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Home > About This Site > Music > My 10 Favorite Albums

 

 

My 10 Favorite Albums

 

Music is a big part of my life, and during most of my waking hours, I'm either listening to music or I'm playing it.  Although I don't play any particular instrument very well, over the years, I've picked up the piano, harmonica, hammered dulcimer, clarinet and, most recently, the oboe.  I have over a thousand CDs in my collection and, of those, I've listed my 10 favorite CDs below. 

 

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  1). Legends  Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel (1989)

Seattle-based instrumentalists Tingstad & Rumbel have been my favorite group for over a decade.  Eric plays the guitar and Nancy plays the oboe, ocarina, and English horn.  They won the 2002 Grammy for Best New Age Album, "Acoustic Garden" and Nancy even inspired me to take up the oboe. 

      

Listen to Don Juan.

 

 

2). The Harbor Lights Concert  John Denver (Released 2002)

Possessing an unbounded generosity and a prodigious talent as a singer, songwriter, and environmental activist, John Denver was always one of my favorite artists.  No, he wasn't flashy, but I respected him more than any singer, and I was greatly saddened by his sudden death in 1997.  This is John Denver at his best.

      

Listen to Darcy Farrow.

 

 

3). Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. II  The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (1989)

The most inspirational collection of bluegrass and country music ever produced.  This is a compilation of over a dozen phenomenal artists, each singing music in their own way.

      

Listen to Life's Railway to Heaven.

 

 

4). Abbey Road  The Beatles (1969)

Many think Abbey Road was one of the finest albums ever recorded, and I agree.  This is the Beatles at their best.

      

Listen to Come Together.

 

 

5). Sheryl Crow  Sheryl Crow (1996)

The follow-up to Sheryl's debut (and scattered) "Tuesday Night Music Club" album, this is Sheryl's strongest and most consistent CD.  It shows off her talents as both a singer and songwriter.

      

Listen to A Change.

 

 

6). Last of The True Believers  Nanci Griffith (1986)

Austin native Nanci Griffith carried the banner for folk music throughout the 1980s and '90's and even won a Grammy, although her more recent efforts have seemed tired and flat.  Her earlier CDs are definitely better, including this one with several classic tunes.

      

Listen to Love At The Five And Dime.

 

 

7). The Billy May Sessions  Nat King Cole (1951)

Nat's smoky smooth vocals are "Unforgettable."  I could've put any of his albums on my Top 10 list. 

      

Listen to Walking My Baby Back Home.

 

 

8). New World  Karla Bonoff (1995)

Known more as a songwriter ("Someone to Lay Down Beside Me"), Karla comes from the Southern California pop-country-rock scene, writing hits for Linda Ronstadt, Wynonna Judd and others.  This album is more mature than her earlier efforts and really shows her stuff.

      

Listen to Goodbye My Friend.

 

 

9). Listen Without Prejudice  George Michael (1990)

Despite some of his recent legal and personal problems, I still respect George Michael as an artist, and this album was his strongest effort.  It was a great follow-up to "Faith" and every song is a winner. 

      

Listen to Freedom 90.

 

 

10). Songbird  Eva Cassidy (1998)

Eva is the best singer you've never heard of.  An amazing jazz-blues-folk singer, Eva refused to be pigeon-holed by recording companies which, along with her shyness, hindered her career.  But not that she cared, she just wanted to sing.  Sadly, Eva died in 1998 from skin cancer.

      

Listen to People Get Ready.