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.")
