Top Picks of 2024: Dave Nowels Self-Indulgence
When I first began writing this year-end wrap up, I wasn’t feeling exceptionally well, and found myself struggling to maintain a semblance of optimism about life in general, much less the state of music in 2024. I’d gotten sick the Saturday before, some type of chest and head infection that everyone seems to have this time of year, and that has seemed to linger much longer than I’d expected. Once the worst was over though, and my optimism overcame pessimism, I realized just how many great releases had been played through my various speakers this year. While there’s always a handful of immediate impressionable releases each year, I always worry that I’ll never have enough to compile this list. That’s what I expected for this year, but once I started reviewing my notes, playlists and downloads, I saw how silly I’d been to once again, worry about something like that. So, without further adieu, with little regard to genre constraints and in my preferred general order, here’s my 2024 indulgences.
2024 Studio Releases:
Johnny Blue Skies – Passage Du Desir – Simply put, this year was the Year of Sturgill Simpson to my way of thinking. I don’t remember liking an album this much in a long, long time. Always evolving, Simpson dropped into both London’s Abbey Road studios and Clement House Recording Studios in Nashville and created an eclectic masterpiece worthy of both facilities, as well as an album that has had me revisiting it enthusiastically all year long. Released on High Top Mountain Records. REVIEW: Johnny Blue Skies “Passage du Desir”
John Moreland – Visitor Moreland surprise released this gem back on April 5th and I connected with it nearly immediately. Organic and natural, I’d put it alongside Moreland’s best. Available via Thirty Tigers. REVIEW: John Moreland “Visitor”
David Gilmour – Luck and Strange – A few years ago, I finally came to terms with the fact that Gilmour is my favorite guitarist, and probably always has been. I’ve long championed his 1978 debut eponymous album as being severely underrated. This, his fourth solo endeavor is a wonderful family affair, featuring his talented daughter, Romany Gilmour, lyrics written by his wife, Polly Sampson, as well as an exceptional ensemble of players, new and familiar. There’s plenty of tasty licks and solos, but this is an album that really is the sum of its parts.
Conny Ochs – Troubadour – The German songwriter’s new Exile on Mainstream’s album was one I was eager to hear, but honestly, I was shocked with how much I loved it. Much like the Moreland release, I connected with Troubadour almost immediately, keeping it on repeat for days. Ochs is an old soul and a troubadour in every sense of the word. Hope to see him touring in the US in 2025.
Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement – A true modern giant of the jazz world. Washington is one of the most inventive and dynamic composer and player I’ve ever seen. His music is soulful, heartfelt joy. Released via Young Records, Fearless Movement captures more than a little bit of that. Kamasi Washington Was a Force to be Reckoned With at OKC’s Tower Theatre
Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets – Indoor Safari – Perhaps surprisingly, I wasn’t all that familiar with Nick Lowe. I mean, I knew about him, and have casually listened here and there. But, I’ve never really listened, I’d suppose you’d say. So, when I stumbled upon this one from Yep Roc, I was completely flabbergasted. It’s amazing and immediately got added to my list of 2024 favorites. Show Review: Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets in Northampton, MA
Kasey Chambers – Backbone – This one was one I found it despite zero press. I stumbled upon the video for the first single on Youtube, only realizing it was brand new when I saw the date it had been posted. It’s crazy to think that someone of Chambers’ stature in Americana & roots music can release such a good album and people don’t even know about it. Crazy. Available on Essence Records.
Michael Rudolph Cummings – Money (EP) A self released four song EP that follows You Know How I Get, which was one of my favorite albums of 2022. Known for his heavy band Backwoods Payback and Boozewa, Cummings solo and in singer/songwriter mode is stunning in it’s contrast. A good songwriter is a good songwriter, regardless of the genre. Show Review: Michael Rudolph Cummings in OKC with Scott Ryan
Parlor Greens – In Green We Dream – Got introduced to this one by my dear friend and connoisseur of all things vinyl and blues, Elizabeth, (she’s on Instagram and a recommended follow: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielovesrecords ). It’s pure magic start to finish. A vibe reminiscent of Jimmy Smith, this trio features Adam Scone laying it down on the organ, Jimmy James on guitar, and Tim Carman on drums. Impressive and fabulously fun, it’s available through Colmine Records.
Kelley Juett – Wandering West – Cool solo ambient soundscape endeavor on Glory or Death Records from one of the best guitarists you’ve probably never heard. Kelley, along with his brother Kyle and drummer Judge Smith make up Mothership, a freaking great bluesy, rock outfit from Texas. Think Gov’t Mule on steroids. They’re back out on tour, with a new album supposedly on the way. This served as a nice precursor.
2024 Archival Releases:
Miles Davis – Miles In France 1963 & 1964 – While not as elaborate as many of the previous Sony Columbia/Legacy Miles Davis Bootleg Series releases, the music within is as stellar as it can be. The Second Great Quartet performing 5 sets in France during 1963 & 1964. A must have from any jazz fan.
Crosby Stills Nash & Young – Live at Fillmore East, 1969 – A wonderful historical gem courtesy of the fine people over at Rhino Records. Compiled with newly discovered multi-track recordings and mixed by Stills and Young, this is an amazing listen to the first tour of the legendary supergroup.
Grateful Dead – Dave’s Picks 2024 Series – Another labor of love from the Rhino folks. I’ve only been a subscriber since 2020, and shamefully regret not getting in during the inaugural year. Each year’s subscription consists of 4 quarterly releases, as well as the highly coveted subscriber’s bonus disc. Additionally, there’s a special box set archival release done each year (available separately) and there’s already a lot of speculation as to how 2025 and it’s significance as the band’s 60th anniversary will impact that release. 2024’s releases were a nice mix of eras with #49 a pair of Palo Alto 1985 shows, #50 New York 1977 (Bonus disc NYC 1977 too) #51 Scranton 1971 (My personal favorite from this year’s releases) and #52 Santa Fe 1983. I haven’t pulled the trigger on the 2024 box release which was a 1978 set. Still might though.
Live Performances:
2024 was another year of scaling back a bit on my concert schedule. In addition to a need to focus a bit more on general “adulting” responsibilities, it seems OKC has fallen off the “touring schedule” a bit following the pandemic, and that seemed apparent throughout much of 2024. Lots of artists and tours that normally would hit OKC, skipped us, and in many cases, Tulsa too. Traveling had become more cost and time prohibitive, so simply put, that limited shows I was able to see. If I saw a show, you can count on the fact that it was one I really wanted to see, and honestly, that’s a trend I expect will continue though, I’m already excited with how the 2025 schedule is unfolding.
Johnny Blue Skies/Sturgill Simpson – Some 30-odd songs spread over three hours of non-stop jamming that never once seemed self gratuitous or any way cliché. It’s not a fair comparison, but it was on par with seeing marathon-ish Springsteen in ’84-’85’s Born in the USA tour. Another of my favorite bands, The Obsessed was playing a different venue this same night touring on their great new Ripple Music album, Guilded Sorrow (consider it a 2024 honorable mention) I never miss seeing Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich and The Obsessed when they’re in town. I hate that I missed them this time, but I don’t regret my decision. Year of Sturgill Simpson indeed. Show Review: Sturgill Simpson at The Criterion in Oklahoma City
WoodyFest 2024 – Always a great time in Okemah each July. Always an intimate almost family-like get-together and this year was no exception. Personal highlights for me included Jaimee Harris playing with her brother Robby, Beat Root Revival, Serena Guthrie, Tim Easton, John Fullbright and James McMurtry. Show Review: WoodyFest 2024 Part 1
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Sometimes that round trip drive to Tulsa can be a daunting factor when considering a concert. But it’s never even a consideration when Tedeschi Trucks Band announce a show at the Tulsa Theatre. It’s like going to church each and every time. Show Review: Tedeschi Trucks at Tulsa Theater w/Joe Purdy
Bruce Cockburn – I discovered Cockburn in the early days of my record store days via co-workers much more in the know, and from hearing the name in friendly songwriter debates and conversation at Houston’s Anderson Fair and later McGonigal’s Mucky Duck. The opportunity to see Cockburn live was one I wasn’t eager to miss. Show Review: Bruce Cockburn at Tower Theatre in OKC
John Moreland – Living in Oklahoma, I’ve had the great fortune to see Moreland a lot over the years, but this was the first time I’ve seen him just solo. Ended up being my favorite of all the times I’ve seen him. A stunning setlist that was equally a new song showcase as well as an impressive career retrospective from one of my absolute favorite songwriters. Show Review: John Moreland at Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City
Herbie Hancock – I was committed to this one the minute it was announced. Seeing Herbie was one of my bucket list concerts to see, as well as artists to be able to photograph. An amazing night of music, a wonderful photography experience and a treasured memory. Show Review: Herbie Hancock at Chapman Music Hall
BEAT Tour – This was a last minute no-doubter. A night of exemplary musical explorations of a tremendously underrated era of King Crimson. KC alum, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin along with Danny Carey and Steve Vai curated a memorable evening of music. Show Review: BEAT tour in Oklahoma City
Top Picks of 2024: Dave Nowels Self-Indulgence