Mark Blackburn

Or in a passing Buick when you've been pulled over by a traffic cop . . .

As if to say "This is still your all-time favorite instrumental recording of ACCUSTOMED, right?" YouTube's not-so-random shuffle play sent me this beauty by Wes Montgomery. I'd just been thinking that Gibson still makes a Wes Montgomery model Gibson L-5 (seen in Wes Montgomery's hands on the album cover) that starts at ten thousand dollars -- its most expensive arch-top. A vivid reminder of why Wes was the greatest jazz guitarist -- according to all the others. That lovely opening verse (repeated at the close) is Wes' own composition; his solos were often a series of brilliant counter melodies, like an arrangement by Nelson Riddle. A live recording by the king of remotes, Wally Heider. Isn't this beautiful? The late Mr. Heider's Wiki entry reminds us that Wally Heider (1923–1989) was an American recording engineer and recording studio owner (Wally Heider Studios.) After a distinguished career as an engineer in the 1940s [source?] and 1950s, he was instrumental in recording the San Francisco Sound in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

STEVE LAWRENCE – I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face

LIFE IS GOOD – Livingston Taylor

JAMES TAYLOR – Going Around One More Time

"I've been HIT by the great Freddy Cole!"

My favorite modern Gospel song -- by James Taylor

As sweet and clear as 'moonlight through the pines'

DINDI ('gin-gee') -- Favorite Brazilian love song

DINAH SHORE – Love Is Here To Stay

TEACH ME TONIGHT – my all-time favorite version by James Taylor

(I love the) WINTER WEATHER

You've Got to be Carefully Taught . . .

YOU'VE GOT TO BE CAREFULLY TAUGHT -- JT does Rodgers & Hammerstein

DIVERSITY -- in color and gender, yes -- but not in political thought

SMOKE GETS IN YOUR . . . NOSE

Even if you didn't love Glen Campbell . . .

I remember YOU, Diana Krall

The most 'uplifting Beatles song -- for personal reasons

SEAL - Love For Sale

Gladys Knight -- BUT NOT FOR ME

EVER HOMEWARD: Favorite Polish song sung by Sinatra [ ! ]

Bob Dylan's Imagination

Whenever I hear Frank sing "100 Years From Today" . . .

Favorite version of The Gershwins' SUMMERTIME (yours too?)