Six standout songs heard today:
KNTU (Denton, TX)
- Yardbird Suite-Alan Broadbent Trio (Tal Farlow's brisk guitar take has always been my default version of this Charlie Parker-penned tune. In this new rendition, Broadbent shows how well the melody transfers to the piano at a somewhat slower tempo.)
- Blues In The Night-Beegie Adair (A classy piano-centered version of this much-covered Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer tune.)
KPUP (Patagonia, AZ)
- I Learn-Missy Raines & The New Hip (I'm primed to like this type of sincere-voice-and-guitar roots music. I also appreciate honest lyrics like these about the risks of charting a new course for yourself.)
- Heads Or Tails-Booker T. & The MGs (This is how you make the most of trills as an organist. This fun 1968 instrumental groove also features this band's customarily more-than-able rhythmic support from the guitarist and drummer.)
WFMU (Jersey City, NJ)
- Sno-Cone (Part 1)-Albert Collins (A strong, energetic blend of guitar, organ, and harmonica. When hosting "Blues 101" on KCOU, Collins was one of the artists I turned to most for dependable segues.)
WXRT (Chicago, IL)
- Special-Garbage (Shirley Manson's forthright vocals and the tune's nail-the-listener-to-the-wall production values still leap out of the speakers as effectively as they did in 1998.)
