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. This is a special long-weekend edition of the CKUA House Blend. Whatever you’re doing for this Family Day, find some time to enjoy this playlist hand-picked for you by our hosts.
The Playlist
The Picks
Cam Hayden: Paula Rangell, “Harmonica Girl”
We usually think of harmonica players as men, but a recent two- CD set titled, Blues Harp Women, on Ruf Records sets that notion on its’ head with 31 tracks by killer female harp players. This is but one example.
Lionel Rault: Empty Houses, “Falling Away”
A great groove, a catchy bit of blue-eyed soul
David Ward: Leeroy Stagger, “I Want It All”
Our first taste from Leeroy’ s forthcoming album, Love Versus, coming April 7th, provides a two-minute blast of summer-like energy with a positive message and a la-la-la chorus!
Oskar Zybart: Elbow, “Magnificent (She Said)”
Elbow are one of England’s greatest contemporary groups, but they are continually-overlooked abroad. They recently released a new record, Little Fictions. This is the current single. Everyone should check them out. I’ll be spinning “Magnificent” and more during my Family Day guest-slot on Alberta Morning.
Amy Van Keeken: Son Volt, “Back Against the Wall”
Jay Farrar dropped Son Volt’s latest album, Notes of Blue, this past Friday, February 17th. I am looking forward to blasting this new record and revelling in Jay’s signature whine and crunchy guitars.
This song is not available on Spotify. See it here:
Baba: Joseph Arthur, “Saint Of Impossible Causes”
Profound lyrics with an adventurous and unusual musical arrangement, this track is a suitable anthem for the confused state of affairs in modern times. https://genius.com/Joseph-arthur-saint-of-impossible-causes-lyrics
Orest Soltykevych: Modern Mandolin Quartet, “Hoe-Down”
An episode from Aaron Copland ballet called Rodeo, arranged for mandolin quartet.
Monica Miller: Lydia Ainsworth, “The Road”
If, like me, you were crazy about Lydia Ainsworth’s debut album, Right From Real, you will be as excited as I am about the impending release of Darling Of The Afterglow on March 31st. If you’re new to Ainsworth, this first single is indicative of her beautiful imagery, lush arrangements and distinctive sound.
Grant Stovel: Weyes Blood,”Do You Need My Love”
This young New Yorker’s new record, Front Row Seat to Earth, is a thing of exquisite, dreamy beauty. And, it was just announced that she’ll be coming to Sled Island this year! Plus, she gets bonus points ’cause she got her moniker from maybe my favourite novel of all time, “Wise Blood”, by southern gothic author, Flannery O’Connor.
Mark Antonelli: The Sixteen (choral group) with Kaori Muraji on guitar, “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
An interesting and unusual arrangement of a very well-known piece of music. With a setting of words by Oscar Wilde from “Rosa Mystica”, Bob Chilcott has turned a famous instrumental piece into a ear-opening work for choir and guitar.
Allison Brock: William Prince, “Earthly Days”
William is twice Juno-nominated for Best Contemporary Roots and Best Aboriginal!
Tony King: Invisibl Skratch Piklz,”Kenny G’s Perm”
This comes from a collection of cuts reissued in 2016, The 13th Floor, culled from Invisibl Skratch Piklz culmination in front of the turntables. The sheer technical prowess that surged through my headphones the first time I listened to this band knocked me out. Besides, a group of Phillipino-Americans making reference to Kenny G’s flowing locks just demands a listen!
Lark Clark: Faada Freddy, “Reality Cuts Me Like A Knife”
It’s haunting, it’s pretty, sounds old school, yet it’s new — Faada Freddy: the Senegalese Bobby McFerrin.
Hayley Muir: Major Lance, “Ain’t No Soul (Left In These Old Shoes)”
Superb northern soul from Mr. Lance!
Terry David Mulligan: Stephen Fearing, “Blowhard Nation”
Supporting the artist and his stance on Trump
Kodi Hutchinson, P.J. Perry, “Parker’s Mood”
A great interpretation of a Charlie Parker classic by one of Canada’s alto saxophone greats!