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James Nadal's Best Releases of 2016

By James Nadal
December 20, 2016
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Having had the honor and pleasure to review over eighty records in 2016, choosing a dozen is a difficult task. There are featured blues and soul vocalists, which are maintaining the significance of these genres alive with the authentic talent and dedication required. Included are stimulating offerings from innovative fusion and experimental artists, as well as diverse instrumental and vocal performances from Africa and the Caribbean. My sincere appreciation to all the musicians, producers, promoters, publicists and friends who send music; and to Michael Ricci our publisher and editor-in-chief for his invaluable technical assistance.

William Bell This Is Where I Live (Stax Records)	Pauline Jean Nwayo (Self Produced)	Aireene Espiritu Back Where I Belong (Little Village Foundation)
Michael Spiro/Wayne Wallace Canto America (Patois Records)	Leon Foster Thomas Metamorphosis (Ropeadope)	Shez Raja Gurutopia (Dot Time Records)
Shabaka And The Ancestors Wisdom Of Elders (Brownswood Recordings)	Mark Fox Quartet Three Octaves Above The Sun (Cherry Sound Records)	Kat Riggins Blues Revival (Bluzpik Media Group)
Taeko Kunishima Iridescent Clouds (33 Jazz)	Fidel Morales Omío (Omío Music World)	Cafêzz Sol Boricua (Talismusic Records)

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