Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem @ the Apollo Theater
Club Harlem is a variety show type performance set at the Apollo theater directed by Maurice Hines, older brother of the late Gregory Hines. The show recreates the atmosphere of 1930s and 40s Harlem with nightclub styled seating on the lower level of the theater (yes they removed the normal chairs) an servers bring food and drink to the tables. The audience dressed up in the attire of the day while being entertained by a 16 piece Jazz orchestra led musical director David Berger and the conductor Daryl Waters,
The show feature jazz singers, dancers and the was led by the multi-talented Maurice Hines. At over 70 years of age, Hines still command the stage with his comedy, singing, and yes dancing. Just like his contemporary, Sammie Davis Jr., this triple threat performance was well worth the money.
Maurice Hines
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Pros
1. A fun night out experiencing what life was like in 1930s Harlem
2. Great performers including singing, dance, and comedy
3. Maurice Hines at 70+ is an inspiration... and still can entertain an audience
Cons.
1. Apollo wasn't meant for service so the drinks and food was a bit slow
2. The show was a limited run at the Apollo but they may feature at a theater near you in the future.
Things that make me happy... Mumford and Sons - Babel
The 2013 Grammy Award for Album of the Year goes to Mumford and Sons, Babel. Mumford and Sons (M&S) is a English Alternative Rock band (with a folk music sound) that have risen to the top of the British and American pop charts with their bluegrass alternative rock sound. Their most recent album Babel is one of the best of 2012 and definitely worth a listen for anyone looking for a new group to discover.
There are 12 tracks on Babel with several more hits to come on this album beyond "I Will Wait."
1. Babel - Love the hard driving beat on this title track.
2. Whispers in the Dark - Ok song.
3. I Will Wait - Super mega hit... an instant classic.
4. Holland Road - Great lyrics on this track.
5. Ghost that we Knew - Soft ballad
6. Lover of the Light - Another favorite song on this album.
7. Lovers' Eyes - This could be a sleeper hit.
8. Reminder - Another favorite soulful ballad.
9. Hopeless Wanderer - This has classic folk feel but there is an awesome Rock change up.
10. Broken Crown
11. Below my Feet
12. Not with Haste - This song takes it time... and builds and builds. love the music arc. Beautiful restraint!
M&S is not a new to many people and the Babel album has been out for several months now, but after their somewhat unexpected win at the Grammy's they deserve a closer look at the album. Once you take the time to sample you will quickly realize they are definitely worthy of becoming one of your new favorite groups to listen to in the car (and anywhere else really). 2012 might have been the year of alternative rock with folk rock sound. Although bands like the Dave Matthews Band have been bring this type of sound to fans for years, there are several musicians that have moved this pop folk sound to the top of the pop charts and major airplay on radio. Bon Iver, Lumineers, Fun, Florence + the Machine and even American Idol winner Phillip Phillips (Check out the hit Home) are just a few of the acts that have garnered lots of attention this year. All are worthy of checking out actually, but M&S combines interesting use of bluegrass instruments with lyrics from works of literature including Homer, Plato, and yes even Shakespeare. Wanna have some fun? Try matching lyrics in their songs to the literary author.
The band consist of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, Ted Dwayne all are talented musicians that play several instruments. It is refreshing to hear something that isn't necessary new, but refreshing a music that has been a part of American history. Mumford & Sons is leading the charge and bringing new fans to a music that stimulates the mind while it keeps your feet tapping. It sample some of their earlier music check out 2009 Sigh no More.
I Will Wait
The Cave
Lover of light
Below my Feet (SNL performance)
Live from Red Rock (now showing on Showtime on Demand)
Pros
1. Great music with a fun band with great instruments.
2. The lyrics sneak up on you. Very smart and it brings a lot to the music.
3. You got to love good old fashion knee slapping music.
Cons
1. Folk rock is everyone's cup of tea but if you want to explore this is a good place to start.
2. Many of the melodies may seem very similar at first glance, but this is Rock so you want to lower your expectation. Kinda of like reggae, the same beat can bring you so many variations with superior lyrics and delivery.
Mumford and Sons have the Gentleman of the Road tour documentary showing on Showtime on Demand this February if you want to check out the awesome live performance for yourself. The film features several performances from the tour at Red Rock in Colorado in the summer of 2012.
Music should bring you joy. Explore more and find out what you have been missing.
Things that make me happy... Taylor Hicks (yes that Taylor Hicks, the American Idol Season 5 winner)
Season 5 was the first season of American Idol that I actually watched from beginning to end and Taylor Hicks was obviously the best performer on the show. This silver hair 28 year old with the crazy dance steps and the rich soulful voice showed that American Idol had room for a true artist and not just conventional pop stars. And I have been watching ever since (Season 5 is still my favorite season.) Eight years later, I happened to get the chance to see him perform live in small town in CT. And I think I am just became an card carrying member of his random group of fans called the "Soul Patrol."
America definitely got it right voting him the winner over Katherine McPhee (star of Fox's Smash TV show). Taylor Hicks' live show is one of the best around for fans of "Soul" musical and enjoy all of the variety it can offer. Not only can he really sing (he has a awesome voice) but his blue-eye soulfulness comes out in ever song. He performs no less than 5 different musical styles in his shows, from contemporary R&B to Roadhouse music, to blues, and yes he does some country too. His energy on stage is infectious and the band he is currently touring with, Jamie McClean band, feeds of that energy. I found myself loving many of his songs and grabbing one of his album online afterwards... Yes its on my playlist this month.
Taylor Hicks has produce three albums after his American Idol win, self titled "Taylor Hicks", "Early Works", and "The Distance." Some compare him to Mike McDonald of the Doobie Brothers fame. Although they both have distinctive voices, and silver hair, Taylor Hicks is in his own category. He is one of several musician that has carved out a niche for classic music for today contemporary adult. The youngsters don't know about this type of music. Not yet anyways... but they will learn eventually.
35 years old Hicks is currently touring the country, mostly in smaller venues and has an album due out this year. So watch out for it if you like the music. And the Jamie McClean band is a pretty awesome blues band that is opening for him too. He makes his home in Nashville and plays at local venues a lot and has a restaurant and music venue in Birmingham called ORE Drink and Dine where is known to perform quite a bit.
A couple live clips from his recent tour.
What's Right is Right Video
Taylor Hicks dancing Montage...
Why Can't we Live Together
Pros:
1, Hicks is a great performer. His energy and great soulful voice is a rare combination. He also has some musical talents and jumps around stage playing a bunch of instruments.
2. Great musical variety... R&B, Blues, Rock, and some Country. All are good and natural for Hicks. Not many artist can do that.
3. Engages the audience and has a quick wit.
4. Seven Mile Breakdown is a fun song... Why Can't we Live Together another goodie
Cons
1. Hicks antics may annoy some stuffy type people. He jumps around stage and has a funny dance style...
2. Hicks is all about the music, no tricks on stage. Its an all male band of real good musician.
If you want to see a great live performance with great musicians and better music check out a Taylor Hicks concert in a town near you.
