The Chill Lounge
- Occidente-Arrojas (A sly late night groove for piano, bass, and percussion.)
- We Got Some Catchin' Up To Do-Jean Carn (An appealing tune about rekindling a spark with someone; vocally and instrumentally, this is a strong groove from 1981.)
- Susquehanna-Oscar Peterson (If the vocal stylings of Nat King Cole appeal to you, Peterson's vocals and piano in this elegant gem from 1957 should also move you.)
- Goin' Out Of My Head-Wes Montgomery (As effectively as The Lettermen sing this, I enjoy Montgomery's forceful take on the guitar just as much.)
- Axel F-Harold Faltermeyer (Jan Hammer's theme from "Miami Vice" encapsulated the general instrumental sound of 1985. A close second in that category, however, is this memorable keyboard riff. Sidebar: After hearing this song for the first time in '85, I called a radio station to ask what artist was performing it. The DJ replied, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you--Harold Faltermeyer." If you're only going to have one hit, this is a commendable melody to have under your name.)
- Bony On The Isle Of St. Helena-Uncle Earl (Not just any ensemble could make me want to hear a traditional tune about Napoleon Bonaparte's later years. The vocals, which remind me of Suzanne Vega, are beautiful, and Abigail Washburn's banjo playing underscores them compellingly.)
- X-Files (Main Theme)-101 Strings (An appropriately eerie rendition; it's particularly impressive coming from an ensemble known for easy listening renditions of tunes that fade into the background.)
- Just As In Spring-Rebecca Martin & Guillermo Klein featuring Jeff Ballard (Somber alto vocals against a backdrop of piano and drums. I'd be curious to hear Norah Jones cover this.)
