Telluride Blues and Brews 2016

No doubt 2016 was a terrific year for new music!  We play a broad range of genres here at KAFM. A lot of it passes through the dedicated and diverse members of the Music Bureau, overseen by KAFM's Staff Music Director, Tori Miner.  It is catalogued, reviewed and rated before ultimately finding it's way to our on-air studio. Looking back on 2016, here are some of the Music Bureau's members top picks of 2016.  Up next is Alan who hosts KAFM's "The Fuzz Garage" and "Saturday Night Showcase".  He also does quite a bit of subbing for other programmers.  Here is what he and others had to say:


#1   Fruition - Labor of Love

 "Great 3 part harmonies and some inspired guitar and mandolin picking. These folks can play..."


Note:  Fruition's "Labor of Love" was Alan's favorite song of the year.

#2   Rogue Valley - Radiate / Dissolve

"...near perfect fifth release for Mpls. MN quartet.  Band centered indie rock\ pop fusion built around the perfectly pure lead and harmony vocals...featuring ambient western guitar riffs, unexpected melody turns,  background brass chorus, and meticulous yet prudent production..."




#3   The Congress - The Game

"...very strong album...formed in  Denver but now based in Richmond...beautiful harmonies, infectious melodies..." 




#4   Suzanne Dean - Come To Paradise

"...very listenable album that cuts across the genres of jazz, folk and funk.  All originals.  Dean is an educator, composer, keyboardist and guitarist....happy music...very good..."



#5   The Westies - Six On The Out

"...bold and broad in scope...masterful and exquisite storytelling...stories not for the faint of heart...The Westies will take you on a journey of an America in desperate times - one that few people see, yet everyone knows exists..."


 

The Alan's Best of 2016 | Honorable Mention:

1. Switchfoot | Where The Light Shines Through
2. Gonzalo Bergara | Zalo's Blues
3. Baked Potatoes | Loaded
4. Nora Jones | Day Breaks
5. The Head And The Heart | Sign Of Light

Keep your radio tuned to KAFM as we continue to present the best in new music and emerging artists for 2017!

 

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