The Contenders, Vol. 20: The Beths, Dustin O’Halloran, Nicholas Payton, more

We’ve got six must-hear songs to add to our running list of the year’s best tracks, including some shredding from The Beths, a gorgeous solo piano piece from Dustin O’Halloran, sublime jazz from Nicholas Payton and more.

Featured artists and songs:


1. The Beths: “No Joy,” from ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’

2. Nate Smith & Saje: “Big Fish,” from ‘Live Action’

3. Dustin O’Halloran: “Gold” (Single)

4. Dara Star Tucker: “Pure Imagination,” from ‘Time Wouldn’t Wait’

5. Grumpy: “Crush,” from ‘Piebald’

6. Nicholas Payton (with Esperanza Spalding and Karriem Riggins): “Let It Ride,” from ‘Triune’

Weekly reset: A late-summer day at the playground

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