Thursday, April 16, 2015

Stingray Music highlights II

Some of the best tracks I heard this morning:

Classic R&B And Soul
  • Never Too Much-Luther Vandross (One of the best instrumental openings, providing instant atmosphere, and one of the best Vandross vocals.)
  • Street Life-The Crusaders featuring Randy Crawford (It was gratifying that The Crusaders, who recorded scores of strong albums, particularly in the '70s, had a top 40 hit with this album title track.  Crawford's vocals carry an already strong instrumental.  Also recommended from the album: "Carnival Of The Night," a memorable saxophone-based composition by Wilton Felder.)
Cocktail Lounge
  • Like Young-David Rose (A smart, jazzy instrumental with a spooky mood.)
Folk Roots 
  • Easy Rider-Eliza Gilkyson (One of Gilkyson's more endearing vocals.)
  • Writing In The Margins-John Gorka (One of the most consistent singer-songwriters from album to album; this track is one of many examples of Gorka's consistency.  Also recommended: "Flying Red Horse," "I Miss Everyone," and "Looking Forward.") 
Hot In South Africa
  • Susan-The Soil featuring Khuli Chana (A rhythm that stays with you.  I was reminded of Ladysmith Black Mambazo as I listened, so I wasn't surprised to see that the album, "Nostalgic Moments," features them on other tracks.)
Hungarian Pop & Rock 
  • Videki Sanzon-Magna Cum Laude (An appealingly retro '70s soft rock sound.)
Jazz Masters
  • Greensleeves-Kenny Burrell (At first, this is a low-key, melodic guitar take on "What Child Is This?"  Then, the band comes in, and the tempo starts to fly.)
Jazz Now
  • Kaleidoscope-Walter Smith III (An appealing piece for saxophone and piano.)
New Age
  • The Wind That Shakes The Barley-Loreena McKennitt (McKennitt sings with characteristic epic grandeur.)
The Spa
  • Echoing Gilewitz-Leo Kottke (One of Kottke's quieter guitar instrumentals; an appealing melody.)