'40s On 4
- Heart And Soul-Skitch Henderson (A big band arrangement that swings; hearing this version reminds me that "Heart And Soul" is more than just a song that kids learn to play by ear on the piano.)
- After The Love Has Gone-Earth, Wind & Fire (Soaring vocals dominate this stellar track. Most radio stations, unfortunately, don't play it in its entirety. The winding sax riff at the end that bleeds over into "Let Your Feelings Show" on the "I Am" album is a great way to cap off one of the band's best songs.)
- Good-Better Than Ezra (For anyone who has the voice for it, this must be a fun karaoke tune, especially during the "Maybe I'll call or write you a letter..." section.)
- Palm Of Your Hand (Aerosoul Remix)-Speed Limits & Jaco featuring Joni Fatora (A hypnotic trance track released in January. Fatora's vocals are appropriately detached. I'd be curious to see a light show coordinated with this tune.)
- My Little Love-The Weepies (Another heartfelt selection from this band. Also recommended: "World Spins Madly On" and "Can't Go Back Now.")
- On The Road To Find Out-Cat Stevens (Some of the best lyrics for transition times.)
- Waiting On Love-Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers (Bluhm's vocals and a good guitar hook propel the tune. Bluhm has shown her vocal range on YouTube in a series of covers, so I'm curious to hear what comes next for this group.)
- Daisy Jane-America (An oldie that doesn't get a lot of radio airplay today. America displays a good sense of harmony here, in a style similar to Seals & Crofts and England Dan & John Ford Coley. The piano, strings, and beating heart enhance the vocals.)
- Since You Been Gone-Rainbow (One of rock's crunchier riffs; a tight, concise track about attempting to live without someone. Head East's version is just as strong.)
- Hidden-Helen Sung and Regina Carter (A compelling piece for keyboards and violin.)
- It Might As Well Be Spring-James Moody (Improvisational joy on the saxophone and fine brass accompaniment.)
- One Note Samba-Stacey Kent (Vocally and instrumentally, Kent captures the spirit of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66.)
- Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing-Stevie Wonder (A gripping rhythm, right from the opening piano riff, and a great sing-along chorus; one of Wonder's many excellent hits.)
- Veronica-Elvis Costello (One of Costello's most accessible, radio-friendly tracks.)
- Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83 (Berlin Philharmonic/Claudio Abbado, conductor; Maurizio Pollini, piano) (Stately, intense, and sensitive, as the concerto's moods shift.)
