Six selections that got my attention today:
KQAL (Winona, MN)
- Dreams Never End-New Order (Sometimes, the plans you make don't pan out--or, they pan out but not the way you envisioned. This 1981 track holds up well despite its downcast lyrics. To lighten the mood lyrically with something musically compatible, play "In My Car" by The Sneetches after this.)
KSDS (San Diego, CA)
- Four In One-Renee Rosnes (A swingin', dexterous-on-the-piano rendition of a Thelonious Monk tune. This is one classy radio station, playing Renee Rosnes tunes throughout the day, in honor of her birthday. For an entire disc of exquisitely played standards, listen to the "Without Words" CD.)
- Blue Bossa-J.J. Johnson & Joe Pass (This Kenny Dorham melody is so memorable that it would be hard to imagine a bad rendition of it. This trombone and guitar rendition is one of several versions that clicks. For a faster tempo, check out Lou Donaldson's version.)
- Libertango-Besos de Coco (As much as I like Yo-Yo Ma's version of this on cello, this trio's rendition demands just as much attention. This is some fine guitar work, and you might be hard-pressed to tell if someone is playing percussion or dancing during this interpretation. Either way, it makes a strong case for respecting the tango.)
WGUC (Cincinnati, OH)
- Gabriela Lena Frank: Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout: Coquetos (Del Sol String Quartet) (This piece could vie with "Libertango" in an intense dance-off competition.)
WREK (Atlanta, GA)
- Words Are Not My Own-Christina Carter (Haunting guitar and vocals. Carter's "Salvation" has a similar feel.)
