Context? CDXXXIII

A radio talk show host chided himself for drawing a blank this morning.  After mentioning that listeners could call in, he asked, "What's the phone number here?  I've only worked here for 30 years."

Although my memory of phone numbers is generally strong, I understand why the host was flummoxed temporarily.  When part of your work routine becomes so rote that you don't have to think about it, it's easy for it to slip your mind occasionally.

At work, I frequently have to refer callers to certain phone numbers that I've read off hundreds of times.  Despite committing them to memory, I always read the phone numbers off of a form.  While it's unlikely that I'll forget them, it's wise to always have that reference sheet handy--just in case.

Feeling down? II

Today, I'm remembering a post I wrote in 2014.  After Peter Magyar's defeat of Viktor Orban in Hungay's parliamentary election Sunday, I'm thinking once again of Pete Seeger's reminders to those who think there's no hope for the human race.  In Larry Long's rendition of Seeger's "Well May The World Go," Seeger asks pessimists if they would have predicted the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall, the way in which President Richard Nixon had to resign, or South African President Nelson Mandela's release from prison.  Seeger then reminds them that if they couldn't predict those things not to be confident they can predict there's no hope.

Congratulations to all Hungarian residents yearning for a true democracy.  Here's hoping the anti-authoritarian ripples spread sufficiently to America.

Context? CDXXXII

I've written previously about how "B'wana She No Home" doesn't sound like the type of song listeners would expect The Carpenters to cover.  A WSIE DJ reinforced yesterday how atypical it is of their sound when he back announced, "The Carpenters.  Yes, those Carpenters."

It's an infectious version of the Michael Franks tune, to be clear.  It isn't, however, for those who expect to hear something similar to "Top Of The World," "Yesterday Once More," or "Close To You."

FM dial scan highlights CCCII

Friday and Saturday highlights:

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Crisis-Freddie Hubbard (An immediately ear-catching, expansive melody that swings with soaring trumpet.) 

KCLC 89.1 FM 

• Train In Vain-The Clash (One of the best melodies to result from a betrayal.  I never tire of this track, regardless of how often I hear it.)

KWUR 90.3 FM 

• Window-Free The Birds (Rhythmically catchy indie rock with lyrics acknowledging that much of life is beyond our control.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2

• One Note Samba-Janet Evra (Evra conquers the lyrics of this much-covered Antonio Carlos Jobim tune with graceful aplomb.)
• Lady Day And John Coltrane-Gil Scott-Heron (I was pleasantly surprised to hear this tune on any radio station.  I've listened to it off and on since the early '90s and have always liked its tribute to the healing power of jazz greats.)  

Context? CDXXXI

Given the recent spate of calls I've received that show up on caller ID as "SPAM RISK," I'm tempted to install an answering machine and use the chorus of Zebra's "Tell Me What You Want" as the outgoing announcement.  These spammers deserve to hear, "Tell me what you waaaaaaant!  Tell me what you want!" blaring in their ears, at a minimum.

Sidebar: Does any radio station still play this Zebra tune?  I've almost never heard it since 1983.

The allure of shuffle mode XCV

I've had these three CDs in my library for years but had never thought to segue these three tunes.  iTunes shuffle mode did, however, resulting in an elegant late night jazz set:

• Nocturne-Toots Thielemans
• Waltz For Monk-Mulgrew Miller
• Twilight Mist-Lee Morgan

I especially like that a different lead instrument takes command on each track, from harmonica to piano to trumpet, while maintaining a compatible flow with the track before or after it.  If I programmed a jazz station, I'd play these three instrumentals in a row.

FM dial scan highlights CCCI

Five of the better tunes I've heard today:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• The Gift-Roy Hargrove (An appealing energy and great synergy between the trumpet, piano, bass, and drums.)
• Sunset Glow-Lawson Rollins (A pleasant smooth jazz guitar groove.)

KCFV 89.5 FM

• Fool's Gold-Sofia Carson (A direct way to ask, "Is this relationship worth pursuing?")

KWUR 90.3 FM

• Pendulum Swing-Courtney Marie Andrews (Lyrically, this January release captures the inevitability of life careening from one extreme to another.)
• Heavy Foot-Mon Rovia (An engaging folky vibe paired with timely lyrics for Americans about resisting corrupt authoritarian regimes.)