Donna M’s Unconventional Top 5 Albums for 2010
December 21, 2010 at 5:00 AM Motéma Music asked me for a "Top 5" list of 2010 Jazz albums a couple of weeks ago. The following five albums got the most repeated play in my mp3 player for 2010. I figure that’s as legitimate a reason to qualify for a “Top 5” list as anything else I’ve read this year. :)
They are listed in alphabetical order by last name or group name.
Edo Castro
“Sacred Graffiti” [Passion Star Records]
I didn’t know much about Edo Castro before I got this album. I have since concluded that he is a phenomenal bassist that created a fully-textured, multi-layered album called “Sacred Graffiti”. Listening to this 16 track album takes me through a “Day in The Life” kind of experience, much like King Britt’s “When the Funk Hits the Fan” did back in the late ‘90s.
Billy Childs Ensemble featuring the Ying Quartet
“Autumn: In Moving Pictures – Jazz/Chamber Music Vol. 2” [ArtistShare]
Billy Childs is an amazing composer. He has to be – he got me to listen to and enjoy an album that had the words “Chamber Music” on the cover. Seriously, this made me look at the hybrid of jazz and classical in a whole new and appreciative way. One of my favorite tunes on the album, “The Path Among the Trees”, has been nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in the “Best Instrumental Composition” category.
Brian Lynch
“Unsung Heroes Project - Volumes 1, 2 & 3” [Hollistic MusicWorks]
The three albums that are a part of this series by Brian Lynch had my head bobbin’ as I listened to them. I’d lose track of time when I had them playing through my headphones. That is a positive indicator for me regarding the quality of the music - I wasn't hoping or wishing that the song/album would be over sooner than it was suppose to be. These are great pieces of music. “Further Arrivals”, “Unsung Blues” and “Sandy” are just a few that stand out to me.
Phronesis
“Alive” [Edition Records]
This live recording of Phronesis (led by Danish double-bassist Jasper Hoiby, pianist Ivo Neame, and drummer Mark Guiliana) was the music I turned on when I needed to reflect on some major changes that were about to happen in my life.
Substantial "breakthroughs" occurred while listening to all eight tracks. “Abraham’s New Gift”, “Rue Cinq Diamants” and “Happy Notes” were especially good at clearing lingering negativity from my mind. Check it out when you get a chance.
Christian Scott
“Yesterday You Said Tomorrow” [Concord Music Group]
As with most artists who have something to say that isn't middle of the road (or sheer foolishness and BS), some folks don't know how to take Christian Scott, his message and his music. I appreciate his passion and understand why he is frustrated with how the world is. Whether it was the much touted remake of Thom Yorke’s “Eraser”, sultry “Isadora” or “Jenacide (The Inevitable Rise and Fall of the Bloodless Revolution)”, Scott shared with us what was weighing on his heart and mind.
Billy Childs, Brian Lynch, Christian Scott, Edo Castro, Phronesis | in Artists, Lists | Permalink 
Reader Comments (8)
I have and love the Christian Scott CD. intrigued by the others. Thanks! Have a cool yule.
Nice to see the trumpeters representing. I gotta check out the Billy Childs disk too. Looks interesting.
Hey Wayne!
You're welcome - I hope that you get a chance to check out one or two of the albums soon.
Merry Christmas! :D
George Duke's new one should be up there.. deja vu
Mighty
Hi! Thank you for checking out the website. I didn't have George Duke's album - therefore, it wouldn't have made the list.
As I mentioned, the albums that made my top 5 were played the most in my mp3 player.
Take care.
Hi Josh
I totally got taken in with the first track on Billy's CD - It was a pleasant surprise for me as I listened more and more to the album.
If you get it, let me know what you think about it.
~~~
I'm totally "with you" on your inclusion of Christian Scott's album in your "top 5."
For one thing, I really treasure music with a political/human rights edge to it ~ especially when the message isn't dogmatic, and when it rings true and sounds heartfelt.
For another, I think Christian Scott is masterful at blending genres/subgenres without cheapening or muddying any of them. His adventurous spirit and musical honesty has resulted in sophisticated yet funky music, rich in integrity, passion, spirit, atmospheric texture, cerebral intrigue, street wisdom, and compelling energy.
I posted Christian Scott's tunes obsessively on Blip.fm, until I finally realized that my "listeners" weren't listening. I'm still mystified by the lack of props and reblips. But I'm glad to hear that you were captivated by his music; I respect your taste, and feel vindicated for loving it so much!
Aviva!
Yes, I was captivated by Christian's latest album. I'm saddened to hear that your "listeners" on blip.fm weren't "getting" his music but I'm not surprised.
I know that he'll be in the studio recording new material next week. I look forward to finding out where his musical journey goes this time. :)
^DM