The pandemic failed to forestall a strong slate of new albums by Kansas City’s jazz musicians. A ranking of the year’s top live performances is missing for sadly obvious reasons.
Favorite Albums by Kansas City Artists
1. Bobby Watson- Keepin' It Real (My review.)
2. Molly Hammer- I'm Feeling Mellow
3. Mike Dillon- Rosewood (My review.)
4. Steve Cardenas- Blue Has a Range (My review.)
5. Pat Metheny- From This Place (My review.)
6. Brian Scarborough- Sunflower Song (My review.)
7. Guitar Elation- Double Live at Green Lady Lounge (My review.)
8. Matt Otto- Alliance (My review.)
9. Flutienastiness- This Is Me (My review.)
10. Purna Loka Ensemble- Metaraga
Favorite Albums by Artists From Elsewhere
1. Jyoti- Mama, You Can Bet!
2. Jennifer Curtis and Tyshawn Sorey- Invisible Ritual
3. Ambrose Akinmusire- On the Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment
4. Bill Frisell- Valentine
5. Kaja Draksler Octet- Out For Stars
6. Jeremy Pelt- The Art of Intimacy, Vol. 1
7. Angelica Sanchez and Marilyn Crispell- How to Turn the Moon
8. Sara Serpa- Recognition
9. Rudresh Mahanthappa- Hero Trio
10. Brad Mehldau- Suite: April 2020
I conducted the same exercise at Plastic Sax the each of the last ten years. Expanded rankings of my favorite albums of 2020 by Kansas City musicians are published at my nondenominational music site There Stands the Glass.