Valentine 2015 • Will Young • Love

In my continuation of the Valentine's lovefest, I offer you a love song from the UK's Will Young. Will was, of course, the first winner of the UK's 'Pop Idol', the brand from which so many artists sprang from, like 'American Idol''s stars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, and others. I was a fan early on, and continued to follow his music. In 2008, Will released 'Let It Go', which included the hits "Changes" and "Grace". And while it wasn't released as a single, I really liked the song "Love". It was the eighth track on the album. This is "Love".

In 2011, Will released the album 'Echos', which is really a great album. Unfortunately, it is not available to his fans in the United States, unless they follow my example, and order it as an export. One of my favorite songs off the album is "I Just Want A Lover", written by Will, Mima Stilwell, and Jim Eliot. And the music video is very cool.

To date, Will has released five studio albums, and every one has been certified at least Platinum in sales. His second, 'Friday's Child', was certified 5 X Platinum! "Love" can be found on Will's fourth album, and you can purchase 'Let It Go' from iTunes and Amazon. And while you cannot buy 'Echoes', you can purchase the music video in iTunes. To learn more about Will Young, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Valentine 2015 • Nhojj • Love

As part of my Valentine's Day celebration, I am offering up love songs from some of my favorite artists. If I were to make a list, Nhojj would certainly appear on it. It was a no brainer to say that his recording of "Love" would be appearing here. There is something so sweet, so sensual about the song, I find it impossible to resist. This is Nhojj singing "Love".

For more about Nhojj, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. "Love" can be found on the album 'Love Songs', released in 2009. 'Love Songs' can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon.

Valentine's Day • 35th Anniversary

Valentine's Day will be celebrated this week, so I thought I would kick off the celebrations with this sweet and charming short by filmmaker Paul Bright. '35th Anniversary' features a charming couple who are about as real as can be. As they are celebrating more than three decades together, their is a comfort and familiarity that can't be missed. This is Paul Bright's '35th Anniversary'.

If you enjoyed this short film, please share it with your friends and family. I know I felt compelled to share it with you here. If you'd like, you can share it with the hashtag #LoveandHeartbreak. To see more of the work of Paul Bright, and his production company Paul Bright Films, visit the official website. You can also watch more on YouTube, and 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Matt Morris • "Love" & Other Songs

It is hard for me to believe that it has been about 4 and a half years since Matt Morris released his amazing album, 'When Everything Breaks Open'. Morris was the first person signed to Tennman Productions, the new label founded by Justin Timberlake. The two had been friends for a long time, since they were on the 'New Mickey Mouse Club' with Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, Tony Lucca, Keri Russell, and Ryan Gosling, among others. I must admit, I didn't watch the show, and discovered his music much later. I must also admit I not only had Matt in my music collection, for I also had music by his father, Country Music and Broadway star Gary Morris, making them the first father/son acts so represented.

I loved the album immediately, and still find it to be a great listen. So much so, I was truly expecting there to be some music following up. I waited quite patiently, but so far, none has been released. So instead of playing the waiting game any longer, I have opted to take a look back at the album, via some live performances of some great songs. The song "Love" was a particular favorite of mine, and still remains so entrenched. It was written by Morris, and it fits his voice to a 't'. This is the third track on the album, "Love", as it was performed live on 'Lopez Tonight', the talk show starring George Lopez.

The second track off 'When Everything Breaks Open' is a sexy, bluesy song which never fail to get me moving whenever I hear it. There is so much truth to the song, so much honesty to be found in the lyrics, I think it needs to be played a helluva lot more than it is played now. Matt played the song on the 2009 Chabad "To Life" Telethon, a joyful celebration of life and a reminder of the power of good deed. I know when Matt sings "Money", there is joy to be had.

The final track of the CD makes the third song in this post that was written by Morris. "Eternity" is a great song to end with, showing a great depth and strength of 'When Everything Breaks Open'. There are elements of history, spirituality, love, and life in the track. I find those attributes well-represented in this acoustic music video released by Morris in 2010. This is "Eternity" by Matt Morris.

As I mentioned earlier, while the album was released in July of 2010, it still has a place in my collection, and a relevance for life today. Matt does not create light Pop tunes, easily forgotten the next season. He makes music that is to be heard, felt, and, in doing so, nourish the soul. For more about Matt Morris, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'When Everything Breaks Open' from iTunes and Amazon.

Eric Alán • L.O.V. & E.

Kicking off the weekend with a little frisky fun! After all, don't we all need a little "L.O.V. & E." now and again? I know I do, and apparently, Eric Alán understands all about it. You see, Eric grew up in Southern California, in a home that seemed to have little patience for a little boy who knew he was special. His life continues to be eventful, as he tries to make music as well as a living, for he works 3 weeks a month on deep sea oil rigs, to help pay for the studio time when he is home. He also writes his own music, and his latest release is "L.O.V. & E.". The video includes cameo performances by Latin pinup model Gio Dell along with the late Arpad Miklos. I would like to add that if you are at work, the video can get a bit deliciously spicy. Yum!!

At this point, Eric is an out and proud gay man, and in many ways celebrates his own acceptance with an ease and freedom of his dashing good looks and sexy Latino moves. You can see more of that amazing freedom in his single from a while back, "Pornstar". The camera does love Eric, as you can see in this music video.

You can purchase "L.O.V. & E." on iTunes and Amazon. Also, "Pornstar" is available as a single on both iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Eric Alán, check him out on Facebook or 'follow ' him on Twitter.

Date Night • 'Love And Deaf' & 'In The Light'

For Date Night tonight, I have included two different short films with distinctly differing takes on love. And when I say short films, I mean it! One is just 6 and a half minutes long, the other 7 and a half! First up is the 2004 film from writer/director Adam Baran, 'Love and Deaf'. The film seems to prove the old saying that there is a very special someone for everyone, the secret is opening yourself up to find them, even at the oddest of times and places. Enjoy 'Love and Deaf'.

In the second half of this Friday Night Double Feature, we have 'In The Light' written by Danijel Margetic and directed by Glen Wood. The film shows us two men waking up together, after a surprising night before. It examines how we can have moments of clarity in some of the oddest of circumstances.

Enjoy your weekend with those you love!

Visit Nhojj for the Holidays

One of the things I love about writing this blog, and in my life in general, is when I happen across an artist who is new to me, and just wanna smack myself for not finding their music earlier. Such was the case with Nhojj, the talented and soulful singer/songwriter takes the vibe of great soul and R&B music, and places his own personal twist on it to set it apart. The out performer might bring in reggae and tribal beats to color the music, but it is his sweet and honest voice that makes the music soar. Of course, his stunning good looks and disarming smile don't hurt, either.

But I first came across Nhojj when I saw a release for his song The Gay Warrior Song, and found it intriguing and special. It drove me to iTunes, where I downloaded the song, followed shortly by his album, Love Songs. But first, here is my initial contact with the man's music, videoed at Indianapolis Gay Pride.



The album was sleek, sexy and strong, and made me want to curl up on my sofa with someone special. For the moment, however, a nice warm cup of tea will have to do. I can't tell you how happy I was that Nhojj agreed to be a part of the holiday series! And in case I didn't already think the man was charming and sweet, he opened up his end of the interview with "Thank you so much for all the love and support - you are the best!" This kinda sealed the deal for me... But, back to the burning questions of the season, like what is the holiday music Nhojj likes to listen to? "I love Someday at Christmas by Jackson 5," was his answer, and I found that brought a warmth to my heart, too.



So I had to ask if he had a favorite holiday song to perform? "This Christmas by Donny Hathaway," came back with no hesitation. Not that I can blame him, cause it is a great song by a remarkable artist.



With 2011 just over a week away, what are his hopes for the New Year? "To get more in touch with my creative, spiritual self," he answered. Well, I certainly don't know Nhojj well enough to disagree, but it seems to me that after listening to his music, the man is fairly centered and seems remarkably in touch his his self.

Time for the iPod question, one of my favorites. Exactly what is Nhojj's favorite song/music from 2010? "Whip my Hair by Willow Smith..." he said, laughing. "I loved that it was fun and affirming."

Musically speaking, what is he looking forward to in 2011? "Becoming a better guitarist," he answered, much to my surprise. After all, this is not a newcomer, by any means. Nhojj is already and award-winning artist, picking up Best R&B Song at the OutMusic Awards for 2009 for the remarkable Love. The music video for Love was also nominated for Video of the Year in 2010 by OutMusic, a true tribute to the man's talent. Check out the video.



For more about Nhojj, stop by his official website here. You can also check out his music on iTunes, including the album Love Songs, by clicking here.

Nhojj - It Gets Better with Love

The OUTMusic Award winning artist has added his effort to the It Gets Better campaign the way he knows best by adding his songwriting skills and amazing voice to the chorus of people who speak to the LGBT Youth suffering from bullying and discrimination. Like the rest of Nhojj's music, Things Will Get Better is beautiful, with an ethereal quality and sung from the heart. But rather than have me blather on, this is the song.



It is availabe for purchase on Bandcamp for 99 cents. You can click here to buy it here. The lyrics to the song are:

Is this what they say?
Is this what they do?
That makes you want to fade away

Are these the words that they use?
Do they bully and abuse?
Just because you’re gay

Well I’ve been there before and I know how you feel
We all walk through this door
And somehow learn to live
And on the other side
You can stand with pride

Things will get better
Things will get brighter
I promise it will

Things will get better
Your days will look brighter
I promise it will

Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
Love saves a child like me
I once was lost
But now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

Things will get better
Life will shine brighter
I promise it will

Some will be nicer
Some will be kinder

Things will get better
Love will bring laughter

Things will get better
Love will bring laughter

Nhojj is no stranger to supporting others in the LGBT community. The out singer/songwriter won the OUTMusic Award from the song Love was voted 2009 Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year, by The Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers. It marked the first time an African American male won an OMA. For the 2010 OMAs, the video for the song has been nominated.



Earlier this year, Nhojj made history a second time when his gay music video Love topped the MTV Music video chart. He has been featured in The Advocate, About.com, and appeared on LOGO, New York 1, WNYE / WNYC TV Channel 25, an affiliate of the PBS Television Network. To find out more about this amazing artist, check out his official website here.

Nhojj Sings Love Songs

Sometimes, I just get lucky, and the other day that was the case on YouTube. I am wont to wonder around on it, looking for new music, and this time, I was lucky enough to find it. Well, at least new to me. I stumbled across the music of Nhojj, and boy, am I glad I did. The one I stumbled across was Love, and it sent me scrambling for iTunes and buying the Love Songs EP. The smooth and sexy soul songs are just beautiful. Here's Love.



So, I figured it was time I tried to learn a little bit about Nhojj. I went to Google, and found his website. It tells how Nhojj grew up in Guyana and Trinidad, the son of a church minister. He began singing in church at the age of 5, but didn’t embark on a career in music until after graduating from NYU with a BA in Economics. So he's smart, handsome, and talented. Singer/songwriter broke another barrier when his gay music video, Love, reached #1 on MTV Music Top 100 chart. Last year Nhojj made OUTMusic Awards history when he became the first black male to win an OMA. The Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers voted his ballad “Love” 2009 OUTStanding R&B/Soul song of the year.



His latest release, The Gay Warrior, Is starting to make an impact as well. He debuted it at Pride festivals, and it is an amazing track. Part reggae, part tribal, all empowering, I had to buy it to add to my collection.



I Miss Uis another cut on the sultry and sexy Love Songs album. I am constantly amazed by the emotional content in his voice, in his delivery. This is music I just wanna bathe in.



I can't believe it has taken me so long to find Nhojj and his music. For more on Nhojj, check out his official website here. You can find his amazing album Love Songs, released last September, on iTunes here. You can purchase the single The Gay Warrior Song from CD Baby here. I have added both Love Songs and The Gay Warrior Song to my collection, and would highly recommend you do the same. You can follow Nhojj on Twitter here.

Hair Replacement on Broadway

Tuesday afternoon, the producers of the Broadway revival of Hair announced the replacement cast of the hit show, as covered by Broadway.Com. I am particularly interested in the casting of Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, both former finalists on American Idol who have parlayed their talent into several Broadway roles. Catch up with them in this interview on the New York Fox Station after the announcement.



You can get all your Hair information on the official website, here. The following is courtesy of Broadway.Com.


DeGarmo in the center with the black vest, Young in white t-shirt on right.

Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater, has announced the Broadway cast of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. The new Tribe will debut on Tuesday, March 9, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street, NYC). As previously announced, the original Broadway cast will be moving to the West End to open at London's Gilegud Theatre. Previews begin on April 1, 2010 with Opening Night set for April 14.

Eustis commented, "We've got a new Tribe- utterly unique, and just as talented and joyous as our first company. They are going through a full rehearsal period with Diane Paulus and her wonderful team, and when they burst out on the 9th of March, it's going to be an electric event."

The complete new Tribe of HAIR is as follows (in alphabetical order):
Annaleigh Ashford (Jeanie), Jeannette Bayardelle (Dionne). Diana DeGarmo (Sheila), Vanessa Ray (Crissy), Kyle Riabko (Claude), Wallace Smith (Hud), Jason Wooten (Woof) and Ace Young (Berger). Also announced were Justin Badger (Tribe), Nicholas Belton (Swing), Larkin Bogan (Tribe), Natalie Bradshaw (Tribe), Catherine Brookman (Tribe), Briana Carlson-Goodman (Swing), Antwayn Hopper (Tribe), Jay Armstrong Johnson (Swing), Rachel Bay Jones (Mom), Mykal Kilgore (Tribe), Josh Lamon (Margaret Mead/Dad), Nicole Lewis (Tribe), Anastacia McClesky (Tribe), Paris Remillard (Tribe), Arbender Robinson (Swing), Kate Rockwell (Tribe), Cailan Rose (Tribe), Rashidra Scott (Tribe), Jen Sese (Tribe), Lawrence Stallings (Tribe), Terrance Thomas (Tribe), Emma Zaks (Swing) and Lee Zarrett (Tribe).

Tickets for HAIR (starting at $37.00) are available via Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m., Thursday - Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00.

HAIR also offers a pre-performance ticket lottery for box-seat tickets, aptly renamed "BE-IN BOXES." Those wishing to purchase these tickets are asked to show up at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre 2 1/2 hours before each performance for a drawing that will take place 2 hours before curtain. For every performance, a limited number of lucky audience members will receive $25 "be-in box" tickets, promising to make their experience of the show both affordable and unique. Limit one entry per person, and two tickets per entry. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased from the box office in cash only.