T.R. Johnson, host of the Tuesday edition of Jazz from the French Market, 4-7p

Top Ten for 2017:

1. Nicholas Payton “The Afro-Caribbean Mix-Tape” (Paytone Records)
2. Linda May Han Oh “Walk Against Wind” (Biophilia Records)
3. Gerald Clayton “Tributary Tales” (Motema Music)
4. Dayme Arocena “Cubofonia” (Brownswood Recordings)
5. Josh Abrams “Simultonality” (Eremite Records)
6. Ambrose Akinmusire “A Rift in Decorum - Live at the Village Vanguard” (Blue Note)
7. Blue Note All-Stars “Our Point of View” (Blue Note)
8. Bob Dylan “Triplicate” (Columbia)
9. Anne Mette Iverson “Round Trip” (CD Baby)
10. Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band “Body and Shadow” (Blue Note)

Very Honorable mention for 2017:

Jose James “Love in a Time of Madness”
David Murray and Aki Takase “Cherry Sakura”
Charles Lloyd “Passin Thru”
NU Trio’s “Nu Trio”
Nicole Mitchell’s “Mandorla Awakening”
Steve Coleman’s “Morphogenesis”
Christian Scott “Rebel Ruler / Diaspora / Emancipation Procrastination”
Troy Roberts – “Tales and Tones”
Marcello Bennetti – “Il Vizio”
Jaimie Branch “Fly or Die”
Christian Sands “Reach”
Anat Cohen “Happy Song”

Derrick Freeman , host of the Wednesday edition of the New Orleans Music Show, 11a - 2p

10. John Michael Bradford

​Something Old, Something New

The title of this album kinda says it all. This young man with an old soul shines on his debut. New Orleans classics intermingled with slick originals makes for a good listen. It is the perfect representation of the new direction for AFO records. Get in a lounge chair and sip some wine to this one.

9. Chris Mule

Down To The Bottom

How do you bend the line between hard core and delicate? I’m not sure but Chris Mule has figured it out. He’s guitar playing(especially the slide) is second to none. His Louisiana soul mixed with Anders production is a quality match. The hit “Demonized” with his HISB band mate Aaron Wilkinson, is a signature track. “She Goes Crazy” is one of the best songs of the year in my opinion.

8. Sam Price

Sam Price & The True Believers

Songwriting is the key to this gem of a record. Sam has an innate skill to infuse jazz and blues on top a bed of roots rock. Think early Steve Winwood. The arrangements are tight. The vocals are clean(especially the backgrounds) and the lyrics are meaningful. Signature track is “Down to You” which features a killer trumpet solo by Eric Benny Bloom.

7. Roderick Paulin

Slow But Steady

What can I say? Roderick is one of the true gentlemen of jazz. This record is so choice. Classic tunes. Amazing arrangements. Top notch performances by all of my favorite musicians! ( Yours too). The production value from Andrew Baham and Delfeayo Marsalis is unequivocal. This is the record you can listen to with your Parran. Smoke a stogie. You might even have to put down some footwerk.

6. Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes

Sketch

These guys just know how to make great records man! If you love horns or strings or funk or rock you’ll love this record. Gangster ass lyrics. “Night Man” is fire. “Vieux Caribe” featuring Mike Dillon is an instant party starter. Really all the tunes. “Why Try” “Goliath” and “Fine Time” all classic Sketch. Rock on.

5. Grayson Brockamp

New Orleans Wildlife Band

This record is on an expert level. As in don’t try this at home. The gospel infused track “Got Your Back, Yes Indeed” is something I’ve never heard before. It’s incredible quite frankly. Ricardo Pascal’s sax solo will give you goosebumps. The rest of the band is all time killin. And the singing…….Bruh. Who writes like this? Apparently Grayson Brockamp does. I guess that’s why it’s the first non Nick Payton release on Paytone records. If this is the future of this label, yall should listen up. They’re about to change the game!

4. Drew Meez On The Keys

Cast Iron Skillet

One part Zappa. One part Weird Al. One part Kanye. One part Mike Jones. Still doesn’t really describe this record. Partially because Drew Meez fits no description. He is a genius(that word) producer, a clever song writer and a brilliant storyteller. He is not a rapper but his raps are incredible. “Cast Iron Skillet” is the most requested song of 2017. “30k Dollars” is just plain stupid, but I defy you to listen to it just once. M@ Peoples vocals on “We Belong Together” along with Meez’ rap is R&B gold. Pay this Man!!

3. Mykia Jovan

Elliyahu

The word SOUL is described as the spiritual or immaterial part of a human, regarded as immortal. Well this record is the embodiment of said word. Mykia, wow! Her beautiful voice is only surpassed by her glowing spirit. These songs are so deep. Therapeutic in a way. Life struggles, neighborhood struggles, being a woman, being black, it’s all in there. The arrangements by Jason Butler, Noah Young and Walt Lundy are catered specifically to her. It’s beyond perfect. “16 Shots” is the most played song on my show. It’s an essay about growing up in Hollygrove. Everybody should listen. “Feast on a Flower” features a great guitar solo from Danny Abel. Mykia Jovan is the future and the present in New Orleans music.

2. Erica Falls

Homegrown

Erica Falls(Ms. Falls to you) is a musical goddess. A queen. Her voice is so powerful. But also sultry and exquisite. She’s Mary J., but also Chaka, and a lil Stevie Nicks. Her version of “Dreams” is the best I ever heard. The songs are so good. Written by the likes of Donald Ramsey, Nigel Hall and of course Ms. Falls herself. Track 1 “Dance” is a great way to start. I dance every time I hear it, often in the studio! The song “Makings of Love” that she sings with Hall is an instant classic soul duet. In the vain of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. “Old Records” her tribute to Allen Toussaint is throwback gold. Like hanging with your mama nem and your aunties and stuff. The musicianship is All World. Titans of the industry all around. It is a must have. This record will stand the test of time.

1. Naughty Professor

Identity

What is the Identity of this band? Hip-Hop? Check. Funk? Check. Rock? Check. I still don’t know. Is it New Orleans? Is it Chicago? Is it American? Again I still don’t know. One thing I do know is that this record is Bad Ass! It encompasses all the things. I mean the pop vocals of David Shaw on “Stray” to the apocalyptic lyrics of Chali 2na on “Darker Days” to the New Orleans Funk with the guys from Mainline on “Funk 4 Lunch”. It’s all incredible and it’s my album of the year. Still haven’t mentioned Sasha Masakowski, Ivan Neville, Mike Dillon, Mykia Jovan and Cliff Hines. I don’t know how they did this. All the tunes a designed specifically for the front artist. Yet somehow it all still sounds like Naughty Professor. Now that’s Identity. You must put it on and press play from top to bottom. Twist one up and enjoy the ride. Bravo.

Top 5 Singles

Marina Orchestra. ​Before You Walk Away
Khris Royal and Dark Matter. ​Step Children
Sam Price and the True Believers. ​We Believe
Soul Project. ​Blue Snail
Danny Abel Band. ​Took

Carrie Booher , Digital Content Editior and substitute host.

Hurray for the Riff Raff The Navigator
Smoking Time Jazz Club Take Your Time And Fly
Smoking Time Jazz Club Ain't We Fortunate
Erica Falls Homegrown
Louis Armstrong The Complete Decca Singles 1935-1946
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings Soul of a Woman
Todd "LDB" Albright Detroit Twelve String Blues & Rags
Joe Lastie Jazz Corner of the World
Twerk Thomson Twerk Thomson Plays Unpopular Songs
Little Freddie King You Make My Night
Lost Bayou Ramblers Kalenda
Deslondes Hurry Home
Shotgun Jazz Band Steppin' On The Gas
Charlie Halloran Ce Biguine!
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah Ruler Rebel/Diaspora/Emancipation Procrastination
Tuba Skinny Tupelo Pine
Doug Kershaw The Very Best of Doug Kershaw
Hot 8 Brass Band On The Spot

Breaux Bridges , host of the Wednesday edition of the Morning Set, 6 - 9a

Breaux Bridges’ Favorite Releases of 2017

Arturo O’Farrill and Chucho Valdes – Familia: Tribute to Bebo and Chico
Chet Doxas – Rich in Symbols
Mike Stern – Trip
Fred Hersch – Open Book
Jane Ira Bloom – Wild Lines: Improvising Emily Dickinson
Chris Potter – The Dreamer Is the Dream
Mario Abney – The Abney Effect, Vol. 1: Instant Grits
Dave Liebman & Joe Lovano – Compassion: The Music of John Coltrane
Ryan Keberle & Catharsis – Find the Common, Shine a Light
Fabian Almazan & Rhizome – Alcanza
Linda May Han Oh – Walk Against Wind
Mark Guilliana Jazz Quartet – Jersey
John Beasley – MONK’estra, Vol. 2
Stanton Moore – With You in Mind
Nicholas Payton – Afro-Caribbean Mix Tape
Amina Figarova – Blue Whisper
Yotam Silberstein – The Village
Cameron Graves – Planetary Prince
Peter Erskine & The Dr. Um Band – Second Opinion
Bill Evans Trio – On a Monday Evening
Bobby Watson – Made in America
Miles Okazaki – Trickster
Chano Dominguez – Over the Rainbow
Steve Nelson – Brothers Under the Sun
Dayna Stephens – Gratitude
Terence Blanchard – The Comedian
Antonio Adolfo – Hybrido: From Rio to Wayne Shorter
John McNeil & Mike Fahie – Plainsong
Tom Harrell – Moving Picture
Pat Martino – Formidable
Vincent Herring – Hard Times
John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension – Live at Ronnie Scott’s
Christian McBride Big Band – Bringin’ It
Matt Wilson – Honey & Salt
Miles Mosley – Uprising
Oregon – Lantern
Petros Klampanis – Chroma
Charles Lloyd New Quartet – Passin’ Thru
Zem Audu – Spirits
Ben Allison – Layers of the City
Jack DeJohnette, Larry Grenadier, John Medeski & John Scofield – Hudson
Jaco Pastorius – Truth, Liberty & Soul: Live in NYC
Jazzmeia Horn – A Social Call
Alexey Marti – Travesia
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah – (1) Ruler Rebel; (2) Diaspora; (3) The Emancipation Procrastination
Ambrose Akinmusire – A Rift in Decorum: Live at the Village Vanguard
Joris Teepe & Don Braden – Conversations
Diego Barber – One Minute Later
Billy Childs – Rebirth
Jimmy Greene – Flowers: Beautiful Life, Vol. 2
SFJazz Collective – Music of Miles Davis & Original Compositions
Cory Weeds & The Jeff Hamilton Trio – Dreamsville
Danny Grissett – Remembrance
Jeremy Pelt — Make Noise
Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda — World Spirituality Classics 1: The Eclectic Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda

Allan Laskey , host of The Rhythm Room, Fridays, 10p - MIDNIGHT

Best Of 2017

Antibalas- Where The Gods Are. Concept album from long running afrobeat group.
Blay Ambolley - Keban. Ghanian Musician with a range of laidback African styles.
Curtis Harding- Face Your Fear. Mixture of vintage soul with modern production and a touch of electronica.
Don Bryant - Don’t Give Up On Love. Willam Bell - This Is Where I Live. New releases from soul legends known as much for their writing as their performing.
Inna De Yard - The Soul Of Jamaica. Acoustic roots reggae. Vocalists include the legendary Ken Boothe.
Les Amazones D’ Afrique - République Amazone. Historic collaboration featuring many of the top female African vocalists including Angelique Kidjo, Nneka, Mamani Keita and others.
Lila Downs - Salon Lagrimas. A tour thru the musical styles of Mexico with a modern slant.
Mavis Staples - If All I Was Was Black. Another great release from Ms. Staples combining gospel and political music in a mostly acoustic setting.
Meklit - The People Move, The Music Moves Too. Neo-soul with an Ethiopian touch. Pres Hall Brass on multiple tracks.
Mista Savona - Havana Meets Kingston. A true melding of Cuban and Latin Rhythms.
Ondatropica - Baile Bucanero. From Columbia. A true melting pot of musical styles.
P J Morton- Gumbo. Neo soul filtered through 1970’s era Stevie Wonder. Professor Wouassa - Grow Yes! Yes!. Jazzy Afrobeat.
Quantic and Nidia Gongora - Curao. From the north coast of Columbia, indigenous styles with electronica backing.
Raoul Midon - Badass and Blind. Sounds like it was recorded in the mid 70’s. Funk and soul.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Soul Of A Woman. Posthumous release of all new material.
Sly 5th Ave. The Invisible Man- An Orchestral Tribute To Dr. Dre Tesky Bros. - Half Mile Harvest. Australian band with mix of authentic soul and blues.
The Black Seeds - Fabric. From New Zealand. Very different take on reggae music.
The Mavericks - Brand New Day. One of the best live bands around with another quality release. The true spirit of rock and roll.
The Selector - Daylight. New recording from pioneers of second wave ska. Political dance music.
Tony Allen - A Tribute To Art Blakey and The Source. Two releases from master drummer and afrobeat pioneer.
Yakoto - Mermaid Blues. Laid back soul in the style of Sade.

And lastly Song of the year. Mykia Jovan. 16 Shots. Jazzy politically charged neo soul.

Sondra Bibb , host of the Wednesday edition of Jazz from the French Market, 4 - 7p

In no particular order...

Alice Coltrane - World Spirituality Classics: The Ecstatic Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda
Christian Sands - Reach
Charles Lloyd New Quartet - Passin’ Thru
Nicholas Payton - Afro Carribbean Mixtape
Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.
ELEW - And to the Republic
Nate Smith - Postcards From Everywhere
Jack DeJohnette, Larry Grenadier, John Scofield + John Medeski - Hudson
Avishai Cohen - Cross My Palm With Silver
Bill Evans - Another Time
Cecile McLorin Salvant - Dreams and Daggers
Tom Harrell - Moving Pictures
Brian Blade + The Fellowship Band - Body and Shadow
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - Ruler Rebel

Boudin Man , host of the Kitchen Sink with A.J. Rodrigue and A.A., Wednesdays, 10p - MIDNIGHT

Boudin Man's 2017 Favorites

The Lost Bayou Ramblers - Kalenda
King James & The Special Men - Act Like You Know
Luke Spurr Allen featuring Happy Talk - Pothole Heart
Alex McMurray Sings His Greatest New Orleans Hits
The WeatherWarlock Microburst Hail Storm 6-27-17 (Third Man Record limited edition colored 12” vinyl) To be released soon commercially with the Third Man Records “Occulting The Sunn” performance recording of the “2017 Great American Eclipse” from the roof of Third Man Records in Nashville
The Weather Warlock - Headless Falcon
Benni l & ll
Hurray for the Riff Raff - The Navigator
Preservation Hall Jazz Band - So It Is
Flow Tribe - Boss
Bob Dylan - Triplicate
At The Louisiana Hayride - Bear Family Records (Box set 20 c.d.)
Beck - Colors
Lucinda Williams - The Sweet Old World

45’s

Morning 40 Federation. Field Trip / McCain

Digital

Maradeen Believe

Murf Reeves , host of the Wednesday edition of the New Orleans Music Show, 11a - 2p

I compiled my best of New Orleans music albums for 2017. I also have listed some other 2017 releases as well as some older recordings I discovered this year.

Hurray for the Riff Raff - The Navigator
I can hear the maturity that comes from touring the world and absorbing everything. The songs have more layers without diluting the feel of Aylnda Segarra’s words and emotions. Segarra’s voice has the cynicism, but tempered with hope and confidence.

Sweet Crude - Creatures
Sweet Crude’s debut full length record, Creatures, is the sound of today’s Louisiana pop music. Alive and infectious, but still giving history its due, with the tools of two languages, (French and English),and heavy vibrant percussion. Sweet Crude are sculpting pop songs that soar.

Naughty Professor - Identity
Naughty Professor have dropped a record that is swirling with jazz, funk, hip-hop, and afro-beat. The production has gotten tighter, each member bringing more to the band, while the vocals add a slick r&b flavor. A who’s who of guests is icing on the cake (Charli 2na, Mike Dillon, David Shaw, Eric Bloom, Ivan Neville, Soul Rebels).

Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes - Sketch
“[JSDN’s] Jazz Fest set was a revelation…jam band bonhomie and Louisiana stroll spiced with klezmer-style violin and funeral-parade horns…what you get if Phish had been born at Tipitina’s and studied under George Clinton and Frank Zappa late every night on the levee.” - David Fricke senior editor at Rolling Stone. Mr. Fricke says it all!

Jon Cleary - Live at Chickie Wah Wah
Listening to Jon Cleary, by himself, playing the songs he enjoys playing, singing and sharing. Some of the songs are off the path, lesser known songs that need to see some 2017 sunlight. Good for the ears too!

Erica Falls - Homegrown
A beautiful R&B/ soul record. As the title says, Falls feel comfortable showing you around her world through song, as if we were hanging out in her lounge. Falls version of “Old Records,” kills it.

Charlie Halloran - Ce Biguine
Dance music of the French Caribbean, recorded straight to 78 acretate, so all the nuances of the recordings are there. Grab a rum punch, recipe on the album jacket.

The Deslondes - Hurry Home
The Deslondes second album offers a stronger band, finding strength in the simple and presenting songs with a sparse innocence that gives the hard work behind the stories a bit of a campfire glow.

Benjamin Booker - Witness
I love this record! Booker’s sophmore release hangs in the air with a fuzzed out rock n roll humidity. The tempo is on purpose, just the right speed to really get into the sweat of the lyrics, with a raspy, sly voice, Booker has something on his mind and he is saying something. Just read the lyrics to “Witness”.

Stanton Moore - With You in Mind
Stanton Moore has built a cool space of his own in the world of trap kit rhythm. As a solo artist, Moore has to balance the drum duties with leading a band. This recording has Moore using Allen Toussaint’s songs as his root, and he delivers some classic Toussaint R&B with a smooth, full bodied sound, and finding the balance of yesterday and today. Cyril Neville’s vocals on a few of the tracks are on fire.

Mr. Lif - Resolution
Collaborative effort with Akrobatik. Tight beats with thought provoking, precise word flow.

Ibibio Sound Machine
Ibibio, a nigerian dialect, is the catalyst for this group. Fronted by Nigerian singer, Eno Williams, the songs are built around Ibibio using afro funk, dance and some beats that dig deep into the feel of the 80’s. A super rad dance record.

Tyler Childers - Purgatory
Tyler writes songs with an honesty built by labor, hard partying, and a keen understanding of the connections of everything. A beautiful recording produced by Sturgill Simpson. If I had an award, this album would get it with a large pepperoni pizza!

Chris Robinson Brotherhood - Barefoot in the Head
The album title may have been Robinson while at the tail end of a crowes flight, but he is getting it out now. The grateful dead feel is pretty apparent, the cosmic togetherness of making music. The Brotherhood are going deeper picking up the guitars laid down by others.

Oh Sees - Orc
Formerly Thee Oh Sees, this band has been making some serious music for about 20 years. High enegry creative music, with lyrics . . . “who likes sugar in their coffin, the underground is twice as nice.”

Khalid - American Teen
El Paso native, Khalid, has dropped a record that is well thought, pop music wrapped into the strength and sound of Khalid’s voice, strong with a nasal grit. Khalid is well aware of the transition period as he leaves high school with those first memories of found and lost love. The music is quiet, letting the voice be the lead instrument. The beats have been dunked in the 80’s and drunk with pleasure.

The Allergies - Push On
British duo with a smooth flow, hyping disco, hip-hop with a super dope positive dance feel. The rhymes move with ease and only make the beats stronger.

Dan Auerbach - Waiting on a Song
The title is a lie, Auerbach has found a bunch of songs. Well crafted, with Nashville session guys, focused, smooth, to the point musicianship, and Auerbach’s tunes. Much different than the Black Keys, very open and revealing with the cynic humor, “I’m already working for my Uncle Sam, you know he’s got me counting Cheerios!”

My own discoveries in 2017, but not released in 2017. (Lagnaippe)

Sarah Webster Fabio - Juju for Grandma
This is some barbed wire, funky spoken word.

Brokedown in Bakersfield - Live
Super fun record with folks from the Mother Hips and Nicki Bluhm’s band, coming together to do honky tonk, country and folk with their own bay area twist.

Raphael Saadiq - The Way I see it
Someone drank the Motown kool-aid, and it was good!

David Kunian , host of the Tuesday edition of The Kitchen Sink, 10p-12a

Naughty Professor – Identity
Stanton Moore – With You in Mind
Nicholas Payton – Afro-Caribbean Mix Tape
Christian Scott “Rebel Ruler / Diaspora / Emancipation Procrastination”
Hurray for the Riff Raff The Navigator
Don Bryant - Don’t Give Up On Love
Willam Bell - This Is Where I Live
Cecile McLorin Salvant - Dreams and Daggers
The Lost Bayou Ramblers – Kalenda
King James & The Special Men - Act Like You Know
Alex McMurray Sings His Greatest New Orleans Hits
Jon Cleary - Live at Chickie Wah Wah
Charlie Halloran - Ce Biguine
Shotgun Jazz Band – Steppin’ On the Gas
Stanton Moore - With You in Mind
Tyler Childers – Purgatory
Lydia Loveless – Boy Crazy
Trombone Shorty – Parking Lot Symphony
Alejandro Escovedo – Burn Something Beautiful
The Replacements – Live at Maxwell’s
Steve Earle – So You Wanna Be An Outlaw
Jason Isbell – Nashville Sound
Shelby Lynne/Alison Moorer – Not Dark Yet
Albert Ayler Quartet – Copenhagen 1964
Ray Wylie Hubbard – Tell the Devil That I’m Getting There As Fast As I Can
Wadada Leo Smith – Solo: Reflections and Meditations on Monk
Preservation Hall Jazz Band - So It Is
Flow Tribe – Boss
St. Vincent - mAsSEdUctIOn

Andrew Grafe , host of The Blues Eclectic, Mondays, 2-4p

In no particular order:

Jason Isbell "The Nashville Sound"
Valerie June "The Order of Time"
Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers "Top of the Mountain"
Marty Stuart "Way Out West"
Don Bryant "Don't Give Up on Love"
Tinariwen "Elwan"
Feist "Pleasure"
Benjamin Booker "Witness"
The War on Drugs "A Deeper Understanding"
Rolling Stones "Blue & Lonesome"
Ty Segall "Ty Segall"
Fat Possum Records "Worried Blues" reissue series

Dave Dauterive , host of the Friday edition of the Morning Set, 6 - 9a

1. Hudson — Jack DeJohnette, Larry Grenadier, John Medeski & John Scofield
2. Cameron Graves - Planetary Prince
3. Christian McBride Big Band — Bringing It
4. Stanton Moore - With you in Mind
5. Jaco Pastorius - Truth, Liberty & Soul - Live in NYC
6. The Danish Radio Big Band and Charlie Watts - Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band
7. Adrian Cunningham - Jazz Speak
8. Tony Allen - Tony Allen: The Source
9. Steve Smith and Vital Information - Heart of the City
10. Mark Guiliana Trio Quartet - Jersey

Ole Man River , host of the Monday edition of the Morning Set, 6 - 9a

Stanton Moore - With You in Mind
Naughty Professor- Identity
Sam Price and the True Believers
Lost Bayou Ramblers - Kalenda
Marty Stuart - Way Out West
DeJohnette,Grenadier,Medeski & Scofield - Hudson
Hurray for the Riff Raff - Navigator
Nicholas Payton - Afro- Carribbean Mixtape
The Deslondes - Hurry Home
Natalie Mae - Run To You
Blue Note Allstars - Out Point of View
Mike Stern - Trip
Billy Strings - On the Line
Infamous Stringdusters - Laws of Gravity
Noisewater - Funk as Prescribed
Gerry Gibbs - Weather or Not
Mazakowski Family - N.O. Escape
Doombalaya - Pants on Fire
Jazzmeia Horn - A Social Call
Bonerama - Hot Like Fire
Hot 8 Brass Band - On The Spot
Andy Hall & Roosevelt Collier - Let the Steel Play