Harlan T. Bobo – Porch Songs (Goner)
Recorded before Bobo’s battle with lupus, these songs offer his intriguing songcraft in stripped-down form. “Around 2016, I went to see this guy in Perpignan who’s got an old 8-track set up,” he says. “It sounds very Sun Studio-y.” These minimalist tracks bring Bobo’s heart-piercing lyrics to the fore.
Cory Branan – When I Go I Ghost (Blue Élan)
Pairing slice-of-life writing with all manner of musical worlds, Branan pulls out all the stops in this literary stroll through the dark corners of American life, running the stylistic gamut. With contributions from guests like Jason Isbell, Garrison Starr, and Brian Fallon.
Frog Squad – Frog Squad Plays Satie
One of classical music’s most minimalist composers re-imagined by an eight-piece free jazz ensemble? It might just be crazy enough to work. Indeed it is, for David Collins assembled a heavy band for this Green Room show, guided by his unexpected arrangements and the players’ own flights of improvisation.
Eric Gales – Crown (Provogue)
This triumphant assertion of the Memphis guitar master’s indomitability is graced with a cameo from Joe Bonamassa, but Gales hardly needs that feature to claim the throne. This funky, inventive mission statement by a true virtuoso of blues guitar brings a newfound urgency to Gales’ playing, with electrifying results.
GloRilla – Anyways, Life’s Great…
It’s GloRilla’s world, and we’re just living in it. Yet the vision she offers in massive hits like “Tomorrow” (one version with Cardi B, one on the massive Memphis mash-up by Yo Gotti and Moneybagg Yo, Gangsta Art) and “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” (with Hitkidd) is a communal one, a fly-girl community where she reigns as the bird-flipping queen.
Elizabeth King – I Got a Love (Bible & Tire)
King’s voice has always combined a tender intimacy with soaring passion, and this second album since she re-energized her gospel career takes it all to a new level, with funkier and more imaginative arrangements. Yet it’s the classic, dark gospel blues of the title song that shakes you to your core.
Charles Lloyd – Trios: Ocean (Blue Note)
When Lloyd played GPAC this year, he reminisced generously about his Memphis youth, then showed how his post-bop experience here evolved in brilliant directions. Here, he explores the trio form with onetime Crosstown resident artist Anthony Wilson, a sterling guitarist with family roots here, and the otherworldly piano of Gerald Clayton.
The Love Light Orchestra – Leave the Light On (Nola Blue)
You’d think you had just scored an old LP on Duke Records from the 1950s. Like Bobby Bland, singer John Németh’s dynamic range goes from a silky purr to a growl in a heartbeat. And the nine jazz players backing him up in these jump-blues originals get it. Matt Ross-Spang’s mix cinches it.
MonoNeon – Put On Earth for You
This has been MonoNeon’s year, as Fender released a bass in his honor. This album reveals why: finely crafted George Clinton-esque, kitchen-sink funk that veers into the scatological, but always keeps a soulful, philosophical message at its heart. And this virtuoso knows how to play to the song.
North Mississippi Allstars – Set Sail (New West)
The Dickinson brothers have always experimented with rootsy blues grooves, and their latest has them looking both backward (with Stax legend William Bell) and forward, as singer Lamar Williams Jr. weaves his magic into their soul stew. Sonic surprises mix with tasty licks from the Mississippi mud.
PreauXX – God You’re Beautiful (Unapologetic)
If steez is the perfect blend of style and ease, PreauXX himself has all of that. But the rapper is working on many levels here. “This is my most vulnerable project,” he says. “This is my Handsome Samson persona. I’m very luxurious, my skin glowing. I’m being who I am.”
Mark Edgar Stuart – Until We Meet Again (Madjack)
Produced by Dawn Hopkins and Reba Russell, under the name “The Blue Eyed Bitches,” the focus here is on Stuart’s voice. The results are easy, breezy, and natural, thanks to the producers’ focus on feel above all else. That suits Stuart just fine. As he says, “It’s just about the emotion.”
Best Archival Release: Various Artists – The D-Vine Spirituals Records Story, Vol. 1 & 2 (Bible & Tire)
This slice of ’70s gospel, from Pastor Juan Shipp’s old label, is a must-have for all soul fans.
