Only in college CI

I remembered that I'd written down which radio shifts I'd worked each week during the Fall semester of 1992.  Until recently, however, I'd forgotten that I'd tallied them up.  According to my notes, I worked 44 hours on-air at KBIA that semester and 124.75 hours on-air at KCOU.  

Today, I grinned when I read that total of 168.75 hours.  Thirty years ago, that felt like so much time. It was, in a way.  During a semester when I was also a student, that was a lot of time to spend doing what I love--introducing and back announcing Classical, new age, and smooth jazz music on KBIA and choosing, introducing, and back announcing music from multiple genres on KCOU. 

I made no money for working those 168.75 hours over four months.  Back then, however, that didn't matter.  I was doing what I loved in the company of interesting people and interesting music.

If you're a college DJ who fights the Winter blues, as I do annually, savor the hours you spend on-air and off-air with the interesting people and music you discover.  It'll feel as though it all goes by too fast--and yet, if you're at the right station(s) with the right people and the right music, the memories you make will make you smile, even 30 years later.

Context? CCXIX

Years ago, I heard a DJ refer on-air to his "former fiancee."  It was his prerogative, certainly, to use that phrasing.  It's an unusual way to refer to one's current wife, though.

Persistent earworm alert CCXCI

Since the new Green Day-composed theme debuted on "Real Time With Bill Maher" over a week ago, "Fight Fire With Fire" by Kansas has run through my mind.  The "Real Time" theme has a slower tempo than "...Fire...," but the electric guitars announce their presence and latch onto it similarly.

Persistent earworm alert CCXC

David Benoit has been one of the most frequently played artists on smooth jazz stations for decades.  One song of his that I've never heard on the radio, however, is "Houston."  That puzzles me, as its piano hook is immediately memorable.  When the tune picks up steam, it could underscore a matador facing off with a bull.  While it's best to have all live instruments instead of programmed, synthesized ones, but I don't think the programmed parts compromise the tune's energy or excitement.

After not thinking of it for years, "Houston" has made up for lost time by being on my mind constantly for the past two days.

Context? CCXVIII

As the orchestra instructor began smoking a cigarette, a student told him, "You shouldn't smoke, Mr. D."

Mr. D. responded, "I don't smoke.  The cigarette does."

Alas, there's no curbing someone else's bad habit--especially when that person has authority over you.

Online radio sampler highlights CXCII

Six of the better tunes I've heard this morning:

KGKG (Salida, CO) 

• Shattered Dreams-Johnny Hates Jazz (This earworm of a hit received considerable radio airplay in the Spring of 1988.  After not hearing it for some time, it still stands up a solidly constructed song with a sing-along chorus.)

KSCW (Sun City West, AZ)

• Don't Go To Strangers-Rita Coolidge (When I hear Coolidge's name, I think reflexively of her smash hit, "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher."  "Don't Go To Strangers" made me realize how ideal her low-pitched voice is for standards.)
• Lonely Avenue-Ray Charles (Wallowing in one's sorrow seldom sounds classier than this.)

KWEM (West Memphis, AR)

• Texas Flood-Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble (As a guitarist and vocalist, Vaughan was always convincingly emotive.  Also recommended: "Lenny," an appealing, somewhat overlooked instrumental.)

WRTI (Philadelphia, PA)

• Pure Imagination-Richard Baratta (Baratta anchors this laid-back instrumental rendering of the "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" favorite tastefully on drums.  Paul Bollenback's guitar playing, Bill O'Connell's piano playing, and Baratta's drumming show how well this tune works at a slower pace.)
• Sentimental Journey-Beegie Adair (Sublime jazz piano playing, as usual, from Adair at just the right tempo.)
  

Nice try, but...

An '80s memory: As "Minute By Minute" by  The Doobie Brothers started, the DJ said, "With weather like this, you just have to take it minute by minute.  That's what a fool believes..."

I'll give him credit for working two Doobie Brothers song titles into his intro.  As for the humor, well...

Persistent earworm alert CCLXXXIX

I'm already tired, but anticipating tonight's predicted Winter storm is making me even drowsier.  I'm expecting a fair amount of snow to fall--and Donald Fagen's "Snowbound" to underscore it, at least in my mind.  Fagen's suggestion about sleeping in for a while is one I'll likely heed tomorrow--even if the storm misses us.

A petty fixation XXI

A '90s memory: A former co-worker said he was miles out of town but could still get KNJZ on the car radio.  Upon hearing me on the air, he exclaimed, "Dammit, Drew, don't I hear enough of you at work?!  Do you have to be the voice that brings me my music, too?"

Apparently, the soothing aspects of smooth jazz don't placate everyone.

Online radio sampler highlights CXCI

Six Sunday morning standouts:

KCOU (Columbia, MO)

• Day To Day-Robert Glasper Experiment (This infectious groove reminds me of Earth, Wind & Fire and the Ronnie Laws track, "Friends And Strangers," in a faster tempo.  Bluey's "Life Between The Notes" would sound great before this.)
• My Love-Maye (Vocally and instrumentally, this is an appealing blend of dream pop and R&B styles.  Not every artist could pull off this many tempo changes this gracefully.)

KMHD (Portland, OR)

• Tropicville-Cal Tjader (Tjader's percolating vibraphone on this 1959 track perked me right up--and I was already in a good mood...)
• Tico Tico-Charlie Parker (...And, once you've established a solid Latin jazz groove, why not build on it with this fast showcase for saxophone and percussion?)

WDIY (Allentown, PA)

• Frenzy At The Feeder-Brooks Williams (An appropriately titled brisk guitar instrumental; it's easy for me to picture birds darting in and out of a feeder.  Also recommended: "Belfast Blues.")
• Little Liza Jane-Elizabeth Mitchell (Endearing, kid-friendly a cappella vocals and clapping.)
  

The allure of shuffle mode XXII

Thanks to iTunes shuffle mode for pairing two tasteful bluegrass instrumentals in my library this morning.  I might not have thought to segue Sarah Jarosz's "Peace" with David Grisman's "Winter Wonderland," but iTunes did.  One thoughtfully picked melody deserves another, and Jarosz's "Peace" is a smooth prelude for Grisman's faster-paced "Winter Wonderland."

In memory of David Crosby

It's a tribute to a singer-songwriter's talent when you can cite gems from every era of his career.  In honor of David Crosby, who passed away Wednesday at age 81, here are my favorite songs of his:

The Byrds

• Dolphin's Smile (The tune's airy feel, positive vibe, and lyrical appreciation of an intelligent animal make it an underrated Byrds track.)
• Everybody's Been Burned (Universally relatable lyrics about having one's heart broken.)
• Stranger In A Strange Land (Instrumental) (Rhythmically compelling interplay between the guitar and drums.  Whenever I hear this, I imagine someone looking through a kaleidoscope.)

Crosby & Nash

• To The Last Whale... (Critical Mass/Wind On The Water) (To me, this is the most moving track on the list.  Crosby's a cappella vocal number, "Critical Mass," is a captivating prelude to heart-rending lyrics about the inhumane slaughter of whales.  If this doesn't hit you in the heart, you might be a droid.)
  

Crosby, Stills & Nash

• Guinnevere (The melancholy guitar accompaniment underscores the band's excellent harmony singing effectively.)
• Wooden Ships (The intro draws me in every time.  Lyrically, this is a strong statement about the consequences of war.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

• Deja Vu (The impressive vocal precision between all members in the nearly Celtic opening section primes the listener for the subtler remainder of the tune.)

Solos and duets

• For Free (featuring Sarah Jarosz) (A strong cover of the Joni Mitchell tune from two singers who match well vocally across generations.)
• Hero (featuring Phil Collins) (I rarely hear this 1993 track today.  That's a shame, as Collins and Crosby blend well vocally.  Another plus: The tune's feel reminds me of Collins's song, "Everyday.")
• River Rise (featuring Michael McDonald) (Crosby recorded a lot of quality music late in his life, as this 2021 track shows.  These mature lyrics acknowledge that much of life is out of our control.)
• What's Broken (From Crosby's strong 2014 release, "Croz."  The lyrics ask poignantly if a situation is beyond repair.)

A function of age VII

While watching "That '90s Show" this morning, I thought briefly, "Oh, the title of this episode is 'Kids In America.'  I wonder if they'll play Kim Wilde's version."

Then, I immediately thought, "No, as catchy as that version is, it was a 1982 hit, and this show is set in 1995, so if they use the song, it'll be..."

...Yep.  The version by The Muffs, released in 1995.

Although I like Wilde's version best, I can't fault a show for wanting to use a still good version of the tune that's appropriate for the era.

A function of age VI

How old does something have to be before it's an antique?  Some local radio talk show hosts debated this recently.  One of them uses 20 or more years old as his definition.  Another host read that something generally isn't considered an antique unless it's at least 100 years old.  If it's relatively old but not a century old yet, it supposedly qualifies as vintage.

I like that.  I enjoy having vintage taste in music, sharing vintage memories with those who appreciate them, and at 52, being vintage myself.

To me, vintage is a polite term for old--and that suits me.

Context? CCXVII

This morning, an AM station talk show host asked his co-host if she knew that Sony still manufactures Walkmans.  She asked if these Walkmans can play cassette tapes.  He clarified that they don't, but they're portable digital music players.

It's good to know that the Walkman's music-on-the-go spirit remains even though it's a different format.

The foot-biting default option XXII

My cat, Collette, doesn't lack confidence.  After biting my feet recently, she started singing to the tune of a Dr. Hook And The Medicine Show hit, "On the cover of the Modern Cat..."  Just as Hook and company sang about being on the cover of Rolling Stone, Collette has lofty ambitions.  I suspect she thinks she'll be the cover cat for an issue with the article, "Preemptive Biting: One Tabby's Case."

Actually, I'd be curious to read about Collette's supposed justification for foot chomping.

FM dial scan highlights CCVIII

Sunday standouts:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Footprints-Farshid Etniko (This compelling guitar-anchored instrumental is equally at home in international and smooth jazz formats.)
• African Dream-Wasis Diop featuring Lena Fiagbe (Reassuring guitar underscores well-sung lyrics about the uncertainty of life and planning for the future.)

KWMU 90.7 FM

• Cry Me A River-Cheryl Bentyne (I'm not surprised that a Manhattan Transfer member would sing this with just the right emotional depth.)

KSHE 94.7 FM

• How Deep It Goes-Heart (These sensitively written and sung lyrics about wondering if a relationship is salvageable deserved more acclaim in 1975.)
• Oh Very Young-Cat Stevens (It speaks well of 1974's album rock scene that there was a place for this song.   How could listeners not respect the thoughtfulness that Stevens conveys regarding the fleeting passage of time?)

Context? CCXVI

I heard a radio commercial Thursday night touting the benefits of visiting "big small town Belleville, Illinois."

If it's like Kirkwood, Missouri, I understand the appeal of that big small town atmosphere.  I wonder if they have the same issue at four-way stop signs, though.

In memory of Jeff Beck

It speaks well of an artist, I think, when you like three of his best songs for completely different reasons.  With The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck co-wrote one of the band's catchiest songs, "Over Under Sideways Down."  In addition to the tune's clap-along, sing-along chorus, the lyrics show an endearing naivete of youth.  It also segues well with "19th Nervous Breakdown" by The Rolling Stones.

One of the strongest Jeff Beck Group songs, in my opinion, is "Situation."  That's a slice of appealingly energetic rock with a bluesy tinge in the vocals and every instrument.  It also shows how much of a difference a strong rhythm section makes.  Album rock stations should give it its due.

And, saving the best for last, there's a reason Beck is such a respected guitarist.  This is on full display in Stanley Clarke's "Hello Jeff."  Having acclaimed jazz-rock bassist Clarke and master guitar shredder Beck on the same track produces some powerful sparks.  An early '90s memory: I was getting ready to go home from college for a weekend.  The friend driving me home saw that I was taking a few LPs I'd bought home.  A Clarke LP was on top of the stack, prompting him to ask, "Why are you bringin' back 'Journey To Love?'"  I replied, "Because it's Stanley Clarke, and I want to add the album to my home collection."  In retrospect, I could also have said, "First and foremost, because of 'Hello Jeff,' which you might have heard on my answering machine.'"

Although I haven't heard every Jeff Beck track ever recorded, I know enough of his work to understand why so many guitarists have been in mourning since his passing Tuesday.

FM dial scan highlights CCVII

Early Thursday morning highlights:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Satet Rock-The Drastics (This instrumental is a well-blended fusion of jazz and ska.  The organ, saxophone, and percussion coalesce compellingly.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Listen Here-Eric Reed (Propulsive piano reminiscent of 1960s Ramsey Lewis.)
• Floating On Life-Janet Evra (Inviting, appropriately floating vocals and instrumentation from last year's excellent release, "Hello Indie Bossa.")

KCLC 89.1 FM

• It's Alright-Cecilia Castleman (An encouraging tune about following one's own path.  Rhythmically, "Still The One" by Orleans would sound right after this.)
  

KPNT 105.7 FM

• This Is Why-Paramore (This title track from the band's forthcoming February 10 release establishes a commanding groove from the first note.  In addition to a tight, catchy chorus, the lyrics make a convincing case for being a recluse who mostly abstains from social media.)

Online radio sampler highlights CXC

Six standout songs heard today:

KBAC (Santa Fe, NM)

• Nick Of Time-Lake Street Dive (Rachael Price's vocals nail the thoughtful, reflective vibe of one of Bonnie Raitt's best tunes.  I recommend the YouTube video, "Lake Street Dive plays 'Nick Of Time' On a Boston Sidewalk."  I regret not thinking of this cover when I compiled my Favorite music of 2022 countdown.)
• River Climber-Cloacas (This intriguing instrumental sounds simultaneously eerie and welcoming.  It's a testament to acoustic instruments and whistling.)

KMJQ (Houston, TX)

• Before I Let Go-Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (An enjoyable 1981 groove with a lyrically honest way of asking, "We have such a strong connection, so why are we splitting up?")

KSDS (San Diego, CA)

• Morning Star-Connie Han (Warm tenor sax tone and impressive piano playing fit for rainy day listening.)

WBTV (Burlington, VT)

• Young Blood-Rickie Lee Jones (One of several rhythmically appealing highlights from Jones's 1979 self-titled album.  As this track and many others show, Jones has always had a way with octave leaps.)

WRIR (Richmond, VA)

• Alouatta Pigra-Eike Hosenfeld (Trundling through space?  Let this instrumental underscore your walk.)
  

Persistent earworm alert CCLXXXVIII

Was this a missed opportunity for semi-obvious bumper music?  I'm not sure, as I didn't hear the beginning or end of an AM talk station's segment this afternoon.  I heard two hosts discussing how frequently people buy lottery tickets, and all I could think of was Calloway's hit, "I Wanna Be Rich."  I don't think I've heard it on the radio since it was a hit, but adult contemporary stations played it frequently in early 1990.  

In this case, honest lyrics, sunny vocals, and a beat that doesn't leave one's mind easily were the trinity of ingredients for a smash hit.

Persistent earworm alert CCLXXXVII

Last night, I went outside to see if any Christmas lights displays were still on behind my residence.  I was disappointed but not surprised that they weren't.  If any song had infiltrated my mind then, I would have expected it to be a Christmas carol.  Surprisingly, though, The Free Design's "Kites Are Fun" entered my mind and has stayed there.

Maybe that's not so surprising.  Kites are associated with Spring, after all.  Subconsciously, I think I've been trying to zoom past the dark, cold days of January and February and get into March, when the weather is better and things seem hopeful again.

The allure of shuffle mode XXI

Frequently, the guitar is integral in setting a song's tone.  That was evident recently when iTunes shuffle mode played these four songs in a row:

• It Never Gets Easier-Muriel Anderson
• A Crooked Road-Darrell Scott
• Kite-Mascott
• Knife Edge-Brooks Williams

Across those four songs, the guitar conveyed melancholy, resolved, whimsical, and hopeful moods, in that order.  After hearing those tunes, I don't see how a listener couldn't appreciate the instrument's range.

Context? CCXV

Heard on the radio Thursday night: "Why haven't you become a Catholic?  Let's talk about that..."

Or, to respect others' freedom of decision, let's let people choose their own religious or non-religious paths.

A murky verdict VII

My brother's cat, Lily, didn't have to wait until next December to hear more Jim Nabors Christmas music, after all.  Thanks to the Holiday Traditions channel on SiriusXM, Lily got to hear his version of "Silent Night" yesterday:

Unlike previous listening sessions, however, she didn't react to the music and kept eating.  Eleven days after Christmas, however, I suppose it's not unusual for seasonal music to lose some of its potency.  I give Lily credit for allowing Jim Nabors to at least provide her dinner music.

Only in college C

In a preemptive move, the orchestra director let us know that snow and ice would not prevent a rehearsal from happening.

One dreary Winter day in pre-Internet times, I walked down to the music building and saw this notice on the bulletin board: "Attention: University Philharmonic members: Today's rehearsal is not cancelled."

Getting the bass from the storage room to the rehearsal hall wasn't easy, but I managed to navigate the ice and snow without breaking any bones.  I suspect, however, that in today's more litigious age, such a rehearsal probably would be cancelled.

The allure of shuffle mode XX

Based on a recent foursome of tunes selected, I suspect that the iTunes shuffle mode feature felt the need to dance--or at least stomp its feet in time to a diverse selection of beats:

• Praise You-Fatboy Slim
• The Proper Ornaments-Super Furry Animals
• Equilibrium-Hot Club Of Detroit
• Play The Harp-John Mayall

Here's hoping the algorithm got to clap its metaphorical hands to those four tunes.

Post-holiday orchestral malaise II

I've written previously about a high school/college orchestra in which I played not putting as much effort into its chamber music rehearsals.  This was evident one day in the bass section.  One of us made a silly, easily avoidable intonation mistake.  The conductor said to our section, "Concentration, very important."  When we rehearsed that passage again, a different bass player made another silly, similar mistake.  The conductor told our section, "Concentration, very bad today."

Fortunately, there were no other such mistakes for the rest of the rehearsal.  Call it the curse of January, though.  When you know it'll be a while before Christmas comes again, and you're faced with a couple of flat months before your mood brightens, an orchestral rehearsal sometimes feels like a rote, mundane exercise.

Savoring Christmas III

I've made no secret of needing to listen to Christmas and Christmas-adjacent music, even after Christmas.  During the '90s, however, I was reminded that not everyone shares this view.  One late December night at work, I had the Windham Hill compilation, "A Winter's Solstice II," on in the office.  A co-worker who wasn't a new age music fan said to me, "I know you can listen to this type of music.  You listen to it all the time."  Turning to another co-worker, he said, "But you...How can you stand to listen to this?"

In perfectly timed deadpan, my co-worker responded, "Haven't you heard the screaming guitar solo coming up?"

A screaming guitar solo would sound interesting dropped into Metamora's "This Rush Of Wings,"--out of place but interesting.

I know this expression...

...It's the look of a cat contemplating not hearing any Christmas music by Jim Nabors again for a while:

December 25, 2022: My brother's cat, Lily, maintains her tough composure.  Even if she doesn't always know what to think about the Christmas music of Jim Nabors, she knows she'll miss hearing it.