Happy Birthday Eric Clapton: I'd Would Do Anything

Friday is traveling time.

Just couldn't let the day go by without a shout-out to today's birthday boy...Mr. Eric Clapton. Now to pick one tune as his best is impossible. Sure we have, Layla and then there's the rest. I have two dozen favorites at least.

My taste for today is one song while not his best, is one that I enjoy more and more, each time I hear it.

"God's got a plan, he's making it clear
Sweet little love songs in your ear"


Happy Birthday Eric, hope all the birthday wishes you get today "put a little wind in your sail."

Eric Clapton "I Would Do Anything"

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Better Late Than Never: Jackson Browne

One song today.

Just one beautifully written song telling of the realization that sometimes love doesn't quite last forever. Most of us know the feeling. It's not a good one, and not many of us could so eloquently convey the feeling of a heart both broken... and hardened.

"Late For The Sky" by Jackson Browne.

There are at least thirty songs by Jackson Browne I could showcase, and on another day we may take a listen to a few others. But today, we will just listen to this beautiful goodbye. Read the words as you listen to the song.


"Now the words had all been spoken and somehow the feeling still wasn't right
And still we continued on through the night
Tracing our steps from the beginning until they vanished into the air
Trying to understand how our lives had led us there."

If it was good, you try to talk it out, until talking becomes excruciatingly painful.

"Looking hard into your eyes, there was nobody I'd ever known
Such an empty surprise, to feel so alone.
Now for me some words come easy, but I know that they don't mean that much
Compared with the things that are said when lovers touch"

Have we changed that much, or did we never really know each other?

"You never knew what I loved in you, I don't know what you loved in me
Maybe the picture of somebody you were hoping I might be."
Awake again, I can't pretend, 
and I know I'm alone and close to the end 
of the feeling we've known."

Realization, maybe it can't be fixed.

"How long have I been sleeping
How long have I been drifting alone through the night
How long have I been dreaming I could make it right
If I closed my eyes and tried with all my might
to be the one you need."

Have things really been bad for so long and we just never realized?


"Awake again, I can't pretend, 
and I know I'm alone and close to the end 
of the feeling we've known."


"How long have I been sleeping
How long have I been drifting alone through the night
How long have I been running for that morning flight
Through the whispered promises and the changing light
Of the bed where we both lie...late for the sky."


 Always wondered if the last line...the bed where we both lie was meant to describe just where they slept or the fact that the relationship has turned into a lie. Perfect end.

Listen to two tastes of this very poignant song. First up a live, almost haunting version then the studio cut.

"Late for the Sky" ...live
"Late for the Sky"...studio

Simply written, simply heartbreaking, simply brilliant.

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Rest And Listen Under My Little Wing

Today we will finally go through my slight obsession with one song..."Little Wing"

Don't ask me why this song so invades my musical judgement. All I know is that until yesterday, I did not think there could be a bad version of it. To me it is just magical. Jimi Hendrix it has been said, wrote the song for his mother. It has been covered countless times...wonderfully.

"Well she's walking through the clouds
With a circus mind that's running round
Butterflies and zebras
And moonbeams and fairy tales
That's all she ever thinks about
Riding with the wind."


I've seen the original lyrics to "Little Wing" and it seems no artist has ever sung the words as written. Fine by me. The variations on the theme just make each version more memorable. So whimsical, so joyful.

"It's alright she says it's alright
Take anything you want from me,
Anything."

Then there's the guitar.
To hear the interpretations gets my head spinning in twenty directions...all of them good. Except for the one I listened to yesterday. I'm going to include it with the tastes as a cautionary tale...this is not "Little Wing", this is unrecognizable crap.

So here we go with just a few great versions, an interesting one by the Coors and one shit one by very talented Japanese guitarist Kumi Adachi. Some of her stuff is amazing, this isn't.


Kumi Adachi "Little Wing" ... I think
Stevie Ray Vaughn "Little Wing"... the ultimate instrumental version
Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood "Little Wing"... saw them do this live at MSG. Still get tears as I think about how good it was.
Sting "Little Wing"... pure vocal, not quite the guitar emphasis, but a fine blend of instruments
The Coors "Little Wing"... like you've never heard it
and...
Jimi Hendrix "Little Wing"...where it all started

Nothing's sweeter than that.

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Sittin In For One Tasty Treat

Really great rock, fine vocals, plenty of guitar and mandolin work to go around...and easy on the eyes. That's pretty much the way I would describe the taste of the day.  To say I saw them play live a few times is a gross understatement. If they played in the NY tri-state area three times in a week, well chances are I was at all three shows.

As I recall, my initiation with Loggins and Messina began back 123 years ago, when I worked part time in a store that would later be known as K-Mart.  There was a guy (isn't there always) who, as a way to...well you know, I'll go with impress me, would start to sing...

"you don't need change in your pocket, 
you don't need soles on your shoes
to make a woman feel wanted."

True, but a burger and beer might be nice. But I digress.

The song was "To Make A Woman Feel Wanted," the middle piece of the Trilogy from "Sittin In".  This was the album originally slated to be a Kenny Loggins solo album and became the beginning of one hell of a great duo. There wasn't anything about that album I didn't like. Everyone knows the hits "Danny's Song" and "House at Pooh Corner," but for my money...there is just so much more.

Starting out rocking with "Nobody But You", it then gave every young couple with a baby boy a theme..."Danny's Song."  But then the album picked up steam. Who doesn't remember "I'm thinking back when I was a sailor." You can almost taste the salt air as they sang "Vahevala". At this point, they hit full stride with the Trilogy: Lovin Me, To Make A Woman Feel Wanted and Peace of Mind...flawless. Sorry for the not great video and abrupt end, but you'll get the flavor.

Still kicking it after that, "Back to Georgia" cemented this album as a full-blown classic. But wait, there's more. Right after you've rocked for a good long while, they throw in everyone's favorite rock lullaby "House at Pooh Corner".  Toss in another three fine songs to finish it up and you can understand why my vinyl copy never stood a chance. Of course, there's always the CD and the IPhone and the computer. Just saying.

"Time, time and again I've seen you staring out at me
Now then and again I wonder what it is that you see
With those angry eyes
Well I bet you wish you could cut me down
With those angry eyes"

Aside from the "Sittin In" album, the follow up Loggins & Messina featured the unparalleled  "Angry Eyes". A little guitar, strong bass beat...bring in the drum and kick ass. 7:35 of perfection.

One final taste just because it is so fine. From the wonderful "Full Sail" CD, the one with the beefcake shot on the back...very nice indeed, one of their best "Watching the River Run"

Lots of treats being served up tonight. Take the time to enjoy as many as you like.

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Let's Get Tempted with A Little Motown

Motown.

In the 60's Motown ruled the domestic music scene. We still had the British invasion going on, but the number of talented artists in the Motown stable was phenomenal. Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye...the list goes on and on.

Slowly but surely, we will go through the Motown label. Today we will sample, one of the premier groups of the era...The Temptations. Now, back in the day there was a rivalry between the Temps and The Four Tops. Both featured great songs, lots of choreography and singers with wide vocal ranges. The Temps were always a bit smoother, more polished than the Tops, but I can still listen to all the songs from each group and still not be tired of hearing them.

A few tasty treats from the Temptations, featuring the wonderful David Ruffin.

"I Wish It Would Rain"
"I'm Losing You"
"Ain't Too Proud To Beg"
"Can't Get Next To You" featuring Eddie Kendricks
and the best of all
"My Girl"

That's some tempting treats served up today.

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We're Singing The Blues Today: Sista

Now that we've gone through all the exciting events of the weekend, I need a taste of something a little soothing to my soul. Now although I am a rocker at heart, you just can't beat the blues.

A little taste of some soulful blues today from a former marine...Sista Monica Parker. Yes I did say former marine. Coming from a background of church singing, Sista Monica has recorded blues, R&B, jazz and gospel over the years. With a powerful voice, Sista Monica easily carries the feel of each genre of music.

Take a listen and even go beyond her incredible singing to hear the backing musicians...guaranteed to blow you away.

Taste treats today...

"Behind My Back"
"Stop Talkin' Bout Me Stalkin' You"
"You Got To Pay"
and because the title is so dear to my own personal evaluation of myself...
"Fierce Force of Nature"

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The Music in Danville: Jimi Jamison Rocks Hard

Yesterday's post talked about Danville PA's own Hybrid Ice. After opening the night with a solid hour of rock, Ice then backed up former and soon-to-be-present lead singer of Survivor, Jimi Jamison.

In a venue this intimate, the performer quickly needs to establish a relationship with the audience...and he did. A man who is quick to smile, Jamison got the crowd engaged early with a Survivor classic "High on You" and lots of crowd interaction. After another Survivor song "Is This Love", Jamison went into the first of quite a few covers singing Gary Wright's "Love is Alive" which featured hard and heavy drums from Hybrid Ice's Rick Klinger. After "It's the Singer Not the Song" from Survivor's hit album "Vital Signs", the song chosen as one of the top ten catchiest ever "I'm Always Here" (the theme from Baywatch), was the next choice.

Then the real rocking began. Starting off with "Rock Hard" from his 1991 solo album "When love Comes Down", next up was one incredible cover of "Layla."  Doing "Layla" requires not only a good vocalist, but a guitarist and keyboard player to handle the solos that mark the true substance of the song.  Rusty Foulke on lead guitar and Bob Richardson on keys did just that...masterfully. As the song ended, I looked at my friend next to me and we both said at the same time "they nailed it."  Another friend, also a musician later told me it was the best version he had ever heard...aside from Mr. C himself.

Not missing a beat, Jimi Jamison then got everyone's 'motor running' with "Born to Be Wild." Talking 'heavy metal thunder'...yes, thunder courtesy of Mr. Klinger on drums. After a band breather with "The Search is Over," covers of "Separate Ways" and "Carry On Wayward Son," led the way for the song which rocketed Survivor to the top of MTV's 80's video rotation "I Can't Hold Back."

An excellent rendition of "Caught in the Game" was followed by another Survivor song "Didn't Know It Was Love", before leading into Jamison's title song from his solo album, "Crossroads Moment." CM featured really fine bass work from Jason Shaffer as well as a nice strong vocal from Jamison.

Tonight like most nights with Jimi Jamison, the final song was "Eye of the Tiger."  While not the original singer of the song, after many years and countless performances, Jimi Jamison is EOTT.

As a performer, Jimi Jamison owns the stage. Like the tiger, he prowls across it staking claim to every inch of it. Vocally, is the voice the same as it was 25 years ago? No, it is not, but would you really expect it to be? While the high range is not quite the same, a deeper, richer quality has taken its place. Instead of being all power, his vocals offer a give and take between power and pointed restraint.  This is a vocalist who knows his capabilities and delivers every millimeter of them to the crowd.

All in all, the night was an unending high note...so worth the road trip.

On a personal note, many thanks to both Hybrid Ice and Jimi Jamison for both a wonderful night of music and their personal grace. Their mommas definitely taught them "it doesn't hurt to be nice."

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The Music In Danville: First Up, Hybrid Ice

On Kat's Theory of Life, I've begun to tell the story of the road trip to Danville.  While the adventure will be continued there, the trip was after all, about the music.

A little while back, I conducted an interview with veteran rock group Hybrid Ice. This road trip was to see Hybrid Ice perform both alone and as the support band for Jimi Jamison (past & soon-to-be-present vocalist for Survivor). The location of the show was the hometown of Hybrid Ice, Danville PA.

Bob Richardson (keyboards), Chris Alburger (guitar)

Performing in front of a supportive crowd usually makes for a good show. This night was no exception. The assembled troops were ready to party for St. Patty's.  Everything from flashing green earrings to a woman wearing a green beard was in evidence last night. However nothing would detract from the rock-til-you-drop performance by the home town boys.

Rusty Foulke

With a set list encompassing both their original songs as well as a healthy dose of covers, Hybrid Ice showed what years of dedication to your craft can produce. When four of the five members of the group sing, the range of the artists catalog expands greatly. Going from fun songs like "Raise a Little Hell" and "Going Down for the Last Time" to classics such as "Baba O' Riley"  and "Rebel Rebel", Ice seamlessly threw in "Enter Sandman", "Dead or Alive" and a smoking version of the Starship's "Jane."

Rick Klinger on drums, Jason Shaffer on bass

The one thing that becomes clear after seeing and hearing Hybrid Ice is there is no weak link in the group. Bassist Jason Schaffer, the newest member of the group, plays well beyond his years with a pounding beat that along with the wild man drumming of founding member Rick Klinger, drives the rhythm of the band. Rusty Foulke showed throughout the night, both fine technique and a joyful enthusiasm in his role as a lead guitarist. The vocals of guitarist Chris Alburger were never more striking than when singing Hybrid Ice's own "Magdelene" and the man behind the keyboards, Bob Richardson delivers the goods with both precision...and fun.

Halfway into their hour long set, Ice hit the beat heavy and never looked back. With barely a breath between songs, they kept the audience on their feet and singing along for the rest of the set. The veteran rockers in my group all agreed, Hybrid Ice is an incredibly tight group of musicians, full of talent and still enjoying the ride.

Tomorrow: Hybrid Ice & Jimi Jamison

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Urban Bleu: Boldly Breaking Out The Blues

"Forged from the blues and cleaved with equal doses of jazz, rock and soul…Urban Bleu is carving out a path from Utah, in their quest to take the airwaves by storm. The unique sound of Urban Bleu centers on a progressive blend, more city than bayou country, and is balanced by great harmonies along with a kindred blend of instruments."

Urban Bleu recently answered a few questions about how they began, their early influences and just how the musical magic happens. This interview first appeared on Technorati.com. Additional pictures, video and links have been added to this post.

Urban Bleu is: Aaron Fowler (Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Blues Harp), Django Lachlan (Bass Guitar, Vocals), Dan Robbins (Drums)

Kat’s Theory (KT): Right out of the gate let me tell you, when a band lists their musical influences as ranging from Stevie Ray to Deep Purple to The Beatles to Johnny Cash to Earth, Wind & Fire to The Rippingtons…you instantly get my attention.

KT: Aaron, I know your dad first turned you on to Stevie Ray Vaughn at around the age of 10…that’s like starting your music education on a college level. Was it Stevie Ray’s extraordinary ability or was it his depth of soul that first spoke to you?

Aaron Fowler (AF): The way he could make that guitar talk is what really attracted me, and that takes a combination of depth and ability to pull off.

KT: After Stevie Ray, who was the next musical influence?
AF: There were a lot that came after. Like Hendrix, Clapton and Page, but Stevie was always my main influence.

KT: Django, You’ve said when you and Aaron got together, you decided to play what you felt and break some rules. How do you manage to find the right balance between straight blues and the jazz connection of your past?
Django Lachlan (DL): Jazz and blues are very similar anyway. It just works

KT: Although the two of you have been playing together for over eight years, the band suffered a life-altering tragedy in 2009 when your tour van crashed into a semi, instantly killing Django’s long-time love. You’ve said Carmel’s spirit helped drive the band into a more focused vision. With some passing of time, does it seem the early path of the band has changed or just become more defined?
AF: It has definitely made us stronger and has allowed us to see that life is too precious and too short to give up on our childhood dreams. In her life and after her death, Carmel has been part of the spirit of Urban Bleu.

Aaron Fowler

KT: I know Aaron placed an ad in the paper for a bass player, and that’s how you two met. I was just curious if there were other applicants?
AF: Ha ha, I remember a bass player named Julian that auditioned before Django. He told me that we would never be anything more than a good bar band. Needless to say I never asked him to come back.

KT: This sound of yours, call it fusion, a blend, whatever…if you close your eyes and listen, traces of all those musical influences come through. Blues is the frontman, but the urban feel licks at its heels pretty good. How do you manage to stay true to the blues while firing up the city feel?
AF: Most of it comes naturally and I don’t usually try to force it. We all come from similar but different musical backgrounds and try to let the music organically happen.

KT: What is the music scene like in Utah? It’s hard for me to visualize it being a big blues area. Am I wrong in that?
AF: You are right, the blues scene in Utah is a bit sparse, but I think it is growing one fan at a time. Thank God for the World Wide Web (laugh).

KT: I’ve always felt when a band writes most of its own songs, it sometimes has a more difficult time developing a following, as opposed to a band that does some covers, where the audience has some recognition to the sound. The one exception I feel to that, is the blues. To me, once you hear that blues beat start, if it’s good, you’re gonna take notice. Was there any resistance to your sound when you first started out?
AF: Oh, (there) has been plenty of resistance but we always let that motivate us to do better. We play our music to make people feel better, like the Blues Brothers once said “We are on a mission from God.” Just kidding, but seriously, we are.

Django Lachlan

KT: Django, you whack on that bass pretty well. Listening to “What Do I Gotta Do”  the bass is so solid, when Aaron steps in with the crying guitar, it’s a seamless blend. How would you define your approach in developing your bass line?
DL: I really wanted to show my skills in this song but on the same hand, give Aaron his chance to shine as well.

KT: Aaron, you and Django have been a team for a while, but it seems being a drummer with you guys is not the most secure position. What’s behind all the changes on the skins?
AF: You tell me! I don't know, they all left for different reasons...but they get better each time we get a new one. 

KT: Aaron, your voice is perfect for the blues…raspy as hell…like you’ve been down in the dirt and just crawling out to sing. Was life that tough or are you just lucky to have found the right vehicle for your voice?
AF: I would like to tell you a really cool story about how my voice was forged by some great adventure, about me going to hell and back, and some of it would be true... though my voice was a god given gift.  

KT: Django, why the bass? Did you start on guitar and switch or just always feel the rhythm?
DL: It’s always been bass, I love the power.

KT: In writing your songs, how do you go about it? Do you work together or start separately and hook-up up a certain point?
AF: Usually one of us writes either a guitar or bass melody, and/or lyrics and then we work together until the song is complete. There really isn’t an exact formula to it.

KT: Is Dan (Robbins) involved in the writing at this point?
AF: Since Dan has been with us, he has been writing all of the drum parts.

KT: Now that Utah is Urban Bleu nation, what’s the plan for the rest of the country?
AF: Shhh… Stay tuned….

Urban Bleu continues to push the limits of their live performances, adding an army of devoted followers along the way. With their unique sound and masterful skills, Urban Bleu is on a road where singing the blues will only be about the music.

Many thanks to Urban Bleu for their time.

Check out Urban Bleu at:
Urban Bleu Website
Urban Bleu Facebook page
Twitter @UrbanBleu

Listen to Urban Bleu's Music at:
Urban Bleu on Myspace
Urban Bleu on ReverbNation

Watch Urban Blue Videos:
"Alley Cat"
"Worst Enemy"

Article first published as:
 "Urban Bleu: Boldly Breaking Out the Blues" on Technorati.com

Got It Covered: The Sun Also Rises

Here's a list of just some of the artists who have covered the song of the day, either recorded or live:
Pink Floyd, Dolly Parton, The Beatles, Nina Simone, Joan Baez, Leadbelly, Duran Duran, The White Stripes, The Eagles,Tracy Chapman and Courtney Love.

To say this song's a classic is a great disservice. Origin unknown, it has evolved over the ages, changing from male to female point of view, and back again. The first time most of us heard the song, well those of us who were around at the time, was in the 60's when The Animals released a strong cover, the standard to which most other versions are compared.

The song is "House of the Rising Sun" and today we will taste a few versions.  For comparison's sake, first up will be The Animals "House of the Rising Sun" - live

Next up is one of the most exquisite and haunting versions I have ever heard.
Sinead O' Connor "House of the Rising Sun"

Rick Derringer & Danny Johnson "House of the Rising Sun"  powerful vocal and some nice guitar licks

Odetta "House of the Rising Sun" the legend at her finest

and just because...
Jimi Hendrix "House of the Rising Sun" sit or he'll knock your ass right down. smokin.

Nice varieties to taste today. Something for everyone.

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My Kind Of Wake-Up Call

I need something to get me going this morning. No sleep last night...not unusual for me, but I'm usually a bit more functional than I am this morning. A little funk to get me out of mine.

Bring on a little dancin' music.
Cue it up baby...

"Listen to the voices..
dance to the music."

Forget about tappin' your feet...they best be movin' for this.
Sly & the Family Stone "Dance To The Music"

and because once I start, I can't stop...a live performance of
"I Want To Take You Higher"


You're welcome.

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Get Up, Stand Up: It's Time For Reggae

Daylight savings time. That's it...spring's a coming. yes. But the first day or so after the time switch...well it kinda throws off the internal clock a bit. So this morning we're going to ease into the music with a beat that cannot be mistaken.  A little reggae for your morning coffee...or tea in my case.

Having spent a memorable few days at the Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica some years ago, and boy there's a weeks worth of blogs about that, the music fostered a joy of that sound which remains to this day.

Most people have a peripheral knowledge of reggae. You cannot have seen a commercial on TV for Jamaican tourism without hearing a Bob Marley song. And as the godfather, Marley is a great place to begin your reggae education, so I will include one of his tracks today.  But the featured artist today is another well known reggae artist who, like Bob Marley died way too young.

Forever linked with Marley as part of the Wailers, Peter Tosh later went on to a solo career before he was killed in 1987. Tosh's extreme views on politics make for some of his work to be a bit hard to relate to, but most of his tracks are perfect in every way.

First up today Peter Tosh with "Stepping Razor"  
 and "Get Up, Stand Up"

And just a taste of Bob Marley...
"Is This Love"

ok, I can't just do one Marley tune...
so a little live Marley doing "Could You Be Loved"


"If your feet ain't tappin', baby you're dead."


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Hot Vocals: Need Some Water For That Fire

Don't know why the taste of the day popped into my head this morning, but my morning tweet was a lyric from one of his songs. If I'm coherent enough, I like to start the tweeting day with a musical lyric, because..well it's music and there is no better way to start the day, get through the day, or end the day than with music. But I digress.

One of my first memories of Paul Rodgers was, I believe on Midnight Special sometime in the 70s. I'm a little hazy as to exactly when, but I am very clear about what I felt. As the frontman for Free, he came out with a full-balls on vocal of "Ready for Love."  I remember thinking...holy shit, this is one of the greatest vocalists I have ever heard...and this man is sexy as hell (yes, I was a lot younger then, but I ain't dead yet and can still appreciate today what I did back then. oh yes I can). But I digress. 

We all know Paul Rodgers went from Free to Bad Company to The Firm and last year he did a stint with Queen. But the raw vocals of his earlier career cannot be beat.

Here's a nice taste of Free doing a live cut of  "Fire and Water"

Next up a 2002 clip of "Ready for Love"...still sounding and looking fine some 25 years later.

And a nice acoustic version of "Seagull" from the Artists Support Japan series of videos made by a host of rockers/singers in support of the Japanese Tsunami victims.  If you have a chance check out some of those videos. Included in the series are songs by Glenn Hughes, Jimi Jamison, Vic Heart & Tommy Denander, Rosanne Cash and lots more.

Lots to taste today.
Hope you're hungry.

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A Little Traveling Music Please

In a good mood this morning. Temperature is supposed to hit 70 here in the NY tri-state area. I'll take that any day of the year, on March 8...it's positively magnificent.

The taste today is someone I consider a very underrated singer-songwriter. Sure she's won four Grammy awards and has sold millions of albums, but except for a splash here and there..she's done it quietly.

Tracy Chapman burst onto the scene with a song called "Fast Car." Anyone who ever thought of walking out on a bad situation could identify with the storyline. Her vocal conveyed the desperation, hope and resignation.

With a wonderful quality and clarity in her voice, she is as smooth as a milk shake on a hot day. Take the time to drink it in.

"You're The One" so smooth
"Give Me One Reason"  with Eric Clapton...worth a taste right there

and the list would not be complete without...
"Fast Car"

It's a beautiful day, take a ride...with the top down of course.

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Paying Taxes Today

Thought maybe we should do a nice cover song today.  Since we are definitely into tax season, what better song to cover than "Taxman."

Written by George Harrison and first appearing on the 'Revolver' album, for my money you can't find a better cover version than the one done by Stevie Ray Vaughn. Going from one guitar great to another, George's legacy is definitely not lost on Stevie Ray.

For comparison today, we will go with both studio versions.

The Beatles "Taxman"
Stevie Ray Vaughn "Taxman"

Tasty indeed, have a bite before the taxman takes it all.

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Just A Little Rhythm Today

Wasn't gonna do a post today, but when you come across something very cool...well it's all about sharing.

Just a quick little taste today of only a rhythm section. Featuring Mr. Stanley Clark on bass and Mr. Steve Gaad on drums, this little morsel shows what two great musicians in perfect sync can do.

Servin' up a spoonful of  "My Greatest Hits"

So tasty.

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Live Rockin' With Something About January

So this morning, just doing a shout-out.  Tonight at Chill in Montclair, NJ, Semi-final round of the The Break Contest presented by Live Nation takes place.  Winner of this contest gets the chance to play at the Bamboozle Festival this year, alongside Bon Jovi and The Foo Fighters to name a few.

Sparta NJ's own "Something About January" is in the mix.  With gigs in the rear-view mirror at The Stone Pony, the Sherman Theater, SAJ was also the winner of the Next Big Thing Tour

With the release of their EP this past week, SAJ is riding a nice wave of adrenalin going into tonight's show. Here's a quick taste of SAJ doing Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."

So rockin'

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A Night With Sister Sparrow & The Dirtybirds

Bowery Ballroom, Manhattan.

Sister Sparrow & the Dirtybirds are a nine-piece band fronted by one sassy as hell singer with a huge voice.  Arleigh Kinchloe is Sister Sparrow.  The Dirtybirds are definitely not her backup band. Each of the boys brings their own tasty morsels to the table. No basic instrument lineup here, they start with an alto sax, trombone, baritone sax, trumpet...add in guitar, bass and drums...and finish it with harmonica used as a main event.  Nice indeed.

Blues, soul, rock...call it what you will, but they are a tight group with talent, great musicianship and an exciting stage presence. As the main writer for the group, Sister Sparrow has created some interesting ways to present her vocal style.  The Dirtybirds, comprised of family and friends, are individually showcased through the set, allowing you to feel the strengths of each member. Tasty as hell.  A couple of covers, "Up On Cripple Creek" and most notably The Stones, "Miss You," also show their skills of arrangement and interpretation.

Review: Make them a go-see.

Some extra samples today.

"Make It Rain"
"Untie My Shoelaces"
"Freight Train"
"Quicksand"

 Taste them all.


Opening act for Sister Sparrrow & the Dirtybirds was American Babies. Quick review...up & down. Some memorable moments. Their keyboardist Adam Flicker is certainly the real deal, and their harmonies were better than decent, but beyond that...an opening act.

For the story of the evening leading up to this show...check out "Oy, What A Night" on Kat's Theory of Life.

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Yet Another Tribute: Davy Jones

Another week, another premature loss in the music world. Forever young Monkee Davy Jones passed away yesterday and left legions of middle aged women remembering when we were young, and he was the cutest thing to ever cross the Atlantic.

When the TV Show first appeared on TV, it was dumb fun...it was the Marx Brothers with music.  And it was always about the music. Every episode showcased Davy, Mickey, Peter and Mike singing a song in the most improbable ways.  Known as the band that Hollywood manufactured, their songs were written by some of the greatest songwriters of the time..Neil Diamond, Carole King, Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart, just to name a few.  Except for the fans, it was hard to find anyone in the music industry who took them seriously.

Davy Jones started out as an actor.  My mother actually saw him pre-Monkees, on Broadway as The Artful Dodger in Dicken's Oliver Twist.  For me, that was insanely cool.

The death of the first Monkee will never shatter the world as did the death of the first Beatle, John Lennon.  But his untimely death reminds us that even though the pictures we will surely see in the next few days, are of a very young man, he along with the rest of us, had long since passed the torch of youth to a couple of new generations.

Today's sample is the song I remember from the TV show where Davy is walking along the beach singing this song about whoever the girl was in that particular week...and Davy always had a girl.

"I Wanna Be Free"

You are Davy. Easy Journey.

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