KDHX 88.1 FM
- Como Vai, Vai Bem?-Joyce (Late '60s Brazilian music from early in Joyce's career; it's a fun prelude to Swing Out Sister's "Don't Give Up On A Good Thing." Joyce has been one my favorite Brazilian singers since I first played her music on KCOU in the early '90s. Two standout tracks of hers are "Caymmis" and "Arrebenta (Bursting.)"
- Don't Give Up On A Good Thing-Swing Out Sister (I praised Swing Out Sister in my September 8 post, "Remembering KNJZ." This is yet another example of Corinne Drewery selling a song convincingly with strong vocals.)
- Summer Rain-Liam Bailey (This is new, although it sounds like it's from a much earlier era; raw vocals mesh well with polished instrumentals to create a throwback blend of cool R&B and rock.)
- Another Day-Jamie Lidell (Kudos to KDHX for another smooth segue; this track is from 2008, although it, like "Summer Rain," sounds like a throwback. It features strong piano backing and Stevie Wonder-influenced singing.)
- Pop Goes The Weasel-Cory Weeds (A surprising choice for a jazz cover, at over seven minutes, but it works; Weeds turns a well-known tune for kids into a cool, recurring saxophone riff. Harold Mabern, who released one of this year's strongest jazz CDs, "Right On Time," keeps the tune grounded with appropriate piano underpinnings. Check out "Right On Time" for a strong cover of the Miles Davis classic, "Seven Steps To Heaven.")
- September-Earth, Wind & Fire (One of the band's most infectious hits; great vocals and horns all around. It's unlikely that any band could come close to matching Earth, Wind & Fire's recording, but Seven Handle Circus deserves credit for even attempting it.)
- Benjamin Britten: Simple Symphony (English Chamber Orchestra/Benjamin Britten, conductor) (I've played this piece on the bass and recommend it as a starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about Classical music. Each movement is memorable and accessible. The second movement, with its plucked strings, stands out.)
