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!

KRISTIN the night away!

I know it's a little early to be talking about Christmas music... most of the new releases for Christmas 2008 DO come out today or next week.... but I will wait a little longer to talk about all the releases (at least till after Halloween.)  There ARE some REALLY good ones this year.   However, there is one I cannot wait to tell you about.

I had no idea this album was coming out... so I jumped up and down a little (ok maybe a lot) when I learned yesterday that Broadway/tv/movie darling Kristin Chenoweth is releasing a Christmas album.

It's called "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas"...  and it is absolutely BREATHTAKING!!!!  

I face a huge dilemma each year about how early I can pull out the holiday cd's.  One does not want to overdose on holiday cheer too early...  I've decided to "adapt" the fashion rule...  "You shouldn't listen to 'White CHRISTMAS' until AFTER Labor Day."   Since it's October I'm safe... which is good, because I couldn't wait to hear this.  I downloaded it at midnight from i-tunes (a MUST because there are 2 exclusive tracks on i-tunes.)  I sat by the computer and listened all the way through.  This is rare for me.  Usually when I'm really excited about a new release I have to sample through the album first so I don't burst with anticipation (I have issues... I know!)  With this cd I was under Kristin's spell.

Her renditions are fresh (not overproduced) and yet feel classic at the same time.  She has moments where she does her cute Glinda/Sally Brown schtick that she is loved for, but most of the album is pure beautiful singing.

She does wonderful versions of classics.  I love her take on "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Do You Hear What I Hear."  She duets with contemporary jazz great John Pizzarelli on a cute medley of "Sleigh Ride"/"Marshmallow World."  She also includes "Sing" (originally made by famous by Big Bird and then the Carpenters.)  It fits wonderfully with the other songs.  Her rendition is very true to the Carpenters but has some special Christmas lyrics.

I was especially moved by the pairing of "Sleep Little Children" and "What A Wonderful World."

Get the i-tunes version which includes the title song (don't know why it didn't make on the official release!?!)  "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas."  This is a  reworking of the standard "A Lovely Way To Spend an Evening."  The other track is a beautiful version of "The Lord's Prayer."

This is sure to be a season favorite.

IN OTHER KRISTIN NEWS....

-She is ADORABLE this season on PUSHING DAISIES... if you're missing the show... you are missing out.  Season 1 is out on dvd.  The show really is a perfect fit for all of her talents.  She is also in the upcoming movie "Four Christmases."

-The WICKED cast recording is being re-released as a Fifth Anniversary Edition on Oct 28th with songs cut from the original production and covers of some of the songs.

-Kristin has a memoir coming out next year!!!!  It's called "A Little Bit Wicked: Life Love and Faith In Stages."  Cannot wait!  It comes out Spring 2009!

-Also in the works is a Disney version of "Rapunzel" voiced by Kristin.

Here is a fun video I found of a staged reading of  "EARTH GIRLS ARE EASY - The Musical."  The musical never quite made it to Broadway.  It looked fun.  Here is Kristin singing Blondie's "Heart of Glass."  Super cute.

FINALLY....  (sorry long post again!)  Here is a public service announcement from Kristin.  (This ditty is NOT on the Christmas album! )

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die

I Love TRASH!

Here is a SUPER DUPER fun new discovery! 

TRASH POUR 4 is a 4-piece combo from Sao Paulo, Brazil.  They do WONDERFUL covers of pop tunes (mostly 70's and 80's) in a jazz/bossa nova/lounge setting.   They remind me a bit of the splendid group PINK MARTINI!  

They have 2 great albums.  

The first "Recycle Volume 1" came out in 2005 and "Super Duper" was released in 2006.  They both can be found on i-tunes.

Favorite covers (you should download) are.. 

Madonna's "Material Girl"

Carpenters' "Close To You"

Erasure's "A Litte Respect" 

Irving Berlin's "Puttin' On The Ritz" (look out "Puttin On The Ritz - TACO COVER!")

They also do a wonderful cover of Nirvana's "Lithium"

Here is them doing Irving Berlin's PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ.

Here is a VERY different take on YOU'RE SO VAIN!

Here are 2 videos showing them making "SUPER DUPER."  I have no idea what they are saying half of the time, but I find them very fascinating!!! These are long, so only watch if you are digging them so far (or are super bored!)

He Ain't Heavy, He's My JONAS Brother!

This post I'd like to take a look at SIBLINGS making music together.  Here are two new releases and an old favorite.

Yes, you may be sick of them even before you've heard a note.  Their faces are plastered all over teeny-bopper magazines, back to school supplies and clothes, and the Disney Channel.  Their acting in the Disney Channel movie "Camp Rock" was pretty awful.  (This comes from a guy who admits he is super pumped for "High School Musical 3")

Yet their new cd release "A Little Bit Longer" is pretty darn good.  Often compared to "Hanson," these guys write their own music and play their own instruments.  On this new album they still appeal to Teeny-Bopper USA, and yet have advanced musically.  Traces of bands like Maroon 5 and Fall Out Boy can be found throughout the cd.  There's even a wonderful Jack Johnson-esque toon called "Love Bug."  It's a fun up-tempo album except the very touching title track written by youngest Jonas Nick about his battle with diabetes.

Here's the music video from the first single "Burnin' Up"

 

Here's a funny video of them meeting "the Queen of England" last year!

Another really cool sibling band is "The Bridges."  They are comprised of three sisters, one brother, and one cousin.  Produced by Matthew Sweet, they are heavily influenced by groups like Fleetwood Mac and the Mama's and the Papa's.  My favorite thing about this group is their amazing "sunny" harmonies.

Here is the music video from their single "Pieces."

Here is a short video of them rehearsing vocals...

Speaking of amazing harmonies, one of the best examples of sibling harmonies at their best can be found on the album "Sibling Revelry" by cabaret stars Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway.  This is one of my favorite live albums and an amazing cabaret album.  Liz has been in many broadway shows and has a beautiful clear soprano sound, Ann was in "Swing" and is an amazing jazz chanteuse.  She also wrote the theme song for "The Nanny" which she and her sister sang!  Their blend together is absolutely amazing.  They both have numerous solo albums where the other duets on a track.  This is their only full duet album.

Here are two videos of them singing a "Super-Long Medley" of all the songs their friends said "two sisters should sing."  This footage is from a Rosie Family Cruise.  A similar version is on their album.

O.K. this blog is getting a little long... I wanted to talk about Rufus Wainwright and his sister Martha, but I'll wait until another time.  Besides, I could write a whole post on Rufus. 

However, I can't end until I give a shout out to the amazing sound of the Carpenters. Here is some amazing live footage from early in their career shot during an Australian concert.

Speaking of siblings, my sister (who is a wonderful singer) is about to have a baby!  Her due date for their first child is in about a week and a half.  I'm super excited!  Uncle Michael is ready to spoil the baby with all kinds of music.  Look out Osmonds, a new family band may be in the making.