Six of the better tunes I've heard tonight:
KFJC (Los Altos Hills, CA)
- Make Out Fall Out Make Up-Love Is All (The prominent organ part brought to mind Echo & The Bunnymen's "My Kingdom," at first. As the tune progressed, the mysterious-sounding lead female vocals and supporting male vocals kept me tuned in.)
- Atomic-Blondie (Spy music with a surf guitar sound underscores Debbie Harry's vocals compellingly. "Call Me" and "The Tide Is High" were huge hits before and after it, so this track was somewhat overshadowed in 1980. This is a solid, sustained groove, though.)
KUVO (Denver, CO)
- Journey To Akumal-Eric Gunnison (This pleasant, upbeat instrumental brings the airy, welcoming feel of Pat Metheny's music to mind.)
WRTI (Philadelphia, PA)
- Misty-Renee Rosnes Trio with strings (Of the all CDs I reviewed as KCOU jazz director, the CD from which this rendition comes, "Without Words," is still my favorite. The entire disc is strong, but this beautiful, elegant, piano-centered version is one of its best tracks. Also recommended: Every track, but "I've Got You Under My Skin" is another stellar highlight.)
- If I Were A Bell-Miles Davis Quintet (Davis shows how the trumpet can carry this melody as convincingly as a voice. It's intriguing to hear the more traditional side of Miles and his outstanding rhythm players.)
- How Do I Get There?-Don Bryant (If these lyrics don't make Heaven sound enticing, what would? This is an impressive fusion of jazz and gospel.)
