(I can't think of a clever title that doesn't sound dirty.)

In 2003, German singer Sascha Schmitz created an alter ego "Dick Brave" and formed the group "Dick Brave and the Backbeats" as a side project.  They recorded one album entitled "Dick This!" Male anatomy jokes aside... they have some really wonderful rockabilly covers. The group is no longer together (Sascha went back to solo work) but these great covers live on.  (As always, links to itunes are included!)

Here is their take on Avril Lavigne's COMPLICATED.

Also check out their WONDERFUL swingin' cover of Pink's GET THE PARTY STARTED.  I posted Shirley Bassey's cover the other day.  I really love both versions, but this may be my favorite! 

SNACK time!

Just saw 2 very talented friends in an amazing show called "SNACK!"

This "physical comedy" show (it contains no dialogue) is an original work revolving around the subject of food!  It reminded be of a wonderful silent film.  The fantastic use of music and the way they connected hilarious sketches with very endearing through lines really made the show for me.  I really cared about the characters.  Add to that 7 extremely talented performers and you have a really wonderful show that the whole family can enjoy!  This is the last weekend, so if you live in the Tampa/Orlando area... make sure you see this (who needs the Superbowl!)

Here are links to the theatre and 2 great reviews from The Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Weekly.

Speaking of SNACKS here's the Carpenters trying to convince you to buy potato chips.

Thirsty?  The wonderful Mel Torme' (one of my musical idols) thinks you need a Mountain Dew!

Shirley Bassey.... MAJOR party animal!

LOVE Dame Shirley Bassey's cover of GET THE PARTY STARTED (originally by Pink.)

It was first featured on a commercial for UK store M & S.  The response was so great that she put it on her latest album.  The song is oozing with a wonderful "James Bond Vibe." 

Here's the video.

Here's the original commercial. Look for 60's supermodel Twiggy in the commercial as well.

 

Here's the i-tunes link to purchase.  There are also re-mixes of the song.  She has a fun new mix of BIG SPENDER as well.

Will you sign my yearbook?

Playbillstore.com is having a crazy winter sale on Broadway merchandise right now.  Some merchandise is up to 70% off!

In 2005 they started releasing a "Broadway Yearbook" for each season.  This annual publication is designed like a real yearbook.  It contains all the shows that ran that year.  You will find the information found in the playbill for each show AND such items as "Favorite snack food of the cast," "Gathering place/favorite off-site hangout," "memorable ad-lib/favorite moments."  There are also show pictures and candid shots.

There have been 4 published editions which normally run $29.95 - $35.00 each.  Right now they are $7.00 - $10.00 each or $29.99 for all 4 volumes!!!! That is a wonderful deal.  They are hardcover and each book is at least 400 pages.  I have them and they are really fun.  If you visited NY a particular year, it's fun to get the yearbook from that year!

Here is the link for these books as well as other clearance items.

Speaking of yearbooks, here is my "Senior Picture" from high school back in 1996.  I wanted to stand out with an "artistic shot."  Can you believe THIS picture was in the yearbook!!!!!  Also, the photographer really liked the picture and had it blown up and displayed it in the mall.  How embarrassing!!!

MUST see TV!

The term "Lifetime Movie" conjures up certain images... I think of a woman fighting the odds/overcoming addiction. The woman will usually be played by a former TV star. When flipping through channels I may watch a dramatic scene or two and skip to the next channel.

Perhaps I have never connected to one because I have never...

A - been abducted
B - been sexually assaulted or stalked
C - had a multiple personality disorder
D - had an eating disorder

All kidding aside, I know people love their movies and are inspired by them.

I have to give Lifetime huge props for their latest film. I just saw PRAYERS FOR BOBBY which aired this weekend. This made-for-tv movie is based on the book of the same title. It is the true story of a mother struggling with her son's homosexuality and trying to change him. All this is done in the name of God's love.  It is a tragic story, but also one of transforming ignorance into love and acceptance.

I read the heartbreaking book years ago and thought the movie hit it right on.  Ryan Kelley and Sigourney Weaver as Bobby and his mother are wonderful.  Ms. Weaver gives an amazing nuanced performance.  More importantly,  this is a vital story for young people and their parents struggling to come to terms with being gay AND loving God.  As evident with the past election, this is still an issue America struggles with.

There will be an encore showing tonight at 9pm ET on Lifetime. You can also purchase the film on itunes for $3.99.  A dvd release hasn't been announced yet, but I'm pretty sure there will be one down the road.  WARNING - When you watch this, make sure you have a box of tissues handy.

Here's the preview.  (Don't watch if you don't want to know too much before viewing.)

Also related.... I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend the critically acclaimed documentary FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.  This is an amazing film and is available on dvd.  What I like about the documentary is that it shows viewpoints from both sides of this controversial issue.  Also it interviews a lot of parents and not just their children.  Here is the preview.  Don't care much for the "child singing under spooky music" in the preview, but the clip gives you an idea of the content of the film.

You just got Patti LuPWNed!

The revival of PATTI LUPONE'S Gypsy recently closed on Broadway.  I've posted in previous entries that I really enjoyed this production and thought for the most part the performances were WONDERFUL!  However, I thought at times Ms. Lupone was a little over the top.  

... and before the show closed... one night she STOPPED THE SHOW (not "stopped the show" as in "her performance brought the audience to it's feet"... no she literally "stopped it" as in "ceased performing") to stop an audience member from taking pictures... during "Rose's Turn" no less.  Yes, the person should not have been taking pictures.  However, to break character and yell at them seems a little unprofessional.  Then again this IS Patti Lupone.. and she may be bigger than the role.

Nonetheless, someone was in the audience recording audio of the event.  Can you imagine if Patti found out!!!

Here is the audio.  It's pretty over-the-top hilarious!

And of course in the wonderful world of youtube there is a remix!!!

Sorry... don't mean to bash Ms. Lupone.  I think she has a lot of talent... and am a fan.  However, this is all a bit much.   I like "nice divas."  Patti... "who do you think you ARE!!!!! "

Happy sidenote - You were a really good mom to Corky!

31 years YOUNG!

Today is my Birthday!  Last year was the big 3-0.  Leading up to that day I was freaking out a little... thinking "I'm gonna be 30 and what have I done with my life..." etc etc etc.  Then I came to the realization that "Life is REALLY good." I am so blessed beyond compare, have met the love of my life, and am surrounded by WONDERFUL PEOPLE.  I few days later I was thrown a beautiful surprise party that I will never forget! 

If we didn't have calendars telling us how old we are... we would never know the difference... I truly believe to some degree that "aging is a state of mind."  Yes our metabolism slows down, our hair turns grey (or we lose it), our bodies may not be able to handle as much as when we were in our teens... but if you believe you "ARE OLD"... then you will "ACT OLD." 

So today I give you a lovely cover of a Sinatra classic by singer/songwriter Landon Pigg.  The you tube clip isn't the best (it's filmed at noisy bar)... so definitely check out the studio version.

Insane for Jane!

Jane Monheit is my FAVORITE contemporary female jazz vocalist.  I bought Jane's debut cd "Never Never Land" back in 2000 and immediately fell in love.  

She has a pure passionate voice who emotes beautiful ballads and can also swing and scat like crazy.  With her sophomore release "Come Dream with Me,"  I was obsessed.  Check out this BEAUTIFUL rendition of OVER THE RAINBOW from that release.

The video is from a slightly different version featured on the "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" soundtrack.  I prefer the one from "Come Dream With Me," but this gives you an idea of her wonderful vocals.

She followed with was one of my favorite releases "In The Sun" which has a lot of Brazilian repertoire, a cover of one of my favorite songs of all time SOME OTHER TIME,  and this "KICKIN" version of CHEEK TO CHEEK.

Next was a live album and dvd "Live from the Rainbow Room."  I had the WONDERFUL pleasure of seeing jane in concert in 2001.  This album and dvd do a great job of capturing her fantastic live act.

Over the next few years she released a "Taking A Chance on Love" (tribute to movie musicals), "The Best of Jane Monheit," "This Season" (wonderful Christmas release),  and "Surrender" (heavily bossa nova influenced.)  She also released a second dvd after the release of TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE.

Here's a cute video of her in the studio recording her Christmas album.

This past Tuesday she released "The Lovers, the Dreamers and Me."  She turned 30 this year AND became a mother.  This is definitely reflected in the music.  She recorded half of the album before motherhood and the rest after her son Jack was born.  The last song (which inspired the title) is a lovely version of the RAINBOW CONNECTION for him.

This album is more subtle than some of her swingin' records, but it is a wonderful nuanced collection of music.  She covers Corinne Bailey Rae's LIKE A STAR, Fiona Apple's SLOW LIKE HONEY, and Paul Simon's I DO IT FOR YOUR LOVE.  In the standards department you find SOMETHING COOL, I'M GLAD THERE IS YOU, Bacharach's THIS GIRL'S IN LOVE WITH YOU, and another favorite song of mine from the musical "On The Town" called LUCKY TO BE ME.  I love the element of this album being influenced by her son.  She comments on recording while being pregnant.  “It was,” she recalls, “a really neat feeling to be in the studio with my son in there with me, singing beautiful tunes like “I’m Glad There Is You” and ”Lucky to Be Me.”

She has released a lot of wonderful material.  If you are starting out.  I would suggest starting with her greatest hits "The Best of Jane Monheit."  It is a really nice overview of her material leading up to 2005.  I will try and post an imix of MY favorites soon to this blog.

If you just want to download a song or two for now.  I would probably say go with OVER THE RAINBOW and CHEEK TO CHEEK (although that's a really hard decision!)

Nomination Celebration!

The Oscar Nominees for 2009 came out this week.  Here is a link for the full list.

Oscar Night may have some BIG surprises this year...

(just kidding... Jessica Simpson was NOT nominated! Also she did not win one for "The Dukes of Hazzard."  This is a lovely photoshopped pic that I found online.)

Each year I make it my mission to see as many of the nominated films as humanly possible.  My birthday is on Sunday.  To celebrate turning 31, birthday festivities will be seeing "3" movies on "1" day with loved ones... (also one on Saturday... but that doesn't sound cool with the 3-1 theme!)

I was pretty happy with the nominations.  I will post more after the "movie weekend" when I feel I am more "qualified" to make overall comments.

However, here are some thoughts after hearing the nominations....

1. So excited Richard Jenkins was nominated for best actor in "The Visior" - I really loved this movie and Richard (who is normally plays character roles) gave a wonderful touching performance.

2. So happy for Anne Hathaway for best actress nom in "Rachel Getting Married."  I'm seeing that and "The Reader" (Kate Winslet - best actress nom) this weekend.  Love both of these women.

3. LOVED Viola Davis in "Doubt."  She MADE the movie for me and was happy to see her best supporting actress nom.  Also glad the much deserving Mr. Ledger got one for "The Dark Knight"

4. So far my favorite 2 movies have been "Milk" and "Slumdog Millionaire."  I was very happy that both got a lot of Oscar love.  These are the 2 movies I would highly recommend seeing before Oscar night.

5. I was surprised "Revolutionary Road" got little Oscar love.

6. Very disappointed that Sally Hawkins didn't get a best actress nomination for "Happy Go Lucky" and that "Wall-E" did not receive one for Best Picture.  I would also like to have seen "Gran Torino" nominated for best song... if only to see Jamie Cullum performing on Oscar Night.

If you are wanting to go on an Oscar Nominee Viewing Spree.. here is a list of the movies nominated for more than one award and the number of nominations.  Oscar night is Sunday Feb 22nd, so get to work!!

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - 13 noms

"Slumdog Millionaire" - 10 noms

"The Dark Knight - 8 noms (out on dvd)

"Milk" - 8 noms

"WALL-E" - 6 noms (out on dvd)

"Doubt" - 5 noms

"Frost/Nixon" - 5 noms

"The Reader" - 5 noms

"Changeling" - 3 noms (out on dvd Feb 17)

"Revolutionary Road" - 3 noms

"The Duchess" - 2 noms (out on dvd)

"Frozen River" - 2 noms (out on dvd Feb 10)

"Iron Man" - 2 noms (out on dvd)

"Wanted" - 2 noms (out on dvd)

"The Wrestler" - 2 noms

...and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.

...one more OBAMA post.  I know it's been a lot this week, but COME ON... this is a great event!

There have been many original tunes dedicated to President Obama.  The most ridiculous one I have found is "THERE'S NO ONE AS IRISH AS BARACK OBAMA" performed by the Corrigan Brothers.

Today I found a wonderful cover of OVER THE RAINBOW performed by "Clare and the Reasons." 

ALL the lyrics are changed to OBAMA.  It's actually quite good... AND it's a free download from PASTE magazine for a limited time.  For your free mp3 of this song click here!!!

It's a new dawn... it's a new day...

"PRESIDENT OBAMA!"  How wonderful is it to hear those words? However, as he has said time and time again, this election is not about him.  It is about the direction the American people want to take the country.  Here is a speech he gave today on public service.

I made this mix yesterday and posted it to itunes.  These are songs I feel reflect the feeling of the country right now.  They are either about Obama or about working together to make a better America!

If you want to download the whole mix or a song or two, this will link you to itunes.  You can also make your own mix and post to itunes.  I often browse imix when searching for songs on a subject and see what other people have come up with.  There is a search engine to search by keyword.

Also... here is a link to download an mp4 of the inauguration oath and speech.  Let the video play and then "Save as Source" for the mp4 version (which can play on your video i-pod.)  You can also save as a Quicktime Movie.

CHANGE...

What a wonderful day!

This video feels very appropriate.

Check out www.whitehouse.gov for Obama's agenda!  This includes some wonderful words on Civil Rights and Gay and Lesbian Rights.

Also subscribe to the White House Blog!  It's a new era!  The best part of all this is that "I" feel part of the process!  I know that feeling is shared by my fellow Americans.

Here's Josh Groban, Heather Headley, and the DC Gay Men's Chorus at the Inauguration Party from Sunday. 

LET FREEDOM RING!!!

BYE George!

ONE MORE DAY...

Here's lovely concert footage from one of my favorite artists JAMIE CULLUM to celebrate!

This song he dedicated to President Bush.

Much much more on the wonderful Mr. Cullum in future posts...

The glorious return of New Zealand's former fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bondo acappella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo!

Season 2 of the wonderful HBO comedy FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS premieres tonight!

"Flight of the Conchords" consist of musicians Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clement who can FOLK like no others.  You can read more about them in a previous post.

The series follows them as they try to achieve success in New York City.

Here's a preview of the season 2...

If you don't have HBO... here's a link to watch the entire new episode!

Brett and Jermaine are WONDERFUL... 

...but I have to admit I am in love with Kristen Schall as "Mel" - their VERY obsessed (often only) fan!

Here's a little taste of MEL in "Stalker Mode" from Season 1...

Check out this hilarious interview with Kristin..



She is BRILLIANT!!!

Here is Kristin doing stand up.

Lady MADONNA!

Don't know if this is real or set up, but it made me laugh.  The title of the video is "Math Teacher Caught Singing Madonna - Like a Virgin."

Here are 2 fun MADONNA covers with links to i-tunes.  In both cases I REALLY prefer the studio version over the live youtube footage.

The first is by folk group THE CHAPIN SISTERS.  They consist of Abigail and Lily Chapin (daughters of folk singer Tom Chapin) and their half-sister Jessica Craven (daughter of director Wes Craven.) Love their harmonies on BORDERLINE.  The studio version appears on a Madonna Tribute album called "Through The Wilderness: A Tribute to Madonna."  This is the best track on the album.

I already did a post about TRASH POUR 4.... but they are certainly worth mentioning again.  Here is their jazzy take on MATERIAL GIRL.

SCI-FRI-Day!

Growing up I wanted nothing to do with the world of Sci-Fi!  I wanted the "final frontier" of "SPACE" to be in a galaxy far FAR away.

However that has completely changed the past few years.  This started because of the brilliant show BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.  I reluctantly watched the mini-series and was immediately hooked.  

The show is SO much more that sci-fi.  Constantly commenting on relevant issues to today, I believe BSG is one of the best written shows currently on television.  For me, the heart and soul of the show is the dynamic  performance of Mary McDonnell as the Secretary of Education turned President.

Tonight the first of the final 10 episodes premieres.  I give a lot of credit to the show for ending while it is creatively on top... and not running the show into the ground... (or into a far away galaxy.)

If you haven't watched this show... give it a try!!!  The mini-series is available for purchase or rental.  This is also the perfect time to buy the seasons because Barnes and Noble is having a BUY 2 DVDs GET ONE FREE sale until Feb 2nd.  (This goes for any dvd or blu-ray... including boxed sets!)

If you are a fan of the show, here is a hilarious recap leading up tonight with wonderful commentary.  This is not the special that was on the Sci-Fi channel this week.  ***If you have not seen the show or currently on another season trying to catch up tonight, don't watch this!! There are a lot of spoilers right from the beginning.***

part 1



part 2

This is also available as a free download from i-tunes!

**note to the reader - since I began my journey into space, I have also become a huge fan of shows such as TORCHWOOD, FIREFLY, HEROES (before it went terribly off track), and my personal fav... the current DOCTOR WHO!  AND I am looking forward to the new STAR TREK film.  I admit it... I have turned into a SCI-FI GEEK!

To find out if YOU are...  take this quiz.

INGA the jazz singa!

About a year ago I discovered the lovely voice of jazz singer Inga Swearingen.  She has a lovely voice, wonderful control, and is a master at scat singing.  Inga is also a favorite of "Prairie Home Companion" host Garrison Keillor.

Here's her singing a lovely medley of "The Nearness of You/Misty."  The medley is based on an arrangement by vocalist Dianne Reeves.

The video was put together by a fan on youtube.

Also check out Inga's renditions of "Just in Time," "Stompin' at the Savoy," and a killer version of "Down By The Riverside!"

Let's kick some BLUEGRASS!

I love the music of  Nickle Creek.  It's classic bluegrass with a modern edge.  They classify themselves as "progressive acoustic."  I had the great fortune of seeing them with Fiona Apple in 2007 for their "Farewell for Now" tour.  They are all currently taking a break to pursue solo projects.

Here is a video of them performing Fiona's "Extraordinary Machine" with her.

Also a cover of Britney Spear's "Toxic" had become a staple of their concerts and a huge fan favorite!

Neither of these is "officially" for sale.  But you can download this episode of a wonderful podcast called "COVERVILLE" which contains a live version "Toxic."

Here's a video of one of their originals, "When in Rome."

Chris Thile (who looks a little like Jude Law), and brother and sister Sean and Sara Watkins have been performing since they were little and have three major studio releases out.  They put out a greatest hits cd that includes a dvd of their videos called "Reasons Why: The Very Best."  

I leave you with one final cover.  Here are Nickel Creek and Fiona Apple doing an absolutely splendid cover of the standard "Tonight You Belong To Me."  I've loved this tune ever since I saw Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters (with her trumpet that she happens to have with her) croon away on the beach in "The Jerk."

I Feel Good...

I think I'm finally almost over a lingering cold!!

So to celebrate, here are 4 very different versions of the "FEELING GOOD."  The song was originally written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1965 musical "The Roar of the Greasepaint - the Smell of the Crowd."

The most famous is probably the one by MICHAEL BUBLE featured on his sophomore album "It's Time."

The concert version you just saw is available on dvd!

Here is a very soulful one by NINA SIMONE.

The rock group MUSE did a very nice take on it.

Finally it was featured on Season 1 finale of ELI STONE featuring vocals by Victor Garber, Loretta Devine, and George Michael.  This is basically the Buble arrangement, but fits so wonderfully in the show.

Stay healthy!  See ya tomorrow!

American Idol premiers tonight.  There goes half of my primetime week!

the GLOBEY'S

Hope everyone enjoyed the Golden Globes on Sunday....

Here are my brief observations about the night.

The pre-show red carpet was a mess.  Nancy O'Dell would lump random combinations of people together who couldn't hear her questions because the crowd was screaming... and she KEPT asking people how they felt about Heath Ledger and if they thought he was going to win.  Maybe a crazy noisy awards show red carpet isn't the best platform to reflect on the tragedy of his untimely death.  

I love how (a badly groomed) Sting called her out a couple of times on her incorrect announcement that he was nominated for an award that evening.

The Golden Globes are always a lot of fun because you add the element of booze.  When the show started there was often the sound of a noisy crowd when someone was trying to talk.  It cracked me up how J-Lo, the first presenter, "shushed"  the crowd....  "Shh... Mama talking."

I also realized that Don Cheadle's resume will now include both "Hotel Rwanda" AND "Hotel for Dogs."  I can't wait for the DVD "Don Cheadle HOTEL Collection."

Eva Mendez looked a little like she just came from a performance as a napkin in Broadway's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! 

Ricky Gervais was (as always) brilliant

Best intro of the night that cracked me up... "Here are the stars of "Jonas Brothers. -  A 3-D Experience" ... The Jonas Brothers!"

Drew Barrimore and Jessica Lange acted a little like drunkin' lovers throughout the night.

 I am very nervously excited for their upcoming HBO film about "Grey Gardens."  "Grey Gardens" is a very favorite subject of mine.  Much more on this in a future post.

I was very happy for the wonderful Tiny Fey who told all her internet haters to "Suck It."

Also very happy for the amazing film "Slumdog Millionaire" and Kate Winslet - who won 2 awards!

La-hOVED Sally Hawkin's speech after winning best actress in a Musical/Comedy for "Happy Go Lucky."  

This is a wonderful film and a beautiful performance by her that hopefully will get more attention with current Oscar Buzz.  Here's the trailer.

And now... we await Oscar nominations which come out on January 22nd.  The Academy Awards will be broadcast on ABC on February 22nd at 8pm ET.

Besides "HAPPY GO LUCKY,"  here have been my favorite movies that have gotten some heavy duty Oscar Buzz.

- SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE - A-MAZING... very inspiring movie and a wonderful love story

- MILK - a WONDERFUL very poignant film about a true american hero.  WONDERFUL performances all around. 

- WALL-E - an animated masterpiece

- DOUBT - loved Viola Davis

- THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON - beautiful film - a great unconventional love story - amazing performance by Brad Pitt

- THE DARK KNIGHT - Heath Ledger steals the show... also loved Maggie Gyllenhaal

Here are the ones I have yet to see, but am very excited for...

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED

FROST/NIXON

THE READER

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

THE WRESTLER

Stay tuned for much much more Oscar talk!

GLOBE Trotters!

Very excited for tonight's GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS!  

Here's the wonderful Chelsea Handler reporting on last year's "ceremony."

Expect a full "Highway To Swell" report tomorrow!

John Mayer - THE MUSICAL?

Broadway star Audra McDonald's 2006 solo album "Build A Bridge" included many fascinating covers.  On this album she often goes outside of the box of "Musical Theatre Songs." 

One of the wonderful surprises for me was a lovely version of John Mayer's "MY STUPID MOUTH."  The lyrics work extremely well when sung by a woman, and this could actually be a theater "character song."

Other cool covers on this album include Rufus Wainwright's "Damned Ladies," Nellie McKay's "I Wanna Get Married," and the Elvis Costello/Burt Bacharach collaboration "God Give Me Strength."

She also sings theater songs from composers Adam Guettel (Light in the Piazza) and Ricky Ian Gordon.

Shades of (Macy) GRAY...

Here are 2 really cool covers (with links to i-tunes) of songs from Macy Gray's debut album.

The first is by Ben Taylor (the son of James Taylor and Carly Simon.)

I love the feel of his version of "I TRY" from the EP "Deeper Than Gravity."  

"Deeper Than Gravity" also includes a cover of the 50's pop ballad "YOU BELONG TO ME."

Wynonna Judd (often referred to as simply "Wynonna") released a version of "I Can't Wait to Meetchu" with the "Chu" changed to "You!" 

**BONUS TRIVIA - Wynonna was named after the line "Don't forget Winona" in the pop standard "Route 66."