A Journey Through Sound

Music,a global language,transcends boundaries and connects us through shared emotions and experiences. From soulful ballads to energetic instrumentals, the following selections offer a diverse listening experience.

Soulful Expressions

The raw emotion and powerful vocals of soul music resonate deeply. Ann Sexton, a prominent figure in the genre, delivers several compelling tracks:

• You’re Letting Me Down from the album “Slow Jamz Old School Version” (Hit Town)
• You’re gonna Miss Me from the album “Sweet Southern Soul” (Velour Records)
• I Had Fight with Love (And I Lost) from the album “Sweet Southern Soul” (SS7/GCM)
• I’m His Wife (You’re Just A Friend) from the album “you’re Gonna Miss Me” (Sound Stage 7)

These songs showcase Sexton’s ability to convey heartbreak and resilience through her music.

Jazz and Blues: Roots of American Music

Jazz and blues, foundational genres in American music, offer a rich tapestry of improvisation and storytelling.

• Louis Armstrong’s If I could Be With You from “The Best of Satchmo: Louis Armstrong’s -greatest Hits Vol. 1” (Music & Highlights) exemplifies the joyful spirit of early jazz.
• Jelly Roll Morton & His Red Hot Peppers’ Smoke House Blues from “Black Bottom stomp (the Complete Victor Recordings 1926)” (Biloba Jazz) showcases the intricate arrangements and infectious rhythms of the era.
• Roger mcgregor’s Lone Jack To Knob Noster from “Jazz Piano Bar” (Blue Abbey Music) provides a more contemporary take on jazz piano.
• Joe morris’ Boogie Woogie Joe from “Best Of The Early Years” (Nifty Music, Inc.) and Joe Morris Orchestra’s Lowe Groovin’ from “Atlantic’s Rockin’ 40s and 50s” (Audio Lotion Recordings) highlight the energy and danceability of early rock and roll, rooted in blues and R&B.
• Eddie Adcock’s Limehouse Blues from “Country Music Heritage: The Legacy of CMH Records” (CMH Records) offers a bluegrass interpretation of a jazz standard, demonstrating the genre’s versatility.

Northern soul and R&B Grooves

Northern Soul, a genre characterized by its fast tempo and energetic rhythms, is represented by:

• The Raelettes’ Bad Water from “Northern Soul Favorites” (Master Classics Records)
• Bob Kuban & The In-Men’s The Cheater from “The Northern Soul Story Vol.1: The Twisted Wheel” (Sony BMG Music Entertainment)

Lenny Welch’s As I Fell For You from “One Hit Wonders – Vol. 1” (K-tel) provides a contrasting, more mellow R&B vibe.

Country Roads and Modern Twangs

Country music, with its storytelling and heartfelt lyrics, offers a diverse range of sounds.

• Shania Twain’s Yes, I Will from “Yes, I Will” (Greatest Music of All Time LLC) and Honey, I’m Home from “Come on Over” (Mercury Nashville) showcase her crossover appeal.
• Charly McClain’s Dancing Your Memory Away from “Biggest Hits” (Columbia Nashville Legacy) offers a classic country sound.
• Tracy byrd’s Watermelon Crawl from “No Ordinary Man” (UMG Recordings, Inc.) provides a fun, upbeat country anthem.
• Waylon Jennings’ We Had it All – Previously Unreleased from “Waylon Live” (RLG/BMG Heritage) and Dick Damron’s Waylon’s T-Shirt from “A Thousand Songs Of Glory” (Cherry Red Records) pay homage to the outlaw country legend.
• Sammi Smith’s Girl In new Orleans from “Help Me Make It Through The Night” (Bringins Music) delivers a soulful country ballad.

Global Sounds

Music knows no borders. Deszaire’s Loco from “Electroacústico” (O.R.A) offers a taste of Latin American sounds, while Wayne Handy’s Say Yeah provides a contemporary pop experience.

A Journey Through Genres

Music, in its myriad forms, serves as a mirror reflecting the diverse tapestry of human experience. From the raw energy of rock and roll to the intricate improvisations of jazz, each genre offers a unique lens through which to view the world. This curated collection explores a range of musical styles, showcasing both iconic artists and lesser-known gems.

the journey begins with a nod to classic rock, featuring tracks like Baba O’Riley by The Who, taken from their Live from Toronto album, released by Immortal. This high-energy performance exemplifies the band’s enduring appeal and their ability to captivate audiences.

Venturing into the realm of country music, we encounter Merle Haggard & The Strangers with The Way It Was in ’51, a nostalgic reflection on simpler times. This track, found on the Down every Road 1962-1994 compilation released by Capitol Nashville, showcases Haggard’s storytelling prowess and his ability to evoke vivid imagery through song.

Aaron Tippin’s You’ve Got To Stand For Something,from the album Greatest Hits And Then Some released by SBME Strategic Marketing Group,offers a powerful message of conviction and integrity.This song resonates with listeners who value principles and are willing to defend their beliefs.

Bruce Springsteen’s Glory Days,a staple from the Born In The U.S.A. album released by Columbia/Legacy, provides a bittersweet reflection on the passage of time and the challenges of maintaining youthful exuberance. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a timeless classic.

Blondie’s Rip Her To Shreds – Remastered, from the album of the same name released by Universal Music Mexico, injects a dose of punk-infused energy into the mix. This track showcases the band’s rebellious spirit and their ability to blend genres seamlessly.

Johnny Tillotson’s Poetry In Motion – Re-Recording, featured on 60’s Rock ‘N’ Roll – It’s My Party released by K-tel, offers a nostalgic trip back to the early days of rock and roll. The song’s infectious rhythm and romantic lyrics evoke a sense of youthful innocence.

Ronnie Milsap’s Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night) – Remastered 2003, from the ultimate Ronnie milsap album released by Craft Recordings, blends elements of country and pop, creating a smooth and sophisticated sound. The song’s nostalgic lyrics and heartfelt delivery have made it a fan favorite.

The Youngbloods’ Hippie from Olema No. 5, found on Country Rock Gems released by rhino, offers a glimpse into the counterculture movement of the 1960s.The song’s laid-back vibe and whimsical lyrics capture the spirit of the era.

Michael Hurley’s Werewolf, from the album Wolfways released by Bellemeade phonics, showcases his unique blend of folk, blues, and Americana. Hurley’s distinctive voice and quirky songwriting style have earned him a cult following.

Lola’s Summer Drizzle, from Cabo De Soul released by lola, provides a smooth and soulful interlude. The song’s mellow groove and evocative lyrics create a relaxing atmosphere.

Jody Gwin’s Mombasa, twice listed from the album Mr cello released by Masterworks, highlights the versatility of the cello as a solo instrument. Gwin’s masterful playing and evocative compositions create a captivating listening experience.

Gene Ammons’ Jug Eyes, from Legends Of Acid Jazz released by Universal Music, and The Black Cat, from Greatest Hits:The 70s released by Prestige, exemplify his soulful and blues-infused saxophone playing. Ammons’ improvisational skills and distinctive tone have made him a jazz icon.

George Freeman’s contributions to this collection include At Long Last Love from At Long Last George released by Savant, My Scenery from Birth Sign released by Delmark, and Help Me (feat. Billy Branch) from George the Bomb! released by Southport Records. These tracks showcase Freeman’s versatility as a guitarist and his ability to blend jazz with other genres.

Charlie Parker’s Keen And Peachy – Live At Pershing Hotel Ballroom, 1950, from The Complete Live Performances On Savoy, and fine And Dandy, from Jazz Immortal Series, Vol. 1: An Evening At Home With The Bird released by Savoy, offer a glimpse into the genius of one of jazz’s most influential figures. Parker’s innovative improvisations and virtuosic technique revolutionized the genre.

AC/DC’s Problem Child, from the album of the same name released by One Day Music, delivers a dose of high-octane rock and roll. The song’s raw energy and rebellious lyrics have made it a classic of the genre.

Conclusion

This diverse collection of musical selections offers a glimpse into the vast and ever-evolving world of music. From classic rock anthems to soulful jazz improvisations, each track provides a unique listening experience. Whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s something here to discover and enjoy.