It's a WONDERFUL Life

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Eve.

I posted an entry on New Years Eve.  Prior to that my last entry was before Thanksgiving.  Shame on me!  I have so many wonderful things to share... sometimes I get "blogged down" trying to think of a clever theme to tie certain music and movies together and then I don't post.  The original intent of this blog was sharing bits of entertainment that make me happy. 

So for 2009 (with the exception of yesterday) I will be posting EVERY DAY!  Sometimes it may just be a short note, or a youtube clip... but there will be something everyday.  

And I would like to unveil a new feature for 2009.  OPERATION COVER LOVER!!  If you've been reading my blog or know me a little bit, you know that I am a huge fan of artists doing covers of songs.  I love that a vocalist or musician can take a song that another artist wrote and breathe new life into it and find new meaning.  (I am also a fan of campy covers as well.)  So as part of a new post everyday, many of these posts I will be sharing a favorite cover with a link.  When ever possible I will link to where you can purchase the song (i-tunes, e-music, etc.)

So to start the new year off on a wonderful note... here are some of my fav covers of "WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD."  I find that Louis Armstrong's version is the definitive one, however I also love these varied interpretations.  

I have always loved this song.  To me, it speaks of enjoying the simple everyday things in life and not taking them for granted.  As we look back at all the things in the past that have defined who we are, we must look toward the hope of tomorrow.  What a perfect message as we start a new year.  Life IS good.

Here are just a few really cool versions...

EVA CASSIDY...  a true angelic voice.  This version has an underlying sadness, but also full of hope.  More on Eva in a future entry.  This version can be found on her album "Live at Blues Alley."  This is one of my favorite albums of Eva's.

KRISTIN CHENOWETH just released a fabulous Christmas album with a really beautiful version that combines with "Sleep Well Little Children."

JOEY RAMONE recorded a rockin punk version.

Israel Kamokawiwo'ole known as "IZ" released this version similar to his take on "Over The Rainbow".

In the jazz world k.d. LANG and TONY BENNETT recorded a beautiful duet on a Louis Armstrong tribute album and UK sensation STACEY KENT released this beautiful version on this year's Grammy nominated jazz album "Breakfast on the Morning Train."



I know that's a whole lot of WONDERFUL.... but here's to a truly wonderful 2009.

(most overused adjective in this entry.... "wonderful.")

Guys With Guitars (part 1)

Girls (and guys) love guys with guitars.  I'm not just talking about a "rockstar" leading the band.  No, I'm talking about modern day troubadours like John Mayer and Jack Johnson, and... (new release alert) Jason Mraz.

JASON MRAZ has a wonderful quirky style about him and this is definitely evident on his new album entitled "We Sing.  We Dance.  We Steal Things." He has released the first 2 sections as EP's online and the entire album hits stores today.  This is going to be a big hit this summer.  It features a duet with "Bubbly" Colbie Caillat and this very catchy hit "I'm Yours"

Here are some other recent releases by guys with guitars.

NEWTON FAULKNER-

Already a hit in the U.K., he has a great style of strumming, picking, and slapping (the guitar that is!)  His debut is called "Hand Built by Robots."

JUSTIN NOZUKA- 

This 19 year old Canadian wrote an album on the many facets of love.  Dedicated to his single mom Holly (aww!), his debut album "Holly" is a great mix of folk, pop, and soul.

Also here are a couple of fav's of mine in the past few years....

KYLE RIABKO-

Kyle is another Canadian teen with amazing soul in his voice.  Anne Murray look out!  The Canadians are representing!  He released this amazing debut in 2005 and is about to hit broadway as Jonathan Groff's replacement in "Spring Awakening."

JONNY LANG-

This guy is fabulous.  Originally from Fargo, ND (Dakota representing!!), he released his debut "Lie To Me" at 15!  He is now a world renowned blues guitarist.  My favorite album of his is "Long Time Coming" which actually is a bit of a turn from his normal bluesy self.  After taking a 5 year break from recording, he found God and love.  This album has a bit more of a contemporary feel and the lyrics reflect the changes in his life.  

Here's of cover of Stevie Wonder's "Livin in the City"

While we're one the subject, I have to give props to recent idol sendoff Jason Castro.  While he may not have been a "superstar vocalist,"  this guy had great musicality and a great style.  Cannot wait to hear what kind of album he puts out.  He gave a great rendition of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah."  My two favorite performances of his would have to be from Dolly week and Inspirational week.

I felt he did a wonderful job with Dolly's "Travelin' Thru."  He really "got" this song... and I feel the song (Oscar nominated from the film "Transamerica") is a very underrated gem from Dolly's songbook. 

Also he was WONDERFUL on an "IZ" inspired rendition of "Over the Rainbow"   He was flawless and really tapped into the hope of the song.

That's it for now.  There are many more I could list.... but that will be a future blog.

I will try and be more regular about postings.  Look for a new post at least every Tuesday..... NEW RELEASE DAY.... or as I like to think of it - "Weekly Christmas!"  (I love new releases!)  I may sometimes post on other days, but will try to at least post on Monday night or Tuesday.

Thanks for reading.