Monday morning standouts:
Adult Alternative
- Royals-Lorde (Lyrically, this is a fun reminder not to let being dealt a less than great hand of cards compromise your life more than necessary. A recommended cover: Monika Herzig and Jane Bunnett convert "Royals" to a credible jazz instrumental, making the tune shine on piano and saxophone, respectively.)
Cool Jazz
- No Moon At All-Diana Krall (Breathy vocals with just the right amount of enunciation, augmented by a strong rhythm section.)
Jazz Now
- Spare Change-Adam Shulman (The bounce in this instrumental's step would make virtually any version of "Straighten Up And Fly Right" or "That'll Just About Knock Me Out" flow well after it.)
Jukebox Oldies
- My Heart Cries For You-Ray Charles (The vocals are in keeping with the heartfelt, melancholy consistency of the "Sweet & Sour Tears" album.)
Motown
- Love Hangover-Diana Ross (This smash hit's transition from slow ballad to energetic romp has held up since 1976.)
Smooth Jazz
- Sunkiss-Michael Garvin (This relaxing uptempo guitar melody would segue smoothly into "One 2 One" by Brian Hughes.)
The Spa
- Some Things Never Change-Christian Anderson (Pleasant midtempo folk guitar. I wish businesses would use this as their on-hold music, as the melody repeats itself but doesn't wear out its welcome.)
World Carnival
- Generations-Youssou N'Dour (A strong undercurrent of bass supports the vocals.)
