Bluesville
- The Worst Is Yet To Come-Keb' Mo' (Sometimes, when bad things pile up in one's life, a pessimistic attitude is justifiable.)
- Always There-Side Effect (Side Effect takes a great Ronnie Laws instrumental that has 1975 stamped all over it and adds vocals. Also recommended: Side Effect's cover of a great Crusaders tune, "Keep That Same Old Feeling.")
- Blues For Junior-Ray Brown Trio/Herb Ellis (I've written before about a former family cat, Rusty. He was an excellent arbiter of good jazz and swing guitar tunes. When such a piece caught his ears, he'd sit by the stereo, tap his tail, and knead his paws. If he were around today, I'm sure he'd appreciate this tune for its interplay between piano and guitar and its in-its-own-good-time tempo.)
- Project "S"-Heath Brothers (The saxophone, trumpet, and piano players all get a chance to shine by cooking at a fast clip.)
- Until You Come Back To Me-Aretha Franklin (To my ears, this is one of Franklin's most appealing melodies. I'm surprised it doesn't get more radio airplay, given how accessible and memorable the tune is. I also recommend Basia's excellent cover of it.)
- Sound Of Wind Driven Rain-Will Ackerman (An airy, comforting guitar instrumental.)
- Les Fleur-Ramsey Lewis (Perfect synergy between the piano and vocals; the melody builds and builds and pays off in an exuberant chorus.)
- Waters Of March-Jane Monheit (Monheit's vocals are polished and articulated cleanly; this is yet another strong rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim's engaging Brazilian tune.)
