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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 May 1, 2006 03:40 PM
Comments
I loved the story Lathan told about the squirrel falling out of the tree and landing in the middle of his margarita, and then after the squirrel scampered off, Lathan's friend said, "they sure don't put as much squirrel in the margaritas as they used to".
The concert on Sunday was alot of fun! I was glad to be a part of it. Lathan said he might perform in concert again in another 32 years...I've marked it on my calendar!!!
He says he is a "fun-gi" and I have to agree!
Posted by: Sandy at May 1, 2006 11:31 PM
"Fun-gi?" Sure hope that means "Fun Guy!"
Posted by: The PSG at May 2, 2006 07:02 AM