I've incorporated red pen-and-ink changes. Three friends graciously offered to "peer review" it. I eagerly await their candid inputs.
Goal is to self-publish late summer/early fall. We'll see...
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Old Dude, Old Movies - "Stormy Weather"
This 1943 release starred Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Lena Horne and Dooley Wilson, along with a host of top African-American entertainers from that era.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036391/
This is an amazing presentation of talent. Given the social mores of the time, too many people missed out on a treasure.
Like most musicals of that time, the plot was just a vehicle to get the stars on screen, doing what they do best. Mae E. Johnson, singing "I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City". The Nicholas Brothers, dancing up a storm. Horne, singing the title number, a tune that would become her signature song. Fats Waller and Cab Calloway make solid contributions as well.
This movie is one of the best musicals ever made. I'd strongly recommend it to anyone. Seek it out; it's worth it.
What's on my iPod - "Goodbye, Elenore" by Toto
In my ongoing listing of my ten favorite Toto songs, "Goodbye, Elenore" is number nine.
Lyrics - http://www.toto99.com/lyrics/xxlyrics.shtml
This song is from the 1981 release "Turn Back", the third studio album from the group. After "Hydra" (where you can find the single "99"), the band went in a different musical direction. "Turn Back" was an attempt to do more arena rock-ish songs. It was considered a commercial failure, but according to Wikipedia it sold 900K units.
David Paich is credited as writer, with Bobby Kimball handling lead vocal duties. It starts with a drum roll, followed by a heavy guitar riff. First verse has a guy trying to impress a girl he desires, while backing vocals echo her negative response. Steve Lukather throws in a sung line of warning, then Kimball finishes the verse and heads off for the chorus.
Chorus is the admission that she doesn't feel the same way as the guy does. She has broken his heart "for the last time", he declares.
Second verse is constructed similarly, but viewpoint now is our hero trying to convince his buddies of her worth, while the backing vocals' response is one of their collective disagreement.
The original lineup was present for this album, with David Hungate on bass. Hungate's bass work was stylistically different from successor Mike Porcaro, but enjoyable nonetheless. Hungate's rich, round tone fit well with this song.
Great drum fills from Jeff Porcaro, "dive bomber" runs by Lukather on guitar, intricate synths and keyboards by Paich and Steve Porcaro. This song is a real roller-coaster ride of a tune. Always brings a smile to my face whenever I play it.
Next time, number 8 - "Bottom of Your Soul"
Lyrics - http://www.toto99.com/lyrics/xxlyrics.shtml
This song is from the 1981 release "Turn Back", the third studio album from the group. After "Hydra" (where you can find the single "99"), the band went in a different musical direction. "Turn Back" was an attempt to do more arena rock-ish songs. It was considered a commercial failure, but according to Wikipedia it sold 900K units.
David Paich is credited as writer, with Bobby Kimball handling lead vocal duties. It starts with a drum roll, followed by a heavy guitar riff. First verse has a guy trying to impress a girl he desires, while backing vocals echo her negative response. Steve Lukather throws in a sung line of warning, then Kimball finishes the verse and heads off for the chorus.
Chorus is the admission that she doesn't feel the same way as the guy does. She has broken his heart "for the last time", he declares.
Second verse is constructed similarly, but viewpoint now is our hero trying to convince his buddies of her worth, while the backing vocals' response is one of their collective disagreement.
The original lineup was present for this album, with David Hungate on bass. Hungate's bass work was stylistically different from successor Mike Porcaro, but enjoyable nonetheless. Hungate's rich, round tone fit well with this song.
Great drum fills from Jeff Porcaro, "dive bomber" runs by Lukather on guitar, intricate synths and keyboards by Paich and Steve Porcaro. This song is a real roller-coaster ride of a tune. Always brings a smile to my face whenever I play it.
Next time, number 8 - "Bottom of Your Soul"
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Old Dude, Old Movies - "The Petrified Forest"
This 1936 release starred Leslie Howard, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028096/ - this entry notes a couple of things that jumped out at me, noted by a reviewer identified as "gmatcallahan"
First, the reviewer noted how the two African-American characters provided a great contrast on how black men were portrayed in movies at that time. One was shown in a stereotypical subservient role, while the other was a wise-cracking equal with his peers.
The second thing the reviewer posted was the "colorful witticisms and engaging banter" throughout the picture. I really like the script.
After many small roles, mostly as gangsters or swells, Bogart finally got a role he could sink his teeth into. His Duke Mantee was a rough customer who knew he was doomed, but he had a romanticism under the cold surface.
I loved this movie, and would strongly recommend it. It's on TCM now (as of 6pm MDT).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028096/ - this entry notes a couple of things that jumped out at me, noted by a reviewer identified as "gmatcallahan"
First, the reviewer noted how the two African-American characters provided a great contrast on how black men were portrayed in movies at that time. One was shown in a stereotypical subservient role, while the other was a wise-cracking equal with his peers.
The second thing the reviewer posted was the "colorful witticisms and engaging banter" throughout the picture. I really like the script.
After many small roles, mostly as gangsters or swells, Bogart finally got a role he could sink his teeth into. His Duke Mantee was a rough customer who knew he was doomed, but he had a romanticism under the cold surface.
I loved this movie, and would strongly recommend it. It's on TCM now (as of 6pm MDT).
Thursday, July 5, 2012
FOSTER, playing Friday night in Colorado Springs
Foster is an up-and-coming local band, playing an infectious brand of alt-rock. Their next gig is Friday, 6 July.
http://www.loftmusicvenue.com/ - then click on "Calendar". They're doing shows in support of their new EP, "Emerald Lights, Fast Cars".
News about the band can be found here:
http://www.reverbnation.com/fosterindie
http://www.facebook.com/foster.indie14?sk=app_2405167945
Disclosure: my son is the drummer.
http://www.loftmusicvenue.com/ - then click on "Calendar". They're doing shows in support of their new EP, "Emerald Lights, Fast Cars".
News about the band can be found here:
http://www.reverbnation.com/fosterindie
http://www.facebook.com/foster.indie14?sk=app_2405167945
Disclosure: my son is the drummer.
Heroes just passing through
Yesterday, I visited with some friends for a little 4th of July cookout. Just before sundown, I got a chance to see something neat.
My friends live along the route firefighters used as they headed out to fight the remnants of the Waldo Canyon fire. Numerous residents along the route held up posters with encouraging messages. Others applauded, waved and offered "thank yous".
The folks in the firefighting vehicles and staff trucks appreciated the attention and heartfelt encouragement. Virtually all of them waved back, and some passed on a few words about their progress fighting the fire.
To see people sacrifice & put themselves at risk for their fellow man is encouraging. Maybe there is hope for the future of mankind, after all.
My friends live along the route firefighters used as they headed out to fight the remnants of the Waldo Canyon fire. Numerous residents along the route held up posters with encouraging messages. Others applauded, waved and offered "thank yous".
The folks in the firefighting vehicles and staff trucks appreciated the attention and heartfelt encouragement. Virtually all of them waved back, and some passed on a few words about their progress fighting the fire.
To see people sacrifice & put themselves at risk for their fellow man is encouraging. Maybe there is hope for the future of mankind, after all.
What's on my iPod - "Right Part of Me" by Toto
Those who know me well know I am a huge Toto fan. I've always enjoyed their musicianship and versatility. Over the years, I've collected most of their releases. I'll indulge in this space, listing my ten favorite releases by this exceptional band. First up is number ten on my personal list.
Lyrics - http://www.toto99.com/lyrics/xxlyrics.shtml
This song was a part of the "Toto XX" release, celebrating the band's 20th anniversary. That disc was a compilation release of rarities, studio tracks, etc. I found out about it in early '99, and ordered it off Amazon.com.
The song was originally recorded in '84, but not released on any of their previous albums. David Paich and Bobby Kimball are credited as co-songwriters, with Kimball singing the lead vocal. Lush strings, piano in the forefront, sweet but short guitar solo, Jeff Porcaro on drums (R.I.P.). It's a nicely done love song. Don't know if it would have ever garnered radio airplay, but it's the type of song people would like if they heard it.
Next time, number 9 - "Goodbye, Elenore".
Lyrics - http://www.toto99.com/lyrics/xxlyrics.shtml
This song was a part of the "Toto XX" release, celebrating the band's 20th anniversary. That disc was a compilation release of rarities, studio tracks, etc. I found out about it in early '99, and ordered it off Amazon.com.
The song was originally recorded in '84, but not released on any of their previous albums. David Paich and Bobby Kimball are credited as co-songwriters, with Kimball singing the lead vocal. Lush strings, piano in the forefront, sweet but short guitar solo, Jeff Porcaro on drums (R.I.P.). It's a nicely done love song. Don't know if it would have ever garnered radio airplay, but it's the type of song people would like if they heard it.
Next time, number 9 - "Goodbye, Elenore".
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