KJHK (Lawrence, KS)
- Transits-Bonobo featuring Szjerdene (A haunting, ethereal, fast track that mimics the sound of a well-worn LP. Szjerdene's vocals add an appropriate layer of heart and soul.)
- Are You OK?-Stars (In this 2014 release, the protagonist asks why someone is running away. The question goes down smoother with a beat like this.)
- When Marissa Stands Her Ground-Christian Scott (Simultaneously contemporary and retro. Scott's trumpet leads the way, the piano conveys effective, rumbling undercurrents, and the guitar line suggests Pat Metheny and John Scofield influences.)
- Milestones-Roy Hargrove (A proud, pulsating rendition of a Miles Davis classic.)
- Luigi Boccherini: Guitar Quintet No. 2 in E major, G. 446 (Zoltan Tokos, guitar; Danubius String Quartet) (It's refreshing to hear a piece for guitar and string quartet by an underplayed composer.)
- Gabriel Faure: Nocturne No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 36 (Pascal Roge, piano) (An appropriately solemn elegy, played with tenderness, when appropriate, and force, when needed.)
- Don't Mess With Me-Richard "Groove" Holmes (A freewheeling warning, issued over a cool organ backdrop. Holmes does an impressive cover of "Misty," as well.)
- The Seeker-Jessica Williams Trio (Williams transfers John Coltrane's expansive saxophone style to the piano effectively.)
- Better Not Wake The Baby-The Decemberists (This new track blends elements of Fairport Convention, They Might Be Giants, and John Kirkpatrick's "Stir The Fire.")
- Silver Springs-Fleetwood Mac (On record and in concert, three of Fleetwood Mac's most powerful performances are of the Stevie Nicks songs "Rhiannon," "Sisters Of The Moon," and "Silver Springs." "Silver Springs" is a prime example of powerfully written pathos.)
