I've heard an eclectic array of standout tunes today. Here are seven of the best ones:
KCSM (San Mateo, CA)
- Four In One-Renee Rosnes (As much as I love Rosnes's piano-led versions of "Misty" and "I've Got You Under My Skin," it's good to be reminded that her ensemble swings, as well.)
- Little Sunflower-Johnny Lytle (What a compelling uptempo mood this group maintains, centered around Lytle's vibraphone prowess.)
KKCR (Hanalei, HI)
- Ka'alaea-Walea (Early '60s-style harmonizing with a distinctly Hawaiian flavor. This wouldn't be out of place in a playlist including The Brothers Four, The Lettermen, and Roger Whittaker.)
KVRF (Palmer, AK)
- Mr. Fortune-The Hitch-Hikers featuring The Mighty Pope (A great recurring brassy riff reminiscent of Edwin Starr's "War," with fully committed vocals and energy to burn. What a gem this 1971 track is.)
WOVM (Appleton, WI)
- Lonely People-Rickie Lee Jones (A respectable--and unexpected--cover of America's 1975 hit. The intro faked me out, as I thought I was about to hear a cover of The Band's "The Weight.")
WREK (Atlanta, GA)
- Spyrone-Harry J All Stars (Reggae and R&B coalesce perfectly in this organ instrumental from 1969.)
WRHU (Hempstead, NY)
- Tokyo Ballerina-Sparta Locals (Despite not understanding a word of Pizzicato Five's Japanese lyrics, I've raved about the group's infectious rhythms and vocals. I'm doing the same for this Sparta Locals track because of its full-of-life vocals, guitar, and Japanese lyrics that I can't decipher.)
