Ten of the better selections I've heard today:
The Big Easy
- Summertime-Preservation Hall Jazz Band (The clarinet and piano nail the essence of this Gershwin standard.)
The Coffee House Discovery
- Sleeping-Gigi Perez (Here's why it's important to reach out when people lose a loved one.)
The Elevator
- Sweet Caroline-Chet Atkins (The orchestra and Atkins on guitar capture the general spirit of this Neil Diamond hit.)
Escape
- Rhinestone Cowboy-James Last (A respectable harmonica-and-strings rendition of the Glen Campbell hit.)
Iceberg
- Help Me-Joni Mitchell (Some of the most honest, forthright lyrics from the perspective of someone who fears she's smitten. This hit also contains one of Mitchell's most appealing hooks. If you like the general feel of the tune, you'll probably also like "Free Man In Paris" and "In France They Kiss On Main Street.")
Piano Instrumentals
- Christian's Workshop-Heidi Breyer (Understated piano playing fit for a lullaby.)
Real Jazz
- People Make The World Go Round-Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio (Strong, rhythmic piano propulsion.)
SiriusXM Pops
- Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 9, "The Great," in C major, D.944: IV. Finale, Allegro vivace (Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra/Martin Sieghart, conductor) (A triumphant conclusion to a symphony, rivaling the finale of Mendelssohn's fourth symphony.)
SiriusXMU
- Transmuted Matter-Stereolab (Lyrically this could pass for a mid '60s pop hit. The modern instrumental backing reminds me it's from 2025.)
Watercolors
- I Will Be Here For You-Al Jarreau (One of many songs with heartfelt sentiments from Jarreau's best album, "Jarreau." Also recommended: "Mornin'," "Step By Step," "Save Me," and "Love Is Waiting.")
