Most of the standout selections I heard this morning were instrumentals. Among the highlights:
Chamber Music
- Alexander Scriabin: Three Preludes, Op.35 (Piers Lane, piano) (Intriguing contrasting examples of Scriabin's range. The first prelude suggests a sensation of floating. The second one sounds downcast and apprehensive. The third displays a sense of whimsy and a definitive closing.)
Cool Jazz
- Since I Fell For You-Vince Guaraldi Trio (Thanks to its universal lyrics and easily digested melody, I've never heard a bad version of this. Lenny Welch, Al Jarreau, and Bonnie Raitt all sing it compellingly. Guaraldi proves how well the melody translates to the piano, which shouldn't surprise anyone.)
Folk Roots
- Every Time You Say Goodbye-Alison Krauss (Krauss always emotes convincingly when singing about painful partings. Also recommended: "Stay.")
Holiday Hits
- Theme From "Children Of The Corn"-Robert J. Walsh (Appropriately foreboding underscoring.)
- The Phantom Of The Opera-Original London Cast (What fear one can strike in the hearts of listeners with the right sinister-sounding descending scale followed by an equally eerie ascending scale.)
New Age
- Berceuse-Suzanne Ciani (Mannheim Steamroller's version of "Stille Nacht (Silent Night)" would flow well into this endearing piano melody.)
Retro R&B
- Sophisticated Cissy-The Meters (Effectively held organ notes and a solid rhythm section, as usual. The Meters maintain a strong consistency from track to track.)
The Spa
- The Stargazer-Rebecca Reads (A haunting, ambient instrumental, fit for Halloween. If I were walking at night with this accompaniment, I'd second guess most of my steps.)
