KBAQ (Phoenix, AZ)
- Antonin Dvorak: Mazurek in E minor, Op. 49, B. 90 (Berlin Philharmonic/Manfred Honeck, conductor; Anne-Sophie Mutter, violin) (Those with two left feet should probably avoid dancing to this intense mazurka. That way, they'll--I should say we'll because I'm in that group--be able to sit still and appreciate Mutter's singing, resonant tone all the more.)
- Everybody's Talkin'-Bill Withers (As much as I enjoy Nilsson's take on these free-spirited lyrics, I was happy to be reminded that Withers covered this, also. His vocals take some liberties with the melody but don't detract from it. The rhythm section's chugging-right-along quality serves the tune well, also.)
- Goin' Home-Average White Band (A sound marriage between melody-carrying saxophones and rhythm section that brings the funk.)
- Domino-Nicole Atkins (Blondie-like vocals but breathier over a haunting, sinister groove. "Domino" is from the "Italian Ice" release, due out May 29.)
- Sinner-Neil Finn (Sad to say, a pandemic is a good time to ruminate over an underappreciated tune such as this. These are some of Finn's strongest downcast lyrics.)
- Often Is A Word I Seldom Use-John Prine (Rest in peace, John Prine. The protagonist deserves some credit for honesty; he knows he's not around as much as he should be, but he doesn't make a promise he can't keep. A memorable chorus, an energetic vibe, and horns, to boot; this is one of Prine's best tracks, in my view.)
