HCTF's best of 2020 (10-6)

• 20-16
• |
• 15-11
• |
• 10-6
• |
• 5-1

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HCTF's annual list of the 20 albums that will be in regular rotation for many years to come. As per usual many genres are represented. This blog covers a lot of ground and it shows in this eclectic, final tally.

Today: countdown from number 10 to 6.

Please shop at your local record store. Most of them have a website where you can order your stuff. Buy directly from the artist, attend live shows when it's safe to do so again. Educate your friends. Word-of-mouth can't be beat as the prime source to discover new music.

Middle Blue: Weird Funk in Small Bars

Live shows aren't happening during the pandemic and it will be long wait before attending a gig becomes feasible (and safe) again). Brooklyn avant-funk band Middle Blue, led by guitarist Brad Farberman, has just released a live album, Weird Funk in Small Bars, bringing the atmosphere a free-flowing club performance to your home, with even some of the banter of the crowd included.

They are about jamming and improvising and once they have settled on a theme to turn it upside down, stretch it out, whht band members stepping in and dropping out. The best kind of jazz is alwys sounds like it is created on the spot and Middle Blue's spontaneous approach to music enables them to groove, swing, and take twists and turns that keeps even the longst of jams entertaining and interesting. And with eyes closed it is almost of you are actually there, in one of those bars that serves good music besides the usual food and drink.