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May 31, 2006
Away We Go Again
Early Friday morning Sheryl and I will be leaving for Nashville again.
This coming Sunday (June 4) Sheryl will be performing at the Writers’ Night at the Bluebird Café (for the third time), and we’ll also be playing a couple of other clubs while we’re there.
Sunday Writers Nights at the Bluebird are proceeded by the Sunday Spotlight, which features great bands and up and coming songwriters. They may not have a lot of hits yet, but it’s always a great show.
It just so happens that the spotlight on June 4th will be on Rachel Williams, a friend of ours whom we got to know through our relationship with Kim Copeland and Susan Tucker.
We’ll also be meeting with publishers, some folks at ASCAP, and with Sheryl’s songwriting coach.
This trip will be unique in that Sheryl and I are going alone, and there is no “special event” involved.
I’ve lost track of the number of times we’ve been to Nashville. In the mid 90’s we would go every year for GMAC week (Gospel Music Association) and attend the Dove Awards (Christian music’s equivalent of the Grammies).
We’ve also gone together (or just Sheryl) with members of our NSAI group, and the last time we went was for “Tin Pan South” and the Songwriters’ Symposium put on by NSAI.
This time, we’re going up to play the Bluebird, and keep in contact with folks we’ve come to know along the way.
It’s all about relationships in the music business (which is a good thing) so we’re looking forward to renewing contact with some good people in Nashville.
I will try to post to this Blog while we are there (June 4-9).
Posted by leon at 03:38 PM | Comments (1)
May 30, 2006
Mamapalooza 2006
We made it!
Mamapalooza 2006 is now history, and perhaps a little history has been made.
Putting on an event like this is quite a challenge, especially in its inaugural year.
We learned a lot of lessons that we will apply to Mamapalooza 2007 (and there will be a Mamapalooza 2007! Everyone involved wanted to do it again, bigger and better.)
Unfortunately, we did not draw as many attendees as we were hoping for, so we did not break even financially. But that’s often how it happens in the first year of a planned yearly event.
The non-profits were able to spread the message of their work to the folks who were there, and many of the vendors made some valuable contacts and sold some goods.
The music was fantastic! It was both humbling and exciting to see so many members of our musical family performing at such a high level of excellence.
We plan to invite them all back for 2007.
Those “Crazy Radio Chicks”, Susan Ramon and Jackie McCoy from Tropic Wave Radio did a first-rate job as the emcees for the evening. They kept the show going with their lively banter and infectious enthusiasm, as it was broadcast over the Internet worldwide.
They plan to do the same for Mamapalooza 2007.
For next year we hope to get some additional sponsors, as well as our returning sponsors, more vendors displaying their wares, and more people attending the event.
Of course, we will have more time to put it together. This year Sheryl agreed to coordinate the Cocoa Beach Mamapalooza in March. Not much time! It’s hard to believe the sheer number of things she accomplished in such a short time.
I’m looking forward to seeing what will be accomplished with more time and more help. (And she already has quite a few offers to help!)
Our thanks to everyone involved in Mamapalooza 2006; the artists, the non-profits, the vendors, the sponsors, Tropic Wave Radio, the Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn staff, and all the volunteers. If I tried to personally name everyone involved I would surely omit a few and I don’t want anyone to be left out!
Sheryl Paige, Jackie and Susan, and the Winner of the Gibson Guitar
Janine (R) and Ronnie (L) had the tough job of going on first.
Ima Jean Pastula - artist and author
Rosemary - Celtic Duo
Tina Suiter, Sandz of Time (Sandy Ferris, Spike Dean)
Marlene Weiss
Sheryl Paige and the Spiny Normans
Posted by leon at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2006
Countdown to Mamapalooza
Tomorrow is it! This will be my last post until May 30th.
Tomorrow is Mamapalooza. Today we are making the final preparations.
We have a group of volunteers coming over tonight to help.
Tomorrow, we’ll be at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach for over 16 hours.
We found out at the last minute that Fox News, who was originally planning to come and cover the event, decided it was more important to send their reporter out to cover some thing called “American Idol.” (I guess it’s a religious show about idol worship in America.)
Tropic Wave Radio will be broadcasting the entire event live, all over the world.
Since we’ve been operating on less than the optimal amount of sleep for some time now, the adrenaline will most likely run out shortly after 11PM on Friday.
Consequently, we may go to bed on Friday night and get up Sunday morning.
At any rate, we have no plans to work on May 27th. We hope to enjoy our first full day off in quite some time.
Of course, it’s also a holiday weekend, so we don’t plan to go back to work until May 30th, at which time I’m sure I will have much to write about, and a few pictures to show you.
See you tomorrow at Mamapalooza!
Posted by leon at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
The Vortex
Yesterday we went down to the Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn to do a “technical walk through” for Mamapalooza.
We met with the catering manager, and the guys from Tropic Wave Radio. Tropic Wave will be broadcasting the event over the Internet all over the world.
Going back to the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach was a bit like taking a trip back in time, since during my days as a member of the Len Turner Band, I played several wedding receptions at the Holiday Inn, in the very same ballroom that we are using for Mamapalooza.
Yes, I was one of the original “wedding singers,” long before Adam Sandler made a movie about it.
But that's a story for another day.
Right now we are in the “Mamapalooza Vortex.” Our entire existence is caught up in the organization of this event. Everything we do is connected in some way to it.
It’s getting close to the point where all we can do is say, “We’ve done all we can, the day has come.”
May 26th is the day!
6-11PM at the Holiday Inn in Cocoa Beach.
Check out the official Florida Mamapalooza site for all the information.
Posted by leon at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2006
Hard Decision
One of the great joys of my life is going out to hear a member of our musical family play live.
Sometimes, however, I end up in the position of wishing I could be in more than one place at the same time.
This last weekend, no less then 6 members of our extended family were out playing in various places.
On Friday evening, Robin and Eddy, who have not only recorded in our studio, but were also guests on the weekly TV show Sheryl and I used to host (there’s a bunch of stories there!), were performing at the Majestic Restaurant in Titusville. I was working in the studio and Sheryl was working on “Mamapalooza” so we weren’t able to go.
On Sunday, Ken and Patty, who comprise the duo “Beautiful Day”, were playing at Erna Nixon Park in Melbourne as part of the “Music in the Park” series of outdoor concerts.
At the same time, Janine and Ronnie were performing at the “New Church” in Rockledge. The “New Church” is actually the name of a new church that is starting up in Rockledge, and yesterday they held an open house for the community.
Here’s where I needed to be a literal “split personality.”
Well, we ended up going to see Janine and Ronnie, since we knew about their performance first.
Fortunately, Ken faithfully sends me the “Beautiful Day” email newsletter, which I read faithfully. I’ll be looking carefully for where they will be playing next!
Check out the “Beautiful Day” site:
http://www.geocities.com/beautifuldaymusic/
Robin and Eddy
Posted by leon at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2006
Entering the 21st Century
I spent an hour yesterday attending a “Webinar.” (I don’t even know if I spelled that correctly. The spell checker doesn’t seem to think so).
I was “there” (but not really there, I was here) to learn more about putting together an email newsletter.
At one point, the host of the webinar, came on and seemingly took over my computer. This cursor began roaming around my screen, out of my control, and while her soothing voice was coming over the speakerphone, various windows and screens flashed by, as she deftly demonstrated the ins and outs of email campaign creation.
So that was my first “webinar.” Some of you are saying, “Yeah, and did you know that you can take a picture with your phone? And how about those keen supermarket scanners?”
Now, my cell phone is a “Model T” cell phone. It doesn’t fold in half, I have to actually hold it to my ear to use it, and it resembles nothing so much as a small black brick.
I was walking along in the mall recently, holding my cell phone in plain view (I don’t like hooking it to my belt, I’m afraid it will fall off…).
As I passed a cell-phone kiosk, a twenty-something guy called out to me, “I can upgrade you!” I’m almost certain he was referring to my phone.
He obviously wanted to sell me one of those sleek, “Star Trek” inspired cell phones that allow you to take pictures, surf the net, check email, record video, download music and various ring tones, and order out for pizza.
I kept walking. My ancient cell phone enables me to make calls and receive calls. That’s all I need, especially considering that I make approximately 5 calls a month, all to my wife to tell her where I am, and receive about 5 calls month, all from my wife asking me where I am. The cell phone is also handy to have in case the car breaks down, and I have to call AAA.
Lest you brand me a “technophobe,” remember that I am learning how to properly prepare an email newsletter. This may be “old hat” to many, but it’s “new hat” to me, and I’m happy to throw myself into learning everything I can about it.
And, after all, a very handy and dependable Mac dominates my project studio!
And, just over a year ago (starting on May 17, 2005 – happy anniversary to me!) I learned how to post to a blog.
So there are some new tricks for this old dog.
But I still don’t need to take pictures with a phone.
Posted by leon at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
“The Emerging Artist” Email Newsletter
Not much time to write today, but I don’t feel too bad since yesterday was probably my longest posting ever.
Got to get into the studio and work on one more song for Jim McDonald, several tracks for Kevin Watson, some MIDI sequences for an entertainer from Vero Beach, and a CD of poetry readings.
Sometimes I can’t believe how many different kinds of projects I get to work on. Sure keeps things from getting boring.
I’m also getting ready to bring back my email newsletter, “The Emerging Artist.” This will be a weekly publication for all our friends and musical family members. We want to get this out to as many folks as possible.
We’ll be including weekly words of encouragement for musicians (singers, songwriters, gigging bands, anyone who does music part or full-time), along with interviews of artists, and helpful tips on recording, performing, songwriting, and anything else we think would be helpful.
I’ll still be doing this blog, where I will write about the day-to-day activities of our project studio, and ruminate on whatever strikes my fancy.
The newsletter is an effort to provide valuable information to our clients and friends, and to keep in touch with everyone.
Any suggestions as to what we might include in the newsletter are welcome and appreciated! Email us at info@solocreativemedia.com.
Posted by leon at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
May 17, 2006
New Sheryl Paige CD to be Released on May 26th!
I was up until 3 AM last night mixing Sheryl’s new CD, “I Feel a Song Coming On.”
This album will have its premiere at Mamapalooza, where Sheryl will perform a couple of songs from it with her band, the “Spiny Normans.”
This CD falls under the category of “children’s music.” The songs however are not just little sing-along ditties.
Here’s the history behind these songs:
There are countless songs written for children to sing. “I Feel a Song Coming On” contains songs written specifically for parents to sing to their children.
As we raised our daughter Rose, she would often exhibit the behaviors and attitudes common to children who are in the maturing process.
Frequently a child will act self-centered, selfish, self-pitying, or just need to learn how to take care of his or her toys.
Sometimes children just do silly things because they haven’t yet learned the skill of thinking things through.
Being a professional songwriter, rather than constantly lecture my daughter on these matters, I started making up these little songs and singing them to her when the occasion warranted.
The first one I came up with was “Life is Tough When You’re a Kid,” which I used any time she started to complain about her lot in life.
Life is tough when you’re a kid
You get in trouble for what you did
Life is tough when you’re a kid
Life is hard when you are bad
And you’ve got a dad who’s mad
Life is tough when you’re a kid
We won’t let you watch the TV
Or play your video games
And when your friends come over
We call you silly names
Life it tough when you’re a kid
And you’re close to flipping your lid
Life is tough when you’re a kid
Life is tough when you’re a kid!
Life is tough when you are young
And you can’t have any fun
Life is tough when you are young
Life is rough when you’re a runt
And you can ‘t do what you want
Life is tough when you are young
We won’t let you live on junk food
Or stay up very late
You cannot do the things you love
But just the things you hate
Life is tough when you’re a kid
Yeah, it’s worse than being a squid
(We ran out of rhymes)
Life is tough when you’re a kid,
Life is tough when you’re a kid!
© 2006 Blue Allie Music
If she started to behave in a self-centered manner, I would chime in with “The World Revolves Around You.”
The world revolves around you
Everything that you say and do
Yes, indeed, we know it’s true
That the world revolves around you
You know we can’t make a move
Till we’re sure that you will approve
Yes, indeed, we know it’s true
That the world revolves around you
The planet awaits your pronouncements
On everything perfect or bad
Then when make your announcements
We take out a newspaper ad
‘Cause the world revolves around you
We will jump when you tell us to
Yes, we hope you don’t catch the flu
‘Cause the world revolves around you
Whether it’s wrongly or rightly
We couldn’t live without you
We’d miss you both daily and nightly
So maybe it really is true
The world revolves around you
Everything that you say and do
Yes, indeed, we know it’s true
That the world revolves around you
Sometimes…
Our world revolves around you
© 2006 Blue Allie Music
If she started to get too picky about food, clothes, or anything else, I would croon “Little Miss Persnickity.”
Being sung to made our daughter very much aware of what she was doing, and soon the unwanted behaviors and attitudes were occurring less often. If I saw an undesirable attitude begin to surface, I would simply say with a smile:
“I feel a song coming on!”
Rose would quickly declare, “Oh Dad!” and she knew what I was getting at.
My wife Sheryl, wise woman that she is (and also a songwriter!), began writing down these little songs, realizing that as Rose grew up, I would gradually stop singing them, and most certainly forget how they went!
Today Rose is grown up, and is allowing us to share these songs with others (something I would not do when she was little).
When you get your copy of this new CD, here is how to use these songs on your own kids:
Our sincere hope is that your child knows beyond a doubt that he or she is loved deeply and unconditionally. These songs will not work if your child is insecure!
These songs are meant to convey a gentle and loving spirit. A great deal of humor today is very caustic and mean-spirited. We have tried to avoid that type of humor in these songs.
Also, we would strongly suggest that you not use these songs on your child in front of their friends, or in public. You don’t want to unnecessarily embarrass your child.
Each one of these songs addresses a type of child behavior or attitude.
First of all, you have to learn the songs (But you don’t need to learn all the verses. I never got to sing any of these songs all the way through! Rose would always stop me after a few lines).
When your child begins to exhibit one of these less than desirable attitudes, sing the appropriate song to them. (Or, if you prefer not to sing, play them the CD).
Your child will get the message!
After a while, you may only have to say, “I feel a song coming on!”
The songs on the CD:
1. Life is Tough When You’re a Kid – A song for complainers.
2. The Big Elf – For kids who don’t pick up after themselves.
3. Ya Oughta Thank the Academy – For drama queens (and kings).
4. Don't Put Your Feet In My Face - For kids who are learning to control their bodies.
5. The World Revolves Around You – Self-explanatory!
6. The World Revolves Around You – (The “what where they thinking!?!” version)
7. I Predict You Will Live – For kids who whine about how hungry they are.
8. Poor Teddy – Learning to think things through, taking care of your things.
9. Little Miss Persnickity – For the picky kid, who’s still very sweet at heart.
So there you go: another great reason to come to Mamapalooza! A NEW CD from Sheryl Paige!
Tell all your friends, and let’s make this a huge event for the benefit of the artists and the non-profits.
Mamapalooza will be held on Friday evening, May 26th, 6PM at the Holiday Inn Resort in Cocoa Beach. Tickets are $15 ($50 for VIP’s)
Purchase tickets on line at http://www.mamapalozafl.com, call us or email us!
Contact us if you want to order an advance copy of “I Feel a Song Coming On.”
(Cover art by Rose Olguin)
Posted by leon at 02:51 PM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2006
Giving Birth to Mamapalooza
Happy Mother’s Day! (One day late).
I’m tempted to say that planning a big event is a little like childbirth, but what do I know about childbirth?
I can say with confidence that there are endless details to attend to when putting together an event like Mamapalooza.
Personally, I will be helping with the sound system, working on setting up the room for the vendors, the art displays and the musicians, and of course, rehearsing with and playing keyboards for Sheryl, Asli, and Sandy.
That may sound like a lot, but it’s nothing compared with all the particulars Sheryl must focus on.
She is in constant communication with vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and musicians; she’s working with the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach (where the event will be held on Friday, May 26th, 6-11PM), overseeing on-line ticket sales, generating publicity for the event (including doing several radio and newspaper interviews), designing the posters, and performing countless other tasks that only she as the event coordinator would know about.
Someone asked her what she got out of all this. Well, she’s not getting paid, but she truly loves being around creative people. She gets a real lift from helping and working with folks who are following their own artistic vision.
One of the main purposes of Mamapalooza is to give creative women (especially moms, who really have to work hard to find time to pursue creativity) an outlet for their work, and a chance to meet and support each other.
There are so many talented women out there! I’m looking forward to viewing their art, hearing their stories, and enjoying (and in come cases playing) their songs.
I’d love to have hundreds of others share the experience.
Posted by leon at 05:25 PM | Comments (1)
May 12, 2006
I Couldn’t Resist!
Today is our daughter's 19th birthday.
Now I know what you’re thinking, “Sheryl looks way too young to have a grown daughter!” I agree.
Anyway, we’re getting ready to leave the office / studio and take our "birthday girl" out to dinner, but before I leave for the day, I found a picture that I just had to put up:
You know, they just don't put as much dog in your coffee as they used to!
Posted by leon at 05:31 PM | Comments (1)
Famous Friends
Today, upon leafing through the “TgIF” Friday supplement from the Florida Today, whom did I find? Hot COCOA!
(Check my entry from January 07, 2006: Caution! Hot Cocoa!)
They were featured in Pam Harbaugh’s “Culture Cues” column (along with a great concert photo).
Quote from HOT COCOA ON TOUR, by Pam Harbaugh:
“Brevard’s singing sensation Hot Cocoa will be touring soon.
“That’s right, just because the women in it are of retirement age doesn’t mean they’re any closer to spending their time in a rocking chair. (I’ll say they aren’t!)
“In fact, they’re rockin’ to Key Biscayne on June 3 to perform for former attorney general Janet Reno’s 50th high school reunion.
“Then, it’s off to Clairmont, N.H., to perform at another high school alumni association.”
Pam goes on to list the members of Hot Cocoa, and reveal a little about them. Well, here’s where I learned a couple of things…
Judi – I’ve been spelling her name wrong all this time. She is a retired R.N., just like my mother-in-law.
Joyce – She was a receptionist.
Hazel - She's a champion tennis player. Now, I didn’t know that!
Jerry – She’s an adjunct professor of English at Rollins College. Now, that I knew!
It is so gratifying to see members of our “musical family” getting out there and doing what they love.
Posted by leon at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2006
Tia Bea
When Sheryl and I moved out to Florida in 1984, we left behind everyone in both of our families.
Of course, we made a lot of new friends, but we found ourselves missing our relatives.
Fortunately, Sheryl’s parents came out to visit us frequently, as did her sisters, and one of her aunts. Her late grandfather, the great Del Paige, even came out once to see his new great-granddaughter.
Sheryl’s mother still comes out regularly.
I have a standing joke: “You know, I have a terrible problem with my Mother-In-Law, I don’t get to see her often enough!”
My sister and her family lived in Plant City, FL for a time.
We’ve also received visits from my Uncle Leonard, my Uncle Gus, and my cousin Freddie.
And of course, my cousin Jerry and his family recently moved out here, and live just a few miles up the road from us. So now there are two Olguins in the phone book!
I just received another family visitor, my Tia (Aunt) Belia (My Dad's little sister). My siblings and I grew up calling her “Tia Bea.”
She and her friend Paul came to visit on April 29. Unfortunately, Sheryl was away, but Rose and I were there to greet her, and Jerry and his family came over as well.
I got to show them the studio, and give Tia Bea a copy of Sheryl’s CD.
She’s still the Tia Bea I remember growing up. Bright, funny, full of life. Some people never change, and you’re glad they don’t.
Cousin Jerry, the PSG, and Tia Bea
Posted by leon at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2006
The Beautiful Gibson
All right. I just got a look at the Gibson guitar.
Now I don’t know much about guitars (let me rephrase that…I don’t know anything) but this guitar sure looks pretty.
It’s also worth about $1200.00.
Sheryl likes it, and since she’s a guitarist, that means something.
Gibson Guitars has generously donated this instrument as a prize.
Someone’s going to win this guitar at Mamapalooza.
I’m not eligible, since I’m the husband of event’s coordinator.
Of course, I can’t play the guitar, but I’m very close to someone who does.
Posted by leon at 07:27 PM | Comments (0)
Sheryl on the Radio!
As I write this, Sheryl is on Internet radio, a guest on “What’s Happening Brevard” on Tropic Wave Radio.net.
Check them out sometime:
http://www.tropicwaveradio.net
I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve listened to an Internet radio station. I guess I’m not very hip.
Sheryl, as usual, sounds great! She’s doing a song right now called “Who Could Ask for More Than This.”
It’s quite an experience to sit in her office, write about her, and listen to her at the same time. Not many husbands can make this claim.
I should also mention, I’m writing at one computer, and I can turn around and watch Sheryl on the webcam on the other office computer (So not only does she sound good, she looks good as well).
All this computer stuff! Man, I feel so 21st century! But I also think I am somewhat akin to George Bush senior, when several years ago he expressed his excitement over supermarket scanners (a little behind the times).
On the show Sheryl is talking about all kinds of things that are coming up. Mamapalooza, of course, will be a major topic. The time for the event is fast approaching.
For details on Mamapalooza, check out http://www.mamapaloozafl.com.
In late June, our NSAI group will be hosting a songwriting seminar featuring Nashville publisher Susan Tucker, and songwriter and producer Kim Copeland. I’ll certainly write about this event more as it comes closer.
Just before I came upstairs to write this, we took delivery on a Gibson guitar! Well, I know why. We’re giving it away at Mamapalooza!
Sheryl at Tropic Wave
(She's still there as I post this!)
Posted by leon at 04:01 PM | Comments (1)
May 08, 2006
One of Those Weeks
I didn’t add much to the PSG blog this past week. This classic cartoon from 1959 offers an explanation.
Yes, it was one of those weeks.
We’ve been enveloped in smoke for over a week now, the result of a seemingly endless series of brush fires that have been burning here in Brevard County.
One morning last week, when Buddy Rogers (the famous studio dog) and I went out for our morning constitutional, the smoke and fog were so thick that we could not see for more than a few feet. Needless to say, our walk that morning was fairly short.
In addition, I had one of those weeks where you feel as though nothing you do (or have done) is any good. Maybe it has something to do with the artistic mind-set (and despite my half-hearted protestations to the contrary, I am an artist).
Some days I feel so fortunate to be able to express yourself through art and music, other days the idea of being an artist feels like a curse. Why can’t I just have a job like ordinary people? Maybe a steady paycheck wouldn’t be that bad.
But as it always happens, something comes along to bring me out of my artistic funk.
Our good friends Spike and Sandy invited us to go with them to EPCOT and see Paul Revere and the Raiders. They promised us that we would like the show.
So last Saturday, we met them at Chevy’s over by Disney Marketplace for a tasty Mexican dinner, and then went over to Epcot to see the show.
Sandy, a Disney “cast member” was able to get us all in for free.
Now you may be thinking, “Paul Revere and the Raiders? ‘Indian Reservation’ Paul Revere? The guys who sang about ‘Kicks?’ They’re still around?”
Not only are they still around (they had their first hit in 1960) but they sound pretty darn good.
One of the lead singers was Darrin Medley, the son of “Righteous Brother” Bill Medley. Darrin not only sang lead, but played drums on a couple of songs when the drummer came down to sing lead.
What did Paul Revere do? Well, he was the ringleader, and resident crazy comedian. At age 69 (!) he displayed more energy that many 20-somethings, and had the crowd roaring with laughter at his antics.
What did he do that was so funny? His humor was of the “you had to be there” variety, so there’s not much I can tell you.
The bottom line was, Paul and his band have been playing music for a loooong time, (most of the band members have been with Paul Revere for over 30 years) and during his show at Disney, they looked like they was still getting a kick out of it.
The band was thoroughly professional, they played their hits, and they put on an entertaining show.
I’m sure that Paul Revere has his “down” days, but there’s something about playing music for folks that makes it hard to stay down.
This made me think, I spend a great deal of time enabling artists (including Sandy and Spike!) to realize their “musical dreams.” I am given the privilege of being a part of their art (there’s a snappy rhyme for you).
The artists I’ve worked with then go out and, using the tools I have helped them develop (their CDs, backing tracks, etc.), bring their music to the public, and experience the joys and personal growth that comes with live performance.
Well, that’s not too bad. I’d like to do more of it!
Check our Paul Revere and the Raiders’ site:
http://www.paulrevereraiders.com/main.html
Paul Revere
Darrin Medley
(pictures taken by Spike)
Posted by leon at 02:02 PM | Comments (2)
May 01, 2006
Two Originals
Sheryl was away at the ABWA (America Business Women’s Association) conference in Jacksonville this past weekend, but I managed to get out on my own and hear some great music.
There are many artists who sound like clones of other artists, but the two gentlemen I had the privilege of hearing this past weekend are true originals.
On Friday I attended the CD release concert of one the most prolific members of our musical family, Kevin Browne.
His new CD, “Scenery” features songs in English, Dutch, Norwegian, and German (sometimes with more than one language used in a single song!).
“Scenery” is Kevin’s third full-length CD project to be recorded at our studio, and his music can only be described as “Kevin Browne music.” He’s one of those artists who have a unique and original sound.
There are hints of various musical influences, such as the pop group America, a little folk, some Celtic, classical, and even Latin influences, but one does not hear his singing and playing and immediately say, “He sounds just like (fill in the blank…).
His wife Debbie accompanied him on backing vocals, along with his son Griffin on cello, and a terrific violinist named Phoebe.
Check out Kevin’s website: http://www.kevin-browne.com
On Sunday afternoon, I journeyed over to Nature’s Haven (http://www.naturespirit.com) to hear Lathan Hudson sing some songs and tell some stories.
Lathan is a Grammy nominated songwriter; co-writer of the worldwide number 1 hit “New Looks From an Old Lover” for B. J. Thomas. He worked for many years as a Nashville staff songwriter, and is now the proprietor of the “Musical Kottage” in Titusville, Florida. (Sheryl and I are members of the Kottage).
Lathan on Lathan:
"I was one of the original "Beatniks", possibly the only "Beatnik" (long hair) on a football scholarship at Troy State in Alabama (all the other players had their head shaved).
"We pre-dated "Hippies" and didn't champion any causes. We did our 'Beat' Poetry in Coffee Houses and played folk music.
After that, we moved to Nashville and I concentrated on my song writing.
"Although I've played a few songs every now and then for my friends and Musical Kottage Members, this is the first 'concert' I will have played since 1974."
In direct contrast to the angst-ridden songs I hear emanating from countless young songwriters today (to hear them tell it, all relationships go bad, or will go bad, and life just generally stinks…), Lathan’s songs have a certain warmth, hopefulness and maturity to them. Many of his songs (including his biggest hit) speak of “love gone right.”
He tells the stories behind the songs (and sometimes just stories) in a way that could be described as “down home, tongue in cheek.” The stories are as much fun to listen to as the songs.
There’s no way I can convey to you the flavor of these stories and his songs in this blog, it’s definitely a case of “you had to be there.”
I’m sure glad I was there!
Posted by leon at 03:40 PM | Comments (2)