MUSICQUEST JAZZY, GROOVY VIBES MIX ◦ 90 SONGS ◦ FIVE HOURS & TWENTY-EIGHT MINUTES

This mix presents a lot of great music from right now, from the 1970s/1980s, and from way back in the day -- just outstanding, cool songs -- enjoy! Here's the list of artists as they appear in the playlist. Syd Dale; Keith Mansfield; Neil Richardson; David Lindup; Gerhand Narhotz; Sven Wunder; Nicholas Godin; Jive Ass Sleepers; Walt Rockman; Trumpet Man; Greg Foat; Weather Report; Nuyorican Soul & Jocelyn Brown; Trombone Shorty; Little Big Town & Trombone Shorty; Stan Getz; Vince Guaraldi (and Trio); Quincy Jones & James Morrison; Si Zenter; Stan Kenton; Alan Moorhouse; Ernest Ponticelli; Gordon Rees; Pisk & Cab Calloway; Caro Emerald & Pisk; Big Bad Voodo Daddy; The Brian Setzer Orchestra; Royal Crown Revue; The Honeydrippers; Maynard Ferguson; The Manhattan Transfer; Les Brown & His Band of Renown; Henry Mancini; Dream Chaser; Woody Herman; Tommy Dorsey; Henry James; Kitten & the Hip; Incontrol; Wolfgang Lohr & Louis Armstrong

MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #19: ENJOYING THE SONIC AMUSEMENT PARK ◦ 51 SONGS ◦ THREE HOURS & TWELVE MINUTES

This mix begins with "Sunroof" (2018) and "Islands" (2018), and both are radio-perfect, Electro-Pop songs by Courtship. That sets the tone for the next several tracks that are just as enjoyable and interesting: "Cool Kids" (2019) by Big Image; "The Fool" (2021) Ginoli Remix; "Scooby's in the Back" (2017) by HalfNoise; and, "Somebody New" (2020) by Swim Mountain. "Pockets Full of No" (2017) by Coast Modern follows along with four more of their exemplary songs from the 2021 release, "Going Mainstream," which is without a doubt one of the best albums of 2021. David Kitt's "Into the Breeze - 20 Version" (2021) follows. His music is usually classified as "Indie," and this song is especially mellow and beautiful. Brandon Tallon's "Love in These Times" (2021) is next, and it reminds me, at least in part, of the Beatles' horn arrangements from George Harrison's "Savoy Truffle" (1968) from "The White Album." See what you think. "Keep Going" (2021) by Bay Ledges is the next song, and it causes me to think of Sugar Ray circa 1999. It's very good! Lady Blackbird's Alt Rock/Soul "Collage" (2020) is next in line -- Greg Foat's Radio Edit -- it's also excellent. Sven Wunder's "Black Iris" (2020) follows and could serve as an alternative soundtrack for the film Blade Runner since it compliments so well Vangelis' original ideas.

We change gears with two Electronica tracks, "Get Out There and Be Somebody" and "Hints of Blue," (2021) from Marshall Watson. They are both of the Chiil variety and superb! Then, we enjoy three Bedroom Pop and/or Indie Alt Rock songs from iogi. This Tel Aviv-based musician has hit a musical home run with his 2021 release "Everything's Worth It." We follow iogi with Nate Mercereau's "Of Course That's Happening" from his 2019 "Joy Techniques" release, which reminds me of a Jazzy House kind of vibe. Then, we hear several songs in a row from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Buscrates. This musician/producer writes and creates the best Funkadelic music, in my opinion, on our planet at this time. He's arguably even better at it than some of the genre's originators. Seriously, he's gifted and extraordinarily good! Then, "You Do You," (2019) by The Pendletons and Howard Johnson, takes us on a Soulful, R&B, Jackson Five-like excursion -- excellent! XL Middleton's "Can't Help the Way I Feel" (2012) and "Love When It Comes Down to It" (2019) follow, and they are Nu Disco, R&B, Funky Jams that will groove-up your emotions. Donor Lens' "Secret Messages" (2019) and "Midnight Store" (2020) follow and are worthy of your headphones. Gum's "Weightless in LA" (2020) is next in line and is one of my favorites because it's lofty, beautiful, and musically interesting. Discodor's 2021 release "Ascension" is a mellow, Alternative Pop song; it's also superb.

Two outstanding Indie Pop Rock songs follow from Vacation Manor: "Ending Credits" (2021) and "A Toast and a Spirit" (2016). Both are melodically enjoyable and very good! Next, we listen to "You & Me - Flume Remix" (2013) by Disclosure, and it is worth mentioning that it has had (as of this posting on 08/08/21) 423,464,936 plays on Spotify! Those incredible numbers speak for themselves. "Good Old Days - Classixx Remix" (2021) by JR JR is next up, and it keeps our Indie Pop vibe alive and well because it is also an excellent song. Moon Boots and Nic Hanson provide the next track, "Keep the Faith," which is a House-infused, faultless song. I think you will get into the next two songs -- "Face Turns Blue" (2019)  and "Postcards from Jupiter" (2021) -- by Venezuelan Alë Jay. They are soulful and very likable. "See You There" (2020) by Castelle and Keiynan is next and is a type of House R&B song that is infectious, and that is also the case with the next two songs by Castelle. For instance, "Polychromatic" (2018) utilizes Jamaican Kettle Drums in a way that makes the whole song intriguing and original. "Supercool," (2020) on the other hand, is a relatively brief, House-Techno track that is as humorous as it is musically coolio. We conclude this mix with CAPYAC's "Simultaneous," (2021) which is a mellow, Vapor-Dance-R&B kind of groove that is magnificent.

MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #12 ◦ TOUR THROUGH LIFE ◦ 68 SONGS ◦ FIVE HOURS & FORTY-EIGHT MINUTES

This is an extended, eclectic mix that I hope appeals to your musical interests. We begin with Glass Kites' "The Body." This song establishes a vibe of reflective excitement, as if one is on an investigative, existential journey. It has become a favorite of mine. The Gardening Club's "The Clock" and "Wolfgate" are also melodic, intriguing expressions of one's search for meaning. Once "Wolfgate" gets going with its main structure, I feel as though I am on an odyssey inside a favorite movie -- just so cool. The two songs from Night Tempo are almost comical in that the semi-orchestral arrangements are set against a Hip-Hop back beat, generating a Chillwave groove that is both appealing and hypnotic. "Fast Forward Reverse," by The Ocean Blue, is an exceedingly well crafted song that creates feelings of being on a relational pilgrimage. It has also become a favorite, as have their two other songs on this mix. "Blow My Mind," for example, might even cause you to think of "Up, Up and Away" by the Fifth Dimension. Andrew Wasylyk's "Drift" is an exploratory, melancholy masterpiece -- sincere, thoughtful, and kind. Nektar's "Drifting" is a huge change of pace in this mix: gloomy, doom-driven with a nine-minute runtime, yet it is also gorgeous. Give it a try, as you just might become a fan. David Bowie, I think, would have liked "Drifting." North Atlantic Oscillation's "Savage with Barometer" is ethereal while simultaneously edgy. It is like impressionistic art but in musical form. Their song "Hollywood Has Ended" is so cool because it initiates a kind of indictment against one's dependence upon Tinsel Town's storytelling dominance in our culture. It begins in a slow, mystical manner, morphing into driving Prog Rock about a third of the way into the track. We again change gears with the next song, "Premediation," by Manic Focus and Haywyre. This track quickly moves from a funky, R&B groove into a an even funkier Dubstep one that is mighty pleasing to this listener. The next song, "Still," by Bliss, establishes an enjoyable, Chill-Electronica mindset that reminds me of being with Kimberly Ann at the beach on a beautiful day. Maciej Meller's "Plan B" is a song that begins with a Folk-Acoustic-Piano kind of arrangement that shifts a little beyond the halfway point into a beautiful Prog Rock song. Pymlico's "Survival Guide" is also a Prog Rock song but with strong, Jazzy elements that I enjoy and recommend.

I had never heard of the band Anyone until recently and have included several songs from their album Echoes and Traces. You might think of Jane's Addiction and/or Perry Ferrell when listening to them. This band is melodic but simultaneously full of angst. It makes for very good Hard Rock. Another new-to-me artist is Drastic of Sorts. The two included songs, "Volition" and "Suspension," are both melodic and guitar intense. I really like them and think we will be hearing much more from this Progressive Rock band that we will like and appreciate. I think you will enjoy three melodic, Prog Rock-ish songs from another band that is new to me: aswekeepsearching. Their music reminds me of some of the laid back Post Rock I have liked. I am a big fan of the next song, "All the Same," by Dave Mackay. It is melodic, beautiful music with a Prog Rock flavor, as are his other inclusions in this mix, reminding me a little bit of Chick Corea's Elektric Band from the late 1980s and some of Steely Dan's jazzier arrangements -- just refreshingly excellent! "Nzuku," by Arp, is a Chill Electronica song that has an African-like vibe that is interesting. I think you might like it as well as his "Gravity (For Charlemagne Palestine)." I am also new to Daniel Knox, having come across him on Bandcamp. I have taken a huge liking to this man's music and have included four of his songs in this mix. He is original and captivating. I cannot recommend him enough! I also did not know about The Midnight, an outstanding Synthwave band from Los Angeles. I've included three of their very likable, catchy songs. I've included two songs from PYLOT that are also really good but are more in the realms of Electronica. They first appeared on Monstercat 021 -- superb! Next, we hear three infectious tracks from Tonebox; the latter is classified as Experiemental Retro Electro. I am not sure what genre "label" best describes their music, but it is very good. Changing gears, we hear next from Rick Miller. I've included five of his songs that are also now favorites. This Canadian musician is a exceptional writer of beautiful, memorable, Prog Rock music reminiscent of the Moody Blues. I easily came to appreciate and respect his work once I came upon it. Next, Blind Ego's "Line in the Sand" is an angst-driven, Prog Rock song that is high functioning. We next hear from Aviators -- the performance name of Vermont native Tyler Shaw. His genre is listed online as Electronica, but I think he is actually a highly creative generalist who blends numerous genres into extraordinarily interesting songs. This dude has got it musically goin' on -- please enjoy! The next song, "Mercenary," by F.O.O.L and Power Glove, is listed as Electro Dubstep, and I would add that it has a bit of an Industrial-Techno feel. It's very good. Brothertiger provides the next song, "High Tide," that is definitely from the realms of really good Synthpop.

In the homestretch, we hear "Infinity Beach" from Night Verses -- an interesting Post-Rock song that is melodic and creative. Next, we enjoy a grungy, Post-Rock song, "Lead Mask Ballet," from Tarby that is fantastic. If I might be permitted to turn "angst" into a transitive verb, this song will angst you up, so please turn up the volume. "Little Sister" follows but is a joint-venture between Tarby and Aviators that is stylish and Rock-ish. "Playtime Is Over," by Le Matos, is a very good Electronica-Techno type of song that is perfect for re-booting your psyche into a state of readiness for something big and intense. Next, "El Monstro" takes us into fervent Rock that is so very good. Again, turn up the volume. We close out this eclectic, explorer mix with three excellent songs from Randy McStine. His Prog Rock arrangements are highly creative, musically interesting, and I enthusiastically recommend them to you.

MUSICQUEST PAT METHENY GROUP & MICHAEL FRANKS MIX ◦ LEGACY SHOWCASE ◦ 33 SONGS ◦ THREE HOURS & SIXTEEN MINUTES

In this Musical Spotlight, we focus on two legacy artists who have produced beautiful and important music for decades. My musician friend, Kevin Taylor, introduced me to Pat Metheny and the Pat Metheny Group in the early 1980s, playing for me several of his records. I placed in this retrospective playlist several songs from Pat Metheny's earlier work, especially from "First Circle." I highly recommend these gorgeous, powerful songs to you. At some point in the 1980s, I came across Michael Franks, who has his own mellow, soul-enriching sound that is as romantically contagious as it is musically satisfying. Both artists produce their work mainly in the realms of Jazz with R&B grooves, among other influences, and both have created a huge body of work. Please enjoy the mix above.  Pat Metheny Website  ◦  Michael Franks Website

Three Outstanding Artists, from Left to Right: Plus 33, from Newcastle, United Kingdom, released "Open Window" on June 21, 2020, and it is simply a beautiful, masterful work of musical art. If you like Jazz influences blended with ones from Prog Rock, then you will really enjoy the creative vibes flowing outward from Plus 33. Arena's "Light Unlock," released on the Busines Casual Label on July 31, 2020, generates a musical tour of beauty and intrigue. Be sure to give this work your full, head-phones-on attention. Lastly, The Altogether from New York is a striking and sincere breath of fresh, Americana Air and Folk Rock. I highly recommend these songs to you: "Emelina, Right or Wrong," "Dogs at the Beach," "Follow Through," "Tug of War Kid," and "Brown of Gold." Click on the album covers for the direct Bandcamp web pages. I'll soon make a new playlist via Spotify for the songs that are available for streaming from these artists as well as several others, including some heart-pounding, Techno and House.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST FOR THIS GROUPING ◦ MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX THREE ◦ 36 SONGS ◦ TWO HOURS & FIFTY-ONE MINUTES

I hope you enjoy this highly eclectic grouping of "mostly" new material, listed clockwise from the top left: Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18; Hidden Rivers; The Bardic Depths; Louise Patricia Crane; Condor & Jaybird; The Light in the Ocean; Karfagen; Tyler Kamen; Georg Levin; Bent; Lindstrom; and, Iyam. Boldly Go Where You May Not Have Gone Before . . . :-))))

MUSICQUEST THROWBACK FIVE MIX ◦ 37 SONGS ◦ TWO HOURS & TWENTY-SIX MINUTES

I selected five artists/bands from several decades ago that still influence us today: Adrian Belew, Talking Heads, David Bowie, Duran Duran, and the Thompson Twins. At one time or another, all of these artists greatly influenced pop music. Of these five, you may not be as familiar with Adrian Belew since he's always been more alternative than mainstream, but his music is highly original, meaningful, and cool. I really like the selected songs from these artists and encourage you to take a tour through memory lane via the above mix -- you will be glad you did!

Two very bright lights in 21st Century R&B-Funk-Pop are Vulfpeck and Cory Wong. I highly encourage to check them out. If you dig a light-hearted, optimistic vibe centered around funky jams, then you will have discovered musical gold right here.  Vulfpeck Wikipedia Website ◦ Cory Wong Website ◦ MusicQuest Vulfpeck & Cory Wong Mini Playlist

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST FOR THIS GROUPING - MUSICQUEST EXPLORER ONE MIX ◦ 37 SONGS ◦ THREE HOURS & THIRTY-FIVE MINUTES

Above: Antoine Diligent creates very cool music in the realm of Synthwave; you will want to check him out. Battle Tapes hits hard with their Industrial, Grungy Vibe, reminding me of Snake River Conspiracy in terms of its infectious power. Jim Noir produces a kind of Psychedelic-Retro sound that I really enjoy and think you might, too. Shinichiro Yokota creates wonderful music that is House-Electronica all the way; I think you will really enjoy his catchy hooks. Locked Groove also generates very good House/Techno. When I am working on websites, like right now, I especially enjoy those songs.

Below: Frank Klepacki hits hard with his Electronica-Industrial music. If you need to get ramped up for your campaign to clean-up Gotham City, then pump his songs through your headphones, and you'll be good to go. Night Sequels is an interesting kind of Chill-Synth that I really like. Give it a try. Sleeping Pandora creates Post-Rock, deep vibes of exploration and contemplation. "Starsailor" is an especially well formulated track. I really like this musician's work. I only recently came across Eli Mardock's 2013 release, "Everything Happens for the First Time," and I really like several of the songs. Be sure to check-out his Indie Pop release. Article 54's "The Hustle" has got some of the best Nu Disco-like songs I've heard of late -- very creative with excellent hooks and very British!

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