2) Jesse Lewis Union --
Jesse Lewis Union (Lakefront Digital) A thoroughly beautiful and original artistic
statement from the up-and-coming jazz guitarist, one that sounds completely
different from anything else on the New Orleans scene. The compositions and
overall ambience recall Pat Metheny's serene and brilliant early-80s albums
for ECM Records.
3) Snooks Eaglin -- The
Way It Is (Money Pit Records) Five years between Snooks Eaglin albums is too
long, as this typically eclectic CD was a reminder of Eaglin's singular musical
personality. Hard funk, Latin-tinged workouts, R&B classics, inspired instrumentals
and the autobiographical closing track, "I've Been Around the World," showed
that when it comes to irrepressible vocals and unconventionally dazzling guitar
licks, Eaglin's still a bona fide New Orleans original.
4) Joe Krown Organ Combo
-- Funk Yard (STR Digital) This is Krown's third CD in three years as leader
of his Organ Combo, so while it doesn't offer the immediate surprise of a debut,
it does pack the most memorable hooks and assured grooves of Krown's to date.
From the title track to aptly named instrumentals like "Mud Flaps" and "The
Wiggle," Krown's Hammond B-3 grooves grease the tracks for guitarist John Fohl
and saxophonist Brent Rose to lay down some inspired solos of their own, sounding
like a New Orleans-inspired version of Booker T. & the MGs.
5) John Rankin -- Guitar
Gumbo (STR Digital) One of the long under-appreciated veteran players in New
Orleans showcases his formidable guitar playing in this solo program stacked
with New Orleans favorites. Whether he's playing the piano and horn of Earl
King's "Big Chief" or taking "Iko Iko" back to the Caribbean with a chorus that
sounds like steel drums, Rankin always sounds breezy and effortless, but never
cliched. The album's centerpiece is his Jesse Fuller tribute "Mr. Fotdella,"
where Rankin's 12-string guitar workout sounds like the work of three guitarists.
6) Have Soul Will Travel
-- Live at the Funky Butt (Independent) The cover choices on Have Soul Will
Travel's live CD -- including Jimmy McGriff's "The Worm," Lonnie Smith's "Play
it Back," and Roy Brooks' "The Free Slave" -- point to the band's sonic debt
to Blue Note Records' eminently funky late-60s groove albums. Guitarist Bert
Cotton's guitar playing deserves special mention, as Cotton uncorks an arsenal
of gorgeous tones, precision comping, and judicious doses of wah-wah pedal.
7) Brotherhood of Groove
-- Pocket Full of Funk (Independent) The brainchild of guitarist Brandon
Tarricone and drummer Dan Caro travels similar musical paths as Have Soul Will
Travel, bringing a spacier and more acidic edge. Sun Ra alumni Michael Ray on
trumpet and saxophonist John Ellis contribute to the extraterrestrial sound;
this young and formidable New Orleans ensemble continues to mostly fly under
the radar, and this CD is proof that they're deserving of wider recognition.
8) Astral Project -- Big
Shot (Independent) Pianist David Torkanowsky is a formidable talent, but his
departure brought Astral Project renewed fire and a more focused sound on their
first disc without Tork. In new compositions like saxophonist Tony Dagradi's
lyrical "Heart of the Matter" and "Hymn," and guitarist Steve Masakowski's charged
and passionate 9/11-inspired tracks "Vigil" and "Vengeance," the band sounds
like a tight jazz ensemble more than ever before.
9) Tom McDermott & Evan Christopher
-- Danza (STR Digital) Pianist (and occasional Gambit Weekly contributor)
Tom McDermott found a perfect foil in dazzling clarinetist Christopher, and
the two virtuoso players and musical scholars tear through a program of obscure
compositions from the Brazilian and American songbooks. But McDermott isn't
merely a revisionist; his spry choro "Estatico" shows he's taking his obsessions
and creating artistic statements of his own.
10) Motorway -- Motorway
(Independent) Motorway's self-titled sophomore CD was the most impressive local
rock album of the year. Production assistance from Better Than Ezra's Tom Drummond
and Ethan Allen (who's worked with Throwing Muses and Tricky) help give the
album a decidedly major-label feel. Frontman Pete Winkler continues to blossom
into a first-rate songwriter and vocalist, and the waves of guitar and effects
on tracks like "Peace of Mind" recall the melody and attitude of vintage R.E.M.
