Tuesday Mar 19

Archive for the ‘Five Star Rating’ Category

Jul
10/12
Tom Waits on David Letterman
Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 02:23
Written by Jeff from Scottidesign.com
Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

Always one of our favorites Tom Waits.

Cd’s   Downloads and MP3s   Vinyl Lp’s

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Nov
01/11
SAM LLANAS ASKS: IT’S 4AM, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR LOVE IS?
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 02:27
Written by morristown@scotticd.com
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
BoDeans frontman Sam Llanas lurks the night fantastic.

BoDeans frontman Sam Llanas lurks the night fantastic.

 

If you follow this blog, last time we promoted Sam Llanas’ 4AM with a press release and some bio info.  This time, we take on the album itself.  Now the “concept”, if you will, of this album is the adventures that take place after hours.  Llanas claims to have written many of the tunes late at night.  I identify with that as I do my best work at night (post 11pm).  So I went out on a limb this time and gave it an initial listen after 1am.  I’m too old to make it to 4am without chemical stimulants, and I knock off the caffeine at 5pm.

Much less anything stronger.

But I felt it best to get the full effect of this disc’s concept, if it was listened to at the same time it was composed, performed, etc.  I was right.  This is late night listening at its best!

 

 

 

 

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Oct
14/11
DESPITE THE RUMOURS, JON ANDERSON SAYS NO TO YES, AND YES TO A SOLO TOUR.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 02:45
Written by morristown@scotticd.com
Friday, October 14th, 2011
Jon Anderson, bringing Wondrous Stories to a city near you!  Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon

Jon Anderson, bringing Wondrous Stories to a city near you! Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon

There has been much speculation regarding the lead vocalist position with the band YES.  Let’s get the story straight.  In case you had not heard, original replacement singer Benoit David has left the group.  Before the official announcement that Glass Hammer vocalist Jon Daivison would replace original replacement David, rumors were circulating that founding vocalist Jon Anderson was asked by founding bassist Chris Squire to rejoin.  As stated in the pres release below issued by Anderson’s publicity company Glass Onyon, these rumors were completely unfounded.  Here is the press release:

 

 

 

 

 

For immediate Release 

A Statement To The Press By Original YES Vocalist / Songwriter Jon Anderson

2/8/2012 – Asheville, NC – In response to recent rumors circulating about music legend and original YES vocalist / songwriter Jon Anderson being asked to re-join YES – these rumors are unfounded and false. Jon Anderson is busy with his solo career; he is currently on tour performing solo (tour dates and venues listed below), as well as recording new music. Jon also had this response to recent quotes in the news by Chris Squire that he is in regular communication with Jon: “I haven’t spoken with Chris in four years, and the only e-mail I have received from him in the last 3 years was him asking for free tickets to my show in Mesa, AZ last week – very sad, but true.”

Jon Anderson, who has one of the most recognizable voices in music, and is best known for his work with YES, Vangelis and Kitaro, as well as his innovative solo efforts, recently completed a successful tour of the east coast in the US with fellow YES member Rick Wakeman and a solo tour of South America. Jon’s solo tour promises to deliver an exciting mixture of material from his prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic YES songs, along with new compositions from his new CD ‘Survival & Other Stories‘.

Jon Anderson US 2012 Tour Dates:

 

2/02/2012 – Mesa Arts Center – Piper Theater – Mesa, AZ – www.mesaartscenter.com

2/04/2012 – Wheeler Opera House – Aspen, CO – www.wheeleroperahouse.com

2/17/2012 – American Music Theater – Lancaster, PA – www.amtshows.com

2/19/2012 – Newton Theatre – Newton, NJ – www.thenewtontheatre.com

2/22/2012 – Anthology – San Diego, CA – www.anthologysd.com/welcome.html

2/24/2012 – Ovation Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa – Henderson, NV – www.greenvalleyranchresort.com/entertainment/ovation.php

2/26/2012 – One World Theatre – Austin, TX – www.oneworldtheatre.org/home.html

2/28/2012 – Kessler Theater – Dallas, TX – www.thekessler.org

3/01/2012 – Carolina Theatre – Durham, NC – www.carolinatheatre.org

3/03/2012 – Parrish Auditorium Miami University Hamilton – Hamilton, OH

3/05/2012 – World Cafe Live – Wilmington – Wilmington, DE – www.worldcafelive.com

3/07/2012 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA – www.philadelphia-theater.com/theaters/theater-of-living-arts/theater.php

3/08/2012 – Baltimore Sound Stage – Baltimore, MD – www.baltimoresoundstage.com

3/10/2012 – B.B. King Blues Club & Grill – New York, NY – www.bbkingblues.com

3/14/2012 – Infinity Hall – Norfolk, CT – www.infinityhall.com

3/15/2012 – Wilbur Theatre – Boston, MA – www.thewilburtheatre.com

3/17/2012 – Narrows Center For The Arts – Fall River, MA – www.ncfta.org

3/19/2012 – Bergen Performing Arts Center – Englewood, NJ –  www.bergenpac.org

Jon recently released an epic musical work entitled OPEN. A return to the long-form composition that Jon Anderson is best known for, (“Close To The Edge”, “Gates of Delirium”, “Revealing” and “Awaken”), OPEN is a 21-minute exhilarating musical journey; a pioneering effort that weaves intricate melodic and harmonic themes within a classical music framework whilst showcasing Anderson’s iconic vocals and timeless melodies throughout. In many ways OPEN is a return to Jon Anderson’s musical roots, as YES music continually flows through his veins, making it only natural to revisit now and again. Coupled with wonderful orchestration by his neighbor and good friend Stefan Podell, messages of peace, love, light and freedom are further explored within OPEN, making listening an uplifting and joyous experience!

“‘Forever taken to that place of understanding,’ are the first lyrics of ‘OPEN’, as though I am always remembering my true musical journey. To create this work, I sat with my 19th Century guitar and strummed ideas last spring 2010. Songs just poured out of me that week, and before I knew it I had created a long form musical idea, and with the help of Stefan Podell’s powerful orchestration, we put together what is now ‘OPEN.’

It has 4 movements all intertwined, and seems to have a life of its own. For those who love this kind of music, I feel so happy to present it as one of many I hope to create over the coming years. My love ‘Janee’ has helped in production with her unique musical observations and her angel voice. I am so happy and thankful… Many Blessings.” Jon Anderson – October 2011

Jon Anderson’s OPEN is available as a digital download and can be obtained at:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/open-single/id474552662?ls=1

In other news, Jon Anderson and fellow former YES member Rick Wakeman have released Anderson/Wakeman – The Living Tree In Concert Part One CD on Gonzo MultiMedia. The legendary duo performed a series of successful concerts in the UK in 2010 in support of their critically acclaimed CD release The Living Tree and recorded several of the performances.

For more information on Jon Anderson’s upcoming tour go to www.jonanderson.com/tour.html

Jon Anderson Survival & Other Stories available through Voiceprint Records.

End release

Now from my insider grapevine, I hear that Open will be released in some form of CD this Spring/Summer.  For those of you who can’t wait, yes, there is a link to the iTunes store, but I am a purist.  I have two opinions about this, first, wait for the CD release as there may be more tracks on it, second, buy any of the above-mentioned products at your local INDIE music store.  Those of you in NJ, you know you recently lost a landmark CD store to a fire, so spread the support to the existing indie CD stores.  We aren’t out of this recession yet (although by economist definition, it can be qualified as a depression), so keep indie stores alive, buy local!!!

Thanks to Billy James and Jon Anderson, and all at Glass Onyon, get your tickets to this show A.S.A.P., and if you are unsure, go back and read my review of the Jon Anderson/Rick Wakeman show at the Sherman Theater in the Poconos.  I highly recommend this awesome evening of entertainment and QUALITY music.

We now return you to regularly scheduled music…

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Oct
09/11
FALLING OUT OF LOVE OVER TORI AMOS AT THE BEACON THEATER, 12-3-11
Last Updated on Friday, 20 January 2023 05:30
Written by morristown@scotticd.com
Sunday, October 9th, 2011
Aging with grace, Tori Amos hides behind a bazillion megawatt floor spotlight. Good luck seeing her face at all… Photo by Amanda Collins

Aging with grace, Tori Amos hides behind a bazillion megawatt floor spotlight. Good luck seeing her face at all… Photo by Amanda Collins

Now that my recording studio consignment obligation is over, it’s time to get back to blogging!!!

Maybe there needs to be some clarification with regard to that headline.  I have been head over heels with Tori Amos since I first heard her tracks on the Little Earthquakes LP.  While I was curious about this petite red headed stick of dynamite playing in frigid water in her “China” video, her looks were irrelevant because she won me over with the music.  As she progressed (some would say ‘grew’) as an artist, she repeatedly proved herself to fans, critics, etc.  While some would say albums like Strange Little Girls and The Beekeeper were sub-par for her, I hung in there.  She hadn’t lost me yet.

However, when she released Midwinter Graces, I thought, “hey, everybody should experiment a little.”  Not being a cold weather/winter holiday fan, I figured it just wasn’t for me.  But I hadn’t lost faith in her.  Yet.  Then she released Night Of Hunters.

I researched the origin of this album, and it appears that the iconic label Deutsche Gramophone had commissioned Amos to write and record a pop symphony.  Amos recruited her daughter and niece to record vocals on the piece.  This is a common occurrence in pop music today, Kate Bush has her son on her latest release, Peter Gabriel has taken his daughter Melanie on tour and through his Real World Records, was able to release her solo EP.

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Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   |  Posted under * One Star, Concert Reviews, Five Star Rating, Music Reviews  |  Comments  Comments Off on FALLING OUT OF LOVE OVER TORI AMOS AT THE BEACON THEATER, 12-3-11
Sep
18/11
YES Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman To Tour North America Fall 2011
Last Updated on Monday, 10 October 2011 11:36
Written by morristown@scotticd.com
Sunday, September 18th, 2011
Founding members of the Yes Former Bandmate Mutual Admiration Society, Rick Wakeman (L) and Jon Anderson (R). Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon

Founding members of the Yes Former Bandmate Mutual Admiration Society, Rick Wakeman (L) and Jon Anderson (R). Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon

9/17/2011 – Asheville, NC – Much to the delight of fortunate music fans in the Eastern part of North America, music legends and former YES members Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman will be playing a select number of engagements this coming Fall 2011. The legendary duo performed a series of successful concerts in the UK in 2010 in support of their critically acclaimed CD release ‘The Living Tree’, and are now bringing their highly anticipated show to America!
Having worked together on and off since 1971’s groundbreaking YES masterwork ‘Fragile’, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman have traveled similar musical paths that have eventually and happily led their careers back together again! Now once again, the duo promise a magical evening of music and humor for all who attend! “Expect a night of music, full of YES classics and new adventures in song from ‘The Living Tree’ album and moments of brilliance, humor and affection borne from a friendship and musical partnership that has lasted 40 years”, says Jon. “We knew from the responses on the last YES tour that the acoustic section was extremely popular and that many of the pieces could be re-arranged and adapted to make very interesting and hopefully enjoyable new ways of playing YES music and our own music,” adds Rick.
The tour is being produced by Metropolitan Talent Presents and is booked by Keith Naisbitt of Los Angeles based Agency for the Performing Arts. John Scher co-CEO of Metropolitan says, “We are incredibly proud to be presenting the North American debut of this legendary duo! Jon and Rick ARE the voice and sound of YES, as well as famously successful solo performers! This tour will be areal treat for their legions of fans.”
Sep
10/11
ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO LIVE IN GERMANY DVD, THE GENESIS OF AN AMAZING MUSIC MACHINE
Last Updated on Monday, 10 October 2011 11:35
Written by morristown@scotticd.com
Saturday, September 10th, 2011
Nothing like a personalized, autographed DVD case of the Adrian Belew Power Trio Live In Germany.

Nothing like a personalized, autographed DVD case of the Adrian Belew Power Trio Live In Germany.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’d like to take a minute or two to express some heartfelt emotions.  Yup, first entry back and I’m getting all mushy.  But I’d like to thank all of my faithful followers who contacted me on my Facebook page and relayed their concerns regarding my absence from these sites.  I have been, and to a lesser extent, still am, under the weather.  I will remain classified as such until an exam later this month.  I also want to thank a couple of new Facebook friends who convinced me that regardless of negative feedback, my opinion of the art form is the only one that should matter in my forum.  Thank you Steve and Elliott.

I have a lot of catching up to do, so let’s get to it!

 

 

 

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Aug
12/11
JULIE SLICK, BAREFOOT AND ON HER OWN!! CHALK ONE UP FOR THE YOUTH OF AMERICA!
Last Updated on Monday, 10 October 2011 11:37
Written by morristown@scotticd.com
Friday, August 12th, 2011
Once again, nothing like that personalized, autographed CD cover.

Once again, nothing like that personalized, autographed CD cover.

If you caught my last post, I went on about a talented young bassist by the name of Julie Slick who plays bass in the Adrian Belew Power Trio.  For this young lady to be able to handle parts by bassists of such renown as Tony Levin, Les Claypool and others, as well as converting parts played on the Chapman Stick and Warr Guitar, is an ambitious feat in itself.  So it was of little surprise to me that she could conjure up a series of songs to compile a solo disc.  What was surprising was the depth and imaginativeness as well as the maturity and depth of composition this young artist has displayed.  Again, if you are looking for Katy Perry, Lada Yada, or other pop divas of that ilk, this ain’t it.  This is the direction of progressive music of the female gender.  Artists like Tori Amos, Nina Hagen, even some instrumental Laurie Anderson come to mind.  Slick professes not to be a vocalist, but I’d love to comprise this line-up: Amos on keyboards and vocals, Anderson on keyboards, violin, electronics and vocals, Slick on bass and electronics, and Maureen Tucker of Velvet Underground (Anderson’s husband Lou Reed’s former bandmate) on percussion and anything else she wants.

GoGo’s my gluteus maximus (and at my age, it is maximus)…

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Apr
09/11
Matt and Kim Live in London!
Last Updated on Saturday, 9 April 2011 08:01
Written by morristown@scotticd.com
Saturday, April 9th, 2011

At the Garage (or, alternatively, the Relentless Garage, sponsored by the energy drink), the air was thick with hipster sweat as Girl Talk’s “All Day” blasted through the speakers in between the opening act and Matt & Kim. Eager to participate, many of the concertgoers were adding to the atmosphere by dancing and rapping well before the headliners took the stage. (more…)