Here are the top 20 tracks released in 2016 featured on my radio program, Jazz In the New Millennium. As a deejay, I listen in terms of individual tracks, though as a critic I recommend most of the albums these tracks are on. The program is syndicated through the African American Public Radio Consortium and airs on eight stations, including Houston, Atlanta. Denver, Phoenix and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Charles Lloyd and the Marvels, "Of Course Of Course"
Gregory Porter, "Take Me to the Alley"
Herlin Riley, "The Crossbar"
Norah Jones, "It's a Wonderful Time for Love"
David Murray/Geri Allen/Terri Lyne Carrington, "The Nurturer"
Rene Marie, "Sound of Red"
Dr. Lonnie Smith, "Play It Back"
Warren Wolf, "Soul Sister"
Marcus Strickland, "Drive"
Jack DeJohnette/Ravi Coltrane/Matthew Garrison, "Alabama"
John Scofield, "Wildwood Flower"
Robert Glasper and Miles Davis, "Right On Brotha"
Pedrito Martinez Group, "Mi Tempistad"
Joe Lovano Quartet, "Big Ben"
Kenny Garrett, "Bossa"
Kenny Barron Trio, "Shuffle Boil"
Dave Stryker, "Trouble Man"
Esperanza Spalding, "Unconditional Love"
Ron Carter/Houston Person, "Young and Foolish"
Dave Holland/Aziza, "Sleepless Nights"
Here are ten non-jazz albums that brought me joy and artistic satisfaction.
Rolling Stones, Blue and Lonesome
Beyoncé, Lemonade
The Hamilton Mixtape
Paul Simon, Stranger to Stranger
Allen Toussaint, American Tunes
Sturgill Simpson, A Sailor's Guide to Earth
God Don't Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson
Drive-by Truckers, American Band
William Bell, This Is Where I Live
The Suffers, The Suffers