Here is the opening section of a charming Benjamin Britten piece from a superb solo album by this young French oboist: Céline Moinet – Six Metamorphoses after Ovid for Solo Oboe, Op. 49: I. Pan. Senza misura

Despite being a creator of much cerebral music, John Cage had a laudable appreciation for simplicity and its beauty in art and nature. Here is a lovely example that has an almost medieval feel to it: John Cage – Six Melodies: Melody 5  

The Scissor Sisters have a uncanny ability to recreate the highlights of 70's pop (including the album covers) and this discofied, Elton John-ish bit of can't-get-you-out-of-my-head-ness demonstrates that perfectly: Scissor Sisters – Baby Come Home

This 1961 single was The Impressions' break through hit and is one of Curtis Mayfield's greatest creations. His yearning vocal and use of rubato and his subtle guitar work make this record: The Impressions – Gypsy Woman - Single Version

Slim Gaillard with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie guesting for a little session money on this hip and humorous jam from 1945: Slim Gaillard – Slim's Jam

A lovely and witty piece of 1940's doo wop: The Toppers – If Money Grew On Trees 

This is too strange and rather lovely. Bill Laswell's post-punk disco outfit Material covering a '60's obscurity by psychedelic jazz rockers Soft Machine with free jazz titan Archie Shepp on sax and Whitney Houston on vocals (while she was still a model): Material – Memories. Here's the original: The Soft Machine – Memories - Original and a version by Robert Wyatt (also of Soft Machine, although the song was written by bassist Hugh Hopper): Robert Wyatt – Memories