October 2005 List

"Whatever": Jill Scott
(Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds, Vol. 2, 2004)
On two occasions in the past six months, I heard the remix of "Whatever," but it wasn't until my friend Mark shared the original version with me that I appreciated its cozy, laid-back soundscape and frolicsome wordplay. Jill Scott can sing in a variety of guises and I particularly enjoy her voice on this track where she's effectively sexy without being tacky.

"How Am I Different": Bettye LaVette
(I've Got My Own Hell to Raise, 2005)
Until last week, Betty LaVette was a singer who I knew very little about other than her esteemed standing among soul music aficionados, so upon David Nathan's very compelling recommendation, I bought her new album. I walked home from Park Row back to Hell's Kitchen on a rainy Friday night, listening to a woman whose voice is a force of nature, whose delivery of lyrics is raw and naked, and who, on this song, refashions a question from Aimee Mann's lyrics into a declaration of independence.

"State Your Peace": Hootie & the Blowfish
(Looking for Lucky, 2005)
I didn't ever think I'd listen to Hootie & the Blowfish again after drowning in their songs back in high school, thanks to W104.7. However, I had an opportunity to see them perform earlier last month at China Club and hear a set of songs from their new album, which - to my listening delight - is actually a very welcome breath of fresh air!

"Bohemia After Dark": Herbie Mann & Phil Woods
(Beyond Brooklyn, 2004)
In an effort to indulge my love for flute-based jazz, I decided recently to learn more about one of the best jazz flutists ever - Herbie Mann. Though Herbie Mann passed away shortly after Beyond Brooklyn was released, his legacy and influence are intact, and it's such a joy to hear him and saxophonist Phil Woods play together on this track, which conjures images of twinkling lights on the Manhattan skyline.

"Night of My Life": Barbra Streisand
(Guilty Pleasures, 2005)
Ahhhhh..."Night of My Life" is my own personal anthem this month! It is certainly no "guilty pleasure" of mine to:
a) hear Barbra Streisand's voice soar on a dance track
b) hear Barbra Streisand collaborate with Barry Gibb again
c) hear this song at full volume in a club (which I haven't done yet but I will no doubt MAKE happen)