Big Leather Couch

I hope you had a chance to visit TUNEAGE TUTELAGE to check out my review of the band Miles and their album AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

The rhetoric being spewed over the Gulf disaster is amazing - as the hole continues to spew oil into the waters and we are all witnesses to what will be, the worst natural disaster of the last 200 years. With all due respect to the citizens of San Francisco back in 1906 and the residents of Chicago in 1871 or those in Haiti today, but the damage that will occur to this continuing cluster-f**k is staggering in it's cost and length of time that will be needed for the area to rejuvenate.

Friday evening, March 5, 2010, Nancy and I were witness to two legends doing their thing at the Fed Ex Forum here in Memphis, TN

We bought the tickets months ago when they first came out and when Ticketmaster told me I could have seats on the floor, I got excited, until I realized they were on the opposite end of the arena.

So I kept searching and found seats on the ‘club level’ first row, overlooking stage right. I grabbed them up, not really sure they were as good as they ended up being.

The club level at FedEx is where all the fancy-schmancy restaurants are, so when we arrived, we were able to get some good beers and made our way to our seats. PERFECT VIEW!

Having seen Mr. Daltrey on the Super Bowl broadcast with his old band The Who, I was not sure what to expect. Honestly, that show did not rock my socks…

He took to the stage with his band which includes Simon Townshend on guitar…yes – Pete’s brother. The rest of the band, as far as I can ascertain are; Frank Simes on lead guitar, Jon Button on bass, Loren Gold on keyboards, and Scott Devours on drums.

Let me say up front, Simon is an accomplished guitarist and I was very impressed and the rest of the backing band are true professionals.

Mr. Daltrey was in excellent voice on this evening. He hit the stage with “I Can See For Miles” and followed it up with “The Real Me”. Except for the people behind us who talked the whole time, both songs were superb.

Now, Roger Daltry is a legend, no doubt, but the people of Memphis obviously were not too sure of that as the arena was half empty when he began his set. By the fourth or fifth song, the place had begun to fill up though.

Strangely, he felt he had to introduce the third song as a song from the band The Who and then they broke into “Behind Blue Eyes”. The crowd cheered, maybe not realizing that the previous two songs were also from the same band!

After an excellent version of the Taj Mahal song “Freedom Ride”, Daltrey informed us that he had ‘f’ed it up’, that he had changed the set list and that ‘in the old days, you could just come out and play what you wanted but with the lighting and sound engineers, you had to follow a set list in these days’.

Next on the set list was the Daltrey song “Gimme A Stone”. The version was excellent and contained a lot of energy, and was introduced using the David and Goliath comparison he has used before. Simon on mandolin really made the song special.

Next was “Days Of Light”, and then Roger talked about playing a ‘shepards bush blues song’ (that is how I heard it)…and introduced it as “Who The F Are You”.

Of course many in the crowd went crazy as I am sure most only knew it from the CSI franchise and not as an anthem from the seventies.

“Going Mobile” followed, with a full on charge and Simon on lead vocals. I missed the title of the next song and it was unfamiliar to me.

Then the opening chords of the other CSI used song “Teenage Wasteland” and one of the two younger girls sitting next to me turned to her friend and said the following “You know this one RIGHT….everyone LOVES Baba O’Reilly!”. I almost fell out of my seat and laughed as they both then began singing the lyrics…OK, ya know the words from your TV, but not the song!

And near the end of the song as Daltrey is singing the lyrics ‘teenage wasteland’ he begins to mimic shooting up drugs with his microphone, just in case anyone did not truly know the meaning of the song!

That was the closing song of the set and the band left the stage to an almost unanimous standing ovation, something that does not often happen for an opening act. I was curious if that would entice an encore, but the house lights came up immediately.

The stage was reset for Mr. Clapton and after only a short break, the house lights once again dimmed.

Now, as some of you know, Eric Clapton is truly the last artist on my ‘really must see before I die musical bucketlist’ (well those who are still around and playing of course) – so this night came with much anticipation.

Having read some reviews over the last couple of years and even his shows with Jeff Beck recently, it sounded as if Eric was no longer concerned with his guitar playing.

Let me say upfront, on this night at least, nothing could be further from the truth. The setlist, for this first time viewer was exactly what I would have asked for (well, "Sunshine Of Your Love" would have been great…but)

He opened with “Going Down Slow” into “Key To The Highway” (at which point I yelled out my first ‘thank you’ of the night), and then into “Tell The Truth”, his voice in great shape and his fingers smoking the fretboard throughout.

Next up was “Old Love” the song Clapton and Robert Cray wrote for the Journeyman album. Then the band launched into an interesting rhythm and I turned to Nancy and said “I Shot The Sheriff”, and when Eric began singing I was proven correct. For most in the arena, they did not know that was the song, as Clapton has changed it up and made it new again.

At the end of that song, the crew came out and pulled up a chair to the mic and the rest of the band moved offstage and it was just Eric, an acoustic guitar and us.

"Driftin’ Blues" was the first song and that ran into another classic from the Derek & The Domino days “Nobody Knows You When You Are Down & Out” and I am sure I yelled out thank you once again!

Eric does not interact with the audience except to say ‘thank you’. Some might find that off-putting, but I guess after years of performing live, you know that what the crowd really wants is to hear you play.

Also from the Journeyman album, he then launched into “Running On Faith” and his bass player and keyboardist joined him back on stage for this and the next song, which – of course – was the iconic “Layla”.

Whether it is his Stratocaster or an acoustic guitar, Clapton can make the thing sing. On the big screens high about the arena, the cameramen gave the audience a look at his fingers sliding effortlessly across the fretboard through out the evening. I was satisfied watching from my seat and did not pay attention to those but one or two times.

“I’ve Got A Rock & Roll Heart” was the final acoustic number of the evening and then we were treated to “Badge” from his days with Cream.

A cover of the Robert Johnson tune “Queen Of Spades” turned into a lush blues jam that also gave both of his keyboardists a chance to show their good – and they both have them.

“Before You Accuse Me” proceeded the song that Phfrankie does not want to hear about “Wonderful Tonight”, and I do understand that radio and weddings have branded this song into our brains, but live, it was done with a fever that is not heard on the record.

The one song, I could have personally done without (Sunshine Of Your Love would have been preferred, I say again), was “Cocaine”. This is the one Clapton song that just does not resonate with me personally.

The band left to a long standing ovation before returning to the stage for an encore of “Crossroads” where Eric gave us a final treat of superb guitar work before leaving for the evening.

Mr. Clapton was backed by a group of superb musicians, including; Chris Stainton - keyboards; Walt Richmond - keyboards; Willie Weeks - bass; Steve Gadd - drums; Michelle John - backing vocals and Sharon White - backing vocals.

Never seen Eric Clapton? – I can only suggest you do so before it is too late.

Friday night was a night I will always remember.

We could only get Nancy’s camera in and even though we had good seats, they were not close enough for perfect pictures, but here are a few to give you a feel for what we witnessed.

As a follow-up to yesterday review, I had sent Mr. Koelbl a list of questions and received his answers late last night.

I also wanted to share "Little Drummer Boy" as Dianne mentioned wanting to hear it in her comment.

Can you tell my readers what drove you to be a musician? Was it a specific moment when you realized you had to become an artist or was the 'need' born within you?

I always loved to sing and participated in all the school shows. But growing up in a small midwest town, I didn't really think that a career in music was a reality - until I went to high school and was mentored by my choir director, Judy Kuble. She really opened my eyes up to the possibilities out there and gave me the confidence to pursue a music career.

Do you support any charities and in what way?

I do support charities - mainly Aids Project Los Angeles. They have been around a long time - unfortunately - and have done some amazing work. I am also trying to give back with my new CD by participating in some Benefit concerts. There is always more to do though!

In your bio you talk of your love of Christmas and family...will you be home this holiday season?

Yes, I always head back to Wisconsin at some point during the Holidays. Growing up the youngest of 7 kids - Christmas was always a big event. This year when I go back, I will be doing a benefit concert at my high school with proceeds going to the Judy Kuble Music Scholarship Fund. After the show my family will all get together to celebrate the season - we always have a great time.

Are you working on new material to follow up this CD and your debut, "Somewhere In Time"?

At the moment I'm just focusing on promoting this CD and getting ready to enjoy my favorite season of the year! I have thoughts about another CD - but that's about as far as it is right now.

If you could collaborate with one musician, who would it be and why?

I would love to do a duet with Trisha Yearwood - she has the most incredible voice! She's the reason I started listening to country cross-over.

What song is getting the most play on your i-pod this week?

Well - this week I have to say - the most plays are the rehearsal tracks of my CD for my upcoming show here in LA on Nov. 20th. But a friend just turned my on to an a cappella group called Sonos - and I love their version of the Fleet Foxes song, "White Winter Hymnal." This is what I have been listening to to take a break from rehearsing.

Thanks again Kevin and good luck.

Here is "Little Drummer Boy"...have a great weekend y'all and wish my bride Nancy luck as she takes her Insurance License test tomorrow...

OOPSIE - forgot to add the song last night...

I told you there were two CDs waiting for review. This is a total 180 degrees from our last artist.

Our guest's name is Kevin Koelbl (pronounced cable), and after receiving his degree in Vocal Performance, he began appearing in regional theater productions of Carnival, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Fantasticks, A Little Night Music, Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma, Anything Goes and ShowBoat.

A love of musical theater and its songbook has led to is worldwide touring and performing in places as diverse as Tokyo Disneyland, both the Royal Viking and Princess Cruise Lines, the Rose Tattoo, the Gardenia Room, Debbie Reynold‘s Hotel & Casino, the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Cinegrill, and long-term engagements in Switzerland and Japan.

When Michael Crawford left his headlining role in EFX at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, Kevin stepped into Mr. Crawford’s role and received critical acclaim. Showbiz Magazine said: “Koelbl’s deep voice and dark features add a haunting quality to the show.”

In 2001, Mr. Koelbl released his debut CD, Somewhere In Time which was pre-nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal for the 44th Annual Awards.

Now, Mr. Koelbl is releasing his next endeavor, a CD entitled This Is Christmas Time, a collection of holiday standards, done with a fresh take.

On this CD he duets with Heidi Godt (direct from the Broadway cast of Mama Mia) and Tami Tappan Damiano (star of Miss Saigon).

A true Holiday CD from Broadway. On the CD he covers the Irving Berlin songs "Count Your Blessings" and "Snow", as well as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Sleigh Ride" and the title track, an original written by Steven Santoro, as well as 9 other standards.

It is evident from the opening notes, Mr. Koelbl is one heck of a singer. A deep robust voice with a silky quality to it he attacks (can you attack a Christmas song?) these standards with vigor.

There are a few kinks along the way...not in Mr. Koelbl's vocals but in the arrangements selected. I was not real impressed with "O Holy Night", nor did his version of "Silent Night" move me at all. It staggers along and then becomes something that it was never intended to be...a jarring swirling uncomfortable rendition and is probably the one cut I disliked the most.

But when he and the band rip into the above mentioned, "Sleigh Ride", well you can feel the wind on your cheeks and the snow in your hair.

"Little Drummer Boy" transports you to another space - the drums and bass lay out almost a reggae feel for this timeless classic.

There are so many great Christmas songs out there...this is probably one of the most difficult albums of music for any artist to succeed with, as they will always be compared to the standards we grew up with as children.

But I think Mr. Koelbl does himself proud with this release.

I will send it along to one person, based upon your comments.

This is "Snowfall/White Christmas"...enjoy

There are three dates on Mr. Koelbl's schedule...
Friday, November 20, 2009
Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 8:00pm
Kevin Koelbl with Matt Harris on piano, Trey Henry on bass, Ray Brinker on drums
M Bar & Restaurant 1253 N. Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038
To Reserve a Table Call (323) 856-0036

Sunday, December 6, 2009
Show at 2:00pm
Performing Arts Society of Nevada Christmas Benefit Concert
Kevin Koelbl with Greg Bosler on piano
Clark County Library 1401 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Saturday, December 19, 2009
Show at 2:00pm
This Is Christmas Time CD Release Concert
Kevin Koelbl with Tom Ditzler on piano, Kurt Stein on bass, Mike Underwood on drums
Proceeds to benefit the Judy Kuble Music Scholarship Fund
Lourdes High School Bill Behring's Commons, 110 N Sawyer St, Oshkosh, WI 54902

This is a difficult review to write...There have been other CDs I received that did not rock my socks...left me feeling meh...but this one - well, I just did not enjoy.

Now, while I have always loved Ozzie and Black Sabbath and Deep Purple and Twisted Sister; and remember, that at one point Zeppelin was also considered metal music, but "Trash Metal" has never been high on my list of listens.

The CD I was sent to review is the newest release by SLAYER. Entitled World Painted Blood, and is their 11th studio release. Slayer is # Tom Araya – lead vocals, bass guitar; Jeff Hanneman – guitar; Kerry King – guitar; Dave Lombardo – drums.

I listened to the songs on this CD and there is no doubt these guys can play their instruments. They are not just banging on the strings to make noise as is the case with some bands that fit within this genre.

They are skilled. It is just the overall sound they produce that does nothing for me. It all ends up sounding the same, song after song. After listening and writing down my notes, I went in search of other reviews to see if I am the only one who is not impressed.

Well, I can not guarantee that everyone loved this album, but it has been praised as being one of their best ever with more melody than past albums (really...more melody?...mmmm k).

The themes are all based on death and destruction; global genocide, the upheaval of our political system, technology and the horrors it has brought into our world, and a scary look at how the world views America.

From the title track we hear:

Disease spreading death
Entire population dies
Dead before you're born
Massive suicide
Vicious game of fear
It's all extermination now
Poison in your veins
Global genocide
Slaughter governs law
The apocalypse begins
Pain becomes the norm
Seeking homicide
Beware the coming storm
That starts illuminating fires
God is laughing hard
Man has gone insane

Religious death, I instigate
From what the bible demonstrates
Does it document creation
Of this hopeless infliction
Of a godless heretic
Not a god-fearing lunatic
Not a god-fearing lunatic
That's why it's become my obsession
To treat God like an infection
My scars insane, my life profane
I deny, defy, and spread a little hate, worldwide!

I am sure there are those who will find this CD wonderful. One of the difficulties of doing music reviews is that every so often, one comes along that so totally goes against your grain.This CD did just that for me...

From the song "Americon" come these lyrics...and sound bite:

I have the CD available to anyone who might want it. Let me know in the comments section...

Tour note: Slayer will join forces with Megadeath to co-headline "American Carnage".
The tour will kick off on January 18 in Seattle , WA for a 26-date trek across North America that will include the six Canadian dates postponed earlier this month. Tickets for most shows go on sale this Friday, November 20.

"American Carnage" is the first time that Slayer and Megadeth will have toured the U.S. together since 1991's epic "Clash of the Titans" tour. To celebrate that, and in recognition of the tough economic times that many of their fans are having, Megadeth and Slayer have decided to roll back the price of a chunk of tickets at every U.S. show to the "1991 price" of $10.00.

These specially-priced tickets will be limited and when they're gone, they're gone. Megadeth has also teamed with iloveallaccess.com to provide an Ultimate Fan Package including premium seats, meet and greets, pre-show parties and more.

On another music note:
The video for Bob Dylan’s “Must Be Santa” exclusively debuted yesterday on Rolling Stone Online. Directed by Nash Edgerton, the song comes from Dylan’s most recent release, Christmas In The Heart, and is the first time Dylan has appeared in one of his own music videos in promotion of one of his own albums since 1997’s “Not Dark Yet” from Time Out Of Mind.

View the “Must Be Santa” video here.

Songs performed by Dylan on this new album include, “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Must Be Santa.”

All of the artist’s U.S. royalties from sales of Christmas In The Heart will be donated to Feeding America, guaranteeing that more than four million meals will be provided to more than 1.4 million people in need in this country during this year’s holiday season.

Bob Dylan is also donating all of his future U.S. royalties from this album to Feeding America in perpetuity.

Now how cool is that! Hell, even if you do not like Dylan, buy the CD and give it away at Christmas and make someone who loves Dylan happy, while feeding the hungry!

Down to three...Giles, Shawn & Melissa battled it out last night on the dance floor with the Paso Doble and the always interesting freestyle, which has been considered the make-or-break dance in previous season...and which professional will be selected as the new pro for next season?

For me, the show is not over until I head over and visit TRAVIS of "Trav's Thoughts", because NO ONE does a DWTS recap like our buddy Travis...

Chris Botti In Boston.
Recorded live on September 18th and 19th, 2008.

I received the CD the other day and have been listening to it over and over. The CD opens with the Boston Pops string section and the crowd applauds as Mr. botti walks to the stage and then, along with pianist Billy Childs they perform a stirring version of "Ave Maria". Mr. Botti's trumpet just soars and he holds notes beautifully.

Besides the Pops, Mr. Botti is backed by a band of Childs on piano, Mark Whitfield on guitar, Robert Hurst on bass and Billy Kilson on drums.

The band joins the rest for the beautiful upbeat version of "When I Fall In Love", the trumpet of Mr. Botti taking the vocal lines.

The first musical guest arrives in the form of Sting to perform his own composition, "Seven Days". Also joining them is Dominic Miller on guitar. They even dabble in "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" toward the end of the performance as Mr. Botti rips the scales on the trumpet and Sting responds in song. have always enjoyed Seven Days, but this is now my favorite version of the song. The band is right there and the Pops adds that special touch.

Violinist Lucia Micarelli is featured on "Emmanuel". In a word she is absolutely brilliant.

OK, now...truth be told, when I was listening the first time I had not read the liner notes. I knew Sting appeared with Mr. Botti and others, but I did not know who. I did not hear the introduction, but then listened to a terrific version of the song "I've Got You Under My Skin"...ummmm who was the vocalist? NO NO, not her!

I guess the Boston Pops and Mr. Botti can make anyone sound good! Mark Whitfield is also featured on guitar and makes the crowd come alive.

Next up is the theme song from the movie "Cinema Paradiso" featuring Yo-Yo Ma on cello. The two masters trade turns, intertwine their instruments and just let the world fade away.

Josh Grobin climbs the stage to sing his song "Broken Vow". I am not a huge fan, but it sounded good.

The Mile Davis classic "Flamenco Sketches" follows. This would have been amazing to see and hear live. The entire band is given a chance to show his stuff and they all did just that! Robert Hurst on bass is featured in the middle and he is just flying over the frets.

Then we get the favorite singer of TURNBABY from "As As The World Turns"...Mr. John Mayer! Sorry Turn..smooch...performing the Richards/Hart composition "Glad To be Unhappy". IF you like Mayer, as I do --- as a singer, not as a human ok? - you will enjoy this song.

Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" follows with just Mr. Botti on trumpet and Mark Whitfield on guitar. This is one big song but the two artists cover us with a wall of sound that comes from the simplicity of the notes they play. Lightly in the background the Pops string section adds a ground layer for the song to emerge from.

Boston's own Steven Tyler then takes to the stage for the Chaplin/Parsons/Phillips song "Smile". He dedicates the song to his dad, who is in the audience, in a touching gesture.

This is not the Steven Tyler you know. He proves his place in the annals of singers - not necessarily rock singers. I liked the variation to the song given by Steven's raspy vocals.

Back onto the stage is Sting and Dominic Miller to perform Sting's "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You". Having lived in the Boston area for 5 years I have had the pleasure of seeing the Pops live and I always found them the most fun when they are out of their 'element'. Playing rock and roll is one of those times.

As I am listening to this, I can visualize the entire Pops Orchestra grooving along, the horns swinging from side to side...full on fun.

The CD closes with "Time To Say Goodbye". As someone who was not familiar with Mr. Botti before listening to this CD, I can say that for me...Mr. Bottti, it is time to say HELLO.

I am torn between trying to post something from this, but since it is through my friends at Sony/BMG Columbia Records - thanks Arbell!...I will refrain.

But, I will send the CD to the person who makes the best case...This is a winner.

Did Giles Marini wow them again last night? Did LT finally get to the quarterback (Len)? Has Melissa Samba'ed the Bachelor right out of her mind? If you need to know the answers to these and much more important questions, head over and visit TRAVIS of "Trav's Thoughts", because NO ONE does a DWTS recap like our buddy Travis...

July 17, 2008, the O2 Arena in London, England, a 73-year old kid takes the stage and wows the audience with a three hour, four encore extravaganza.

It is all captured on a 2-CD set simply entitled Leonard Cohen – Live In London. The title might be simple, but the music contained on these two discs is far from simple.

Mr. Cohen and his 9-piece backing band draw you in and envelop you with some incredible music.

From the stunningly haunting version of “Hallelujah”, to his brilliant “Tower Of Song”, Cohen is in top form on this collection.

The rendition of “A Thousand Kisses Deep”, backed only by keyboardist Neil Larsen is performed to a full-house of silent revelers. At the conclusion the place goes wild and it is not hard to imagine why.

Cohen has always been one of our world’s best social commentators and listening to this collection of songs, he has not lost his touch whatsoever.

I have both the CD and the DVD of this performance and am willing to present each to two of you out there.

Due to copyright laws, I am not able to post any music from this release, but it is well worth adding to your collection if you are a fan of this ageless wonder.

Let me know in the comments section.

HEY COUCH PROGRAM NOTE: Tonight on the Radio Happy Hour, Chris Huff will be stopping by. Y'all met Chris here on The Couch some weeks ago in THIS POST HERE.

So, if you are near your computer between 9:00-10:30edt / 8:00-9:30cdt / 6:00-7:30pdt, check it out. I believe Chris will be with us closer to the end of the first hour.

Stop into the chat room and say hey!

Judge Cristina Perez, the “Judge with Heart,” who presides over TV’s Emmy Award Winning Cristina’s Court, makes her third appearance on the Radio Happy Hour.

Actor Rick Worthy is co-starring with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen in Duplicity which opened in theaters on March 20.

The veteran actor is also known for his role in the recently completed SciFi channel series Battlestar Galactica.

Chris Huff is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer specializing in hooky, retro pop songs that combine different genres. His sound has been described as “Bob Dylan and David Bowie jamming in Jamaica.”

His new EP is “Death and Texas.”

All that, plus:

• Dangerous Lee co-hosts

• Vinny Bond sits on his Big Leather Couch to chat live with the listeners

• Justin the Weatherman delivers a forecast

• Sports Guy Chris Datres returns to report surprising results of his March Madness predictions
  

• and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804

COUCH NOTE: This is a post that was taken down due to my including an audio clip of the title song...I am reposting without the audio clip...

Yesterday in my journey through my favorite blogs I came across not one, but two reviews on the new Bruce Springsteen CD, Working On A Dream, and one of those sent me off to read another review. The buzz for this album is sky high. Rolling Stone Magazine hailed it…yet others have said it was rushed, and not worthy.

I received my promo copy of the CD on Tuesday and it was playing during the day yesterday at work.

Let’s start with the one negative I have (and it seems I am not alone on this), once again Bruce seems to have totally disregarded the look of the CD cover.

Bruce has taken crap from all sides over the years on his boring, overdone album/CD covers and once again we are subjected to a weird one.

My first impression when I opened the envelope and the CD slid out was, “Huh, Black Velvet Bruce”. Bruce also seems to be in love with being portrayed using sepia-toned images (think Magic, Devils & Dust, The Seeger Session). Who told you that sepia was cool Bruce?

Sure it is being picky, but hey….as JOHN at "Altijiranga Mitjina” said I would have preferred he use the shot that is on the inside of the CD…

But on to the music…We open with the longest studio song ever by Bruce “Outlaw Pete” a tale of a life of crime that began at 3-months old. The hero of the song continually asks the question “I’m Outlaw Pete, can you hear me?” Someone better than I can try and analyze the meaning behind this song, I will just say it certainly is an ambitious start to this new CD. The music behind Bruce’s wailing vocals is lush with strings mixed with the unmistakable sound of the E Street Band.

“My Lucky Day” is vintage Bruce. Straight ahead rock and roll punctuated by a Clarence sax blast right in the middle.

“Working On A Dream”, the title track, as y’all heard yesterday evokes the sound of the storyteller in Bruce. The music behind him is more minimal then the previous song…Bruce’s vocals mixed up front. A song of hope and promise, it reminds me of the early Bruce, looking to find a way out of the small town Jersey shore “I’m working on a dream, though it can feel so far away, I’m working on a dream, and our love will make it real someday.”

Now we come to a song that has been described as ‘the worst song of his career’ in one review to ‘enchanting’ in another. “Queen Of The Supermarket” begins with a simple piano & acoustic guitar line and quiet vocal and tells the story of a man with a yearning for the checkout girl at the supermarket. Stanza three brings the band in quietly at first as the story unfolds and then vintage E Street fills your speakers with rich backing vocals.
As has been pointed out by others, this song also brings us to the first use of the “f-word” by Bruce as he sings “As I lift my groceries into my cart, I turn back for a moment and catch a smile, that blows this whole f**king place apart” …and the chorus builds until the band falls away leaving strings wistfully filling the void while the beep of a check out scanner fades away and the song quietly comes to an end.

“What Love Can Do” – Bruce doing as Bruce does.

“This Life” actually begins with a Stax-esque sound but it never lives up to the potential of the first few bars…probably the song I was least impressed with on the entire CD

“Good Eye” is next up and LAYLA of Layla’s Classic Rock said so perfectly, you hear the “Reverend Bruce preaching the gospel of rock and roll to the masses. His vocals are filtered to give it that ‘old-time radio’ voice…blasting from the speakers to the heathen souls out on the prairie. The song even adds some banjo to really set the mood.

“Tomorrow Never Knows” follows and in perfect symmetry evokes the sounds of the early Bob Dylan. The sandy strumming on the guitar and Max using brushes on the snare.

“Life Itself” is a song of angst. A tale of love found and lost. It pulls at your heartstrings in the way Bruce has done so many times in the past. “Why do thing that we treasure most, slip away in time. Till to the music we grow deaf, to God’s beauty blind”. It is not the lyrics that grabbed me on this song – though they did – as much as what the band in doing in the background. Listen to the guitars of Bruce, Nils and Stevie interplaying in the background. Danny’s organ adds another layer to the entire symphony of sounds. This is one of my favs on the whole CD.

“Kingdom Of Days” begins and I immediately heard strains of the “Asbury Park” album. Except, then the strings and horns fill the background. Another story of love, love that lasts a lifetime, “And I count my blessings that you’re mine for always, we laugh beneath the covers and the wrinkles and the grays…”

“Surprise Surprise” had me shaking in my seat as I listened. It is apparent on this album that Bruce has truly found happiness in his life. This is an upbeat song of love and joy. The band is in perfect synchronicity on this song. Listen closely and hear why the E Street Band is one of the best collections of musicians out there today. And the repeating harmonies coming from opposing speakers at the end is just perfect.

“The Last Carnival”, complete with accordion by Jason Federici, hit me as a tribute to the great Danny Federici who we lost this year. I may be totally off-mark, but for me this is what I experienced as I listened to the lines “Sundown, sundown, empty are the fairgrounds, where have you gone my handsome Billy”

A silence occurs and then the bonus track from the movie “The Wrestler”, the new Mickey Rourke movie begins with a church-like organ, ethereal in nature and the Bruce with his acoustic guitar tells the story of the character in the first person, telling us that he is not some god-like creature in fact he is so much less. As Layla alluded to it has that same feel as “Streets Of Philadelphia”, another song that touches me deeply when I listen to it. “Have you ever seen a one armed man punchin’ at nothing but the breeze, if you’ve ever seen a one armed man then you’ve seen me…”

Bruce played all instruments on this cut and it a bare bones song.

Over the course of the last day and a half I have listened to this CD probably 3 times and each time I listen I hear something different. A new guitar line…a new harmony line.

I am a Bruce Springsteen fan. There have been albums that did nothing for me. There have been albums that I have worn out due to numerous listens. I probably have more of an affinity to the older Bruce aka Asbury Park, Darkness, Tunnel Of Love…

This is an album everyone who even faintly likes Bruce should add to their collection. Start to finish the music is solid, the lyrics evoke emotions and the entire package is just P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

Singing and playing classics such as "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town","O Christmas Tree" and 8 other selections, Mr. Bennett and the Band keep your feet taping the entire time.

The Count Basie Orchestra has kept the classic sound developed by Mr. Basie, you can almost hear him at the keys, the quick finger taps, the flowing notes. The piano is handled by Mr. Monty Alexander on this album and as is noted in the liner notes, he plays in the true Basie style.

As I sat and listened, I could smell the eggnog and hot cider and imagine the silence of the falling snow outside my window, while the tree lights sparkled on the tree.

On "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", we are introduced to Mr. Bennett's daughter Antonia whose voice is just wonderful. She has inherited her dad's jazzy stylings indeed.

Want this album under the tree on Christmas morning, playing on your CD? Just let me know in the comments.

Let me start by saying, I am a Harry Connick, Jr. fan...I have always enjoyed his music. The way he has the ability to mix classic jazz with a modern style. The man has a ton of talent.

This new Christmas album is entitled What A Night is another classic Connick, Jr. work. Fifteen songs of the season and on some you sit back and wonder where the arrangement came from. So different from any other version of the song then you have ever heard.

his version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" is one of a kind. He takes the hymn and makes it a whole new song as only he can do.

Whimsical tunes such as "Zat You Santa Claus" makes you smile as his orchestra comes in slowly and the song builds and builds on the strength of Mr. Connick, Jr's. vocals. The trumpet wah-wah'ing with the use of a trumpet mute answering Mr. Connick, Jr's. call of "Zat You Santa Claus"? each time. A truly fun song.

Mr Connick, Jr. puts a true Naw'leans twist on the classic "We Three Kings". His piano intro is truly special.

As a point of fact, this is the way you would expect to hear all of these songs if you were in the French Quarter on Christmas Eve.

An album that will put a smile on your face during this season, but I could listen to it year round.

Like Mr. Bennett, Mr. Connick, Jr. includes his daughter, Kate, on one song. I love what she does when dad asks her to sing. The holidays are truly a family affair!

Have a hankering for a truly different Christmas treat? Let me know in the comments.

Let's share with y'all the same song from both albums to give you a taste and show the difference, while both are performed by jazz-influenced artists.

The song, "Winter Wonderland"...

ENJOY.....

Coming up this week on DR. BLOGSTEIN’S RADIO HAPPY HOUR:
(Live on Tuesday December 9 at 9PM ET and forever archived at BlogTalkRadio.)

Radio Jesus and Dangerous Lee welcome actor Tim Reid and comedian Tom Dreesen.

Alone, Reid, best remembered as Venus Flytrap, the overnight disc jockey on WKRP in Cincinnati, became one of the busiest actors in television as well as a director and producer with his own production studio in Virginia while Dreesen became a stand-up comedian who has appeared scores of times on The Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman and who was Frank Sinatra’s opening act for the last 14 years of the singer’s career.

But it was together where the duo made history as the first (and the last) black and white comedy team in the history of show business. They document their less than successful five year run as a duo in Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White and will share their stories with the #1 black and white comedy team on internet radio.

Also, musician Derick Thompson will visit the Radio Happy Hour.

Thompson is the front man of Strive, a piano-rock band that fuses soaring, meaningful bands like U2 and Switchfoot with the sweeping piano-pop of Billy Joel and Bruce Hornsby.

We’ll find out what life is like for a Christian band on the road, whether the band has an agenda with their music and why Thompson says the album’s title cut, “Fire,” is probably the most controversial song he’s ever written.

All that, plus, rapper Hassahn Phenomenon drops by to celebrate the release of his long awaited album, a sneak preview of Dr. Blogstein’s December 23rd interview of Hollywood legend Ernest Borgnine, Vinny Bond sits on his Big Leather Couch to chat live with the listeners, Shawn Amos returns with another GetBack.com Pop Quiz, Justin the Weatherman and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804.

Join us live every Tuesday night at 9PM ET. The Radio Happy Hour Lounge-a live, interactive chat room during show time! It’s the show within the show!