What would you do if you’re an elementary school teacher and you watch funding for music education decrease year after year? If you are David Wish, you basically say “I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it anymore.”He initiated local after-school music classes, but soon realized the need was larger than his immediate area. At that point, he founded Little Kids Rock, a national not-for-profit organization which offers schoolchildren access to music classes and instruments at no cost.
Each year the organization holds a fundraiser honoring a “Rocker of the Year,” and at the same time showcases some of the extremely talented kids who have benefited from the Little Kids Rock program. This year Joan Jett was honored for her work with the ‘Modern Band” program which teaches kids different musical styles.
Produced by Maureen and Steven Van Zandt, the event held at Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom, featured a silent and not-so silent auction, speeches detailing the work of the organization, an impressive list of rockers who stopped by to sing a song from Jett’s extensive catalog, and a group of kids who sang from their hearts and blew away the room with their talent. And even though the pros all brought their “A” game, this night was about the kids.
I'm back. It's been a few weeks and I admit, I've been a rude guest. I've been really busy and I didn't even send back my RSVP to Jen at My Skewed View, that I wouldn't be hanging out at the MixTape party. But here I am, and I brought a hostess gift.
This weeks Twisted MixTape theme is cover songs. I.Love.Covers. Just really enjoy hearing one artist interpret another. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but tonight... all winners.
The first song was written in 1969 by American musician Steve Young. I first heard it covered by Rita Coolidge in 1970, but the best cover I've heard is the one with the five-part harmony.
The Eagles "Seven Bridges Road"
The Everly Brothers have had their songs covered endless times. One of the most interesting is this.
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant "Gone, Gone, Gone"
I used this next song in one of my "Got It Covered" features, that sadly I haven't done in a while. My dear S-I-L the fab Ms. G turned me onto it, and without a doubt it's one of the best covers I've ever heard. Originally by Cheap Trick, it's hard to believe it's the same song.
The Holmes Brothers "I Want You To Want Me"
I cannot do this list without something from one of the greatest song interpreters, Joe Cocker. But which one to choose? "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Feelin' Alright," "Summer In The City," "Something," are all worthy choices. But I think I'll go with the girl who worked in fifteen clubs a day.
Joe Cocker "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window"
Now I just have to throw an old blues number in the mix, but which one. There are literally hundreds to choose from and I love them all. So, I think I'll pick a blues cover which helped me start to dig deeper into the genre. Originally by Big Mama Thornton, who does a great job herself, this is from Janis.
Janis Joplin "Ball And Chain"
My last selection is just incredible. Some of you may be aware of this video, it's gone viral. It's just two guys, on guitar and bass, sitting in a pizza joint singing one of the best covers. Check out the number of views. Top rock stars would die for those numbers. I actually had the pleasure of interviewing him, it will be posted over at Earth Hertz as soon as I get it finished. It's a great story even without the music. Anyway, this is just wonderful.
Mike Masse and Jeff Hall "Africa"
Covers... I got a million of 'em, but that's enough for tonight.
I think it's time for another cover version in Kat's Theory of Music's battle of the bands. Today, we are taking a suggestion from reader G. When we did the blog post "Got It Covered Today: Serving Up Green Onions," G suggested a cover of the Cheap Trick song "I Want You To Want Me." done by Blues-Gospel-Soul trio, The Holmes Brothers.
If you have ever listened to a classic radio station, you could not have escaped that Cheap Trick song. Their album from 1978, Live at Budokan, pretty much set the standard for successful live recordings. So the first taste for today is the live Cheap Trick version of "I Want You To Want Me."
Ok, now you need to totally clear your head. Going in an entirely different direction, it's almost hard to believe this is the same song. Pure and heartfelt, it's meant to be savored. The Holmes Brothers with "I Want You To Want Me." Thanks G.
