From the source

A sample of the music currently turning on Tulsa’s music makers

From pop to country to jazz to hip-hop and every sonic sidestreet in between, we asked 10 Tulsa musicians from varying genres and musical backgrounds to name just one favorite album of 2013.

James Blake // Overgrown
“I love the production and sense of space that continue to define his work,” Combs said. “Great vocals, impeccable taste, and a guest spot from RZA make this one of my favorite albums of the year.”
Chris Combs // Guitarist, producer // Booomclap

Beyoncé // Beyoncé
“Hats off to Beyoncé for her self titled surprise album,” Jackson said. “With dynamic, rhythmic material, she jumped from genre to genre while allowing her listeners into her world by enticing them with poetic lyrics and street lingo reminiscent of her roots in Houston.”
Branjae Jackson // Singer // Branjae and the All Stars

Willie Nelson // To All The Girls
“That’s easy!” Rose said with a wink, immediately naming the album on which she performs a duet with the country legend. “With different vocal styles and genres ranging from classic country to jazz to gospel, this album truly has something for everyone.”
Tina Rose // Singer // Daughter of Tulsa legend Leon Russell

VERSE // The City That Always Sleeps
“Critics spent 2013 justifying A$AP ROCKY and Kanye West’s output, but Verse spent it smashing their albums with any given song on ‘The City That Always Sleeps,’” Gilliam said of the Tulsa M.C.’s debut. “Local, or international: Verse wins.”
Mitch Gilliam // Singer, guitarist // Lizard Police

The 1975 // The 1975
“It was refreshing for me to hear a good balance of pop and catchy vocals with the upbeat feel they have — but not too cheesy,” Chronister said. “They are one of the first ‘upcoming new’ bands that have put an album out in a while that I can really get into.”
Luke Chronister // Guitarist // All About a Bubble

Joey Bada$$ // Summer Knights
“The album has great beat selection, front to back,” Verse said. “Quality lyricism, flows and deliveries that changed from song to song without feeling corny or over the top. It was cohesive without being repetitive, and has high replay value.”
VERSE // M.C., producer, DJ

Wayne Shorter // Without a Net
“It’s an exciting example of what happens when masters get together to improvise with complete trust, joy and curiosity,” Welch said. “I love the constant surprises and effortless conversations these four get into.”
Clay Welch // Guitarist // And There Stand Empires

Pam Van Dyke Crosby // Jazz on a Summer’s Night
“I was at the Primo Room at Ciao the night it was recorded, and all the magic is there for the listening,” said Ungerman. “It’s simply the best players playing their best on the best music, all led by the wondrous Crosby.”
Rebecca Ungerman // Vocalist // The Rebecca Ungerman Combo

Bennett/Brubeck // The White House Sessions, Live 1962
“It is significant to me because I’ve worked with both of these artists,” Epperly said. “Also because it was recorded at the White House, and I served as conductor of the U.S. Army Chamber Orchestra in Washington for three administrations.”
Barry Epperly // Artistic Director // Signature Symphony

Bobby McFerrin // spirityouall
“I’ve admired Bobby McFerrin’s music ever since getting his and Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘Hush’ album on cassette some twenty years ago,” Ryan said. “So I wasn’t surprised that this release features the same musical spontaneity, creativity, and excellence that he not only produces but seems to be made of.”
Barron Ryan // Classical and jazz pianist