Things that make me happy... Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers
What do you know about bluegrass music? Yes... that music. With the bango and the fiddle.
If your answer is nothing or not enough... it's time you challenge yourself to step out of your musical comfort zone. The Steep Canyon Rangers is a North Carolina based bluegrass band that is currently on tour with Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Of course Steve Martin is the headline and star of this tour, but he will be the first to admit that The Steep Canyon Rangers is fuel that makes this a truly entertaining show for die hard bluegrass fans or novices (like me) alike. An added treat is the talented and delightful Edie Brickell who happens to be touring with the group.
Edie Brickell and Steve Martin joined up to produce an 2013 album called "Love has Come for You" and they featured a few songs from that album. Steve Martin's comic genius is featured throughout the performance and even makes an appearance in a song or two (Athiest Ain't Got No Songs.)
The core band features the mandolin, base, fiddler, and a pair of banjos (one expertly wielded by Steve Martin). They are joined by an electric guitar and a percussionist on many of the songs. The Steep Canyon Rangers are excellent musicians that can play, sing, and plain ole jam with the best of them. This is excellent evening of music filled with laughter, toe tapping beats, and great story telling by Brickell.
Take a leap and check out some bluegrass this summer at one of the tour stops. Or grab one of Steve Martin's, The Steep Cannon Rangers', or Edie Brickell's albums and grab a sweet tea, a rocking chair and enjoy the music.
One more thing... Steve Martin has and continues to trend at number one on Amazon Bluegrass Best Seller List. Who knew?
Athiest Ain't have No Songs
Pros
1. Steve Martin is funny! Period. But he also a great muscian. That two shows for one.
2. The Steep Canyon Rangers is the best (and only) bluegrass band I've every seen live.
3. Edie Brickel - Great storyteller, so adorable, and still is a talented singer.
Cons
1. Anyone new the bluegrass may have to get over themselves and open their minds to great music no matter the guise.
2. A lot of bluegrass is instrumental... but even without the lyrics each song tells a story.
Bluegrass? I say yes. Put it on the playlist. That's what I'm listening to this month.
There are a handful of celebrities that are known by a single name. Sting, the former member of the English rock band The Police, is one of the rare musical talents that earned his must deserved recognition. The "Back to Bass" tour is one of the best tickets available this summer, as Sting tours with his five piece band and performs many of his classic hits.
Recently seen at the Borgata in Atlantic City, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, aka Sting, is still rocking and commanding the stage with his signature bass. At 61 years old he is as fit as a man 20 years his junior and still has that distinctive voice that resulted in millions of albums sold and 11 music awards.
Check out some of his classics and a few new songs along with a pretty could documentary on him.
Back to Bass tour
Sting Videos
Desert Rose
Fragile
Shape of my heart
Every Breath you take
A good Sting Documentary
Sting is still rocking at 60+ ... check him out and enjoy!!
Things that make me happy... Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival
Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is an annual three day (January 24-27 this year) music festival in Montego Bay featuring R&B, Jazz and Blues artists. This year's the headliners were John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Dionne Warwick, and Michael Bolton.
Its a great winter long weekend getaway trip for people looking to escape the cold and take on some chill music and island sun. If you have the time its a great time to take a week away if you can, but the shows start on Thursday night with Reggae night followed by Friday and Saturday Jazz, R&B and Blues. The concert venue is is Trewlany about 20 minutes of highway driving outside of Montego Bay. There are villa rentals available along with plenty of hotel and resort options. The Riu, Halfmoon, and Secrets were top sponsors and host hotels this year but the range of quality hotels in every price range are available.
Lodging Recommend - Coyaba Beach Resort (great value), Secrets (new resort), Ritz Carlton/Iberostar (luxury properties)
Good Eats - Local Scotchies (Montego Bay), Jack Sprat (Treasure Beach)
John Legend
Romaine Virgo
Dionne Warwick
Monica
Mary J Blige
Thursday - Reggae Night
Friday Night - Mary J Blige and Michael Bolton
Saturday Night - John Legend Dionne Warwick
More John Legend
Pros
1. Beautiful winter getaway - Who doesn't like beach, cheap rum, and music
2. Scotchies - If you like jerk (spicy) this is the place to go just ask anyone for location (near Holiday Inn resort).
3. Red Stripe... Almost cheaper than water. Can't beat that.
Cons
1. Driving in Jamaica is risky... and cabs can be expensive but you can always ride in groups to event.
2. Tanlines - Hard to use than sick excuse at work with bikini and tan lines. Sunblock a must.
She composes, she plays, she sings, and she scats... my newest musical crush has to be Jazz performer Esperanza Spaulding.
Now I didn't grow up in any of Jazz's legendary periods like Big Band, Bebop, or Avant Garde, but I've been a fan of Jazz for the past 20 years (yes... I've got the achy bones to prove it.) But the good news is that Jazz has continued to evolve. Today its infused in the music of hip hop and soul artists like Q-tip, Outkast, Eryka Badu, and Jill Scott. But Spaulding is a new voice that updates the classic sounds of pure Jazz with a contemporary spin that is bring new fans to this American musical art form. Esperanza's music contains many influences. Most notably -- the music of Brazil, which is prominently featured on her 2009 self titled album.
New Music Alert:: Radio Music Society
So much happening on this album... Its part Jazz, part Pop, all Esperanza!!
1. Radio Song - The theme song of the album. Fun beat and playful to sing along. "if like to.. Because you need toooo..."
2. Cinnamon Tree - Classic Jazz ballet... One of my favorites.
3. Crowned & Kissed - R&B infused Jazz. Tribute to those everyday "kings and queens"
4. Land Of the Free -
5. Black Gold - Great song... More classic R&B sounds
6. I Can't Help it - Back on the Jazz sound...
7. Hold On Me
8. Vague Suspicions
9. Endangered Species
10. Let Her
11. City of Roses
12. Smile Like That - More vocals on some great instrumentals
The 28 years old bassist got her first major award under her belt -- the 2011 Grammy for best new artist. A first for a jazz musician. But at the pace she's going. It won't be the last. And as Jazz finds a new generation of fans, Esperanza Spaulding will be leading the new Jazz revolution.
Black Gold...
At the White House... Overjoyed!!! She rocks this performance.
Crowned and Kissed Video
Little Fly Video
Pros
1. Great musical talent. Her fresh vocals aren't even her best talent.
2. Jazz music is still classy
3. R&B and Jazz fans will find a song to like
Cons
1. Its Jazz... not everyone's cup of tea
2. A few songs are inspiring. But no can get it right all the time.
I don't know much about country music but this group is worth checking out. Some may say they are more of pop country but after checking out their "Own the Night" tour I have to say I might have put this country group at the top of my playlist.
The group is made up of lead singers Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood. All are from Nashville TN with family ties to the country music scene. The produce three studio albums to date, Lady Antebellum, Need You Now, Own the Night. All were platinum albums and garnered the group several awards including top honors at the Grammys, Country Music Awards, and the fan favorites at Billboard Music awards.
Just a Kiss
We Own the Night
Need you know
Dancing Away with my Heart - Live
Pros
1. This group is as talented as I've ever seen.
2. Hillary Scott is as hot as she is talented... but sorry guys she's taken (drummer's was a smart man)
3. Pop country got a little something for everyone, but don't get it twisted there soul in this music.
Cons
1. Country fans... let's say they like to drink a bit... all day.
2. Country concerts bring a out a large crowd. Be prepared for a few lines. But everyone is pretty friendly.
If you have never checked out a country music show... this should be your first. Great musicians, amazing singers, and the show rocks with amazing energy. Lady A is one of the best tours going right now... and their albums is pretty awesome too.
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.
Things that make me happy... Dar Williams, Singer-Songwriter
Dar Williams is a pop folk, singer-songwriter that is noted as one of the best by the New Yorker and to many music fans. Seeing Dar Williams is must for any true live folk music fan. She is a funny and witty entertainer and her song intros are both affectionately personal and entertaining. She is native of the NYC area and play live shows and small local spots when not on tour.
Although born Dorothy, Dar picked up her name from as a child from her family while growing up in a Suburban New York city. Her music is definitely newer version of 70s folk rock music in the spirit of Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, and Ani DiFranco. A true artist that has been know to discover songs in her dreams. Dar has been very prolific with 20+ year career with over 12 albums. With the explosion of singer song writer types of the past 10 years, Dar Williams continues to produce music and generate a strong cult following at her shows. Her next album is "In the Times of Gods' is due out in April 2012.
The Christians and Pagans (live)
As cool as I can
It's all right
The Christian and the Pagan (video)
Pros
1. Lots of cool tunes... folksy and witty (Favorite song The Christian and the Pagan
2. She is a great entertainer. gotta love a woman that can make you laugh between hippy chick songs (that's a compliment)
3. Next album about greek mythology and stuff... will be interesting to say the least!
Cons
1. If Lady Gaga has "little monsters", Dar Williams may have "little swingers"... Go see her show and tell me what you think... just saying. lol.
If you are looking for a good show and really good pop folk music check out of one of Dar Williams. Go ahead... check out something different and off the charts (literally and figuratively.)
Things that make me happy this week... Matisyahu @ Festivals of Lights
What do you get when when you mix reggae, rock, hip hop and traditional Judaism? The beautifully soulful musical artistry of Matisyahu.
Matisyahu is a musician that defies classification. He is simply an artist that shows music really has no bounds. My first introduction to this artist was on a NYC TV show where I saw this reggae artist diving into a crowd and he was dressed in a traditional hassidic outfit. First I thought this was a gimmick, but after listening to his album, Light, I realize his skills were legit. He is known for his hits "King without a Crown' and "One Day" both making it to the top of rock and reggae charts. But he has many influences in his music style. Matisyahu musical range include beatboxing, rapping, Jazz styled scat singing, and Judaism Hazzan style of prayer singing.
This past week he played four concerts in NYC for the Festival of Lights at the Williamsburg Music and Webster Halls. On Thursday night, Webster Hall was packed with adoring fans singing many of his hits and crowd diving from the stage. As a giant disco driedel hangs from the ceiling, Matisyahu dances, beatbox, and sing most of his hits from his various albums.
Webster Hall - Festival of Light - Youth
One Day
Time of your song
King without a crown
Concert Pros
1. Great band and performance by Matisyahu
2. Disco Driedel... pretty cool actually.
3. Yiddish Lil Wayne guy that came to rap.
Cons
1. No beard on Matisyahu which is a signature look for him. Good music anyways.
2. Venue was okay. Good for this type of concert but a bit warm.
Check out Matisyahu music if you want something a little different this holiday season.
Albums - Light, Live at Stubbs I & II, Youth, Shake of the dust
Or catch a live show... he is always touring all around the world.
This week was a treat. Beyonce at Roseland ballroom for a private small venue show.
First of all, if you are going to see an artist at a general admission concert and have to stand up all night it best be someone like Beyonce. High energy. Amazing performer. And tunes to make people move their feet.
People were on line from 1pm outside waiting for door to open at 8pm. Yes. I guess the people without jobs had some time (and money - tix were not cheap) on their hands.
This concert featured her new album "4". If you haven't picked it up yet, it's worth a listen. What is good about the album? I think this album will have about 4-5 hits. At first listen, I thought there were 3 strong songs, super ballad "Best thing I ever had", and up tempo tunes "Countdown" and "End of Time". And although I didn't like it at first, "Run this world (Girls)" is a typically Beyonce anthem song for girls. And Party has a good "house party" and "grown folk" feel to it. And I think "Start over" might be late hit on the album. Its got a good sound to it but not sure if its commercial enough... and its another ballad.
A couple of shots from Beyonce Roseland show...
Beyonce "4" at a glance...
1. "1+1": 3. It had to grow on me, but when it did I started feeling the song. The lyrics are a bit cryptic, which reminds me of "Halo", but some will like that about the song. I heard there was a version by The Dream (who wrote the song) and Beyonce. Beyonce got the better voice so I think its the better version.
2. "I Care": 2. It seems a bit to filler, especially with the "la, la, la, la, la" and repetitive. Nothing spectacular really stands out to me with this song.
3. "Miss You": 3. Short song. Decent ballad. Beyonce shares her pain with her audience of a love gone astray. And the song ends perfectly with just the instrumental fading out. It gives a feeling of whether she'll reunite with the one she loves or forever live with the pain of not having him. **weep, weep**
4. "Best Thing I Never Had": 4. I like this song overall. Catchy. Babyface wrote and composed this song. Anyone who's familiar with Babyface's catalog is fully aware of the master artistry he creates with music. Not his best, but it works with Beyonce vocal style.
5. "Party" featuring Andre 3000: 5. This Kanye-produced track is one of my favorite songs on the album and an excellent standout! Andre 3000 is Beyonce's only featured artist and he delivers (like always). I am bias since I am Outkast fan and Andre always has great flow on an album. Smart move Beyonce!!
Gotta love this verse...
"Kiddo say he looks up to me, this just makes me feel old
Never thought that we could become someone else's hero
Man, we were just in the food court, eating our gyro"
My favorite line from Andre because it gives me a nostalgic feeling from the humble beginnings of the 90s from both artists to what they've become today. And the production has a 90s sound to it as well. Kanye did great with this track. In fact, every artist present shined on this song. This should be have been the first single... a perfect summer hit song.
6. "Rather Die Young" 3: Sleepy but when she performs it live... watch out. She sings the hell out the song. As a "an ode to Jay" because that's exactly what it is, and there's nothing wrong with that. Keep your man happy "B"
7. "Start Over": 4. Another standout track from this album. The harmonies Beyonce shares with her backup singers are breathtakingly beautiful. This song is strong as anything she has done in the past because she sounds so mature. She has definitey grown up so passionate in the lyrics. I felt her desperation to salvage the broken relationship she's in with her guy. This song might be single-worthy, but I wonder how people will respond to it.
8. "Love on Top": 2. More "classic" Beyonce. It's a fun, upbeat song that I believe her fanbase will appreciate. Very old R&B.. ala Jackson 5 and Michael.
9. "Countdown": 5. Another "classic" Beyonce song that her fanbase will appreciate. It might be one of my favorites b/c it's fun, catchy, and clever. In 10 counts Beyonce tells her audience of the love she shares with her man. I can see someone coming up with a dance for this song. Hopefully I don't see men doing the "Beyonce girl slide" as they run across the stage with those little steps she is known for.
10. "End of Time": 4. Beyonce satisfies her fans with yet another track they'll appreciate. I call this the "war dance" song. I'm a sucker for songs that have that "marching band sound" to it. It has a great intro that will appear in club remixes all over. This one might be the one that shows up those MTV dance shows.
11. "I Was Here": 4. Beyonce teamed up with Diane Warren for this angst-y track where she basically tells her audience her time as an entertainer is ending. I can see this as a closing song for the rest of her concerts. Also, this might be a big funeral song... kind of haunting. But I do like the vibe of the song.
12. "Run the World (Girls)": 2. Not my favorite song. But its an anthem song. Just okay. Borderline could have been left off the album.
All in all, my rating on this album is 3 stars. It's decent and more mature-sounding. Worth the money.
And some performances
Pros
-Beyonce looked great and the stars were out (P-Diddy, The Dream, Neyo, Jay-Z, Mary Mary, jusst to name a few.
-Great show and great energy. People were singing along word for word, even on the new songs.
-Good music
Cons
-Long wait standing on lines to get in
-Show didn't start for 2 hours.
-Smelly armpits... Thank God they gave out Beyonce perfume samples that came in handy as a defensive measure.
Anyone got any favorite Beyonce songs from the new album "4"? What about all time Beyonce songs?
This week I got to see one of my favorite bands U2! I've been waiting to see this band for many years and the wait was definitely worth it. Th U2 360 tour is the top grossing tour ever and the the stage, lighting, and sound lit up Giant Stadium.
The band energy was incredible and Bono was kept everyone in stadium on their feet for most of the night. Now I can cross U2 of the list.
The set list from the show. Bold items were best performances of the night and favorites.
1. Space Oddity
2. Even Better Than The Real Thing
3. The Fly
4. Mysterious Ways
5. Until The End Of The World
6. I Will Follow
7. Get On Your Boots
8. Magnificent
9. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
10. Stay (Faraway, So Close!) 11. Beautiful Day
12. Elevation
13. Pride (In The Name Of Love)
14. Miss Sarajevo
15. Zooropa
16. City Of Blinding Lights 17. Vertigo
18. I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
19. Sunday Bloody Sunday
20. Scarlet
21. Walk On
Encore 22. One 23. Where The Streets Have No Name
24. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me 25. With Or Without You
26. Moment of Surrender
27. Out Of Control
If you get a chance to see U2 in concert... its definitely worth it. They are possibly the top rock band on the planet at the moment. And the crazy price... some might say is worth it. Once in a lifetime show.
