'80s On 8
- Waiting For A Star To Fall-Boy Meets Girl (Universal sentiments in a wide-eyed arrangement.)
- Let It Show-Jen Chapin (The daughter of acclaimed singer-songwriter Harry Chapin released this moving track in 2013. Here's to many more such efforts.)
- Peg-Steely Dan (One of Steely Dan's best uptempo hits, with blistering guitar playing and a memorable chorus. Michael McDonald's backup singing makes it all the more indelible.)
- Cante E Dance-Pink Martini (Pink Martini's music cuts across genres with ease; this track channels the spirit of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66. Also recommended: "Bolero." Even if you're a strict purist about Classical music, I don't see how you couldn't respect such a gripping arrangement of Maurice Ravel's stellar composition.)
- The Whole Night Sky-Christine Collister (Thoughtfully written lyrics sung in a compelling lower register. Also recommended: Clive Gregson & Christine Collister's "It's All Just Talk.")
- Just Remember I Love You-Firefall (An easy-to-digest, pleasant soft rock vocals-and-guitar tune. Lyrically, it's straightforward without being syrupy or cloying; one of the band's best songs.)
- Look For The Silver Lining-Paul Desmond (Desmond had a sensational career with Dave Brubeck and as a solo artist. This is one among many of his smooth-toned saxophone successes. Also recommended, among many tracks: "Desmond Blue," the opening theme that St. Louis jazz DJ Leo Chears used on WMRY and WRTH, and his take on Paul Simon's "Was A Sunny Day.")
- If We Never Meet Again-Freddy Cole (An unhurried, elegant arrangement. Kudos to WSIE for playing Freddy Cole's music. Other jazz stations should follow suit.)
- With This Ring-The Platters (A warm glow of an oldie about commitment. This song deserves more radio airplay.)
- Bliss-Cindy Bradley (A smooth trumpet piece; it's the title track from Bradley's 2014 release.)
