Best Local Musician

From his days with the peppy-pop powerhouse Grumpy to his out-there experimentation with space-jazz cadets Malachy Papers, saxophonist Mark Southerland has established himself as one of Kansas City's most prominent and prolific musicians. This year, though, he might have outdone himself. Between playing with the Papers, the equally adventurous but guitar-grounded instrumental outfit Mr. Marco's V7, and the ethereal eight-track-scratching experience T.J. Dovebelly Ensemble, Southerland released two stellar discs, gigged constantly and significantly enhanced the area music scene's understanding of improvisational art.