, yet still remains under the radar. The Best of 2019 Rock and R&B entry is a powerfully raw throwback to melodic and driving instrumental music from the 1970s and early ’80s. A group-composed project, Kings Left Behind was recorded on analog tape by Ikebe Shakedown bassist Vince Chairita and reflects a soulfulness and groove currently missing from most of today’s R&B/Rock music. Check out “Horses” and the title track to experience musical joy.
No. 8. GRUPO FANTASMA – AMERICAN MUSIC VOL. VII (LATIN ROCK): If you’re already a fan of Grupo Fantasma, American Music Vol. VII is for you. If you are a fan of any of their offshoot groups (including Brownout, Money Chicha, Black Pumas …), then this is a must buy, too. More than that, however: If you’re a fan of great contemporary music, then you must give Grupo Fantasma’s latest album a listen. “Let Me Be” gives nasty guitar and cowbell riffs a soulful foundation. Guest vocalist Tomar Williams from Tomar and the FC’s provides a soulful lead and Hammond-style organ sounds. The wall of backing vocals from the Soul Supporters almost seems out of place on a Grupo Fantasma album, yet recalls the 2018 release, Look at My Soul: The Latin Shade of Texas Soul by Adrian Quesada.
No. 7. FREDERICO7 – EXOTICO AMERICANO (ROCK / WORLD MUSIC): Austin, Texas serves up another great group. Exotico Americano is the debut of Frederico7, who blend rock en Espanol rhythm and English and Spanish lyrics. With the steady production hand of Adrian Quesada (of Brownout fame), Frederico7 combines compelling Cumbia-meets-Brazilian sounds (“Vibran los Ancestros”) with equally compelling lyrical acumen (the title track). It’s hard to believe this is Frederico7’s first full album. It’s too compelling and insightful to miss.
No. 6. MONKEY HOUSE – FRIDAY (ROCK): Monkey House’s “When the Mud Man Comes” has the harmonic richness of a Michael McDonald-era Doobie Brothers song, and the lyrical twists of Donald Fagen’s best material. Bassist/coproducer Pat Cardinali’s fretless work is only rivaled by Justin Abedin’s powerfully melodic guitar. Don Breithaupt’s piano solo is too little of good thing, leaving the listener wanting more. “Island Off the Coast of America” is a moderately passed shuffle with lush horns and siren-like backing vocals by Lucy Woodward. Long-term Steely Dan sideman Michael Leonhart delivers a touch of New York City with his muted trumpet solo. This Best of 2019 Rock and R&B honoree takes the listener on a fabulously vibrant musical journey, again pushing Monkey House to new musical heights. What more can we ask?
No. 5. CHRIS RODRIGUEZ – HEAD HANDS AND HEART (JAZZ / R&B): I didn’t know what to expect from this self-produced, self-recorded album from Chris Rodriguez, a guitarist-sideman to many Nashville country heavy weights as well as former Chicago singer Peter Cetera. What Rodriguez delivers is the expected stellar guitar work, but mostly in the jazz vein. An accomplished lead vocalist, Rodriguez lets his Gibson ES175 do most of the talking. “Easy as Uno Dos Tres” will have you listening, mouth agape in amazement at Chris Rodriguez’s arranging skills and guitar technique. “Powerflow” is perhaps my favorite track, with its funky backing and deep guitar tone. But all 14 songs on Head Hands and Heart offer treats, and most are amazing.
No. 4. BEN LEVIN – BEFORE ME (BLUES / R&B): Ben Levin’s second album features touches of Chicago blues, New Orleans soul and consistently strong original songs, with a few covers thrown in. The young pianist leads a stellar band, including legendary drummer Phillip Paul, through 12 songs which prove the blues is alive and well. Check out the interplay between Levin’s piano and the rest of the band on “Lightnin’.” The first notes of “I Feel So Good” and Ben Levin’s earnest vocal and jaunty piano grab you and don’t let go.
No. 3. ISAIAH SHARKEY – LOVE IS THE KEY (R&B): Perhaps better known as guitarist for D’Angelo and John Mayer, Isaiah Sharkey delivered one of my favorite R&B albums of the year with Love Is the Key. The Grammy-winning Chicago native (for D’Angelo’s Black Messiah) delivered 17 hook-laden gems which shimmer with an old-school authenticity and a new-school sensibility. “Love is Key,” the lead-off song, combined elements of funk and jazz to make a new classic. Isaiah Sharkey doesn’t rely solely on his melodic skills and vocals, however. He’s the master of taste and economy on guitar, and his skills shine on the entire album. Check out the single “Time,” and get on board the Isaiah Sharkey train.
No. 2. ALEXIS EVANS – I’VE COME A LONG WAY (SOUL / R&B): The term “prodigy” is over used. Yet, after listening to Alexis Evans’ album I’ve Come a Long Way, I had to admit it’s appropriate. The single “She Took Me Back” was one of many highlights. The France-based singer-songwriter has a mature lyrical sensibility and a wonderfully sophisticated melodic sense. “I Made a Deal with Myself” shows off his funky and infectious style and his guitar chops. This Best of 2019 Rock and R&B entry has it all, and it’s a must listen.
No. 1. BLACK PUMAS – BLACK PUMAS (ROCK / R&B): My Best of 2019 Rock and R&B album of the year comes from the multitalented Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada. This Austin Texas duo has known success on various side projects. However, this combination of soul, rock and funk raised the bar last year. “Black Moon Rising” and “Colors” are just two example of songs which hit emotionally, musically and spiritually. Black Pumas’ self-titled debut is just fantastic.
Yes, From a Page; Leonard Cohen, Thanks for the Dance; Jason Scheff, Here I Am; Steve Hackett, At the Edge of Light; Bernard Fowler, Inside Out; and David Pastorius, Radio Gold.
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