Best of 2020: The Top 10 Albums
In 2020, we featured hundreds of new albums. This list comprises the top 10 reader favorite records of the year, featuring Steve Bailey, Rocco Prestia, Nick Schendzielos, Jimmy Johnson, Pino Palladino, Brandi Disterheft, Mike Gordon, Leland Sklar, Michael Henderson, and Bootsy Collins.
1. Steve Bailey Releases Jaw-Dropping Duets Album, “Carolina”
Steve Bailey has returned with a new solo album, or more appropriately, duet album. “Carolina” is an amazing 17-song collection that showcases the six-string wonder with a wide array of artists.
2. Tower of Power Returns with “Step Up”
Tower of Power celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2018 with “Soul Side of Town.” Though it was a partial victory lap for the band, they’re clearly not done as they’ve just released a new album called “Step Up,” recorded during the same session.
3. Nuclear Power Trio Release “A Clear and Present Rager”
We’ve heard enough party politics. Now it’s time for a politics party. Nuclear Power Trio – with Donald Trump on guitar, Vladimir Putin (who sounds a lot like Nick Schendzielos) on bass, and Kim Jong-Un on drums – have released their debut album, “A Clear and Present Rager”.
4. Jimmy Johnson Anchors 1986 Allan Holdsworth Live Album
Three years after his passing, a new live album from guitarist Allan Holdsworth is available to the public. “Frankfurt ’86” features the incredible lineup of Gary Husband, Kei Akagi, and Jimmy Johnson.
5. Pino Palladino Featured on Margo Price’s “That’s How Rumors Get Started”
Margo Price has been taking the country by storm with her blend of country, folk, and rock & roll, which earned her a Grammy nomination. Now she’s released her third studio album, “That’s How Rumors Get Started”, featuring Pino Palladino on bass.
6. Brandi Disterheft Returns with “Surfboard”, Featuring George Coleman
Surf’s up! Brandi Disterheft has just released a new album called “Surfboard”, which marks her fifth as a leader. Songs on the album range from blues to pop to the Great Brazilian and American songbooks.
7. Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon Return with “Noon”
For the first time in fifteen years, the duo of guitarist Leo Kottke and Phish bassist Mike Gordon have released a new album together. “Noon” features eleven new tracks by the duo including originals and covers.
8. Leland Sklar and The Immediate Family Release “Slippin’ and Slidin’”
The Immediate Family’s long-awaited album, “Slippin’ and Slidin’”, is finally here. The EP is the first U.S. release from the band, which is made up of session legends Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, Russ Kunkel, Steve Postell, and Leland Sklar.
9. New Miles Davis Album Documents “The Lost Septet”
Miles Davis had several important eras over his long career. Now, a newly unearthed live recording captures what is called his “Lost Septet” from his rock and fusion period. Recorded in Vienna in 1971, the band included Michael Henderson on bass.
10. Bootsy Collins’ “The Power of the One” Now Available
Ever since his time with James Brown, funk master Bootsy Collins has spent his career keeping it on “The One.” Now the bassist has released a new star-studded album called “The Power of The One”.
