SiriusXM highlights XVI

Impressive selections that got my attention on Sunday and Monday:

'60s On 6

• Summer Samba-Walter Wanderley (A refreshing instrumental that brings to mind Ernie Hays playing the organ at Busch Stadium.)

The Bridge

• Scenes From An Italian Restaurant-Billy Joel (Joel's best song, in my opinion; the way the song comes full circle, the well-told coming together and estrangement of Brenda and Eddie, an impressive piano part...There's a lot to like here.)

The Coffee House 

• Anniversary Song (Exclusive)-Cowboy Junkies (If "Angel Mine" moves you, "Anniversary Song" likely will, too.)

Deep Tracks

• Room To Move (Live)-John Mayall (A great, brisk harmonica line.  Also recommended: "Play The Harp.")

Escape 

• People-Beegie Adair (One of many elegant Adair piano instrumentals.)

The Loft

• Burgundy Shoes (Live @ SiriusXM)-Patty Griffin (Piano and cello enhance Griffin's heartfelt lyrics about taking a bus ride as a child with her mom.  The piano part reminds me of Sarah Jarosz's "Long Journey.")

Real Jazz

• You Stepped Out Of A Dream-Toshiko Akiyoshi (An energetic, piano-dominated combo captures virtually every ounce of this famous tune's energy.  For a strong vocal rendition, check out John Pizzarelli's version.)

Siriusly Sinatra

• More-Nat King Cole (I'm used to hearing Bobby Darin's faster take on "More," but Cole shows that it also works in a slower tempo.)

Symphony Hall 

• Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella (Royal College Of Music/Sir David Willcocks, conductor) (One of many Christmas carols played Sunday morning in memory of Willcocks, who passed away September 17.  The choir's warm rendition of this carol stood out to me...)
• Good Christian Men, Rejoice (Royal College Of Music/Sir David Willcocks, conductor) (...as did this one.)

Watercolors

• Estrella-Turning Point (A breath of fresh air from the days of a former smooth jazz station, WSSM; a tuneful, upbeat guitar instrumental that would segue well with Acoustic Alchemy's "Wish You Were Near.")