In our summer issue, musician Danny Johnson shared the songs he would take with him if cast away on a desert island. Music tastes are deeply personal and the window into someone’s soul.
Which then got us to thinking how interesting it would be to ask people from various professions to offer up their favourite five songs and why they move them.
This issue we asked Bob Stewart, a familiar face to many of us as the longtime co-owner of the Keg Steakhouse and Bar and the Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar to reveal his favourite songs and why they make his soul sing.
“Being a sax player, you would think all my favourite songs are full-blown sax songs — not true! My top tunes do change frequently and it is hard to narrow them down to five (that’s why there are six). I’ve selected these songs more from the perspective that they have been a backdrop to my growing up. I have had the pleasure of seeing all the artists live, with the exception of Harry Chapin. Each of my top six picks have an enduring place in my memory from the concerts I’ve attended and the company with whom I shared the experience. Let’s start with the horn songs!”
- Chicago - Saturday in the Park
Chicago’s “Saturday in the Park” is an uplifting, energetic number that makes me tap my foot every time. - Billy Joel - Only the Good Die Young
Billy Joel’s music is littered with great saxophone solos, but it’s the groove that grabs me on “Only the Good Die Young”. - U2 - Beautiful Day
The feeling is very similar with U2’s “Beautiful Day”; it just makes you want to turn up the volume and move! - Harry Chapin - Cat's in the Cradle
My next three picks are sing along classics. Harry Chapin was a gifted storyteller and “Cat’s in the Cradle’” has brillant lyrics that draw you in. I always have a smile on my face when it’s finished. - Cat Stevens - Another Saturday Night
Cat Stevens’ (Yusuf) “Another Saturday Night” is both a sing along and toe tapper. - James Taylor - How Sweet It Is
James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is” is all that combined into one song and David Sanborn’s sax playing has inspired me over the years. A great sax song, what’s not to love!
