From Kansas City And Beyond, The Best Music Of 2017

By Steve Kraske,

Published January 12, 2018 at 4:50 PM CST

The Atlantic (left), Deborah Brown, and Rachel Millan & the Wild Type (right) were among the best of Kansas City area artists in 2017.

Kansas City's music scene has a long tradition of hardworking artists who turn out great, original songs. Last year was no different. Today, Playlistplay.com co-creater Savanna Howland, Judy Mills of Mills Record Company, and KCUR contributor Bill Brownlee offer a sampling of their favorite 2017 releases from Kansas City and around the world. From Bummer to Deborah Brown, the list includes acts to satisfy jazz heads and head-bangers alike.

Today's local playlist:

"Holy Terror," by Bummer

"Ask Me Now," by Deborah Brown

"Innocence," by Mess

"Teenage Bodies," by Rachel Mallin & the Wild Type

"Elm," by Matt Otto and Ensemble Ibérica

"https://youtu.be/_N_WMLcBsUE?t=24s" target="_blank">Only One," by Payge Turner

"High Tension," by Salty

"American Dream," by Samantha Fish

"Stay Away," by The Atlantic

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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