Listen Here.

Track List Here.

The first song I picked for this mix was the last, a tribute to trumpeter Kenny Wheeler who died in September. He left a large and impressive catalog of jazz recordings, but also did a handful of collaborations with pop and rock artists. His contributions to David Sylvian’s first two solo albums showed that they were truly kindred spirits. His gorgeous solo is at the end of the song, so be sure to listen all the way through (to the song and the mix!)

In contrast to the gentle, sparse ending, I chose two big tunes for the beginning. First is lush electronics from Washed Out, followed by lush orchestration from Philadelphia’s master of symphonic soul, Thom Bell. (Music geek detail: Thom’s brother Tony did the arrangement for this Spinners track, but Thom was behind the mixing board and on the conductor’s podium.)

There’s a hint of autumn in these stately opening tracks – nostalgia, melancholy, something like that. There’s more than a hint of autumn in several moody, minor-key selections. These include a spooky Richard Dorfmeister mix, an ethereal classic by The Beloved, cinematic grandeur from Michel Legrand, and the dream duo of Césaria Evora and Caetano Veloso.

Despite the title, “Haunted jukebox” by Saint Etienne, from their latest album, is not one of the moody tracks. In fact, it’s pretty warm and sunny. I made the mix shortly before Halloween, so I think the idea of a “haunted jukebox” is very appropriate!

Finally, what a pleasure to include two legends from different eras and different styles: Sonny Rollins, with one of his searching and imaginative melodic journeys; and the late J Dilla, providing his usual warm, dusty beats for this remix.

1. Washed Out – Eyes be closed
2. Spinners – (Love is) One step away
3. Sofa Surfers – Sofa rockers (Richard Dorfmeister mix)
4. Saint Etienne – Haunted jukebox
5. Dungen – Ingenting är sig likt
6. Billie Holiday – Speak low (Bent mix)
7. Janelle Monáe – Look into my eyes
8. Sonny Rollins with Oliver Nelson – On impulse
9. Lemonade – Durutti shores
10. N’Dea Davenport – Whatever you want (J Dilla mix)
11. Roxy Music – True to life
12. The Beloved – Time after time
13. Caia – Afterwards @ the bar
14. Michel Legrand with Claude Nougaro – Sa maison
15. Broadcast – Come on let’s go
16. Lawrence – Jill
17. Bobby Hutcherson – Little angel
18. Cesária Evora with Caetano Veloso – Regresso
19. David Sylvian with Kenny Wheeler – Nostalgia