KBXR (Columbia, MO)
- Funny Business-Alice Merton (A twisted way of saying, "There's no need to worry about me. I'm faithful." The song's rhythm corresponded eerily well to the basketball game footage on KBXR's website.)
- All Those Years Ago-George Harrison (This wasn't usually played on the radio after it was a hit, given how of its time it sounded. Lyrically and melodically, this 1981 tribute to John Lennon was one of Harrison's best solo efforts, however, and was deservedly one of his biggest hits.)
- Theme From "Hill Street Blues"-Mike Post (Right from the piano's first three notes, I knew back in 1981 that this instrumental would draw me in. Decades later, it still does. Larry Carlton's guitar gives it just enough of a bite.)
- Thinking Out Loud-George Kahn (Sometimes, the test of a melody's strength is how well it translates into an unexpected context. On that score, Ed Sheeran's pop hit works impressively as a jazz piano instrumental.)
- Courage-Lianne La Havas (La Havas's intimate, sincere vocals fit her lyrics perfectly. This new track is one of 2020's more endearing tunes.)
- The Supernatural-John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (Since hearing of Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green's passing yesterday, I'd hoped radio stations would play this. Green's blistering guitar technique and instrumental craftsmanship are on full display here. Last month, in reviewing Santana's "Aqua Marine," I wrote, "The production values here are strong; this instrumental sounds like it was recorded in a tunnel with great acoustics." That's also true here.)
