Every week, CKUA’s hosts submit their songs for our weekly House Blend playlist: an exciting new release, a beloved classic or just an old personal favourite. We mix it all together to create a sonic concoction that’ll help kick off your week. Check out what’s on this week’s playlist.
The Playlist
The Picks
Baba: Herb Alpert, “Wade In The Water “
This the latest single from Herb Alpert. Herb Alpert, other than being the band leader and a record label executive at A & M Records, has a second career as an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor, and it shows in his creations. Music as painting.
Bob Chelmick: Connie Kaldor, “Sheep Creek”
In Calgary, hot summer day, dreaming of dangling the feet in a cool mountain stream. Classic Kaldor. Classic daydream.
Tom Coxworth Arlo Guthrie, “My Peace”
This is how Arlo finished his set at the Vancouver Island Music Fest. It garnered a sing-along that Pete would have been proud of.
Orest Soltykevych: Francisco Cabn, Carmelo de los Santos, “La Bella Cubana – Habanera” by Jos White
Jos White was a Cuban violinist who received early musical training from his father, who was an amateur violinist. White studied at the Paris Conservatory between 1855 and 1871 and was even highly praised by the great Giacomo Rossini. Then from 1877 to 1889, White was director of the Imperial Conservatory in Rio de Janeiro.
Derina Harvey: Rum Ragged, “St. John’s Train”
This David Francey cover on Rum Ragged’s self-titled 2016 debut album is a light-hearted look back on the decline of an industry, infrastructure and a way of life. They were awarded two Music NL awards and an ECMA for this album. This trad-folk melody, which could also fall into a country genre, is super catchy with an earthy feel. One of my favourite groups this year. Their worldwide touring schedule has been intense! Look for their sophomore album coming soon!
Amy van Keeken: nhiyawak, “Somnambulist “
Hailing from amiskwaciy in Treaty 6 territory, Cree supergroup nhiyawak just signed with Arts and Crafts and have a new single out called, “Somnambulist”. Gorgeous and thought-provoking, ” “How long have we been here? Just wanted to know what you think about it?”
Matt Masters: Hubert Lenoir, “Recommencer”
There is an easy-going summertime feeling in the song that really fits the hot days of late July. I found the album with its inclusion on the Polaris shortlist and have kept it playing ever since.
Lionel Rault: Aretha Franklin, “Until You Come Back To Me “
One of the great performances of Aretha’s career, among so very many. A song written, and originally recorded, by Stevie Wonder, Aretha transforms and raises this tune to a whole other level.
Cathy Ennis: Randomized Coffee, “Mercato Burruchaga (Radio Edit)”
A music project from two Italian DJs who create a world fusion sound with elements from Afrobeat, Latin jazz and funk. Yum! I already look forward to more from these guys. Their two-track MP3 barely whets my eardrums.
David Ward: Charles Lloyd & The Marvels + Lucinda Williams, “Ventura”
Didn’t see this coming! A new album that finds acclaimed singer-songwriter, Lucinda Williams, teaming up with the legendary saxophonist and recognized jazz master, Charles Lloyd. If that wasn’t enough, add the slinky sounds of guitarists, Bill Frisell and Greg Leisz, to the mix. Slow down, lay back, and turn this one up! “I wanna watch the ocean bend the edges of the sun then I wanna get swallowed up in an ocean of love.”
Roy Forbes: Gram Parsons, “I Can’t Dance”
No heavy message from Gram Parsons on “I Can’t Dance”, a cover of a 1970 Tom T Hall tune. With liquid Emmylou Harris harmonies alongside some fast, clean picking from Tele-master, James Burton, and steel guitar whiz, Al Perkins, this is one fun track. From Gram’s posthumous 1974 album, Grievous Angel.
Mark Antonelli: Ceora Winds, Postcards, “Along Came A Spider…” by Jenni Brandon
Rarely have I encountered music inspired by spiders that’s so benign! The entire piece describes the daily activities of the spider in question. This first movement features a “fast and many-legged theme” according to the composer. I can’t think of anything more appropriate to depict our arachnid friends!
Grant Stovel: Jeremy Dutcher, “Nipuwoltin (Wedding Dance)”
Jeremy Dutcher’s brilliant new record, Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, is a gorgeous expression of many different aspects of his musical soul. In the creation of these songs, he called on everything from his classical background and operatic vocal training to century-old field recordings of traditional Wolastoq songs. The record was partly dreamt here in Alberta, when he served as Artist in Residence at the National Music Centre. Fresh off being shortlisted the other day for the 2018 Polaris Music Prize, Jeremy will be making a return to Calgary this week for the Folk Fest!