Classic R&B And Soul
- Atlantic Avenue-Average White Band (I've owned this tune on vinyl for decades and thought since childhood that it should be a hit, but this was the first time I'd ever heard anyone else play it. Vocally and instrumentally, the tune justifies the appeal of what many listeners would consider an enjoyable getaway locale. If I were programming a smooth jazz station, "Atlantic Avenue" would be in the rotation.)
- I'll Never Love This Way Again-Dionne Warwick (Throughout her entire career, Warwick has been an engaging vocalist. Although many listeners gravitate toward the soaring, leave-nothing-on-the-table emoting of Whitney Houston on "I Will Always Love You," Warwick's subtler emoting on "I'll Never..." and scores of other hits strikes me as more realistic and suited to repeated listening.)
- Half Forgotten Daydreams-John Cameron (A beguiling fusion of easy listening and Quiet Storm formats; not just anyone can blend the best elements of laid back R&B and lush strings, but Cameron pulled it off. The recurring "wah-wah-wah-wah-wah" cements the tune firmly in 1974. It would flow well after Love Unlimited Orchestra's "Forever In Love.")
- The Beaches Of St. Valery/Elizabeth Clare-Battlefield Band (A compelling tale about the horrors of war and the lack of appreciation that some combatants face. It's a pleasure to hear such a well-written Celtic narrative on this channel.)
- Illinois-Anna Tivel (Unsettling lyrics, sung hauntingly. I'd be curious to hear Sara Watkins cover this.)
- The Peacocks-Jimmy Rowles & Stan Getz (Setting the scene for some film noir?)
- Emily-Mike Rud (An uptempo guitar rendering of the Mercer/Mandel tune. I also recommend Nika Rejto's more expansive, flute-based rendition.)
- Never Let Me Go-Helen Sung (This contemplative piano-anchored instrumental allows the tender contributions of violinist Regina Carter and the rhythm section ample room to breathe.)
- The Fifth Wave-Suzanne Ciani (Anyone who thinks all new age music involves just holding the same synthesized chord down for an eternity and performing inoffensive but unmemorable melodies should listen to "The Fifth Wave." Ciani displays a moving range of emotion and force on the piano here.)
