RIBS Xmas: A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas 2-2022

This is the 2nd volume in the RIBS Xmas “A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas” collection.

Volume II in the RIBS “Soulful & Jazzy” Christmas Collection…

This mix features selections from the following artists:
Con Funk Shun, Kirk Whalum, Stephanie Mills, Wynton Marsalis, Vanessa Williams, Jon Batiste, Kem, Stanley Clarke/George Duke/Everette Harp, Straight No Chaser, Boney James, Donny & Lalah Hathaway, Mint Condition, Jeanette Harris, The Whispers, Michael Franks, Natalie Cole, Brian Bromberg, The Braxtons, Andreas Vollenweider, Ty Causey, Fourplay, Freddie Jackson, India Arie & Joe Sample, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, and Gladys Knight & The Pips.

“Season’s Greetings”…  Enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS Xmas Intro – TGrundy
  2. Christmas Kind Of Day – Con Funk Shun [Home For Christmas]
  3. How Does Christmas Sound? – Kirk Whalum [How Does Christmas Sound?]
  4. Christmas With You – Stephanie Mills [Christmas]
  5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Wynton Marsalis [Christmas Jazz Jam]
  6. Hark The Herald Angels Sing – Vanessa Williams [Star Bright]
  7. Winter Wonderland (ft. Jason Marsalis) – Jon Batiste [Christmas With Jon Batiste]
  8. Be Mine For Christmas – Kem [What Christmas Means]
  9. O Tannenbaum – Stanley Clarke/George Duke/Everette Harp [Jazz To The World]
  10. What Christmas Means – Straight No Chaser [Social Christmasing]
  11. The First Noel (ft. Rick Braun) – Boney James [Christmas Present]
  12. This Christmas (Duet) – Donny & Lalah Hathaway [Single]
  13. RIBS Promo: “Smooth, Silky, Satin” – TGrundy
  14. Skating – Boney James [Christmas Present]
  15. 1St Snowfall – Mint Condition [Healing Season]
  16. Angels We Have Heard On High – Jeanette Harris [Smooth Holiday Greetings]
  17. It’s Almost Christmas – The Whispers [Christmas Moments]
  18. Said The Snowflake – Michael Franks [Watching The Snow]
  19. Carol Of The Bells – Natalie Cole [The Magic Of Christmas]
  20. Let It Snow (ft. Maysa & Chris Walker) – Brian Bromberg [Celebrate Me Home: The Holiday Sessions]
  21. O Holy Night (A Cappella) – The Braxtons [Braxton Family Christmas]
  22. What Child Is This – Andreas Vollenweider [Midnight Clear]
  23. Treasure For Life – Ty Causey [Christmas Flow]
  24. Snowbound – Fourplay [Snowbound]
  25. One Wish – Freddie Jackson [At Christmas]
  26. Favorite Time Of Year (ft. Tori Kelly) – India.Arie & Joe Sample [Christmas With Friends]
  27. White Christmas – Lee Ritenour [A GRP Christmas Collection 1]
  28. Snow Globe – Straight No Chaser [Social Christmasing]
  29. Some Children See Him – Dave Grusin [A GRP Christmas Collection 1]
  30. Let There Be Peace On Earth (Let It Begin With Me) – Gladys Knight & The Pips [That Special Time Of Year]

Right-click the word “Download” underneath the audio player, then select ‘Save Link As’ (or ‘Save Link’) in the menu that displays to download the .MP3 file to your computer, phone or tablet.

RIBS: Back In LOVE! Again…

LOVE. Ahh, LOVE. There are lots of ways to describe it. Some have referred to LOVE as a spinning top, going around and around in circles. Some have described LOVE’s ups and downs and twisty turns as a rollercoaster. Some feel that LOVE is the message. And still others will tell you that LOVE is the key.

Whether it is good or bad, spinning you around or taking you through its inevitable ups and downs… when it is RIGHT the sun shines, the clouds are light and fluffy and you wake up, as Stevie would say: “Happier than the morning sun”!

This is a mix about love. Being in love. More specifically, about being back in love again. My #1 BFF, who has had his share of love’s rollercoaster rides over the years, is strapping himself into the seat once more and we couldn’t be happier for him. One of my favorite sayings of his is, “Once, three times or not at all!” Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the philosphy that the trird time is the charm. So, with that in mind, this trip should be less of a rollercoaster ride and more like a cruise down “better than ever street”.

So, here’s to LOVE. Here’s to being in LOVE. Most importantly here’s to being BACK IN LOVE AGAIN… Enjoy!

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. RIBS Promo: CBranch RIBS Drop – Calandra Branch
  2. Body And Soul (That’s The Way It’s Got To Be) – Soul Generation [Beyond Body And Soul]
  3. Could It Be I’m Falling In Love – Spinners [Spinners]
  4. Be My Lady – Meters [New Directions]
  5. I Am Yours – Main Ingredient [Afrodisiac]
  6. We Both Deserve Each Other’s Love – L.T.D. [Togetherness]
  7. You’re Number One (In My Book) – Gladys Knight & The Pips [Visions]
  8. Always and Forever – Charles Earland [Ready ‘n Able]
  9. RIBS Promo: “Smooth, Silky, Satin” – TGrundy
  10. Get Here – Oleta Adams [Circle of One]
  11. A Song For You – Temptations [A Song For You]
  12. Baby I’m For Real – Originals [Baby, I’m For Real]
  13. No One Can Love You More – Phyllis Hyman [Phyllis Hyman]
  14. So So Satisfied – Ashford & Simpson [So So Satisfied]
  15. The Feeling’s Love – Angela Bofill [Angel of the Night]
  16. You Are My Sharship – Norman Connors [You Are My Starship]
  17. Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite) – Pamela Williams [Saxtress]
  18. Endless Love – Jimmy Smith [Off The Top]
  19. Piano In The Dark – Brenda Russell [Get Here]
  20. I Like Dreaming – Side Effect [Rainbow Visions]
  21. Fell For You – Dramatics [A Dramatic Experience]
  22. I Could Never (Repay Your Love) – Spinners [Spinners]
  23. What You Won’t Do For Love – Phyllis Hyman [Living All Alone]
  24. Body And Soul – Anita Baker [Rhythm of Love]
  25. Lovin’ You – Minnie Riperton [Perfect Angel]
  26. Loving You – Karen Briggs [Soulchestral Groove]
  27. Baby Come Close – Smokey Robinson [Smokey]
  28. I Really Hope You Do – Friends Of Distinction [Grazin’]
  29. Dedicated – Nicholas [Dedicated]

RIBS: That’s What Friends Are For…

Quote: “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know that they’re always there.”

This is a mix about Friends. This is a mix for Friends.

I was reminded recently of the value of good, true friends. I will be forever grateful for the kindness they showed me that day. I’m really not a great writer when it comes to expressing how I feel. I’m much better at letting my music speak the words/feelings that I cannot. The selections in this mix, the lyrics of the songs, sum up to a great degree what I want those special friends to know. Basically, I am a better person because I have you in my life. Beacause you are my friend.

Call your friends. Go visit your friends. Tell your friends you love them. And, if you’re like me and words fail you sometimes, give them a copy of this mix. Let them know how important they are in your life.

Enjoy!

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. RIBS INTRO: “Another Edition” – TGrundy
  2. That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick [Friends]
  3. My Old Friend – Al Jarreau [Breakin’ Away]
  4. You’ve Got A Friend – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway [Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway]
  5. Friend Of Mine – Sabrina Starke [Lean On Me]
  6. Friends And Strangers – Ronnie Laws [Friends & Strangers]
  7. Friend To Me – Cameo [Ugly Ego]
  8. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Merry Clayton [Gimme Shelter]
  9. Lean On Me – Jose James [Lean On Me]
  10. You’re A Friend To Me – Sister Sledge [We Are Family]
  11. I Will Be Your Friend – Sade [Diamond Life]
  12. Still A Friend Of Mine – Incognito [Positivity]
  13. Old Friend – Phyllis Hyman [Living All Alone]
  14. I’m on Your Side – Angela Bofill [Teaser]
  15. True Colors – Heather Headley [Broadway My Way]
  16. You Are My Friend – Pattie Labelle [Pattie Labelle]
  17. With A Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker [With A Little Help From My Friends]
  18. You’re A Friend Of Mine (w/Jackson Browne) – Clarence Clemons & Red Bank Rockers [Hero]
  19. Why Can’t We Be Friends? – WAR [Why Can’t We Be Friends?]
  20. Playin’ With My Friends – Tony Bennett [Playin’ with My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues]
  21. More Than Friends – Bob James & David Sanborn [Double Vision]
  22. Friends – Bobby McFerrin [Bang!Zoom]
  23. It’s So Nice (To See Old Friends) – Minnie Riperton [Perfect Angel]
  24. Medley: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother/Bridge Over Troubled Water – Gladys Knight & The Pips [Standing Ovation]

RIBS: Each Day I Cry A Little…

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, “Into each life some rain must fall”. Another thing is also true, at some point in time from within each heart a tear will fall.

This is a mix about crying. More specifically, about HIM crying. As the saying goes, “everyone knows that a man ain’t supposed to cry”. The reality, of course, is that that’s a bunch of hogwash! Just like anyone else, when that heart gets broken and the heartache washes over you… the cloudy skies will gather and those “raindrops” are gonna fall.

Bottom line is, tears have no age limit and no gender preferences. Everybody cries at some point in time. And yes, sometimes HE cries too.

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. RIBS Promo: “So Good” (Echo) – TGrundy
  2. Each Day I Cry A Little – Eddie Kendricks [Eddie Kendricks]
  3. If Tears Were Pennies – Controllers [Next In Line]
  4. Teardrops – Rick James [Throwin’ Down]
  5. Blame It On The Sun – Stevie Wonder [Talking Book]
  6. The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind) – Dru Hill [Enter The Dru]
  7. Fistful Of Tears – Maxwell [BLACKsummers’night]
  8. Sometimes I Cry – Eric Benet [Lost In Time]
  9. Any Day Now – Luther Vandross [Luther Vandross]
  10. Go On And Cry – Les McCann & Eddie Harris [Another Beginning]
  11. Sometimes I Cry – Will Downing [Come Together As One]
  12. I Wish It Would Rain – David Ruffin [At His Best]
  13. The Tracks Of My Tears – Brenda Russell [Between The Sun And The Moon]
  14. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted (ft. Joan Osborne) – The Funk Brothers [Standing In The Shadows Of Motown]
  15. RIBS Promo: CBranch RIBS Drop – Calandra Branch
  16. Cry Me A River – Ray Charles [Sweet & Sour Tears]
  17. Drown In My Own Tears – David ‘Fathead’ Newman [The Weapon]
  18. Street Of Tears – Black Heat [Black Heat]
  19. If You Ever Need To Cry – Brainstorm [Journey To The Light]
  20. Who’s Crying Now – Randy Crawford [Through The Eyes Of Love]
  21. Here Come The Tears – Gene Chandler [The Duke of Soul (The Brunswick Years)]
  22. You Won’t Make Me Cry – Victor Haynes [From The Bottom Of My Heart]
  23. Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song) – Chic [Risqué]
  24. Crying All By Myself – William Bell [The Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968]
  25. Still Not Over You (Getting Over Me) – Michael McDonald [Soul Speak]
  26. Tears In My Eyes – Con Funk Shun [Secrets]
  27. RIBS Promo: DKW “Locked Into Old School Soul and Blues” – Darrenkeith
  28. Walking The Back Streets And Crying – Little Milton [Walking The Back Streets]
  29. The Final Hour – Wanda Robinson [Black Ivory]
  30. Oh No – Commodores [In The Pocket]

RIBS: TG’s Sensuous Seductions, Vol 1

“Turn the lights down low, baby come close…”

Sometimes, I just love how music ideas are born and then develop into something significant. From a post on Facebook asking for “Love” songs submissions, to a friendly “can you top this” song shootout, to a new series here on RIBS. Welcome to “Sensuous Seductions” a 10-song, 1 hour (more or less, it depends) mix of love songs/ballads for your listening pleasure (or pleasures, if it really gets good to ya… LOL!)

OK. Enjoy!

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. RIBS Promo: CBranch RIBS Drop – Calandra Branch
  2. Love Ballad – L.T.D. [Love to the World]
  3. Superstar (Live) – Luther Vandross [Live At Wembley]
  4. The Closer I Get To You (Duet With Donny Hathaway) – Roberta Flack [Blue Lights In The Basement]
  5. I Try – Angela Bofill [Angel Of The Night]
  6. RIBS Promo: “Taste of Music” (short) – TGrundy
  7. Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely – Blue Magic [Blue Magic]
  8. Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) – Delfonics [The Delfonics]
  9. The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind) – Dells [Freedom Means]
  10. Girl It’s True, Yes I’ll Always Love You – Barry White [Stone Gon’]
  11. The Look Of Love – Isaac Hayes […To Be Continued]
  12. Distant Lover – Marvin Gaye [Marvin Gaye Live!]

RIBS: Juan Da Costa’s Sensual Seduction…

Juan calls it, “You’re So Nasty”, but I like to think of this collection of his as the “Sensual Seduction” mix. This is the music you play when you light the candles, turn the lights down low, pour the wine and… well, we’ll let you fill in the rest of that thought with whatever pleasure(s) you like best! {smile}

OK. Enjoy!

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. I Wanna Get Next To You – Rose Royce [Car Wash (OST)]
  2. Reasons (Live) – Earth, Wind & Fire [Gratitude]
  3. Forever Mine – O’Jays [Identify Yourself]
  4. There’ll Never Be – Switch [Switch]
  5. Lovin’ You – Minnie Riperton [Perfect Angel]
  6. Do Me Baby – Prince [Controversy]
  7. The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite) – Quincy Jones [Back On The Block]
  8. In The Mood – The Whispers [In The Mood]
  9. Killing Me Softly With His Song – Roberta Flack [Killing Me Softly]
  10. Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye [Midnight Love]

RIBS Xmas: A Soulful Christmas 4-Kem & Friends-2020

This is the 4th volume in the RIBS Xmas “A Soulful Christmas” collection.

This mix features selections from the following artists: Kem, Ty Causey, Straight No Chaser, John Legend, Shinyribs, PJ Morton, Jon Batiste, Ronnie Spector, The Commodores and Shakatak.

“Merry Christmas”…  Enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

Intro: “The True Meaning of Christmas” –  Linus van Pelt
Doo Wop Christmas (That’s What Christmas Is All About) – Kem [What Christmas Means]
Home For Christmas – Kem [What Christmas Means]
Celebrate (It’s Christmas Time) – Ty Causey [Christmas Flow]   
We Three Kings Of Orient Are – Straight No Chaser [Christmas Cheers]   
Silver Bells – John Legend [A Legendary Christmas]   
Linus And Lucy – Shinyribs [The Kringle Tingle]  
Bring Me Love – John Legend  [A Legendary Christmas]  
Do You Believe (ft. Yolanda Adams) – PJ Morton [Christmas With PJ Morton] 
Glorify The King – Kem [What Christmas Means]
Christmas Time Is Here – John Legend [A Legendary Christmas]   
Endless Love (ft. Aloe Blacc) – Jon Batiste [Christmas With Jon Batiste]   
Let The World Rejoice – Ty Causey [Christmas Flow]    
The Christmas Song – PJ Morton [Christmas With PJ Morton]   
Bethlehem – Kem [What Christmas Means]   
Merry Christmas To Everyone – Ty Causey [Christmas Flow]   
Winter Wonderland (ft. Jason Marsalis) – Jon Batiste [Christmas With Jon Batiste]   
Merry Christmas, Baby – Kem [What Christmas Means]   
Who Spiked The Eggnog? – Straight No Chaser [Christmas Cheers]   
Christmas Flow – Ty Causey [Christmas Flow]   
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (ft. Judith Hill) – Jon Batiste [Christmas With Jon Batiste] 
Donde Esta Santa Claus – Straight No Chaser [Christmas Cheers]   
It’s the Time (Happy Holidays) – Ronnie Spector [Best Christmas Ever]   
Merry Christmas, Oh Happy Day – Commodores [Commodores Christmas]    
No Place Like Home – John Legend [A Legendary Christmas]   
Christmas With You – Shakatak [Christmas Dreams]    
Waiting For Christmas – John Legend [A Legendary Christmas]   
What Christmas Means – Kem [What Christmas Means]

RIBS Xmas: A Soulful Christmas 3-Luther & Friends-2019

This is the 3rd volume in the RIBS Xmas “A Soulful Christmas” collection.

This mix features selections from the following artists: Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Kool & The Gang, Ray Parker, Jr., Jonathan Butler, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Ledisi, Black Ivory, Mary J. Blige and Ramsey Lewis.

“Peace on Earth”…  Enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS Xmas Intro 2 – TGrundy
  2. A Kiss For Christmas – Luther Vandross [This Is Christmas]
  3. My Favorite Things – Luther Vandross [The Classic Christmas Album] 
  4. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen – Anita Baker [Christmas Fantasy] 
  5. Joy To The World – Kool & The Gang [Kool For The Holidays]
  6. Christmas Time Is Here – Ray Parker, Jr. [Single Release]
  7. Happy Holidays – Jonathan Butler [Merry Christmas To You] 
  8. RIBS Promo: Aka “RIBS” TGrundy
  9. At Christmas Time – Luther Vandross [The Classic Christmas Album]
  10. With A Christmas Heart – Luther Vandross [This Is Christmas]
  11. When Christmas Comes – Mariah Carey & John Legend [Merry Christmas] 
  12. It’s Christmas – Ledisi [It’s Christmas]    
  13. Snow – Black Ivory [Single Release]
  14. RIBS Promo: So Good Echo – TGrundy
  15. Please Come Home For Christmas – Luther Vandross [This Is Christmas]
  16. Let’s Rejoice (Christmas Is Here) – Kool & The Gang [Kool For The Holidays]
  17. Moonlight Sleighride – Anita Baker [Christmas Fantasy]
  18. Have Your Self A Merry Little Christmas – Luther Vandross [This Is Christmas]
  19. The First Noel (duet with The Clark Sisters) – Mary J. Blige [A Mary Christmas] 
  20. Merry Christmas, Baby – Ramsey Lewis Trio [Sound Of Christmas] 
  21. This Is Christmas – Luther Vandross [This Is Christmas]

RIBS Xmas: A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas-2019

This is the 1st volume in the RIBS Xmas “A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas” collection.

This mix features selections from the following artists: The Dramatics, Chris Botti, Bunny Sigler, Brian Culbertson, Kem, Mike Frost Band, Patti LaBelle, Michael Franks, Straight No Chaser, Tex Beneke, Trey Lorenz, Ramsey Lewis, Shawn Lee, Ronee Martin, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Raiff Ellis, Dexter Gordon and Frank McComb.

“Season’s Greetings”…  Enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS Xmas Intro 2 – TGrundy
  2. The Golden Horn – Dramatics [A Dramatic Christmas (The Very Best Christmas Of All)]
  3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Chris Botti [December]
  4. Little Drummer Boy – Bunny Sigler [When You’re In Love At Christmas Time]
  5. Deck The Halls – Brian Culbertson [A Soulful Christmas]
  6. Doo Wop Christmas (That’s What Christmas Is All About) – Kem [What Christmas Means]
  7. Carol Of The Bells – Mike Frost Band [Frosty Christmas]
  8. Reason For The Season – Patti LaBelle [This Christmas]
  9. Island Christmas (ft. Veronica Nunn) – Michael Franks [Watching The Snow]
  10. Hey Santa! – Straight No Chaser [Christmas Cheers]
  11. Sleigh Ride – Tex Beneke [A Jazz Christmas]
  12. RIBS3 – Aka “Ribs” – TGrundy
  13. My Younger Days – Trey Lorenz [12 Soulful Nights Of Christmas]
  14. Here Comes Santa Claus – Ramsey Lewis Trio [20th Century Masters: The Best Of Christmas Jazz Volume 1]
  15. Do You Hear What I Hear – Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra [A Very Ping Pong Christmas: Funky Treats From Santa’s Bag]
  16. Santa Baby – Ronee Martin [A MoJazz Christmas Vol.2]
  17. Jingle Bells – BeBe & CeCe Winans [First Christmas]
  18. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Raiff Ellis [A Jazzy Saxy Christmas]
  19. The Very Best Christmas – Dramatics [A Dramatic Christmas (The Very Best Christmas Of All)]
  20. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Dexter Gordon [A Jazz Christmas]
  21. This Christmas (Jazz Version) – Frank Mccomb [A MoJazz Christmas Vol. 1]
  22. A Holiday Thought – Dramatics [A Dramatic Christmas (The Very Best Christmas Of All)]