By: Stewart Oksenhorn
ASPEN — Almost all of the big players in the local music scene were noticeably on top of their games these past 12 months. Jazz Aspen Snowmass had what was certainly its most crowd-pleasing, best-attended, highlight-filled season ever. Belly Up Aspen continued to build on its tremendous accomplishments, bringing big names into a cozy venue. The Snowmass scene, including the Chili Pepper & Brew Fest, the free Thursday night series and Massive Music & Movies weekends, is more ambitious than ever.
Yet, what sticks out just as much in this outstanding, vibrant, phenomenal (wait, don’t stop me yet) memorable, remarkable (OK Stewy, that’s enough) musical year were the less obvious things: Jazz concerts in Aspen Music Festival venues. Lesser-known acts. Artists making their Aspen debuts. Musical events presented by the Aspen Writers’ Festival. A surprise, free performance in the most unusual of spaces by one of the biggest names in indie rock.
For reasons big, small and mid-sized, it was a tremendous year of music in the valley. It has me thrilled to look back, pick through it all, and select the best of it in an annual exercise I call the Stewys. I hope you have as much fun reflecting as I am.
Best solo show: The nominees are Warren Haynes, Martin Sexton, Nick Lowe, John Oates, John Hiatt and Rufus Wainwright. In an interview, Massachusetts soul-singer Martin Sexton offered the self-assessment that he’s better as a solo act than with a band. A strong claim; I had seen his band show last summer, and came away most impressed. But damn if he wasn’t better in a solo show, Feb. 22 at Belly Up, and even better able to connect with the audience. Stewy to the mighty, smiley Martin.
Best speech: At a sprawling February event at the Wheeler, presented by Aspen High School’s Action in Africa and the Aspen Writers’ Foundation, DMC — half of the pioneering hip-hop team Run-DMC — gave a passionate, wise defense of hip-hop that made its mark on the mostly young ears in attendance.
Check out more Stewy Awards HERE...
