CD Review: "Diane Hubka Goes To The Movies"

Last month I published information about a new CD, "From California With Love" that was recorded by a talented group of West Coast Musicians with the sole purpose to raise money for Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief.  I learned about the effort from one of the talented musicians who recorded on the CD, Diane Hubka.  Diane  found my blog and enjoyed the live music reviews I did last winter from the Palm Springs, California area. I really loved the way Diane sang on the "From California With Love" CD and I wanted to find out more about her.  Turns out she was performing to rave reviews in the New York City area for many years before moving to Hollywood California in 2004 where she collaborated with pianist Christian Jacob (who married the daughter of one of my all-time trumpet  faves', Maynard Ferguson).  Christian Jacob has also recorded with the uniquely talented Tierney Sutton.  Together Diane and Christian recorded "Diane Hubka Goes to the Movies" in 2007, and I decided to review the CD.

Diane Hubka is not just another singer!  In addition to singing, Diane plays a 7-string guitar with great skill and improvisation. She selects her material like a fine chef selecting just the right products at a food market. After her move from NYC to Hollywood Diane picked 13 songs that were written for movies, some standards and others relatively unknown but still great songs. According to Diane "It seemed the logical choice. Since coming here, I've enjoyed working with some fantastic West-Coast musicians, many who've made their living at least in part from playing in the studios."  The arrangements are wonderful and were all written by Christian Jacob. Diane chose all the musicians for the band from those she had heard and worked with after moving to California. The group includes Christian Jacob on Piano and did the arrangements, Carl Saunders on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Larry Koonse on Guitar, Chris Colangelo on Bass and Joe LaBarbera on Drums.

There are 13 songs on this CD all taken from movies from 1937-79 and none of them are easy to play or sing.  Diane really gets to show her professional singing skills to the fullest on this CD and also solos, singing and playing her 7 string classical guitar on Track #12, "Manha de Carnaval" more popularly known as "A Day In The Life Of A Fool".  My other favorites were Track #1 "All God's Children Got Rhythm" from 1937 movie "A Day at the Races".  It's a perfect opening number for the group with everyone in the group making their presence known. Track #4, "Lovers in New York" from the 1961 movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was written by Henry Mancini, Jay Livingston and Ray Evans swings with great Trumpet work from Carl Saunders. Track #5, "He's a Tramp" from the 1955 movie "Lady and the Tramp" written by the great Peggy Lee and Sonny Burke played in an up-tempo Samba rhythm that fits the song perfectly.  Track #7 "I'm Old Fashioned" written by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 movie "You Were Never Lovelier" features some great piano and Guitar work by Christian Jacobs and Larry Koonse. Track #9 "Close Enough for Love" from the 1979 movie "Agatha" showcases some outstanding Piano and Bass work from Jacob and Colangelo. Track # 11 "Wild is the Wind" the old Johnny Mathis hit from the 1957 movie of the same name features a great up-tempo rhythm used very effectively to showcase an outstanding piano solo from Christian Jacob. There is one member of the group that needs some praise for his skillful performance on this CD, Drummer Joe LaBarbera.  Joe has done some outstanding playing with the great Bill Evans and shows us on this CD why Bill Evans loved him.  Joe fits his percussion work into every song and rhythm perfectly, never overplaying or underplaying Diane or any member of the group.  Great Job, Joe.

If you like great jazz singing combined with some smooth jazz instrumental sounds, this CD is for you.  Diane Hubka is the real thing.  Her singing skills are finely tuned and she is not afraid to push aside the safety net of the classic songs of the "Great American Songbook" and experiment with new approaches to new and old songs in her own personal way.

You can preview this CD on iTunes and I urge you to do so.  Diane's first CD "Haven't We Met" was released in 1999 featured alto sax legend Lee Konitz and received Jazz Nomination for "Best Recording Debut".  Her Latest CD "You Inspire Me" was released in Japan in 2007.

Note to all my California readers: Diane will be performing live on Oct. 20 at Vitello's Jazz & Super Club, 4349 Tujunga Blvd., Studio City Ca. 91604.  Reservations: 818-769-0905  If you are in the area, make the effort to catch her show, you will not regret it!

Book Review of "Clapton, The Autobiography"

It's summer and like most of you, I am catching up on my reading list. Over the past years, several of my music friends highly recommended Eric Clapton's autobiography that was first published in 2007.  I finally got a chance to read it. Although this book became a New York Times bestseller, I personally  found it somewhat disappointing and not at all uplifting. I will give Clapton a good deal of credit for doing the writing himself and not going with the guest-writer route that most rock stars have used.  However, Clapton's lack of writing skills resulted in a book that was somewhat boring in parts for the reader.  That said, Clapton's honesty about his own shortcomings and his love for the blues and the major players that influenced his career makes the book "a must" for all Clapton fans.

 Eric painted a life story of a troubled young boy with an identity problem who evolved into a chauvinistic unhappy narcissist. It seemed to me that Clapton's life was consumed by the need to capture things and people he wanted and once he got them he lost interest which is what occurred with his relationship with Pattie Boyd. However, on a positive note, his description of his burning love for Pattie Boyd while she was still married to George Harrison produced his outstanding song "Layla".

Like most of the rock stars of the 70's, Clapton goes into great detail about his addictions that somehow did not kill him until he finally turned the corner and cleaned up.  I found his comments about his thoughts and relationship with other extraordinary musicians like the Stones, the Beatles, B.B. King, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan very interesting. I was disappointed that Clapton did not spend more time writing about his wonderful guitar playing.  I think it would have greatly added to the enjoyment of the book.

Music Man Awards This Book "2 Quarter Notes"

4 Quarter Notes= Excellent Book, Must Read
3 Quarter Notes= Good Book
2 Quarter Notes= Somewhat Interesting
1 Quarter Notes= Save Your Time and Money

A Review of "From California With Love". West Coast Musicians Step Up To Raise Money for Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief

Diane Hubka

I recently came across a new CD produced as a result of an idea that came from the great singer/guitarist Diane Hubka and renowned producer Bill Reed of SSJ Records. Japan has always been a welcome place for American Jazz performers, and the purpose of this new CD is an attempt by this group of talented musicians to return the love in Japan's time of need. 100% of all sales goes to Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief.

Bill Reed

The CD includes some familiar and respected singers and musicians featuring tracks from: Diane Hubka, Alan Broadbent, Jim Cox, Johnny Holiday, Christian Jacob, Leslie Lewis, Dick Noel, Frankie Randall, Sue Raney, Kurt Reichenbach, Dan Sawyer, Tierney Sutton, Pinky Winters, and a special bonus track by the late Chris Connor.

There are 13 tracks on this CD and if you love hearing superb singers and musicians playing great songs, you must buy this CD. Every singer and musician on this CD will leave you wanting more.

List of Album Tracks and Performers:
1.   Blue Skies: Sue Raney and Alan Broadbent
2.   Sweet and Lovely: Alan Broadbent
3.   Strike Up The Band: Johnny Holiday and Sam Most
4.   Skylark: Leslie Lewis and Gerard Hagen
5.   Here's To Life: Kurt Reichenbach and Jim Cox
6.   Sweet Happy Life (Samba de Orfeu): Diane Hubka and Dan Sawyer
7.   Ue Wo Muite Arukou (Sukiyaki): Christian Jacob
8.   Beautiful Love: Tierney Sutton and Christian Jacob
9.   We Can Work It Out: Jim Cox
10. Dream: Dick Noel
11. I Feel A Song Coming on; Chris Connor
12. The Wave: Frankie Randall
13. You'll Never Walk Alone: Pinky Winters and Jim Cox

I know my music friends in Palm Springs will just flip over this CD.  Many of my favorites are on this CD: Sue Raney, Alan Broadbent,  the always great Frankie Randall and the one and only Tierney Sutton. But as a bonus, I got to know some talented new friends, Johnny Holiday, Sam Most, Leslie Lewis, Gerard Hagen, Kurt Reichenbach, the remarkable Jim Cox, Diane Hubka, Dan Sawyer, Christian Jacob, Dick Noel, The late great Chris Connor and Pinky Winters.  All these great singers and musicians for $20 and it goes to a worthy cause.  The best deal in town!  You can buy the CD on CDBaby.

By the way, singer/guitarist Diane Hubka who was one of the driving forces on this CD, has a new release by SSJ Records, "I Like It Here: Live in Tokyo".  I will be doing a review of this CD in the near future. Look her up, she is an exciting talent.

I can't leave this posting without a comment about producer Bill Reed.  I had no idea of who Bill Reed was or what he had done until I started to do some research for this review.  I went on the SSJ Records site and was just knocked out by the outstanding singers Bill has produced over the years; one better than the next. This gentlemen knows what great sounds are all about.  Thanks Bill for keeping quality music playing!                                                                                                                                                          

"Who Is Harry Nilsson And Why Is Everybody Talkin About Him?"

I am sure that some of you have heard of or were fans of the great singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson.  I have not followed Harry's career but I did know he wrote and performed some really great songs. I was recently contacted by Lauren Dellipoali who works for "SnagFilms" who sent me a link to a new movie they produced called "Who is Harry Nilsson and Why Is Everybody Talkin About Him?". She gave me permission to share the movie with my readers for free but only until August 19. I watched the movie and I found it professionally done and very interesting.  This movie explores the very complex but interesting life and career of Harry Nilsson and looks at many of his relationships in the music business including comments from his friends including John Lennon and Ringo Starr.

I would also encourage you to checkout the SnagFilms site, snafilms.com.  They have an online library of over 2,100 films that are unusual and entertaining.

Check out the Nilsson film, http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/who_is_harry_nilsson_and_why_is_everybody_talkin_about_him/,

Book Review: Steven Tyler's Autobiography: "Does the Noise In My Head Bother You?"

When I decided to read Steven Tyler's autobiography "Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?", I really did not know what to expect other than Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll.  I was not disappointed but Tyler's book also gives us a very honest and frank look into more than Steven Tyler "The Rock Star". It also gives us an up close look at Steven Tyler "The Person".  While it seemed like Steven was having a lot of fun talking his way through his past life for this book, I believe that he did reveal the more real person under all the star trappings.  Along the way, Tyler colorfully tells us abut his life of debauchery, sex and drugs in a very off the cuff manner. Tyler wrote this book with the help of David Dalton, the founding editor of Rolling Stone Magazine.  Dalton did an remarkable job of organizing and making sense out of the constantly changing thoughts that seem to just pour out of Tyler. At times, Tyler seemed to be in a stream of conciseness with the clear purpose of playing with the reader's head. But that said, clearly Steven Tyler knows who he is, where he has been and where he still wants to go.

 Steven Tyler is highly intelligent as well as talented.  He knew what he wanted and he was willing to pay the price to get it. Tyler's description of his important and complicated relationship with his creative partner Joe Perry was fascinating.  Seems like most of the legendary rock bands of the 60's, 70's and 80's were defined by at least one strong partnership like Paul and John and Mick & Keith and of course,  Tyler and Perry.

This is the third "Rock Star" autobiography that I have read recently and still don't understand why with all of their outstanding musical and performing talents they all needed to immerse themselves in  drugs and alcohol to reach their creative highs? It's interesting to note that all three, Keith, Eric and Steven have been clean for years now and are still producing some talented and creative work without the "creative inspiration" of drugs or alcohol.

Music Man Awards This Book "3 Quarter Notes"

4 Quarter Notes= Excellent Book, Must Read
3 Quarter Notes= Good Book
2 Quarter Notes= Somewhat Interesting
1 Quarter Note=  Save You Time and Money

A Review of Keith Richards' New Book, "Life"

Keith Richards

I just finished reading Keith Richards' 547 page book "Life". I love a lot of songs that the "Rolling Stones"have written and performed but I have not followed their long and successful career very closely. I started the book knowing very little about Keith Richards except that he is a great guitarist and part of the foundation of the "Stones". I did not know what I would learn but I did expect to read a lot of about drugs, women, booze and rock and roll. However, this book turned out to be much more than a review of these topics. The book is a must for the following groups: fans of the "Stones", any guitar player, anyone that loves rock & roll and anyone who loves classic American Blues.  Keith tells his life experiences in what I believe is a clear and remarkably honest way.  We have all read about supper star musicians who turn into monsters as they start to reach the heights of stardom and financial independence but this is not Keith's story.  I have always had the most respect for performers who never forget who they are and where they came from. However, there are few mega stars that I have known that can achieve this pure quality of reality. Keith Richards is one of the exceptions. What amased me the most about Keith is that he never needed to become a major star in order to find his true happiness.  Keith has always loved R & B and classic blues coming out of the Black South and would have been happy to just be locked up in a room with a few guitars and his favorite records. What comes across to the reader in his book is Keith's love for music, without much interest in fame and the money that comes with it. Keith is a rare bird when it comes to this thinking.

The second most amasing fact that becomes clear to the reader is that there is no way Keith Richards should be alive today. His abuse of his body with not only drugs and alcohol but his lifestyle. A life with total focus on music both played and written.

The last interesting part of this book was the stories Keith relates about the many great musicians that he admired, studied, played with and passed through his life. I found this information very entertaining.  "Life" is a book that is not only informative but fun to read!

Music Man Awards This Book  "4 Quarter Notes"!

4 Quarter Notes=  Excellent Book, Must Read
3 Quarter Notes=  Good Book
2 Quarter Notes=  Somewhat Interesting
1 Quarter Note =   Save Your Time and Money  

TIm McLoone & The Shirleys Rock "Tim McLoone's Supper Club In Asbury Park"

Tim McLoone and The Shirleys

Tim McLoone

The Shirleys

Maureen McKrink

Amy Broza

Layonne Holmes

Tim McLoone

Barbara King

On Saturday night, July 2 I traveled to historic Asbury Park, New Jersey but not to visit the world famous "Stone Pony".  My mission was to see and hear one of the best bands at the Jersey Shore, "Tim McLoone and the Shirleys".  They were performing at the brand new and glorious "Tim McLoone's Supper Club" that has in a relatively short period of time become the "Go to" place for great live music in New Jersey.  Tim McLoone is a living legion in Monmouth County, NJ and seems to have unlimited energy when it comes to not only music but also business, too.  Tim currently has several restaurants he owns and operates in addition to frequently performing with the various bands he has put together. In addition, Tim generously supports various charities throughout Monmouth County. The supper club he built in Asbury Park can rival any supper club you find in the country including New York City.  It's a great venue for live music with first-class acoustics and lighting.

This wonderful band put together by Tim includes the following top professional musicians:
     Tim McLoone: Piano & Vocals
     Shirleys: Amy Broza, Maureen McKrink & Layonne Holmes
     Stephen Munter: Sax
     Bobby Boyd: Drums
     Roger Taylor: Guitar & Vocals
     Jim Celestino: Guitar
     Michael Gribbroek: Trumpet & Flugehorn
     Mark Murphy: Bass

At tonight's sold out performance, the band performed some of the best songs from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's to the delight of the audience. They covered great R & B Classics, Rock, Country and even Broadway songs. One of the best features of this new supper club is that Tim has provided a large dance floor in front of the bandstand and it was always full of happy dancing customers starting with the first note the band played.  What's better than getting to hear and dance to some of your very favorite songs played by a live 10 piece band? Sadly, there are few places left that provide this kind of venue and all my live music followers need to make plans right now to get down to see some of the many acts Tim has booked for the rest of the summer. If you want to catch Tim McLoone and The Shirleys, and you should, make sure you have your dancing shoes on! I have listed their future schedule below:
     7/16/11: McLoone's Rum Runner
     7/31/11: Monmouth Park Concert
     8/3/11: Sandy Hook Beach Concert
     8/6/11: McLoone's Supper Club
     8/20/11: McLoone's Rum Runner
 Before the concert and during the first break, we were also treated to the wonderful voice and piano sounds from Barbara King. The acoustics Tim has built into this supper club are perfect for Barbara. Her voice never sounded better.  You can hear Barbara every Thursday night at McLoone's Rum Runner in "Historic Sea Bright, New Jersey".