LOOSE-LEAF LIVING New DEMO website!
MEET ANGELA ORTIZ
You should always check out the latest blog entries by Angela Ortiz.
She has photos of her Welsh Rabbit collection, and Angela has also included a lengthy description of her early life in East Chicago.
The photo on the left was taken while Angela was working in her asparagus garden.
Where will you see Angela?
Updated 14 MAR 2007
Chewy recommends Lorna Bracewell
Who is Chewy? What is a Chewy Choice? And how did a nice girl like Lorna Bracewell end up in a place like this?
(Read the text below the graphic for all the answers.)
What is the Chewy Choice Award?
Chewy Choice is a lifetime achievement award for people who are still lively.
Who is Chewy?
As many of you know, Chewy is my pet Senegal parrot.
Chewy is also a big music fan. (He dances and sings whenever he hears good rock music.)
But , unlike me, Chewy can sing, dance, and do the hand jive.
Even nice girls aren't safe!
Why was Lorna Bracewell selected for the very first Chewy Choice Award?
We wanted someone who would set the ``bar'' high. (1) Someone with great talent. (2) Someone with great achievement. But, also, (3) someone with ambitions for even greater accomplishment.
With the above criteria in mind, the selection committee decided Lorna Bracewell was an obvious and deserving choice for the very first Chewy Choice Award.
Butt Kicking Music
Lorna Bracewell is well known for her butt kicking music. (If you need proof, listen to streams of the four albums she has thus far released: Don't Stop Now, Little Miss Obvious, God Forbid, and Live for CASA.)
Lorna Bracewell has a new album scheduled for release in February, Flowers on the Chains. This new album continues Lorna's butt kicking tradition. With Flowers on the Chains Lorna boots our proverbial butts cleanly through the uprights.
The songs on Flowers on the Chains are raw and real. She deals with life's real emotions and strips us bare to the bone. We are left raw and bloody. If you like it rough, Lorna Bracewell will give you satisfaction.
Great Music
In addition to the Chewy Choice Award, the judges have given two of Lorna Bracewell's songs the coveted Befuddled Universe Great Song designation. These songs are (a) ``Independence Day'' (God Forbid & Live for CASA), and ``Over You'' (Flowers on the Chains).
More
You can find out more about Lorna Bracewell at her website and Myspace page.
Songs for Winter Holidays
Today, in the spirit of the season, I'm going to put two beautiful Christmas Munchies under your Musical Winterval Tree.
You may recall that in the December of 2005 I selected the following Christmas songs:
For today's Munchies, I will begin with Bev and Greg.
Meet Bev Barnett and Greg Newlon
Today's first Monday Music Munchie is ``Starry Starry Night'' by by Bev Barnett and Greg Newlon.
``Starry Starry Night'' is the title song on a Christmas CD that Bev and Greg released in 2004. A music review for the San Jose Mercury News did a good job of describing the CD.
``[Starry, Starry Night] has a gentle, timeless feel. There are some traditional carols and a fine cover of Carol McComb's `The Christmas Star'. But the true joy is the duo's originals, including the beautiful `If I Can't Sing with You This Christmas'.
I've known about Bev Barnett and Greg Newlon for several years. I first learned of them through their concert series, (TrueWind Music).
I now am fortunate enough to know Bev and Greg personally. Like so many music lovers, Bev and Greg, have been good friends to me. They are good friends of the music community.
In the past my attendance record for TrueWind Music concerts wasn't the best, but now I've got a good streak going. For example, in January I plan on seeing Freebo & Photoglo perform in the intimate and friendly atmosphere that Bev and Greg provide in their home concert series. (Neighbors get to sit on the sofa during the concerts, so it looks like I'll have to move soon!)
Home concerts are great. It's like a party with friends, and you get to see and hear some the best performers around.
You can find out more about Bev Barnett and Greg Newlon at either of their Myspace pages (1, 2), or their websites (1, 2).
Meet Namoli Brennet
Today's second Monday Music Munchie is ``Sugarplum Dreams'' by Namoli Brennet.
``Sugarplum Dreams'' is the story of Namoli receiving her first guitar one Christmas morning.
Lorna Bracewell, another great female performer, aptly described ``Sugarplum Dreams'' and all of Namoli Brennet's songs (Myspace comment, Dec 11 2006 11:24AM).
``Great tunes, by the way, and an even greater voice.''
Namoli Brennet does have a great voice, magical even.
I hope to find a personal copy of Namoli's new CD, alive, under my Christmas tree. (Are you reading this Santa?)
You can find out more about Namoli Brennet at her Myspace page and her website.
Technorati Tags: music, people
Happy Holidays!
Click on the music player below, and listen to Namoli Brennet's marvelous song ``Sugarplum Dreams''.
MEET ANGELA ORTIZ
Listen to Angela Ortiz on Nefarious Bovine Radio (NBR). (You can listen to the show here. Visit the NBR Myspace page here, or visit Angela's Myspace page here.)
The photo was taken right after Angela heard what I wrote Sean over at Nefarious Bovine Radio.
Where will you see Angela?
Visit Emmaline.
Meet Bill McGarvey
Today we are having a Belated Monday Music Munchie: ``It's Time'' by Bill McGarvey. Monday we had a Bonus Monday Music Munchie: ``St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor'' by Amsterband. (This change in procedure was caused by the inconvenience—and profound pleasure—of life.)
It's time to begin this Munchie.
I've been a longtime fan of Bill McGarvey. In Rock N Roll years, it must be like forever. In fact, in Rock N Roll years, I've been a fan of Bill McGarvey even longer than than forever!
Back in the days, when I was still cruising around in my spiffy Ford Pinto wagon, I'd occasionally hear Bill sing on the radio. (At the time, Bill was fronting a band called Valentine Smith.)
Of course, in those days—when I listened to the radio—I didn't know the names of any of the bands, let alone the names of any of the lead singers, or drummers, etc. (Gee Wiz, DJs can talk up a storm, but how many ever mention the music?)
Heck, back then I rarely even knew the name of the songs. But I did know one thing!
I knew that ``Katie's A No-Show''
(Valentine Smith, 1994, WMV Video).
Alas, Valentine Smith split up in 2000.
As fate would have it, and as you have long suspected, I eventually rediscovered Bill McGarvey. (Of course, I didn't know I was rediscovering Bill at the time, because I didn't have a clue who Bill was. So, I guess you might say, I was discovering Bill McGarvey.)
But it's time to get back to the story...
I discovered Bill McGarvey back in the olden days before Myspace. I discovered Bill McGarvey on the Internet. (You know the Internet, The Information Superhighway. The thing Al Gore created, when he touched one finger to Senator Ted's nose. Sen. Ted went on to create The Bridge to Nowhere.)
``I am Al Gore. I used to be the next President of the United States of America.''
Now it's time for the answer.
42.
What was the question?
Was it, ``Who is Valentine Smith?'' (Pocahontas' lover, right?)
No! The question was how did I find Bill McGarvey?
Well, it's about time you asked!
Back before there was a Myspace or an iTunes, there was a Kris Delmhorst. (Who is Kris Delmhorst? That's your homework assignment, boys and girls.)
Anyway, one evening I started out on Kris Delmhorst's website, and I began following the links. I eventually ended up on Bill McGarvey's website. How did I manage that? I haven't a clue. I can't explain how it happened. I can't explain Mondale and Ferraro, either. The universe is full of mystery.
Anyway, after arriving on Bill's website, I downloaded some MP3's and a video, and checked out some of the photos and stuff.
It wasn't long before I was totally sucked into the beat and vibe of Bill McGarvey's music. I became particularly obsessed with two of his songs on his Tell Your Mother CD: ``Tell Your Mother'' and ``Settle Down (Ballad of the Cornfed Beauty)''.
My favorite is probably ``Settle Down''. Although ``Settle Down (Ballad of the Cornfed Beauty)'' has a very, very long title, it's a very short song—only 1 min 39 sec long. (Way too short for my taste. I always hit repeat at least two or three times.) Someday I'm going to find a clip from either a Dave Clark Five or Jon James song to use as a link or bridge between two copies of ``Settle Down''. That way I should end up with a song that's about four minutes long. (Now that'd be about the right length!*)
It's time to move this story along.
After that night, I lost track of Bill, but I remained a big fan of his music. I downloaded the Tell Your Mother CD on iTunes. I'd check his website, from time to time, to see if there was info on his activities (or even his whereabouts).
Then suddenly, life decides, it's time to connect with Bill McGarvey.
One morning, not that long ago, Cornfed Girl came around on my iPod. (I call `Settle Down (Ballad of the Cornfed Beauty)'' Cornfed Girl. I'm old enough to be allowed certain allowances.)
After listening to ``Settle Down...'', I decided I would Google Bill McGarvey one last time. It was then that I discovered Bill now had a Myspace page.
It's time to become friends!
CLICK! Hello, friend!
I gave Bill McGarvey a Myspace friendship add request. He accepted, and sent me a nice note. Heck, we've been on a first name basis ever since. Ain't Myspace sweet!
Bill asked me what I thought of his new songs. (The ones on his new Beautiful Mess CD.) I listened, and the answer was obvious to me.
I told Bill, ``The new music is awesome, dude.
It's like Cornfed Girl on steak''
(Myspace comment dated 5/13/06 5:27PM).
It's time to talk about ``It's Time''.
``It's Time'' has many levels.
It meets the American Bandstand Gold Standard:
It's got a good beat, and it's easy to dance to.
The lyrics allow the listener to choose a ``comfort'' level, if you will. ``It's Time'' can be a simple love song, a song of community and friendship, or a song with religious or philosophical interpretations. All this, while maintaining a consistency to the logic of the lyrics and structure of the song. (We're never forced to listen to words that are wedged in with a sledgehammer, so the songwriter might maintain his theme. Or listen to words here and there that make no sense, so that the songwriter might be able to maintain his rhythm.)
As a music fan, I find that great music can make me giddy, but great lyrics can leave me awestruck. ``It's time'' makes me giddy and leaves me in awe. ``It's Time'' is great music, with great lyrics, and Bill McGarvey makes it all sound like good old Rock N Roll.
The Surgeon General has determined that getting awestruck while under the influence of giddiness can cause conniption.
You can find out more about Bill McGarvey and ``It's Time'' at Bill's website and his Myspace page.
*To the RIAA: I'm a humorist. That's different from being a comedian. Comedians are supposed to be funny. Humorists have sour dispositions, and confuse bad manners with wit. Humorists also tend to take great liberties with the truth. If anything I've described herein is illegal, then I didn't (or won't) really do it. `k?
Meet Amsterband
Today we are having a Bonus Monday Music Munchie. ``St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor'' by Amsterband. Tuesday we'll have a Belated Monday Music Munchie. ``It's Time'' by Bill McGarvey. This confusion is being caused by the inconvenience of life. (Please, come back for the Bill McGarvey Munchie, because Bill McGarvey is one of my all time favorites. Right up there near Tina Schlieske, and my friends know what that means.)
``St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor'' is like Christmas in July, or July 4th on Christmas Eve. It could also be compared to a political rally at a revival meeting. So, in other words, ``St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor'' is appropriate for any occasion where good spirits are being served. Or, good friends are present with lively spirits! (Bring your own canoe and birthday suit!)
I will be playing ``St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor'' by Amsterband in one of my future podcasts. You can find out more about Amsterband by going to their Myspace page or their website.
Meet Marie-Josée Houle
Photo Credit: Jason Tulk
Today's Monday Music Munchie is ``Cale ton Verre'' by Marie-Josée Houle.
When I was a kid, The Ed Sullivan Show was a Sunday night ritual (June 20, 1948 – June 6, 1971).
I couldn't possibly count the number of times I saw accordion groups and players lined up on the the Ed Sullivan stage like they were about to face a firing squad. (Needless to say, I didn't grow up with a favorable opinion of either the accordion, or accordion players.)
Mrs. Muddle was born a smidgen before me, and about a spit North. (And, yes, Mrs. Muddle has always been called Mrs. Muddle. Thanks be to her dear Auntie Amber.) And Mrs. Muddle was raised by Ed Sullivan, same as me, so she developed the same back-ass-forward view regarding the accordion.
In fact, Mrs. Muddle enjoys quoting a popular bumper sticker that states,
``Play the accordion, go to jail. It's the law.''
Of course, I never joke about the accordion (anymore). I've learned the hard way that old white guys shouldn't joke about the accordion (or sing rap songs in public restrooms).
``Yes, accordion can be sexy...''
— Marie-Josée Houle
Recently, my attitude about the accordion has completely changed. I've learned that the accordion is sexy.
This transformation occurred when I chanced upon Marie-Josée Houle's biography. Now it just happens that this same evening I had scored some sale French Champagne at Safeway—some very fine Korbel Champagne at $5.95 per bottle.
Now some fools claim that the grapes in Korbel Champagne aren't truly French. Those people might also claim that Chewy isn't a Senegal. Or I don't have Swiss blood flowing in my veins. Or Scotch-Irish. Or any of the other nationalities legend says I got flowing through my veins. But I don't buy any of that! Most days I know what I believe. And nothing is truer than what's true, right?
And could anything be more important than finding the truth? I have mentioned before that my ancestors came to this country seeking truth, and a true voice like Elvis. That's right! My ancestors came to America looking for Elvis, and I won't have anyone telling me something different. My ancestors found Elvis, too. Right there on The Ed Sullivan Show.
But my ancestors had to travel a fair way in their Conestoga wagons before they could find Elvis (West Pennsylvania -> Ohio -> Indiana -> Illinois -> Kansas -> Heckenback).
And I had to travel a fair piece in my Jeep wagon before I could find Marie-Josée Houle; that is, I had to travel the four plus blocks from the Safeway store to home.
I had just arrived home from Safeway in my Jeep wagon with several plastic bags filled with bottles of Korbel Champagne. I opened a bottle, and put the rest in the frig.
I then poured myself a glass of champagne, and logged onto Myspace.
As the gods would have it, and as you have long suspected, that night I chanced upon Marie-Josée Houle's Myspace page. ``Cale ton Verre'' began playing. I was immediately hooked. I then started reading Marie-Josée Houle's biography.
I continued on this way all night. Drinking French-Californian Champagne, reading the story of Marie-Josee Houle's life, and listening to ``Cale ton Verre''.
I laughed. I cried. I drank French-Californian Champagne. And I sang along to ``Cale ton Verre'' in very near-French.
Then I slept dead drunk under the table.
When I awoke in the morning, I could speak French with a distinctly Spanish accent. Such is the power of the accordion in the hands of a proper sorceress.
You can find out more about Marie-Josée Houle at her Myspace page and her website.
Keep your dial on this station. Marie-Josee Houle will be releasing a solo album in 2007. I still have plenty of champagne and plastic glasses for everyone, so we can probably get Marie-Josée to come back and tell us all about her album, when it's ready for release.
Meet Mélissa Laveaux
Photo Credit: Kate Hutchinson
http://www.katehutchinson.com
Today's Monday Music Munchie is ``Ulysses'' by Mélissa Laveaux.
People on Myspace frequently ask me how I find them? I usually answer that I just jump from lily pad to lily pad. I used the lily pad jumping technique to discover Mélissa Laveaux.
It was late in the evening on 11 August 2006. I was feeling blue. I needed a pick me up. I visited Laura Brino's website, as I recall. I then visited some Myspace friends (Agnès Milewski and Laura & the Comrats).
After that I started hopping around from one Myspace profile page to another. I eventually ended up on Mika Vember's Myspace page (percussion and backing vocal for clara luzia).
One of Mika Vember's Myspace friends had an intriguing portrait, so I clicked on her Myspace icon. That friend was Mélissa Laveaux.
Mélissa's music started right up, and I immediately knew I had entered a delightful musical fantasyland that would make me giddy for hours (make that months). I played the four songs in Mélissa's Myspace player at least twice each. I then gave Mélissa a Myspace friendship ADD request, and wrote her a message telling her how absolutely wowed I was by her music.
Melissa Laveaux has opened a whole world of music to me; that is, music with non-English lyrics. Mélissa's music transcends language. Mélissa sings both English and French songs. When she sings in French, I don't need to understand her lyrics to be moved by the emotion in her singing and the force of her music. Thanks to Mélissa and her music, I now find myself able to appreciate many non-English singers.
``Ulysses'' is a crowd pleaser, and it's one of the most popular songs on Mélissa Laveaux's Camphor & Copper CD. It's certainly one of my favorites—along with ``Les Cendres'' and ``Nothing to Lose''. It's also one of Mélissa's favorites (per email message dated 26 Nov 2006). That is why I have chosen ``Ulysses'' as today's Monday Music Munchie.
It's scary to think that ``Ulysses'' might not have been included on Mélissa's Camphor & Copper CD. There was limited recording time, and at the end, Mélissa was encouraged to record a different final song. Fortunately for us, Mélissa had the presence of mind, and good judgment, to proceed with her decision to record ``Ulysses''.
Mélissa knocks my socks off, but that's ok, I've got plenty of socks. So, listen to ``Ulysses''. I know you'll love the song. (If you don't, you definitely need an attitude adjustment.)
There will be more Mélissa Laveaux in your future. In an upcoming podcast, I will be playing either ``Les Cendres'' or ``Nothing to Lose''—I haven't decided which one yet.
You can find out more about Mélissa Laveaux at her website or her Myspace page.
Meet Joni Laurence
Today's Monday Music Munchie is ``Crossing the Mississippi Again'' by Joni Laurence.
I had the privilege to meet Joni Laurence and see her perform this last weekend at the Far-West Folk Alliance Conference, which was held in Sacramento, CA. I met her at the exhibition hall, and she invited me to listen to her CD player, and I immediately fell in love with ``Crossing the Mississippi Again''.
I am just beginning to explore Joni's two CDs, but ``My Lost Confidence'' knocked me out during her live performance. And I had to reach for the Scotties during her ``I Love You''.
You can find out more about Joni Laurence and her music at her website and Myspace page.
Meet Tom Prasada-Rao
Today's Monday Music Munchie is ``I Begin To See Your Face'' by Tom Prasada-Rao. You can find out more about Tom at his website. In addition to his solo performances, Tom Prasada-Rao frequently tours with Cary Cooper as The Dreamsicles, and he sometimes tours with Tom Kimmel and Michael Lille as The Sherpas.
``I Begin To See Your Face'' has many levels. I delight in whisking along the surface like a flat stone skipping joyfully over a sunny surf. You may well find your greatest pleasure in diving for deeper meanings. (The water is clear. You can see your way from the surface.)
There's only one more thing to say, ``Namaste''.
