Hiromi: Place to Be
The talented and prolific pianist Hiromi is back with Place to Be. It seems that with each release, Ms. Uehara only gets better and stuns the listener with her trademark virtuosity of fingers soaring all over the piano keys. Hiromi composed ten of the twelve tracks, and in her liner notes, she explains her thinking behind the unique song titles.
Place to Be, Hiromi’s sixth album, is full of power and passion, and stirs the emotions of the listener. Trying to aptly describe her music and its effects with mere words is quite difficult. This listener will make a humble attempt at signaling out some of the stellar compositions on Place to Be.
Hiromi kicks things off with “BQE.” Named after NYC’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway-it’s fast-paced and jammed packed with movement. It’s clear what she was going for with this tune. “Choux a la creme,” the second track, really showcases Hiromi’s deftness on the keys. Midway, there’s a playful duel between the keys and the bass. It’s simply fabulous! “Bern, Baby, Bern” is the shortest track on the album. It’s so fast-paced and dizzying (in a good way), that three minutes is all that’s needed.
“Somewhere” slows things down a little. With a lightness of touch, she creates a plaintive melody-a welcomed deviation from her usual. The eight track is a marvelous interpretation of “Pachelbel’s Canon.” Her improvisation of this classic seems so effortless, that it’s easy to forget it wasn’t originally composed this way.
Hiromi’s music is usually classified as jazz; however, it’s so much more than that. The passion and authority in her playing goes beyond genre as it transports the listener to another place. Hiromi and Place To Be are simply magnificent!
Take a look and a listen at Hiromi in action!
I’ve Got Rhythm
XYZ
The Tom and Jerry Show
Time Out
Happy Birthday, Dolly!
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee. She is a Grammy Award-winning, Academy Award-nominated, Tony Award-nominated, and Emmy Award-nominated singer-songwriter, author, actress, and philanthropist. Mostly, she is the Queen of Country!
She remains one of the most successful female artists in the history of country music, with 25 Number One singles and 41 Top Ten country albums. Dolly has the distinction of having performed on a Top Five country hit in each of the last five decades and is the only artist to score a Number One country single in each of the past four decades.
Visit Dolly’s official site: DollyPartonMusic.net
Sing it, Dolly!
Jolene
Shinola
Better Get To Livin’
Coat of Many Colors
Islands in the Stream with Kenny Rogers
9 to 5
Janet: Number Ones
For the first time, 33 of Janet Jackson’s global Number One hits, plus the new “Make Me,” are available together in a two-disc set. Number Ones takes us from the early days of “What Have You Done For Me Lately” and “Nasty” to her more recent work with her late brother Michael, Busta Rhymes, Blackstreet, Q-Tip, and Nelly.
Number Ones celebrates the career and creativity of one of the most successful and influential artists of our time. It spans more than 20 years of hits from Janet’s original albums-from her 1986 stellar breakthrough Control, which included five chart-toppers, to the most recent set Discipline.
Rhythm Nation 1814 was the best-selling album of 1990. Rhythm Nation 1814 contained “Miss You Much,” “Rhythm Nation,” “Escapade,” “Alright,” “Come Back to Me,” “Black Cat,” and “Love Will Never Do (Without You),” which all peaked within the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first and only album to achieve that feat. All these hits are here!
From the later albums, hits like “If,” “Together Again,” “All For You,” “All Nite (Don’t Stop), and “Someone to Call My Lover” are included. Other highlights are “Scream,” her only duet with her brother, “What’s it Gonna Be?!” with Busta Rhymes, and “Got ’Til It’s Gone” with Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell.
Number Ones is Jackson’s first greatest hits compilation since 1995, and is a must-have for Janet fans, especially those of us who had some of the earlier albums on cassette.
Rhythm Nation
Janet Jackson Love Will Never Do (Without You) (live)
That’s The Way Love Goes
Again
Together Again
All For You
Minutes to Circle
Phil Circle is a musician I first saw perform about eight years ago in what used to be the legendary CBGB’s in New York City. And I’ve been a fan ever since!
The Chicago native plays all the local clubs in and around the windy city and has a great onstage presence.
His most recent CD Minutes to Circle is an eleven-song set of original tunes. His voice and his guitar talent make this a great CD to listen to over and over again.
All the tunes are worth repeat listens, but I especially like “Surreal Life,” “Lipstick & Whiskey,” “Down to the Sea,” “There’s a River” (great guitar solo), and “Psychosis.” The last two tracks “Everything I Touch” and “Will You Go Lassie Go” have a touch of the Irish.
Take a listen to some of the tracks and check out Phil Circle’s performance calendar here: MySpace.com
And download individual songs or the whole disc here: Amazon.com
Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010)
Teddy Pendergras, the R&B singer of “Love T.K.O.,” “Close The Door,” and “Turn Off The Lights,” has died of colon cancer. He had been confined to a wheelchair after a car accident at the young age of 31.
Aside from having a great baritone voice, he was also a drummer. He was part of the group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, first as drummer, then as lead singer. Their signature hits include “Wake Up Everybody,” “The Love I Lost,” “Bad Luck,” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.”
In my opinion, his voice and sexuality exuded in much the same way as Isaac Hayes, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye. His soulful and explosive passionate voice lives on.
Close The Door (Live)
Turn Off The Lights
Love T.K. O.
Happy 75th Birhday, Elvis!
Today marks what would’ve been Elvis’ 75th birthday. There will be a year-long celebration of his life and legacy at Graceland, his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Let’s Celebrate!
Rolling Stone: “A Look Back at the King on His 75th Birthday“
Take a look at the photo gallery on NY Daily News site.
Not that I would trust much of what the National Enquirer writes about anyone, but I do know that most of these 10 Things You Don’t Know About Elvis are actually true.
Here’s a 1960 performance of “Fame and Fortune” (introduced by Frank Sinatra)
Here are some more live performances from the King of Rock n’ Roll:
Gospel Medley
Guitar Man
Baby, What You Want Me To Do
Mystery Train
Trying to Get To You
And my favorite:
If I Can Dream
The Elvis Story
Part 1 – From Tupelo to Memphis
Part 2 – Memphis
Part 3 – Sun Records
The GI Blues
Elvis: Early Performances
Love Me Tender (mixed with scenes from his first film of the same title)
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Baby Let’s Play House
Blue Suede Shoes
Heartbreak Hotel
First time Elvis was caught on video performing.
Elvis Week 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010, marks the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s birthday. At Graceland, the biggest Elvis celebration yet is taking place this week.
Check out some of the events below:
www.Elvis.com
Stay tuned for more Elvis!
Best of Lists: 2009 & Decade
It’s the end of 2009, as well as the end of the ‘00 decade. So here are some “Top” Lists.
Rolling Stone’s 25 Best Albums, Songs of 2009
Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums, Songs of ’00s.
Top 10 Pop Songs of 2009 – AOL Radio Blog
Top 10 Artists of 2009 - AOL Radio Blog
Best Albums of 2009 – AOL Radio Staff
Jazzy Christmas
Holly Cole
Santa Baby
Christmas Blues
Harry Connick Jr.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Please Come Home for Christmas
Happy Chanukah!
Until Christmas, I’ll post holiday videos to help you get into the holiday spirit.
Let’s begin with the Festival of Lights. Instead of one day of presents, we have 8 Crazeee nights…Happy Chanukah!
Here’s a great animated performance of Adam Sandler’s classic by Neil Diamond:
Kenny Ellis gives a jazzy spin to two Chanukah tunes.
Swingin’ Dreidel
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah
My Menorah (to the tune of My Sharona)
To Connie… Love, Jenna
To Connie…Love, Jenna was recorded live in New York City at the Metropolitan Room. Jenna Esposito’s homage to Connie Francis features new versions of Francis’ hits like “Who’s Sorry Now,” Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick On Your Collar,” and “Where The Boys Are.” Jenna also included lesser-known songs like “My First Real Love,” inspired by Connie’s hidden romance with teen idol Bobby Darin, and the rockin’ “Are You Satisfied?” and “Send For My Baby.” Selections from Francis’ Italian albums include “Mama” and “Tango Della Gelosia.”
Esposito is joined by Fortune Esposito (her father) on guitar, David Crone on piano, Michael Blanco on bass, Brian DeWitt on drums, and Brian Broelmann on saxophone, flute, mandolin, and ukulele, along with backup vocalists Kelly Esposito-Broelmann and Rob Langeder.
Ms. Esposito is well versed in all things Connie. It’s nice to hear about how some hits came to be and some behind the scene gossip about those legendary songs. Esposito has soul and charm.
I was lucky enough to see Esposito perform on Valentine’s Day 2009 and was pleased with her playfulness and voice range. I wanted to attend one of the several Connie shows performed by Esposito but was unable to. I’m glad to have the CD to listen to this lovely tribute to one of our original teen idols.
Otis Redding & The Bar-Kays
On December 10, 1967, Otis Redding’s tour plane crashed into Wisconsin’s Lake Monona, killing him and four of five members of the R&B group the Bar-Kays, Redding’s backup band. Redding was only 26 years old. One last member of the Bar-Kays was on a commercial flight.
“(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” which Redding started recording only three days earlier, was released in January 1968, and went to No. 1. The whistling parts of that song were part of that first recording, with the intention of being replaced with new lyrics.
(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay
Respect (the original)
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
Here is his last TV performance, less than a day before his death.
Try a Little Tenderness
The lost members of the Bar-Kays were eventually replaced and here is the new band with a new look playing “Son of Shaft” at Wattstax in 1972.
Imagine
Today marks the 29th anniversary of John Lennon’s death on December 8, 1980. Below, some of John’s songs to remember the peace-loving Beatle.
Norah Jones: The Fall
Norah Jones has created yet another thoughtful and solid album. The Fall, her fourth solo album, is her first effort toward creating a pop-rock collection and leading an electric band, while she alternates between playing guitar, piano, and the Wurlitzer electric piano. It is also her breakup album, with the majority of the 13 songs addressing the end of a romance and the start of a new chapter in her life. These reflections come from her real-life breakup with longtime bassist, collaborator, and romantic partner Lee Alexander.
Ms. Jones is also telling us there’s been some kind of shift with the title of the album. The title of the album could mean two things. Is Ms. Jones making reference to the season, when we often start over after a summer break or is she implying something heavier, a fall from grace? The word the might indicate the latter.
Since Ms. Jones captured our hearts seven years ago and was handed armfuls of Grammy awards for her debut, Come Away With Me, she has kept a low non-celebrity profile and gathered up astonishing amounts of sales and fans with that album and the next two, Feels Like Home and Not Too Late. She’s rarely ventured out of this persona, except on side projects, including the country album with the Little Willies and playing live in small joints in New York City with her punk band El Madmo. The charming Ms. Jones is now the ripe old age of thirty, and it doesn’t take long to realize that The Fall is unveiling a more mature and independent woman.
The hypnotic first single Chasing Pirates kicks things off. Even Though follows, also a guitar-heavy tune. I Wouldn’t Need You, Waiting, Young Blood, and Tell Yer Mama are all about lost love. The last is delivered with a righteous southern “you done me wrong” attitude. The closing track Man of the Hour has our heroine choosing her dog over the other males in her life because of his not having any baggage, eating meat, and giving her lots of lovin’. Back to Manhattan, this listener’s favorite tune from the album, laments: “Brooklyn holds you, and it holds my heart too. What a fool I was to think I could live in both worlds.” and “I should go back to Manhattan. It’s just a train ride away. I know nothing ’bout leaving, but I know I should do it today.”
Jones’ first-person voice dominates on The Fall’s and her lyrics are full of questions about the next stage of her life. This album, much like her debut, shows Jones’ vocal strength and her ability to communicate her feelings intimately as if she were sitting and sharing drinks or coffee with you-her confidante-and you alone. Norah Jones has done it again; captured her listeners’ hearts.
Norah Jones and the team behind “The Fall” take us through some of the tracks on her new album.
Gonna Fly Now!
Rocky was released on this date in 1976. The Rocky movies have not only been a source for inspiration for athletes, but have had great music, including “Eye of the Tiger,” to accompany the victories and defeats of the “Italian Stallion.”
In honor of all the Rocky flicks, let’s watch videos of some of those inspiring tunes and movie moments.
The Rocky IV soundtrack is one of my favorite soundtrack, and it includes “Living in America,” “No Easy Way Out,” “Burning Heart,” and “Hearts on Fire”
And here’s the theme and the inspiring scene that started it all. Even after 33 years, Rocky’s triumph is still cool!
“Gonna Fly Now”
Three New Album Releases
Today, November 17th, albums were released by three excellent voices in music: Norah Jones (a full review will be posted soon), John Mayer, and Leona Lewis.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll hear on the albums The Fall and Echo.
Chasing Pirates by Norah Jones
Happy by Leona Lewis
Here’s an interview with John Mayer talking about his new album Battle Studies.
Harmonica Shah
Just came across the song “I Wonder Why?” by Harmonica Shah. (It’s currently the Free Discovery Download on iTunes.) This guy is smokin’!
Check him out:
Happy Birhtday, Bryan Adams!
Grammy winner Bryan Adams was born on November 5, 1959 in Ontario. Although “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” is a song I really hate, and I haven’t liked much of his stuff after that, Reckless was a good rockin’ album, and “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” is a great song. The line When you can see your unborn children in her eyes is really something and Paco de Lucía’s Spanish guitar on the song is fabulous.
Here are some of Bryan’s great songs (in my book):
Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?
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