by Dave Sumner
Wondering Sound
October 29, 2014

For the second week in a row, some late Best of 2014 contenders state their claim. Two qualities reflect most of this week’s list of recommendations: strong musicianship and fun fun music. You just can’t overvalue the potency of serious music that’s also a blast to kick back and listen to. Let’s begin…

Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, The 21st Century Trad Band: Nice follow-up to last year’s winning release In a World of Mallets. Marsalis incubates a welcoming rush of warmth in his music, regardless of whether it’s a bop, a blues, or some modern construct that doesn’t sound beholden to any one influence. His use of xylophone, vibes, marimba, glockenspiel and tubular bells further diversifies his sound, and bringing back regulars Will Goble on bass, Austin Johnson on piano and David Potter on drums further cements the strength of their conversation. Very cool that he does a cover of fellow New Orleans musician, Cliff Hines’ “Interzone.”