Best of 2021: The Top 10 Albums
In 2021, we featured hundreds of new albums featuring bassists all over the world. This list comprises the top 10 reader favorite records of the year.
1. Tedeschi Trucks Band Releases “Layla Revisited”
An epic performance of the Tedeschi Trucks Band with guests Trey Anastasio and Doyle Bramhall II is now available as an album called “Layla Revisited (Live at LOCKN’)”.
2. Victor Wooten and Billy Sheehan Featured on Prog-Metal Band Octavision’s Debut
Just over four years ago, No Treble readers were blown away by Octavision’s debut single, which featured the mighty Victor Wooten on bass. Now the group has released its first full-length album, called “Coexist” with Wooten and Billy Sheehan.
3. Michael Henderson Shines on Unearthed Marvin Gaye Instrumental Album
Marvin Gaye’s iconic album “What’s Going On” turned 50 this year, and Motown/UMe celebrated with a deluxe digital edition. However, fans will be interested to hear an accompanying album called “Funky Nation: The Detroit Instrumentals” - with Michael Henderson on bass.
4. Tal Wilkenfeld Anchors Upcoming Prince Album, “Welcome 2 America”
Since his passing, we’ve been getting little bits of unreleased music from Prince’s vault. Now a full never-before-heard album will be seeing the light of day, with drummer Chris Coleman and bassist Tal Wilkenfeld.
5. Dug Pinnick Unveils Fifth Solo Album, “Joy Bomb”
King’s X frontman and bass hero Dug Pinnick has announced that his fifth solo album, entitled “Joy Bomb”, will be dropping on October 15th. The record marks his first solo album of new material since 2013.
6. “Mingus at Carnegie Hall” Gets Deluxe Reissue
Forty-seven years ago, Charles Mingus performed with his band at Carnegie Hall. A live album, “Mingus At Carnegie Hall”, was issued but excluded much of the 2-hour performance. Now the full concert has been released as a deluxe edition.
7. Tom Kennedy Featured on Lukasz Pawlik’s “Long-Distance Connections”
Pianist and composer Lukasz Pawlik has released his new album, “Long-Distance Connections”, which assembles a who’s who of the jazz world. That includes a roster of Tom Kennedy, Randy Brecker, Gary Novak, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, and more.
8. Steve Lukather Releases “I Found The Sun Again” with Jorgen Carlsson and John Pierce
Toto guitarist and session ace Steve Lukather has just released a new solo album called “I Found The Sun Again”. Co-produced and engineered by Ken Freeman, the album includes bassists Jorgen Carlsson and John Pierce.
9. Leland Sklar and The Immediate Family Release Self-Titled Album
After releasing two EPs, Leland Sklar and The Immediate Family have dropped a full-length self-titled album. The new album was recorded over three days at Jackson Browne’s studio in Los Angeles and includes tracks from the previous releases.
10. Pino Palladino and Blake Mills Album, “Notes With Attachments,” Now Available
Pino Palladino’s highly-anticipated album with producer and multi-instrumentalist Blake Mills is now available. “Notes With Attachments” marks the bass legend’s debut as a co-leader, though the record was originally conceived as a solo effort.
