Saturday afternoon standouts:
Chill
- Azalea-Nora Van Elken (The haunting beat of this house instrumental, released in April, makes me envision someone pedaling a bike rapidly to a grim or uncertain destination.)
The Coffee House
- Rain-mxmtoon (This endearing tune, released earlier this month, is a lyrically honest way of admitting that home isn't where it used to be and that even if you visit a previous home, it will have evolved during your time away.)
Hallmark Radio
- The Silent Nutcracker-Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Unlike this ensemble's more elaborately produced efforts, this is a tasteful, understated acoustic guitar medley.)
- Home For The Holidays-Martina McBride (McBride's vocals blend well with the big band backing.)
Holiday Traditions
- Do You Hear What I Hear?-Bing Crosby (Crosby's voice is appropriately authoritative here, making this one of the best vocal renditions of this carol.)
The Loft
- Ding Dong Merrily On High-The Chieftains (If there's one carol that cries out for a Celtic arrangement, it's this one. I also recommend the Irish Philharmonic Chorus's rendition.)
Luna
- A Volta-Eliane Elias (These pleasant midtempo vocals and piano playing are equally at home in an international or jazz playlist.)
Real Jazz
- Black Jack-Donald Byrd (A cool strut for every instrument, but especially for trumpet and piano.)
Smokey's Holiday Soul Town
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen-Dionne Warwick/Dianne Reeves (Appealing alternating vocals against a jazzy backdrop.)
The Village
- The Old Courtyard-The Murphy Beds (The Wailin' Jennys sing my favorite version of this. However, this vocals-and-guitar take, released in 2012, has a well-executed '60s folk feel. In both versions, the advice about how to grieve someone who has passed away comes through clearly.)
- Monday Speaks-Everette Harp featuring Norman Brown (Uptempo smooth jazz saxophone and guitar with a steady bounce.)
- The Look Of Love-Diana Krall (Krall's vocals fit these much-covered lyrics appropriately. Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 also pulled off a strong version.)
