Deep Tracks
- Wooden Ships (Live)-Crosby, Stills & Nash (Despite a bit of talking through formerly sung lyrics, this is a captivating rendition of one of the band's most gripping, ominous songs. The blistering, expansive guitar runs are particularly impressive.)
- Autumn Song-Van Morrison (Morrison captures Autumn's essence well in his ode to the season. I "(took) a walk when Autumn (came) to town" yesterday, per his advice, and was glad to see as many hints of Fall colors as I could take in. No doubt, they'll be more prominent in a few weeks.)
- I Love You More Than Words Can Say-Otis Redding (Anyone who sings with such conviction, grit, and sincerity in this situation has clearly been pining for someone. It's puzzling that this wasn't a hit.)
- Desafinado-Steve Nelson (A week ago, I praised Karrin Allyson's vocal rendition of this famous Antonio Carlos Jobim tune. Nelson shows that a vibraphonist can tackle this melody just as effectively.)
- I Thought About You-Christian McBride (Fine bass underpinning from McBride and resonant trumpet from Brandon Lee on this cover of the Jimmy Van Heusen-Johnny Mercer tune. It segues well with "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning," another highlight of McBride's new release, "Bringin' It." Other recommended cuts: "Gettin' To It" and "Optimism.")
- Moontalk-Laurel Halo (Strangely compelling processed vocals and laughter. The recurring use of the three tones that typically precede the "You have reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service" announcement isn't out of place in this spacey sound collage, released in June.)
- Moving On-Anna Of The North (The ethereal, airy vocals in this lyrical pep talk, released last month, remind me of The Cocteau Twins.)
- Hip Hug-Her-Booker T. & The MGs (If the backing track of the Otis Redding/Carla Thomas track, "Tramp," appeals to you, this instrumental likely will, too.)
- A Pillow In The Sky-Ann Sweeten (A warm, serene melody for piano and flute. Given the flourishes in the piano part, this instrumental's title could just as easily be "Ripples In A Stream.")
