If you are that certain age you might remember the claim from the ‘50’s that TV was technically so superior that it would completely replace radio. If we could have foreseen the quality and technical advances of TV, video tape, DVD’s, video on “computers”, and cell phones with audio streaming, we would have accepted that claim as truth – radio would soon be totally obsolete.

Fast forward 60 years… Here I was, driving and listening to CKUA on my obsolete car radio, when this groovy tune grabbed me by the brain. I had to hurry home and make note of the time of day I had heard it. Their playlist is delayed one day so I waited until next day to look up the title and artist on their website.

And that’s where this month’s first pick came from. When driving around the city I regularly listen to CKUA – they have genre-specific time slots so it continually broadens my musical appreciation. Something for every taste and only two minutes of ads per hour. Love classic country? Check out KMON Great Falls 560 AM – Great country music and if you phone in during the “Name That Tune” contest, I think you can win a cow or something.

FUNKY BLUES: Clap Yo’ Hands and Moan – Shakura S’Aida

Shakura S’Aida is a Canadian artist with a long list of Film and TV awards and nominations. As usual, I lack the poetic skills to grasp a clear interpretation of the lyrics but something to do with how to focus on communicating spiritually even when there are major distractions. One of those arrangements where the instruments tell the story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW7sXYbGI7s

CLASSIC ROCK: The Weight – Playing For Change

What many have called a “rock anthem” originally done by Canadian-American group “the Band”, it was released as a single in 1968. Here featuring Robbie Robinson, Ringo, Jack Johnson and other notables across five continents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph1GU1qQ1zQ

FOLK: Don’t Think Twice – Susan Tedeschi

Susan’s 1998 version of “It Hurt So Bad” was a great hit and pretty much defined her style. As is often the case, she evidently wanted to take a run at a song from a different genre and it’s a good thing she did. This production of Dylan’s 1962 folk song is gutsy but Susan pulls it off with the help of a great B3 organ solo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZEMZukwC_U

WORLD MUSIC: Um Pincelada – Dimitra Galani & Cesaria Evora

I’m sure I’ve tuned into Cesaria Evora’s concerts dozens of times since I discovered her music in the early 2000’s. Dimitra Galani is a Greek singer/songwriter whose discography spans both traditional Laika and Entekhna genres as well as Greek pop and Greek New Wave. Here she is a guest artist at Cesaria Evora’s concert. The best translation of Um Princelada is “brushstroke”, a nostalgic story of childhood that both artists have released as singles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOVRdAVpMFw

JAZZ: Blue and Sentimental – Catherine Russell

I think Catherine’s clear, mellow voice belies her 65 years. From Youtube: “As the daughter of pioneering and legendary musicians, pianist/orchestra leader/composer/arranger Luis Russell, and bassist/guitarist/vocalist Carline Ray, Catherine Russell was born into jazz royalty.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB6QHL3iofA

CLASSICAL: Best of Ennio Morricone – The Maestro & The European Pop Orchestra

Not sure this clip will survive on Youtube but I’m hoping it lasts until press time. It’s hard for me to comment on perfection except to say that the pitch of these voices is so pure I have to remember to breathe. Wow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEoolHGE2Kc