Well, this travelin’ guy is about to head back to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – this time for a whirlwind, three-day business trip to Montreal. I’ve never been there before, but it’s gonna be pretty much office and hotel room time for me. What, pray tell, might I be missing when it’s an all-work, no-play deal? I don’t know – the only thing I’ve ever heard of in Montreal is the Forum (do the Canadiens still play there?) and St. Catherine’s Street.

But tonight, my mind is on music – and here’s a few tunes I’ve got rolling around in my head:

* Maple Leaf Rag and Solace, by Scott Joplin; both from “The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin” – aggressive, happy, sentimental music from one of my all-time favorite composers.

* Land Ho! – The Doors; from one of my all-time favorite albums, “Morrison Hotel”. Every time I hear it, I think of popping my quarters in a jukebox at Pat O’Brien’s and watching the bar patrons go nuts over it.

* Wouldn’t It Be Nice – The Beach Boys; from my all-time favorite album, “Pet Sounds”. The next time you listen to it, pay attention to the instrumental track – and you thought accordions were only for polka music!

* Tipitina – Professor Longhair; from “The Big Easy” soundtrack. Can’t you tell I’m only two weeks away from a visit to New Orleans? I’ve gotta figure out a way to hook up with my blogger buddy, Rob.

* The soundtracks to the movies “Jaws”, “The Perfect Storm” and “Master and Commander – The Far Side of the World”. Call me nuts. Call me irresponsible. Just call me.

But seriously, folks, it’s getting near that time of year where visits back home to New England are pending, and I’m diggin’ any kind of music that reminds me of home and the ocean.