Topsy Turvy tribute

Following yesterday's moving memorial to Michael Jackson - I've had time to reflect. Putting aside, for a moment , all the hyperbole of the moment, I was struck by the poignancy of Stevie Wonder's performance. Here is a performer who has a much stronger body of work than Jackson...has remained at the top for longer and despite what Al Sharpton and even Berry Gordy said, Motown, led by Little Stevie, Diana Ross and Smokey had already crossed over before the Jackson Five came along. While I appreciate Michael's amazing exploitation of the video revolution that propelled his music into the global stratosphere; every artist stands upon the shoulders of those who preceeded them. So it was that I felt that if Stevie Wonder had passed, it would have been Michael Jackson AND Berry Gordy giving similar props to him!

The Magic of A.R. Rahman

Anyone familiar with the Oscar Triumph of "Slumdog Millionaire" will no doubt by now have heard of A.R. Rahman who walked away with a pair of Oscars for best song and best score. Unknown in the rest of the world, he has sold millions of records in his homeland. I took the opportunity to order a 3Cd collection which seemed like good value for money at just under $8. It turned out to be more than a bargain - almost 4 1/2 hours of world flavored pop which meanders through a myriad styles but always retaining that South Asian feel. I plan to order another copy to share with family or friend. I encourage you to check it out as well.

Two new bargains

Both these albums were purchased at a Dollartree store in Jackson, MS.The first was "Paris Rain" by Brenda Russell. Brenda is probably best known for "Piano in the Dark" from back in the '80's. This album from 2000 is a delightful collection of silky sensual songwriting that exudes class. There is ne'er a wayward track from beginning to end. The enhanced portion of the CD has some interesting clips of Brenda talking about the art of songwriting - well worth checking out.
The other find was Captain and Tennille's "Dream" from 1978. They were in the same vein as the Carpenters and ploughed a similar musical furrow, with similar if less spectacular success. There are some enjoyable gems on this collection. It demonstrates their versatility and the remastered versions sound wonderful. Definitely $2 well spent!!

Hed Kandi - latest bargain find!

I'm in Bruce , Mississippi. I've just finished with a dentist appointment and am looking at an hour long drive home. On the way out of town I notice a Dollar General store. I stop in to browse and I find this Double CD of European house music for $2.50!
You can buy the same CD on AMAZON.COM for $24.95
Once again my nose for a musical bargain has struck lucky again! This is an excellent 'house' mix compilation , if you like that sort of thing. It was an excellent accompaniment for the drive home and will make a good background for my gym workouts!

John Martyn R.I.P.

With a heavy heart I learned from the BBC website that John Martyn passed away on Thursday. He was one of the most unique singer-songwriters to emerge from the folk movement of the late 60's and his seminal albums "Bless the Weather" and the classic "Solid Air" still sound innovative today. Although he battled drugs and alcoholism most of his life, the transparency of his writing and the fluidity of his vocals, together with the signature hammer style of playing left its mark on the history of modern music. He was honored in the New years honors list, but among musicians he has been revered for a much longer time.

MODERNITY KILLED EVERY NIGHT

I just received my signed promo copy of the Wolfmen's current album release. I have been assured by my mate Chris - one half of the WOLFMEN writing duo pirroni/constantinou that it has to be their signatures cause no-one else writes that badly! Of coursed signed or not, this record has the indomitable signature of Marco's insistent and edgy guitar riffs and Chris's 'warped' vision of bohemian life. It has both the snarl of punk and pop excess of glam a la T. Rex, but in a way that comes across as a current expression and not as retro homage. I doubt there will be many records this year that will possess the energy of this one - and don't let anyone tell you that these old dogs can't teach some young pups a thing or two about rock n' roll.

American Idol is back!

Well it's here! A.I. is now back and filling our screens and living rooms with a lot of embarrassing auditions and a few stunning performances. Last night's show was highlighted by the audition by a blind performer and 'low' lighted (is that a word??) by the sending to Hollywood of a bikini wearing girl who murdered a Mariah Carey song but apparently showed enough flesh to impress Simon and Randy. What already seems obvious is that true originality and unique talent will probably get overlooked by a collection of soundalikes. I've already heard the next...Carly Smithson, the next David Archuleta and probably the next Chris Daughtry as well....

Christian Music in 2008 - My Highspots

I wrote on my other blog - Jon's Jottings about the state of christian Music in 2008 and why so few of the artists grasp my attention these days. I would be remiss however if I did not mention two Cd's that did impact me this last year.
The first is "Freedom" by Eddie James and Ultimate Call

I had the chance to see Eddie and the group in action at a local church, on their way to The Call in San Diego. Their authenticity in worship and the energy of this CD blew me away. It hardly left my player for the first month and it continues to be a choice when I need uplift and it's also great to work out to!!
The second CD is by the Latin Gospel group Salvador. Their latest offering, entitled "AWARE"

is a mixture of styles that never fails to lift and move. Once again it is one I return to over again. The song "You Rescue Me" has especially moved me as it is both a great song, well sung, but also a good example of confessional worship. So little of modern cookie-cutter worship has both honesty and authenticity (for obvious reasons) and I appreciate the quality of , not only this particular song, but the entire album.

Devon Artists reign supreme!

Joss Stone, Chris Martin of COLDPLAY, MUSE, Show of Hands, Seth Lakeman, David Cross (ex- King Crimson), Chris Constantinou (the Wolfmen) are just some of the Devon artists making waves in the world of music these days. The styles range from glam rock and punk to contemporary folk and R n' B, with some progressive/ new age music mixed in. I am so proud to be from Devon where such a diversity of music can come from such a rural place.

Show of Hands - WOW!

My wonderful brother, Widge, has done it again. He sent me for Christmas, a 'signed' copy of

ROOTS

- the best of Show of Hands

, a contemporary folk duo from my home county of Devon, England. This career-spanning compilation is both a audio delight and an artistic triumph. It also helps to be somewhat familiar with the territory described in this collection of story songs and skillful traditional adaptations by messrs Knightley and Beer. I am amazed at the breadth of their lyricism and their musicianship. Once again - it just shows what happens when talent overshadows production....as I've said many times ....a good song always shines through. This is a superb collection of a songwriters art and it has succeeded in transporting me across the miles and the years to the place of my birth and upbringing. It is a Christmas present that in the words of the Mastercard commercial - is PRICELESS!