Today's standout selections:
The Bridge Deep Cuts
- I Can See Everything-Poco (Brave lyrics acknowledge that your significant other might decide to end your relationship--and that you might be at least partially responsible for it.)
Chill Instrumental
- Forever-Rytes (An optimistic vibe and a steady beat fit for pedaling a bike.)
Classical For Sleep
- Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: II. Larghetto (Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields/Sir Neville Marriner, conductor) (This Beethoven symphony is the least familiar one to me, so it was refreshing to hear its second movement without any preconceived notions. The strings and winds rise to the occasion here, displaying lyrical delicacy and swelling heroically when appropriate.)
The Coffee House
- Rather Be-Jasmine Thompson (This endearing acoustic guitar and vocal version does Kam Franklin's song justice, giving it less of a dance vibe than Franklin's take. Instead, Thompson's interpretation brings to mind the spirit of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles.")
Coffee House Classics
- Diamond In The Rough-Shawn Colvin (It isn't easy to admit that some of life's situations won't play to your strengths, but these well-written lyrics of one of Colvin's best songs are an injection of confidence for those who need it.)
Indie Sleep
- Life Is-Jessica Pratt (The echo on the vocals serves the contemplative lyrics well. Lyrically, this is in the ballpark of Shawn Colvin's "Diamond In The Rough.")
Piano Instrumentals
- Twilight Movement-Fiona Joy Hawkins (Not every artist can pull off intense yet warm crescendos, but Hawkins does here.)
Real Jazz
- Sunday-Oscar Peterson/Ben Webster (The upbeat, joint-is-jumpin' vibe in the piano and saxophone would have been exhilarating to hear live.)
- One For Grew-Robert Glasper (I'm primed to like any contemplative jazz piano track with this type of midtempo-to-fast rhythm.)
Spa
- Longing/Love-George Winston (Winston's entire solo piano album, "Autumn," is worth hearing in its entirety. "Colors/Dance" is my favorite track, but this track also has a strong hook and a melody fit for a solo trek through the woods or soap opera underscoring.)
