Subtle Disguise

2018 Top 10 I got a dizzying taste of Locke's latest in the spring, when the vibes master paired up with pianist Jim Ridl for a duo gig at Senate Garage in Kingston. If just the two of them could spin my head around, imagine the effect when they team up with bassist Lorin Cohen and drummer Samvel Sarkisyan for Locke's most penetrating work to date. Sax monster David Binney and guitarist Adam Rogers kick things up several notches on the badass opener "Red Cloud" and the hard-charging "Blondie Roundabout," while Raul Midon adds searing vocals to Bob Dylan's "Who Killed Davey Moore" and the always-welcome traditional "Motherless Children." Joe Locke has spoiled me: Every time he crosses my path, my soul gets thrilled, and he's done it one more time.