Saturday, May 12, 2018

Stingray Music highlights LVII

Standout selections heard on Thursday:

Classic Masters
  • Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 (New Philharmonia Orchestra/Leopold Stokowski, conductor) (A captivating reading of a majestic, lyrical showcase for brass and winds.)
Classic R&B And Soul
  • Up On The Roof-The Drifters (Still one of the most deservedly played oldies; who can't relate to getting away from it all this way, at least metaphorically?)
Cool Jazz
  • Gorgeous-Gary Burton & Bob James (A dreamy vibraphone melody, ideal for a late night playlist.)
Easy Listening
  • Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars-Percy Faith (This Antonio Carlos Jobim tune lends itself easily to an orchestral arrangement.  Also recommended: Queen's Latifah's vocal rendition.)
Folk Roots
  • All The Stars-Rose Cousins (Thoughtful lyrics about wondering if someone shares your sensibilities, with engaging violin and guitar accompaniment.) 
Jazz Masters
  • Blue Monk-Al Cohn (A smooth sax rendering of one of jazz's more recognizable film noir-sounding melodies.)
Revival--'60s & '70s
  • Rainy Days And Mondays-The Carpenters (Possibly the group's best hit, in my opinion; Karen Carpenter was masterful at conveying the emotion behind any lyrics, regardless of who wrote them.  I heard a Vietnamese version of this on KDHX years ago, and the feeling behind the tune was just as heartfelt.)