As the weekend kicks into gear, it seems almost mandatory to have the latest single from Cazwell to help us get ready for a party. With a new music video, we can all enjoy Cazwell working with Luciana on "Guess What". The collaboration is a good one, allowing Cazwell a chance to go at full tilt on the song, a party boy you can't wait to arrive a little late to the party. The song mixes up the tempos and the intensity levels, keeping us wondering about what might be coming next. It certainly had me bopping around in my chair. Enjoy the music video of "Guess What", featuring Cazwell and Luciana.
You can find "Guess What" on iTunes. To learn more about Cazwell, visit his official website. You can keep up on the latest news, including where you might catch up with Cazwell if you 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. Trust me, it is never boring to have Cazwell in your Twitterfeed...
Row 1, from top: Jeremy Hebbel of Gable Music and Lauren Kuhne. Row 2: the band Elephants Gerald. Row 3: Stewart Lewis and Joy Ike; Row 4: Michael Natrin and Sol Knopf. Photos by Howard Stump.
At the start of last winter, I went to a great event in Wilmington, Delaware, having been invited by the talented Stewart Lewis. He himself had been invited to play by Gable Music, a local group that supports and promotes local music events. I was thrilled to go, and went with my sister, Kathy. The basis for the event was that Gable Music invited six singer/songwriters, and each are given their time to perform the music they loved to play. Having known only Stewart's music at the start of the evening, I was looking forward to hearing a whole bunch that was new! So we made out way to the Chris White Gallery in Wilmington, and found a space buzzing with activity, and walls lined with beautiful art. Gayle Dillman and Jeremy Hebbel of Gable Music took on the duties of introducing the artists for the evening, starting with Delawarean Lauren Kuhne. Enjoy as you listen to Lauren singing "Lady Music".
To learn more about Lauren Kuhne, visit her on ReverbNation. For me, Stewart Lewis is an artist who needs no introduction. I've seen him a couple of times, and he has always impressed me. I also have his CDs and EPs in my collection, and listen to his music all the time. Once again, Stewart was amazing, and I was glad I was there. I hope you enjoy the video of Lewis performing "Shine", off his album 'In Formation'.
To learn more about Stewart Lewis, visit his official website. You can also find his music on iTunes and Amazon. Before showing up and seeing her name on the poster, I didn't really have a clue who Joy Ike, or anything about her music. Joy drove in from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but her voice certainly showed no signs of being tired. I thought her voice was captivating, and her songs well-written. Enjoy the clip of Joy Ike singing "Happy".
To learn more about Joy Ike, visit her official website. You can find Joy Ike's music on iTunes and Amazon. The next up was the group from Baltimore going by the name of Elephants Gerald. The artfully combine Folk, Rock, Pop & Americana influences to craft a sound that is both exciting and organic. Check out the clip of Elephants Gerald singing "Ticker Tape Parade".
To learn more about Elephants Gerald, visit the official website. You can find Elephants Gerald's music on iTunes and Amazon. Next up, Sol Knopf took the stage. Sol makes a home for his family in Delaware, in the town where I grew up! While he regularly performs, Sol would truly consider himself a songwriter, having won a recent songwriting contest, and having his music heard by some of the top artists in Nashville. In this clip, Knopf sings one of his beautiful songs, "Is It Real?".
To learn more about Sol Knopf, visit his official website. You can find Sol Knopf's music on iTunes, Amazon, as well as his online store. The final artist on the bill was Michael Natrin, who was one of my Twitter friends I knew online, but had never met, so I was very pleased to have the chance to hear him play live. Natrin is one half of the duo 'The Honeybadgers', along with Erin Magnin. Their music is a combination of folk and Americana, in the style of the great Pete Seeger. In the following clip, you can hear Michael singing with Erin on The Honeybadgers song, "South of the Border".
To learn more about Michael Natrin, visit his official website. You can find Michael's work as part of The Honeybadgers on Bandcamp. If you'd like to find out more about Gable Music, visit their official website, or 'follow' them on Twitter.
At the beginning of the year, I wrote about the first album from one of my early fascinations, Carole Bayer Sager. I first became acquainted with her through her collaborations with Melissa Manchester in the late 1970s. I was a fan of Manchester, and figured out I loved the music of Bayer-Sager as well. And when I went a little deeper, I found out I have been a fan of her songs much longer than I had know. One of her first hits was written with Toni Wine, and released in 1965. The group The Mindbenders went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "A Groovy Kind of Love" in 1965. Phil Collins topped that when he took the song to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. She collaborated with many different artists over the years, including boyfriend Marvin Hamlisch, and her second husband, Burt Bacharach. Her work has been recorded by some of the greatest names in music, with Manchester as well as Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Carly Simon, Rita Coolidge, Bernadette Peters, and Liza Minnelli, to name just a few.
Well, in 1978 Bayer Sager released her second album, the aptly titled '...Too'. Her self-titled debut was released the year before, and had spawned the international hit, "You're Moving out Today", written with Bette Midler and Bruce Roberts. I will admit upfront that I quickly added both to my young collection, and made room for her third that was released a few years later. The music was beautiful, and her own quirky voice was just off kilter enough to hold my interest still, to this day. The album kicked off with a song Bayer Sager wrote with Melissa Manchester, "To Make You Smile Again". There is a sweetness to the song, I find it impossible to resist.
While I just love the way Carole can inject so much emotion into the ballads, I wasn't sure what would happen when she would take on a song with a higher octane. And on the second track of '...Too', that was answered. "It's The Falling In Love", written by Bayer Sager and David Foster, she delivered the goods on this wonderful up-tempo song, keeping up with the delicious background vocals supplied by the amazing Michael McDonald. I just love everything about this track! Enjoy "It's The Falling In Love".
Part of the reason this album intrigues me so is that I have heard some of the songs already performed by other artists. I first heard "Peace In My Heart" on the album by Mellisa Manchester, who also co-wrote the song. There is a very different feel to both versions, and I like that. I have to say, I really didn't see the next collaboration coming. "Shadows" has such inherent innocence and charm, it is impossible for me to listen to it only once. It was written by Bayer Sager, as well as Alice Cooper and Bruce Roberts. Yes, Carole worked with Roberts often, but who'd of thought about Alice Cooper? There is something about it that talks to my inner child, and reminds me I am not as grown up as I think I should be. You can hear for yourself, as Bayer Sager sings "Shadows".
That is followed by "You're Interesting", a song written with the late, great Peter Allen. It is a wonderful, flirty Pop song. There is a wonderful drama in "There's Something About You", which should not come as a surprise for it was written with Marvin Hamlisch. "It Doesn't Add Up", written with Johnny Vastano, is just dripping with charm, and just too damned cute. In another collaboration with David Foster, Bayer Sager once again picks up the tempo on "I Don't Wanna Dance No More", with some playful 1970s dance moves. The next song, written with Bruce Roberts, is my favorite from the album, and one of my favorites of all time. "One Star Shining" is a song that I have played many a time after a break up, for it talks to my soul. Give a listen and see if "One Star Shining" speaks to you.
The album ends with "I'm Coming Home Again", written with Melissa Manchester. Again, I had heard an earlier version by Manchester, but this one truly touched my heart. This whole album is pretty special, and more than 30 years later, I am still listening to it. That means I am still a huge fan of this very talented lady. For more about Carole Bayer Sager, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, or 'like' her on Facebook. You can purchase a collection all all three of her albums on Amazon. That is to purchase of a physical CD, for I don't find her music on any of the digital download systems. But if you enjoyed the music from this post, you will love trio of albums. I know I do! There are many nights when Bayer Sager sings me to sleep.
Looking back, I am very glad I got an email from Andrew Abaria not that long ago. I hadn't run across his music before, but due to a tip from JD Doyle of Queer Music Heritage, Andrew remedied that situation. Along the way, I discovered Andrew is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. As the photo above can attest, he is also a handsome man, whose thoughtful portraits might belie the frothy music he makes. He is also an out and proud performer, joining the racks of many other talented artists featured on this blog. And he has just released an EP, 'We Are The Underdogs'.
When I hit play, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. There is a certain excitement about discovering new music. You can never be sure of the quality, the content, or the genre at a simple glance at the cover. There is, for me, a hope I am about to hear a voice that will speak to me. Often, it comes true, but there are also those moments when I wish the song had remained unplayed. However, if that were the case, I am not sure the same excitement could be retained, if not for the uncertainly of the experience. That said, it was not long in the first track on 'We Are The Underdogs' that I knew I'd found something I enjoyed. From the simple chords of the piano, to the addition of his voice, "Boulevard of Broken Heart" captured my attention, a bold Pop song that allowed Abaria's vocals to form a connection with me, to my heart. I could see this being sung by a true Diva, offering a bit of Whitney Realness. While the orchestration remains somewhat simple, there is a grandiosity to the song, bringing the emotions to the forefront. Rather than my silly prattling, check it out for yourself.
The tone for "Can't Stand the Fall" tilts more toward melancholia, a real hurt that is practically palpable in Andrew's voice. We can feel the loss, and identify with the pain we have all felt following an important breakup. Abaria connects with that so well, we are brought along with him. The mood certainly moved from the beginning of "Kiss Me Till They Find Us", an unadulterated joyful Pop song, shining a light on the joy a love. If this chorus doesn't make you smile, it is time to defrost that heart. By the end of the song, I was singing along, and clapping with the rhythm. That delivered us to the title track, "We Are The Underdogs". Quickly, there is a bombastic feel, more Freddie Mercury that Meat Loaf. Just when you think the song has brought you to a new height, Andrew manages to soar a bit higher. Give it a listen, and you'll undoubtedly agree.
That leaves me with the final cut on the EP, "Silent Tonight". This really is a song that allows Abaria to reach down deep, and explore his own hurt, to expose his nerve. We've all had those moments, when we are with a loved one, looking for those soothing touches, the warm embrace, or just the right words to set our heart at ease, but instead, we are greeted by that moment of silence. That completes the album, and after several listens, I am not sure I can find a weak spot on it. Arbaria takes us with him on this emotional journey, experiencing the high and low points of love and life. We might be seen as underdogs as we find our way, but it is our resilience that increase the odds for finding happiness. And that is what makes 'We Are The Underdogs' a must have for your music collection. To learn more about Andrew Abaria, visit his official website. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter. You can find 'We Are The Underdogs' on iTunes and Amazon.
This evening, the Top 3 acts from Season 4 are looking to secure your vote to be named the winner of 'The Voice' on Tuesday night's results show. Last week, Team Adam and Team Shakira were eliminated, when Amber Carrington and Sasha Allen, respectively, were sent home. Both are very talented ladies, and may have paid the price for some questionable song choices, as has often been the case this strong and very entertaining season. From all reports, it sounds as though both Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green will be returning in the fall for Season 5, so Usher and Shakira might be done for at least the time being. I must say, I think they have done a good job, and was hoping to see what might happen if they were to return with a season of learning under their belt. My hat's off to all the judges for doing such a strong job, without becoming the focus of each and every episode.
Left to right: Adam Levine, Shakira, Blake Shelton, Usher, and Carson Daly
The Final 3 are made up with members of Team Usher, Michelle Chamuel, and Team Blake, Danielle Bradbery and The Swon Brothers. Can Usher come through with a win in his rookie season as a judge? Can his Electro-Pop starlet command the votes to unseat the Country acts? Or will Blake take the title for the third consecutive season, and earn the first victory with a budding Country star? Can 16-year-old Danielle garner the votes to be the youngest winner so far, or will The Swon Brothers become the first group to take home the title. After all, Zach and Colton bucked the odds all season long, being the first duo or group to make it to the semifinal performances, and now the finals. Will the Country vote be split between the two strong acts, leaving room for Michelle to take the title in a season dominated by Country influences? Only time and Carson Daly can tell...
Carson Daly comes out to the screaming audience to remind us that this is the final chance to impress the voters, and all three acts want to win it, and get the recording contract with Universal. It seems like they will be singing three songs each, with one new song, the song considered their 'breakthrough moment, and a duet with their coach. Touching base with the coaches as the show begins, Blake has faith either of his acts could take the title, and Usher has designs to win it all with Michelle. The first performance tonight is from the judges, who take on "With A Little Help From My Friends", the iconic song from the Lennon-McCartney songbook. Here is how the Beatles got the job done "With A Little Help From My Friends".
After a break, it is time for The Swon Brothers to give their first of the night. We see a recap of their journey on The Voice, and how far they have come over the past few months. They are singing "I Can't Tell You Why" by The Eagles. The chorus for this song is sung in falsetto, with a real sweetness to it. Right away, we hear that Zach is in great voice, taking it to the song. They hit the falsetto in the chorus and are so on, it is scary. I am loving this performance. The Swon Brothers came to take the title back to Oklahoma. Usher was somewhat cool with his critique, but Shakira loved it, and had nothing but wonderful things to say. Adam thought it was incredible, just so right on. Blake is so proud of the boys, and how they have continued to evolve as artists, never resting on safe choices. After a break, Usher talks about how proud he is of Michelle, and to mark what he thinks is her breakthrough moment, Michelle will be singing Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble".
She sound pretty damn good, but I find it is often so hard to catch lightning in a bottle a second time. She sang it beautifully, and delivered it with a real Pop/Rock feeling. Shakira tells her she is extraordinary as an artist, and that is what music needs right now. Adam just loves her energy, and what she does live. Blake agrees with Adam, and thinks she is a Rock Star. Usher calls her the winner, and is just so very proud of his pupil. After the break, Blake meets with Danielle Bradbery and her family, talking about her journey with them. Then they step on stage for a duet, and they sing "Timber, I'm Falling In Love", the great song from Patti Loveless. Blake is so sweet, taking the high harmonies, letting Danielle shine. After the break, Blake is back on the screen, this time to talk about the Swon Brothers. They are reviving the Loggins & Messina song "Danny's Song", which they first sang just last week. Their harmonies are so tight, it is hard to find fault. But once again, it is hard to spark the magic of the first performance. Solid, strong, and a delight. Usher thinks they were incredible, and made the competition disappear for a few moments. Adam agreed with Usher, and thought they did such a great song. Blake loved how they reinvented this classic, making it their own. Michelle Chamuel is up again, and will be singing "Why", the great song Annie Lennox. That is an incredible song, but Annie is a tough act to follow.
She sings the first part of the song into a mirror/video screen, with her back to the audience. That doesn't really work for me, I like it best when she has a direct connection to us. This is good, but not great. It is so hard to follow up the great Annie Lennox, who sings everything with such conviction and honesty. Michelle seemed to really connect with the final minute of the performance, which was so nice. Shakira loved it, and thought it proved her value as an artist, showing likability and capability. Blake loved the production, and thought it was wise to offer a softer performance, a different side of Michelle. Usher is just so proud of all she has done, and looks forward to hear what she will offer as an artist in the future. Blake meets with Mama & Papa Swon, before they do their duet with him. They will be singing "Celebrity", the big hit by Brad Paisley.
While the boys do their thing on the chorus, adding sweet, tight harmonies. However, the rest of the song proves to be a bit of a weak song for them. It just didn't feel like the type of song they would be singing on their own, lacking the musicality they have in abundance. After a break, it is time for Danielle to come out with her breakthrough moment. Blake believes she has had many such moments, but decided on "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis. Danielle performed it for the Top 16 round, which seems so long ago now. She did a lovely job, but I did feel she fell a bit flat at the end. I don't know what it was, but I thought she struggled a bit. Shakira donned a cowboy hat and tells Danielle she has such star power. Adam loves her, and announces he thinks she has won the whole competition, even thought it pains him that Blake would win again. After a break, Christina Milan reminds me why I think most of her onscreen interviews are a waste of time. Then Carson introduces Danielle, Michelle, and The Swon Brothers, who are there to sing "Home", a song from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.
I like the song, and it is fun. Then the rest of the Top 16 join them on stage. I think this is a really nice song, but the group arrangement comes off a little too 'Up With People', a bit dry and soulless. Which, by the way, I blame on the show, not the Top 3. After the break, it is time for Michelle Chamuel to duet with Usher. They will be singing "One", the great song by U2, covered exceptionally by Mary J. Blige.
Usher opens the song, with some of the best vocals I've heard from him this season. When Michelle joins him, they sound great together. By the end, Michelle is out-singing Usher, catching fire just as her coach was running out of gas. As we go to the final break, Carson reminds us that we still have a performance from Danielle Bradbery. Once again, we are reminded of her journey, and hear Blake using his superlatives again, and we get it. She is going to win. She will sing "Born To Fly" by Sara Evans.
It is really the first uptempo song we've heard from her. The song is a cute Country song, but somewhat generic to me. It lacked a bit of zip that might have allowed it to take off, but I am not sure Danielle is prepared to zip yet. I find her to be pitch perfect, but a bit vacuous, most likely because she is still so young. I wish I could get more excited about her, but it just isn't happening for me. Usher tells her she is special, and did well. Adam doesn't know what to say, since he already declared her the winner. Blake reminds us he thinks she is the most important artist to come through 'The Voice', and how important she will be to Country music. Yep, I get it, folks. I understand who you think will be announced as the winner tomorrow night. But honestly, I thought The Swon Brothers were the strongest on all three songs, followed by Michelle. My reaction all season long has been the same for Danielle, a bit tepid. But it is time for the votes to be cast, for America to pick their favorite. Speaking of votes, to learn how you can place your vote, visit the official website. In brief, you can vote via a toll-free phone number, online at NBC.com, with the special NBC App, or Facebook. Unlike some shows, The Voice limits the amount of votes people can place per method. You can vote 10 times per phone, or 10 times via Facebook, or 10 times via NBC App between now and 10AM Tuesday morning. The phone number is (877)553-37XX, filling in the 'XX' with the artist number. Those numbers would be The Swon Brothers 01, Michelle Chamuel 02, and Danielle Bradbery 03. Don't forget, your iTunes purchase also counts as a vote, if you are so inclined. There is a link to all the songs on the iTunes front page.
When you think about Broadway royalty, when you find a show with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a book by Neil Simon, that is a damn good start. Add in that the direction and choreography would be by Bob Fosse, and the leading lady played by Gwen Verdon, and I don't think you could go wrong. Well, that was the lineup for the 1966 Broadway production of 'Sweet Charity'. The production, which ran for over 600 performances, was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, winning one for Fosse's choreography. Here is a wonderful clip of the delicious Gwen Verdon singing "If My Friends Could See Me Now" on the Ed Sullivan show.
You can find the Sweet Charity Original Broadway Cast Album on both iTunes and Amazon.
Clockwise: Lena Horne, Ruth Wallis, Julie London, and Etta James.
In my own way of wishing a very happy Father's Day to all those who are helping to raise children, I thought I would offer up a delectable plate of yummy treats. I will start with the song best known for it's saucy approach, written by the king a flirtation, Cole Porter, for the 1938 musical 'Leave It to Me!' This time, I thought it would be fun to include the gorgeous Lena Horne singng "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" to kick off the celebration.
Etta James is among the great Blues singers we have known, having made some great music during her career. Her recording of "At Last" quickly became a classic, as well as great Blues classics like "I'd Rather Go Blind". Here is her wonderful recording of "Good Rockin' Daddy", written by Richard Berry and Joe Josea which she released in the late 1950s.
There was just something so very sexy and sultry about Julie London, but she still appealed to women. I know my mother loved her, and had her records I would hear when I was young. So it was a no brainer for me to include her flirty version of "Daddy", a song written by her musical collaborator and husband Bobby Troupe.
