With this posting I’m going to diverge from the previous format of focusing exclusively on music of the sixties, and instead, each week I’ll highlight five albums, from across all music genres and eras, that you can stream through Freegal. I’ll also suggested one CD per week that you can check out of the library’s collection.
And without further ado, on to the listening suggestions of the week!
Freegal Streaming Suggestions*
Jackie Gleason The Complete Sessions with Bobby Hackett:
I don’t know about you, but with all the doom and gloom on the news, I like to listen to relaxing music to unwind and recharge my personal batteries. This 10 LP collection by Jackie Gleason & his Orchestra fits the bill perfectly. The collection features the Jackie Gleason Orchestra accompanied by the great trumpet player Bobby Hackett. The ten albums were recorded in the fifties and feature sweet background instrumentals – the type of music that use to be described as “cocktail music;” making this music the perfect compliment to romantic dinning, unwinding while reading, sipping wine on the patio or having dinner with friends.
The set contains many popular standards including: Soft Lights and Sweet Music, Easy to Love, That Old Black Magic, Someday You’ll Be Sorry and many more.
Here’s a link to stream the Jackie Gleason The Complete Sessions with Bobby Hackett set:
Anthology of the Twelve String Guitar by Various Artists:
This is another mellow all instrumental album featuring bright and mellow sounding guitars.
The artists and songs on the LP include: Bulldurem by Glen Campbell, Nashville & Honey Miss Me When I’m Gone by Mason Wilson, 12 String Guitar Rag by Bob Gibson, My Little Maggie & Six by Twelve by Joe Maphis & Blues Wail by Billy Strange.
Here’s the link to stream Anthology of the Twelve String Guitar:
Jazz Goes to College by the Dave Brubeck Quartet:
This album was recorded live during the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s spring 1954 tour of North American college campuses. This excellent set features band leader, composer and pianist Dave Brubeck on piano, Paul Desmond on sax, Bob Bates on bass and Joe Dodge on drums. AllMusic gave this album a five star rating.
The LP contains the following songs: Balcony Rock, Out of Nowhere, Le Souk, Take the “A” Train, The Song Is You, Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me and I Want to Be Happy.
And so far this week I’m on an instrumental roll as the first three commendations are for all instrumental albums!
Here’s a link to stream the Jazz Goes to College LP:
Gene Clark With The Gosdin Brothers + bonus tracks:
Breaking with my all-instrumental listening suggestions for this week, this album by sing-songwriter, guitarist and Byrds co-founder Gene Clark was his first post-Byrds release. And if you enjoyed his work with the Byrds you’ll like this collection too as it carries on in the same style.
Songs include: Echoes, Think I’m Gonna Feel Better, Tried So Hard, Is Yours Is Mine, Keep On Pushing’, I Found You & more.
Here’s a link to stream the Gene Clark LP:
Collage EP by The Chainsmokers
And now for something completely different! Collage is an EP by The Chainsmokers, whose music is a blend of dance, indie and pop. They’ve previously had three big hits: Roses, Closer & Don’t Let Me Down. This EP was released last fall and if you’re looking for some upbeat modern music than you should check out this six song set.
This EP contains the songs: Setting Fires, All We Know, Closer, Inside Out & Don’t Let Me Down.
Here’s a link to stream it:
CD Suggestion
Night Divides the Day: The Music of the Doors by George Winston:
This is a great all instrumental album and although George Winston is usually classified as a New Age artists — he really can play in any style as you’ll hear if you listen to this album – his tribute to the music of the Doors. Songs include Spanish Caravan, Crystal Ship, People Are Strange, Love Street, Love Me Two Times, Lover Her Madly, Wishful, Sinful, Light My Fire and Riders on the Storm.
Here’s a link to stream the George Winston album:
Music Videos of the Week:
Tenderly by the Jackie Gleason Orchestra featuring Bobby Hackett on trumpet
Classical Gas by Mason Williams
Gentle on my Mind by Glen Campbell
I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better by Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn & Chris Hillman
Train Leaves Here by Gene Clark and Roger McGuinn
We All Know by the Chainsmokers:
References
Artist Biography & Discography Information
The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn (Billboard Books. New York. 2009.)
Have a great day
Linda, SSCL
P.S. If you have any questions about how to download or stream free music through the Freegal Music service to a desktop or laptop computer or how to download and use the Freegal Music app let us know! Drop by the library or give us a call at: 607-936-3713
*You must have a library card at a Southern Tier Library System member library to enjoy the Freegal Music Service. Your card can be from any library in the system, and the system includes all public libraries in Steuben, Chemung, Yates, Schuyler and Allegheny Counties and including our own Southeast Steuben Count Library in Corning, New York. Library cards are free and at our library you can obtain one by visiting the Circulation Desk and presenting staff with a form of ID that features both your name and your current address.
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