Best CD's of 2011, Round 1 Part 6

A few more today. Coming to the end of round 1, but still a few more

Charlie Haden & John Taylor-Nightfall (2004-Borders carcass pick)

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Vince Mendoza-Nights on Earth (2011-Label website)

Nights on Earth progresses to round 2. Nightfall is a beautifully recorded side. The material is strong, but all very familiar to me. I have every side John Taylor recorded in Peter Erskine's trio (with Palle Danielsson on bass). While Palle and Charlie are two different players, each cuts a similar vibe. The tunes on this I wasn't already familiar with don't stack up and grab me. Somewhat recommended.

Thelonius Monk-Monks Dream (1962-Borders carcass pick)

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Alison Krauss & Union Station-Paper Airplane (2011-Borders retail)

Two very different sides. Both good from the artist, but both not as strong as other works from the artist's catalog. A virtual tie, will give it to AKUS since it's a record from this year. It's good to have recordings of Monk's versions of these songs, but like many artists from this era that weren't hugely commercially successful, there are other albums with the same songs on them.

Danilo Perez-Providencia (2010-Borders carcass pick)

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Pancho Sanchez-Psychedelic blues (2009-Borders carcass pick)

I think I bought these two sides on the same day. This is a tough pick. Some tracks on Danilo's side are incredibly strong, others I don't care for as much. A few I flat out dislike. Pancho's band plays more accessible music, but plays it really well. I'm going to go with Pancho here. On Providencia, the horn ensemble writing is fantastic, the ballads are beautiful. The more uptemp tracks I find repetitive and waiting for them to end. Somewhat recommended. Highly recommended if you like repetitive riffs.

Tedeschi/Trucks Band-Revelator (2011-Gift)

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Various Artists-River of Song, disc 2 (1998-promo)

TTB moves on. River of Song is a nifty compilation from Smithsonian masterworks. The idea is to document the various styles of music that can still be found in this country. It probably won't be that way for ever. Disc 2 is the more R&B heavy side. TTB just does it better. Favorite tracks: T for Texas, Going back to Memphis.

Dick Daughtry-Versatility (No date-promo)

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Fred Hersch-Whirl (2010-Borders carcass pick)

Versatility plays like a demo. There's some flaws in mastering and performance. The Fred Hersch doesn't float my boat either, but progresses.