HSD Top 10 Albums 2016 - No 8

Gregory Porter – Take Me To The Alley

There is a deep, timeless quality to the voice of Gregory Porter, the tone of which is warm, comforting, rich and reassuring. Gregory and the distinguished musicians, who support him, transport me to another era, where classic jazz is played in smoky clubs, finger snapping punters nod to the music, and velvety vocals hang delicately in the air. Gregory projects his soul in a different way to Charles Bradley for instance, as his voice is rooted in jazz. It is measured, full, controlled and calm but resonates joyfully. You know what you are going to get with a Gregory Porter record and Take Me To The Alley is no exception. It oozes class. It would be interesting to hear him push himself in another direction to see where he ends up. We are lucky to have a voice like Gregory Porter singing in the world today. A true gentleman and a truly soulful jazz man.

Check out the Tune:

Gregory Porter - Holding On

HSDaily Top 10 Albums 2016 - No 9

9 Kamsi Washington – The Epic

I bought Kamasi’s album in January of this year but like Ezra Furman's Perpetual Motion People which began the countdown yesterday at No.10, it was actually released in 2015. However, it has been a big musical part of my 2016. It is a quite incredible piece of music. In fact, it's length makes it more than simply a piece of music - it is a WORK - like a classical masterpiece. The Epic does indeed live up to its name, running to just under three hours in duration and is lovingly crafted. The music is uplifting, soulful, spiritual, pure jazz. Surrounded by other exceptionally gifted musicians, Kamsi’s music doffs its cap to jazz of a bygone era, yet he is so in the now. Having performed on Kendrick Lamarr’s To Pimp A Buterfly, and being fully connected with Flying Lotus, Thundercat and the Brainfeeder label, he couldn’t be more relevant and is well placed to bring this type of jazz music to the masses. The tracks that feature the wonderful voice of Patrice Quinn, remind me of Fertile Ground and their Perception album from 2001. Kamasi and his band played at Green Man this year and were superb. This is sensational music to be savoured. Kamasi Washington is a star and your time is well worth investing in this beautiful work of music.

Check Out The Tune:

Kamasi Washington - The Rythmn Changes

HSD Top 10 Albums 2016 - No 10

10 Ezra Furman – Perpetual Motion People

Perpetual Motion People came out in 2015 so I can’t really place it any higher up the chart but it has been a big record for me this year. Ezra is an absolute character, a tornado of charisma and personality, who wears his heart on his sleeve. He can be a 50s rock and roller, or a punk rocker and enjoys a large helping of 80s sax with his music. I was listening to the Young Americans album by Bowie the other day and the sax made me think of Perpetual Motion People. Ezra gives the impression that he is continually on the verge of a nervous breakdown, which adds a real sense of hammed up drama to his music and his live show. He gave a brilliant performance at The Roundhouse in October. Don’t stand still Ezra, perpetual motion please.

Check out the Tune:

Ezra Furman - Lousy Connection