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... Discover Atlas - Brazil Revealed
Why Brazil? Short answer... World Cup 2014! Long answer.. It is one of the most vibrant countries on the planet with so much culture, history, and potential that we all will need to speak a little more portuguese in 30 years time. Behind China and India, Brazil has the largest emerging economy and has vast natural beauty, land, population, and resources. Not to mention Carnival.
Discover Atlas series on countries are some of the best documentaries available on film.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Pros
1. Each segment follows a person thru a different aspect of Brazil culture and such.
2. The sounds, color, and energy of Brazil is celebrated.
Cons
1. This is an older documentary and would love to see something updated.
2. Its a documentary... done well yes... but may not be everyone's cup of tea.
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.
