Ten highlights heard today:
KBCU (North Newton, KS)
- It's All Right With Me-Erroll Garner (Garner takes a cool joint-is-jumpin' approach to this Cole Porter tune on the piano. To hear it sung at a breakneck pace, check out Harry Connick, Jr.'s version.)
- One Note Samba-Count Basie and his orchestra (Basie and company pull of an unusual blend of jazz, big band, and easy listening styles on this cover.)
- A Show Of Hands-Victor Wooten (Frenetic--and melodic--bass.)
KPND (Deer Park, WA)
- Heroes-Natalie Hemby (A new track, smartly written based on the expression, "Never meet your heroes.")
KSUT (Ignacio, CO)
- Morning Sun-Jesse Colin Young (One of several highlights from the "Song For Juli" album; the positivity in the lyrics is refreshing, and the harmonica adds color. Also recommended: "Song For Juli," "Ridgetop," and "Evenin.'")
- Big Red Sun Blues-Lucinda Williams (One of the stronger examples of a solid country/rock hook that doesn't fall completely in either category. It might not be obvious, but a Beatles tune, "The Ballad Of John And Yoko," sounds rhythmically right before it.)
- Flying Saucer Dudes-Bela Fleck & The Flecktones (Banjo and funky bass are an unlikely blend, but Bela Fleck and Victor Wooten make them sound perfectly natural together.)
WDZZ (Flint, MI)
- Tell Me If You Still Care-The S.O.S. Band ("Take Your Time (Do It Right)" and "The Finest" are still my go-to songs from this band, but this relaxed ballad deserves a mention, particularly for maintaining its mood for seven minutes.)
- Let's Groove-Earth, Wind & Fire (Firmly locked in the early '80s with an infectious groove.)
WHRO (Norfolk, VA)
- Gabriel Faure: Nocturne No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 63 (Louis Lorte, piano) (A graceful, moving, romantic work for piano. Given the tropical storm warning in effect for Norfolk when this was played, however, listeners should certainly be excused for not paying attention to its nuances. Here's hoping everyone in Norfolk and other cities affected by the warning stays safe.)
