As the sky darkens and the storm clouds gather...

...I'm reminded of my favorite rain-related instrumental, Lee Oskar's "Before The Rain."  Oskar was the harmonica player from War and released this gem of a track in 1978.  For more than eight minutes, Oskar settles into an unhurried, cross-categorical groove that never feels too long.  One testament to the song's appeal is that its last 30 seconds consist entirely of recorded rain, and it doesn't come across as a cliche.  I've only heard it on the radio once, years ago, and it surprises me that jazz stations don't program it regularly.  Oskar's smooth jazz instrumental, "More Than Words Can Say," is another laid-back, overlooked gem.