🎧Episode 123: Jazz-Funk Precision, Debut Album Magic & Cruisin’ After Dark

Episode 123 moves from smooth jazz-funk into classic songwriter territory before ending with two songs built for completely different kinds of emotional driving.Jonathan opens with a groove-heavy selection from George Benson, blending fluid guitar work, rhythmic sophistication, and the effortless cool that defined his crossover era. Curtis continues his ongoing exploration of standout debut albums with a warm, melodic deep cut from Stephen Bishop, highlighting the understated songwriting brilliance that made his early work so enduring.In the category songs, Jonathan brings a Cruisin’ Song from Whitesnake, delivering full nighttime-highway energy, dramatic vocals, and maximum late-’80s atmosphere. Curtis closes with a #1 In Our Hearts selection from Chaka Khan, showcasing powerhouse vocals and the kind of emotional intensity that still feels timeless.Jazz-funk groove, soft-rock craftsmanship, arena-rock cruising music, and one unforgettable vocal performance—Episode 123 covers the full emotional spectrum.Curtis Gross is a self-employed video editor.Jonathan Workman is an adult learning consultant based in Wichita, KS.---Make sure you are subscribed to Why Is This So Hard For You. Type Why Is This So Hard For You in your podcast provider, hit that subscription button, and leave us a five-star review. This will make it easier for other podcast listeners to find the podcast.---The intro music is the first 30 seconds of the Ornette Coleman tune "Song X" fed into AI software that attempts to output the song to a solo piano transcription. The outro music is the first 30 seconds of Sonny Rollins' version of the tune "St. Thomas" fed into the same software.