Rosie Thomas is SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! Her facebook page includes some of the most adorable pictures of her around. Listen to her talk in this USA today interview. She even has a comedic alter-ego named Sheila Saputo, who is her opening act!
See what I mean? She has that air about her that she isn't to be taken seriously. You almost expect her to do ditties on a ukulele and write very much in the style of Phoebe Bufay from Friends. Fortunately, I didn't find her websites first; the first thing I did was listen to her album.
She's not only a good folksy songwriter, she's an AMAZING songwriter! Her singing voice is gorgeous in these songs, and her back up band, dare I say it, Rocks. You go into the album expecting the usual Lilith Fair type of singer/songwriter, and instead, every song features something that elevates it.
"With Love" is her first release with Sing-A-Long Records, after releasing a few smaller albums through Sub-Pop. Her press describes this album as her being let loose into the real world. My sense of Rosie Thomas is that she's a sweet person, and genuinely wonderful, and on top of that, she writes amazing music, and is immensely talented.
Check out "With Love," and like me, you'll want to hear the rest of her catalogue.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Music Review: BRUCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In 2006, Bruce Springsteen recorded "The Seeger Sessions." This tribute to the protest and Folk music of Pete Seeger must have radically changed Mr. Springsteen, because a few years later, when he recorded, "Working on a Dream," his writing style had completely changed. Most of that album featured songs based around very simple and repetitive melodies with incredibly poignant lyrics. He had completed his transition from being an elaborate storyteller composing magnum opera of epic proportions like "Born to Run" and "Thunder Road;" to being a folk songwriter in the tradition of the greats, Seeger, Dylan, Guthrie.
"Wrecking Ball" expands on what "Working on a Dream" did so well: using simplicity as a basis, and letting the passion and power come from the orchestrations and performance. The lyrics reflect our time, and the challenged of the 21st century; but the folksiness of the songs remind us that it's all a part of what America's all about.
When he performed "We Take Care of Our Own" at the Grammys, I was hooked. The song so simply drives home the point of us caring for our fellow Americans, and his frustration with those who would insist that we shouldn't. On Late Night, I heard him perform "Jack of All Trades;" an elegy for those who are out of work pursuing some way of supporting their family. After listing possible ways that he could earn some income, he croaks, "I'm a Jack of All Trades; honey, we'll be all right." I started tearing up, because that's the exact same conversation I've had with my family every time I've ever lost a job.
That's the tone of this whole album. Borrowing from all forms of folk music, including Celtic, and Appalachian, it's Bruce at his best, and most relevant. It's also the E Street Band at their most supportive and versatile. It's the first to get my vote for Album of the Year.
"Wrecking Ball" expands on what "Working on a Dream" did so well: using simplicity as a basis, and letting the passion and power come from the orchestrations and performance. The lyrics reflect our time, and the challenged of the 21st century; but the folksiness of the songs remind us that it's all a part of what America's all about.
When he performed "We Take Care of Our Own" at the Grammys, I was hooked. The song so simply drives home the point of us caring for our fellow Americans, and his frustration with those who would insist that we shouldn't. On Late Night, I heard him perform "Jack of All Trades;" an elegy for those who are out of work pursuing some way of supporting their family. After listing possible ways that he could earn some income, he croaks, "I'm a Jack of All Trades; honey, we'll be all right." I started tearing up, because that's the exact same conversation I've had with my family every time I've ever lost a job.
That's the tone of this whole album. Borrowing from all forms of folk music, including Celtic, and Appalachian, it's Bruce at his best, and most relevant. It's also the E Street Band at their most supportive and versatile. It's the first to get my vote for Album of the Year.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Music Review: Triosence - Where Time Stands Still
Here's the thing about Jazz... It occurred to me some time ago that because jazz comes from a tradition of improvization, it isn't intended to be lasting. I teach my students, who typically have no tolerance for Jazz, to "Listen in the Now." We tend to listen to music, as consumers, in the past or future.
Past - Does this sound like anything I've heard before? How does this album compare with past albums, or similar artists? Am I familiar with this song, have I heard it somewhere before? I notice this in my own music reviews, I tend to describe new artists by listing the artists they sound like.
Future - Do I want to buy this album? Will I become a fan of this artist? Does this artist have what it takes to become successful? Am I going to eventually get sick of this album? I'm thinking that way as I track through all of the new releases of 2012.
Jazz isn't like that. It's often about what's going on in the music RIGHT NOW. As John Coltrane is riffing away, is he playing skillfully? How about this guy, Miles Davis, is he any good? We aren't meant to fall in love with the improvized solos, because they'll never happen ever again. It's just right now. In fact, true jazz doesn't even rely on memorable melodies. Any skillful composition is merely, to establish a framework around which the players can improvize.
Most Jazz artists are like this. I often run across new releases from Jazz artists where either they improvize to the point where it's pointless to follow the form of the song; or it's so sappily pop-ish (like most smooth jazz) that it's lack of authenticity is intolerable.
The Jazz artists I frequently enjoy; New York Voices, Manhattan Transfer, Spryo Gyra, Bela Fleck; are from a different school of thought altogether. Yes, they are authentically performing jazz music with respect for the form; but they also want the audience to enjoy what they're doing, and to be able to follow it. They joy of listening to these groups is in the arrangements, their focus on melodies and harmony, and their enjoyable, yet brief solos. Some would call this a bastardization of the Jazz tradition, I prefer to think of it as an Evolution.
The German group Triosence is like this. Their new album "Where Time Stands Still" is filled with love songs, relaxing tunes that almost harken back to the era of standards. Although the main group is the three players that make up the rhythm section, their base is enhanced with other instruments and the beautiful local stylings of Sara Gazarek. The songs are relaxing, but still envigorating. Like another favorite of mine, Greg Jasperse, their prefered style of jazz has a constant happy pulse, even when it's a sad and melancholy song.
This album is PERFECT for just putting on and relaxing at home. And if you'd care to listen more actively to the solos and the lyrics of the song, it will not disappoint.
Past - Does this sound like anything I've heard before? How does this album compare with past albums, or similar artists? Am I familiar with this song, have I heard it somewhere before? I notice this in my own music reviews, I tend to describe new artists by listing the artists they sound like.
Future - Do I want to buy this album? Will I become a fan of this artist? Does this artist have what it takes to become successful? Am I going to eventually get sick of this album? I'm thinking that way as I track through all of the new releases of 2012.
Jazz isn't like that. It's often about what's going on in the music RIGHT NOW. As John Coltrane is riffing away, is he playing skillfully? How about this guy, Miles Davis, is he any good? We aren't meant to fall in love with the improvized solos, because they'll never happen ever again. It's just right now. In fact, true jazz doesn't even rely on memorable melodies. Any skillful composition is merely, to establish a framework around which the players can improvize.
Most Jazz artists are like this. I often run across new releases from Jazz artists where either they improvize to the point where it's pointless to follow the form of the song; or it's so sappily pop-ish (like most smooth jazz) that it's lack of authenticity is intolerable.
The Jazz artists I frequently enjoy; New York Voices, Manhattan Transfer, Spryo Gyra, Bela Fleck; are from a different school of thought altogether. Yes, they are authentically performing jazz music with respect for the form; but they also want the audience to enjoy what they're doing, and to be able to follow it. They joy of listening to these groups is in the arrangements, their focus on melodies and harmony, and their enjoyable, yet brief solos. Some would call this a bastardization of the Jazz tradition, I prefer to think of it as an Evolution.
The German group Triosence is like this. Their new album "Where Time Stands Still" is filled with love songs, relaxing tunes that almost harken back to the era of standards. Although the main group is the three players that make up the rhythm section, their base is enhanced with other instruments and the beautiful local stylings of Sara Gazarek. The songs are relaxing, but still envigorating. Like another favorite of mine, Greg Jasperse, their prefered style of jazz has a constant happy pulse, even when it's a sad and melancholy song.
This album is PERFECT for just putting on and relaxing at home. And if you'd care to listen more actively to the solos and the lyrics of the song, it will not disappoint.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Music Review: Tim McGraw - Emotional Traffic
If you told me any number of years ago that I'd be writing a blog applauding the excellence of a Tim McGraw album, I'd have told you you were crazy. I've NOT been a fan of his early work, and have out and out HATED some songs of his.
Then, a few years ago, he did a song called, "Live Like You Were Dying." I loved it! It became one of my favorite songs. The rest of the album, not so much. Then he made "Country Strong." 'Nuf said.
So, knowing my "affection" for country music, and my history with this artist, I was skeptical about listening to "Emotional Traffic." Good thing I'm keeping an open mind, because it's really good. I was shocked! I couldn't get my mind around how the guy who brought us "Don't Take the Girl," could record such a great album. Then it hit me.
It's all about the songs. As far as I'm concerned, there are only two kinds of Country songs: Songs that celebrate being a redneck, and songs that celebrate the songwriter. "Emotional Traffic" celebrates the songwriter.
McGraw doesn't just celebrate the country songwriter; there are other pop elements to the songs on this album. Some songs like "Touchdown Jesus" are kinda rednecky, but most of them like "Halo," "Only Human" and "Better Than I Used to Be" include some rock, pop, and even jazz elements. It elevates McGraw's musicianship to another level. I think that's what people call "crossover appeal."
I realize that some fans of pure country music may be offended by my implication that this Country Artist got better when he deviated from Country Music; but for people like me who are typically turned off by excessive twang and songs about being barefoot in a pickup truck, this is a refreshing change of pace.
Then, a few years ago, he did a song called, "Live Like You Were Dying." I loved it! It became one of my favorite songs. The rest of the album, not so much. Then he made "Country Strong." 'Nuf said.
So, knowing my "affection" for country music, and my history with this artist, I was skeptical about listening to "Emotional Traffic." Good thing I'm keeping an open mind, because it's really good. I was shocked! I couldn't get my mind around how the guy who brought us "Don't Take the Girl," could record such a great album. Then it hit me.
It's all about the songs. As far as I'm concerned, there are only two kinds of Country songs: Songs that celebrate being a redneck, and songs that celebrate the songwriter. "Emotional Traffic" celebrates the songwriter.
McGraw doesn't just celebrate the country songwriter; there are other pop elements to the songs on this album. Some songs like "Touchdown Jesus" are kinda rednecky, but most of them like "Halo," "Only Human" and "Better Than I Used to Be" include some rock, pop, and even jazz elements. It elevates McGraw's musicianship to another level. I think that's what people call "crossover appeal."
I realize that some fans of pure country music may be offended by my implication that this Country Artist got better when he deviated from Country Music; but for people like me who are typically turned off by excessive twang and songs about being barefoot in a pickup truck, this is a refreshing change of pace.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Update
So much to Blog about..... Rush Limbaugh... The election... contraception....
But I think I'll start with updating everyone on the progress of my diet and fasting.
At the start of the year, I promised to eat healthier food, bring lunch rather than go out, and exercise regularly.
Healthier... CHECK. Apart from the occasional party dalliance, (My friend Brian makes bacon, and bacon just HAS to be eaten) I've been good. I've been avoiding Sonic, and making better fast food choices. One brilliant discovery is Big Sal's. It's a sandwich joint that makes Salads. Just salads. You can put your salad on a wrap, and it tastes AWESOME. I'm also sticking to food joints that I know make their own food from scratch. So Pizza, Deli's, Chipotle, Panera, etc.; not Burger King, White Castle, Taco Bell....
I've been bringing lunch for the most part. My Sunday plans now include shopping and making sandwiches for the week. I'm not always able to do it, and this week in particular threw me. It was SCMEA weekend (Our county's All-County festival,) and as chairman of the 7th and 8th grade choir, I was busy. It threw off my schedule, and I did not plan for this week as I should have. So, we make some trips to Big Sal's and all is well.
I'm very proud of the exercise. I've been averaging 3 days a week of swimming, 20 minutes a day, and I feel great. Whereas I started off panting and gasping for air after half a lap of the crawlstroke, I can now do several laps in succession. I'm up to 3 pool lengths of crawl, the most strenuous of the strokes, alternating with breaststroke, backstroke and sidestroke. I notice things like my clothes fitting better, and not being winded, but the gut is still there, and according to the scale, I have only lost 4 pounds. Then again, I went off the wagon a few weeks ago, and some experts (my friends who have also lost weight) say that it's my body changing rather than a failure.
The toughest part of my resolutions only happened 4 weeks ago. LENT. I was sitting in church, wondering what to give up this year. I already drink less Pepsi than ever, and I'm ON my usual lenten diet year round. So, while brainstorming ideas, I had a thought that seemed to come from an other worldly place... COFFEE. Yes, I'm THAT much of an idiot, I gave up coffee for Lent. I've been off coffee for 22 days, and I feel... like crap!!!! This is one year that my fasting is really something I notice and feel; which is the whole idea of Lent in the first place. I've been drinking tea exclusively, and I have now discovered a few things: A) Tea does NOT have more caffeine than coffee. Not even close. hjgvlwetrjd;itjio5ugp Sorry, I just fell asleep on my keyboard. 2) There is a textural thing happening with coffee that just doesn't happen with tea. In espresso, it's called the crema, and it's part of the overall enjoyment of the coffee, and D) Coffee has been literally keeping me going for all this time. Without it, I am feeling as if I can't function. This little experiment is going to help me rethink some of my procedures in life. And on Easter Sunday, those church hymns are going to be PRESTISSIMO, because I'm bringing a Trenta Triple shot latte from Starbucks, and I am going to be celebrating!!!!!!!
But I think I'll start with updating everyone on the progress of my diet and fasting.
At the start of the year, I promised to eat healthier food, bring lunch rather than go out, and exercise regularly.
Healthier... CHECK. Apart from the occasional party dalliance, (My friend Brian makes bacon, and bacon just HAS to be eaten) I've been good. I've been avoiding Sonic, and making better fast food choices. One brilliant discovery is Big Sal's. It's a sandwich joint that makes Salads. Just salads. You can put your salad on a wrap, and it tastes AWESOME. I'm also sticking to food joints that I know make their own food from scratch. So Pizza, Deli's, Chipotle, Panera, etc.; not Burger King, White Castle, Taco Bell....
I've been bringing lunch for the most part. My Sunday plans now include shopping and making sandwiches for the week. I'm not always able to do it, and this week in particular threw me. It was SCMEA weekend (Our county's All-County festival,) and as chairman of the 7th and 8th grade choir, I was busy. It threw off my schedule, and I did not plan for this week as I should have. So, we make some trips to Big Sal's and all is well.
I'm very proud of the exercise. I've been averaging 3 days a week of swimming, 20 minutes a day, and I feel great. Whereas I started off panting and gasping for air after half a lap of the crawlstroke, I can now do several laps in succession. I'm up to 3 pool lengths of crawl, the most strenuous of the strokes, alternating with breaststroke, backstroke and sidestroke. I notice things like my clothes fitting better, and not being winded, but the gut is still there, and according to the scale, I have only lost 4 pounds. Then again, I went off the wagon a few weeks ago, and some experts (my friends who have also lost weight) say that it's my body changing rather than a failure.
The toughest part of my resolutions only happened 4 weeks ago. LENT. I was sitting in church, wondering what to give up this year. I already drink less Pepsi than ever, and I'm ON my usual lenten diet year round. So, while brainstorming ideas, I had a thought that seemed to come from an other worldly place... COFFEE. Yes, I'm THAT much of an idiot, I gave up coffee for Lent. I've been off coffee for 22 days, and I feel... like crap!!!! This is one year that my fasting is really something I notice and feel; which is the whole idea of Lent in the first place. I've been drinking tea exclusively, and I have now discovered a few things: A) Tea does NOT have more caffeine than coffee. Not even close. hjgvlwetrjd;itjio5ugp Sorry, I just fell asleep on my keyboard. 2) There is a textural thing happening with coffee that just doesn't happen with tea. In espresso, it's called the crema, and it's part of the overall enjoyment of the coffee, and D) Coffee has been literally keeping me going for all this time. Without it, I am feeling as if I can't function. This little experiment is going to help me rethink some of my procedures in life. And on Easter Sunday, those church hymns are going to be PRESTISSIMO, because I'm bringing a Trenta Triple shot latte from Starbucks, and I am going to be celebrating!!!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)