KDEC (Decorah, IA)
- Things Will Change-Treetop Flyers (It always impresses me when any artist or group frames downcast or turbulent lyrics within a pleasant, breezy, uptempo melody. That's the case here in the guitar and vocals; this tune would have fit in on a soft rock station in the early to mid '70s.)
- Opus One-Verve Jazz Ensemble (A faithful rendering of the Sy Oliver big band classic. There's a general consistency to this group's covers, so if you haven't heard them, you can start with any of their albums. Also recommended: "Sister Sadie.")
- Triste-Dave Zinno Unisphere (A brassy, expansive cover of the Antonio Carlos Jobim tune, with plenty of room for each band member to solo. Also recommended: Kenny Barron's rendition, with its great, self-assured piano intro.)
- Joseph V. Williams II: Isabel (Cavatina Duo) (This stark, serious piece for guitar and flute wouldn't be out of place in a new age playlist.)
- The Rain, The Park & Other Things-The Cowsills (There's a comforting idealistic vibe in this prototypical 1967 hit. One quibble: To help listeners find the tune, the band should have drawn from the lyrics and called the tune "I Love The Flower Girl" or "(She Could Make Me) Happy.")
- Walk On By-Isaac Hayes (There have been many covers of "Walk On By," but Hayes conveys the feeling of being shattered especially convincingly.)
