This morning found us at Cafe du Monde for French Market doughnuts (beignets) and cafe au lait. A morning walk through the French Quarter and we were off to uptown for a visit to The Retreat Salon on Carrollton. While on the streetcar, we met several teams participating in The Great Urban Race. New Orleans was the site of the finals this year with a potential prize of $10,000. While they scurried off to follow the clues to the prize, we scurried off for a morning of pampering.

A facial for me and a new cut and color for Kristen were a part of this birthday weekend. Caroline and Stephen made sure we felt at home and were given the royal treatment.

On our return to the Quarter, a quick stop by the New Orleans Jazz Historical Park was in order. New Orleans Helsinki Connection performed two upbeat sets. Drummer Gerald French and others from this well-traveled ensemble were great as usual.

Tonight we are off to an early dinner at Mr. B’s Bistro, then a trip back to Frenchmen Street and DBA to catch John Boutte. Then the big decison comes when we have to decide between Banu Gibson at Donna’s, Marc Broussard at One Eyed Jacks or New Orleans Jazz Vipers at The Spotted Cat.  Any votes?????

Wish you were here and if you are, please come join us.

There are two voices that I am in awe of: Marc Broussard’s and Joel Parisien’s (of NewWorldSon). Marc is from Louisiana. You look at him, you hear his voice, and then you say, “THAT voice is coming from THAT guy?” It’s like that! With “Soul Joel,” he has a rasp to his voice, and you can hear traces of George Benson, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder-style in his vocal delivery. They have very, very soulful voices for white guys.

I love sharing GREAT music with you, dear readers…Check out Marc’s mesmerizingly catchy song “Home,” here:

Then check out Joel Parisien singing “Weary” with his funk-soul-gospel band, NewWorldSon (they’re Canadian!):

If I could trade voices with another person on the planet for a day, I’d like to have Marc or Joel’s voice!

Verse of the Day:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
~Acts 1:8

Quote of the Day:
“Christianity , if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
~CS Lewis

(My Note:  Christianity = The belief of Jesus Christ as Savior who atoned our sins on the cross.  Not the Religion)

Video of the Day:

This boy has got SOUL!

currently listening to “X & Y” by Coldplay

After 72 years, the Mint remains one of LA’s most historic landmarks in the city’s musical landscape.  It’s where Ben Harper got his start (and recently returned as Relentless 7), and Taj Mahal recorded his Grammy-award winning album.  In recent years The Mint has reinvented itself to a whole new generation of roots music aficionados as well as becoming the unofficial hub of New Orleans music on the left coast.  The room’s intimate vibe has only been enhanced by its renovations topped off with an art installation by LA artist, Norton Wisdom (http://www.nortonwisdom.com).   

To celebrate the Mint’s 72nd anniversary we are presenting an all-star series.  Two nights of Marc Broussard, Zigaboo Modeliste (of the METERS), Rupa & the April Fishes, Faun Fables, Los Pinguos, and ending with a November residency by the legendary Royal Crown Revue.  The series showcases the diversity of The Mint, featuring some of the best musicians from the dirty south, homegrown in California, and in the case of Faun Fables, another dimension of the folk universe altogether.

For a complete listing of the Anniversary shows: THEMINTLA.COM

Hey Diary,

     Lately I’ve been thinking. So many times, I’ve been asked the question: What is your favorite artist? And I don’t know that I can completely answer that. Mostly because of something that I just realized 2 days ago.

     I really love certain albums. Though the artists are, of course, wonderful, it’s the specific albums that have me coming back over and over again. So I though I’d go ahead and post a list for my own mind. And yours since I guess you’re sitting here with me. Ok. Here goes:

Fiona Apple – When the Pawn

Edwin McCain – Misguided Roses

Feist – The Reminder

Rufus Wainwright – Want One

Sarah McLachlan – Surfacing

Nickel Creek – Why Should the Fire Die?

Andrew Lippa – The Wild Party

Rockapella – Don’t Tell Me You Do

Eric Hutchinson – Sounds Like This

Marc Broussard – Carencro

John Mayer – Room For Squares

Dixie Chicks – Fly

Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Ever Amen

Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas

Ingrid Michaelson – Girls and Boys

Ella Fitzgerald – Oh Lady, BeGood! Best of the Gershwin Songbook

Brandi Carlile – The Story

Dave Matthews – Under the Table and Dreaming

Dave Matthews – Live at Red Rocks

Ahrens and Flaherty – Ragtime

Stevie Wonder – The Definitive Collection

There are many more, Di. This will have to be an ever-evolving list. These are just the ones I thought of off the top of my head. I’ll edit this post as  I remember more.

And what’s on YOUR list, Di? Let me guess:

Gwar

Gwar

Oh, Diary. So predictable, you are.

High Fives,

jb

1. Until You – Dave Barnes “Me and You and The World”
2. With You, Tonight – Matt Wertz “Everything In Between”
3. Pistol – Dustin Kensrue “Please Come Home”
4. Home – Marc Broussard “Carencro”
5. Southern Girl – Amos Lee “Supply and Demand”
6. Now Or Nothing – Dear (Your Name Here) “A Speck Of White”
7. Right Thing Tonight – Fletch Peterson “Rough Cuts”
8. Beautiful Disaster – Jon McLaughlin “Indiana”
9. I’d Rather Be With You – Joshua Radin “Simple Times”
10. Indian Lover – Lakes “EP”
11. Golden Ticket – The Manchester Orchestra “I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child”
12. A Fox In The Garden – Paper Rival “Paper Rival EP”
13. Silver or Gold – Will Hoge “Draw the Curtains”

Me and my Mom. 400m left in a marathon.

I’ve gotten a bunch of emails asking me what music I listen to when I run.  That’s a complicated question.

My running playlist builds organically and it’s usually littered with songs people would describe as A. somewhat melancholy, B. profoundly inappropriate for running, C. confusing and, D. awesome.

For example, I love listening to John Mayer when I run.  Cheesy John Mayer.  Something’s Missing John Mayer. Does that make sense?  Of course not.

Conversely, it doesn’t get any better than Pela pulverizing their instruments with Waiting on the Stairs.  If I was ever contracted to lift a small vehicle, I’d want this song to be playing (preferably with the lead singer belting out the lyrics 3 feet behind me).

Quick aside: I just went to check out the blog for these guys and there’s a post (from 4 days ago) saying they’ve called it quits.  Here’s a backstage video of Billy McCarthy ripping off one of the great running songs of the past 5 years.

There’s an inexact science behind the maturation of a running song for me.  I’ll load my playlist with a bunch of contenders (around 20 songs).  Then I’ll let the playlist go on random for a run.  Inevitably, a certain song will fire up at precisely the right moment and then it’s in my rotation for the next four months.

Some examples:

• Control (Live) by Mute Math
• Beat It ft. Kid Cudi by Michael Jackson & Cookin Soul
• Halloween Head by Ryan Adams
• Wolves (Live) by Bon Iver — Spectacular.
• See You in My Nightmares Part 2 (Feat. Lil Wayne) by Kanye West
• Home by Marc Broussard
• California by Phantom Planet
• Amazing Because It Is by The Almost

That last song is like instrumental methamphetamine.

Here’s a live acoustic version.  Give yourself a little bit of room to run wind sprints just in case:

Really, this is a perfectly designed run song for me.

1. There ’s a slow build throughout the song.
2. I have a profound emotional relationship with the song Amazing Grace.  If this song was ever remixed with bagpipes I’d probably start taking in homeless people as an emergency release for my heart.
3. Look at the guy singing.  Really look at him.  I need to track him down when he gets out to LA and buy him a Miller High Life.

One more thing…

Happy Birthday to my Mom.  This Sunday, at age dsfdjofdafsdlfa, she’s running her first marathon.

My advice to her – which I will also pass along over the phone like a good son: When you get to the last stretch of the race, turn off your music, take out your earphones and listen to everything around you.  It’s the sound of real accomplishment.

Good luck.

Marc Broussard

This is the 41st post in our Musician of the Day series.

Marc Broussard was born in 1982 and is the son of legendary guitarist and musician, Ted Broussard.

In 2001, Marc joined a Christian band Y, which was based out of Louisiana. The band did not last very long and Marc began a solo career. In 2002, he released the album Momentary Setback which included the song The Wanderer which was later became a hit when featured on his first studio album Carencro which was released on Island Records in 2004.

In 2007, he released S.O.S. Save Our Soul which was his first album to break the Billboard top 100 by reaching #96.

As a rising star, Marc has been featured on a number of television shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with Conan O’Brien.

He is currently married with three children, one of which was the inspiration for the song Gavin’s Song.

In 2008, he released his third studio album Keep Coming Back.

To learn more about Marc Broussard visit his official website.

Wow! I just looked at the date of the last post and realized I have been remiss in my duties to bring you news and updates from Baron BMW! Let’s start way back to the weekend of August 28-30, 2009 and take a quick peek at the Roots Festival in Paola, KS.

Roots Festival

Paola is a great little community south of Kansas City on 169 hwy. This small town flat out puts on the show! In the 20^th

Anniversary of the Roots Festival it showcased an impressive list of musical guests like Marc Broussard and The Robert Cray Band, the festival is also is home to the  BBQ Cookoff (aka) East Central KS State BBQ Championship. The

quaint town welcomed us Johnson County folk with open arms and it was a great time! Great Food, Great Music and a Great Venue. I look forward to next year! Bookmark the site and go, you will not be disappointed!

KC Irish Festival

Ah…the KC Irish Festival. Unless you have been there and done that, it’s hard to describe! With the Crown Center fountains flowing with green water as a backdrop, the 7^th annual KC Irish Fest was better than advertised. Since its inception the festival has grown to over 90,000 attendees for the weekend and gets better and better each year. It showcases a slew of local vendors, restaurants and Irish bands. We attended on Sunday (09/07/09) and enjoyed the food, vendors and of course the music. We loved The Elders and they always give you that fist pounding, political and Celtic vibe. Great time had by all and with our friends’ the Nelson’s in from Salt Lake, we felt like we had a little Irish in us! In fact my wife expressed her concern that her ancestry didn’t have a festival to celebrate, however after some research on Ancestry.com, we found a strong German lineage! Can’t wait for KC’s Oktoberfest!

Treads and Threads

The 8^th Annual Treads and Threads event at the Kansas Speedway was a great event! Baron BMW was thrilled to be a part of the festivities with placement of several BMW’s in and around the event!

“The eighth annual Treads & Threads grossed more than $1 million for cancer patient care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Under the stars and inside the oval at Kansas Speedway, The University of Kansas Hospital’s gala benefit drew a sell-out crowd of more than 3,000 partygoers. Emcee Larry Moore of KMBC-TV summed up the event as “the best time inKansas City for a worthy cause!”

Gourmet food and desserts from top area restaurants and caterers, specialty drinks from Bacardi, a stellar concert by pop icon Michael McDonald, amazing fireworks and dancing ’til midnight with Emerald City Band combined for a picture-perfect evening.

You can still contribute to this year’s beneficiaries: our apheresis unit for Blood and Marrow Transplant patients at the main hospital, and an appearance center to be created at the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion in Westwood.

You can donate online or by sending a check payable to KU Endowment to:

Fund Development
The Univerisity of Kansas Hospital
2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 302
Westwood, KS 66205

For more information, call 913-588-8888.”
(Excerpted from www.treadsandthreads.org )

One of our favorite soulful crooners, Marc Broussard, is taking a break from writing his new album to play a series of intimate shows he’s dubbing, “Welcome To My Living Room.”  We’re not quite sure how he’s getting his living room to Atlanta, but it won’t be long until we find out.  He’s scheduled to play Center Stage in the Round on October 23. 

Those of you with a Twitter account, you can tweet set list requests directly to Marc.  He’s even promising to give away free stuff if you’re a follower.

Tickets go on sale August 14 via Ticketmaster.

Okay, so here’s my first run of recommendation reviews! Today’s songs are:

“When the Day Met the Night” – Panic at the Disco
“Daylight” – Matt and Kim
“Dancing in the Moonlight” – Toploader
“Gavin’s Song” – Marc Broussard
Anything Jack Johnson
“Roll If Ya Fall” – Barefoot Truth
“Bruises” – Chairlift
“Toxic” – Tristan Prettyman
“Boys with Girlfriends” – Meiko

“When the Day Met the Night” – Panic at the Disco

Honestly, the fact that this band is so trendy right now is a big deterrent to me. Even if they weren’t, they’re not quite my style. Still though, they have some decent stuff, but I wouldn’t group this song into that category.

Bottom line: lackluster & slow.

“Daylight” – Matt and Kim

This is such a soundtrack song, but hey, I’m not above that. I always say I like anything I can dance to in my car, and I think this song fits that bill pretty well.

Bottom line: good but not great.

“Dancing in the Moonlight” – Toploader

I have a huge smile on my face right now. ‘Nuff said.

Bottom line: classic.

“Gavin’s Song” – Marc Broussard

The lyrics to this song are lovely; the melody, kind of laggy. Apparently, bayou blues don’t really do it for me.

Bottom line: google the lyrics.

Jack Johnson

Everyone loves Jack Johnson. Seriously, I am pretty sure everyone I know is obsessed with him, which is of course a gross overstatement, so let me just tell you how I feel about him. I like him, I do. His voice is smooth and his guitar skills are compelling. He’s not a regular on my iPod, but he definitely deserves his place there.

Bottom line: “Flake,” “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,” “Staple It Together,” “Gone Goin” (Black Eyed Peas with Jack)

“Roll If Ya Fall” – Barefoot Truth

I like the guitar in this song. The vocals are kind of vanilla, in my opinion. This song belongs more on the radio than it does on my iPod.

Bottom line: maybe they can do a song with Hanson.

“Bruises” – Chairlift

I remember discovering Chairlift…and I vaguely remember being disappointed. I have a whole album, but only two songs are rated. However, “Bruises” has kind of a Regina does electronic feel to it. I shall have to investigate this band further.

Bottom line: they have me interested.

“Toxic” – Tristan Prettyman

Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t realize this was going to be a Britney cover. It’s pretty sultry, though, I’ll give you that. Personally, though, I think no one can do Britney better than Britney.

Bottom line: I would like to hear something original.

“Boys with Girlfriends” – Meiko

Someone somewhere had me listen to this song before… nevertheless, it’s pretty good. Easy listening. Catchy. Lil bit of angsty. All good.

Bottom line: I wish I had her singing voice.

And we’re done! Congratulations for staying with me this long.

Until next time,
LisaM.

Verse of the Day:
“My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
~Ps 27:8

Quote of the Day:
“If someone were to come along who would not compromise, a rebel who insisted on taking the only moral path, rejecting violence in all its forms, such a person would seem so menacing that he would be killed, and after his death he would be canonized or deified, because a saint is less dangerous than a rebel. This has happened numerous times, but the first prominent example was a Jew named Jesus.”
~Mark Kurlansky

Lyrics of the Day:
“Had my fingers around the back of your chair
You’d never miss a thing but you missed me there
And I just kept thinking ‘Am I prepared
To pull it out from under your trusting stare?’”
~ “The Wrong Girl” by Missy Higgins

currently listening to “Keep Coming Back” by Marc Broussard

So here’s the deal: I recently asked all my facebook friends to suggest new music for me to listen to because I felt my musical pool was a little dry. These are the responses that I got:

“When the Day Met the Night” – Panic at the Disco
“Daylight” – Matt and Kim
“Dancing in the Moonlight” – Toploader
“Gavin’s Songs” – Marc Broussard
Anything Jack Johnson
“Roll If Ya Fall” – Barefoot Truth
“Bruises” – Chairlift
“Toxic” – Tristan Prettyman
“Boys with Girlfriends” – Meiko

Adele, Imogen Heap, Owl City

Eric Wilson, Emily Wells, Blind Pilot, Coconut Records

Jars of Clay, Brilliant Geographers, Steel Train, the song “Never Forget You” by Noisettes

Cansei de Ser Sexy, self titled album. Also Le Tigre, self titled album.

Mos Def, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, and Blackalicious

The Mars Volta and Gorillaz

Paramore

Bushwalla and Eric Hutchinson

Porcupine Tree. “Stupid Dream” or “Lightbulb Sun” are your albums for softer prog, “Fear of a Blank Planet,” “In Absentia,” and “Deadwing” for harder.

I think I will go down the list and post my responses here (as well as their walls), so all of us can expand our tastes. Stay tuned for updates.

-LisaM.

© Dietmar Terpstra op Bluesmagazine.nl

Keep Coming Back
Op het vorige album van Marc Broussard dat in Nederland verscheen ’S.O.S. Save Our Soul’, stonden door de Amerikaan bewerkte covers van soulklassiekers van onder meer Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Bobby Womack en Stevie Wonder. De plaat was zeker niet slecht, en ons land kon kennis maken met een veelbelovende soulstem, maar de covers deden toch wat geforceerd aan.

Op zijn nieuweling, ’Keep Coming Back’ (voor de snelle beslissers voorzien van een EP met vijf bonustracks) maken we kennis met wat de rossige inwoner van zuidelijk Louisiana werkelijk kan. Broussard knalt er meteen lekker in met ’Keep Coming Back’, een song in de beste New Orleans-traditie in de stijl van The Meters, Neville Brothers en Dr. John. ’Hard Knocks’ is een door vette orgels ondersteunde soulsong en het met gevoelvolle toetsen ingeleide ’Real Good Thing’ is een fraaie ballad. Uiterst funky kan ook, ’Power’s In The People’ zou zomaar van The Temptations kunnen zijn.

Samengevat, ’Keep Coming Back’ onderstreept wat de kopers van ’S.O.S.’ al wel vermoedden: Broussard is een weliswaar witte, maar niet minder getalenteerde zanger en liedjesschrijver, die thuis is soul, blues, r&b, New Orleans en wat daar mee samenhangt. En zijn band mag er ook zijn, laten we dat niet vergeten. Half april is Broussard in Nederland voor een aantal shows (o.a. met Paul Carrack!). Het is een absolute aanrader.

Verse of the Day:
“We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. ”
~Titus 2:12-14

Quote of the Day:
“Weekends don’t count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.”
~Calvin & Hobbs

Lyrics of the Day:
“You don’t know me,
But i, don’t even know myself
We can’t pretend that i’m someone else
Try to surrender, i try to understand
I can’t remember who i am

The evil things that i’ve done.
Wash away, in the warmth of your sun
The broken man that you see,
Is not me, just a shadow where i used to be”
~ “Evil Things” by Marc Broussard

currently reading July 09’s  “Food & Wine”  -Best New Chefs – one of my favorites every year.

Marshall Altman is a producer in California, and he produced Marc Broussard’s Carencro (as well as Kate Voegel, among others).

Go watch this video (they won’t let me embed it- Thanks Universal!) (it’s for Marc Broussard’s “Home”) Or try this link to Last.fm

1 – roots music can be produced with computers (10 musicians, and two programmers (I’d guess the triangle, and footstomps got some love from the techies, but I could be wrong)

2- rhythm can be created without drums (drums enter at 4:02… FOUR minutes of rootsy funkiness with no drum kit!)

3- Flams create feel. (see: flam) The downbeats are broad (b-b-b-boom | clap); the claps are clean (all happen at once) This gives the backbeat more punch.  The broad stomps are a weaker rhythm. (being punched by three guys at almost the same time vs. the Exact same time)

4- “syncopation only exists in opposition to the beat” Marshall proves the point with those subtle high-hats & tambourines in the introduction and throughout.

5- what I can only call back-swing (this needs a new name) – Okay, on the bridge “stray from the water” listen carefully to the hand claps & such. (it starts with the drum chorus at 3:01, but is more easily heard at 3:19. ) Those are Reversed handclap: stomp <whoosh> a- clap; stomp <whoosh> a clap.  It really gives the impression of water sloshing back and forth.    Super nerdy? keep reading- Marc’s in an implied twelve :  one- A -TWO, three -A FOUR. Dig?  great.  Those whooshes? straight eights.  (one) AND (two, three) A-FOUR.  Listen to that again and try to count it.  It took me a few tries.  Well done sir.

NEXT SONG:  Let Me Leave (last.fm)

1- fantastic string writing! well done. Reminds me of a Ray Charles Ballad.

2- strings should enter early, but stay out of the way. Enough of this “orchestra out of the sky” that shows up at the second chorus and then disappears..

3- yay long tones and walk ups!

4- Soul has to do with when notes STOP more often than when they start. Listen to the strings in the turnaround (1:10)

5- once again, no drums until late in the track (1:35), Marshall used the strings for time in the first verse (pizz triplets).

6- only gliss when you mean it… (the bridge has the only string glisses; a technique overused by ignorant producers)

The best part? Marshall Altman produced the digital awesomeness of Home, AND wrote the string arrangement on Let Me Leave.  This guy’s for real.

I love these lyrics.

“Gavin’s Song,” Marc Broussard

I wish you freedom
I wish you peace
I wish you nights of stars
That beckon you to sleep
I wish you heartache
That leaves you more of a man
I wish I could be there
But I can’t

I wish you places
That sit so still
Where people never ever change
and never ever will
I wish I could hold you
And make you understand
I wish I could be there
But I can’t

Be good for your mother
Cause she’ll need a hand to hold
Boy, she loves you
More than you’ll ever know
There are rhymes and there are reasons
And times when nothing stayed the same
But you know my love still remains

I wish you wisdom
I wish you years
I wish you armies
To conquer all your fears
I wish you courage for all that life demands
I wish I could be there
But I can’t

I wish we were together
I wish I was home
I wish there were nights
Where I was never alone
I know I’ve said it
But I’ll say it once again
I wish I could be there
But I can’t.

-LisaM.

Gisteren bevond Zutphen zich in goed gezelschap bij een concert van Paul Carrack in Paradiso. Het betrof een toevallige gelegenheid: de kaartjes waren aangeschaft door een collega van mevrouw Zutphen, maar eerstgenoemde kon onverhoopt het concert niet bijwonen.

Aldus ontstond een week geleden de volgende, zeer korte, echtelijke telefoonconversatie: “Mijn collega vraagt of we twee kaartjes van Paul Carrack willen. Is dat wat?”

“Ja, meteen doen.”

Want zo werkt het met deze blue eyed soul-man: kan niet fout. Helemaal niks mee. Sterker nog: helemaal top.

Dat Mr. Carrack als sinds midden jaren ‘70 een getalenteerd singer/songwriter is, mag bekend worden verondersteld. Iedereen (nou ja, zij in bezit van een radio en in staat om populaire muziek te luisteren) kent zijn stem en op zijn minst een of twee nummers. Maar nooit geweten dat de man zóveel hits heeft geschreven.

Overigens weerhoudt dat gegeven hem er niet van om in eigen land gewoon anoniem naar de supermarkt te kunnen. Zo lang ie maar niet gaat zingen over het verleidelijke fruit dat daar in de aanbieding is, want dan verraadt ie zich:

Squeeze – Tempted

Mike & The Mechanics – Over My Shoulder

Ace – How Long

Paul Carrack – Dedicated

Enzovoort, enzoverder. Onvermoeibaar, met zevenkoppige band (jawel!), strak als een snaar en toch o zo relaxed. Overduidelijk plezier in het spelen.

En een stem als een goed whiskey: zacht, soepel, rollende warmte en natuurlijk een klein ruw randje. Eerder reeds meldde ik dat Southside Johnny ons daar in het voormalig godshuis in verbinding had gebracht met Otis. Gisteren meende ik zowaar broeder Marvin te hebben ontwaard:

Paul Carrack – What’s Goin’ On

En passant in het voorprogramma- ja, wij komen uit de provincie en zijn dus ruim op tijd…-ook nog even kennisgemaakt met Marc Broussard. Ook niet verkeerd:

Marc Broussard – Home

En voor wie dacht dat ie het concert op Fabchannel nog eens na kon kijken: ik heb slecht nieuws. Fabchannel is niet meer.

A few weeks ago, I called for a moratorium from bad news and made a concious decision to be positive and not let my cynicsm get the better of me.  I consider it a Lenten penance as I really am a member of the Piss & Moan Club.  Colette seized upon this opportunity to support me in my quest for “half-full”-ness by submitting a post on “happy” songs.

However, Colette omits THE MOST “happy” song, ever:

  Don’t Worry, Be Happy — The Chipmunks 

Also, I have to share a little serendipity.  Today, as I was preparing this post, I recieved a comment on a post I did a couple of years ago on Marc Broussard and his take on Love & Happiness.   Ned Theall, veteran trumpeter and Boogie King extraordinaire left a comment.

That made me VERY happy… 

Happy Together

 

With thanks to Paul McC, Johnny N,  Al Green, Aretha & all the musical joy-givers

 

Since Music Maven so wisely called a moratorium on bad news, it got me thinking:  what songs just fill me pleasure every time I hear them?  Which ones really get those endorphins going — thanks to their great hooks, upbeat lyrics and joyous performances?

 

I think we have to cling to whatever gives us joy in times like this.  It can’t help to get bummed out — the universe doesn’t offer any reward at all for that.   We’re alive, music in the air, love doesn’t cost a penny, and while that ain’t everything it sure is something to be grateful for.

 

So here are some of my Happy Hall of Fame songs & performances.  May they give you a boost, no matter what’s bothering you:

 

From my childhood on, just a few bars of the Beatles could restore me to good mental health.  This song especially, from “Revolver,” performed here by Sir Paul on tour, and just a fab picker-upper:

 

– Good Day Sunshine — Paul McCartney

 

This tune has been covered by many, many artists (most notably Jimmy Cliff), but I love it in its original reggae-beat format sung here in the 1970s by the guy who made it a beam of sunshine Top 40 hit, actor-singer Johnny Nash:

 

 – I Can See Clearly Now — Johnny Nash

 

Whatever your religion, or lack of it, this tune is sanctified.  It was a sneaky, underdog hit in the 1970s, from a then-obscure choir in Oakland, CA led by Edwin Hawkins.  The rest is gospel history, but the great Hawkins Family of singers is certainly still with us:

 

 – Oh Happy Day — Edwin & Lynette Hawkins and Choir

 

All right, I know what you might be thinking:  shlockmeister Neil Diamond?  Well Neil has many facets, and before he was doing a lot of middle-of-the-road, self-indulgent dreck, he was writing some very cool tunes.  This for me is his best (written for The Monkees), which he performs here in a recent concert in Glastonbury, England with great verve and a terrific band:

 

 – I’m a Believer — Neil Diamond

 

This song on the radio can send me into a delirium of delight.  Yes, it’s my own true soul guru The Rev. Al Green, before he became a “rev.”  In this clip from “Soul Train” he sounds so gooood, and looks so pur-dy.   The tune?  Of course, “Love and Happiness,” and he’s still singing it:

 

 – Love & Happiness — Al Green

 

I have a special place in my heart for this little Aretha Franklin novelty, because it not only captures her in fine, fine 1980s form, but also connects me back to my very young youth in the Motor City, when Detroit was the proud auto and soul music center of the universe.  It’s changed a lot, but the essence of its past glory is here:

 

  – Freeway of Love — Aretha

 

A generation away in age, but a spirit that burns true and beautiful, is Corinne Bailey Rae’s great gift of a song with its message: when life gets tough, the tough listen to music.  Rae has dropped off the face of the entertainment world since the drug death of her beloved musician husband.  May she heal soon, and keep bringing us great music to soothe her soul and ours:

 

 – Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae

 

Paul Simon has written a lot of brooding songs, and some upbeat masterpieces.  Here’s a Tokyo performance, with a fine band (he always hires the best), on a tune that celebrates crazy youth and growing up In Queens:

 

  – Paul Simon –  Me & Julio

 

Though his first post-Idol CD does little for me (so what else is new), I still adore David Cook.  Compare his beautiful voice and assured musicality on last year’s American Idol with the motley crew vying for the title this year and…..well, let’s just say it’s no contest.  This song, originally by The Turtles, was fave for me way, way back there in the 60s.  I love his sly, ebullient take on it:

 

 – Happy Together – David Cook

 

Finally, a recent version of a Dire Straits tune that’s a toe-tapping affirmation of humanity, without any pretentious BS.  I love that Knopler is still out there, making music and spreading happiness:

 

– Walk of Life — Mark Knopler

First, let me say that Taylor Hicks owes me nothing.  Nada.  Not a thing.

I used to think that he did, but let me say here (clearly), that I was wrong.  You see, four years ago when I rabidly followed Taylor on the cheese fest that is American Idol, I was envigorated by a young man who appeared to beat the odds, defy “the man” and strike a blow for the every day music lover.  He was a refreshing throwback to good, “old” music that was pure, un-synthesized, and “real”.  He was the everyday musical hero who came to save the day.

After AI, I expected Taylor to remain “all about the music” and continue to defy the musical ogres who control content and dole out the uninspiring pablum derived from electronic manipulation.  It was evident from Taylor’s first post-AI release, Taylor Hicks, that there was more influence from those writing the checks than any of us would have preferred.  Through the whole time, Taylor seemed to be impersonating some character in a play and while fans largely supported the record, it rang hollow on the charts.  It seemed that the daring, soulful style and smokin’ harmonica accompniment was largely absent from the record, leaving listeners, including me, wondering just where Taylor Hicks went.

His live tour was very successful and likely garnished Taylor enough dough to break away from J Records (whether mutual or not), start his own label, and take time for the next record that, maybe…just maybe, would more closely represent what fans so desparately want to hear from the soul man.  There have been some detours along the way, including the Broadway role of Teen Angel, that I simply did not agree with because it’s not my vision for the dude.  But, really…what do I know?

Oddly enough, Grease appears to have been the catalyst that provided some public acceptance and a bit of a springboard for, perhaps, a redemption of “America’s pick”.   Even though I still cringe at the notion of Taylor crooning out Beauty School Dropout, I can’t deny that it’s been good for his career.  Hey, it’s a mean to an end, I guess.  I have said all along, if the music is good, people will listen and all of the other extra-cirricular activities won’t mean a thing. 

That brings us to the release of Taylor Hicks’ new CD, The Distance.  I’ve been listening to it for a few days along with some other new music that I’ve been recently turned on to.  I wanted to give it a few days to simmer before I commented.  First, let me quench your curiosity and say that overall, this CD is MUCH better than the first release.

There’s a definite ease on this record that was absent on Taylor Hicks.  While that effort was frenetic, disjointed and a bit out of control, The Distance is thoughtful, balanced and comfortable.  It is very reminiscient of his pre-Idol work and shows that Taylor seems to be going “back” to his core, which is exactly what most people loved about him in the first place.  This should have been his Idol release, had they been smart.  The arrogance of greedy people who believe their “formula” for making a record and maximizing its profit never ceases to amaze me, but we continually see these dinosaurs take unique and genuine talent and turn them into something that is the opposite of what actually makes them appealing, and then scratching their head at its failure.

But, I digress…back to the review.

As I previously detailed, the first single, What’s Right is Right, is a simple, pleasing tune with a great video.  It’s currently doing well on AC radio and seems to be a happy medium between what’s expected from fans and what’s accepted by the industry. 

But what about the rest of the record?   Well, I think I get Taylor.  He is not just one style or one genre.  Like me, he likes a lot of different types and styles of music and I think that’s what he wanted this record to be.  Recently, he did a guest DJ spot on “My Turn” on 100.3 (Newport Beach, CA), no doubt as part of his promotion of this release (which I have to say is 200% better than the crack PR team at J Records and The Firm).  Whoever is in charge of promotion this time is doing a fabulous job.  Anyway, Taylor’s playlist for the hour long DJ stint is very telling.

St. Dominic’s Preview – Van Morrison
Gasoline Alley -Rod Stewart
How Long – Ace
Rainy Night In Georgia – Brook Benton
You Belong To Me – Carly Simon 
Hurricane Water – Citizen Cope
Foggy Mountain Breakdown – Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
Where I’m From (Alabama Frame Of Mind)- Shelby Lynne
Life’s Been Good – Joe Walsh
Lowdown in Lodi – Freddie King
Something So Right – Paul Simon
Arc Of A Diver – Steve Winwood
Don’t Think Twice – Susan Tedeschi
I’m In Love – Wilson Pickett

To hear Taylor’s DJ skillz, click on the following player.

Now, I have to say that this was one of the most redeeming things I’ve heard from Taylor in a while.  It validated that the dude still has great music taste and still true to it.  Many of the songs on the new CD incorporate “sounds” from Taylor influences like Steve Winwood, Keb ‘Mo, Delbert McClinton, Van Morrison, and The Meters.  He signed on a quality producer in Simon Climie, who has produced Eric Clapton and who is an accomplished keyboardist and song writer in his own right.  In addition, some of Clapton’s touring band performed on the record, including Doyle Brahmall II and bassist Nathan East and was joined by Paul McCartney’s drummer, Abe Laboriel, Jr.

This is a quality record, with quality songs, musicians, and mixing.  I like it.  I have to say that it’s very entertaining and there are a few really good tracks on it.  If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Maybe You Should.  Written by Taylor and Nashville songwriter Gary Nicholson (who contributes on several songs), it is a great ballad that reminds me of Bonnie Raitt’s I Can’t Make You Love Me.  That could be because songwriter Michael Reid co-wrote both of them.  While I love Taylor’s raspy blues feel to this song, I could also see Keith Urban doing this song.

Along with Nineteen, Seven Mile Breakdown (co-penned with Hicks by Spoonful James’ guitarist and pre-Idol buddy, Wynn Christian) and the title-track, The Distance, Maybe You Should has serious Country potential, if appopriately brought to Nashville.  Even the blues number, Wedding Day Blues is oddly reminiscient of Garth Brooks’ Country anthem, Friends in Low Places.

While there’s certainly some Country influence, this CD is not a one trick twang pony.  One of my favorites, Keeping It Real, is influenced by co-author Delbert McClinton’s wily humor along with a great strider piano, New Orleans sound.  It’s also the ONLY track on the CD with a harmonica accompniment.  A pity, as I really dig the harp.

There’s also plenty of “soul” in the Nick Lowe cover, I Live on a Battlefield, and one of my all-time favorite tunes, Woman’s Gotta Have It, where he is accompanied by AI buddy, Elliott Yamin.  Now, Woman’s Gotta Have It is one on my Music Maven “All-Time Favorite” list, but James Taylor’s 1976 version from his In the Pocket CD which is, in my opinion, one of the best albums ever made — but that’s a different subject for a different day.  I really love the meshing of voices between Elliott and Taylor and especially Taylor harmonizing background vocal (fulfilling Simon’s ambition for him), but the beginning of JT’s version is more to my liking.  Got me to wondering what a combined version would sound like.  Hmmmm….

Once Upon a Lover and New Found Freedom are my “throw away” tracks.  I didn’t like the Latino sound of West Texas Sky and I don’t care for it on Once Upon a Lover.  New Found Freedom is more of an Idol ”coronation” song that just doesn’t measure up to the other songs on the CD.   

The marketing plan of three “special tracks” via different store exclusives are in play for The Distance.  Wal-Mart offers the Ray Charles’ cover Hide Nor Hair, Target provides Indiscriminate Act of Kindness, and iTunes has Yes We Can, Can.  While I haven’t been able to sample Hide Nor Hair, Indiscriminate Act of Kindness reminds me of Taylor’s much heralded performance of the Ray classic, Georgia.  It is indulgent and very non-descript.  While I know this won’t be popular with the “Soul Patrol”, Indiscriminate Act of Kindness is NOT a song that exhibits Taylor Hicks’ talent nor is it a very appealing cut.  However, if you’re looking for a theme song about drug addiction and recovery, this is likely as good as it gets.

On the other hand, the iTunes “special”, Yes We Can is a veritable who’s who of funk & boogie.  Written by Allen Toussaint and covered by the likes of soul man, Marc Broussard and The Pointer Sisters, Yes We Can pays homage to the soul/zydeco/funk of the Southern Gulf Coast.  While Taylor may be considered the “forgotten idol”, the fact that Ivan Neville, Delbert McClinton and Stax legend, Steve Cropper provide back-up, indicates that “real” musicians “get” Taylor.  Even Marc Broussard couldn’t pull that off.

Music Maven gives Taylor Hicks’ The Distance  4 of 5 stars.   Buy it.

Redemption attained.

Marc Broussard has released the music video for “When It’s Good”, the 3rd single off of his 3rd studio album Keep Coming Back. A duet with LeAnn Rimes, “When It’s Good” is a little more country than most of Marc’s work but it doesn’t feel strained.  Marc’s albums have always bridged (or straddled) country, classic soul, gospel and acoustic rock.

Marc and LeAnn’s voices work nicely in this song.  She’s so smooth and perfect and part of his charm is the scratchy, close to off.  In the video, rather than play up the easy sing to each other format, Marc and LeAnn are rarely in the same room, instead singing out to the abyss.  She walks around a huge house and surrounding property while Marc hitches a ride in a pickup truck and sings and plays his guitar in the bed.  All and all, it’s a pretty video that doesn’t take away from the actual song.

When It’s Good