SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song comes from Brad Hammonds' album Through It All and features the song "The A Man Who Lost Everything."

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature an older song from John Thomas Griffith, who is best known today for being a member of Cowboy Mouth. Before that he was a member of the Red Rockers and inbetween he released a solo album Son of An Engineer. This is the title song.

Video Wednesday:

This week's video is by a local group we talked about before on here, The Chilluns. It was taped at Tipitina's, a concert I was supposed to be at, but ended up not being able to make.

SONG OF THE DAY

One of my favorites, Maria McKee with the title song from her album You Gotta Sin To Be Saved.

SONG OF THE DAY

Our song today is from the group Marah and their album If You Don't Laugh, You'll Cry with their song "Walt Whitman Bridge."

SIMPLY SIX: Luke Parkin

Luke Parkin is a singer/songwriter from Massachusetts.  He's recorded over 70 albums and he's just turned 30.  

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Yes. as an eight year old, seeing and hearing the historic 1986 broadcast of Pianist legend Vladimir Horowitz in Moscow. My father said, "do you remember asking me who is the greatest pianist in the world? (pointing to the television) well that's the one." 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I try to limit my exposure to over listening for fear that I'll be drawn to far into any particular sound but when I do listen: (and usually read along if I can) The Staples: Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, The Poets: Chopin, Liszt,  Scriabin, The Impressionists, The Second Viennese school, Stravinsky, Messaien etc. too many to name. also lots of pop these days. I'm trying to educate myself in pop music!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I tend to think of a series of greater moments as opposed to a penultimate moment or “the” defining moment. Music is fleeting and if not for time passing there would be no cadence, no moving line, no measure, no tune. Sound is not stationary. When you reach for a note or find a perfect sonority and finally grab hold of it, that’s when you say…Eureka! 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Artists are not soldiers. We do not use violins, guitars, pianos, or turntables as bullets, surface to air missiles or reconnaissance aircraft. We do not stand in front of tanks, light ourselves on fire, fly airplanes into buildings, tear-down countries, or rebuild nations. We are not terrorists. The shock and awe we make is on proscenium, a written page, or in the recording booth. In November of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI’s Address to Artists was called “You Are the Custodians of Beauty.”  At the moment we're in the midst of a vast cultural upheaval so as an artist, I think it best to have a little bit of simplicity in your soul.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology revolutionized sound before the record business decided to homogenize it. The effects are everlasting. It’s a shame that we’re going backwards and not forwards in terms fidelity with regard to formats and compression. Mp3 takes away precious parts of the spectrum. Ipods and iphones (both of which I own and use) are great for consumers and not so great for audiophiles.

Electronic music introduced me to another universe. Up until 8 years ago instrumental Classical music was the only thing in my tiny orbit. Because of what I learned (and the extrodinary teachers who taught me) I was ushered into the studio tradition and parts of experimental tradition (formerly avant –garde, now a dirty word)  

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Rock and Republic designed a boot called Ignacio which I love. It's elegant, moody, and very prim.  

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is not typical of this singer, her music is normally much louder.  The singer is Lennon from her album Career Suicide with her song "Main Gravel Road."

SONG OF THE DAY

We feature the song "Winner's Casion" from Richmond Fontaine's Winnemucca album.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we check in with an older band The Rave-ups from their album Chance with the song "The Best I Can't."

SIMPLY SIX: Drew Schwartz

Drew is a singer/songwriter from California. 

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

-I have always been a singer.  I wrote my first song in 3rd grade about the first girlfriend I ever had, Kate.  I was too young to know how to really play an instrument or notate the music, but I wrote the lyrics and had the melody and full arrangement playing in my head.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites? 

- I listen to just about everything.  I'm influenced by jazz greats like The Dave Brubeck Quartet, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, but I also listen to classic rock, indie-rock, DJs, blues, country....everything.  Right now my iPod has been on repeat with The Black Keys, Jay-Z, The Fugees, Sam Cooke, and Keb' Mo'.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

- The best moment for me has to be my EP release show back in my home town of Buffalo, NY this past September.  It was my first real show back home in about 4 years, and I tied it in to raise money for Brain Cancer Research at Buffalo's local cancer research/treatment center Roswell Park.  My Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and was forced to have 2 very dangerous brain tumor removal surgeries in the past 6 months.  It really hit home for me when I came out on stage and there were over 300 people cheering for me, and at the end of the night collectively we had raised over $20,000 for Roswell. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

- I think music has the ability to influence the world, and influence lives, but to actually change things is up to the individual.  Music is a very powerful art form, and has the ability to touch people in a way no other form of communication can.  It crosses cultural barriers, political lines, religious views, racial divides, and ultimately brings a commonality to people that may feel they have nothing in common.  That is the true power of music.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

-Technology has always played a role in the way the music is treated as a product.  I have always supported the use of technology as a means of making music more accessible to the consumer.  We often get lost in the idea that music is a commodity, but it is so much more than that.  As an independent musician, technology has made life MUCH easier.  The recording process has become easier, cheaper, and more refined.  As an entrepreneur, sending emails and mp3's to radio, press, managers, agents, and record labels saves time and money.  As a consumer of music, technology has made music available to me that even 10 years ago, I would have never have even had the chance of being exposed to.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

- I would be my black Reef flip-flops.  Although I'm a bit of a sneaker fanatic, I must admit the thought of being in flip-flops invokes thoughts of warmth, sunshine, beach, and comfort, and that's my favorite setting for life.

SONG OF THE DAY

And now we present Ms. Ani DiFranco with "32 Flavors" from her Canon album.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we present Allison Moorer with "New Year's Day" from her album Getting Somewhere.

SIMPLY SIX: Lisa Hugo

Lisa Hugo is an artist from the United ArabEmirates.  

1.      For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance ofElvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. 

Is there such a defining moment for you?

My parents always took me to see musicals on stage.  When I saw the performers singing and dancing, I knew I wanted to be down there with them.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I like a big mix of music from different genres. Diana Krall, Duffy, Adel, Jamie Cullum, Amy Winehouse, Anouk, Josh Groban, Michael Bubble

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Performing at the Dubai International Jazz Festival as a featured artist alongside the likes of James Blunt, John Legend, Peter Cincotti and Liz Wright.

4.  Do you believe music can chang

e the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

A great song can make an impact, but I’m not convinced it will change the world or influence events much, but it can certainly get people thinking . Music can reach out to people of all colours, cultures, nationalities and status. It can cross borders and language barriers.  A catchy melody can stay in people’s minds and replay over and over, but I don’t believe it will change the bigger picture.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology and the internet has made it very difficult for the record companies and large recording studios to keep afloat. It is easier now to create good quality recordings in small and home studios. Obviously this is good for the independent artist to reach out to their audience and for the listeners as they now have a wider array of music available to them at the touch of a button.  


I recently recorded an Christmas track in 2 different countries.  My musicians are all based in Belgium and I am in the Middle East.  They recorded the instrumental over there, I put the vocals down in a studio in Dubai and then sent it back for mixing, all within a couple of days. This would not have been possible a few years back, not so quickly anyway.


6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

                

Thongs (flip flops).  They are relaxed, open, easy going and fun.

Video Wednesday:

Today's Video is an acoustic performance from Lauren Austin.

SONG OF THE DAY

I'm not a religious person, but I find myself drawn to gospel songs.  Today's song is by Andrew Calhoun from Bound to Go: Folk Songs & Spirituals.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we present the group Against Me from their album New Wave with the song "Stop."

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature a song from what may turn out to be one of the best albums of 2010.  Patty Griffin sings "Move On" from her new album Downtown Church.

SONG OF THE DAY

We feature Lauren Austin's "Leaving Los Angeles" from her album Soul Confetti today.

Video Wednesday:

Our Video this week is in honor of the New Orlean's Saints win in the Superbowl.  It features Theresa Andersson, Aaron Neville and Carlo Nuccio (the creator of the original "Who Dat" song.)  

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we hear Dave Alvin and the Gulity Women from their album of the same name doing "California Burning."

SONG OF THE DAY

The song for today is from The Autumn Defense and their album The Green Hour.  The song is "Make It Through The Summer" and is very much in the style of the Beach Boys.  The Autumn Defense is the side project of Wilco's bassist John Stirratt.

SONG OF THE DAY

Our song for today is from Alex Chilton and is "Holocaust."

SONG OF THE DAY

Back again, today we feature "Salvation Song" from the Avett Brother's Migonette album.