Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mothers...



Here is one of the most beautiful songs written from a mother to her child.  It's by Christian singer/songwriter SARA GROVES.

Here is a video using the song made by a mom for her adopted children.



Download this amazing tune here.  

I am a huge Sara Groves fan.  YOU CANNOT LOSE MY LOVE is from her sophomore release ALL RIGHT HERE.  The whole album is very powerful.



HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my beautiful mother, sister, my grandmas... and all you wonderful Moms out there.

Here is a picture of my mom and a picture of me both about the same age.  The similarities crack me up.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

I Get A Kick Out Of You



Here is a wonderful medley about Pregnancy performed by Susan Egan.  Susan made her Broadway debut as Belle in the original cast of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.  She went on to many other productions and voiced "Meg" in the Disney animated film HERCULES.  



The Pregnancy Medley is from her 2008 double live album SUSAN EGAN - LIVE! with CHRISTOPHER McGOVERN.  This really really cute medley features the songs  I Get A Kick Out Of You/I've Got You Under My Skin/Together Wherever We Go/Losing My Mind/Dance 10, Looks 3/Steppin' Out With My Baby/You're Nothing Without Me.



Download the intro (at the end of a great song called LAST SONG) and the adorable medley!  Well worth $1.99 for the pair!!!

Friday, May 8, 2009

I'm sorry mama... I never meant to hurt you!



No this post isn't about EMINEM.  Although I'M SORRY MAMA would be an interesting song on a "MOTHER'S DAY MIX cd."

We're gonna talk about a troublemaker with a few less "F BOMBS"... 



Yesterday I did a post on Disney "Mother" songs.  Many recent Disney cartoons feature the single father... The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Beauty and the Beast. Aladdin actually had a mother.  As the storyline changed, she got the boot as did a beautiful tune. PROUD OF YOUR BOY (with wonderful lyrics by the late Howard Ashman) is touching song written for Aladdin to sing to his mother telling her he was going to make her proud today.  Here is the original demo version.



You can download that demo version sung by composer ALAN MENKEN, as well as studio versions by CLAY AIKEN and JOHN BARROWMAN (which is my favorite version.)

Perhaps someday we may see a I'M SORRY MAMA/PROUD OF YOUR BOY duet!!??  Any takers....  Mr. "Clay-Diddy" Aiken?   


Thursday, May 7, 2009

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...


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat...

For the rest of the week I'd like to focus on MUSIC ABOUT MOMS.  



I absolutely love COAT OF MANY COLORS by DOLLY PARTON.  Had the wonderful pleasure of seeing her this past year.  As iconic she is for her stage persona, she really is a wonderful songwriter and musician.  



I know I've done a few posts on Dolly, but here is her music video to BETTER GET TO LIVIN' released last year.  The video features AMY SEDARIS!!!!!!!   Also, congratulations to Dolly for her Tony nomination for Best Original Score for 9 to 5.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tequila

Happy Cinco De Mayo....


Monday, May 4, 2009

Hello..

I've missed you...

Sorry that I didn't post last week.   I'm vocal directing a new show that opened at Busch Gardens last week and there was absolutely no time to post.

I wanted start this week with a wonderful cover of Lionel Richie's "HELLO" done by last year's Idol winner DAVID COOK.



I really wanted to do a post on David today.  His brother passed away this weekend after fighting a battle with brain cancer.  David actually was scheduled to speak at the Race For Hope in DC on Sunday which benefits the National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.  Despite his loss or rather because of it he still attended and gave this inspiring speech.  



David and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.