A Kiss From Jarosz

Sarah Jarosz (prounounced juh-ROSE) graduated high school a couple of weeks ago. She's attending New England Conservatory of Music in the fall. What to do over summer vacation? How about release critically acclaimed debut cd?

Recently turning 18, Miss Jarosz has put out a wonderful bluegrass album SONG UP IN HER HEAD (a must for fans of Alison Krauss/Nickel Creek.) It is comprised of 11 tunes written by Sarah and 2 covers... SHANKILL BUTCHERS (The Decemberists) and my favorite track on the cd COME ON UP TO THE HOUSE (Tom Waits.)

Listen to an NPR interview with her (as well as a live cover of Gnarls Barkley's CRAZY) here.

Here's a video of COME ON UP TO THE HOUSE.

Here she is covering CRAZY.

Baby Love

Here are 2 wonderful Disney tunes about mothers...

The first is the very touching BABY MINE from Dumbo.  There are many covers of this tune.  I have 3 favorites.  The first one I heard was sung by BETTE MIDLER on the BEACHES soundtrack.  I also really love the versions by BONNIE RAITT (with a Doo Wop feel!) and ALISON KRAUSS.  Definitely download worthy!!  (Actually the Bonnie Raitt version is not on i-tunes, but can be found on the cd's MARY HAD A LITTLE AMP and STAY AWAKE.  

Have a listen.

OH, almost forgot!  KERRY BUTLER has a gorgeous version as well.  Guess I have 4 favorite versions!!!  (All you mothers with 4 children out there... I've got you covered!!!)

While looking for videos of these versions I stumbled upon this really nice rendition by a young a cappella group from New Zealand called THE WILLOW SINGERS.  There are some really nice harmonies in this.  Here are 3 of the 4 members.

The second Disney song doesn't get as much exposure as Baby Mine, but it is equally as touching.... YOUR MOTHER AND MINE from Peter Pan.   Here is the original version.

*** O.k. just had to post one more song by THE WILLOW SINGERS.  The other soprano is in this video.... beautiful beautiful harmonies...

9 to 5

Labor Day Post - Part 2

I'm very excited for the debut of Dolly Parton as a musical theater composer! 

 "9 to 5 - The Musical" is about to start previews in LA and is scheduled to open on Broadway at the Mariott Marquis next March.

Here is the WONDERFUL CAST - 

MEGAN HILTY (Glinda in "Wicked") plays Doralee Rhodes (the Dolly Parton role)

STEPHANIE J. BLOCK (Elphaba in "Wicked" and "The Boy from Oz") is divorcee Judy Berny (the Jane Fonda role) 

MARC KUDISCH ("Millie" and the revivals of "Assassins" and "Bells are Ringing") is Franklin Hart Jr. - the sexist boss.

...and for the first time in a Broadway Musical...  ALLISON JANNEY ("Hairspray" film, the West Wing) as Violet Newstead (the Lily Tomlin role.)

Here a couple of clips about the show.

CAN'T WAIT!

To tide you over until then you HAVE to check out an AMAZING cover of "9 to 5."  It's by bluegrass sweetheart Alison Krauss (who used to sing backup for Dolly) and is featured on a Dolly Tribute Album called "Just Because I'm A Woman - Songs of Dolly Parton"

Also here's a great documentary called "For The Love of Dolly" about fans who cannot live without Dolly in their life.