How Liza, Ben, Tap Dancers & Angela Inspired Me

Today, I thought I would take a look back at some of the music that inspired me, and helped to form what is now quite a vast array of music. While growing up, I was not only exposed to Pop music that was playing on the radio, I also had my older brothers and sister with their music. But in high school, something changed. I did some of the yearly musicals, which exposed me to some different music. But it was when I sent on the yearly trip to New York City, just over a 2 hour drive from my home town, that I got y first taste of professional theater. And my first show was a magnificent way to start. It was 'Pippin', with words and music by Stephen Schwartz, starring Ben Vereen, John Rubinstein, Jill Clayburgh and Irene Ryan, directed and choreographed by the brilliant Bob Fosse. Sitting in the theater and watching it all come to life blew me away, and excited me in a way few other things did. This is a video of Ben Vereen singing "On The Right Track" from 'Pippin'.

I had no idea what to expect when I went to see 'The Act', featuring Liza Minnelli. I was already a big movie buff, having watched many a musical on television, including many starring the late, great Judy Garland. I had seen Liza on the screen, but this time I would actually get to see her on the stage. I was so excited, and have to say, Minnelli lived up to the it all. I was blow away by the shear bravura of her performance. I mean, she was just electrifying in person. The show, which was little more than a star vehicle for Liza, showed off her talents as a singer and dancer. And certainly showed that John Kander and Fred Ebb were still excellent songwriters. This is Liza Minnelli singing "City Life" from 'The Act' in a performance from the 1978 Tony Awards.

Once I left high school, I went to college. At Albright College, in scenic Reading, PA, I found another school that planned yearly theater trips to New York, only now, you got to go for a weekend, and catch more than one show! One of the shows I saw was a phenomenal one I knew nothing about, 'A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine'. The show, which combined original songs with music by Frank Lazarus and lyrics by Dick Vosburgh with other music that fit the needs of the story, was a tribute show of sorts. The first act was a valentine to Hollywood, with humor and heart. The second act was a look at the Marx Brothers famous film 'A Night in the Ukraine'. Both were filled with reverence, camp, and a lot of love. Near the end of the first act, the cast performed a number without the orchestra, using their tap dancing shoes and voices to create a special moment. This is the cast of 'A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine' singing "Doin' the Production Code".

I was also lucky enough to get to a preview performance of a new musical by Stephen Sondheim, a little show called 'Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street'. Once again, I walked in blindly, knowing only I already was a fan of Sondheim's work. I found the entire show fascinating, from beginning to end, often getting chills from almost every aspect of the show. Angela Lansbury was perfect as Mrs. Lovett, and Len Cariou amazing as Sweeney. A young and handsome Victor Garber played Anthony, with an impressive voice. It was exciting, beautiful, scary, and sweet, sometimes all at once. In one of the sweeter moments in the second act, this is Ken Jennings with Angela Lansbury singing "Not While I'm Around" from 'Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street'.

I purchased the original cast album for all four of these shows, and several others. I still have them, and listen to them to this day. I became a fan of the shows, and the cast who were in them. in a few years, I moved to New York City, and began to work in the Circle Repertory Theatre, in the West Village. I worked behind the scenes, as a carpenter and production manager. There were some fantastic shows, and some memorable bombs. I worked with some incredibly talented people, like designers John Lee Beatty (who I had a bit of a crush on), Dennis Parichy, and Jennifer Von Mayrhauser, as well as many talented actor, directors, and playwrights. I knew the late Lanford Wilson, and worked on Sam Shepard's 'Fool For Love'. And I don't think that would have happened without starting to see the shows I mentioned above, inspiring me.

Candy Apple Blue • Detonator Music Video

I have been enchanted with the music made by the gorgeous siblings from Pittsburgh, known as Candy Apple Blue. I was first introduced to them by SIRPAUL, and they have remained a steady feature of my playlists. Carly and Hoyt Emerick make catchy Electropop songs I find impossible to resist. Recently, they have recorded with singer Nick Bramlett, and it sounds like a collaboration that is great for everyone. Together, they released a new music video for the song "Detonator", and I couldn't be happier. Bold and colorful visuals compliment the song, as well as the handsome artists performing the song. This is Candy Apple Blue with the music video for "Detonator" featuring Nick Bramlett (Tyler Nelson EDM Mixshow Remix).

You can purchase "Detonator: The Remixes" from iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp, and Bandcamp. The song will be on the album 'Powers Activate', a project combining the wonders of Candy Apple Blue and Nick Bramlett. To learn more about Candy Apple Blue, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook. You can find Nick Bramlett on social media, where you can 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Matt Gold • Low

Ever since I was introduced to his by JD Doyle, I have been a fan of Matt Gold's music. There is a rich soulfulness in his voice, and a melodic beauty to his music. He is a real storyteller, bringing to life whatever tale is is singing about, and doing it with authenticity and style. This remains true with his latest single, "Low". Matt examines relationships and love, and what we do when we find ourselves in that situation. This is Matt Gold with "Low".

Gold's voice still touches me, and quickly discovered this was another song I needed in my collection. You can purchase "Low" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Matt Gold, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Torch • At Long Last Cole Porter

Left to right: Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, and Lena Horne.

Lena Horne sings "At Long Last Love". The song was written by Cole Porter for his 1938 musical 'You Never Know'. The show was notable only because it was Porter's first show after the riding accident that left him using a cane for the rest of his life. Apparently, much of the show is forgettable, even though it featured music by Cole Porter and Robert Katscher, lyrics by Cole Porter, additional lyrics by Leigh and Edwin Gilbert, and songs by others as well. That description alone tells me it will be a bit of a mess. But it had this song, and here it is sung by the always brilliant Miss Lena Horne.

Julie London sings "What Is This Thing Called Love". The song was written for the musical revue 'Wake Up and Dream', on Broadway in 1929. In fact, the show opened on December 20, 1929, making it the final Broadway opening of the 1920s. The song almost instantly became a Jazz standard, and is one of the most performed songs of Porter's impressive songbook. As London is still a favorite of my mother, I can't help but have a warm pot for her and her music. This is Julie London singing "What Is This Thing Called Love".

Ella Fitzgerald sings "It's Alright With Me". The song is from the 1953 musical 'Can-Can'. The show featured the stories of the ladies performing in the Parisian dance halls of the 1890s. The musical was a success both in the original Broadway production as well as the original West End production in London. Here, it is performed by the iconic Ella Fitzgerald, whose voice is just so perfect to sing Jazz and standards as few others can. This is Ella with "It's Alright With Me".

Judy Garland sings "I Am Loved" from the 1950 musical, 'Out of This World'. The show was an adaptation of Plautus' comedy 'Amphitryon', featuring Roman Gods wanting to have some fun with mere humans. The show was the follow-up to the hugely successful 'Kiss Me, Kate', and was his first and only box office failure of the 1950s. Of course, there was only two more shows by Porter to come, 'Can-Can' and 'Silk Stockings'. But I think this song is a perfect way to end the post. This is Judy Garland singing "I Am Loved".

After decades of pain in his legs from the riding accident in 1937, and following 34 surgeries to try to fix it, Porter's right leg was amputated in 1958. Having already lost his mother in 1952, and his wife, Linda, in 1954, it was thought this was the final straw to break Cole, and he went in seclusion, writing no more music until his death in 1964. Luckily for us all, he left a rich songbook that will always entertain.

Julio Iglesias • Volver a Empezar (Begin the Beguine)

After several years of having to put up with the lifeless whispers of his son, Enrique, I think I had forgotten how truly talented Julio Iglesias was. The man was tall, handsome, and very sexy, and sure could sing. I remember back in the day, other singers like Frank Sinatra thought he was the best! As a recording artist, Iglesias has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide, and is still hitting the studio, despite the fact he is now in his 70s. His first English-language hit was a cover of the great Cole Porter song, "Begin The Beguine", sung in both English and Spanish. He pretty much owned the 1980s, and it is no wonder with his voice and easy style. This is Julio Iglesias singing "Begin the Beguine".

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Date Night • Sombrero & Bling

To get back to my "Date Night" series, I have decided on a double-feature of romantic comedies. Because I think we can all use a bit of laughter and more love in all our lives. The first up tonight is 'Sombrero', the 2008 release from writer/director Nathaniel Atcheson. The short tells a story of what happens when James attempts to meet his long-lost brother at a Mexican restaurant the same night Terry will meet up with a date he met online. It stars Michael Osborne as James, Jeff Lorch as Raymond, Anthony Sherritt as Robert, and Christian Zuber as Terry, and all four performances made me laugh. This is 'Sombrero'.

The first thing I say about 'Bling', a 2013 release from Varun MacHhar, is how gorgeously shot the short is. It was filmed on location in Pune, Maharashtra, India, which is a beautiful place, at least if the pictures are true. The story is about best friends Rohan and Tiara, and the only thing that can come between a young closeted gay and his straight bestie. Of course, that would be stunning guy. Who will snag him first? The short stars Satyajeet Dubey as Rohan, Shabnam Pandey as Tiara, and Aakash Jaiswal as Sam. This is 'Bling'.

Have a great weekend!

Cazwell • Downtown (NSFW)

I am a fan of the music of Cazwell, the rapper with blond hair, blue eyes, and a hot body who has released a new music video. I can't remember when I first discovered his music, whether it was when I sw the video for "Ice Cream Truck", or some other gem I still play on my iPod. His new single, "Downtown", follows in the style of his videos, meaning it is sexy, irreverent, and filled with hot men wearing as little as possible. So when I point out this music video is NSFW, I mean it. So if you are at work, do yourself a favor, and either favorite the video you you can come back too it - often - or put on the headphone and take you chance on being caught. Who knows, your boss might want to watch with you.

"Downtown" is a single off the album 'Hard 2 B Fresh', and once again, Cazwell has me from the start. The song is an homage, of sorts, to life lived in the city, if you discount life on the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan. These are not boys going to the piano bar in the West Village, either. They used to hang out in midtown, before Mayor Giuliani banished the clubs and the porn theaters. So they go to the Lower East Side to see the boys strip, but drink it up at their apartment before they go out, to save some money. This is Cazwell with "Downtown".

"Downtown" can be found on Cazwell's latest album. You can purchase 'Hard 2 B Fresh' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Cazwell, visit his official website. You can also find him on social media, where you can 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Tom Goss & Max Emerson • I Don't Mind (Acapella Cover of the Usher feat Juicy J song)

Not only am I a fan of Tom Goss, but my sister and a couple of my nieces are as well. It is easy to understand, with his easy charm, striking good looks, and an inherent sweetness make him easy to love. And his talent, both as a performer and a songwriter make him someone I recommend heartily to others, with confidence they will see and hear what I do. I look forward to whatever music he is making, be it his amazing original songs or his creative treatment of cover songs.

The latest product from Tom is a cover song, working with model/blogger/actor/director/chipmunk enthusiast Max Emerson, who brings a strong helping of good looks and humor. Together they take on "I Don't Mind", a recent release from Usher, featuring rapper Juicy J. The original is a misogynistic ode to a stripper girlfriend that is, at times, rather cringe worthy. Tom and Max give it a bit of a makeover, offering an acapella version, laced with humor and self-awareness, making me smile and laugh as opposed to flinching and wincing. This is Tom Goss & Max Emerson with their take on "I Don't Mind" (Cover of the Usher feat Juicy J song).

Unfortunately, "I Don't Mind" is only available on YouTube, but if you enjoy Tom Goss, you might like his his latest album. You can purchase 'Wait' from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also buy the physical CD from Tom's online store. For more about Tom Goss, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. To learn more about Max Emerson, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Gavin James • Book of Love

I first discovered the music of Irishman Gavin James on YouTube, with his sweet cover of Etta James' "At Last". As his music wasn't yet available in America, I went on a quest of sorts, finding music I could listen to. Once I did, I found myself being enchanted by the ginger boy from Dublin, Ireland. I was waiting for something I could purchase, so I could show my support for this artist. When 'Live at Whelans' showed up on my iTunes, I eagerly bought it, and it was instantly a part of my playlist. The live setting showcased some of the aspects I love about Gavin, allowing his voice to soar at times, while being subtle and controlled at others. Once I heard he was heading to the studio, I became very excited!

Fast forward to now, and the first studio recording is not only available, but also in my collection. "The Book of Love" was included in the live album, and I loved it. It was the lone cover included, as it was written by American indie musician Stephin Merritt and recorded by his band, The Magnetic Fields. There is an inherent romance to the song, almost intoxicating in it's honesty. While the original is fantastic, James has his own take on the song, offering a lighter, sweeter version that is hard to resist. This is the music video for Gavin James singing "The Book of Love".

Of course, having a gay Irishman singing about wedding rings (written by a gay American artist) as his homeland is getting ready to hold a vote on marriage equality is a pretty cool thing. Yes, I do hate that breeders around the world seem to feel the rights of minorities should be up for public votes, while they would be horrified if their own rights were put on the table. But enough about politics, back to the music. "The Book of Love" will be included in the upcoming studio release 'For You', with three other songs also on 'Live at Whelans'. If this is any indication of what is to come, I can't wait to have 'For You' on my iPod. Until then, I will be giddy playing "The Book of Love" time and time again. You can find the single on iTunes and Amazon. I must admit To learn more about Gavin James, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Romani Beau • Molly and the Boys

I first discovered the music of Romani Beau, the British singer/songwriter who combines Country and Folk to make his own style, inspired by his childhood in pastoral Kent, England. Maybe it was the gardens and countryside of his youth that gave him such a romantic view of the world, or perhaps he was born with a bigger heart than most. There are time I swear that poet John Keats leaped through two centuries in search of love, and found Emmylou Harris. Together, a child was born, and they named him Romani. He maintained the ethereal wonder of his 'father', while singing with the crisp and clear tone of his 'mother'. The music transports me much like the poetry of Keats, and the music of Harris. Like Emmylou, his music has a rootsy feel, at the intersection of Folk and Country.

Earlier this year, Romani Beau released 'Molly and the Boys', a five song EP that I find every bit as charming as his last efforts, and maybe even more so. The collection kicks off with the title cut, an uptempo number that dances on the line between Pop and Country, and does so with a sweetness that is just yummy. Romani slows down things a bit with the second cut, "Joanne". There is a melancholy feel to the song, and yet there is still the inherent beauty to this love song. The third cut is "Gypsy", another uptempo song that leaps into my heart right away. I hope you agree. This is the official music video for "Gypsy".

Once again, Beau slows thing down a bit with "Old Man's Lament". This has the feel of a traditional Folk song, combining a modern tale with a sprinkling of historic seasoning. The layered vocals allow Romani's voice to shine, singing harmonies with himself making for a perfect blend. This all helps him to bring the story to life. There is a timeless quality to "In the Lap of the Mountain", drawing me in to the heartfelt tale with breath and a sigh. The emotions run both deep and clear, washing over as I listen again. Just in case you need more than my words, here is a video prepared by Romani Beau giving you a taste of 'Molly and the Boys'.

I've enjoyed this EP since the moment I downloaded it, and recommend it very highly. Like life itself, you can find so much joy, a bit of sorrow, and a great deal of love in this release. You can purchase 'Molly and the Boys' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Romani Beau, you can visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Jeb Havens featuring Michael Powers • Enough (Reba McEntire Cover)

Okay, I'll say it. I am not only a fan of Jeb Havens' music, I also have a crush on him. I just can't help it - he's kinda gorgeous, and so damned talented. I follow him on all the social media (yes, I expect the court papers to arrive soon), and listen to his music often. Recently, Havens teamed up with Michael Powers, an American Idol Season 11 contestant, to make some cool music. I have opted to showcase their duet on "Enough", the song originally featuring a duet with Reba McEntire and Jennifer Nettles, two incredible singers in their own right. But I must say, the two out and proud singers certainly claim ownership of the song, and make it something I wanted to listen again and again. This is Jeb Havens and Michael Powers with "Enough".

While this song is not available for purchase, there is plenty of music that is. You can purchase Jeb's fantastic solo album, the eponymous 2010 release from iTunes and Amazon. You can also find his sexy collaboration with Rowsy Bosch on iTunes and Amazon. Michael has a great single available from iTunes and CD Baby. For more about Jeb Havens, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. To learn about Michael Powers and his music, visit his official Youtube channel. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Ricky Martin • Adios Music Video

I have never been shy in professing my love for Ricky Martin. I've been enamored for over a decade (God, I'm old), and I swear he keeps getting better looking, and even sexier. I could easily convince myself he secrets from drug, for he has me addicted. I need to watch his videos, and listen to his songs. Even the non-English language stuff, despite the fact I don't speak Spanish. Hey, I took French in high school and college! But rest assured, if Ricky wanted me to, I'd learn Spanish so fast, he'd be impressed and want to marry me...

A few weeks ago, I featured the music video for Ricky's "Disparo al Corazon", and it was then I realized I had not posted about the first single and music video released from the latest album, 'A Quién Quiera Escuchar'. "Adios" is the aforementioned video, and I kinda love it. It is uptempo, melodic, and a little bit quirky, so what is not to love? I love the sexy playfulness, and the way Martin just owns the screen whenever he is on it. I can't listen to it enough, and the same is true for the whole album. This is Ricky Martin with the music video for "Adios".

"Adios" can be found on Ricky's latest album. To purchase 'A Quien Quiera Escuchar', you can find it on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Ricky Martin, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.