Heard this on CBC2 today during an interview she was doing and had to post it. Serena Ryder is the next big thing. The vocals on this are amazing, almost Adele, yet different, kind of like Aretha, yet different, and a dash of Amy Winehouse. This is the exact performance I heard. Sit back and enjoy “For You”. Oh, and get the album “Harmony”, you will not regret it.
The world lost a great one on August 5. George Duke, the legend, passed away at the age of 67. Not many careers as fine as this jazz keyboardist, singer, composer and producer. And collaborator, wow, he played with Zappa on many of his albums and is recognized as a major keyboard pioneer. Truly an amazing player. He played with everybody, Al Jarreau, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and the list goes on. Almost 40 albums on his own, innumerable albums as a sideman, he will be missed. The cut I have posted is unbelievably good. It is a live video of George and his band at the java Jazz Festival.
Chicago based Wilco performed this song “I Might” on Letterman a few years back. Together since 1994, they might be the best to never hit major mainstream success. This is not to say the have not been successful. The have had some number 1’s, and might be, as Rolling Stone once said. America’s most consistently interesting band. They have also been labelled as the Radiohead of the USA. They keep putting em out, and we keep listening.
I heard this on Later with Jools Holland the a while back. I needed to put this up. First, I know it is the Talking Heads who did this, but hey, it is David Byrne. Second, it proves he is still around, at least in 2004 and third, what a great song.
One of my favourite Canadian artists, Danny Michel, released this tune last year off his album, “Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me”. The song, “What Colour Are You” is rife with Latin rhythms, which make sense as it was recorded in Belize. You ever been to Belize?
Danny is one of those unsung types (no pun intended) who has never had major success, yet, has managed to record 12 albums since 1998. Very prolific, and one of those hard-working types that earns every new fan. I was turned on to him through his album “Valhalla” released in 2006 and have been a loyal fan ever since.
Tenor jazz saxophone player Von Feeman died on August 11, 2012 at 88. I love Saxophone and jazz, together a deadly combination. Von was one of the great innovators and creators of this sound in, what is known as, the Chicago School. I have attached 2 videos, one is live in Chicago in 1988, the second is Von playing last year at almost 90. Incredible sound, great player.
and the second
Quickly becoming one my favourites, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals cook. Great rock/blues voice that can also sing a mean ballad, all backed up by a great band. This video is the band live at Bryant Park in NYC and involves 2 songs, “Paris (Ooh La La)”, a great rocker followed by “Medicine” a good time, old-time song. When you hit 8 minutes, they do something I have never seen before. If you like Heart or Joan Jett, you’ll like this band, a lot. I’m not sure, but I think El Guapo introduced me to this group, can’t remember, but if he did, kudos. If not, pretend.
I received an email from one of the blogs followers, Alan Wilson. He is part of a band called Moon Dancer with an interesting story. Since we first talked in October 2012, I have meant to highlight them in a post. The time is now. Please click on this link to learn a bit about the band.
The band released the featured video in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Watch the entire video to discover how you can help. Inspirational, touching, frustrating, anger creating, very emotional. Please help this worthy and critical organization.
Amos Lee is another of my favorites. My only issue with him is that I have found his albums to be inconsistent. In other words, he doesn’t hit my mark all the time, but when he does, it is very good. He is out of Philadelphia and has recorded 4 albums. I highly recommend the first (self titled) and the most recent. All have some excellent tracks. This cut is off his new album “Mission Bell” and is a live version of “Jesus”.
Amos Lee on Facebook – Who cares
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Trivia Question of the Day
Who was the first American pop band to tour the Soviet Union
The last Question answered
Q. What was the first “rock” double album?
A: Bob Dylan’s “Blonde On Blonde” in 1966
Check out the song here. She, and the song, are very good.