tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29494728758651930382024-02-19T02:52:21.601-08:00BluestographyMusic and music photography. What else could anyone need?Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-7220830680696524042011-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:002011-01-26T21:51:48.580-08:00Blinded By SoundNow that Blinded By Sound is up and running, I will be posting articles there. In fact, there are a few reviews and articles of mine already published.<br />
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<a href="http://blindedbysound.com">Blinded By Sound</a> - it's new and it's more than a little awesome.Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-9804546687423396812011-01-25T01:23:00.000-08:002011-01-25T01:51:59.001-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: A Little Boogie WoogieExpected -- from phenomenal pianist Henry Gray:<br />
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I had the distinct honor of meeting Henry Gray in 2009, hearing him play, and photographing him at work. Lovely man.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrgUCZPj7MPj3VM0QAGTyTxadfINJDUlzAKWYu_I9HfXJBdEk51Z9hipsDsum2Y7srNp3FJV7km8kKMF3PduHqJsHSplWOXuy4RGonVdMSdC8uAbgD4nXwEgPyDnQvHZ7L8tyEDWlUIo/s1600/_mg_0247ahenrygraysmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrgUCZPj7MPj3VM0QAGTyTxadfINJDUlzAKWYu_I9HfXJBdEk51Z9hipsDsum2Y7srNp3FJV7km8kKMF3PduHqJsHSplWOXuy4RGonVdMSdC8uAbgD4nXwEgPyDnQvHZ7L8tyEDWlUIo/s320/_mg_0247ahenrygraysmall.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Unexpected:<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q9nO9Ro_kd4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q9nO9Ro_kd4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
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I'm so sad that I only got to visit the Liberace Museum once for a cabaret showcase right when I moved to the Vegas. If you're amenable to it, they are taking <a href="http://www.liberace.org/Donate-to-the-Liberace-Foundation.htm">donations</a> to help preserve the collection and find it a permanent home. It's worth it. Sincerely, to see the shoes and the costumes and the piano and everything else...this is a sight to behold. <br />
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And one of my favorites -- the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Ms. Sue Palmer! Special guest, Steve Lucky (of Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums, who I also enjoy):<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_dGX6vY6WLQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_dGX6vY6WLQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-32453591217953676822011-01-11T05:55:00.000-08:002011-01-11T05:55:00.069-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: Shannon McNally and K.T. TunstallSome songs just begged to be shared. And shared they must be!<br />
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K.T. Tunstall "Black Silk Ribbon" - it's beautiful and haunting. <br />
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height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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Shannon McNally enchanted me with her performance of "Now That I Know" on <i>Late World With Zach</i> (Galifianakis). Watching her sing it for me and the audience, it was sweet and powerful and struck home. Years later, I discover it was written by the amazing Eric Bazilian (songwriter for The Hooters, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, Zucchero, Robbie Williams, Bon Jovi, The Scorpions(! yes, just keep wrapping your head around that one), LeAnne Rimes, Jonatha Brooke, Ronnie Spector, and the list goes on. I should have known the sweet, elemental thread that pulls one through this song was his...that's what he does best and why he writes for so many people and why I was enchanted.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J7qFb7_S2x4?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J7qFb7_S2x4?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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Back to KT Tunstall as she takes on Dylan's "Tangled Up In Blue".<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tlN1EoYp8F0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tlN1EoYp8F0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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Shannon goes after Taj Mahal's "Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes" and does a fine job of it.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7oEH0aL6Wyk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7oEH0aL6Wyk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-85186075863298932582011-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:002011-01-04T04:00:03.286-08:00Two-fer Tuesdays: Tab BenoitIt's been snowing here in Vegas and I wanna warm up a bit. No better way to do that than with some hot Cajun goodness!<br />
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I have a lot of favorites, but I love "Solid Simple Things" especially. Nothing fancy, just...solid...simple...<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9DpjDSaOPJo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9DpjDSaOPJo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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I'm also partial to "When A Cajun Man Gets The Blues". <br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hqv5PnKm-2k?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hqv5PnKm-2k?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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I've been fortunate enough to see Tab a few times and to even take my son to see him. The man puts on a good show! If you ever get the chance to see him, RUN...don't walk. It's totally worth it.<br />
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Bonus:<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YRXalf0kU44?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YRXalf0kU44?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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A family favorite. <br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T279D3jp_zo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T279D3jp_zo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-77867169185863255312010-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:002010-12-28T04:00:02.722-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: The Son's ChoicesMy son is visiting this week, so I told him to pick a couple videos. Here are his choices.<br />
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First up, Golden Earring - cuz you can never get enough dramatic spy music videos and cheesy 80s dancing. All at the same time.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a1sf2CzEq0w?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a1sf2CzEq0w?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
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And Billy Idol. Because nothing says cheesy 80s dancing better than cheesy dancing zombies!<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FG1NrQYXjLU?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FG1NrQYXjLU?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
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Of course, it wouldn't be an adequate Two-fer Tuesday without a bonus or two. How about some cheesy 80s dancing with older Brits from the Kinks?<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wEw0ZYlpYXE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wEw0ZYlpYXE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
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Perhaps a little cheesy 80s stop animation dancing from Men At Work is in order, too. *Now with extra random old lady appearance!*<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XH7jm1WwaXs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XH7jm1WwaXs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br />
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Ah, I do believe I've taught him well. He's even grown a thin, cheesy mustache to go along with the theme.Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-44233072847685368982010-12-21T09:40:00.000-08:002010-12-21T10:24:56.595-08:00CD Review: Alex Reidinger - The Pleasures of Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG-L9FY6GgjNcISz_fpAD-3S9BFqgNihnSxGaqMwbZHPKqZQB6Du0F-jB-Gf4W2uugvYsqfmDt55O_aHm7GkvI92w1vBhENmHfeJIONC0oCy6gzsjdz4ODBHa7LKus9q70mvQPJdZmII/s1600/alexreidinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG-L9FY6GgjNcISz_fpAD-3S9BFqgNihnSxGaqMwbZHPKqZQB6Du0F-jB-Gf4W2uugvYsqfmDt55O_aHm7GkvI92w1vBhENmHfeJIONC0oCy6gzsjdz4ODBHa7LKus9q70mvQPJdZmII/s320/alexreidinger.jpg" /></a></div>I can't confess to spending most of my days preparing for the holidays listening to random Christmas carols and the like. Let's face it, I'm not much of a traditionalist, although I do love Christmas carols and will listen on Christmas Day. However, I try very hard to put myself in a more homey frame of mind as I sit down to wrap my gifts and craft the one or two cards I may send (MAY being the operative word anymore). This refusal to give in to traditional fare means I either go the rock 'n' roll, country, or blues route for holiday cheer, but not always. For the last two years I've found the perfect CD to kick off all such wrapping and baking and decorating activities ahead of me: <i>The Pleasures of Hope</i> by Alex Reidinger.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8mpPJq8E1JmxqUk3Wpm76mgGnYPM0scSc28w2VLAl0JZSY8hLrQkdXTSUhxcdK7Qz4RDpJzBIlzER1YbpwcPqmDKCUjbzkMZR1_CtuQCTqddBj3okfVPOtFYRJDIPkDE5bbTJMt15ec/s1600/AlexReidingerByCynthiaRoellesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="167" width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8mpPJq8E1JmxqUk3Wpm76mgGnYPM0scSc28w2VLAl0JZSY8hLrQkdXTSUhxcdK7Qz4RDpJzBIlzER1YbpwcPqmDKCUjbzkMZR1_CtuQCTqddBj3okfVPOtFYRJDIPkDE5bbTJMt15ec/s320/AlexReidingerByCynthiaRoellesm.jpg" /></a></div>Perhaps it's the lovely Celtic strains that are delivered with such deftness and heart that make me feel at once comforted and wide awake and warmed to the bones. Or maybe it's the energy and deliberate pacing of the CD itself. I listen to the tunes in order. Every time. Except when I'm running my playlist on shuffle. Nope. I prefer to let the artist, in this case, the delightful Alex, tell her story her way. <br />
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My family may have some Celtic blood coursing through our veins (chances are it's very little), but <i>The Pleasures of Hope</i> makes me feel very much at home. The virtual hearth is lit and the warmth spills into the room. One can imagine a cup of Irish coffee causing an uncle to perhaps dance about the kitchen every now and again; or the children to run through, delighted to steal a few forbidden cookies with impish grins upon their flushed faces. I also imagine those moments where I might sit and take a break, sipping a cup of tea and snitching my own bit of shortbread and try to make sense of the bits of ribbon tangled about here and there. <br />
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I usually start the music a day or two before Thanksgiving and <i>Pleasures</i> continues to feature high on the list well into the New Year. It is, after all, hopeful. Wordless and wonderful, it gives you the opportunity to paint your own hopes and dreams upon the musical canvas Alex has provided us. It's obvious that Alex possesses (and always has) a maturity and understanding of music, pacing, order, and inviting the listener to be a part of the experience. It's very rare in this world that a musician allows you to participate at the level to which Miss Reidinger does.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56uwvkte89uSnS_XM7h2D9Nexhe6SRHfrBoOIqiFgdwgGaufbQ2SU2FCvZ6fzhyphenhyphenouGZM-LEWbWG31tIZzNAeJd-kJKHVZE_6ECRlMSwoPdaLrzlt50wxtQ7zeDdwCKtK6EVDQG9JcaQ8/s1600/AlexReidingersm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56uwvkte89uSnS_XM7h2D9Nexhe6SRHfrBoOIqiFgdwgGaufbQ2SU2FCvZ6fzhyphenhyphenouGZM-LEWbWG31tIZzNAeJd-kJKHVZE_6ECRlMSwoPdaLrzlt50wxtQ7zeDdwCKtK6EVDQG9JcaQ8/s320/AlexReidingersm.JPG" /></a></div>As a teenager (she was 17 at the time), it was Reidinger's desire to present the music she loved so much in a manner that suited her. Playing fiddle, harp, and concertina on the album, she was joined by other musicians: Chelsea Link, Harp, Track 6; Vincent Fogarty, Bouzouki, Tracks 1,3,7,13; Tom Fellenbaum, Guitar, Track 2; Al Petteway, Guitar, Track 5. The music was chosen and arranged by Alex herself with just a little help. She also took on the responsibility of putting together the CD packaging. Additionally, she composed "John Daly's" (track 13) as a means of thanking Daly for all his guidance. <br />
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From beginning to end, <i>The Pleasures of Hope</i> is a beautiful work of art and the perfect way to start and end one's day, especially the hectic ones. This young lady creates a stunning tale with her music. A little something to add pep to your step to start you off, then a tender moment to gather your wits about you, and on and on through the near hour worth of music. Jigs, reels, airs, hornpipe, set dance...all there for you. Don't try to pick a favorite. Nigh impossible. Although, "Martin Wynne's, The Sligo/Leitrim Bucks Of Oranmore" moves me to a pensive place, but I can't say that makes it a favorite as each selection is brilliant and bright in its own way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZv0kEXMK0SDIXQJvdRxPZPASXtef5nPUUa4Eg5Jfehko7cmfY3Edj3sp1T6NENe_SDLw6eVCvlcDp79Xc8tFPoM7zom4jnAuiC73TwDry1Y19xiN0BmcTqF0lApA9c6IVzwlRjRf6VI/s1600/alexharp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZv0kEXMK0SDIXQJvdRxPZPASXtef5nPUUa4Eg5Jfehko7cmfY3Edj3sp1T6NENe_SDLw6eVCvlcDp79Xc8tFPoM7zom4jnAuiC73TwDry1Y19xiN0BmcTqF0lApA9c6IVzwlRjRf6VI/s320/alexharp1.jpg" /></a></div>I do so very eagerly encourage you to <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alexreidinger">pick up a copy of <i>The Pleasures of Hope</i></a>. Okay, pick up <i>several</i> copies. (CD Baby is also offering 10% off your order if you purchase multiple copies right now.) Just remember to save one for yourself as you give these to friends and family. All will thank you. I know everyone who received the CDs I handed out last year appreciated them and they are played often.<br />
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Best part of this deal, you can play the music all yearlong and smell the crisp green grasses and leaves, feel the warm fires at the hearth, hear the laughter of loved ones gathered near, and revel in the sense of stress slipping off your shoulders like an unnecessary wool coat on a summer's day.<br />
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Track Listing:<br />
1. <b>Hanly's Tweed</b>/<b>The Bunch of Green Rushes</b>/<b>Bunker Hill</b> - Concertina<br />
2. <b>Crabs in the Skillet</b>/<b>The Woods of Old Limerick</b> - Harp<br />
3. <b>The Stage</b>/<b>The Pleasures of Hope</b>/<b>McGlinchey's Hornpipe</b> - Fiddle<br />
4. <b>An Binsin Luachra</b> - Harp<br />
5. <b>The Maid at the Spinning Wheel</b>/<b>Aherne's Egg</b>/<b>The Fly in the Porter</b> - Concertina<br />
6. <b>Martin Wynne's</b>/<b>The Sligo</b>/<b>Leitrim Bucks of Oranmore</b> - Harp<br />
7. <b>O'Farrell's Welcome to Limerick</b>/<b>The Roaring Barmaid</b> - Concertina<br />
8. <b>Paddy Fahy's</b>/<b>The Boys on the Hilltop</b>/<b>Reavy's</b> - Fiddle <br />
9. <b>The Bright Lady</b> - Concertina<br />
10. <b>Paddy Fahy's</b>/<b>Lad O'Beirne's</b> - Harp<br />
11. <b>Cró Na nGabhar</b>/<b>Gan Ainm</b> - Fiddle<br />
12. <b>The Ebb Tide</b>/<b>Seán Ó Duibhir a'Ghleanna</b> - Concertina<br />
13. <b>The Tenpenny Piece</b>/<b>John Daly's</b> - Harp<br />
14. <b>The Bird in the Bush</b>/<b>The Jolly Tinker</b>/<b>The New Road</b> - FiddleJoaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-50445216680850646092010-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:002010-12-21T07:29:57.282-08:00San Diego Radio Station KPRI Goes Commercial-Free for ChristmasFrom 6pm Christmas Eve until 6pm Christmas Day, <a href="http://kprifm.com">KPRI FM</a> in San Diego will offer commercial-free programming. As well, beginning at 8pm on New Year's Eve, the station will again offer nothing but music until some undesignated time (one assumes after midnight) on New Year's Day. <br />
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Kind of nice to see a radio station put their listeners ahead of profits during the holiday season. <br />
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Thanks, KPRI!Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-85602490551175518582010-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:002010-12-21T04:00:02.857-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: Holiday EditionMay all your holiday wishes come true!<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rh5FTcfneUg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rh5FTcfneUg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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And of course, my favorite of all times. <br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tkus96K2yhA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tkus96K2yhA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-11062957482694870932010-12-14T04:00:00.000-08:002010-12-14T05:06:35.663-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: Songs That Would Never Be Hits TodayLet's face it, there are some songs that would never be hits in this day and age. Then again, some weren't even hits back when they were released. But having a hit isn't always necessary to entertain your audience. Of course, it helps if they have some idea what you're doing. Then again, since when did musical entertainment HAVE to make sense? Sometimes music wanders into "Who's On First" territory and, guess what? We don't care. We're along for the lovely lilting ride. <br />
<br />
Three of my favorite examples of this:<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZcjDZgdNbKk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZcjDZgdNbKk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7kKU1S0lWxo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7kKU1S0lWxo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dny_JDlwGFM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dny_JDlwGFM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
<br />
<br />
I'd thought maybe I'd include songs from Kay Kyser (with whom my grandfather used to play) and Spike Jones (a family favorite), but it turned out most of their songs all made sense! Go figure.Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-3433198343482605282010-12-09T20:41:00.000-08:002010-12-09T20:41:49.642-08:00Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The WorldFor those who love guitars, you may want to check this documentary out. <br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World</i> tells the story of the wah wah effect pedal, from its invention in 1966 to the present day. Musicians, engineers, and historians discuss the impact of the pedal on popular music and demonstrate the various ways it has been used, as well as how its evolution has improved the ability of artists to express themselves musically. The film features interviews with Brad Plunkett, the inventor of the pedal, plus many other musical luminaries such as Ben Fong-Torres, Eddie Van Halen, Slash, Buddy Guy, Art Thompson, Eddie Kramer, Kirk Hammett, Dweezil Zappa, and Jim Dunlop. These professionals explain how a musical novelty transcended convention and has become timelessly woven into the fabric of modern pop-culture.</blockquote><br />
<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q86TT0Y8j10?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q86TT0Y8j10?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-80059953922329883852010-12-07T17:07:00.000-08:002010-12-09T21:08:23.450-08:00Rock Prophecies Screening at Las Vegas Hilton, Saturday, December 11, 2010Not only is the Hilton showing the movie, but Tyler Bryant is scheduled to play.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hkJP0vOphCc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hkJP0vOphCc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br />
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<br />
Las Vegas Hilton, 7pm, 12/11/10<br />
Free admission<br />
3000 Paradise Road<br />
Las Vegas, NV 89109Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-46421612557693830582010-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:002010-12-07T04:00:04.678-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: The UnionNo long intro this time around. Straight to the videos we go!<br />
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<center><object height="306" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bWvE2c6VCGE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bWvE2c6VCGE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br />
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<center><object height="306" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ps7mR7QQetY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ps7mR7QQetY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br />
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Is it too much to ask that a trip to England and a few concerts with The Union be placed in my Christmas stocking? <br />
<br />
If you're interested in finding out more about the band, check out <a href="http://www.theuniononline.com/">The Union's website</a>.<br />
<br />
And now, for a special song:<br />
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<center><object height="306" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2pNZhmhetHo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2pNZhmhetHo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br />
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<br />
Please visit <a href="http://www.theuniononline.com/ttny/">The Union's ChildLine Rocks</a> page to purchase merchandise, of which 100% of the profits go to support <a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/">ChildLine</a>, <span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">UK’s free, confidential helpline for vulnerable children and young people in distress. </span>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-68258664344467078422010-12-01T01:10:00.000-08:002010-12-01T01:10:32.638-08:00Christmas with the O'Jays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDEbWCuM9qLYSMV860Fultqjum9zt7fDYNXaqS3FDsG1pTMQj0Gu2vOrjT7PFrcaZ2OfC-Kg6MtRYGz_V2WJvxAaqdMZbpGiCwZr_kdtQFXLSOQVk9rFBIQpGB2idUt2jhssF5HrlNSw/s1600/ojays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDEbWCuM9qLYSMV860Fultqjum9zt7fDYNXaqS3FDsG1pTMQj0Gu2vOrjT7PFrcaZ2OfC-Kg6MtRYGz_V2WJvxAaqdMZbpGiCwZr_kdtQFXLSOQVk9rFBIQpGB2idUt2jhssF5HrlNSw/s1600/ojays.jpg" /></a></div>Gigante Media announced today that the O'Jays are releasing a Christmas album. The release will be supported by live performances in select cities. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>Fairfax, VA --- Soul superstars The O’Jays invite R&B fans to celebrate <i>Christmas With The O’Jays</i> as they release a new album and launch a holiday tour this winter hitting select cities such as Chicago, New York, Orlando and Newark to name a few. <i>Christmas With The O’Jays</i> (on Saguaro Road Records) serves up plenty of new reasons to groove around the Christmas tree. The ten song CD features soulful holiday classics including “Silent Night,” “Joy To The World,” “The First Noel” and “Jingle Bells” as well as two new songs, “I’m What You Want This Christmas” and “Cause it’s Christmas.” Backed by a national DR television advertising campaign, the album will be featured on cable and networks nationwide including BET and TVOne as well as major markets such as New York City, Chicago, Atlanta and Washington, DC. A comprehensive radio advertising and promotion program will run concurrently.<br />
<br />
"This CD was created with the best intentions and in good spirit,” says Walter Williams, Sr of The O’Jays. “Every now and then an opportunity like this comes along. We, The O'Jays, Bruce Walker & Jacques Richmond were able to capture the holiday love and spirit in these performances for our fans’ enjoyment.” “This was one of the fastest records I ever recorded,” adds Eddie Levert, Sr. “It is a great product that I am proud to have been a part of. It was a real treat working with Bruce Walker and Saguaro Road Records. It was a great experience going into the studio to create what I am sure will be a long lasting holiday treat.”</blockquote>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-50221543742571458902010-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:002010-12-06T04:11:59.066-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: Country TokersA friend and I were having a discussion about how every kind of music (except, perhaps, opera and classical -- though I could be wrong) somehow find a way to reference alcohol and drugs. She said country music doesn't talk about people getting stoned. I had to shake my head. Ahh, youth. And thus it came to be that I had to prove her wrong. <br />
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Now, I don't have to go back all that far for my first reference. We'll start with an old favorite, Charlie Daniels. (I could have gone Willie Nelson, but where's the challenge in that?)<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bs4y5si8DGs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bs4y5si8DGs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br />
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So I got the nod on that. "But where's a current song?" she asked. I had to think for a moment, and then it came to me. Eric Church.<br />
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<center><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:cmt.com:552350" width="416" height="343" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" FlashVars="configParams=&artist=2112595&vid=552350&startUri=mgid:uma:video:cmt.com:552350" allowFullScreen="true" AllowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed> <div style="margin:0;text-align:center;width:416px;font-family:Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/church_eric/artist.jhtml" style="color:#EC660C;" target="_blank">Eric Church</a> <a href="http://www.cmt.com/music/" style="color:#EC660C;" target="_blank">More CMT Music</a> <a href="http://www.cmt.com/video/music-videos/" style="color:#EC660C;" target="_blank">More CMT Music Videos</a> </div></center><br />
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Obviously not an exhaustive amount of research was put into this. I just figured two good tunes deserved a run through the ol' Two-fer blender.Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-57816443978925078202010-11-24T06:49:00.000-08:002010-11-24T06:49:44.105-08:00Human Nature at Imperial PalacePhotos from the October 10, 2010 Human Nature Motown show here in Las Vegas.<br />
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All images taken by Joan Hunt<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="375"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Flaughingrhino%2Fsets%2F72157625333732923%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Flaughingrhino%2Fsets%2F72157625333732923%2F&set_id=72157625333732923&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Flaughingrhino%2Fsets%2F72157625333732923%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Flaughingrhino%2Fsets%2F72157625333732923%2F&set_id=72157625333732923&jump_to=" width="500" height="375"></embed></object></center><br>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-7448087523412453082010-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:002010-11-23T04:00:12.802-08:00Two-Fer Tuesday: Human Nature Celebrate MotownI refuse to go cold turkey (despite it being Thanksgiving week and all) for an entire month when it comes to Human Nature. I've seen their show eight times thus far and, honestly? It's damn good stuff. I was hoping to get in a couple more shows before the group heads off on their Australian tour, but that didn't happen. So, for now, I'll have to make due with their YouTube videos.<br />
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Hey, I hear you mumbling over there. Don't question why I'd need to see the show so many times! I said it was good and I meant it. Let me put it this way: when everything else in this crazy town of Las Vegas relies on huge spectacular acrobatics and contortions and makeup and illusion and sex and explosions, it's really refreshing to be able to go see a show where music matters to the extent that it does with Human Nature. This isn't just some tribute show. It's a celebration of all the great Motown hits. Four guys singing their hearts out, dancing up a storm, and enticing you to remember a time when music was king and we were all prom queens. You walk out of the show feeling young and alive and energized! You've spent 90 minutes singing and dancing along with those sweet harmonies and you don't care who saw. How many times has that happened to you? That's what I thought. So don't question me on my tiny addiction. It's the disease AND the cure.<br />
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Music? You wanted music? Okay, here we go!<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Vy31bK-DrE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Vy31bK-DrE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WmwLf_FVq-0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WmwLf_FVq-0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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And lest you think that's all there is, let's have a couple bonus songs, shall we? <br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BZuOMwURAJI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BZuOMwURAJI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5HCTIHISVjM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5HCTIHISVjM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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There. That'll get me through a couple hours. Only 670 hours or so to go until I get another live fix.Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-35507321347040972092010-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:002010-11-16T04:00:12.938-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: David BowieDon't ask why, but this first David Bowie video delights me in the most bizarre way.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/09U7x6YaTMw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/09U7x6YaTMw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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Back in the late 80s I had the opportunity to see Bowie in concert during his Glass Spider tour. Okay, it was August of '87 to be exact. Peter Frampton was touring with the band and that was quite the bonus for this fan girl. The concert was a spectacle on many levels. Opening for Bowie was Siouxsie and the Banshees. I want to say there was another band but the details elude me. I remember I went with Roland Jones, though. And I also remember the song that stood out for me during the show was "Heroes". It gave me chills. Still does.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YYjBQKIOb-w?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YYjBQKIOb-w?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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With the range of David Bowie's music, there's so much to explore. It would be easy to shout out "Space Oddity" as a favorite (and it is), but I encourage you to dig deeper to find the overlooked gems, like "Time" and "Letter to Hermione" and at least a hundred other tunes I can't think of at the moment.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V7MNseyT0mk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V7MNseyT0mk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkyCZiveTzA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkyCZiveTzA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-69467876556880926792010-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:002010-11-09T04:00:01.080-08:00Two-fer Tuesday: Musical TV MomentsSince I love TV and I love music, it stands to reason that the two together would make me happy. This is, indeed, true. <br />
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Comedies often provide(d) the best opportunities for musical interludes and the majority of my memories are centered are around sitcoms. <br />
<br />
Classic TV shows are a veritable font of musical interludes. Ricky and Lucy, Fred and Ethel had endless numbers...Mary on <i>The Donna Reed Show</i>...Ricky on <i>The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet</i>...the list goes on. <br />
<br />
<i>The Dick Van Dyke Show</i> had some of the best numbers, though. Rob and Laura singing and dancing, Rob's brother Stacey, Buddy and Sally, and even Mel got into the act. My favorite performance was that of "I Am A Fine Musician", which was used twice during the series run. <br />
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This version is fine, but the better of the two is from the episode from Season 2, Ep 24 "The Sam Pomerantz Scandals". I've not found a clip from that episode, though.<br />
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Jumping ahead a few decades, there's no shortage of TV-based singing and dancing. <i>Scrubs</i> had more than a few episodes with music montages (anyone remember "Talk Dirty To Me" as sung by Carla and Ted?) <i>Roseanne</i>, for ill or for good, featured its fair share of songs (let's forget Roseanne's trial and focus on Dan singing "Jailhouse Rock" with the great John Juke Logan playing harmonica in the background...which reminds me that he also appeared on <i>Home Improvement</i> doing the same thing). <br />
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Then we have Harry's dream from the season two <i>3rd Rock From The Sun</i> episode, "Nightmare on Dick Street, Part 2". Great Randy Newman tune that also includes an appearance by Newman at the 2:21 mark in this clip. Rubber-faced, spaghetti-limbed French Stewart did a bang up job with "Life Has Been Good To Me". Then again, I'd watch the show even if they'd never gone done this particular musical path. But they did, and it was perfection.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/22hJu-xHVys?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/22hJu-xHVys?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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Bonus clip: From <i>Mad About You</i> and special guest star Mel Brooks. Forward to 6:21 and dance and sing along to the "Turkey Trot".<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mDEVN7vX_zg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mDEVN7vX_zg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-27560904186051695022010-11-03T03:00:00.000-07:002010-11-03T03:00:03.384-07:00The Power of Music<i>Alice Dancing Under the Gallows</i> examines the power of music and art and how they contribute to the triumph of the human spirit.<br />
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The movie will be released sometime in 2011. I've already put in my request for a copy. <br />
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For more info, check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alice-Dancing-Under-The-Gallows/135466749835032?v=app_6261817190#!/pages/Alice-Dancing-Under-The-Gallows/135466749835032">movie's Facebook page</a>.Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-55779927806757308322010-11-02T04:00:00.000-07:002010-11-02T04:00:08.402-07:00Two-fer Tuesday: She's 18 Today and the Songs Remain the SameOh, how the mother's heart must stretch and flex in order not to break. My daughter is 18 today. It's not fair. It's not right. It's not really happening. Wasn't she just learning to walk? Wasn't she just uttering words like "babingsuit" and "booprise"? <br />
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Time waits for no man, or woman as the case may be. Despite my every effort to hinder growth, my lovely little girl is now old enough to vote and is considered a legal adult. I've fought it, but there it is: nature won.<br />
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When Mojo was about 2, she fell in love with John Denver. Our bedtime routine included a couple different Denver songs, along with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Marine Corps Hymn. Hey, it got her to sleep and it was our special time together. (Did the same thing with my son and I have to say, singing our "goodnights" was pretty effective.)<br />
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So, without further ado, happy birthday, Mojo!<br />
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For a while, this was called "Mountain Mama" and also "Mama Take Me Home". She was two. It was adorable. <br />
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Our version of this song was very similar, but we had to sing every verse. Twice. <br />
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Then she grew up and began paying attention to more Top 40 music (in addition to all my favorites, like Etta and Bonnie and Billie). I lamented the lack of artists that were brash, lovely, sometimes delicate, sometimes strong like those I grew up with -- Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Joan Jett... After listening to Jewel and Britney once too often, I really thought my daughter deserved a contemporary female artist with a stronger voice and attitude. Thus we turned to P!nk. At the time, she really was the only one who could speak right to the heart of a young girl without sounding like a wannabe star or doormat.<br />
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Those were the days. Now my baby is all grown up and the world is going to expect more from her, people will expect more, life will become more complicated. While I'll miss the little girl I once held in my arms as she cried and fussed and smiled and cooed and caused me to look at the world around me with new eyes, I will cheer her on as she makes her way into the great big world.<br />
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Now for Mommy's tunes...<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NWsA8zZPZsc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NWsA8zZPZsc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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Happy birthday, my sweet daughter! I don't care how old you are, you'll always be my baby girl.Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-77626754982883638792010-10-30T15:47:00.000-07:002010-10-30T15:47:35.982-07:00The Insomniacs at the Sand Dollar, Las Vegas TONIGHT!I'm stoked that the Insomniacs will be performing at the <a href="http://www.sanddollar.us/">Sand Dollar</a> tonight at 11pm. Yep, late start, but it's Las Vegas!<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vw0BxnCaEj8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vw0BxnCaEj8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br><br />
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<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RLZyi8iiUGw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RLZyi8iiUGw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center><br>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-55358769645200172842010-10-29T17:59:00.000-07:002010-10-29T17:59:09.120-07:00Blues Blast Awards Winners AnnouncedBack <a href="http://bluestography.blogspot.com/2010/06/blues-blast-music-awards-nominees.html">in June</a>, I got notice of the Blues Blast Awards nominees and quickly went to work casting my votes. I was disappointed to see a few names missing from the ballot but pleased at some of the names that were there. <br />
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The 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards were announced Thursday night, October 29, at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago.<br />
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<b>Best Contemporary Blues Recording</b> - Nick Moss - <i>Privileged<br />
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<b>Best Traditional Blues Recording</b> - Mississippi Heat - <i>Let's Live It Up<br />
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<b>Best Blues Song</b> - The Kilborn Alley Blues Band - "Better Off Now"<br />
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<b>Best Blues Band</b> - Tommy Castro Band<br />
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<b>Best Male Blues Artist</b> - Magic Slim<br />
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<b>Best Female Blues Artist</b> - Shemekia Copeland<br />
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<b>Best New Artist Debut Recording </b>- Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers - <i>How Much Woman Can You Stand?</i><br />
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<b>Sean Costello Rising Star Award</b> - The Cash Box Kings<br />
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<b>2010 Lifetime Achievement Award</b> - Otis Rush<br />
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Of all the winners, I think I'm most excited to see the Cash Box Kings on there. I've been a fan for six or so years. Once upon a time, back when I was a nurse, I was working with a gentleman who shared my passion for the blues. I gave him a few bands to check out, he gave me a few. One of those bands: Cash Box Kings. I got home, went online to check them out, fell in love with their sound, and promptly bought the two CDs they had out at the time. I've been a fan ever since. <br />
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While I know they've been around for a while, their star <i>is</i> rising on the national scene and I'm glad to see them getting the attention they deserve. Good job, guys!<br />
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And congratulations to all the winners!Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-73914087499235794772010-10-26T07:37:00.000-07:002010-10-26T07:47:41.147-07:00Two-fer Tuesday: Stoney Curtis Band and the Michael Schenker Group ft. Chris LoganI've been working on a project for the past week involving the Stoney Curtis Band, so it's fitting that I've been listening to him a lot music as I work. <br />
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My favorite SCB tune: "Last Train to Chicago". <br />
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As much as I love SCB's previous work, can I mention how excited I am about the upcoming release, <i>Cosmic Connection</i>? Once there are videos or even audio clips available, I will be posting away. I expect the new album to be nothing short of brilliant. <br />
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I haven't been listening to Stoney Curtis exclusively, though. In fact, I've been listening to a friend of his, Chris Logan, providing lead vocals for the Michael Schenker Group. I consider myself a lucky girl in that I occasionally get to see both Curtis and Chris share the stage. It's like musical magic. Anyhow, from MSG and Chris, "On & On".<br />
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I gotta get back to the salt mines, so enjoy the music and have a great day.<br />
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Okay, I'm sneaking one more in. My favorite song with Logan on vocals. From Jake E. Lee's <i>Retraced</i>, "I'll Be Creepin'".<br />
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And from Curtis again..."Bullets". Heavy, but fabulous.<br />
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<center><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IQAJE2xgJpA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IQAJE2xgJpA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object></center><br>Joaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-40264491036709078702010-10-23T10:34:00.000-07:002010-10-23T10:47:02.177-07:00Toots for a Saturday morningBorn in Brussels in 1922, <a href="http://www.tootsthielemans.com/">Toots Thielemans</a> is a working musician today. <br /><br /><center><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JNpKbvoIPE8?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></center><br /><br /><blockquote>- Born : Brussels, Belgium 1922<br /> Immigrated : USA 1952<br />- Played accordion at age 3<br />- Started playing harmonica as a hobby<br />- First guitar won on a bet<br />- "Hooked" on Jazz during German occupation<br />- First idol : Django Reinhardt<br />- Early influence : Charlie Parker<br />- Nicknamed "Toots" after musicians Toots Mondello<br /> and Toots Camarata<br />- First international break through : Joining Benny Goodman<br /> on European concert tour in 1950<br />- Early US jobs : member of Charlie Parker's All Stars in Philadelphia;<br /> George Shearing Quintet; ...<br />- Composed "Bluesette", 1962<br />- Originated new sound : Whistling and guitar in unison<br />- Whistler for commercials : Best known "Old Spice"<br />- Harmonica soloist for film scores: Midnight Cowboy, The Getaway,<br /> Sugarland Express, Cinderella Liberty, Turks Fruit,<br /> Jean de Florette , ...<br />- Concerts and recordings with names like George Shearing,<br /> Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Bill Evans, Jaco Pastorius,<br /> Natalie Cole, Pat Metheny, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, ...<br />- Harmonica Soloist - TV : Sesame Street<br />- Perennial winner of Down Beat readers and critics poll<br /> "miscellaneous instruments"<br />- Favorite compliment (from the late Clifford Brown) :<br /> "Toots, the way you play the harmonica they should not call it a<br /> miscellaneous instrument"</blockquote>pamibehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033058102911902238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949472875865193038.post-79546910055669280112010-10-21T15:58:00.000-07:002010-10-22T05:31:56.537-07:00Happy Birthday Steve CropperLead guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, Steve was born today in 1941. Who can forget Green Onions?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U-7QSMyz5rg?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Shout out to the late, great Dizzy Gillespie, who would have been 93 today.pamibehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033058102911902238noreply@blogger.com1