Ever have one of those days where you can’t quite get settled and finally just let out a long sigh, tilt your head back and try to “zone out”? I was just having one of those zero productivity days and decided “why fight it?” and began to put some tunes together that would let me enjoy a guilt-free, totally relaxed unwind session. Some music genres don’t lend themselves to that mood but there are plenty that do – so here are a few that left me relaxed but still smiling.

SOFT ROCK: Sensitive Kind: – Low Key (Live)

Probably one of J.J. Cale’s most-played songs, “Sensitive Kind” was written by J.J. and released in 1979. In trying to discover the origin of the band in this video, I came up with an indie/folk/rock band, and multiple other bands with the name Low Key or Lowkey. My best guess is that this band is either Danish or Norwish. Great, great job on this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AB6EB7fGwI

COUNTRY-ISH BALLAD: I Believe In Love – Don Williams

Don was a great promoter of family values, peaceful times, music, and love. Once in a while there’s a song that’s just plain relaxing. Need more of these. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjz6NqBP_LY

LATIN: Sabor a Mí – Kika Edgar

In my musical world Latin-American music wins the award for “Most Romantic” and, on average, the sweetest. Yup, I’m biased, having had the opportunity to play about 400 gigs with a couple of real Latin-American pros. It’s my comfort zone when I want to open my senses to delightful chord progressions and complex percussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS0tzVPAu_w

SWING: Sweet Sue, Just You – Transatlantic Guitar Trio

OK – so this tune is a bit more “energetic” than it is “sweet” but I’ve been waiting and waiting for a chance to show off such a great production. A couple of my favorite guitar players plus the amazing Rory Hoffman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNUsZGuhehA

BALLAD: I Know You By Heart – Eva Cassidy

According to Wikipedia, “Eva was an American singer and musician known for her interpretations of jazz, folk, and blues music, sung with a powerful, emotive soprano voice.” But she was much more than that – vocally such a gentle spirit. I previously posted her version of “Over The Rainbow” and still can’t get it, and this track, out of my mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crUm-v6o-0s

THEN AND NOW: When I Grow Too Old To Dream – Vera Lynn + Staphanie & Paolo

Well, I can’t leave you feeling sombre, so here are two versions of a Sweet Song my mom enjoyed on her little radio in 1955. The first is by the very popular Vera Lynn in that year. She lived to be 103. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNB8VbFmlOY

Then Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi updating the song as a boogie – who woulda thought? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vybRqg8xznc

That’s All Folks!