It’s deeply humbling that there are folk artists who have had such a huge impact on the world. Though their output seemingly flies in the face of what is considered ‘popular’, they have inspired millions of artists, poets, musicians and those that seek to grow their understanding of the world.

Leonard Cohen really needs no introduction. His wonderfully innate ability to tap into the core of humanity and deliver an utterly heartfelt, honest and moving piece will undoubtedly echo throughout the ages, inspiring many for time immemorial.

Jazz is always a bit hit and miss: sometimes, all that funky syncopation comes together and makes something that is completely unlistenable. Why would you want that? Because jazz! Now, dear reader, you are obviously aware that this post won’t be an example of that, and that the first part of this post was a delightful repartee designed to introduce something that contrasts with it.

And behold! It does! Lori Cullen brings a slightly folkish, slightly gyspy-ish twist to the ol’ jazz formula with this relaxed but paced (and quirky) tune. Simple instrumentation blends nicely with Lori’s breathy vocals to give it all a hint of overarching mystery… perhaps, the mystery of what the three is? Ok, there’s no real mystery as it’s about a couple and a baby, but work with me here!

Funkalicious! It is most certainly the only word that will pop into your head as soon as the brass of this tune pop in. Yes, it is time for some funky, cool jazz, the kind that all you hepcats out there will no doubt dig.

As evidenced by my use of the word ‘hepcat’ there, it’s clear that I am not exactly clued in on the world of jazz. My research tells me that the Japanese-born Takuya Kuroda calls Brooklyn in the good ol’ US of A home, and has performed with many prominent jazz artists. Rising Son, off the album of the same name, is as smooth and slick as you’d want jazz to be, but also carries a hint of urban/street style swagger.

Even if you live in the middle of a bubbling cesspit of grime and filth, putting on some classic blues will make the joint feel like the classiest lounge in the world. It really is the best way to kick back after a hard day on the job, whatever that job may be. Guaranteed to put you at ease! You know, unless you hate blues. BEGONE.

Anyway, allow me to welcome back the queen (well, one of them) of blues: Julie London. She’s featured on here before, where I made a note to buy an EP or two. Well, I’ve done just that, and it was totally worth it: I’m having trouble typing this post on account of how gosh darned chilled out I am.

I do love happy coincidences. A friend of mine recommended this track to me, and being the credible music journalist that I totally am, I did some research on Mr. Laurance only to discover that he is a member of the New York-based jazz collection, Snarky Puppy, of whom we’ve posted about before. Does… does this mean we’re cool and on the pulse of what’s hip and in? I’m going to assume yes!

This is some very slick jazz indeed, mixing in some synth pop and downtempo for added bite and flavour. This is, perhaps, a little more spicy than what Snarky Puppy output, in case you need a rubbish comparison of some kind, though the piano kind of reminds me of Robert Miles’ Children.

It’s time to class this joint up a bit with some of ol’ blue eyes’ dulcet tones. It’s Frank Sinatra: how could you possibly go wrong? You can’t, so next time you’re in a big city, walk down those glittering streets with this in your ear, a skip in your step, and a wink and a smile for all the lovely people in it. Unless they’re jerks and the city is a dump, to which I suggest you just get the hell out of it.

So apparently there is a band that does 40s-style covers of modern pop songs, and they are completely amazing. They are called Postmodern Jukebox, and their singer is mind-blowingly attractive and talented. Consider this post my marriage proposal!

This is the last time I’ll put a Selena Gomez song on either/or, but this is definitely the first time one will sound good! Holy mackerel, it makes me wish this style of music was what they played on the radio. I wouldn’t need to bother writing this tripe anymore, I’d just say “turn on the damn radio!”

So, the other day I stumbled on Cuckoo Records, and went completely nuts over Cissie Redgwick. It seems this label is a bit of a repository for all this fresh, but retro-styled swing and jazz. I… I may have found a new home. Y’all just gonna have to put up with it!

Anyway, without further ado, allow me to introduce Little Violet. Sultry in tone, but rather bitingly sung, and with a thumping beat behind it. All I can really do is say “mmmmmm”, while snapping my thumbs in time. Preferably in a hazy bar somewhere.

There are really no other words that I can use to describe this song than simply ‘delightful’. Why? Just listen to it! It’s just a wonderful, innocent tune that’s very much a product of its time. Sure, some people may think it to be rather quaint, but I prefer to think of it as charming. A perfectly pleasant way to close out the working week.

One day, I will buy myself a Julie London EP or two. For now, I’ll content myself with my little two-single vinyl containing this song and Cry Me a River. And what a song it is! Never have I heard more sumptuous, sexy vocals than this: it is quite the way to cap off a long day, I can tell you that.