Liner Notes: A Wintery Mix 2019

This collection, which represents my favorite music discovered during the past year, helped me muster through 2019. I would like to say it was a magnificent year, but that would not be authentic on my part. Sure, there were golden, endearing moments in 2019…but those bright spots were sprinkled amongst the proverbial mud that mired our planet’s collective & ongoing struggle to unite in its mission to become sustainable. Hopefully you’ll find several tracks you like, and perhaps some artists you might not otherwise hear. Please check out their other work; this sampling is only a small taste of their respective talents.

This year’s compilation, the 16th annual, is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Suzanne, who succumbed to cancer after a brave 9-year fight. Suzanne was a fierce, loving, & compassionate soul who read & cooked voraciously. She lived brightly with her progressive values on her sleeve and inspired me to have more faith in my fellow man. I will do my best to help carry that mantle forward. Rest in peace, Suzanne.

Sit back and enjoy this year’s collection. Thanks for listening, and here’s hoping 2020 (& the forthcoming decade in general) is full of kindness, laughter, & peace.
xo, jr

A WINTERY MIX 2019

1. Hurricanes – Dido
2. If I Can’t Have You – Sara Bareilles
3. Candlelight – Jack Savoretti

4. Crown – Stormzy
5. Wouldn’t Want to be Like You – Sheryl Crow featuring St. Vincent
6. Brothers & Sisters – Mavis Staples

7. Die Waiting – Beck featuring Sky Ferreira
8. Fall on Me – Louis Futon featuring BXRBR
9. All Some Kind of Dream – Josh Ritter

10. Put my Heart on You – Lighthouse Family
11. Hello Happiness – Chaka Khan
12. New – Ben Platt

13. Walk me Home – P!nk
14. Shine – Emeli Sandé
15. Platform Ballerinas – MIKA

16. Shadows – Alphabeat
17. Moderation – Florence + the Machine

Liner Notes: A Wintery Mix 2018

Stress. My word for 2018…or, to be more succinct, the word that most accurately captures the year just passed. While most of the stress was not beneficial or positive, there were some moments where that stress pushed me into success: A new job. My first marathon & visit in Amsterdam, Netherlands. My first visit to London, UK. My first multi-day bicycle ride.

This collection, which represents my favorite music discovered during the past year, helped me survive this stressful year…by either providing me hope or escape. Hopefully you’ll find several tracks you like, and perhaps some artists you might not otherwise hear. Please check out their other work; this sampling is only a small taste of their respective talents.

This year’s compilation, the 15th annual, is dedicated to the memory of our sweet dog Buster, who we put down this past summer after a lovely 15-year life. Buster was the epitome of a faithful friend who loved socializing & playing in water. We will miss his handsome face, expert watchdog-ging, and affable personality. Rest in peace, old friend.

Sit back and enjoy this year’s collection. Thanks for listening, and here’s hoping 2019 is less stressful…for you & me both.
xo, jr

A WINTERY MIX 2018

1. Mighty River – Mary J. Blige
2. The Good Side – Troye Sivan
3. No Matter What – Calum Scott

4. Say Something – Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton
5. Human Being – Robyn featuring Zhala
6. Nevermind – Dennis Lloyd

7. Nina Cried Power – Hozier featuring Mavis Staples
8. Every Moment – Jazz Morley
9. Make me Feel – Janelle Monáe

10. Low – Lenny Kravitz
11. Sad Song Backwards – Jake Shears
12. Out of the Darkness (A Place Where we Belong) – ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie‘ cast featuring John McCrea

13. Beautiful Life – Rick Astley
14. Never Ever – Lisa Stansfield
15. All for You – Years & Years

16. Get Out – Chvrches
17. Northern Soul – Above & Beyond featuring Richard Bedford
18. Purple Hearts – Jeremy Messersmith

Liner Notes: A Wintery Mix 2017

Meh. In a word, that’s how my 2017 can be summarized. It was a year of transition, from one job to another. It was a year of endurance, as I completed my first New York City Marathon. It was a year of survival, as we escaped our burning vehicle unscathed. But through it all, music was my companion…. sometimes my comfort, other times my inspiration. This collection, which represents my favorite music discovered during the past year, shines despite any doldrums I may have experienced. Hopefully you’ll find several tracks you like, and perhaps some artists you might not otherwise hear. Please check out their other work; this sampling is only a small taste of their respective talents.

This year’s compilation, the 14th annual, is dedicated to my husband Victor, who stood by me while I was unemployed four months in between jobs. Who was my cheerleader along the entire NYC marathon course. Who saved lives getting us (me & our two dogs) out of our burning car without physical injury. Needless to say, he’s a keeper.

Sit back and enjoy this year’s collection. Thanks for listening, and here’s hoping 2018 is more…um…exciting.
xo, jr

A WINTERY MIX 2017

1. Bridge over Troubled Water – Artists for Grenfell
2. Nothing Left for You – Sam Smith
3. I Don’t Think About You – Kelly Clarkson

4. Love Me – Forest Blakk
5. Rainbow – Ke$ha
6. Dawn of a New Day – Levi Kreis

7. The World is MIND – KRS-One
8. Catch & Release (Deepend Remix) – Matt Simons
9. If all I was was Black – Mavis Staples

10. Water Guns – Todrick Hall featuring Jordin Sparks
11. Don’t Call – Lost Kings
12. Havana – Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug

13. Honor – DJ Cassidy featuring Grace & Lil Yachty
14. All with You – Ha Ha Tonka
15. No Roots – Alice Merton

16. Feel it Still – Portugal. The Man
17. Deeper – Riton x MNEK x The House Gospel Choir
18. Favorite Liar – The Wrecks

Liner Notes: A Wintery Mix 2016

My “child” has become a teenager…YIKES! Lucky year 13 for this annual compilation, which represents my favorite music discovered during the past year. Hopefully you’ll find several tracks you like, and perhaps some artists you might not otherwise hear. Please check out their other work…this sampling is just the tip of the iceberg of their respective talents.

This year’s compilation is dedicated to my six siblings who attended my wedding this year. They come from far & wide to show their support for their baby brother who finally tied the knot. Some of them – or their children – also played integral roles in the ceremony & reception. We couldn’t have done it without them, and it wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable without them.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this year’s collection…and perhaps you’ll also want to do a little jig. Thanks for listening, and best wishes for 2017!
xo, jr

A WINTERY MIX 2016

1. Never Come Home – Robbie Fulks
2. Small World – Idina Menzel
3. Hands (A Song for Orlando) – Various Artists

4. Rise Up – Andra Day
5. Surprise Yourself – Jack Garratt
6. How Many Times – Eryn Allen Kane

7. Brother – Sam Trump featuring Add-2
8. Never Forget You – Zara Larsson & MNEK
9. Nice Dreams – Son Little

10. Highs & Lows – Emeli Sandé
11. This is Your Night – The Flat Five Chicago
12. You Were Right – RÜFÜS DU SOL

13. Time – The Knocks
14. Stevie Knows – Olly Murs
15. Desire – Years & Years

16. Kill the Lights – Alex Newell & DJ Cassidy
17. Empty Threat – CHVRCHES
18. Love is Free – Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique featuring Maluca

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Margo Price

Genre: Country / Honky tonk / Singer-songwriter
Origin: Nashville > Tennessee > US
Website: margoprice.net

Midwest Farmer’s Daughter – Margo Price (US release: 25 MAR 2016)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Mat Zo

Genre: Electro-bass / Garage / Drum & bass
Origin: London > England > UK
Website: matzomusic.com

Self Assemble – Mat Zo (US release: 25 MAR 2016)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Night Moves

Genre: Electro-country / Space rock / Folk rock
Origin: Minneapolis > Minnesota > US
Website: nightmovesmpls.com

Pennied Days – Night Moves (US release: 25 MAR 2016)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Hælos

Genre: Dark euphoria / Electro-soul / Dance
Origin: London > England > UK
Website: haelos.com

Full Circle – Hælos (US release: 18 MAR 2016)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… The Bonnevilles

Genre: Garage punk / Blues-rock
Origin: Lurgan > Northern Ireland > UK
Website: thebonnevilles.co.uk

Arrow Pierce my Heart – The Bonnevilles (US release: 18 MAR 2016)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Calum Graham

Genre: Acoustic guitar / Singer-songwriter
Origin: High River > Alberta > Canada
Website: calumgraham.com

Tabula Rasa – Calum Graham (US release: 07 MAR 2016)