STAFF PLAYLISTS
February 2025
Since February is “Black History Month”, we asked the staff for favorite songs by black artists.
Eric - Billie Holiday - “All of Me”
There are so many African American jazz greats but, Billie Holiday has always been on of my favorite jazz singers. "All of me" is such a great song and I love her rendition most of all.
Jon - Solomon Burke - “Cry to Me”
There’s an Arthur Conley song that was popular back in the day called “Sweet Soul Music”. In it, he name-checks most of the prominent soul and R&B artists of the time (James Brown, Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, etc.). I always thought it was a crime that he didn’t mention Solomon Burke, who was as influential and talented as any of them.
Wendy - Rhiannon Giddens - “We Could Fly”
Giddens is a two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient, Pulitzer Prize winner, and composer of opera, ballet, and film. Giddens has centered her work around the mission of lifting up people whose contributions to American musical history have previously been overlooked or erased, and advocating for a more accurate understanding of the country’s musical origins through art.
She is TRULY incredible.
Nate - J Dilla - “Ma Dukes”
Dena - Sam Cooke - “Cupid”
Manal - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes - “Wake Up Everybody”
I think one of the best ways to honor Black History Month is to amplify Black voices of resistance and freedom. This song has a powerful call to action that is just as important now as it was 50 years ago. "The world won't get no better…If we just let it be...we gotta change it...just you and me.”
Elizabeth - Ego Ella Mae - “Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys”
Ego Ella May is a British-Nigerian R&B, neo-soul, and contemporary jazz musician. She was born in 1992 and named after Ella Fitzgerald. She taught herself to play guitar, make beats, and produce music. I love her songwriting and voice.
Sharon - Billie Holiday - “Strange Fruit”
I selected Billie Holiday because my son's partner/girlfriend is a person of color, and her mom named her Billie for Billie Holiday because of the huge impact she had on music and the strength she demonstrated despite great hardship.
Cony - Celia Cruz - “La Negra Tiene Tumbao”Celia Cruz is one of the artists who was so proud to be just HER. Beautiful HER!!!
Sam - Jon Batiste - “Freedom”
He is such a joyful human being, and he exudes talent. His music surrounds you like a hug. I love it!
January 2025
Sam’s Song - Toto - “Africa”
One of my guilty pleasures is “Africa” by TOTO. It reminds me of when I was in college and an a capella group used to do it every year. I completely fell in love with it.
Elizabeth’s Song - Chappel Roan - “Guilty Pleasure”
I feel neither guilt nor shame for my music preferences. However, once I like an album I will listen to that one album over and over and over again. For the past month, it’s been Chappel Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” My favorite song on the album is Naked in Manhattan, but for the sake of this newsletter, I will choose Roan’s song, Guilty Pleasure.
Cony’s Song - KAROL G, Nicki Manaj - “Tusa”
Heartbroken ladies get very hot and out on the town!
Sharon’s Song - Harry Nilsson - “Coconut”
Guilty pleasure is a tough one.....here is a song that I loved as a small child and so has stayed in my brain forever - really kind of an unlikely song for a classically trained musician to like, but thought it was THE BEST in the car with my mom.
We asked the staff for their musical “Guilty Pleasures” - songs that you turn up when you’re alone, but turn down when others are around.
Wendy’s Song - Ke$ha - “We R Who We R”
Embarrassingly, I know every word. But every time I hear it, I just wanna DANCE!!!!
Jon’s Song - ABBA - “Take a Chance on Me”
In the late 80’s and early 90’s I had a high-profile position at one of the leading hard rock radio stations in the country. Image was everything. But I also had a secret - in addition to loving grunge, rock, and hair-metal artists . . . I really enjoyed listening to ABBA.
Obviously, I kept that hidden from my peers and from the audience.
However, one night I had the chance to see the top European ABBA tribute band perform at a small club in Seattle. I went in, stood at the back in the dark, and at one point glanced to my right, only to find Krist Novocelic, the bass player from Nirvana, standing about ten feet away from me.
We looked at each other, nodded, and chuckled. If you know, you know.
Nate’s Song - Natalie Imbruglia - “Torn”
Manal’s Song - Jimmy Eat World - “the Middle”
I have no shame about any of the music I listen to, but this is a song I will listen to over and over if I’m in the right mood, which tends to annoy those around me who don’t share my joy at belting out the lyrics at the top of my lungs.
December 2024
December is the peak of the holiday season, so we asked the staff to choose a favorite holiday song.
Jon’s Song - Elvis Presley - “Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me”
When I was a kid, we had two family holiday traditions:
1. The Christmas decorations didn’t go up until we saw the Norelco Santa on our TV screen (to this day, I have no idea why that was the case).
2. When we decorated the tree, mom and I would drink hot chocolate and listen to “Elvis’ Christmas Album”.
Mom’s been gone for a few years now, but I recently found our copy of the record - on red vinyl, even - so I think it’s time to bring the tradition back.
Sam’s Song - Ella Fitzgerald - “What Are you Doing New Year’s Eve?”
One of my favorite holiday songs is “What are you doing New Year's Eve". I love Ella Fitzgerald. She always puts me in the holiday spirit.
Elizabeth’s Song - Harry Connick, Jr. - “Ave Maria”
My favorite Christmas song is probably Harry Connick Jr.’s “Ave Maria.” I mean, the Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown trio is the best for sure.
Manal’s Song - Miriam Makeba - “Ring Bell”
This song was just shared in Sharon's Music and Wellness group, and listening to it brought back so many memories! It's not technically a holiday song, but it encapsulates the joy and hope of the season.
Cony’s Song - Luis Miguel - “Blanca Navidad”
This song is one of my favorites in Spanish, as is the Mexican sun! Yes, that is why Luis Miguel is called the “Sun of Mexico”. LOL
Eric’s Song - Mariah Carey - “All I Want for Christmas is You”
All I want for Christmas is Mariah Carey here at NMTS. Anyone have those kinds of connections?
Wendy’s Song - Nat “King” Cole - “The Christmas Song”
Mel Torme's lyrics and Nate King Cole's voice blend to make this a song that I love. The Christmas Song is uncomplicated, nostalgic and simply beautiful.
Nate’s Song - Fleet Foxes - “White Winter Hymnal”
This song always reminds me of the holidays and is a great song to listen to while driving through the snow!
Dena’s Song - The Ramones - “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight)”
This is a fun one!
Sharon’s Song - Indigo Girls - “There is Still My Joy”
The world needs to remember there is joy still. I normally think of this as personal loss and yet still remembering/finding happiness in the Holidays despite missing those we have lost. This year I think it can be applied more globally as well with our national disappointments.
November 2024
November is the month we give thanks, so we asked the staff to name a song they’re thankful for.
Elizabeth’s Song - Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O’Connor - “Druid Fluid”
I have always loved Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz album, performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O’Connor. This piece is called Druid Fluid and I appreciate its darkness and beauty. This album is one that makes me feel a cosmic peace and understanding of life. When I hear it, I think, “Oh, right. This is what life is.” Like those moments when you are caught up in a beam of light streaming through a window.
Eric’s Song - Tiny Habits - “Tiny Things”
I really love the layering of the instrumentals with the vocals in this song. However my favorite part of this song is how it reminds me to be grateful for the little moments in life that we can often miss because we are looking for something more.
Jon’s Song - Chuck Berry - “Big Boys”
The legendary Chuck Berry wrote and recorded this song when he was 90 years old! Think about that for a second. The man was 90 years old and still writing, playing and recording music. He also had the respect of later generations as Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave played on this track, with Nathaniel Rateliff providing backing vocals. This Chuck Berry song is proof that you’re never too old to rock and roll.
Sam’s Song - Barbara Streisand - “Funny Girl”
A song I’m thankful for is “Funny Girl” from the musical Funny Girl. This song really speaks to me on a personal level and always makes me feel seen and heard.
Nate’s Song - Charles the First - “Room to Breathe”
The artist was a friend of mine who passed away in 2021. I'm grateful because even though he is missed by many, his spirit still lives on through his music.
Sharon’s Song - Voces8 - “The Road Home”
I love the words and the beauty of the music. My sons all live a good distance away doing awesome things and I am very thankful for them and proud of them. It can be a little sad having them so far away. One of them, Nathan, sent me this song reminding me that home is still home.
Iris’ Song - aivi & surasshu - “Slice of Love”
I'm thankful for "Slice of Love" by aivi & surasshu because of its upbeat and relaxing energy that was perfect for my walks to school. It makes me feel more grounded and everything seems more vibrant while listening.
Wendy’s Song - Benny Goodman - “Sing, Sing, Sing”
First, this is just a great dance song. I love that floor tom at the beginning and the great horn section. Big bands were often made up of only white musicians, even though the music was highly influenced by black musicians. Benny Goodman was one of the first musicians to include black musicians in his lineup. In 1936, Goodman's trio became the first interracial band to perform in public with pianist Teddy Wilson. Music has been an important tool in moving racial injustice, slowly, in the right direction, and sometimes you just need to Sing, Sing, Sing!
October 2024
Since October is Country Music Month, we asked the NMTS staff to share some of their Country & Western favorites!
Elizabeth’s Country Song - This is a tough one . . . mostly because there are too many great songs to choose from! I’ve selected Angela Autumn’s song because she is a burgeoning artist and I think people should be familiar with her work.
Nate’s Country Song - My favorite country song right now would be “Wildfire” by Mandolin Orange. I love this song because it sends such a poignant message in such a simple and powerful way. It was written following a conversation about racism in small town in North Carolina but extends much beyond the South. The repeating line "It should have been different, it could have been easy" boils down so much frustration into a simple sentence. What gets in the way? Pride, and "it burns like wildfire." The guitarist and vocalist, Emily Frantz, describes her relationship with the song, "I have felt before that this is the most intense time we will play this tune...sadly this song feels like it becomes more and more relevant.”
Wendy’s Country Song - While I am not the biggest country music fan, there are some country songs that just touch my heart. Jolene is one of those songs. The lyrics alone are enough to make me feel the feels. While I love the original Dolly Parton version, there is something particularly poignant about this version with Dolly and Miley singing together.
Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus - Jolene
Jon’s Country Song - Country music has such a rich history, and so many styles and sub-genres, it’s hard to choose just one song to represent it. So, after much thought and consideration, I picked a song that makes me laugh.
Sharon’s Country Song - This song is both sad and touching. It just makes me think about the people we really love.
"If you get there before I do,
don't give up on meI'll meet you when my chores are through
I don't know how long I'll be
But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see
And between now and then, 'til I see you again
I'll be loving you. Love, me”
Dena’s Country Song - There's a fun, childlike quality about this song. Love for your people and your hometown. I get that.
Loretta Lynn - High On a Mountain Top
Sam’s Country Song - This song makes me feel like I can do anything and take on the world. Even run through a brick wall!
Shania Twain - Man I Feel Like a Woman
Manal’s Country Song - I love all of John Prine’s music. He was a phenomenal songwriter who brilliantly combined satire, social commentary, and politics. He wrote this song in 1969. It’s a catchy and almost silly tune with a message just as relevant today as it was 55 years ago.
September 2024
September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, so this month’s playlist highlights some “essential” Hispanic/Latino music selected by our own Cony Linarez.
Tito Puente - “Oye Como Va” “Oye Como Va,” one of the most famous Latin jazz songs of all time, was written by Tito Puente as early as 1956. However, it was first recorded in 1962, when it was included on his album El Rey: Bravo, which referenced his popular moniker as the King (el Rey) of Mambo. (Jazziz.com)
Celia Cruz - “Por Si Acaso No Regreso” A Cuban singer and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century, Cruz rose to fame in Cuba during the 1950s as a singer of guarachas, earning the nickname "La Guarachera de Cuba.” In the following decades, she became known internationally as the "Queen of Salsa" due to her contributions to Latin music. (Wikipedia)
José Alfredo Jimenez - “Si Nos Dejan” José Alfredo Jiménez was a Mexican singer-songwriter, whose songs are regarded as the basis of modern regional Mexican music and rancheras. During his lifetime, he wrote over a thousand songs, which have been covered by various artists. (Wikipedia)
Selena - “Amor Prohibido” Selena was an American singer. Referred to as the "Queen of Tejano Music", her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. In 2020, Billboard magazine put her in third place on their list of "Greatest Latino Artists of All Time", based on both Latin albums and Latin songs chart. (Wikipedia)
Juan Gabriel - “Amor Eterno” Juan Gabriel was a Mexican singer-songwriter and actor. Colloquially nicknamed Juanga and El Divo de Juárez, Juan Gabriel was known for his flamboyant style, which broke norms and standards within the Latin music industry. Widely regarded as one of the best and most prolific Mexican composers and singers of all time, he is regarded as a pop icon. (Wikipedia)
Ricardo Arjona - “Lo Poco Que Tengo”: Ricardo Arjona is a Guatemalan and Mexican singer and songwriter. He is one of the most successful and best-selling Latin American artists of all time, with more than 20 million records sold. His music ranges from ballads to Latin pop, rock, pop rock, Cuban music, and more recently a cappella performances and a mixture of Tejano music and Norteño music, and Latin sounds. (Wikipedia)
Juan Luis Guerra - “Ojala Que Llueva Cafe” Juan Luis Guerra is a Dominican musician, singer, composer, and record producer. He has sold 15 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Latin music artists. His popular style of merengue and Latin fusion has garnered him considerable success throughout Latin America. He is also credited for popularizing bachata music on a global level. (Wikipedia)
Carlos Gardel - “Golondrina” Carlos Gardel was a French-born Argentine singer, songwriter, composer and actor, and the most prominent figure in the history of tango. He was one of the most influential interpreters of world popular music in the first half of the 20th century. Gardel is the most famous popular tango singer of all time and is recognized throughout the world. (Wikipedia)
Caetano Veloso - “Alegria Alegria” Caetano Veloso is a Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist. Veloso first became known for his participation in the Brazilian musical movement Tropicália, which encompassed theatre, poetry and music in the 1960s, at the beginning of the Brazilian military dictatorship that took power in 1964. He has remained a constant creative influence and best-selling performing artist and composer ever since. (Wikipedia)
Carlos Santana - “Samba Pa Ti” Carlos Santana is an American guitarist, best known as a founding member of the rock band Santana. Born and raised in Mexico where he developed his musical background, he rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States with Santana, which pioneered a fusion of rock and roll and Latin American jazz. (Wikipedia)
Shakira - “Wherever Whenever” Described as "one of the most influential and beloved artists of all time,” Shakira has been credited with opening the doors of the international market for other Latin artists. With over 100 million certified records sold worldwide, she is the best-selling female Latin artist of all time in the United States and worldwide, as of 2023, according to Billboard. (Wikipedia)
August 2024
Happy summer friends!
For most of us, there are a few songs that always remind us of summer. This month’s playlist is a walk down memory lane for the NMTS staff. Enjoy!
Alice’s summer song pick -This song came out in the summer when my first boyfriend broke up with me. I was so heartbroken, but listening to this song and the whole album on repeat really helped me get through it. The light breaking through the storm in the video is like a metaphor that things do get better even when it doesn't seem like they will. Whenever I hear this song now, I think about that summer listening to this song in the sunlight of Montana.
First Light by Lindsey Stirling
Elizabeth’s summer song pick -I don’t know what it is about summer evenings, but they make me want to listen to live bluegrass/folk music while watching the sunset and moving my body however feels best. Barbara Dane’s voice makes me feel calm and empowered.
Nine Hundred Miles by Barbara Dane
Sarah’s summer song pick - Because summer should ideally be about freedom! Freedom to be outside exploring, playing, and just chillin' out.
Freedom by John Batiste
Eric’s summer song pick - I love summer and the way it always reminds me of the things that I can be grateful for like these long sunny days. Something about the sound of this song just feels like a beautiful summer day to me.
Joy by Andy Grammer
Nate’s summer song pick - When summer comes along, I always feel like there are so many plans, activities, and adventures to be had while at the same time longing for the slow and relaxing summer days. This track by Erykah Badu, resonates with the latter feeling. In a time where we can be instantly reached and expected to answer, sometimes you have to prioritize your present moment, let the phone ring and call them back.
I'll Call U Back by Erykah Badu
Dena’s summer song pick - This song makes me think of a spending a relaxing, easy summer day with someone I love..
Perfect Day by Lou Reed
Sharon’s summer song pick - This song is just happy to me and it has great sounds, instruments, harmonies and lyrics.
Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac
Wendy’s summer song pick - This might be a little obvious, but I can’t hear this song without thinking of warm summer nights. I love dancing to this song any time any where! And the video is AWESOME!
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars.
Manal’s summer song pick - This is the perfect road trip song and I have listened to it many times cranked up in the car while on summer drives. And the music video is fantastic too :)
I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons