Introducing the Mynabirds

I was browsing through my YouTube suggestions and KEXP 90.3 Seattle has a great channel, and while I didn't care for the new one in my timeline, I was intrigued to listen to their Pickathon playlist; and quickly fell in love with the groove that the Mynabirds brought to the videos, like this... destined to be number 16, now which song.

Introducing Friel Sisters

Day 15's song is 18 years old by the Friel Sisters

Honey Stay awhile, introducing The Rosewood Thieves

Ha, I'm afraid they might be defunct, but they made the Genius suggestion and I thought they sounded wonderful.  This song was number fourteen in the 40day challenge.

Introducing Maxwell Hughes.

Maxwell Hughes was my new song and new artist to the blog, and I found I can't any more labels to my 40 day journey, so in fairness... I'll make sure I post a separate post like this with a link back to it... tricky?  Maybe maybe not so... this is a great song too, I couldn't find one of the song I bought, but NOW I want this one more.

Welcome to Hell

Just saw Garnet Rogers last night in LaCrosse at the Root Note, and while I had heard this song before... I did not know that he calls the song "Fireside Chat" that shows up in the last verse... He likes to say there is something to offend everyone in the song, though it tends to be very Progressive and I find myself very humored by it.  I noted the the song evolved since the first time I heard it, and one the studio version.  And of course it turned into song number TEN in my #40day Journey.

I was Quoted in a Blog..

Surprise, surprise... I can't keep quiet for my love of Downton Abbey and Lady Mary.

http://www.gpb.org/blogs/desperate-for-downton/2014/03/13/fans-rate-downton-abbey-season-4-with-thumbs-up

Why are you so.

Remember just yesterday I told you would hear more about Stephanie Hunt?  Then today this was my highlighted video to watch.  How does YouTube know?  Ha.. I'm not going to worry about it.  It actually is the second video put out with the Fuel our Fire project.  The song is actually more hip hop than my tastes, but it's wonderfully emotional.

If you want to hear more about Phoebe's project, maybe watch the streaming Concert Window from SXSW.  http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/4207-win-within-presents-fuel-our-fire-showcase-austin-a


)

Why Are You So? is the second single on the album, Precious Human Life, which is the first album recorded by the Amala Foundation's One Village Music Project. Music and Lyrics by: Breez Smith, Stephanie Hunt, Emily Cauley, Annika Mukherjee, & Joe House.

The One Village Music Project is comprised of 18 young musicians, including refugee, immigrant and at-risk youth, who create a unique blend of alternative, folk, hip hop and world music. Youth who participate in the One Village Music Project first came together as a community of inspired musicians during our Global Youth Peace Summit.

Last August, the One Village Music Project partnered with Fuel Our Fire which was created by musician Phoebe Hunt to offer young musicians from all over the world an opportunity to showcase their talents and collaborate in a professional environment.

For more information, please visit www.amalafoundation.org/youth-programs/o­ne-village-music-project.

Introducing Stephanie Hunt

Now my blog readers have heard I have re-kindled my love and appreciation of Phoebe Hunt, but I had her sister as an intrigue.  She sings great harmonies, but doesn't tour with her... a quick google search landed me on this page, and what surprise... the writer picked her number one, and lower on the list was Natalie Portman, who I also love.  I will continue to research her, but until future posts:

http://www.zecatalist.com/lists/our-top-30-talented-beauties-of-2011-pt-3/

Per the writer: Greg Lockwe

1. Stephanie Hunt - I realize that most folks don’t know who Stephanie Hunt is … yet. You probably will soon enough. As of yet, her three notable roles have been on the minor side, save for her breakout role in a film called Love & Tambourines, a micro-budget cinéma vérité feature that did quite well at the Austin City Film Festival in 2009. Not only was Steph the lead in the movie, but she’s credited as a co-writer, alongside director Jeremy Cohen, a fellow Austinite who has filmed a number of student projects with our gal. After L&T, Steph went on to play Devin Boland, a thoughtful lesbian rock n’ roll chick, in the great “Friday Night Lights.” Next up was a stint on “Californication,” as well as one episode of “Greek.” So, yes, basically everything Steph has done up to this point has been good. Also, at some point, Stephanie was in a band called The Ghost Songs that we at the Ze Cat offices thought was very good. She’s done other music-related work here and there, though nothing too substantial (we suspect something might be in the works). Cute, cool, talented. The next Zooey Deschanel? Nah, something different. Probably stranger. Probably cooler. Maybe even cuter. Anyhow, below you’ll find an intimate little project Cohen and Hunt did together a little over a year ago; the last minute or so, in particular, is worthwhile. And, if you’re really intrigued, you can watch Love & Tambourines for free via YouTube HERE. (Note: it’s a different kind of flick, so hang in there.)

2014 next big hit.

Show in the beginning of my journey of 40 days of new music, I read the USA Today today, yes the real physical paper, and found this article http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/03/09/which-song-is-shaping-up-as-the-years-inescapable-hit/5879601/  Patrick Ryan gave evidence of four potentials.... well true to my nature I picked the obscure one, Best Day of my Life by American Authors that only had 5.7 million Youtube views.

I gave it one more and you should too... it'll make number six as soon I update this blog and go buy it. What Patrick wrote:

Why it could be the song of 2014: With its upbeat melody and winsome charm,Best Day of My Life is well on its way to finding the top 20 success of other folk-rock hits such as The Lumineers' Ho Hey and Of Monsters and Men's Little Talks. Although it was released last March, the song may be propelled by its appearance in TV commercials for Lowe's and Hyundai, and American Authors' just-released debut album, Oh, What a Life. "We're approaching summer — definitely a good time for a feel-good record with a good message," says Yahoo Music senior editor Billy Johnson Jr. While it's taken some time to gain momentum, "there's still more life to the song. It has all the right qualities to (hit No. 1)."

Simple Twist of Fate 2

You choose... a cover evolves.. just like Bob.

Without glasses means it's not being read and the story teller comes out a little better...

 

When I first learned in November 2013... a little slower and with glasses because it wasn't in my soul yet.

This Angel misses Grey White December.

Yes as i finished shoveling the ice out of the garage for hopefully the last time this year, I came in and started thinking about the next new song.  Somehow yesterday I bumped into I am Snow Angel and fell in love with this cool video.  My 40 song project is supposed to take me out of my normal channels, and I can tell you I rarely buy something that iTunes classifies as electronic.  My luck is that I haven't seen many pictures of the lead singer, purposely I don't need to fall in love again and buy all her music.  Just at least this one... it will be number five tomorrow.

By the way.. I do also love cold winter nights.. wrapped in a bottle of red with a warm fire stirring.

Great cause, and good people

I know this woman through a great winery in Trempealeau called The Elmaro Vineyard.  She's got a big heart, as evidenced by this great fundraiser and her commitment to Gman.  Not too surprising she's going to school to teach... got to love teachers who want to raise  your children right... Wish you luck you two! Now Watch and Go Donate, every Dollar helps. http://www.youcaring.com/racechairforgman



Garrett Williamson and his friend, Kelly Gardner are fundraising for a Race Chair. Kelly plans to push Garrett in 5K run/walks throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. The duo is hoping to inspire others by breaking down the stereotypes of limitations tied to muscular dystrophy. 

Garrett was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age 5. {more of his story to come} Kelly moved to Trempealeau at the beginning of their 5th grade year. Garrett was quick to introduce himself and chat with Kelly. Instantly they became friends! The two spent lots of time together at school, both played clarinet in band, and they enjoyed seeing movies together. Every field trip, Kelly joined Garrett in his transportation if it was his van or a different bus. They always had the most fun! Middle school was filled with more movie watching and school dances. Their high school years were filled with the most activities! Kelly got her license and the world was theirs! Seeing movies at the theater and dinner nights, movie watching, football games, pep-band, and the most exciting part of their senior year was the music trip to Texas! Kelly rode with Gman, his dad, Dave and his mom, Vicky! Spending over a week together traveling from Wisconsin to Texas fostered a new understanding for Kelly as to what Garrett goes through from morning to night. Friendship has been constant for the past ten plus years and the two wouldn't be the same without each others' support and love!

Graduation came quicker than they could have imagined! Kelly was accepted to Winona State University for Special Education/Elementary Education. Garrett had his heart set on University of Wisconsin - Platteville. That summer was over faster than it started. Goodbyes were not quick or easy; they made plans for visits and FaceTime nights that made the distance easier to bear. The weekend Kelly planned to visit Platteville, Garrett decided to come back home and start school at Western Technical College in La Crosse. While the decision was a big one for Garrett, Kelly was supportive while she hid her excitement for him to be closer to home! Most recently Garrett was Kelly's date to a Mardi Gras Fundraising Gala in Winona! They had a great time dancing and dressing up!

As the years go by, their bond has and continues to grow stronger! She walks and he rolls. Hopefully soon, she'll push and he'll ride! Kelly will push Garrett in 5K run/walks throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. The duo is hoping to inspire others by breaking down the stereotypes of limitations tied to muscular dystrophy.

Please like and share our page to spread the word! Also, follow our journey on Wordpress! 
http://www.gmanandkelly.wordpress.com/
http://www.youtu.be/8D3SfrbJ-Tg
http://www.youcaring.com/racechairforgman

Royals Cover of a cover

My bandmates love the fact that I'll amble on between songs about why and who we're covering, and when we cover a cover... oh that's more to the story... HA.

Here's hoping this one gets and stays in the set list for awhile, so I can tell the story that I saw this tweet from this TV Reporter, watched Bruce, and then fell in love with a song from Lorde that had already won a Grammy... yes, I won't be ashamed to tell that story.

Happy Fat Tuesday... be satisfied.

Here's to my friend and my favorite New Orleans native... Hope Waits.

Bruce King Bee...

I think I could cover this... You think I'll have 500,000 views in 4 days?  NOT.



Sorry I had to look up this one, I hadn't never heard it before.

Stairway to Heaven by Kiana June Weber.

I love it when really talented people like, Kiana June Weber decide to to something impromptu like us novices.  She has been the Gaelic Storm's fiddle player since Jessie decided to retire and be a mom.  Subscribe and thank her, maybe she'll do more of this...

Down River music by Kevin House

Actually I pinched myself when Gabrielle Miller interacted to a tweet I sent her way a few weeks ago about this blog.

And I've been following her since.... Now I find out she's in an incredible interesting sounding independent film coming out of Canada called Down River. Per the site:

Down River is the emotionally stirring story of three young women teetering on the edge between creative breakthroughs and personal breakdowns, and their connection with the older woman they rely on for guidance, support and inspiration.

And of course I needed to watch some videos to quickly be convinced, here's a beautiful song with clips:



And then the trailer:



And the composer of the music Kevin House with the artist, Colleen Rennison who plays the musician:

Down River with Colleen and Kevin from dinsdale pirahna on Vimeo.

I need to learn about Kevin's music... I did reach out to him on FB

Nishike- One Village Music Project

Earlier in February during Phoebe Hunt's concert, she talked about her love for summer camps, and one she helps run, Fuel Our Fire   She then sang Nishike, a beautiful song that I believe is a Swahili means "Holding my Hand" and ties in wonderfully to the first verse.  It is on the CD named "One Village Music Project" and can be found on iTunes here.  At first I sampled three songs, Nishike, Yesu Ni Bwana, and Precious Human Life.  As writing this blog is both informative for you, it's a learning experience for me.  The words for it are from the Dalai Lama and of course a great mantra to start any morning.

Here's a great video, including a little more explanation from Phoebe.  What a talented young lady with a huge heart.



Take aways.... Of course you should Donate to their cause; and their website makes it easy. Click here please.

You should spend the $7.92 at iTunes to support the group and have them on your minds every time you listen to this wonderfully eclectic global sound.  Click here it's easy. I have a passion for some global music in my mix of life ever since Paul Simon's Graceland; and some of our global ELCA hymns are my favorite.  Try it, it's contagious.  BTW... I finished buying all the songs this morning.

Next up... watch for Phoebe Hunt coming through your town, support her music and you will find the community will keep growing.

Barefoot Movement - LaCrosse bound

I was told about this wonderful group, Barefoot Movement last year by a friend, who said they were Grammy quality; and that they were the best group at a local festival called Larry Fest.  This year they will be back to that fest, and we also booked them for the week after and the Great River Folk Fest.  Overkill... not much, while there is some overlap of audience, most of those love bluegrass, and the people who don't attend Larry Fest, don't like to camp.  So I thought I'd listen to a few of their videos, and they are wonderful

Noah Wall has an excellent lead quality voice, similar to Alison Krauss but less breathy.

Thought for sure they covered my old favorite Edgar Winter song, but this Tobacco Road must be an original... nice.



They could sing in my living room anytime:

Lord Wilcox on Downtown Abbey

Pretty great seamless editing... funny too.

Downton Diddy from Sean Combs