Album of the Day

Detroit-born Earl Klugh continues to blaze a distinctive trail within the smooth jazz scene; the acoustic guitarist has earned a dozen Grammy nominations in his 40-year career. WHISPERS AND PROMISES accounts for one of them (in the Best Pop Instrumental Performance category), and with one listen to the 1989 Warner Bros. collection, it's easy to see why. With multi-textured arrangements from conductor Don Sebesky framing Klugh's fluid fretwork, these 10 instrumentals evoke moods that are by turns romantic and refreshing, with opener "What Love Can Do," “Water Song” and the title track among the many highlights. If you want to unwind late at night, or listen to something that helps the day breeze by, just put some WHISPERS AND PROMISES in your ear.