Jackie DeShannon: "When You Walk In The Room" (2011) CD Review

If you've listened to the radio or gone to the movies in the last forty-five years, you've heard Jackie DeShannon. She's an important songwriter in pop music. She even opened for The Beatles. And that was in 1964, before her biggest songs had even been written. Her songs have been covered by the likes of Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, The Byrds, Ella Fitzgerald, Marianne Faithfull, The Temptations and The Carpenters. She also recorded songs with (a pre-Led Zeppelin) Jimmy Page and has co-written songs with Randy Newman. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010, a totally deserved recognition.

And now on her newest release, When You Walk In The Room, she takes some of her most well known and beloved tunes and gives them a new life. These are songs you know, songs you probably love. But these versions will cause you look at them anew, with a fresh perspective, as she has done. They're stripped down, played more in a folk vein than pop.

Jackie DeShannon wrote or co-wrote all but two tracks on this album (those two being "Needles & Pins" and "What The World Needs Now Is Love").

"When You Walk In The Room"

The album opens with "When You Walk In the Room." The guitar is so pretty on this track. And then when the vocals come in, it's immediately apparent that Jackie's voice is still beautiful, and full of emotion. The age in her voice only adds to the song's emotional impact. This song seems stronger than ever. By stripping the song down, her voice and lyrics are allowed to shine. She sings, "I close my eyes for a second, pretend it's me you want/Meanwhile I try to act so nonchalant."

In the original (recorded in 1963, when she was only nineteen), her vocal performance had an eagerness that has been replaced in this version with affection and warmth. It sounds more like genuine love, and that gives a slightly different meaning to the lyrics. It gives them more weight. Also, that early 1960s pop element is gone.

"Put A Little Love In Your Heart"

"Put A Little Love In Your Heart" is probably her most famous song, at least of the ones she wrote. It's a song I've always loved. Her voice is excellent on this version, but I have to admit I do miss the backing vocals on the chorus, especially the echo of "And the world."

It's an odd version because it still has the drums, so it's not completely stripped down. It's like half-stripped. I'd almost prefer if she'd gone all the way with this - just vocals and guitar - and given a truly raw version that would be completely different from the original. The original reached #4 on the Billboard chart.

"Put A Little Love In Your Heart" was also recorded by Annie Lennox & Al Green. That version was included on the soundtrack for Scrooged in 1988, and actually reached #9 on the Billboard chart. It features some glorious backing vocals over a 1980s pop rhythm.

"Put A Little Love In Your Heart" was written by Jackie DeShannon, Randy Myers and Jimmy Holiday.

"Bette Davis Eyes"

"Bette Davis Eyes" was a huge hit for Kim Carnes in 1981, but it was written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss, and was recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1974. Jackie does a bit of Kim Carnes in her vocal performance this time around, finding those places of raw emotion in her voice, particularly on lines like "She'll lay you on her throne" and "She'll take a tumble on you/Roll you like you were dice." This is a great song, and I really like this version.

Interestingly, this version is much closer to Kim Carnes' rendition than to her own original 1974 version, which has a kind of upbeat feel, fun backing vocals and even a horn section. It's like Jackie DeShannon is doing a cover of Kim Carnes' cover of her own song.

"Come And Stay With Me"

"Come And Stay With Me" was a big song for Marianne Faithfull in 1965, and her version is really pretty. But the version included here is so honest and soulful. It feels new. It's one of the strongest tracks on this album. Jackie's vocals are just wonderful on this tune.

"Needles & Pins" and "What The World Needs Now Is Love"

"Needles & Pins" is one of only two tracks on this release that Jackie DeShannon didn't write. It was written by Jack Nitzsche and Sonny Bono - but it was written for her, and she recorded the first version in 1963. It's the rendition by The Searchers that we all know and love. But on this album, Jackie really takes control of the song - the cry in her voice adding something new to the classic hit.

The other song she didn't write is "What The World Needs Now Is Love." That song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, but it is her version that everyone thinks of, that everyone knows. Jackie originally recorded this song in 1965. That version reached # 7 on the Billboard chart, and was nominated for three Grammy awards.

The version included on this disc is great - just vocals, acoustic guitar and bass. And Jackie's vocals are as good as they've ever been on this song. Sure, some people think this song is a bit cheesy, but those folks should give this version a chance. And the fact is this song's message still rings true.

"Bad Water"

I love the raw power of her vocals on "Bad Water." This is probably the most powerful track on this album, and it's mostly due to her vocal performance. Here is a taste of the lyrics: "I've got to lose this feeling and change the way I'm living/I could use a helping hand/I'm walking through bad water."

"Bad Water" was written by Jackie DeShannon, Randy Myers and Jimmy Holiday.

The Raelettes - the backing vocalists for Ray Charles - recorded this song and released it as a single in 1970.

"Will You Stay In My Life"

When You Walk In The Room concludes with a new song, "Will You Stay In My Life." The instruments are more prominent on this track, but it's her voice that really sells this tune. And this song features some excellent lyrics: "I don't want your freedom/I don't want your soul/I'm just watching you moving/So easy and slow/I'll bring you white horses under stars that don't lie/And I'll ask you one question/Will you stay in my life."

Clearly, Jackie has not lost her ability to write a good tune, as this song proves. It stands up well next to these other famous songs. In fact, this track is probably my favorite from the album.

CD Track List

1. When You Walk In The Room
2. Put A Little Love In Your Heart
3. Bette Davis Eyes
4. Heart In Hand
5. Come And Stay With Me
6. Don't Doubt Yourself Babe
7. Needles & Pins
8. Breakaway
9. What The World Needs Now Is Love
10. Bad Water
11. Will You Stay In My Life
    

When You Walk In The Room is scheduled to be released on September 27, 2011 on Rock Beat Records.

Slaid Cleaves: "Sorrow & Smoke: Live At The Horseshoe Lounge" (2011) CD Review

Sorrow & Smoke: Live At The Horseshoe Lounge is Slaid Cleaves' first live album, which is somewhat astonishing as he's been performing for more than twenty years and is known for connecting with audiences at his live performances. Slaid certainly knows his audience, and on this release he plays a lot of songs that have to do with bars, including a tune titled "Horseshoe Lounge." Drinking plays a part in many of the tunes, and this CD even includes a coaster (see photo).

Recorded on April 20, 2010 and June 29, 2010 at The Horseshoe Lounge in Austin, Texas (where Slaid makes his home), this two-disc set is full of great material. Sure, there is a sadness to a lot of his songs, but these songs aren't depressing. They're the kind of sad songs that make you feel good, and that's partly because Slaid has a good sense of humor, and he infuses his material with it. For example, in "Tumbleweed Stew," he asks the important questions, "Where can a good man go crazy? Where can a cowboy get stoned?"

Slaid Cleaves has a good rapport with his audience, who feel free to respond to him between songs (and even during songs). At one point, he asks if people want to hear any particular tunes. Folks shout out several requests. He responds, "Okay, that's enough. I can only keep two or three in my head at one time." He has a disarming honesty and sense of humor about himself. That adds to his appeal. The audience is right with him, and he's able to use that on a song like "Breakfast In Hell," for example, which includes an insane audience participation section. He also has a friendly troubadour voice which is instantly likeable.

"Hard To Believe"

The album opens with a song whose first verse is about a bar. But it's the second verse that I really love, with lines like, "Street girls hop from foot to foot/Tying to keep warm/Trying to pay down a few bills/Before the next big storm." Actually, this song is full of good lyrics, like "I would have gone with her that day/I just watched her as she drove away/I guess one of us had to leave/It's hard to believe."

Written by Adam Carroll and Slaid Cleaves, "Hard To Believe" was originally included on Slaid's 2009 release, Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away. With the opening track, Slaid shows that he's an excellent storyteller. He can paint a scene, a mood with ease. And pull in an audience.

"Horseshoe Lounge"

The audience cheers as soon as it recognizes this song, named for the very venue where this album was recorded. This isn't an audience that sits still and remains quiet; they shout out and respond whenever they see fit, and they cheer even during this song. I love the line, "Maybe God left us out of the plans he made." This song was originally included on Slaid's 2000 release, Broke Down.

"Drinkin' Days"

"Drinkin' Days" opens with the line, "My drinkin' days are over." Is there a sadder opening line? This song also mentions the venue, in the line "I used to hang out at the Horseshoe," which the crowd predictably cheers. This is a sad sort of tune of a man with a few regrets. I love these lines: "I never knew what time it was/Til closing time came round/My drinkin' days are over/But I'm still trouble bound." He relates the disastrous effects of alcohol and the lifestyle that sometimes accompany it. But the absence of alcohol doesn't solve the singer's problems; he's still "trouble bound."

At the end of the track he talks about how when he first moved to Austin he lived near the venue but didn't have the courage to go to the Horseshoe Lounge.

"Below"

Slaid introduces "Below," a song that was requested but one he hadn't played in a while. He says that newer songs push older songs out of the set list. "The old songs - they get jealous. And when I try to do them after several months, they try to embarrass me."

The song has a somewhat darker, haunting western feel, and is about the effects of so-called "progress" on a small town. Here is a bit of the lyrics: "They tore down the church, and the schoolhouse burned/They dug up the graves, the wheels of progress turned." This song was originally included on Wishbones (2004).

"Sinner's Prayer"

"Sinner's Prayer" starts, "I'm not living like I should/I used to be a better man." It's a bluesy folk tune about disappointing yourself. There are some wonderful moments on guitar on this track. The audience is duly impressed, as you can hear in the hoots and applause. This is a seriously cool song, which first appeared on 2004's Wishbones. It was written by Slaid Cleaves and Rod Picott.

"Broke Down"

"Broke Down" is an audience favorite, and the folks at the Horseshoe Lounge cheer the moment it starts. (Earlier, when folks shouted out their requests, this was one that was called for.) The title track from his 2000 release, this song features some nice lyrics like, "There's a picture locked up in an old suitcase/Billy closes his eyes, but he still sees her face." It was co-written by Slaid's friend Rod Picott. It was this song - and this album - that really started to help Slaid get national attention. And it's a wonderful song, one of this CD's best tracks.

"Cry"

The second disc opens with "Cry," a sort of seemingly pessimistic and cynical love song that opens with the lines, "New love like a diamond/Like a twinkling star/But it's a whole lot of heartache/To get to where we are." This song features some great lines, like "Every blue sky fades to grey/Everything you love will be taken away." This is one of my favorites from this release. Oliver Steck plays trumpet on this tune, and it sounds wonderful, just perfect. This is actually a beautiful song, despite its negative-sounding lyrics.

Yodeling Songs

Slaid does a series of yodeling songs on the second disc. He starts with "Horses," which he calls a "yodel warm-up song." The song features the line, "If it weren't for horses and divorces, I'd be a lot better off today." And of course there is some nice yodeling, which the crowd applauds. Slaid also once again mentions the venue, this time in the line, "He bought me a beer last night out at The Horseshoe Lounge." Though with this one, the lyric was changed for this performance; on the original release, it was the Lost And Found, not the Horseshoe Lounge.

Then he moves onto two yodel tunes written by Don Walser - "Texas Top Hand" and "Rolling Stone From Texas." He gets tongue-tied during "Texas Top Hand," and gives himself a little laugh. That song ends with some serious yodeling. But after the song he jokes that that one was an eight on the difficulty scale, and that now he was going to really go for it on "Rolling Stone From Texas." And he does. It's a fun rendition of the tune. Oliver Steck plays accordion on this one. It also features some nice work on guitar by Michael O'Connor. At the end, Slaid jokes, "I'm warmed up now. Let's start recording."

There is an untitled eleventh track on the second disc. It's not a song, but rather a snippet of conversation with Slaid, Michael and a guy who calls himself T-Bone.

CD Track List

Disc One:

1. Hard To Believe
2. Horseshoe Lounge
3. Drinkin' Days
4. Black T Shirt
5. No Angel Knows
6. Below
7. Tumbleweed Stew
8. Sinner's Prayer
9. Broke Down
10. Wishbones
11. New Year's Day
    

Disc Two:

1. Cry
2. Lydia
3. Green Mountains And Me
4. Horses
5. Texas Top Hand
6. Rolling Stone From Texas
7. Breakfast In Hell
8. Key Chain
9. One Good Year
10. Go For The Gold
    

Musicians

Musicians on this release are Slaid Cleaves on vocals and acoustic guitar; Michael O'Connor on acoustic lead guitar and vocals; and Oliver Steck on accordion, harmonica, trumpet and vocals.

The painting on the CD cover is by Maine artist Kathleen Mack.

Sorrow & Smoke: Live At The Horseshoe Lounge is scheduled to be released September 6, 2011 on Music Road Records.

The Heavy Guilt: "In The Blood" (2011) CD Review

In The Blood is the second release by The Heavy Guilt, a San Diego-based band that mixes indie rock with some elements of garage, folk and even the jam-band universe. They formed after K23 Orchestra disbanded, K23 members Alfred Howard and Josh Rice having accumulated material that hadn't fit in with the previous band. They soon teamed up with singer Erik Canzona, and the other members were added quickly.

There is a definite power to this music, but it has heart as well. And intelligence, which comes through in the material. They do a good job of marrying the lyric to the music. For example, toward the end of "Fever" during the repeated "Open up your heart," it sounds like the music itself is opening, showing its own heart through the song's build.

"It's Time"

The music of "It's Time," the opening track, is sparse and simple at the beginning. I love the way lead vocalist Erik Canzona's voice lifts, as if with hope, at moments in the opening lines - like on the word "before" in "I know you've been down before." It's such a well structured song. For example, the song kicks in immediately after the line, "It's time to put the past to rest," the music punctuating the thought, giving it a wonderful honesty.

I love the lines, "Time will take care of all wounds/I hope that time is coming soon." This is such an emotionally charged song, and a great way to open an album - get right in there under the listener's skin. A wonderful tune, and one of the album's best tracks.

"The Cost"

"The Cost" starts with electric guitar. Then the vocals come in, and that combination has a great raw edge and power, which is not lost when the rest of the instruments come in. And later the guitar leads into a fantastic instrumental section, a jam that is my favorite part of the song. But there are also some good lyrics, like these: "Got some aspirin and decisions/Two to take and one to make/Been so biased by these visions/From a flood we wait to wake."

"Wyoming"

"Wyoming" is a prettier, mellower tune. Though this song is prettier, it is no less powerful than the previous track. At the beginning, this band gives you just enough of an instrumental introduction to completely change your mood before the vocals come in, immediately setting the tone, and setting you up. This song makes a home for itself in your head. Here is a taste of the lyrics: "Another slow wind speaks your name/Another candle burning bright/And as I sit and watch the flame/Growing dimmer over time." I really like this song.

"Through The Tangles"

These guys really know how to get the greatest effect from a repeated phrase or line. In "Wyoming" it was "All in all, it is all right" and "As long as day comes from your night" that were repeated, with wonderful results. In this song, it's "Don't ask me why." Erik gives a bit more and holds just a bit longer on the word "why."

This tune has a great, loud build, and then suddenly drops to let the vocals speak directly to the listener over a simple, good beat.

"Alibi"

"Alibi" has a very different feel, a different mood. This song has a fun groove and a really cool, catchy guitar part that repeats at various points throughout the song. I would not be at all surprised if this one got some serious airplay on mainstream radio. And I dig these lines: "And I can't put it all together like I used to do/I trace your place in puzzle pieces cause I'm used to you."

"Blistered Hands"

"Blistered Hands" also has some wonderful work on guitar. I particularly like the instrumental section, the guitar at first tentatively finding its way through the song's environment over a good rhythm provided by Jason Littlefield on bass and Jenny Merullo on drums. And then it's as if the guitar is gaining confidence, strength, force and vigor. And they let it carry on as long as it needs to rather than keeping it short. So the song has a certain freedom. These guys must put on some good shows. Again, they choose a line to repeat; this time it's "Something comes next" after the jam. Perfect.

"Fallen"

This CD concludes with "Fallen," a cool, more acoustic-type song. This is one of my favorite tracks from this album. The vocals are very different on this one - smoother, with hints of a late 1960s sound (think Velvet Underground). This song has some good lyrics too, like "I'll take the medicine of minutes/Swallow hollow pills of hours/Takes a little time to show." And I love the line, "I fell in love and I fell in war."

CD Track List

1. It's Time
2. The Cost
3. Wyoming
4. Through The Tangles
5. Alibi
6. Blistered Hands
7. In The Blood
8. Fever
9. When It Comes Down
10. Train Station
11. Fallen
    

Musicians

The Heavy Guilt are Erik Canzona on lead vocals, acoustic guitar and electric guitar; Sean Martin on acoustic guitar and electric guitar; Josh Rice on piano, Rhodes, Hammond, Elka organ, Jaymar and acoustic guitar; Jason Littlefield on upright bass and electric bass; Jenny Merullo on drums, percussion and backing vocals; and Alfred Howard on Casio SK5, circuit bent radio, short wave radio and percussion.

Joining them on this recording are Heather Marie Janiga on backing vocals, John Mailander on violin and viola, Chris Davies and acoustic guitar and electric guitar, and Timin Murray on sonic soundscaping.

In The Blood was released on July 5, 2011. The Heavy Guilt's first album, Lift Us Up From This, was released in September of 2009.

August 2011 Concert Calendar

Here is a list of concerts by bands that I've reviewed (and some bands that i haven't yet written about, but really like). If you can, try to check out at least a few of these shows. I will be adding listings throughout the month, so please check back again later.

August 1, 2011 (Monday)

August 2, 2011 (Tuesday)
Antioquia - Thunderbird Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA - 8:00 p.m.
Bullied By Strings - Subterranean, 2011 West North Ave., Chicago, IL - 8:30 p.m.
The Submarines - Lee's Palace, Toronto, ON

August 3, 2011 (Wednesday)
The Evangenitals - Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles, CA - 9:00 p.m.
Free show
The Grownup Noise - Danger Danger Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Matisyahu - Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA
(with special opening act, Tea Leaf Green)
The Submarines - Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

August 4, 2011 (Thursday)
Antioquia - Autumn Cafe, Oneonta, NY - 9:30 p.m.
Marshall Chapman - San Miguel de Allende, MEXICO
Entrain - Arts Jubilee Concert, N. Conway, NH - 6:00 p.m.
The Grownup Noise - Velvet Lounge, Washington DC
John Hiatt - Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
The Submarines - Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH

August 5, 2011 (Friday)
Anita And The Yanks - The Novel Cafe, 1713 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA
Antioquia - JerryFest Shartlesville, Shartlesville, PA - 11:45 p.m.
The Grownup Noise - Kafe Kerouac, Columbus, OH
Ellis Paul - Bridge Street Live, Collinsville, CT - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00
Keller Williams - Weekend Off Festival, Warsaw, NY

August 6, 2011 (Saturday)
7 Walkers - Salmonstock Kenai Peninsula, Ninilchik, AK
The Grownup Noise - Uncle Slayton's, Louisville, KY
Moonalice - The Mint, Los Angeles, CA
Patrolled By Radar - 3 Clubs, Los Angeles, CA - 10:00 p.m.
Ellis Paul - Collinsville, CT - 12:30 p.m.
Special family show; Tickets: $10.00
Keller Williams - Elysian Fields, Boyce, VA

August 7, 2011 (Sunday)
Judy Collins - Jonathan's Restaurant, Ogunquit, ME
The Grownup Noise - South Park Tavern, Dayton, OH
Ellis Paul - Curtis Arboretum, Wyncote, PA - 5:00 p.m.

August 8, 2011 (Monday)
The Grownup Noise - Schubas, Chicago, IL

August 9, 2011 (Tuesday)
7 Walkers - Art Quest Center Winery, Bethlehem, PA
The Grownup Noise - Five Spot, Nashville, TN
The Submarines - Showbox, Seattle, WA

August 10, 2011 (Wednesday)
7 Walkers - The World Cafe, Wilmington, DE
Judy Collins - The Flying Money, Plymouth, NH
The Submarines - Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR

August 11, 2011 (Thursday)
7 Walkers - Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
Entrain - Colburn Park, Lebanon, NH - 7:30 p.m.
The Grownup Noise - Hi-Dive, Denver, CO
The Submarines - Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA

August 12, 2011 (Friday)
7 Walkers - Backstage at the Nancy Marine Studio, Torrington, CT
Judy Collins - Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta, NY
Entrain - Green Love Fest, Starks, ME
Aimee Mann - The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Ellis Paul - Boothbay Opera House, Boothbay Harbor, ME - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $17.00
Martin Sexton - South Park Ampitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA
The Submarines - El Rey, Los Angeles, CA
Keller Williams - Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills, NC

August 13, 2011 (Saturday)
7 Walkers - 6th Annual Bears Picnic, Lauerlton, PA
Cake - CD101 Summerfest, LC Pavillion, Columbus, OH
Entrain - Seaside Pavilion, Old Orchard Beach, ME
Aimee Mann - Burton W. Chace Park, Marina del Rey, CA
Ellis Paul - The Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00
Yonder Mountain String Band - Targhee Bluegrass Festival - Grand Targhee Resort, Alta, WY

August 14, 2011 (Sunday)
Entrain - Bethlehem Musikfest, PA
B.B. King - Pacific Amphitheatre, CA
Aimee Mann - Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA

August 15, 2011 (Monday)
The Grownup Noise - Silverlake Lounge, Los Angeles, CA

August 16, 2011 (Tuesday)
Yonder Mountain String Band - CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing - Peoria Riverfront, Peoria, IL

August 17, 2011 (Wednesday)
Judy Collins - The Bull Run, Shirley, MA
Go-Gos - Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
The Grownup Noise - The Uptown, Oakland, CA
Aimee Mann - The Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
Yonder Mountain String Band - Crossroads, Kansas City, MO

August 18, 2011 (Thursday)
Dave Alvin - Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
Entrain - Crane Castle, Ipswich, MA
The Grownup Noise - Hemlock Tavern, San Francisco, CA
The Happy Hollows - The Echo, Echo Park, CA
Aimee Mann - The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
Yonder Mountain String Band - The Slowdown, Omaha, NE

August 19, 2011 (Friday)
Anita And The Yanks - Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys, CA - 9:30 p.m.
The Evangenitals - Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles, CA - 10:00 p.m.
The Grownup Noise - The Distillery, Sacramento, CA
I See Hawks In L.A. - Grand Performances Summer Concert Series at Cal Plaza, 350 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA - 12:00 noon
Megan Jacobs - The Sunset Strip Music Festival, Los Angeles, CA - 7:00 p.m.
Free
Aimee Mann - The Center For The Arts, Grass Valley, CA
Ellis Paul - Jonathan's Restaurant, Ogunquit, ME - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22.00

August 20, 2011 (Saturday)
Judy Collins - The Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY
Entrain - MV Agricultural Fair - 7 p.m.
The Evangenitals - Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace, Pioneertown, CA - 8:00 p.m.
Aimee Mann - Oregon Zoo, Portland, OR
Keller Williams - Sunseekers Ball Music Festival, Chance Harbour, NB
Yonder Mountain String Band - Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO

August 21, 2011 (Sunday)
Judy Collins - Two River Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
Aimee Mann - Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA

August 22, 2011 (Monday)
Judy Collins - The Barrington Stage Company, Inc., Pittsfield, MA
Ellis Paul - West Mountain Inn, Arlington, VT

August 23, 2011 (Tuesday)
The Grownup Noise - Knife Shop, Portland, OR
Aimee Mann - Britt Festival, Medford, OR
Ellis Paul - West Mountain Inn, Arlington, VT

August 24, 2011 (Wednesday)
Marshall Chapman - Nashville, TN
The Grownup Noise - Seamonster Lounge, Seattle, WA
Ellis Paul - West Mountain Inn, Arlington, VT

August 25, 2011 (Thursday)
Judy Collins - The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts, Old Saybrook, CT
Ellis Paul - West Mountain Inn, Arlington, VT

August 26, 2011 (Friday)
Anita And The Yanks - The Tam O'Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Keller Williams - Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, CO

August 27, 2011 (Saturday)
7 Walkers - Music On the Mountain Festival, Boone, NC
The Brian Kinler Band - M Bar, 1253 Vine St., Hollywood, CA - 7:30 p.m.
Cover: $10 (+ $10 worth of food)
Keller Williams - Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, CO

August 28, 2011 (Sunday)
I See Hawks In L.A. - Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, Altadena, CA - 7:00 p.m.
Keller Williams - Lake Tahoe Bluegrass Festival, Sand Harbor, NV

August 29, 2011 (Monday)

August 30, 2011 (Tuesday)
Entrain - Concerts On The Square, Exton, PA - 6 p.m.

August 31, 2011 (Wednesday)
Shannon Hurley - Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, CA - 9:00 p.m.

August 2011 Update

Howdy, everybody. At the beginning of each month, I'll include a link to the blog that lists all of my articles, arranged by subject, so that they're easy to find. That link is this:

List Of All My Music Articles

It's been my intention with this blog to write about CDs and bands that I like. Sure, there might be an exception now and again. But I have no desire to tear apart some new band that's out there struggling to find a fan base. What I want to do is let people know about new bands they might not have heard of yet, and to remind them of some bands they might have forgotten. And to keep people up-to-date with all the great new releases, as well as concert listings. Basically, to share my love of music with anyone who cares to read this.

Today is (or would be) Jerry Garcia's birthday. It's been sixteen years since he died, and I still miss him. My favorite song is "Ripple." For those who haven't heard it, check out this beautiful version from 1980: "Ripple" at Radio City Music Hall.

Tommy Keene: "Behind The Parade" (2011) CD Review

Tommy Keene's new CD, Behind The Parade, is an album that demands some volume from your stereo. It isn't an album that works well at low volume. It loses something, loses some of its power. This is due to these songs being driven by guitars. On most of these pop rock tracks, the guitars really fill the space. But this album features some good lyrics as well, so don't let the guitars keep you from paying attention to the words. Tommy Keene wrote all of these songs, in addition to performing the vocals and playing the guitars and keyboards. He recorded these tracks at his home.

"Deep Six Saturday"

The album opens with "Deep Six Saturday," which bursts in with a bright-sounding bit of guitar before the rest of the instruments kick in. Something in Tommy Keene's voice might remind you of Tom Petty or possibly Elvis Costello. There is also a bit of 1960s pop feel to this tune. Then the horns come in as a welcome surprise. This is one of the CD's best tracks. Here is a taste of the lyrics: "Our fortified world is tumbling down/Ready for the night to turn around."

"Already Made Up Your Mind"

I really want to hear a stripped down acoustic version of "Already Made Up Your Mind." A stripped down version would give the vocals more strength, more emotional poignancy. And a raw edge that would serve the lyrics better, especially on lines like "Don't say please when you're down upon your knees/And don't you lie when you've already made up your mind."

"Behind The Parade"

"Behind The Parade," the album's title track, has more of an edge. If you don't pay close attention, it might sound like a straight-ahead pop rock tune. But there is more going on here, and there are some interesting changes. Tommy sings, "Everybody has a breaking heart/Everybody, everywhere you go/I was wondering where I fit in/If I ask, would you tell me so." There is great energy in the instrumental section toward the end. This is definitely one of the stronger tracks on this CD. It's one that I appreciated more the more I listened to it.

"Nowhere Drag"

"Nowhere Drag" begins with the guitar fading in, and it actually sounds pretty. Then the steady drum beat announces that this is rock, but it doesn't explode in like you might expect it to. This song features some good lyrics, like "Thank God for match and cigarette/With the only face that I could get."

"La Castana"

"La Castana" is completely different from the preceding tracks (and from everything that is to follow). It's a slow, moody electronic instrumental track. At times it sounds like sunlight bursting from water to shine on an amazed people. It's an interesting track, especially considering how out of its element it seems, but it does run on a bit longer than necessary.

"Running For Your Life"

In "Running For Your Life," guitars lead into a solid steady rock rhythm. And then the song stays true to that rhythm, not varying much. I love the line, "Where will you go when the high is gone, but still the night keeps going on?"

"His Mother's Son"

"His Mother's Son" begins with a rain sound effect, which I never appreciate. The song also ends with the sounds of rain and wind. But in between, there is some good stuff, particularly the instrumental section, which has a lot of heart.

"Lies In My Heart"

The album concludes with "Lies In My Heart," a fun tune mixing elements of early 1980s rock with 1960s pop sensibilities. It's a perfect summer rock tune, one I'd like to see him perform in concert, especially at an outdoor venue. Here is a bit of the lyrics: "A fortunate one who walks alone in dreams today/When people are talking all they hear is what they say."

The song ends with the repeated line, "will fade away," and true to his word, the song fades away.

CD Track List

1. Deep Six Saturday
2. Already Made Up Your Mind
3. Behind The Parade
4. Nowhere Drag
5. La Castana
6. Running For Your Life
7. The Long Goodbye
8. Factory Town
9. His Mother's Son
10. Lies In My Heart
    

Musicians

Musicians appearing on this album are Tommy Keene on lead vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards; Brad Quinn on bass and harmony vocals; Rob Brill on drums; and Chris Bautista on horns.

Behind The Parade is scheduled to be released August 30, 2011 through Second Motion Records.

Ella Fitzgerald And Joe Pass: "Easy Living" (1986/2011 re-issue) CD Review

Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass released their first album together, Take Love Easy, in 1973. They subsequently released two more records (Fitzgerald And Pass...Again and Speak Love) before the tracks for Easy Living were recorded. So they were very familiar with each other, and that shows in this collection of songs. The music seems to flow with ease from these two amazing performers. Easy Living features no other musicians. These songs are all vocals and guitar. And what more do you need?

This re-issue features two bonus tracks, both previously unreleased.

"My Ship"

Easy Living opens with "My Ship," a tune written by Ira Gershwin and Kurt Weill for the musical Lady In The Dark. Loose, somewhat sparse playing by Joe Pass on guitar backs Ella's gorgeous voice. The guitar work seems improvised, even - or especially - during the sudden solo a couple of minutes in. The guitar is mellow, but never dull. Ella's voice is bright and lively, then sultry and sexy. She finds, or creates, wonderful modulations throughout. The song begins, "My ship has sails that are made of silk/The decks are trimmed with gold/And of jam and spice there's a paradise in the hold."

"Don't Be That Way"

I love Ella's voice, and I always expect excellent things from her. But "Don't Be That Way" still surprised me - what she does with this song is wonderful. This track is worth it just to hear the way Ella sings the lines, "Don't break my heart/Honey, please don't be that way." But then it leads into some wonderful scat. This is such a great track, one of the CD's best. There are moments when Ella sounds so young; other times she sounds wise with experience.

An alternate take of this song is included in the bonus tracks. Check out the odd and silly "Pop Goes The Weasel" bit in the scat section of that version.

"Days Of Wine And Roses"

Written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, "Days Of Wine And Roses" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1962. Ella and Joe do a wonderful job with it. Ella's voice finds incredible depths and still plays lightly at times. When she sings, "The days of wine and roses/Laugh and run away/Like a child at play," her voice seems to be at play. So beautiful.

"Easy Living"

Easy Living is a film I've long wanted to see. Jean Arthur in a sable coat? Yes, that's enough to get me interested. I wasn't aware of this song, but now I'm even more eager to see the film. Written by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, this song - as sung by Ella - is pretty darn sexy. This version also features a nice guitar solo.

"(I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance With You"

Their version of "(I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance With You" is kind of a sweet, understated interpretation. Though Ella does belt it out now and again, more so as the song goes on. This version really won me over. It features an interesting guitar solo, with a bit of scat thrown in by Ella - probably my favorite part of this track.

"(I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance With You" was written by Bing Crosby, Ned Washington and Victor Young.

"Love For Sale"

Ella and Joe's version of "Love For Sale" begins with Ella doing a muffled bit of humming over Joe's guitar. Ella then sings, "Who will buy/Who would like to sample my supply/Who's prepared to pay the price/For a trip to paradise." Hearing Ella sing this is "a trip to paradise." This track is all Ella, with Joe Pass just playing a good groove beneath her. There are moments full of humor in Ella's delivery, like the second time she sings, "Old love, new love/Every love but true love/Love, love, love, love for sale." There is more muffled humming toward the end, like someone has a hand over her mouth.

"Love For Sale" was written by Cole Porter. An alternate take of this song is included in the bonus tracks.

"Why Don't You Do Right?"

"Why Don't You Do Right?" is a seriously cool song. Written by Joe McCoy and Lester Melrose, this song was famously recorded by Peggy Lee. Ella Fitzgerald sings this with power and authority. She puts you to shame when she sings, "You're sitting down wondering what it's all about/If you ain't got no money they will put you out/Why don't you do right/Like some other men do/Get out of here and get me some money too." It's enough to make me want to straighten out my own financial situation. And Joe Pass is perfect on guitar.

Kelly's Lot does a cool version of this song on their 2009 release Pastrami & Jam.

"I'm Making Believe"

Ella's voice is particularly beautiful on "I'm Making Believe." This song starts with more than a minute of Joe Pass doing a really pretty solo on guitar. Then Ella comes in, "I'm making believe that you're in my arms/Though I know you're so far away/Making believe I'm talking to you/Wish you could hear what I say." This is a beautiful rendition of "I'm Making Believe," which was written by Jimmy Monaco and Mack Gordon.

CD Track List

1. My Ship
2. Don't Be That Way
3. My Man
4. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
5. Days Of Wine And Roses
6. Easy Living
7. (I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of Chance With You
8. Love For Sale
9. Moonlight In Vermont
10. On Green Dolphin Street
11. Why Don't You Do Right?
12. By Myself
13. I Want A Little Girl
14. I'm Making Believe
15. On A Slow Boat To China
16. Don't Be That Way (Take 3, Alternate)
17. Love For Sale (Take 1, Alternate)
    

This special re-issue of Easy Living was released on June 14, 2011 through Concord Music Group as part of their Original Jazz Classics Remasters Series. Five other CDs in that series were also released on that date: Cannonball Adderly with Bill Evans: Know What I Mean?, Chet Baker: In New York, Ornette Coleman: Something Else!!!!, Bill Evans Trio: Explorations, and Thelonious Monk: Thelonious Alone In San Francisco.

Joe Pass died in 1994. Ella Fitzgerald died in 1996.