Chamber Music
- Johann Sebastian Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (Glenn Gould, piano) (It's impressive to hear Gould perform such a wide range of variations. Sidebar for anyone who played Musical Pursuit, an offshoot of the Trivial Pursuit board game in the '80s: Did it seem as though Glenn Gould was the answer to every fifth question in that game?)
- How High The Moon-Les Paul & Mary Ford (A strong match of vocals with guitar. The Dave Brubeck Quartet's live "Jazz At Oberlin" version is also recommended.)
- Black River-Sierra Hull (A lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally impressive track from Hull's new CD, "Weighted Mind." Even if Alison Krauss hadn't been a backing vocalist on this track, I'd still be reminded of her writing and vocal phrasing. Heavy hitter Bela Fleck's contribution doesn't hurt, either. Also recommended: Hull's medley of "Tennessee Waltz" and "After You've Gone," from Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia; the performance, from last year, is a strong example of her vocal prowess and mandolin proficiency. It's worth checking out on YouTube.)
- I Can't Give You Anything But Love-Erroll Garner (Garner had a unique way of sliding around a melody on the piano. His version of "How High The Moon" illustrates this, as well.)
- In The Spirit Of Baden-Anat Cohen featuring Romero Lubambo (An ear-catching, clarinet-led jam.)
- Reverie By A Stream-Dan Gibson (An accurate title for a moving guitar and cello number; the birds add authenticity to the piece. It would flow well with "Jessica" by Dave Evans.)
- Franz Schubert: Piano Sonata in B-flat major, D.960 (Alfred Brendel, piano) (Brendel handles this complex piece's shifts in mood with ease. This sonata is yet another example of how much Schubert accomplished in his short life.)
- We're Gonna Make It-Little Milton (With conviction this fervent, I wouldn't question this.)
