Sunday morning highlights:
Alt Country-Americana
- No Expectations-Cowboy Junkies (Tasteful, subtle vocals and guitar, as expected.)
East Africa Gospel
- Utukumbuke-Angel Benard (Even without an English translation of the lyrics, the strong, uplifting feel of the vocals shines through.)
Folk Roots
- Eastern Standard Time-The Accidentals (This refreshing January release has thoughtful lyrics about what a beautiful world this is--and how we'll compromise it irreparably if we're not careful. Rhythmically, it sounds like a faster version of Eliza Gilkyson's "Easy Rider." I also recommend the song's scenic video.)
Indie Classics
- Ten Feet Tall-XTC (This is the version from the "Drums And Wires" album. This rendition,
in which the lyrics aren't enunciated as clearly as the version on "Rag
And Bone Buffet" is the catchier one, interestingly.)
Jazz Masters
- Namely You-Shelly Manne (Melancholy piano, bass, and percussion.)
- Imagination-Jimmy Raney (Elegant guitar, saxophone, and piano. This has a last-dance-of-the-evening feel.)
- J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV1049 (i): I. Allegro (Gewandhausorchester/Riccardo Chailly, conductor) (I've always been partial to the first and third movements of Bach's third Brandenburg Concerto. There's enough common ground between the tempo and feel of those movements and this opening movement that I warmed up to it quickly. I especially enjoyed how the strings complement the recorder.)
Smooth Jazz
- Ramon's Revenge-Peter White (More aggressive playing than one usually hears from a smooth jazz guitarist; there's an appealing Spanish influence here.)
