Well, here we go! Our high today was 21°f and that’s WARM. I’m pretty freaked that I have to go out tonight. I realized today how much I hate the cold. I mean I hate when it’s stinking hot too. I guess I hate weather extremes. I never minded the cold because I had a theory that you could keep bundling on clothes and such. Eventually you’d warm up… It just seems like sometimes it’s so cold you can’t get warm. I’ll try not to complain though. Like my 5-year old niece says “I’m hungry. I’m not starving. If I was starving, I’d be dieing.” God bless her little soul.
In any case, I do have to go out tonight. Rehearsing with Ernie for the CD release party on Saturday. It will be fun, but I dread going out once I get home! Also, Dooner will be home this weekend, so I think he is going to come to the gig.
I had my first rehearsal for The Sound of Music at my town’s high school on Sunday. I’m playing bass, which I love to do… and although I hate the show, I realized how brilliant the orchestration for this show is. I got goose bumps (or goose pumps, as the five-year old calls them) at certain points as we were rehearsing. Oh yes, I still hate My Favorite Things and will cringe as I play it, but some of the other music is wonderful.
Tomorrow night, I have my first rehearsal with Burlington County Footlighters, our local community theater group. This is the group I auditioned for and got a part in their production, of Man of La Mancha. It is a small part – just singing in the chorus and playing guitar, but I’m totally psyched to be a part of it. More on that in the future.
Thursday night, I will probably head up to the local Catholic high school, where I will be conducting Big River, a musical about Huckleberry Finn. The music is very cool for that show too – more modern than the other two shows. Some bluegrass and spirituals and then regular show-type tunes. Thursday night is call-backs for the students that auditioned. I’ll poke my head in and see what I have to work with!In the meantime, I’m listening to Rock the House! constantly so that I can learn the tunes for rehearsal tonight. These songs are also incredible – my brother Neal and his friend Ernie have written these tunes for their 5th CD and I think there isn’t a dud in the bunch! The tunes are catchy and the styles range from rock, to ska to jazz to Latin. They are very diverse.
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Saturday, July 29, 2006
So this is what I've done this summer:
I joined the Go
lden Eagle Community Band so I could brush up on my bass playing skills. We played a variety of music: marches, show tunes, standards, some pop. I really liked the Sousa marches, Liberty Bell turned out to be my favorite because we played it the night of the fireworks in the Shade. On the way home, Mike and Mark sang it from start to finish. I laughed until I cried. 
I've gotten to Wildwood twice. It's so relaxing. I love the deck especially in the morning, drinking coffee as people walk, jog or bike by. It's so beautiful there. I hope to get back soon.
We remodeled the powder room which was just insane because it took SO long. The result is that it looks good and it works.
I joined the Go
lden Eagle Community Band so I could brush up on my bass playing skills. We played a variety of music: marches, show tunes, standards, some pop. I really liked the Sousa marches, Liberty Bell turned out to be my favorite because we played it the night of the fireworks in the Shade. On the way home, Mike and Mark sang it from start to finish. I laughed until I cried. 
I've gotten to Wildwood twice. It's so relaxing. I love the deck especially in the morning, drinking coffee as people walk, jog or bike by. It's so beautiful there. I hope to get back soon.
We remodeled the powder room which was just insane because it took SO long. The result is that it looks good and it works.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Jump!
Have you heard David Lee Roth do the bluegrass version of “Jump” from the Strummin’ with the Devil
CD? It’s sort of growing on me... although I think Eddie would have issues with it!
Andy did this incredible version of Tarkus. Well – Tarkus is pretty frightening, but his interpretation is just plain brilliant! He has an amazing sense of rhythm. He also has the uncanny ability to laugh at himself. Why he would ever try to cover Tarkus is one question that defies an answer. Another question is simply “Why?” I’ve given up asking any questions.
I found my Marc Broussard CD – I thought it was lost but it ended up being in my car CD player. I had it on my IPOD so I wasn’t so worried about not ever hearing it again… I just was pissed that I lost it.
Last night I heard that amazing version of Wanted Dead Or Alive – the live BonJovi one… This Left feels Right I think is the album.
Which brings me back to Strummin’ with the Devil… what WAS he thinking? Did poor Eddie give his approval? Did he need to give his approval? Are things that bad that they David needed t
o do this album? OK, so he failed miserably on WYSP… was that such a shock?
Which begs another question? WHAT has happened to WYSP? Oh sure, in the wake of Howard Stern, the station was doomed, but what about the MUSIC???? I find myself listening to WXPN more often than not… sometimes WMGK – classic rock, now that Mike and I carpool.
There’s a large rubber cockroach on my desk, left by a co-worker. I must remember to return it.
I listen to LaunchCast on Yahoo. By rating artists, albums, songs and genres, you have some control over what you listen to. I feel that my selections are eclectic. Show Tunes to Ska. 80s Hair band to Singer-Songwriters. Classical to Classic rock.
Ah well. I DO like bluegrass… so instead of asking “WHY?” I’ll just say, “Why not?”
Friday, May 19, 2006
Why they were chosen - Road Trip CD 2
Take the Time – Freddy Jones Band – “Take the time to look in front of you.” And all around when you’re driving through some of that beautiful country.
We’re Not Right – David Gray – What’s wrong with us is no small thing…
Lonely Night in Georgia – Marc Broussard – Marc Broussard rocks. Hope you don’t get too lonely.
Two of Us – The Beatles – Wish I could have made the trip with you. I was there in spirit.
Hate to Lose Your Lovin’ – Little Feat – A kickin’ song, just to make you dance in the car!
Your Smiling Face – James Taylor – I have to smile myself, because I love you.
Show My Face Around – Jim Boggia – from the new CD. Another Beatlesque tune with lots of mini-moog. “I’ll just crawl back in my world of sound.” Boggia’s Mom sings at the end.
Sailin’ Shoes – Little Feat – When Neal was in Sweden he played this song on a radio station. It’s just another link to family history…. Nothing to do with the drug reference.
Prologue, Jellicle songs for Jellicle Cats – Cats – One of my favorite gifts was when we went to see Cats together.
Carry On – Crosby Stills Nash and Young – “Where will you be tomorrow? Carry on, love is coming, love is coming to us all.”
Up on Cripple Creek – The Band – One of our favorite jams. Our air jam band does it real good!
Maze – 4 Way Street – Those Philly roots are represented again. “Better find another way out…”
Magic To Do – Pippin – Referring to the magic of life!
Northern Bound Train – Pete Droge – The ultimate Jam of all air band jams. Our anthem, our New Years Eve favorite!
Mexico – James Taylor – Simply because my fondest memory of this song was the night we danced around your bedroom.
You’ve Got A Friend – Carole King – She has a big butt but she can write a mean song!
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle – Electric Light Orchestra – Don’t forget to call once in a while.
Everywhere You Go – 4 Way Street – Ben Arnold’s contribution to a really great Philly local CD “You sing a silent little melody Everywhere you go”
Take the Time – Freddy Jones Band – “Take the time to look in front of you.” And all around when you’re driving through some of that beautiful country.
We’re Not Right – David Gray – What’s wrong with us is no small thing…
Lonely Night in Georgia – Marc Broussard – Marc Broussard rocks. Hope you don’t get too lonely.
Two of Us – The Beatles – Wish I could have made the trip with you. I was there in spirit.
Hate to Lose Your Lovin’ – Little Feat – A kickin’ song, just to make you dance in the car!
Your Smiling Face – James Taylor – I have to smile myself, because I love you.
Show My Face Around – Jim Boggia – from the new CD. Another Beatlesque tune with lots of mini-moog. “I’ll just crawl back in my world of sound.” Boggia’s Mom sings at the end.
Sailin’ Shoes – Little Feat – When Neal was in Sweden he played this song on a radio station. It’s just another link to family history…. Nothing to do with the drug reference.
Prologue, Jellicle songs for Jellicle Cats – Cats – One of my favorite gifts was when we went to see Cats together.
Carry On – Crosby Stills Nash and Young – “Where will you be tomorrow? Carry on, love is coming, love is coming to us all.”
Up on Cripple Creek – The Band – One of our favorite jams. Our air jam band does it real good!
Maze – 4 Way Street – Those Philly roots are represented again. “Better find another way out…”
Magic To Do – Pippin – Referring to the magic of life!
Northern Bound Train – Pete Droge – The ultimate Jam of all air band jams. Our anthem, our New Years Eve favorite!
Mexico – James Taylor – Simply because my fondest memory of this song was the night we danced around your bedroom.
You’ve Got A Friend – Carole King – She has a big butt but she can write a mean song!
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle – Electric Light Orchestra – Don’t forget to call once in a while.
Everywhere You Go – 4 Way Street – Ben Arnold’s contribution to a really great Philly local CD “You sing a silent little melody Everywhere you go”
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Why they were chosen Road Trip CD 1
California – Joni Mitchell – Obvious… he’s DRIVING to California. Not so obvious… James Taylor plays guitar on this tune. When I was in college, I listened to this album (vinyl) repeatedly while drinking cheap wine. I have fond memories that I associate with this entire CD. Perhaps, my son will have some as he listens to this song on his big adventure.
The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles – Obvious…. He’s on the long and winding road. Not so obvious… it’s from Let It Be – Naked. We both got goose bumps the first time we heard this version.
Shoot The Moon – Four Way Street – Obvious… a Philly local band, Scott Bricklin and his brother Brian, or maybe it was the other way around, produced The Freakin’ Cads Escape from Philly. Not so obvious – Jim Boggia and Ben Arnold are also part of Four Way Street, an obvious reference to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. “Once in a while your dreams come true…”
Wanted, Dead Or Alive – Mr Andy - Obvious… It’s my favorite karaoke tune, something to be remembered by. Not so obvious… Oh yes, I do karaoke – badly, but I do it. And I’ve seen some amazing performances, as has my son. I want him to laugh as he listens and remembers nights like Petey doing White Snake and Neal doing Livin’ La Vida Loca. Oh, and, Mr. Andy’s version just reeks of karaoke.
Rocksteady – Marc Broussard – Obvious… Marc Broussard ROCKS! Not so obvious… Dooner actually worked an event where Marc Broussard performed and was pleasantly surprised by the guy’s talent and demeanor! AND a very special Christmas present.
Come On! Feel the Illinoise – Sufian Stevens – Obvious… another special Christmas present. Not so obvious… Dude, you can’t be on the road trip of a lifetime and not listen to a song about Illinois. Plus the album was recorded in Clarksboro – right down 295 from where I work!
In A Daydream – Freddy Jones Band – Obvious… What compilation disc is complete without a Freddy Jones tune. Not so obvious… The lyrics – “The sky is calling, Calling out my name. Telling me just to stay, Stay and don't go away. I'm already in, In a daydream.” But go, my son, go where no Petti has gone before!
Honey Don’t Leave L.A. – James Taylor – Obvious… It’s James and it’s about leaving LA. Not so obvious… It’s James.
Several Thousand – Jim Boggia – Obvious… “Every time I see you I'm exalted.” Lyrics, of course. There is nothing like the feeling I get when my son croshes the threshold! Not so obvious… Dooner drove to Manayunk in a snow storm to get this CD for me as a Christmas present.
Teach Your Children – Crosby Stills Nash and Young – Obvious… we all want our kids to continue to honor the values we’ve instilled in them. Not so obvious… Dooner went with Neal to a CSN concert. They had 1 front row seat so they took turns sitting there. Dooner was young – maybe 15, 16. As CSN sang this song, Graham Nash noticed Dooner in the front row, reached down and shook his hand, saying “We’ve got some young ones here tonight.” When he came home, he woke me up to tell me about it. How cool is that!
Corner of the Sky – (from Pippin) – obvious… Lyrics “Every man has his daydreams. Every man has his goal. People like the way dreams have of sticking to the soul. Thunderclouds have their lightning. Nightingales have their song. And don't you see I want my life to be something more than long.... Rivers belong where they can ramble. Eagles belong where they can fly. I've got to be where my spirit can run free. Got to find my corner of the sky”. Not so obvious… One of our favorites as a musical. When Bo Bice was on American Idol, they had to sing show tunes and Dooner thought “If II were Bo, I’d sing ‘Corner of the Sky’.” Bo sang it. Yah - my son can totally do TV... no problem!
So Far Away – Carole King – obvious… Lyrics “So far away. Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore. It would be so fine to see your face at my door. It doesn't help to know, you're just time away.” Not so obvious… I miss Dooner (I’ve missed him for a year) but I want him to live his life and be successful. If it means being ‘So Far Away’, so be it.
How Sweet It Is To Be Loved by You – James Taylor – Obvious… It’s James. Not so obvious… Dooner and I share some pretty insane taste in music. James has been common ground for many, many years.
Silver Lining – Bonnie Raitt – Obvious… It’s a David Gray tune. Not so obvious… Lyrics “Step into the silence, take it in your own two hands. And sprinkle it like diamonds all across these lands. Blaze it in the morning. Wear it like an iron skin. Only things worth living for are innocence and magic, amen” You make your own magic, you make your own life. Why Bonnie Raitt? Why not?
Jesus on the Grill – Willy Porter – Obvious… a travel song. Not so obvious… we really dug Willy Porter when we saw him at Apple Farm. Funny thing, on his trip out to LA, A jackelope got all up in Dooner’s grill. I called him up and parodied the words to this song, singing “I saw rabbit on the grille…” ah well – you had to be there.
New Horizons – David Gray – Obvious… It’s David Gray… again no road trip cd can be complete without David Gray. Not so obvious… lyrics “Weight on my shoulders but I'm walking so tall out into the new horizon. Wonder in everything no matter how great or small.” How cool, a great big new adventure.
Superman – Five for Fighting – Obvious… “I can't stand to fly. I'm not that naïve. I’m just out to find the better part of me.” Well, sure, Dooner. Take this opportunity to find what you’re made of. Not so obvious… I met John Ondrasik at Singer-Song writer weekend. He’s pretty down to earth. Like Dooner.
Traffic Jam – James Taylor – Obvious… It’s James… Not so obvious… I wanted to let Dooner know that I knew it would be a tough trip, not just because of traffic. It would be a real test of stamina and patience. We all know how patient Dooner can be.
All That You Dream – Little Feat – Obvious… Well it IS Little Feat, after all. Not so obvious… “All, all that you dream comes to shine in silver lining. And clouds, clouds change the scene. Rain starts washing all these cautions right into your life, make you realize just what is true. What else can I do just follow the rule keep your eyes on the road that's ahead of you.” Just do it!
California – Joni Mitchell – Obvious… he’s DRIVING to California. Not so obvious… James Taylor plays guitar on this tune. When I was in college, I listened to this album (vinyl) repeatedly while drinking cheap wine. I have fond memories that I associate with this entire CD. Perhaps, my son will have some as he listens to this song on his big adventure.
The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles – Obvious…. He’s on the long and winding road. Not so obvious… it’s from Let It Be – Naked. We both got goose bumps the first time we heard this version.
Shoot The Moon – Four Way Street – Obvious… a Philly local band, Scott Bricklin and his brother Brian, or maybe it was the other way around, produced The Freakin’ Cads Escape from Philly. Not so obvious – Jim Boggia and Ben Arnold are also part of Four Way Street, an obvious reference to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. “Once in a while your dreams come true…”
Wanted, Dead Or Alive – Mr Andy - Obvious… It’s my favorite karaoke tune, something to be remembered by. Not so obvious… Oh yes, I do karaoke – badly, but I do it. And I’ve seen some amazing performances, as has my son. I want him to laugh as he listens and remembers nights like Petey doing White Snake and Neal doing Livin’ La Vida Loca. Oh, and, Mr. Andy’s version just reeks of karaoke.
Rocksteady – Marc Broussard – Obvious… Marc Broussard ROCKS! Not so obvious… Dooner actually worked an event where Marc Broussard performed and was pleasantly surprised by the guy’s talent and demeanor! AND a very special Christmas present.
Come On! Feel the Illinoise – Sufian Stevens – Obvious… another special Christmas present. Not so obvious… Dude, you can’t be on the road trip of a lifetime and not listen to a song about Illinois. Plus the album was recorded in Clarksboro – right down 295 from where I work!
In A Daydream – Freddy Jones Band – Obvious… What compilation disc is complete without a Freddy Jones tune. Not so obvious… The lyrics – “The sky is calling, Calling out my name. Telling me just to stay, Stay and don't go away. I'm already in, In a daydream.” But go, my son, go where no Petti has gone before!
Honey Don’t Leave L.A. – James Taylor – Obvious… It’s James and it’s about leaving LA. Not so obvious… It’s James.
Several Thousand – Jim Boggia – Obvious… “Every time I see you I'm exalted.” Lyrics, of course. There is nothing like the feeling I get when my son croshes the threshold! Not so obvious… Dooner drove to Manayunk in a snow storm to get this CD for me as a Christmas present.
Teach Your Children – Crosby Stills Nash and Young – Obvious… we all want our kids to continue to honor the values we’ve instilled in them. Not so obvious… Dooner went with Neal to a CSN concert. They had 1 front row seat so they took turns sitting there. Dooner was young – maybe 15, 16. As CSN sang this song, Graham Nash noticed Dooner in the front row, reached down and shook his hand, saying “We’ve got some young ones here tonight.” When he came home, he woke me up to tell me about it. How cool is that!
Corner of the Sky – (from Pippin) – obvious… Lyrics “Every man has his daydreams. Every man has his goal. People like the way dreams have of sticking to the soul. Thunderclouds have their lightning. Nightingales have their song. And don't you see I want my life to be something more than long.... Rivers belong where they can ramble. Eagles belong where they can fly. I've got to be where my spirit can run free. Got to find my corner of the sky”. Not so obvious… One of our favorites as a musical. When Bo Bice was on American Idol, they had to sing show tunes and Dooner thought “If II were Bo, I’d sing ‘Corner of the Sky’.” Bo sang it. Yah - my son can totally do TV... no problem!
So Far Away – Carole King – obvious… Lyrics “So far away. Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore. It would be so fine to see your face at my door. It doesn't help to know, you're just time away.” Not so obvious… I miss Dooner (I’ve missed him for a year) but I want him to live his life and be successful. If it means being ‘So Far Away’, so be it.
How Sweet It Is To Be Loved by You – James Taylor – Obvious… It’s James. Not so obvious… Dooner and I share some pretty insane taste in music. James has been common ground for many, many years.
Silver Lining – Bonnie Raitt – Obvious… It’s a David Gray tune. Not so obvious… Lyrics “Step into the silence, take it in your own two hands. And sprinkle it like diamonds all across these lands. Blaze it in the morning. Wear it like an iron skin. Only things worth living for are innocence and magic, amen” You make your own magic, you make your own life. Why Bonnie Raitt? Why not?
Jesus on the Grill – Willy Porter – Obvious… a travel song. Not so obvious… we really dug Willy Porter when we saw him at Apple Farm. Funny thing, on his trip out to LA, A jackelope got all up in Dooner’s grill. I called him up and parodied the words to this song, singing “I saw rabbit on the grille…” ah well – you had to be there.
New Horizons – David Gray – Obvious… It’s David Gray… again no road trip cd can be complete without David Gray. Not so obvious… lyrics “Weight on my shoulders but I'm walking so tall out into the new horizon. Wonder in everything no matter how great or small.” How cool, a great big new adventure.
Superman – Five for Fighting – Obvious… “I can't stand to fly. I'm not that naïve. I’m just out to find the better part of me.” Well, sure, Dooner. Take this opportunity to find what you’re made of. Not so obvious… I met John Ondrasik at Singer-Song writer weekend. He’s pretty down to earth. Like Dooner.
Traffic Jam – James Taylor – Obvious… It’s James… Not so obvious… I wanted to let Dooner know that I knew it would be a tough trip, not just because of traffic. It would be a real test of stamina and patience. We all know how patient Dooner can be.
All That You Dream – Little Feat – Obvious… Well it IS Little Feat, after all. Not so obvious… “All, all that you dream comes to shine in silver lining. And clouds, clouds change the scene. Rain starts washing all these cautions right into your life, make you realize just what is true. What else can I do just follow the rule keep your eyes on the road that's ahead of you.” Just do it!
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