I like to start with solo guitar, solo piano, gradually adding complexity. I want something that works well for classical chamber and jazz combos and is pretty good with a rock band or full orchestra. I think it's good to mix well-recorded and so-so productions since I'm going to be listening to both. I've used Ashkenazy/Beethoven, Miles Davis (stereo), pop tunes such as You are the Sunshine of my Life, Sweet Dreams (Patsy Cline), Aaron Neville's version of Save the Last Dance and especially Joan Baez' medley of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair and Danny Boy.