I just wanted to apologise for bombarding the forums with my over-enthusiastic threads for all my musician friend, so I thought perhaps I will consolidate all my news into this one thread and so I'll start with this update from Martina McBride.
I had no idea that Martina was working on a live CD/DVD! This is great news for fans! I'm usually more up-to-date with music updates than this, my mojo must be sleeping...
Wake up mojo, it's your duty to report these things to me!
Back to the exciting news...
*From Wikipedia...
****In January 2008, through her fan club, Martina McBride announced plans to release a live CD/DVD from her upcoming PBS concert special which was taped in September 2007 in Moline, Illinois****
*From Martina's website...
****Hey everybody,
Here is a little clip of what we are up to in the studio. Mixing the live cd. I'm bored (same song over and over again!) and figuring out how to use my new cell phone!
Enjoy, Martina****
*Sorry, I can't get the video to appear in this bulletin. Hopefully this link should help!
I'm not sure which songs are on it yet, but I hope the live CD/DVD contains my favourites...
*When God-Fearing Women Get The Blues (*with Intro) *I Love You *Blessed *Concrete Angel *Independence Day (* I also love songwriter Gretchen Peters original version!) *Where Would You Be *Love's The Only House *Anyway
Here's the cover of Martina's last studio album Waking Up Laughing which is excellent and was released April 2007.
Anyway was the smash hit single from the album, and I'll post it in honour of the beautiful and talented Martina.
"You can spend your whole life building something from nothing One storm can come and blow it all away Build it anyway
You can chase a dream That seems so out of reach And you know it might not ever come your way Dream it anyway
God is great, but sometimes life ain't good When I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should But I do it anyway I do it anyway
This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe That tomorrow will be better than today Believe it anyway You can love someone with all your heart For all the right reasons And in a moment they can choose to walk away Love 'em anyway
You can pour your soul out singing A song you believe in That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang Sing it anyway Yeah sing it anyway
Cool I really like Martina McBride... I'm not a huge fan of female vocals, but I have always liked her.. Two of my all-time favorite songs are Independence Day and Concrete Angel...
There's an update about her new live concert CD and DVD which will be released on April 29 2008!
****MARTINA MCBRIDE RELEASES FIRST LIVE ALBUM AND DVD Posted on Thursday, March 20, 2008
Martina McBride: Live In Concert Hits Stores April 29
Martina McBride, one of the top female touring acts in the country, is bringing her powerful live concert to fans across the nation with the April 29 RCA Records Nashville release of Martina McBride: Live In Concert. The package features an eight-song live CD from one of country music’s most dynamic and astounding voices with a bonus live concert DVD.
McBride’s angelic voice and poignant delivery have made her a Grammy winner, four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, three-time ACM Top Female Vocalist and one of Pollstar’s Top Female Touring Acts across all genres. For the first time, fans can own live tracks of eight of her biggest hits including “Happy Girl,” “Concrete Angel,” This One’s For The Girls,” “Anyway” and “Independence Day,” among others.
The bonus live DVD was recorded last September at Moline, Illinois’ I Wireless Center, for PBS’ Great Performances, which is airing across the country this month. Before a sold-out crowd, Martina delivered back-to-back spellbinding performances including “Where Would You Be,” “A Broken Wing” and “Wild Angels,” among others. Also featured in the package are the unforgettable classics “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden” and “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” from her Timeless album, as well as fan favorites from the road including “Over the Rainbow,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
“Her credentials as a highly entertaining performer are impeccable.” -Richmond Times
“McBride owned the stage from her first note...” -Norfolk Daily News
“From one tune to another, McBride morphed from a honky-tonk queen, to a tough rocker to a pure-pop diva... When she leaps into her upper register and milks a note for every possible ounce of emotion - it's guaranteed to get a crowd on its feet.” -Newsday****
CD Track Listing:
1. Happy Girl 2. Anyway 3. Concrete Angel 4. From The Ashes 5. Whatever You Say 6. This One's For The Girls 7. Independence Day 8. Hit Me With Your Best Shot
BONUS DVD Track Listing:
1. Anyway 2. When God-Fearin' Women Get The Blues 3. Wild Angels 4. My Baby Loves Me 5. Tryin' To Find A Reason 6. How I Feel 7. Happy Girl 8. (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden 9. You Ain't Woman Enough 10. Help Me Make It Through The Night 11. Where Would You Be 12. Concrete Angel 13. For These Times 14. Love's The Only House 15. Blessed 16. This One's For The Girls 17. A Broken Wing 18. Independence Day 19. Don't Stop Believin' 20. Hit Me With Your Best Shot 21. Over The Rainbow
Sadly, one of my favourite songs by Martina is not on either the live CD or DVD, the bouncy and irresistably catchy I Love You which is featured on Martina's Emotion album (which I do have as a studio album, just not live). Still, I'm thinking of still adding them to my collection, especially the DVD (I'm not so sure I really need the CD - I have all those songs).
I Love You - Martina McBride (*From Emotion)
"The sun is shining everyday Clouds never get in the way for you and me I've known you just a week or two But baby I'm so into you Can hardly breathe
And I'm in so totally Wrapped up emotionally Attracted so physically Acting so recklessly I need you so desperately Sure as the sky is blue Baby, I love you, I love you
I never knew that I could feel like this Can hardly wait till our next kiss You're so cool If I'm dreaming please don't wake me up Cause baby I can't get enough Of what you do
And I'm in so electrically Charged up kinetically Acting erratically Need you fanatically You get to me magically Sure as the sky is blue Baby, I love you
I can't believe that this is real The way I feel Baby I'm gone head over heels
And I'm in so totally Wrapped up emotionally Attracted so physically Acting so recklessly I need you so desperately Sure as the sky is blue Yeah
And I'm in so electrically Charged up kinetically Acting eratically Need you fanatically You get to me magically Sure as the sky is blue
Baby, I love you Baby, I love you Do you love me too Baby, I love you".
It's interesting that Martina is performing a cover of Pat Benatar'sHit Me With Your Best Shot.
I just thought I would let you know that the lovely and talented Meredith Brooks has released her new album If I Could Be, which is an album for both children and adults alike. This is kind of a surprise for me, since I only knew about the release yesterday (yes, I know I'm getting kinda slow lately...), but of course being the Meredith Brooks fan I am, I naturally ordered my copy!
1. Drive The Car 2. If I Could Be... 3. Dance, Shake, Wiggle! 4. The La La Song 5. Every Dog 6. What's Your Name? 7. Ball Song 8. Why 9. My Chair 10. I Did It! 11. Good Morning To You 12. Turn It Back Around 13. To Dream Again
Here's the press release, courtesy of CD Baby:
****She has shared the top ten chart with Bono, toured with Mick Jagger and has been a label-mate of Paul McCartney’s.......but the person who has made the biggest impact in Meredith Brooks' music is less than 3 years old.......
The artist who electrified the world and established herself as an undeniable creative force in a generation of female rockers with her multi-platinum disc “Blurring the Edges” and it’s worldwide hit single "Bitch" in 1997 became a mother in 2004. Motivated by the birth of her son, Meredith has focused her imaginative energy and passion towards the writing and recording of a children’s record, “If I Could Be…” “It’s funny how trying to be the best mom I can be and feeling so happy about it has produced the most inspired music of my whole career.” says Brooks.
Before Meredith’s son was born, Meredith had already risen to heights most artists only dream of. Once "Bitch" and her subsequent Top Ten single "What Would Happen" launched Brooks to superstardom, she began touring the world extensively. Brooks performed as a featured artist on each of the Lilith Fair Tours. She appeared multiple times on TV shows such as The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, Rosie O’Donnell, The View, Regis & Kelly, Dr. Phil Show and VH1 Divas to name a few.
While on tour, Meredith found a unique way to "give back," creating Anybody's Mentoring Program (AMP). On various tour stops from 1997 through 2002 (approximately 70 cities in all), Brooks would arrange to speak with crowds of high school students about making it in both the music industry and in life. She performed her music, but the focus was on relating her experiences and stirring others to work hard to achieve their goals. "It was great committing to this kind of community service," she says. "There was something magical about taking the focus off myself and sharing the realities of the business and what it takes to succeed." Meredith was honored in 2000 by an invitation to speak in Washington DC at a congressional breakfast about her mentoring program, AMP, and the important positive place that art has in children’s educational programs.
Between recording albums, the twice Grammy-nominated Brooks has become a first call record producer and has developed her own production company, Kissing Booth Music. Meredith produced Jennifer Love Hewitt’s breakthrough project “Barenaked”, whose title song was one of 2002's most memorable hits. In 2003 she co-wrote and produced for Hilary Duff’s mult-platinum album, “Metamorphosis”. The first artist signed exclusively to Kissing Booth is 16 year-old rock sensation, Bec Hollcraft. Meredith and Bec are currently in the midst of recording Bec’s debut album.
In 2004, Meredith’s inspirational title track from her album, “Shine” was chosen by popular TV therapist, Dr. Phil for a series of on-air TV Spots and as the anthem for the show’s new season. The song was chosen by Dr. McGraw from among hundreds of submissions because it fit the forward thinking, triumph over adversity philosophy of the show. As Dr. Phil put it: "The split second I heard it, I said, 'That's it, that's the song we want to be the anthem for the show this year.’” The song’s message also reflects Brooks’ attitude towards her own survival in the music industry. It was just after “Shine” was picked up that Meredith’s son Troy was born, an event that Dr. Phil and his wife, Robin, feted at their home, along with Entertainment Tonight and In Style magazine.
Today, Meredith’s latest effort, “If I Could Be…” captures the electricity and magic of all that has happened for Meredith since 2004, with the same song writing proficiency of her past releases. The difference is that this album is written for young children as well as their parents. It explores all the magic observed within the everyday events in childhood. “From day one of Troy’s life, beautiful melodies would pop into my head and I’d start singing them to him, -- funny songs too, -- songs about what I imagined he was thinking,” says Brooks. “If I Could Be…” is the perfect album for children and parents to enjoy together. This album is what a children’s album should be… pure fun. Brooks says, “Making this record has been so effortless and enjoyable. This has been the best writing and recording experience of my entire life.”****
This will be a wonderful album, I'm sure, and don't let the fact that it is primarily a kids album deter you bigger kids from enjoying it too...Gia Ciambotti'sSnowflake was also a brilliant kids album I listen to often, and I'm recently enjoying her fantastic new release Right As Rain which is adult contemporary.
Meredith has long been a favourite in adult contemporary music, with Blurring The Edges, Deconstruction, and Shine, and even an unauthorised release of early material collectively entitled See It Through My Eyes that the record label released to coincide with the release of Meredith's first album, Blurring The Edges. Of course both Meredith and Gia were also supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (that's a compliment for all you Mary Poppins fans by the way) in The Graces whose Perfect View album remains an all-time favourite of mine, under the helm of the legendary Charlotte Caffey (who I also wish to hear new solo music from someday) from The Go-Go's.
The fabulously talented Abby Travis has recorded and posted a new single on her music player entitled Lies which also features three of The Bangles as backing vocalists! Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, and Debbi Peterson will support Abby just as she supported them so fabulously at my first ever concert experience when these four divine Goddesses came to Australia in November 2005 (and let's hope they will make a return trip very soon...) as I want more live Bangles goodness!
I hope Abby also tours Australia solo as well, I'd love to see her perform her own fabulous music live!
Anyway, after three brilliant albums of her own The Abby Travis Foundation, Cut Throat Standards And Black Pop and Glitter Mouth, it's great to see new tunes from Abby! Could this mean a new album in the works? Let's hope so!
I'm not so good at making downloads work (I have all the techno-prowess of a drunken walrus) but I will definitely try and listen to this song and hopes that if there is a new album, that Lies will be on it! I love Abby's music, and that's no lie!
Also check out other favourite Abby songs of mine:
I Wanna Be Queen Everything's Wonderful Toast To The Unappreciated Trade Angel In Heat Of Eyes Remain Sunday Is The Day For Love Hangover Flower October Bottom Of The Sea Now Was Grace Blythe Hunger La Petite Mort Chase Me
*There's many more and they're all great, but the aforementioned are my most favourite.
Also, proceeds from sales of the download will help the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund. I already contributed last year by purchasing Susan Cowsill's brilliant Live At Carrollton Station CD fundraiser, and now we can all help Abby do the same.
I really wasn't sure where to put this thread as it contains information about Jon, Randy Jackson and Michael Orland from American Idol, Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go's, and Lucy Lawless (star of Xena: Warrior Princess and recent concert superstar.
I guess the *Music - that which is not Jon* forum would be best.
Anyway, last night I discovered that Lucy Lawless' musical director, Michael Orland is none other than the same Michael Orland who is the pianist, arranger, and musical director for American Idol. Now, you all know how much I love Xena, and how much I love Lucy's concert DVD series and her live CD, which Michael co-directed/co-produced.
Well, I found Michael's website and MySpace (see below) and I wrote to him. He added me and is a very nice person and he's a fan of Jon and even keeps in contact with him post-Idol. He wishes Jon well with his new music, and is also very enthusiastic about Lucy's recent success in her musical endeavours.
Jon once told me on MySpace that he is a Xena fan too, so I couldn't resist sharing this fascinating link between a great pianist/arranger/director, a legendary Warrior Princess, and everyone's favourite underoos-wearing Man From Amsterdam!
Michael is also advertising Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul...
Also, on a slightly unrelated note, I've discovered that the bass player for singer/songwriter/guitarist Jane Wiedlin (also from The Go-Go's) on her debut solo self-titled album back in 1985 was none other than...RANDY JACKSON! Yes, the same Randy Jackson from Idol!
****Musicians: Vocals: Jane Wiedlin Guitars: Jane Wiedlin (cuts 1, 2, 4, 10 & 11), Dann Huff (2, 6-8), Chris Sheehan (2, 6-8), Jimmy Amason (4), Eric Williams (8), Mike Landau (9 & 10), Billy Zoom (10) Drums & percussion: Russ Kunkel (cuts 1, 3, 5 & 9-11), Steve George (cut 2), Vince Ely (cuts 2, 4 & 7) and Craig Kampf (cuts 6-8) Bass: Randy Jackson (1, 9 & 10), Brad Hallen (2, 6-8) Keyboards & Synths: Bill Payne (1, 3, 5, 9-11), Richard Gibbs (2, 4 & 6), Vince Ely (8) and Brian Reeves (8) Saxaphone: Benjamin Bossi (2 & 7) Tamborine: Paul Lani (2) Sitar: Jimmy Amason (4), Dann Huff (6) Howls on cut 5: Dogboy McPherson Saz, Tambur, Fiddle & Pennywhistle on cut 11: David Lindley Japanese Translation on cut 4: Junko Jones Background Vocals: Jane Wiedlin (all cuts except 11), Randell Kirsch (1 & 10), Christine Birk (2), Betty Joyce (2), Brian Stillwell (2), Peter Wade (2), Alitzah Weiner (2), Bill Payne (10), Craig Fuller (11)****
Randy plays bass on the following songs:
Blue Kiss One Hundred Years Of Solitude Where We Can Go
Here's the full song list from that FABULOUS album:
1. Blue Kiss (Kirsch/Wiedlin) 2. Goodbye Cruel World (Wiedlin/Lord) 3. Sometimes You Really Get On My Nerves (Wiedlin/Lord) 4. East Meets West (Wiedlin) 5. Somebody's Going To Get Into This House (Kirsch) 6. Forever (Wiedlin/Lord) 7. Modern Romance (Wiedlin/Kieffer) 8. I Will Wait For You (Hunter) 9. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Wiedlin) 10. Where Can We Go (Wiedlin/Hunter) 11. My Travelling Heart (Wiedlin)
I was just checking over at Bootleg Betty, the unofficial source for all things Divine, meaning Bette Midler, the Divine Miss M naturally, and found that sadly her forthcoming album Jackpot: The Best Bette is going to have a delayed release. The album, admittedly a compilation as opposed to a new album of original material, was originally going to be released on April 29, but has now been delayed for four months until August 26.
I do have all the songs on the album on all of Bette's other studio CDs to date, except for Something Your Heart Has Been Telling Me, a rarity which Bette herself co-wrote, which is a previously unreleased song.
However, I still wanted it and I'm sure there are other Betteheads out there who are disappointed. I'm not sure why the album is delayed, but that's the news from Bette's head office according to Mr D, the webmaster of Bootleg Betty.
From Mr D - official confirmation of delay...
****It is true that Bette’s CD is being delayed till August. I received a confirmation from Bette’s office. Sorry guys and gals, I don’t know why. I do ask, but….. ****
This was an earlier message from Mr D back when the delay was just a rumour...
****I just received a notice that Bette’s “Jackpot” release will be delayed until August ‘08. There was no reason given. It’s strange since you can purchase it at The Caesar’s Store…unless they have been pulled. Some of us have already purchased it from there.
Another odd thing….on Amazon there is also another “Jackpot” by Bette priced at 32.99. I’m trying to find something out.
If anybody has information, please email me. Mr.
Rhino Records are you out there??????
Love, Mister D****
I guess for now you can only buy it from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, where Bette is currently performing a two year gig. I guess I'll have to wait until August after all.
Bummer!
I still love you, Bette, but your record label needs a butt-whooping!
