Best of 2019: The Top 10 Albums
Continuing our look back at 2019, here are the top 10 reader favorite albums for the year. (We covered hundreds of new releases over the course of 2019, but these made the list.)
This list covers music featuring Billy Sherwood, Billy Cox, Stu Cook, James Jamerson, Berry Oakley, Lee Rocker, Paul McCartney, Pino Palladino, Tal Wilkenfeld, and Pablo Elorza.
1. Yes Releases “Yes 50 Live”
Legendary prog-rock band Yes turned 50 last year, and they celebrated the occasion with a massive tour. Now they’ve released a new double live album called “Yes 50 Live” that features 13 performances from the trek.
2. Jimi Hendrix’s Full Band of Gypsys Debut Concerts Now Available
Jimi Hendrix debuted The Band of Gypsys with four shows over New Year’s Eve 1969 and New Year’s Day 1970. All of the performances were recorded, and all of them are now available in a new box set, “Songs For Groovy Children: The Fillmore East Concerts.”
3. Creedence Clearwater Revival Releases “Live at Woodstock”
While Woodstock 50 has been officially canceled, there are plenty of great celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the infamous music festival. That includes the long-awaited release of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s set from the event.
4. James Jamerson Featured on Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On Live”
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is a must-have album for bassists. Its songs are textbook examples of grooving by the late great Bob Babbitt and James Jamerson. Now you can hear Jamerson craft those bass lines in a newly reissued live album from 1972.
5. Allman Brothers Band’s Historic Fillmore West ’71 Performances Now Available
It’s been 50 years since the Allman Brothers Band was formed, and the celebration is continuing with the release of their explosive live performance at the Fillmore West in 1971. Bassist Berry Oakley was in top shape with the band and even took to singing “Hoochie Coochie Man.”
6. The Stray Cats Return with “40”
The Stray Cats are back! The classic rockabilly band has just released a new album called “40” that celebrates forty years since the group’s inception - and their first record in 26 years.
7. Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Reunite on “What’s My Name”
Ringo Starr is a guy that gets by with a little help from his friends. His new album, “What’s My Name,” teams him up once again with his old bandmate Paul McCartney. Nathan East, John Pierce, and Kaveh Rastegar also perform on the record.
8. Emeli Sandé Releases “Real Life” with Pino Palladino on Bass
British singer Emeli Sandé has returned with her third studio album, entitled “Real Life.” If you get really into those grooves, it may be thanks in part to session ace Pino Palladino laying down the bass lines.
9. Tal Wilkenfeld Releases “Love Remains”
Tal Wilkenfeld has returned with a new solo album called “Love Remains.” As opposed to her 2007 instrumental release, “Transformation,” her latest record focuses on her songwriting and marks her vocal debut.
10. Pablo Elorza Releases “Jaco Pastorius Tribute” Album
Pablo Elorza has paid homage to his bass idol on his new album, “Jaco Pastorius Tribute.” The bassist, who has shared several great Jaco lessons with us, covers some of the legend’s best known songs as well as a few more obscure numbers.
