With A Chill In The Air, It's Fall...

Clockwise: Brian Glenn, Bobby Jo Valentine, Marshall Tucker, and Corey TuT.

As the temperatures start to drop on the East Coast, with highs in the 70s here in Delaware, it feels like summer is leaving, and Fall is making the way into our lives. With this chill tickling us, teasing what we know is still to come, it had me thinking about the change in the weather. Fall means something different to so many, and I thought I would keep that in mind while I put the post together. I went to my iTunes, and typed in 'fall', and checked out what songs came up. So that is how I started my search for the right songs, and I think I might have found them. While none really reference the season, they are all about a fall of one kind or another. And they are all by amazing out and proud artists, making music I love to hear. And while there might be aspects of life they share, they all use different genres to speak to their particular journey. I will start with a fantastic Country artist I have loved since 2004, Brian Glenn. He has worked with some of the best in Country Music, including Keith Urban, Travis Tritt, and Marty Stuart. Glenn has played at the Grand Old Opry, The Ryman, and in the house band for NBC's Nashville Star. In 2007, he released his solo album, 'Original Intent', and I love it. There was one song I can listen to again and again, and in fact do just that. This is Brian Glenn singing "The Whole World Is Falling In Love".

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Now, I find it hard to think anyone can get much more charming that the talented Bobby Jo Valentine. There is an innate sweetness and innocence to his songs, as well as a real honesty. There is something wonderful about the way he pairs up Folk and Pop in a seamless package. When I first heard of him, I purchased his 2012 EP, 'By My Side'. I instantly had a musical crush on him, and had to add all his music to my collection. That would include a full album from last year, and another from 2011. One of the songs I found irresistible from the first listen is "Until The Last Leaf Falls", a gorgeous love song that warms my heart every time I hear it. Here is a video of Bobby Jo singing "Until The Last Leaf Falls" live at a radio station KRCB, part of the PBS/NPR network.

Next up, I offer you a recent addition to my music collection. Rocker Corey TuT was directed to me by the wonderfully talented David Raleigh, and once again I got great advice from an artist. Last month, I reviewed Corey's latest release, 'Chasing Down the Bedlam', which I loved. I have to admit I quickly added more of Corey's music to my collection, including 'Falling Up: The Pursuit of Life, Love & Happiness Part 1'. This is another great collection, a 6-song EP, and it included a wonderful song, "Falling Apart". The rocking power ballad sounds ready for radio, a perfect aural confection. It also managed to be a double winner, with 'fall' in both the song and album title. This is Corey TuT singing "Falling Apart".

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And finally, we come to the last song in the post, and the first to really reference the seasonal change. "Fallen Leaves" was a 2009 single by Marshall Titus, an artist I discovered through Nhojj. Once I heard his cover of George Michael's "Father Figure", I had to hear more. That would include the earlier single, a sexy R&B song that really speaks to my soul. There is a wonderful depth to Marshall's voice. As the song takes a look at the passage of time, you can hear it as he sings. I hope you enjoy Marshall Titus singing "Fallen Leaves".

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All four songs can be found on iTunes and Amazon. I think they all make a wonderful addition to any playlist.

Bobby Jo Valentine • Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

Above see the rain here on the farm, and the adorable Bobby Jo Valentine.

As the rain pours down in Delaware today, as you can see in the pictures above, I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to share with you all a wonderful cover song from the talented and adorable Booby Jo Valentine. The song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1969 film, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", starring the stunningly handsome Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The song was a huge hit for B.J. Thomas, making it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in January of 1970. It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. But here is Bobby Jo Valentine's version, worthy of an award, I think!

For more about Bobby Jo Valentine, visit his official website. You can also find him on Twitter and Facebook. His latest album, 'Home', can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

Bobby Jo Valentine • Home Video

Bobby Jo Valentine has been one of my musical crushes since I first found his music, as well as the latest album, 'Home'. Well, that did nothing to change my feelings, except maybe endear the singer/songwriter to my heart just a little bit more. And since he released this new video, featuring Bobby Jo performing the title clip live, I can tell you Bobby Jo still has a place in my heart. Check out this video for "Home", and tell me you didn't lose just a little piece of your heart as well.

There is just something to true, so honest about Bobby Jo's music, I find it irresistible. Much like a delectable snack, I find myself never listening to just one song, but wanting to hear the whole album. And so I do! For more about Bobby Jo Valentine, visit his official website. Both the song and the album 'Home' can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

Bobby Jo Valentine • What A Wonderful World

With the release of a recent video, singer/songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine has tossed his hat in the ring to participate in one of the reality television music competitions, and did so with great style. He chose to perform "What A Wonderful World", a song written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, and originally recorded by Louis Armstrong. In this performance, Bobby Jo offers a tender softness for the song, showing great strength as he doesn't oversell the song. Listen as he caresses the lyrics of "What A Wonderful World".

While I think he does a great job on this song, it is really his own music I love to hear him perform. Listening to his studio music, I am always impressed by the strength you can find in his voice, without him needing to try vocal gymnastics. For more about Bobby Jo Valentine, visit his official website. You can also find him on Twitter and Facebook. His latest album, 'Home', can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

Valentines For Independent Hearts

Clockwise: Jake Walden; Matt Alber; Billy Porter, and Bobby Jo Valentine.

This morning, I brought you a collection of love songs that was heard on mainstream radio in the 1980s, so I thought for tonight, I would venture into the more independent music of some amazing LGBT artists I listen to all the time. And, as you can tell from the pictures above, they also happen to be very handsome, too. And they all deliver these songs like only they can, making it very special, indeed. I will begin with a song written by singer/songwriter Jake Walden for his sister's wedding. He wanted to capture the love of the event, as well as the love he felt for her, all into this song. It was later included on his most recent album, 'Same Something Different'. He also released a music video including images from the wedding. Enjoy as Jake sings "For You Anything".

The next song comes from an artist how continually manages to surpass my expectations. When I first heard Matt Alber's recording of "End of the World", I was blown away. When I first heard him live, I didn't think he could equal that, yet he did, perhaps even topped it. When I heard he rerecorded it, I was excited to hear what he could do with it. When I saw the video of Matt singing it live with the Cello Street Quartet, I was once again astonished. Hit play, and allow Matt Alber to take you away with "End of the World".

Bobby Jo Valentine is a more recent addition to my playlist, having only discovered his music last year. But that has not kept me from falling hard for his music, which has more charm than a Disney parade. His latest release, 'Home' wraps you up warmly in Bobby Jo's voice. With his recently released music video for "Come Back To Bed", there is a wonderful intimacy, both in the performance and the song.

I am a huge fan of Billy Porter, and the final entry is one of the reasons why. Porter is a gifted performer, both in the studio and on the stage. I think most people became familiar with the vocal talents of Porter when he sang "Love Is On the Way", featured in the 1996 film 'The First Wives Club'. It was also on his 1997 album, 'Untitled'. And there is a magnificent live version of the song on 'At The Corner of Broadway & Soul', a truly great album. Here is Billy singing the song live on Rosie O'Donnell's talk show about the time the single was playing on the radio.

You can purchase all these songs online. You can find Jake Walden's 'Same Something Different' on iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon. You can find Matt Alber's 'With Strings Attached' at his online store, and his latest album, 'Constant Crows', on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You can purchase Bobby Jo Valentine's 'Home' on iTunes and Amazon. You can purchase Billy Porters 'At The Corner of Broadway and Soul' on iTunes and Amazon.

Bobby Jo Valentine • Warm Is The Light video

Bobby Jo Valentine is a handsome and talented singer/songwriter, and it is made evident with his latest music video for the song "Warm Is The Light". As on the version found on album 'Home', the video features the wonderful support of Gwyneth Moreland. The song is beautiful, with a simple melody and arrangement, captured perfectly on the video. Shot in black and white, you can't escape Booby Jo's charm and charisma. I am an unabashed fan of Valentine's music, the quiet music a perfect vehicle for his voice and honesty found in every song I've heard from him. And although I haven't had the opportunity to hear him live, ths makes it all the more important to do that soon! Until then, I will have to watch the music video for "Warm It The Light" time and time again.

To learn more about Bobby Jo Valentine and his music, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. His latest release, 'Home', includes the song "Warm Is The Light", and can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. Bobby Jo is touring on the West Coast, so if you'd like to catch him live, the dates are in the 'Shows' section of the website.

Bobby Jo Valentine • home

There is a new album out from charming singer/songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine. I knew it was coming, but didn't realize it would be this soon. I have been a fan since I started listening, instantly being drawn into his silky combination of Folk, Pop and Rock I consume like cotton candy, just melting over my palate. And the latest, 'Home,' does nothing to deter that from continuing. The album kicks off with the quiet and reflective tone of "Real Love", a bold look at life and love, the nature of both which escape us at particular times in our lives. The subtle opening soon gives way to a strong chorus, alternating in a give and take with the contemplative. There is an earnest sweetness that borders on sexy in "Come Back To Bed." What starts as a sweet coo in my ear grows to a bold declaration. I like that . That is soon replaced with the familiar chords of "A Hand To Hold," one of my favorite tracks off the 'By My Side' EP. Listen for yourself.

By the time the first few bars and the first set of finger snaps were done, I was captivated by "Warm Is The Light." I don't know how Bobby Jo combines it all to make his light pleading be so sweet, but job accomplished. With "Home," Bobby Jo discusses when the balance between being on the road away from home is not well balanced. "Between Those Lines " is a lovely song sung as a duet with Amy Hogan.

The soft Country feel to that duet is replaced with a driving beat more Pop/Rock in feel when Bobby Jo ignites the "Spark." He works hard to get that done, rekindling an old romance. I am happy he also revisited "By My Side," the title cut from the earlier EP. This one is more Pop driven, but still able to touch the same spot in my heart. Soon "Gunshot" fires off, popping with a fresh sound.

Soon, we hear the familiar "Chase Away The Dark" given a new, Pop-driven sound, a step away from the acoustic sound found on the EP. I do love this song, and each new take seems to reveal some new nuance, a deeper meaning. That is followed by "Vernal Falls," referring to a water attraction in Yosemite Park. This is a slightly haunted, but still a love-filled ballad that grows bigger and stronger with each listen. "Til The Clock Strikes Forever" opens with strains of the ukulele, giving the first half of the song a lazy feel that quickly moves in a different direction. lending added pleasure. The album closes with "Save What You Can," another favorite that instantly registered with me. Listen for yourself.

If I was a bit smitten with Bobby Jo before, it has become a full-grown crush now. There is just so much charm to the songs, with such honesty in his voice. I swear the songs grow deeper the more you linger, the more you hit repeat. For more about Bobby Jo Valentine, visit his official website. 'Home' can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

Bobby Jo Valentine • By My Side

I have to admit, I sometimes find artists in the oddest of circumstances. Recently, I was on Facebook, and it recommended I like Bobby Jo Valentine, who had four friends in common, three of them musicians. I had to check him out, and the next thing you know, I was listening to a recently released EP, By My Side, released in May of 2012. And kinda crushing on him, too. After all, talented and handsome...



Bobby Jo establishes the mood of the EP right off the bat with the charming and smart "A Hand To Hold". The song is upbeat and sweet, and obviously from his heart. It brings the innocence of love to light, and I want to bask in the warmth. Check out the song on this video, recorded live.



With the second cut, Bobby Jo offers a slightly more reserved song with an acoustic take on "Drowning". Originally a track off the 2011 album A Place To Belong. This thoughtful version still warms the heart. "Until The Last Leaf Falls" is another acoustic version of a song from the 2011 album. Bobby Jo uses syncopation in the most genuine way, and invites us into the song while he sings. "Chase Away My Dark" is one of my favorites on the EP, with such charm in this confessional. Check out his live performance.



The title cut, "By My Side", is so sweet, yet bold in it's honesty. This song truly touches my heart every time I hear it. It makes me sigh, and wish there was someone nearby to hold. Finally, there is "Chase Away My Dark (Anthem)", the last track on the EP. It is a different version of the song, with more intensity, yet still capturing the warmth of the song. It finishes off the EP with a moment that is both beautiful and strong, and dedicated to one of the oldest subjects of music, love. I can't seem to put into words how happy I feel after listening to this collection. OR, any music by Valentine. There is something so rejuvenating, recharging, and reaffirming about it all that I just want to put it on repeat forever and a day. For me, the sweetness never hits the syrupy side, but instead feels so warm and cozy, like being wrapped in a warm caramel.



You can purchase downloads of By My Side on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You can order an autographed hard copy directly from the artist online. For more about Bobby Jo Valentine, you can visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter, or like his fan page on Facebook.