SiriusXM highlights XIV

2003: Sammy the cat, keeper of the guitar, appreciates a well-strummed melody.  I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think he might have kneaded his paws this morning because he likes Shawn Colvin's well-strummed, well-sung cover of the Tom Waits tune, "Hold On."

This morning: Music critic Sammy takes in one of the quieter passages from Franz Joseph Haydn's Piano Sonata No. 31.  Although he seems to be enjoying the piece, he still looks somewhat perplexed.  Perhaps that's because he hasn't been able to find out which orchestra and soloist are playing it.

Sammy the cat-approved selections I heard this morning:

'40s Junction

• Cute-Count Basie (Basie and his ensemble prove that it's possible to play a piece with crisp precision and still make it swing.  Frank Wess contributes some impressive flute playing.)

'50s On 5 

• Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind-The Five Keys (Impressive lead and harmony vocals on this R&B number that should have been a bigger hit.  The tune's protagonist is heartbroken, but he channels his sorrow into a well-written lament.)

The Bridge

• Jazzman-Carole King (One of King's best hits, thanks to a great blend of vocals, piano, and saxophone.  The opening lyric, "Lift me, won't you lift me...?" catches the ear immediately and keeps the listener hooked.)

Chill

• Night Keys-Satin Jackets (A trance-inducing midtempo keyboard groove with a middle-of-the-night vibe.)  

The Coffee House

• Hold On-Shawn Colvin (A new, warm interpretation of a Tom Waits tune.) 

The Loft 

• Creepin' In-Norah Jones (One of her best-recorded songs, and a great example of how Jones conquers an uptempo track.  Vocally and instrumentally, everything clicks from the first note.  This is also the best guest appearance I've ever heard by Dolly Parton.)

Siriusly Sinatra

• The More I See You-Nat King Cole (A lush, rich arrangement, as usual.  Lyrically and vocally, this is an ideal selection for a wedding anniversary.  It also segues well with...)
• Remember-Freddy Cole (...this reflective take on an Irving Berlin tune, which Nat King Cole's brother sings.  The ethereal vibraphone part enhances its warmth.  Freddy Cole never sings as if he's in a great hurry, and that makes his interpretations of contemplative songs all the more inviting.) 

Spa  

• All Souls Lullaby-Heidi Anne Breyer (An appealing, contemplative piano and horn piece that's ideal for Autumn.)

The Spectrum

• Golden Years-David Bowie (Bowie's best hit, in my opinion; the lyrics, hand claps, and instrumentation are as infectious now as they were decades ago.)
• Return To The Moon-EL VY (Released last month, the track's cryptic lyrics are set to a backing track that's difficult to forget, especially in the chorus.) 

Symphony Hall 

• Franz Joseph Haydn: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major (This recording's acoustics bring to mind the feel of a cathedral before a congregation arrives; fast and slow movements alike come to life, thanks in part to the recording environment.  If only I knew which orchestra and soloist performed this rendition...)

Watercolors

• Talk The Talk-Kombo (If you like the feel of Steve Winwood's "Roll With It" and a smooth jazz/funk keyboard sound that brings some of Jimmy Smith's music to mind, this uptempo instrumental will likely appeal to you.)