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.
Who doesn't love the Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton classic ISLANDS IN THE STREAM? The song was actually written by the Bee Gees! Check out their demo here.
Here's the classic Kenny/Dolly version. LOVE DOLLY!
She has a cool a cappella version on her live cd LIVE AND WELL. It's part of a really fun medley with all her band singing. Check out the track here.
There is a pretty cool cover I found recently. It is a collaboration by The Constantines and Feist (best known for her song "1,2,3,4" featured on an ipod commercial)
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.
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.
