Bloggerhythms

The CD review below was written way back in 2000 which explains some of the dated statements you're about to read. Unfortunately it was never before published on Bloggerhythms. So, to keep the flow of articles moving while I'm away for a bit, here is a review of one of Paul McCartney's better CDs of the last ten years. It was recorded not long after the death of Linda McCartney. _____________________ Wow! Sir Paul of Liverpool really gets it rocking and rolling on his most recent CD, Run Devil Run , one of the best recordings of his solo career. There are two major surprises surrounding this disc. The first is that a musician owning a reputation as one of rock's most elite and innovative composers of the 1960's achieves this level of excellence covering twelve songs by other artists from the 1950's. The second surprise is that it comes from a man who has been in mourning, devastated by the loss of his beloved wife. Instead of the drippy tribute album we all ex...

I'm not a fan of opera and I know in some quarters that makes me a Philistine of the highest order. However, I do enjoy some classical singers when they embrace the world of pop, especially when the results are as outstanding as the present we just received from Diane di Stasio in the form of her debut CD, Vox Eterna . Vox Eterna , will be released through itunes on April 28, 2009 and on CD a few weeks later by Shadowland Music. These ten tracks are truly pop songs, not opera, but di Stasio's gorgeous soprano elevates them into a realm of their own. Whether her arrangements call for a bank of strings or synthesizers her vocals clearly make the results a thrilling musical experience. She is rightfully the star of her own CD. The single and the opening track, a cover of The Moody Blues' "Nights In White Satin," lacks the pretentiousness of the original and the long, sustained high note di Stasio delivers near the end of the song is absolutely stunning. Immediately f...

A truly great musical artist transcends both generational and class boundaries. Neither is easy to do yet the songs of the late Woody Guthrie have crossed both of those borders. Partial proof lies with the song many people believe to be Guthrie's most famous, "This Land Is Your Land." The song is still loved by Americans everywhere and it was even sung recently at President Obama's multi-generational inaugural events. Secondly, while Guthrie's songs have always been identified with the downtrodden and the working classes they have always resonated with Brahmin classes the world over. Guthrie's music and influence are the impetus for the national tour currently rolling its way across America. The tour, Ribbon Of Highway Endless Skyway: The Woody Guthrie Tribute Show , recently traveled to Pennsylvania, specifically to Bucks County's Sellersville Theater on April 2, 2009, for a fantastic evening of music led by his fellow Oklahoma native, singer-songw...