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Musical Tidbits

Blues great B. B. King seems to be perpetually on tour. Some of his upcoming dates will be at the Sports Arena in Budapest Hungary on July 16, the Wiener Konzerthaus in Vienna Austria on July 17th, the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, Massachusetts (USA) on August 21 and the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, Massachusetts (USA) on 8/22.

Nickelback is scheduled to perform at Herhsey Park Stadium in Hershey, PA on July 17th, the Post-Gazette Pavillion in Pittsburgh the following day and at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY on the 22rd of July. Some of Willie Nelson's scheduled tour dates for the month of July will have him at the Bethel Woods Center in Bethel, NY on July 18th, the Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY on 7/19 and at the McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI on July 21.

"PROVE ME RIGHT" Zona Jones- A Review

In this economy, many of us have to pick and choose what we are going to purchase with our disposable income. When it comes to Zona Jones' Rocky Mountain Records debut album, "Prove Me Right," the question to be asked is 'how is one to proceed?' Well, the answer is: be selective.

While Jones has a fine voice, the quality of this cd hinges on his interpretation of the songs which make up this compilation. "You Should Have Seen Her This Morning" and "Bluer Than Blue" are the pick of the litter. Jones lends the former a well-woven sensual tact while he takes the latter Randy Goodrum-penned classic to an even higher level than the original Michael Johnson hit version. Other standouts are the uptempo downtown feel of "Never Took My Eyes Off You" and "Day Off." Both supply a rollicking good time. "Blame It On Mexico" is another corker and there's nothing amiss with "Drinkin'" which was written by John Sherrill and Neal Coty.

While tracks such as "When You Love 'Em Like Crazy," "She Showed Me" and the rest are not fillers, there's nothing much to recommend them. They are tepid in nature and mediocre at best. So the suggestion here is to legally download your favorites and keep Zona Jones on your watchlist for a potentially great album in the future.

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Musical Tidbits

Ani Difranco will be appearing at the Rex Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA on 7/8, Rams Head Live in Baltimore on 7/9 and at the Boarding House Park in Lowell, MA on 7/11. Her appearance in Lowell is part of the "Lowell Summer Music Series." Appearing at the same slate of shows will be Aimee Mann on July 18th and Joan Baez on July 30th. Jakob (son of Bob) Dylan and the Wallflowers will be there on 8/14 and James Taylor's younger brother Livingston will be making his presense felt on August 22nd.

What do Wisconsin cheese in the amount of one ton, a few dozen golf carts, nearly a dozen dumpsters and more than 1,000 feet of wire have in common? They are only a small part of the necessities which can be found at the 2009 "Country Thunder USA Festival" taking place in Twin Lakes, WI from July 15 through the 18th. Among the folks scheduled to perform are The Bellamy Borthers, Mark Chestnutt, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Neal McCoy and The Grascals.

This year's Fouth of July festivities in Boston will have Neil Diamond appearing with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra.

SPF

© 2009. Theme Song Enterprises. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher.

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Jackson 5 and William Lee Golden

A lot of anecdotes about Michael Jackson are springing forth today following his untimely passing.

One of those involves William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys and his sons. It seems that back in 1981, the Jackson 5 played the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. At one point, they sang the Oak Ridge Boy's hit "Elvira" to Golden and his sons and the Golden group reciprocated by singing "Happy Birthday" to Michael as he had recently turned 23. Here's a photo marking the occasion.



In the photo from left to right are: Marlon Jackson, Joe Moscheo (former Broadcast Music Incorporated Vice-president), B. James Lowry (former Oak Ridge Boys guitarist), William Lee Golden (Oak Ridge Boys), Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Donna Jean Kisshauer (former Oak Ridge Boys Promotion Manager), Rusty Golden (William Lee's son), Tito Jackson and Randy Jackson

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MUSICAL CORNUCOPIA

There's a plethora of activity going on in music these days. For your consumption, here's a sampling of what's occurring.


Daughtry will be making a few TV guest appearances in support of their new album "Leave This Town" which is coming out in mid-July. Expect to catch the group on "The View" on 7/15, "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien" on 7/16 and the next evening on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" By the way, the album will be available in no less than six editions including those exclusive to Wal-Mart and Target stores. It ought to be interesting to discover how these multiple editions fare in a down economy.


Dave Matthews and his bandmates will be all over the map these days playing such venues as the Wolverhampton Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, England on 6/29 and the L'Olympia in Paris on 7/1. The DMB will also be appearing at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam on 7/7. The Kings of Leon are also touring and some of their scheduled appearances will be at The Ahoy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on July 2nd, The Rock Werchter in Belgium on July 4th and The Forum Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 7th.


Rod Stewart fans take note: June 30th is the expected release date for the "Collectors Edition" of both "Atlantic Crossing" and "A Night on the Town" cd's and according to Rod's producers Cheryl Pawelski and Andy Zax, Each has been "'remastered from first-generation tapes.'" Both contain outtakes which have never been released before as well as "'alternate versions'" of some songs.


Alicia Keys will be presented the Golden Note Award which is scheduled for today in Los Angeles. This honor is given by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). This ceremony will be part of the organization's 22nd Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. At the same event, Smokey Robinson will be presented with the Rhytm & Soul Heritage Award.

© 2009. Theme Song Enterprises. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

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Michael Jackson

Michael:


Thank you for all of the great music.

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©2009 Theme Song Enterprises. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

LOOKING BACK

TUNEFUL "SPOONFUL"


Artist: The Lovin' Spoonful- John Sebastian, Zal Yanovsky, Steve Boone and Joe Butler

Albums: "Do You Believe in Magic" and "Daydream"


The association with "good time music" has always been the mantra of the Lovin Spoonful. Great songs such as "Do You Believe in Magic" and "Daydream" served to reinforce that notion.

However, upon closer examination of the groups' first two albums which share the respective names of the previously alluded to songs, it was obvious that the Spoonful were more than just a group of single-minded musicians. They were not just chirping away singing idyllic fantasies. They could actually tackle the likes of the blues as heard on "Blues in the Bottle," "Sportin' Life" and "Day Blues." Of course, their affinity and aptitude for jug band music could be attested to on what else but "Jug Band Music." Not to be forgotten are the engaging pop tunes which John Sebastian was so good at writing including hits like "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind" and Younger Girl."

Also, keep in mind that the bands' ability to sing different types of music may have overshadowed their adroitness as musicians. Take a listen to "Big Noise From Speonk" and "Night Owl Blues." These songs give credence to the fact that they could stretch themselves instrumentally as well. Sebastian's harmonica and Zal Yanovsky's guitar prowess are outstanding while Steve Boone's bass lines and Joe Butler's drumming are masterfully understated yet effective.

As such, these two albums are gems.

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MUSICAL TIDBITS

James Taylor will be appearing with John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra on 8/30 at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA


©2009 Theme Song Enterprises. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS 'RETURN'--A REVIEW & THE BYRDS REVISITED-A REVIEW

Being together for over 30 years as a musical entity takes some doing but the Oak Ridge Boys have done just that.

In that time span, this quartet consisting of Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Willian Lee Golden and Richard Sterban have recorded albums that have sold in excess of 30 million copies. "The Boys are Back" is their latest effort and its nine tracks comprise a little bit of everything. For instance, there's the gritty title track contributed by Shooter (son of Waylon) Jennings which kicks this album off in fine fashion utilizing a gospel/pop/rock combination. Then, there's a pure-play country styling of a sentimental tearjerker which successfully tugs at the heartstrings called "Mama's Table" written by Jamey Johnson and George Teren. If that's not enough, "Boom Boom" written by Blues great John Lee Hooker is treated with reverence by Richard Sterban. The only song which is a slight disappointment is the overdone "Seven Nation Army" by Jack White and it happens to be the first single off the album.

It should not be overlooked that the Boys seem to be trying to spread their wings a bit more by being edgier this time around and this may be due in no small part due to the production techniques of Dave Cobb and the fact that this album was recorded in both Nashville and Los Angeles.

Other than the aforementioned Jack White composition, the only minor drawback is the lack of tracks where the BOYS have a chance to mesmerize with their four-part harmony which has always been at the group's epicenter. Perhaps next time around, there will be more of that. Overall, "The Boys are Back" is a keeper


SPF
















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(The following is the first installment of reviews of older albums and it will be called Looking Back)




LOOKING BACK



Artist: The Byrds- Roger (Jim) McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke



Album: "Mister Tambourine Man"






If folk-rock and country-rock had a pedigree, the Byrds could be considered the most important part of its lineage.


Their first LP, "Mr. Tambourine Man" captured the essence of what would become influential musical movements. Its insignia was a melodic sweetness generated by excellent vocal harmonies and Roger McGuinn's guitar dexterity (as Messrs. Clark, Crosby, Clarke and Hillman could not participate instrumentally since Columbia Records' session musicians were assigned that task). As much as anything, songwriting played a prominent role on this album. The group's interpretation of Bob Dylan's title song and "Spanish Harlem Incident" are classic in nature. However, the version of "Chimes of Freedom" could arguably use a little more intensity considering its lyrics. Also, Gene Clark's contributions as a composer have to be underscored. Not only are his writings valuable contributions to this album but they set a standard by which other songwriters can be judged.

Suffice it to say, this album should be appreciated for what it was...an album which was at the forefront of a newly minted and important sound.



SPF



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MUSICAL TIDBITS -




The numbers are in and by all accounts, it looks as though the BamaJam Music & Arts festival could be considered an all-out success. According to organizer Ronnie Gilley, the three day event drew approximately 121,000 people who were entertained by the likes of the Charlie Daniels Band, the Black Crowes, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn and the LoCash Cowboys among others.







Upcoming Tour Dates:



Tony Bennett will be appearing at the Flynn Center for the Performing Artsin Burlington, VT on July 7th and the Caesar Atlantic Hotel and Casino on 7/10 and 7/11 and at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA on 7/21.



Trumpeter Chris Botti , who can be spotted on PBS lately will be at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on July 11th and 12th.


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©2009 Theme Song Enterprises All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

INITIAL ISSUE

Welcome to the initial edition of Recorddiscs!

As you can tell by the title, my passion is music. For more than 30 years, I have written about music for newspapers, magazines and that contraption known as the world wide web. My specific interests take me all the way from Aerosmith to ZZ Top and genres as diverse as rock, pop, soul, jazz, country, folk and the various hybrids thereof.

Recorddiscs is to be a thrice-weekly blog comprised of music news, reviews, commentary and interviews with artists of the well-known and not so well-known variety.

I hope that you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. Welcome...and stay tuned!

© 2009-Theme Song Enterprises-all rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. Reviews may be re-printed in whole or in part as long as credit is given to Recorddiscs.