With Tucson jazz enthusiast Pete Swan on the drums, you know the jazz will be technically impressive but still maintain a groove. The cymbal- and string-work are enough to get anyone’s toes tapping, and that goes for both hardened jazz veterans and casual listeners. They maintain a style that’s conscious of its influences yet still exploratory, mellow yet invigorating.
Runners Up
2. Mike Moynihan’s Purple Spectre
3. Tony Frank