KUAF (Fayetteville, AR)
- W.A. Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, K.530 (Alfred Brendel, piano) (An accessible piano piece in an accessible key. The opening and closing movements, Allegro moderato and Allegretto, are upbeat, easy-to-follow movements, while the middle movement, Andante cantabile, is more delicate, measured, and sorrowful, at times.)
- Every Morning-J Mascis (Some fine acoustic guitar and a lyrically honest account from Dinosaur Jr.'s guiding force of how facing a new day or uncomfortable situation sometimes feels; if I'd been at KCOU in 2014, I would have played this.)
- Another World-Miranda Lee Richards (This release from June features thoughtfully sung lyrics about vulnerability and staying optimistic even during bleak times. The cello underscoring is appropriately ornate.)
- How Deep Is The Ocean? (Live)-Beegie Adair Trio (Most renditions I've heard of this are slow or midtempo sung ballads. Adair's piano-anchored instrumental proves that the tune works as a faster number that swings.)
- Star Eyes-Bill Holman Big Band (This ensemble's rendition shows excellent precision and call-and-response phrasing. I was predisposed to like it after learning that "Peanuts" composer Vince Guaraldi was at the piano. Also recommended from the "West Coast Jazz In HiFi" album: "(Back Home Again In) Indiana," which shows off the group's uptempo chops.)
- 4-Page Letter-AFTA-1 featuring Nikko Soul (An appealing way to add lyrical and instrumental spice to a "Quiet Storm" format.)
