trombone.alex writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Alex Leong

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from volunteer Alex Leong (a.k.a. trombone.alex).

Mint Chip by Kamikaze Palm Tree (Drag City)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Perhaps an acquired taste, Kamikaze Palm Tree provide a healthy dose of dance beats, dissonance, and WTF?

Block Party by Young Fellaz Brass Band (Nice Bass Productions)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The torch has been passed on from Rebirth, Soul Rebels, and Hot 8 to the Young Fellaz Brass Band and the Big 6 Brass Band. The post-Katrina generation incorporates more elements of electronic music and social-media virality into furthering the second-line traditions of New Orleans.

Growing Up by The Linda Lindas (Epitaph)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The Linda Lindas are superheroes and I can't wait for their next adventure! A lot of care and guidance went into this production to see that it rocks harder than most other debut albums and is also way more fun!

The Vaults of Zagora Records Master Mind (1971-1984) by Daniel Vangarde (Zagora)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The father of Daft Punk's Thomas Bangalter, Daniel Vangarde also essentially created French Disco, a blend of Philly Soul and Italo Disco with North African influences - perhaps the more-reliable cousin of "Prisencolinensinainciusol."

Lifted by Trombone Shorty (Blue Note)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Dedicated to his late-mother, Lois Nelson Andrews, Trombone Shorty's fifth major-label album is the most accurate representation of his polished live show, featuring a band as tight as The Meters or Earth, Wind & Fire providing elevating grooves until sunrise.

Honorable Mentions

I collaborated with former-Chicago songwriter Mike Maimone, now based in Nashville, for a series of original singles released throughout 2022, as well as a cover of "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood - recorded in Chicago at SHIRK Studios, featuring guitarist Nathan Graham, drummer Ian Tsan, bassist Alex Piazza, and saxophonist Tim Koelling.