Preston Frazier’s Best of 2020 (So Far) includes standout recordings from Rick Wakeman, Brownout, David Sancious, Nick Finzer, Susie Blue and others:
WAYNE ESCOFFERY – THE HUMBLE WARRIOR (JAZZ): Almost 20 years as a bandleader has demonstrated that Wayne Escoffery is, on more than a few occasions, brilliant. In case you need another example from the tenor saxophonist, check out The Humble Warrior. Surrounded by a crack band which includes trumpeter Randy Brecker, pianist David Kikoski, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, drummer Ralph Peterson and guitarist David Gilmore, Escoffrey unleashes a memorable collection of mostly original songs. His muscular yet expressive sound comes through loud and clear on the opener, “Chain Gang.” His quartet, supplemented by Brecker and Gilmore, display telepathy honed by years of gigging together. “Sanctus” and “Benedictus” offers different shades of Wayne Escoffery, yet show he doesn’t play it safe. We thank him for that.
RICK WAKEMAN – THE RED PLANET (PROG ROCK): Rick Wakeman has been the most prolific former Yes man recently. While his ARW recording was largely a fake audience-enhanced disappointment, this Best of 2020 (So Far) entry arrives as one of the most intriguing Yes-adjacent albums in the last 20 years – and one of his best in the last decade or two. Wakeman and his English Rock Ensemble deliver eight entrancing songs, and each is melodic yet powerfully prog. The Martian theme is carried by Wakeman’s wondrous use of ’70s-era synthesizer sounds. Bassist Lee Pomeroy and drummer Ash Soan deliver powerful backing on “Tharsis Tholus,” while guitarist Dave Colguhoun is an interesting lead contrast to Wakeman’s Moog on “Olymous Mons” and “The North Plain.” Rick Wakeman has proven that after a stellar career of more than 50 years, he still has something to say. The Red Planet is a must-listen.
STATE COWS – CHALLENGES (POP ROCK): State Cows’ third full-album release, does have hooky tunes, finely executed playing and superb vocals. These traits combine to lift the album above a musical label. The album-closing “Wildfire” combines an infectious piano hook and backbeat, with elements a blues from the lead guitar. The result is a danceable ditty which demonstrates how versatile State Cows is.
DAVID SANCIOUS – EYES WIDE OPEN (ROCK / R&B): Yes, it’s that David Sancious. He’s an icon among sidemen, having played with Sting, Peter Gabriel and in Bruce Springsteen’s original E Street Band. My next Best of 2020 (So Far) honoree furthers his legacy as a forward-leaning solo artist. Sancious’ 10th solo work blends, rock, R&B and socially conscious spoken-word pieces to create a vivid eight-song collage. “In the Middle of the Night” is a perfect, piano-driven commentary on today. “If” includes Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Living Colour’s Will Calhoun also makes an appearance. However, the real star of the album is David Sancious’ writing and production, as he ties the themes and musical elements into one of the year’s most compelling works.
BROWNOUT – BERLIN SESSIONS (FUNK ROCK): Proclaiming Brownout to be a funk powerhouse seems like hyperbole – until you listen to their music. Berlin Sessions is further proof that that title is well deserved. This Austin-based offshoot of Grupo Fantasma again conspires with producer Steve Berlin of Los Lobos fame, swinging for the fences once more with stellar results. An epic album.
[SOMETHING ELSE! INTERVIEW: Guitarist Beto Martinez joins Preston Frazier to discuss Brownout’s explorations of Black Sabbath songs, his early musical experiences, and his work with Grupo Fantasma.]
BASSEL AND THE SUPERNATURALS – SMOKE AND MIRRORS (NEO-SOUL / FUNK): The third album by this Chicago-based group is a lesson in songcraft, funk grooves and production brilliance. It’s almost easy to overlook the theme of Smoke and Mirrors, which focuses Bassel Almandani’s experience as a first-generation Syrian. Bassel and the Supernaturals’ funky grooves and melodic heft draw listeners instantly, as producers Jeff Breakey and Brandon Hunt blend elements harmoniously to deliver one of my favorite albums so far in 2020. Smoke and Mirrors is fine wine.
SUSIE BLUE AND THE LONESOME FELLAS – BYE BYE BLUES (WESTERN SWING): I’m often asked if I miss living in Chicago, and I usually answer with a resounding “no.” Yet, one thing I do miss is occasionally seeing Solitaire Miles performing as her alter ego Susie Blue. After a sublime 2015 self-titled release (and top 2015 jazz pick), she’s back with the Lonesome Fellas for another go-round of Western swing. More diverse than its predecessor, my next Best of 2020 (So Far) entry is a raucous collection played by expert musicians and led by Miles’ versatile and compelling vocal instrument. Sure, Evanston-based harmonica icon Howard Levy supplies his expertise on several tracks (check him out in “Drivin’ Nails in My Coffee”), but the star is Solitaire Miles’ fantastic versatile voice and its melding with the world-class band.
NICK FINZER – CAST OF CHARACTERS (JAZZ): Not only does Nick Finzer have an excellent record company (Outside In Music) and podcast, he also continues to raise the bar release after release. This time, the trombonist invited sax player Lucas Pino, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Dave Baron and drummer Jimmy Macbride into his big musical tent. Their harmonious interaction over 14 Nick Finzer compositions on Cast of Characters is nothing short of magical. Pino, Wintz and Finzer have all had albums on my best-of lists over the past few years. Cast of Characters is another worthy contender.
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