Pool floating music

Because of my open wound I haven't been able to go into the pool, although it is now prime pool-floating season and the pool (thanks mostly to Jen, who has seen her innate mechanical aptitudes blossoming while I've been somewhat out of it) is in beautiful shape, with the water about 84. In anticipation of being able to swim fairly soon, I'm offering my annual suggestions for proper lounging in the pool and doing pretty much nothing music.

My favorite is still "Journey to the Amazon" by guitarist Sharon Isbin. Ms. Isbin is a first-rate classical guitarist -- I have a Rodrigo "Concierto de Aranjuez" and a Vivaldi recording, and I have seen Bach, Ponce, and other recordings. Here she takes on Brazilian popular music, with its intricate rhythms and gently swinging character -- sambas, bossa novas, etc -- along with saxophonist Paul Winter and percussionist Thiago de Mello. Enchanting!

I'm not sure whether or not to recommend Diana Krall's "From this Moment On" album, which I love. However, it has so many parts that repay careful listening, including what I now see as definitive versions of "It Could Happen to You," "Little Girl Blue," and "Willow Weep for Me," that it shouldn't be seen as mere background music. If you like American standards and good singing, this one's for you.

Finally, the Jacques Loussier Trio 's "The Brandenburgs," which includes arrangements of the six concerti for jazz trio. Interesting. The music is changed almost not at all, except for relaxing the rhythms a bit so it can swing. And yet Bach played almost note-for-note makes some pretty decent jazz -- as the Swingle Singers demonstrated back in the 1960s. This is music that holds your attention yet invites flights of the imagination.