KPLU-FM, the Pacific Northwest's own little jewel and the 8th Wonder of the World, turned me on to Cassandra Wilson back in 1988 when her Blue Skies was released. I bought it on cassette (remember those?).

On the release, she did her version of Shall We Dance? - one of those Rodgers waltzes everyone - including myself - is wild about. For years, I thought it was a lilting little tune about dancing and its inherent intimacy. But Ms. Wilson turns it into a solemn, soulful soliloquy about the ultimate intimacy, and makes me think that Gertrude Lawrence might have been asking Yul Brenner for a roll in the hay. Everything Ms. Wilson does is magic.

If there's anything that keeps you from going to The Alley, dismiss it because you'll remember the evening with Ms. Wilson forever.

And Cholly, if you don't already listen to KPLU, you should check it out as often as you can. They are always featuring noteworthy new talent along with the older classic stuff.

Never have I agreed more with Charles Mudede.