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- Written by: Deb Hebert
Gallons to Ounces: Half and Half EP
You know...I've followed football for over 40 years and recognize the quarterback, kicker, receiver, offense and defense (and a few other positions), but could not pick out the safety or seondary if my life depended on it. Likewise, I've listened to every style of music and singer, from Elvis to Nat King Cole, Marvin Gaye to Snoop Dog, Liberace (I know. Lib didn't sing.) to Elton John, Joe Cocker to Joe Bonamassa, INXS to Adam Ant, Carole King to Carrie Underwood, and yet I can't discern an F-major from A-minor or tell one chord progression from the next. Why? Because I'm neither an athlete or musician. I'm a music fan! And as with any form of art, what I appreciate you may not. Still--I'm here to bring to your attention, Gallons to Ounces (G2O) is an up and coming band to keep an eye on.
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- Written by: deb hebert
On their second collaboration, Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa's interpretive intelligence shed new light on deep album cuts from some of musics most prized performers (Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Billy Holiday and Etta James). The duo joined forces in 2011 to record an album of soul classic covers on "Don't Explain". That side project was well recieved by music fans around the world, peaking at #3 on the Danish Charts. The highly anticipated SEESAW is currently holding the #1 spot.
“What’s so cool about these projects is that when Joe and Beth enter the studio, he comes in as a guitar player, and she comes in as a singer,” says Shirley. “They’re getting together just to play fun music, sing some favorite songs, without the pressure of career issues they might have on solo projects. The point is to pick up and celebrate songs that didn’t get their due in the day, and to pay homage to ones that were truly classics. The vibe this time is more upbeat than on Don’t Explain, lots of big band horns,” says producer Kevin "Caveman" Shirley.
Beth Hart is known for her “raw” vocal prowess, often compared to Janis Joplin mainly because of her intensity. However, it is her jazz and gospel influence that stands out on every number here. It is evident she was born to sing, while blues-rock guitar sensation, Joe Bonamassa, was born to play six strings. Together, they're unstoppable.
"Miss Lady" (Buddy Miles), "Rhymes" (Al Green), and "Seesaw" (Don Covay), with its jarring beats and rhythyms, get the spirit jumping, feet stomping and soul grooving, the way a Rock 'n Soul revival show should. And the duo's rendition of Tina Turner's classic "Nutbush City Limits" is worth the price of $13.99, alone!
In support of both albums, Hart and Bonamassa are currently touring in the UK and Europe. The shows are being filmed for a concert DVD due out at an undisclosed future date.
Plus, there's a series of webisodes on the making of both Don't Explain and Seesaw. These are always fun to watch and packed with behind-the-scene tidbits. To view, please visit the artist's official Youtube channel. And be sure to check out their bios, get tour details and purchase merchandise at Hart and Bonamassa's official website.
Yours in music,
DebFromMaine Hebert
Photo courtesy of J & R Adventures, Inc.
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- Written by: Deb Hebert
BANG BANG BOOM BOOM After listening to Beth Hart’s newest CD “Bang Bang Boom Boom”, I'm positive you'll have the same reaction as me. Scratch your head and ask, “Why is this woman not a household name?”
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- Written by: Bluebird
"Take Me Under" was debuted exclusively in a new arrangement at the Iron Horse Music Hall on
Friday, June 21, 2013.
Listen!
This already successful, normally techno heavy song, has been in the GH recording and tour circut for several years now. From the album, When We All Disappear, it is a fan favorite. The ever innovative, Gentlemen Hall showed creativity, intelligence, and a commitment to exploring authentic new sounds, when they rearranged the song using only bells, a cappella and percussion. Watch how precise they each have to be in bringing this all together and the patience of the drummer, Phil Boucher, as he follows the group with his mind, like a metronome.
Read more: Gentlemen Hall Rock "Take Me Under" in New Productions!
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- Written by: Bluebird
Looking out at the summer moon tonight, two days after the solstice, I can't help but think of this song.
From the iconic, 1973 album, Closing Time. Tom Waits carries his voice, clear and gritty, with piano accompaniment. The Grapefruit Moon and its impact on the changing tide is the symbol of the little control that we actually have over so many things in life.
The one star shining, is the hope, the light, the focus, of this ballad. Waits remains Waits, smoking his cigarette, while he strives for purity. He can only be himself, pure Waits. And for this, the listener gains great comfort. You are never alone listening to this blues great. Just look out your window.
Grapefruit moon, one star shining, shining down on me.
Heard that tune, and now I'm pining, honey, can't you see?
Cause every time I hear that melody, well, something breaks inside,
And the grapefruit moon, one star shining, can't turn back the tide.
Never had no destination, could not get across.
You became my inspiration, oh but what a cost.
Cause every time I hear that melody, well, something breaks inside,
And the grapefruit moon, one star shining, is more than I can hide.
Now I'm smoking cigarettes and I strive for purity,
And I slip just like the stars into obscurity.
Cause every time I hear that melody, well, puts me up a tree,
And the grapefruit moon, one star shining, is all that I can see.
Closing Time is the debut studio album by the American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, released in March 1973 on Asylum Records. Produced and arranged by former Lovin' Spoonful member Jerry Yester, Closing Time was the first of seven of Waits' major releases through Asylum, the final being Heartattack and Vine (1980).
Closing Time Album Credits:
MusiciansTom Waits – vocals, piano, celeste, guitar
Delbert Bennett – trumpet
Shep Cooke – guitar; backing vocals on "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You" and "Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards)"
Peter Klimes – guitar
Bill Plummer – bass guitar
John Seiter – drums, backing vocals
Guest musicians
Arni Egilsson – bass guitar on "Closing Time" (Instrumental)
Jesse Ehrlich – cello
Tony Terran – trumpet on "Closing Time" (Instrumental)
Interesting Facts:
The album is noted for being predominantly folk influenced although Waits intended for Closing Time to be "a jazz, piano-led album." Upon release, the album was mildly successful in the United States, although it did not chart and received little attention from music press in the United Kingdom and elsewhere internationally. The album's only single—"Ol' '55"—attracted attention due to a cover version by Waits' better-known label mates The Eagles. Other songs from the album were covered by artists ranging from Tim Buckley to Bette Midler. The album has been certified Gold in the United Kingdom[9] and has gained a contemporary cult following among rock fans. The album has been reissued four times since its initial release; on LP in 1976, on CD in 1992 and 1999, and 180 gram LP in 2010.