My 10 Most Listened-to Albums in 2020
My 10 most listened-to albums this year (in no particular order):
A Song for Paul – Ghost Funk Orchestra
Favorite tracks: Modern Scene; A Song for Paul
The debut album from local funk/soul band with a D.I.Y aesthetic. I learned about the band from Instagram. During the quarantine, primary songwriter/mastermind Seth Applebaum posted videos of his recording process for Notes from Quarantine. A Song for Paul blends jazz, funk and soul into a psychedelic journey to ghost-funk land. The tonal qualities of the record remind me of the sort Daptone Records re-invented. I look forward to finally seeing G.F.O. live once music venue restrictions are lifted. The band just released a new album Ode to Escapism which I will be checking out as well.
Preludio – Fabiano do Nascimento
Favorite tracks: Rainha; Preludio Amazonico
I learned about Brazilian guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento from his recent NPR's Tiny Desk (Home) Concert. I loved his performance and immediately downloaded Preludio. I've listened to this record endlessly; while working, walking or just sitting down and listening. I love the musicality, sparse instrumentation, and beautiful, meditative arrangements. Though I am not too familiar with Brazilian music, I feel do Nascimento is drawing on a rich history with this album and I am interested in discovering some of his influences.
All My Relations – Cochemea
Favorite tracks: All My Relations; Al-Mu'tasim; Mescalero
A veteran of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, saxophonist Cochemea Gastelum assembled the Daptone crew in exploring his Indigenous roots on this record. Blending traditional percussion and melodies, with nods to jazz and other genres, this record is at times empowering, haunting and beautiful. When I listen to this record, I feel it's weight; the songs are ceremony, lifelines to ancestors and family traditions. While exploring his own roots, Cochemea shows us that we are all related.
Medaho – Kaleta & Super Yamba Band
Favorite tracks: Medaho; Goyito; Super Yamba Theme; La Guele
I saw Kaleta & Super Yamba Band open for St. Paul & The Broken Bones last December at the Brooklyn Bowl. Before the show, I sampled some of the band's music and knew I'd be getting there early to see them. The band was tight and powerful, with driving Afrobeat rhythms and rock solid bass lines. The group consists of singer/guitarist Kaleta, who toured with Fela Kuti, and Brooklyn Afro-funk band Super Yamba Band. I enjoy the deep percussive grooves and memorable horn lines on this record. During the protests following the death of George Floyd this past summer, I found this record uplifting and that it gave me spiritual strength.
Ilana: The Creator – Mdou Moctar
Favorite tracks: Karmane Tarhanin; Inizgam; Anna; Takamba
Ilana, the first studio album from Taureg rocker Mdou Moctar, blends Saharan desert blues music with Hendrix-inspired intensity. Moctar, from Agadez, Niger, became popular through cell phone bluetooth music sharing. His discography (and also the Sahel Sounds label) includes a treasure trove of lofi mp3s and field recordings from the desert and local community weddings. I can certainly imagine the interaction between the musicians and the audience on tracks which have several vocalists or sing-along parts and lots of rhythmic clapping. While Moctar may stick to more traditional tones on some parts of the record, he takes off on overdriven guitar solos on songs like 'Tarhatazed'. This record never fails to pull me in and transport me to the Sahara.
Guilty – Billy Martin
Favorite tracks: Home Beat Home; Across The Street; Xporto.
Billy Martin, of legendary jazz-funk band Medeski, Martin & Wood, plays drums and bass on his latest release Guilty. Martin, one of my favorite musicians and percussionists, draws on an eclectic assortment of influences here, with spaghetti-western vibes on 'Home Beat Home', surfer punk on 'Lonely Surf' and ambient compositions on 'Montaukett Sky'. Initially, Martin released short videos of himself on Instagram, looping bass parts and playing drums over the loops. These videos became the genesis of the record, eventually being compiled by Martin and then overdubbed by friends including John Medeski and Marc Ribot. Martin's inventive bass lines and masterful percussion creates a world inside each of these tracks which I frequently return to explore.
Resonate – Lettuce
Favorite tracks: Blaze; Moksha; Silence is Golden; Resonate.
Funk outfit Lettuce is without a doubt one of my top five favorite bands. When I heard the band was releasing an album this year, despite not being able to tour due to the pandemic, I purchased the vinyl and received a downloadable copy which I could listen to until the vinyl arrived. Resonate is the twin and follow-up to last year's grammy-nominated Elevate. As always, Lettuce brings the funk with ragers like 'Blaze' and 'Checker Wrecker'. 'Moksha' was the track that initially hooked me, with its incorporation of Indian music and classic Lettuce vibes. With indoor performances and touring being mostly impossible this year, I'm certainly looking forward to hearing these songs live – whenever that may be.
Universalists – Yonatan Gat
Favorite tracks: Medicine; Fading Casino
Back in January, I was able to see Yonatan Gat perform with the Eastern Medicine Singers, a group of Algonquin drummers and singers. Gat, a modern guitar legend, combined his frenetic riffs with the pounding rhythms and chanting of the Eastern Medicine Singers. The energy coming off the stage felt like shamanic ritual. With elements of avant garde, jazz and other genres, Gat looked like a crazed sea-captain while he steered the ship from one song to the next, utilizing his guitar and sampling instrument. I was already hooked on Universalists by the time I saw the show and I continued to revisit it throughout the year. Certain melodies, like on 'Fading Casino' would be on endless repeat in my mind. On 'Medicine', the track which initially hooked me, the pairing of Gat with the Eastern Medicine Singers seems like a strange one, but it works. Gat is able to break down all musical borders, seamlessly weaving in and out of genres while producing tracks which are thoughtfully composed but retain a feeling of improvisation.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
All right I couldn’t name just one! Polygonwandaland, Nonagon Infinity, Flying Microtonal Banana, and K.G. have all been on constant repeat.
Folksinger Vol. 2 – Willie Watson
Favorite tracks: Gallows Pole; Walking Boss
Willie Watson, formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show, sings and plays guitar, banjo, and harmonica on this interpretation of classic folk songs. During the summer, I'd lay in the grass, soaking in the sun and watching the clouds while listening to this record. I find it comforting to hear these old tunes of hard times and struggles, while our world now is itself in constant turmoil. Watson's cover of traditional folk song ‘Gallows Pole’ (first recorded by Leadbelly in 1939) moved me to tears the first time I heard it – and still does.
Throughout this tumultuous year, I am reminded of the special place music holds in my life. Music allows me to relax and reflect; to get lost in a song or album and temporarily leave my earthly problems behind. Music also gives me energy and inspiration. I am especially grateful for all these artists and their music and I thank them for guiding me throughout the year.
KW
Notable Mentions:
Cinematics Vol. 1 – Soulive (My favorite band)
Beat Music! Beat Music! Beat Music! - Mark Guiliana
A Love Supreme – John Coltrane (A record I frequently revisit).
The Universe Smiles Upon You; Con Todo El Mundo - Khruangbin
Naxatras – Naxatras (I've been listening to this a lot at the time of this publication).