FM dial scan highlights CCXXVIII

Thursday morning standouts:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Oscar Peterson (My favorite Peterson Christmas track is his sublime take on "Away In A Manger," but this is a cool strut for piano, vibraphone, and guitar.)
• Christmas Time Is Here-Greg Adams And East Bay Soul (This familiar opening tune from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" works well as a trumpet-led jazz ballad.  Waiting until late in the song to bring in vocals is a good choice, as well.)

WFUN 96.3 FM

• Walking In Rhythm-Blackbyrds (Some of the sunniest vocals of the '70s, fit for days when everything is going right.) 
  

WARH 106.5 FM

• Eye Of The Tiger-Survivor (I don't seek this song out ordinarily, but I'll let it play out when I hear it. Decades later, it's still a lyrically effective way to prep for a tall task.  And, if I may so, Survivor's version is almost as good as that of Mrs. B.'s 1982 first quarter sixth grade chorus class. :-))

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2

• Claude Arrieu: Dectet For Winds (Atlanta Chamber Winds/Robert J. Ambrose, conductor) (As announcer Kathy Lawton Brown explained, Claude Arrieu is the pen name of French composer Louise-Marie Simon.  I enjoyed hearing 10 wind players handle whimsical and sorrowful passages with equal ease.)
• Clara Schumann: Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 (Sylvan Trio) (I was sold on this beautiful, lyrical piece for violin, cello, and piano right from the first movement's opening notes.)

Why climb the mountain?

The conventional answer is, "Because it was there."  My gut reaction to that answer, though, has always been, "That justifies nothing."

In that light, I enjoyed hearing Al Jarreau's "Closer To Your Love" come up in iTunes shuffle mode today.  In addition to its appealing vocals and energy, the tune's lyrics turn the cliches of saying you'll climb the highest mountain or swim the deepest ocean for someone inside out; in essence, the pursuer's point of view is, "Why can't I just say I'm interested in you?  Why is it necessary for me to exhaust myself to prove how I feel to you?"

That's some of the most refreshing candor I've heard in any song.

The allure of shuffle mode XLI

Want to enjoy the warmth of the Christmas season at an unhurried pace?  iTunes paired two Christmas tunes from my library smartly this morning: The Lettermen's version of "The Christmas Waltz" segued smoothly into Chanticleer's rendition of "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear."

If you're seeking soft, subtle, seasonal vocals, there's a duo for you.

Not an easy A for everyone

I hadn't asked another student to tell me this, but supposedly, at least one musician in our high school orchestra received a D+ semester grade.

I don't know if that was true, but if so, perhaps the player(s) would have been better off just listening to music instead. 

Context? CCLXXXIX

It amused me years ago when a top 40 radio station debuted its format by proclaiming it was "a station for all people."

"Not everyone will choose to listen," I thought, "but technically, that's true.  Anyone who wants to listen  can tune in.  That applies to all stations, though."

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CXXXII

I never imagined I'd recommend a cover of "The Chipmunk Song," but Lisa Addeo's rendering of it on the piano deserves a listen.  By slowing down the tempo and playing it seriously, Addeo turns it into a credible jazz instrumental.  I wouldn't have expected that from a novelty song about wanting a hula hoop and wishing Christmas would hurry up and get here, but Addeo's reworking of the tune makes me appreciate its melody more than I ever have.

Gratitude for a favorite cat II

One night last July, I heard a radio announcer say, "That's the thing about pets.  They're just here with us for about 15 or 16 years, and then..."

And then, after a pause, the station went to a commercial break.  I still wonder if the host left that sentence dangling on purpose or if she needed to regain her composure.  I wouldn't fault her either way.  I certainly wouldn't fault her today, as I recall my wonderful cat, Sylvia, whose life ended four years ago.

Online radio sampler highlights CCXXII (Thanksgiving/Thanksgiving marathon edition)

Thanksgiving morning highlights:

KBXR (Columbia, MO)

• Days Like This-Van Morrison (Typically, when people use this expression, it refers to a day when everything is going wrong.  These lyrics remind us that there are also days when everything goes right for us.)
• Daysleeper-R.E.M. (As someone who has worked primarily at night for 30 years, I relate to the need for sleeping during the day.  I'd argue that there's something to be said for the general peace, tranquility, and solitude of night work.  Sidebar: It's an annual treat to hear KBXR's B to X marathon.  The station commits to it, too, even when playing songs alphabetically results in an awkward situation of playing a tune by The Police, playing a song by another artist, and then playing another song by The Police, as happened yesterday.  You hear some welcome, unusual musical combinations and get a good overview of the station's playlist.  It's interesting to me, though, that the Siouxsie And The Banshees version of "Dear Prudence" made the marathon while the original Beatles version didn't.)

WPFW (Washington, D.C.)

• We Gather Together-The Barry Miles Trio (Trust a jazz combo of piano, bass, and drums to build on this familiar melody compellingly.)
• Count Your Blessings-Ashford & Simpson (A smart reminder for times when one is tempted to say, "That's it!  This (situation, friendship, or relationship) is ruined!")
  

WQXR (Newark, NJ)

• Richard Wagner: Tannhauser: Entry Of The Guests (Minnesota Orchestra/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, conductor) (If I walked into Thanksgiving dinner with this accompaniment of strings, brass, and percussion, I'd feel compelled to have eloquent discourse on current events ready to recite.)

WWFM (Trenton, NJ) 

• We Gather Together (The Dale Warland Singers) (A tasteful rendition that starts subtly and crescendos effectively.)
• Valerie Coleman: Umoja (Unity) (Imani Winds) (There's a warmth and richness of tone that has made me enjoy everything I've heard by this ensemble.  Also recommended: "The Holly And The Ivy.")

That after-concert sigh of relief

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, thank you to everyone who ever complimented me after I played the bass in concert.  Even when you've practiced a piece or a tune until it's flawless and have tremendous confidence, performing in public presents an exciting but nerve-racking variable.  While no one should fault you if you break a string or suddenly feel nauseous, it's understandable to have a little fear of the unexpected.  Then, when the concert ends without any major miscues, it makes you appreciate praise from the audience all the more.

Context? CCLXXXVIII

A radio talk show host said on-air recently, "Thanksgiving is the most pleasant holiday."  I know what he means.  Thanksgiving isn't an overly commercial holiday, which makes it low-key right off the bat.  Also, as much as I love Christmas, Thanksgiving doesn't typically have a late day lull to it.  How could it, when you have the warm glow of remembering those and that for which you're thankful, and it's the prelude to the Christmas (or other December holidays) season?

Persistent earworm alert CCCXI

I enjoy the acting and clever writing on the show "Scrubs" as much as anyone.  However, I've started to tire of a ubiquitous commercial featuring two of its leads.  Breaking into song about having home Internet from T-Mobile--or any other provider, for that matter--just strikes me as an overreaction.

Now, if they were singing about having fed the cat, that would still grate on me after a while, but it would take longer.

FM dial scan highlights CCXXVII

Six of the better tunes I've heard today:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Storm-Stanley Turrentine (I'm glad there's a place on the radio for this sprawling sax-centered tune that represents the best of 1971.)

KWMU 90.7 FM

• Peace Piece-Bill Evans (A warm piano piece I can imagine someone playing after everyone in the concert hall has gone home.  This is what playing for the love of it sounds like.)
• Walkin' And Swingin'-Marian McPartland (A strong version of a perfectly titled Mary Lou Williams piano instrumental.)

KSHE 94.7 FM

• See Me See You-Barclay James Harvest (I'm primed to like this combination of forthright guitar and vocal harmonies that aren't far removed from Crosby, Stills & Nash.)
• Everyday-James Taylor (I was surprised to hear KSHE mellow out by playing this softer, slower version of the Buddy Holly tune.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• What Child Is This?-Jim Brickman (If you've heard other Brickman-played carols but not this one, you can probably approximate how he approaches this on the piano.  This rendition conveys an appropriate amount of reverence and solemnity.)

Online radio sampler highlights CCXXI

Six Saturday highlights:

KBCO (Boulder, CO)

• My Love Mine All Mine-Mitski (This September release's endearing lyrics remind listeners that even when you pass away, your heart still remains with your beloved one.)

KOSI (Denver, CO)

• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Sarah McLachlan (McLachlan's airy vocals fit the tune well.)
• Sleigh Ride-Lindsey Stirling (This release from last year features Classical-style violin with just enough of a modern beat.)

WDVX (Knoxville, TN)

• According To My Heart-Tish Hinojosa (Listeners who know this tune are most likely familiar with the Jim Reeves version.  I would argue that this version is even stronger, as it glides effortlessly around bent notes in the vocals and on guitar.  My default Hinojosa track for years has been her ballad, "Everything You Wish."  It's impressive to hear her conquer an Americana tune with equal ease.)
• A Hundred And Sixty Acres-Marty Robbins (One can view the lyrics as either boastful or fit for Thanksgiving.  Craig Ferguson and his puppets could have lip-synched this credibly when Ferguson hosted "The Late Late Show.")

WSNC (Winston-Salem, NC)

• You Send Me-Hiram Bullock featuring Al Jarreau (If you like the way Jarreau covered "Since I Fell For You" with Bob James and David Sanborn, you'll probably enjoy his similar, stretched out approach to this Sam Cooke tune, as well.  Bullock's guitar punctuates the rhythm forcefully.)
  

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CXXXI

Usually, when I think of "The First Noel (or Nowell)," I imagine a choir singing it reverentially at a conventional tempo.  Carolbeth True's combo, Two Times True, however, shows how well the carol works as a faster instrumental with a calypso flavor. 

Who says a piano-led rhythm section can't proclaim joyous news?

Persistent earworm alert CCCX

When my day is going reasonably well, the second movement of Benjamin Britten's "Simple Symphony" sometimes comes to mind.  The bouncy, memorable melody of Playful Pizzicato sustains a worry-free mood.  Also, because it's plucked instead of bowed, string players can't ham it up with too much vibrato.

Context? CCLXXXVII

This afternoon, a radio personality asked, "Is anyone else lamenting that kids don't use books (for school?)"

In a way, I am.  While so much information is available online, I think it's satisfying to have the tactile gratification of paging through a book and knowing that it's a reliable source.

Much like that talk show host, however, I might just be, as he put it, "an old man yelling at clouds."

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CXXX

By its nature, "What Child Is This?" requires a certain solemnity.  With its minor key melody, it can't help but feel downcast.  That doesn't mean, however, that it can't be sung or played with an undercurrent of optimism.  Ronny Smith pulls this off in his jazz guitar rendition.  In a tempo that's neither too fast nor too slow, Smith plays the carol in a mellow, melancholy style, similar to Kenny Burrell.

This reverential but less stately version of "What Child Is This?" stays true to the carol's intent without sounding overly grim.  Smooth jazz listeners will likely agree that this is an ideal middle ground.

Context? CCLXXXVI

In its on-air ads, a radio station seeking salespeople in the '90s claimed that "earning potential is really up to you."

Well...yes and no.

If you're persistent, you might earn more of a commission than other salespeople.  Effort, however, doesn't always translate into results.  If advertisers can't afford to buy time on your station, no amount of persuasiveness will enable them to pay for commercials.

Proper class, proper classroom

I was pleased to read recently that my old elementary school has a new vocal music classroom.  I'm decades removed from being a grade school student, and I have no kids in school, but I think that any subject that's important enough to teach deserves its own classroom.  A spacious room in which classes can sing and learn music theory should be more inspiring to students and teachers than a supply cart that a music teacher transports from room to room.

The treble clef on the new classroom floor shows that the room is a dedicated space for music-making--and that's the right message to convey.

A less-than-great business III

About 25 years ago, the radio was on at work, and I remarked, "Oh, (so-and-so) is the overnight DJ now?  He used to be program director at (another station.)"

A taken aback co-worker asked, "He used to be program director, and now, he's an overnight DJ?"

"Radio's like that," I responded.

A tough sell II

While The Beach Boys aren't among the groups to which I listen most as Christmas approaches, I've always liked "The Man With All The Toys."  The a cappella refrain grounds the song compellingly, while the rest of the tune has a fun, uptempo feel.  Also, at just one minute and 35 seconds, the song doesn't wear out its welcome.  I made this case to my brother's cat, Lily, last night, but I don't think she agreed with me:

It's possible, however, that Lily was having a delayed reaction to last year's Christmas tradition starting up again.  Earlier last night, she'd heard Jim Nabors sing "The Little Drummer Boy" on SiriusXM.

Context? CCLXXXV

I'm paraphrasing a little, but here's the gist of a public service announcement I heard today:

Pilot: Attention, passengers.  This is your captain speaking.  Wait.  Here's a video of my cat...

Announcer: Imagine if airline pilots had the same level of confidence you have when texting while driving.  Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

It absolutely sounds crazy.  That Pennsylvania radio station should air that PSA every hour, as far as I'm concerned.  So should all other stations.

FM dial scan highlights CCXXVI

Five Wednesday afternoon highlights:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Movin' It On-Odetta (A strong reminder to stand up and be counted.  Odetta's low-pitched vocals really sell this lyrical illustration of the expression, "Where there's a will, there's a way.")

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• All Or Nothing At All-Al Jarreau (If you like the bounce of Jarreau's "Tell Me What I Gotta Do," this will likely appeal to you, as well.)
• Dancin' Shoes-Paula Atherton (A brisk, goes-down-easy smooth jazz sax melody, released last month.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Good-Better Than Ezra (This 1995 hit still perks me up whenever I hear it.  "Sittin' around the house" sounds all the more appealing when it's this tuneful.  Also recommended: "Southern Girl," an overlooked track from the same album.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• Caroling, Caroling-Nat King Cole (And so it begins--all Christmas music on KEZK.  Even today, when it's 81 degrees with considerable Fall foliage on display, Cole's rich, welcoming voice makes me want to ring in the Yuletide season.)
  

Context? CCLXXXIV

During a dial scan a few days ago, I heard a radio announcer say, "This conference features two great guests--and me."

I don't know if he was downplaying his moderator abilities or if he felt like the odd one out on a panel.  Perhaps he contributed as much as the guests.  Even so, it would have been off-putting to hear him refer to himself as "your excellent as always host" or "your most knowledgeable expert of all."

Sometimes, it's advisable to undersell--within reason.

The spirit of which season?

What's this?  KEZK isn't playing all Christmas music yet?  Why, Christmas is just a mere, um, seven weeks away.  Outside my window, I can see the seasonal indicators of, well, colorful leaves on trees.  However, today's high temperature is predicted to be a Christmas-like, uh, 79 degrees.  At the grocery store yesterday, a beverage commonly associated with Christmas had its own display.  Well, not really.  It was apple cider, not egg nog.

As much as I love most Christmas music, it's still firmly Autumn.  Forty years ago, it was bold and unusual of KCFM 97.1 FM to start playing continuous Christmas music on December 1.  Today, if at least one station isn't playing all Christmas music by mid November, it's surprising.

The Christmas music will start any day now, I'm sure.  Until then, I'd like to savor what remains of the beautiful season of Fall.

A function of age XVII

Before leaving to go shopping recently, I sang a reminder to myself.  Eddie Money's lyric, "I've got two tickets to paradise," became, in my voice, "I need toothbrushes and Nexium!"

Yes, that's a screamingly middle-aged tactic and sense of priorities, but it worked.  The medicine will keep my reflux at bay, and I'm stocked up on toothbrushes for months to come.

When it works, why shouldn't a 45-year-old hit spur me to pick up the right groceries?

Context? CCLXXXIII

Sometimes, the right combination of background music and an informal delivery can make you curious about a product.  During an August 3, 1985 live commercial, WMRY jazz DJ Leo Chears asked, "Say, listen, did you barbecue this weekend?  Well, if you did, I hope you used Andy's Seasoning Barbecue Sauce...You know, this is a very, very unique mixture of spices and tastes that has people looking for it on the shelves of their favorite supermarket, and that's good...Now, that unique mixture of spices in Andy's Barbecue Sauce will make your barbecue come alive no matter when you do it.  You don't really have to wait for the weekend...I'm sure you'll agree, with Andy's Seasonings, you won't need anything else."

I didn't shop for barbecue sauce at age 14, but at age 53, I'm inclined to wonder how it tastes.  Chears's pitch against a backdrop of soft jazz makes me wonder what I've missed.

A grade given but not earned

Granted, one's grade in a middle school chorus class won't likely prevent one from getting into college or snagging a job.  Still, this scenario mystifies me: The chorus teacher, Mr. B., announced to the class, "If (this student who is about to name the lines and spaces of the treble and bass clefs while I put down flashcards on a stool) can name 50 lines and spaces in a minute, I will put a row of As by everyone's name.  If he can't do it, however, I will put a row of Cs by everyone's name."

Luckily, the student identified 50 lines and spaces in 60 seconds, so we were all given an extra A--even though that made no sense.

Context? CCLXXXII

It was honest of the radio announcer to admit that a restaurant is hard to find.  During a live commercial this morning, he said, "You won't come across it unless you know where you're going."

To his credit, he quickly explained why the restaurant's menu was worth the drive.  If he hadn't, the implied message, "Try us if you can find us," would have been a tough sell.

The allure of shuffle mode XL

A random pairing in my iTunes library succeeded on two fronts this morning.  Both songs have compatible energy levels, and both advise others not to be killjoys.  When Juliana Hatfield's cover of ELO's "Don't Bring Me Down," one of 2023's strongest tracks, segued into Green Day's "Warning," I felt like seizing the day--even in 30-degree weather.