KWMU-3 (St. Louis, MO)
- Edvard Grieg: Wedding Day at Troldhaugen (Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields/Neville Marriner, conductor) (The threat of a storm may cast a temporary gloom on the wedding, but this generally joyful piece suggests that the ceremony was beautiful.)
- The Cliffs Of Dooneen (Barry Douglas, piano) (An enjoyable Irish melody, played gracefully.)
- J.B.'s Shuffle (Live in Chicago)-J.B. Hutto (Wailing slide guitar dominates this track, in a reissue released today. Although it stands on its own, it would also work as a cool, continuous blues instrumental loop or music bed.)
- There Are Such Things-Sonny Rollins (One of several sax-based gems from the album, "Worktime." For more uptempo fare, check out "It's All Right With Me.")
- Walking On A Wire-Richard & Linda Thompson (Brave lyrics about a relationship that's deteriorating.)
- The Speed Of Trees-Ellis Paul (There's a consistency in Paul's singing and songwriting that makes each release worth seeking out. This song about making a decision when it needs to be made is noteworthy. I also strongly recommend "All Things Being The Same," "Maria's Beautiful Mess," and Paul's version of Woody Guthrie's "God's Promise.")
- We Meet, We Part, We Remember-The Holmes Brothers (A realistic take on nostalgia and second chances.)
- Everything Reminds Me Of My Dog-Jane Siberry (This has been the track I've listened to most on Siberry's "Bound By The Beauty" LP for years, and I never expected to hear it on the radio. After listening to it today, I'm even more convinced that the word, "everything," isn't all that exaggerated in this context. The fadeout, "Do you want to go for a walk? Do you want a cookie?" makes me smile every time.)
- I Can't Remember-The Thorns (Not the most optimistic song, but the vocal harmonies suggest an undercurrent of hope.)
- Wherever Is Your Heart-Brandi Carlile (The theme of this song, "Wherever is your heart, I call home," has been paraphrased thousands of times in virtually every genre of music. It still feels fresh in this track from Carlile's forthcoming CD, "The Firewatcher's Daughter.")
