David Raleigh • The Videos

Later on tonight, I will be in New York City to attend the launch of the latest from David Raleigh, the wonderful singer, songwriter, and pianist. I first discovered Raleigh about four years ago, when he worked on a project with some very talented men, but I will get to that shortly. Once I heard him, I needed to hear more, so I soon found his solo stuff. Man, am I glad I did. His music is just as special ass the man is, and I can't get enough. You want to know much I love David? I will be traveling to see him, and will be missing one of my favorite guilty pleasures, 'Sleepy Hollow'.

As I said before, I first found David by way of a project he worked on with some very talented men. David collaborated with Tony Award winner Billy Porter, the gifted Sir Ari Gold, and intriguing Alan Cumming on "That's What Friends Are For", a new look at the classic best remembered for the 1985 version by Dione Warwick and Friends, with Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder joining Dione to raise money for AmFar. The song was written by Carole Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach. Raleigh, Porter, Cumming and Gold revived it to also raise money, for the Ali Fortney Center, a New York City shelter for homeless GLBT youth. The song was produced by Nathan Leigh Jones. This is David, Billy, Alan and Ari with "That's What Friends Are For".

You can purchase the single from iTunes. I think the money will still go to the great cause. Watching this video, and purchasing the song, lead me to find other music by Raleigh, and I was able to do that fairly quickly. Not long on YouTube, and I had a great new music video I kept watching, time and time again. There is such joy and love emanating from the core of "I Do!", and I knew once again, I was addicted. This is David Raleigh with the great song, "I Do!".

I quickly found out that "I Do!" was just the first single off his recently released album, 'Beginning Again'. Once I found it, I purchased the album, and found a wealth of great music that warmed my heart, and inspired my soul. I was very excite when it was time for a second video to be released, and was thrilled it was the beautiful "One Together". The song is a stunning song that goes directly to the heart of love, and I just adore it. This is the official music video for "One Together".

I must admit, I was near giddy with excitement when I heard David would release "Do It To Me", the first single/video from the new album, 'The Equation of Love'. And once I heard it, I was understood why. The song once again as the joy and love I have come to expect from Raleigh's music, and more. It made me so eager to hear the rest of the album, and I am so glad that time is almost hear. This is the official music video for "Do It To Me".

This evening, I will be hearing many of the songs from 'The Equation of Love' played live, and be leaving with my own copy. For that, my friends, you can be jealous. Or you can join us! To learn more about David Raleigh, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can find his music at your favorite online music stores. You can purchase 'Beginning Again' from iTunes and Amazon. Today is the official release date for 'The Equation of Love', and you can find it on iTunes and Amazon.

David Raleigh • Do It To Me

Handsome, charming and talented, David Raleigh never fails to impress me. His charisma jumps off the screen, and I feel it when I hit play on my iPod. That is most certainly the case with his latest single, "Do It To Me", the first single off his album 'The Equation of Love', due out in October of 2014. "Do It To Me" combines elements of Pop and R&B to make for a smooth and sexy turn by David. The song was written by Raleigh and his good buddy Nathan Leigh Jones. Not only is it the first single, but it also is the first music video, filmed on location in Central Park in Manhattan. Much of the video features the iconic Bethesda Fountain, a true oasis in the concrete jungle. There David was joined by three couples, all who shared the love in front of the camera. This is David Raleigh with "Do It To Me".

I just love the song, and it makes me so very excited about "The Equitation of Love". It first made it into my June playlist, and has since bounced forward into July. Something tells me it might still be around come August. You can purchase "Do It To Me" from iTunes and Amazon. For more about David Raleigh, visit his official website. You can tell him how much you enjoy the song, if you 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Nathan Leigh Jones & David Raleigh • Winter Wonderland

If I wasn't excited enough about 'Brand New Christmas', the new holiday album that allowed Nathan to re-imagine some true classics, then came word he flew to New York City to work on a music video. Woohoo! And I was very happy to learn it was to use the song "Winter Wonderland", the duet with the wonderful David Raleigh. I loved the recording when I first heard it on the album, so filled with charm and warmth I would expect from both artists. I think I might like it even better as I watch these two wonderful men on the video. I hope you enjoy "Winter Wonderland" as much as I do!

"Winter Wonderland" can be found on Nathan's latest release, 'Brand New Christmas', where Nathan takes a new look at some old favorites. You can purchase 'Brand New Christmas' exclusively from iTunes. For more about Nathan Leigh Jones, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. For more about David Raleigh, check out David's official website. You can also 'like' David on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Nathan Leigh Jones • Brand New Christmas

It has been an exciting year for handsome Australian Nathan Leigh Jones, with the release of his fantastic video for the song "Crying Out For Love" off the album 'Sooner Or Later'. The music video was beautiful, and supported Marriage Equality, a movement that is gaining momentum world-wide, and will hopefully be adding Australia to the list of countries soon. He also worked as Producer for David Raleigh's soon-to-be-released album, how exciting is that? He also set his sights on a putting out a holiday album, but with that very special something that is Nathan. Well, I am here to tell you that Nathan's latest release, 'Brand New Christmas' is just what my holiday was looking for, more great music from the Aussie singer/songwriter.

'Brand New Christmas' is Nathan's collection of Christmas music, only with a definite Jonesian twist! You see, each song on the album is a classic, and with each recording, Nathan re-imagines the song, with his own music. That is right, Nathan rewrote the music, but kept the lyrics of the iconic favorites that are such a wonderful part of our lives. A perfect example of this would be the first cut off the album, "Deck The Halls". With lyrics by Thomas Oliphant, who interpreted the original Welsh lyrics by John Jones, better known by his penname Talhaiar, the song has now been updated with music by Nathan Leigh Jones.

Irving Berlin wrote the music and lyrics to one of the most loved Christmas songs of the last century, "White Christmas", best remembered by Bing Crosby's recording. Nathan updates the sound, adding a touch of retro to make it special. There is something truly beautiful about Nathan's version of "Let It Snow", a song with lyrics by Sammy Cahn and music by Jules Styne. Of course, Nathan puts Cahn's lyrics in his own music, bringing the sound to a more contemporary R&B song. Stunning, I tell you! "Silver Bells" was originally written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, but Nathan replaced Livingston's music with his own. There is something a little darker with Nathan's retelling, and the chorus is pretty amazing! "Silent Night" was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr. Nathan tossed the Gruber melody to the side, and gave the song a great new sound. You can listen to it below.

Written in 1934 by composer Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard B. Smith, "Winter Wonderland" has been sung by all the great names in music. Add two more to the list, for Nathan is joined on the recording by David Raleigh, with a new Bluesy feel that suits both vocalists perfectly. There is such wonderful charm and depth to this recording, "Winter Wonderland" instantly became a favorite of mine. Total, full-out love, I tell you! "O Holy Night" was written by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, Chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau. Nathan made it a soaring ballad, and the song is refreshed, for the lyrics no longer sound as though they were written over a century-and-a-half ago. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, the duo behind so many songs for MGM musicals, including many of them featuring the great Judy Garland. In fact, Garland introduced this one in the 1944 musical "Meet Me In St. Louis". Nathan amps up the joyous factor, bring it up to a mid-tempo song that is more celebratory than melancholy. The original lyrics for "Angels We Have Heard On High" were based on the French poem 'Les Anges dans nos campagnes' by an unknown author. There is a delightful 1960s sound, the Phil Spector Wall of Sound, the Brill Building, the whole thing, all in this song, and I just adore it. That leaves the final track, "I'll Be Home For Christmas". The song was written by lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent, based on the original poem of the same name written by Buck Ram. It was made famous by Bing Crosby in 1943. I love the way Nathan updated this, maintaining the warmth and haunting quality of the original. To get a listen to parts of all the songs on the album, hit play below.

With this 'facelift', there is a true freshness for all the classics. While I have enjoyed different arrangements for some of the songs, this is the first time someone have managed to make them all feel light and new, a true revelation. I loved it, from start to finish, and think this album needs to be in your collection now! For yourself, or for a stocking stuffer for someone you love, this is a wonderful treat. You can purchase 'Brand New Christmas' exclusively from iTunes. For more about Nathan Leigh Jones, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.

David Raleigh Kickstarts Work On A Definitive Album

I am proud to say I am a big fan of David Raleigh. Now, anyone who has paid attention to my posts would know that was not breaking news, for I've shared his music over the last couple of years. In fact, it's been a little more than two years since I traveled to New York City to see and hear David and his friend/producer Nathan Leigh Jones perform at Joe's Pub. And it has been almost three years since the singer was featured on the blog for the first time, with the music video for 'That's What Friends Are For', which also featured recent Tony-winner Billy Porter, Sir Ari Gold, and Emmy-nominated Alan Cumming, all interested in raising funds for the Ali Forney Center, a New York City shelter for homeless GLBT youth. There was so much talent on this project, and it introduced me to some talented I didn't really know before, always a great thing.

When David recently announced he would be heading back in the studio to work on a new album, I got excited. And when he announced the Kickstarter page, to begin a crowdfunding campaign, you better believe I wanted to be a part of it. You see, I am the type of guy who wants people making music I love to keep it going. And David certainly falls into that category. Now that I have made my pledge, I was able to bring my mind back to the blog, and had to chance to ask a few questions of the singer/songwriter, which I am thrilled to be sharing with you now. First, I wanted to know how David decided to take a swim in the Crowdfunding pool? "Am I swimming?! Yay," he exclaimed! "Well, I was in the studio with my producer, Nathan Leigh Jones, working on the tunes for this next album. We were sitting around shootin' the shit, and the question of how the album would be financed came up. (As unfortunately it always does) Nathan brought up the idea of using Kickstarter. I had heard of artists having success on various crowdfunding sites and had been intrigued by the idea, but had never actually thought of using one myself. But I looked into it and and researched a few of them. Kickstarter won me over. I loved the platform, it's 'reward' concept seemed fun and engaging. So I decided to jump in head first! I hope that a few of your readers will jump in the pool with me too! The water's warm!." I am always interested in how an artist sees and hears their own music, so I wanted to know how David would define his own music. "Funny that you ask that question," he answered with a smile. "Well, actually NOT funny, but you know what I mean. People always ask me that and I'm always hesitant to answer. I feel as a lot of artists do that my music isn't always easy to define. I like all different kinds of styles and want to be able to explore everything. It's a dilemma! Ha Ha! But when pressed, I like to say that my music is pretty much a cocktail (and who doesn't like COCKTAILS!) A generous pour of R&B mixed with a dash of Jazz, poured into a large, chilled pop/rock ice filled glass with a floater of Cabaret on top. YUM! Uh-huh, don't be shy, you know you want some!" His piano-driven songs are definitely a mix of styles, a wonderful melange of influences. You can see how well this works in this clip from last year of David singing "I Do", off his album 'Beginning Again'.

On his Kickstarter page, David talks about the budget for the album, and that would include costs to record in Australia. While I know David shares time between New York and Australia, I wanted to know why in Australia? "I split my recording between New York and Sydney," he remarked. "I've been working and collaborating with my producer for five years now and he happens to live and work between Sydney and New York, so with the bi-continental studio and engineering connections that he has, and the bi-continental musical connections we both have it just makes sense to create and record in both cities. I think it really gives the project a rare depth that we are lucky to experience as a part of our lives." So I dying to know if the different homes inspired him musically? "I would say not really, but I don't know if that would be entirely truthful," he admitted. "I LOVE NYC. It's in my blood and I feel it's who I am as a person. I'm inspired and juvenated by it, even when I'm not in it. The way I act, live, respond, create and perform is the embodiment of being a New Yorker. That being said, I feel as a writer, I'm at my most creative when I'm in Australia. Specifically Sydney. I LOVE that city as well. It's my "safe place" my haven. Every breath I breathe there is nourishing and inspiring. So even though I don't think the two countries, or cities inspire "different" music, I approach writing differently in each city because of the different forms of inspiration they give me."

Now, I was intrigued, and wanted to know if there is a difference between playing shows in New York City and in Sydney? "Well one fantastic benefit of touring as a musician from New York City is that everyone loves New York City. In theory if not in actuality," he said with a smile. "My experience is that Australians more so than most are hugely influenced creatively and artistically by America. Vegas, LA, and NYC being at the top of their "favorites" list. I love that my style, my music and my story are unique and a bit exotic to them and It brings me happiness to share my music with them, because I know that deep down inside it highlights the similarities and "oneness" that we all have with each other."

On his Kickstarter page, David talks about wanting to make a 'definitive' album. So I couldn't resist asking him what albums by other artists would he would call definitive? "Ha! Another good question, H," he said, once again offering that trademark smile. "Well, I'm attracted to and highly influenced by the pop/rock and singer/songwriters of the 70's so I would have to say MY biggest "definitive" album influences are Carole King's 'Tapestry', Stevie Wonder's 'Songs in the Key of Life', 'Hotel California' by The Eagles, The Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway album, and 'Escape' by Journey. There are tons more that moved me and some were even recorded in the 80's and 90's! Ha! Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and Prince's 'Purple Rain', Maxwell's 'Urban Suite', Erykah Badu's 'Baduizm', and Pearl Jam's 'Ten' to name a few. I'm a sucker for emotional singers." Well, I can certainly identify with that!

There are two weeks left for you to join in the crowdfunding campaign! You can find David on Kickstarter, which closes out on August 15, 2013. Once on the page, you can see the pledge levels, from $5 to $10,000. There are plenty of rewards for those pledges, from personalized thank yous, to the chance to hear the album before anyone else, and give it a name! For more about David Raleigh, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. I know he'd love to hear from you, and to say "hello". You can find his last album, 'Beginning Again', on iTunes and Amazon.

Nathan Leigh Jones • Crying Out For Love

The first time I heard of Australian singer/songwriter Nathan Leigh Jones, it wasn't because of his music. He produced "That's What Friends Are For", the version recorded by the talented ensemble of David Raleigh, Sir Ari Gold, Billy Porter, and Alan Cumming. That 2010 version was a find for me, as I discovered the music of the wonderful David Raleigh, and his producer, Nathan. I also looked up Nathan's music, and discovered I really like it, too. Next thing I know, I was venturing to Joe's Pub in Manhattan, listening to David and Nathan performing live, loving every minute of it. And it was at that live show that I was introduced to 'Sooner Or Later', the album at teh center of the CD Release Party. Yes, I left with an autographed copy!

Fast forward to now, and it seems handsome Nathan Leigh Jones has released a new music video. It features the song "Crying Out For Love", a great track off 'Sooner Or Later'. The video was directed by Josef J. Weber, and was shot at a marriage equality rally in Sydney, Australia, where Nathan lives. Nathan is a great ally to the LGBT community, stepping up and speaking out in support of equality. While much is happening on the equality front in the United States, many are still hoping for the same in Australia. Nathan takes the opportunity to showcase his beautiful song with a message he believes in, making the music video a total win!

For more about Nathan Leigh Jones, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. "Crying Out For Love" is off the latest release. You can purchase 'Sooner Or Later' from iTunes and on Amazon.

The Best of Live Music of 2011

I wanted to compile a video that would prove once and for all what a lucky man I am. After all, I got to see Jason Antone, Levi Kreis, Eric Himan, Tom Goss, Nathan Leigh Jones, Garrin Benfield, Amy Regan, Shaun Hague, Jake Walden, Coyote Grace, Gareth Asher, Avi Wisnia, Jeffrey Johnson, and Namoli Brennet all perform live last year. They appeared at the World Cafe Live!, PSALM Salon, Joe's Pub, Sullivan Hall, MilkBoy Coffee, NightCat, World Cafe at the Queen, and Black Fox Lounge. Yep, I am a freakin' lucky man. Enjoy the highlights of my "show season."

Support independent musicians by attending their shows in your area, and buying their merchandise. You will not only feel better, you will undoubtedly be assured a better seat in heaven when the shows start.

Great 2011 Releases

Clockwise: Hotels & Highways, Nathan Leigh Jones, Angus & Julia Stone, and Mikey Wax.

With my next to the last post in 2011, I thought I would try to show some appreciation for some of the breeders on my playlist. Look, I know you must feel like a real minority on my iTunes playlists, but you really are appreciated. I refuse to discriminate against you just because of who you sleep with. That said, there was some great music from this group, and I loved listening to that music whenever I could.

I first found out about the music of Hotels & Highways because I was a big fan of Syd's music. So when he got together with Lisa Piccirillo and Patrick Thomas, I couldn't wait to hear what came of it. When they released Lost River, I was blown away, and couldn't hear it enough. They fuse together the rootsy sound with a modern edge like few can, and made a great, complete album. Watch this video from a live performance of Train Whistle from their debut.



You can purchase Lost River from iTunes and Amazon.

I have David Raleigh to blame for my preoccupation with the music of Nathan Leigh Jones. David and the handsome Aussie are friends, and Nathan has produced some music of David's, including the beautiful That's What Friends Are For with Raleigh, Sir Ari Gold, Alan Cumming, and Billy Porter. But it was his great music that really won me over, from his 2008 EP, The Way I'm Missing You, to the newly released Sooner Or Later, I just love it all. In fact, I had to go to New York City to see Jones and Raleigh perform with my dear friend David Dust, and it was a magical night. Only recently, Nathan released the video for Beautiful You, off the latest album.



You can purchase Sooner Or Later from iTunes and Amazon.

I still remember the point when I first decided I would be a Mikey Wax fan for a long time to come. It was when I happened across his video for La Vie En Rose, looking for something to use on the blog. Well, I hit play, and developed a big crush on him, one that has not ended yet. I bought the last couple of EPs and a full album he put out, but with the release of his latest album, I was blown away. Mikey focused his energy on the music, and put out a Pop wonder called Constant Motion. I just love it, and think it should be a mandatory listen for all music lovers. Give a listen as Mikey sings Counting On You, which has recently started to get some airplay on the radio!



You can purchase Constant Motion from iTunes and Amazon.

I don't know where I've been for the last few years, but for some reason, it hasn't been on the same plane as Australian siblings Angus & Julia Stone. However, since finding them, I am completely loopy about their quirky music, and lap it up like it was pudding. I found some of their older music, and love it, just like the latest stuff. And it doesn't hurt I am totally crushing on Angus, damn, he's beautiful. They started the year with a single at the top of the Australian charts, and soon that song made it on to a commercial in the US, and I discovered my new obsession. Watch the video for Big Jet Plane off the album Down The Way.



You can purchase Down The Way from iTunes and Amazon.

Nathan Leigh Jones • Beautiful You

Lord have mercy. Pardon me while I reach for my fan. I just watched the new video from Nathan Leigh Jones, and I am feeling a tad warm, if you know what I mean. Like the song, and the man himself, the video is imbued with a light romanticism, making Nathan a modern day Shelley. the lyricism of the song also recall the poet, without the drag of the opium addiction. Check it out!



The bideo is just so filled with charm and love, I almost feel like I've been hugged just listening. What do you think? For more about Nathan Leigh Jones, check out his official website here. Beautiful You is off the latest release. You can purchase Sooner Or Later from iTunes here and on Amazon here. Of course, I have an autographed copy that I love.

Garrin, Jason, Levi, Eric, Tom & Nathan Live!

Top: Garrin Benfield. @nd Row: Jason Antone, Eric Himan, Levi Kreis. 3rd Row: Nathan Leigh Jones. 4th Row: Tom Goss and Garrin Benfield.

As I was thinking about the blogiversary, I couldn't help but be reminded that I am a very lucky boy, having been able to catch some seriously good shows over the last 6 months. It all started last December, when I got to see Garrin Benfield for the first time! I have been a fan for several years, and have collected it all. Somehow, our schedules just never seemed to be in synch. So I was unbelievably excited when I had the chance to see him at the Grape Room in Manayunk, PA, with dear Mistress Maddie. It was a fantastic time!



When I saw Jason Antone, Levi Kreis and Eric Himan at The World Cafe Live! in Philadelphia, PA, in early January, I will admit it was not the first time I had the chance to enjoy them. I saw a show in Virginia in December, but my pictures were bad. I did have a great time, for I caught the show with Sweet Tom Goss and his husband, Mike. But in January, I was the show with family, having my sister, my niece, and cousins along to share the joy.



I was so very excited to catch Tom Goss at The Psalm Salon in Philadelphia, PA, for his CD Release Party for the new one, Turn It Around. With an album of new music, I knew it would be thrilling, but it surpassed my expectations. What a great time!



I went to another CD Release Party, this time for Australian singer/songwriter Nathan Leigh Jones at Joe's Pub in New York, NY. I was joined there by the delightful David Dust, who will always make for a fun time. But we both had a great time when David Raleigh sang an opening number, and Nathan played the entire album for the appreciative audience.



And just a few weeks ago, I was back in New York City to see Garrin Benfield at Sullivan Hall in New York, NY. Yes, after having missed his several years in a row, I was catching a second show, another CD Release Party. To be sure, I was loving the new album, The Wave Organ Song, but hearing it played live, well, that was just spectacular!



I look forward to catching more show, and bringing them back for you, my friends. Jake Walden is coming to town soon, Eric Himan is coming back in support of his latest album, and so many others are looking to play. And I am always more than willing to hear!

Nathan Leigh Jones

I recently attended a CD Release Party for the new album from Australian Nathan Leigh Jones. The show was at Joe's Pub in New York City, and I had a great time. It was called Sooner Or Later, and I thought it was great.



While I didn't tape this, I thought I would also post this cover of Kylie Minogue's All The Lovers. I think Nathan does a great job with it.

David Raleigh - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

David Raleigh & Nathan Leigh Jones

I recently ran two different posts involving David Raleigh, and I am delighted to find another nugget I needed to post about, with the David, a great new find for me recently. The first post was a charity single he organized with Alan Cumming, Billy Porter and Ari Gold, That's What Friends Are For, found here. It was through that I discovered his latest video, and ran it here. I had to buy his album, which I really enjoy. But now I have found a collaboration with Australian singer Nathan Leigh Jones on a Christmas classic, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. It was posted two years ago, and obviously a pair of talented guys having a little fun with a video camera. It is a mash up that involves a classic, Katy Perry, Brittney Spears and Pink, all to tell the real story behind the traumatizing of one night when David was allegedly five years old.



Wasn't that too much fun? For more about the talented David Raleigh, check out his official website here. To find out more about the sexy Nathan Leigh Jones, check out his website [currently under construction] here or his FaceBook page here. In fact, if you go to FaceBook page here, you can join his mailing list and get a free download of his recent EP. I did, and am enjoying the music very much!