Book Review: Paul Anka's Autobiography "My Way"

I grew up with Paul Anka, and he has always remained one of my favorite performers.  Paul has re-cycled himself more times than I can remember, each time emerging as a more clever and astute singer/composer and performer. I never knew much about his personal life except that he was from Canada and had four beautiful daughters. Even though he was an extremely popular singer, he always conducted himself as a gentleman, and he was able to avoid getting in the middle of any press scandals. No small accomplishment for someone who has been in the public view for over 50 years. When most of the singers who started out in the 50's and 60's became old, they stopped performing.  Paul had the smarts to recognize major music changes during his career and made the necessary changes to become new again.

This autobiography is not just the story of Paul Anka's life and career. It is a story about the music and entertainment business of 6 decades starting in the late 50's and continuing right up to present day. Certainly for anyone who was around when Paul had his first hit, "Diana" this book covers life as you lived and observed it through these years. The focus on Vegas, Sinatra, the "Rat Pack" and the changes in the music business over the last 60 years are nothing short of fascinating! We all have our memories and perceptions of what Vegas was like in the 60's and 70's but Paul gives the reader an insider-look.

I was very surprised that Paul's writing was so frank and detailed.  If you are an Anka fan, you will flip out reading this book. Paul talks about all the rock and roll singers at the time he had his first hit and for me it was like opening a college yearbook and remembering my past. He pulls no punches and what he has written in his autobiography are the facts as Paul remembers them.

I know a lot of my readers are Sinatra fans so I know you will love the following quotes from Anka.

"I finished typing my final draft of "My Way" at five A.M. in the morning. I know Frank is at Caesars, I know he's offstage, drinking at the bar and I know he's there with Don Costa and I say, "Frank I've got something very interesting, I'm gonna bring it out. I flew to Las Vegas in August 1968 and I played it for Sinatra.  I knew Frank loved the song when I originally played it for him but he always wanted to be cool, so all he said was "That's Kooky, kid. We going in." Coming from him, you have to understand that meant he was ecstatic."

"Frank went into the studio on December 30. He knew the song so well he sang it in one take.  All the musicians were there, this huge orchestra playing live. Everybody who'd worked with him through the years was there, they all stood up and gave him a standing ovation.  I got a phone call from the studio on Sunset Boulevard and Sinatra played it to me over the phone and I started crying."

Paul Anka's autobiography is just a wonderful read and a must read for anyone that lived through the same period of time Anka did!

 I have attached a "YouTube" of young Paul singing some of his early hits.

                                                                   BOOK REVIEW
                                       The Music Man Awards This Book "4 Quarter Notes"
                                                   4 Quarter Notes= Excellent, Must Read
                                                   3 Quarter Notes= Good Read
                                                   2 Quarter Notes= Somewhat Interesting
                                                   1 Quarter Note  = Save Your Time and Money

CD Review: "What I See" by Judy Wexler

Judy Wexler

Judy Wexler has just finished recording her 4th album, "What I See". Judy has a marvelous, pure, clean voice, but that's only one part of what makes her such a special singer. First and foremost, Judy is a wonderful storyteller. When you hear Judy sing any of the songs that she carefully hand picks, she brings life to the lyrics. She has the rare ability to magically combine the story with her beautiful voice and captures the full attention of the listener. The songs Judy recorded on this album cover a wide range of times and styles; and, yet, Judy has been able to put them together as if these songs were written just for this album. There are few singers who have the ability to select the songs Judy has and bring them to life as she does. After selecting her songs, Judy applies the final magic to her CD by bringing together some of the most talented sidemen on the West Coast: Larry Koonse on Guitar, Bob Sheppard on Bass Clarinet and Alto Sax, Ron Stout on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Scott Whitfield on Trombone, Billy Hulting on Percussion, Chris Colangelo on Bass, and Steve Hass on Drums. These are a lot of parts to pull together and make it all fit together perfectly. So Judy, brings in her long-time Pianist/Arranger, Jeff Colella to co-produce the album. Jeff who spent almost two decades as the Music Director for Lou Rawls put together all the beautiful arrangements that make this CD one of the best Jazz albums of the year.
 

CD Review: "Introductions" by Resonance

Resonance is a Jazz octet that consists of eight of the most wonderfully talented musicians you will find in any Jazz group performing today.  On their new CD "Introductions" this contemporary ensemble uses an unusual fusion of instruments that produces a new and fresh sound. At times, the sounds produced seem to be a blend of Classical and Modern Jazz. Each of the performers on this new CD which was released on August 6, 2013 has remarkably strong resumes and performing credentials.  As a  result the sounds produced are wonderful to hear. Stephen McQuarry the leader of the group and its piano player did a superb job producing this CD.  Stephen also was responsible for the great fresh arrangements and Orchestration.  The members of the group were gathered from all parts of the country: Nancy Blen on Cello, Ted Burik on Bass, Greg German on Drums, Georgianna Krieger on Sax, Michelle Mastin on Viola, Michele Walther on Violin and Laura Austin Wiley on Piccolo, C-Flute, Alto Flute and Vocal.

This CD is available at most music sources, and you can sample the sounds by going to The Resonance Site: www.resonancejazz.com

Album Cuts: 
1. Eleanor Rigby                           7. Jupiter
2. Gemini                                        8. The Journey Of Each Other
3. In A Sentimental Mood            9.  Moon and Sand
4. Opus                                           10. See You Next Wednesday
5. Gaviota                                       11. Song To John Pt 1
6. Prelude/ So What                      12. Song To John Pt 2

CD Review: Graham Dechter "Takin It There"

Graham Dechter

John Clayton, Graham Dechter, Tamir Hendelman and Jeff Hamilton

Listen up all my Jazz guitar fans!  New guitar sensation, Graham Dechter is in the house with his first lead album, "Takin' It There" and the sounds on it are just out of sight. Graham is in his early 20's but you would never know it from the great riffs and sweet sounds he gets out of his guitar. And if Graham's fresh sounds and arrangements are not enough for you, he comes prepared with sensational piano player Tamir Hendelman who is joined by two of my all-time living Jazz greats, John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums. I have been in love with the music of Clayton and Hamilton ever since they teamed up with Diana Krall on perhaps her best Jazz album of all times, "Diana Krall, Live In Paris".  What comes to mind when listening to Graham and this group is fresh arrangements that are crisp and clean. This group of musicians could possibly be the best Jazz group playing today.

All four of these great musicians had a hand in the arrangements and Graham wrote two of the songs on the CD.  John Clayton also wrote "Grease for Graham" for the CD. If you know someone who loves great Jazz whether young or old, get them this CD. It is a high-end University course for anyone who wants to know the best of Jazz that being made today.

Graham Dechter and his group are touring around but mostly on the West Coast.  Check out Graham's site for his schedule.  This group is worth any effort to get to hear them in person. Congratulations, Graham for recording such a wonderful album and for bringing Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton to the party! I have attached a "YouTube" clip of Graham playing "Takin' It There" from his album of the same name.

                                           

Barbara Rose is Spectacular At The Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, NJ

Barbara Rose

Thursday evening I went to the newly renovated and beautiful Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, NJ to have dinner and hear pianist extraordinaire Barbara Rose who plays in the bar area,  A long-time close friend of mine, Bill Kennedy had been begging me to hear Barbara Rose whom he claimed was just sensational.  How right he was!  

Barbara Rose began her musical life at age 3 as a prodigy.  I was able to meet Barbara's sister who was sitting at the next table and she shared the following story with me.  Barbara's sister who is four years older, told me that she started taking piano lessons first and had the usually hard time trying to get it right. When Barbara was 3, her parents played a Mozart recording and when it ended, Barbara walked over to the piano, sat down and played the song she had just heard on the piano. 

Barbara attended Julliard and graduated at the age of 10. That's correct, age 10. At 17, Barbara was playing in the best venues in New York City like: The St. Regis Hotel, The Oak Room At the Plaza Hotel, The Oak Room at the Algonquin, Tavern on the Green, and Peacock Alley at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel just to name a few.

Barbara Rose is a "gem" right here in the "Hometown of Count Basie" Red Bank, NJ.  She plays classical pieces, songs from all the best American composers, American Jazz, New Orleans style Jazz, the Best of Broadway and any favorite song you can name. Her arrangements are brilliant, fresh and unique.  When you go to hear Barbara, close your eyes and you can easily image you are sitting listening to a great piano performance in Carnegie Hall. As added bonus is that Barbara also has a uniquely distinctive voice.

Consider these quotes: 

"I have been inspired to produce and write for one other artist in my life before hearing Barbara Rose, and her name was Barbra Streisand" Michel Legrand.

"Barbara Rose has a thousand fingers that dance on your heart and a voice that melts you" The New York Times.

Barbara has a new CD out that you can only buy at her show called "La Vie En Rose".  I have attached a "YouTube" of Barbara playing her  own masterful version of "Bali Hai" and "Some Enchanted Evening" from South Pacific for your listening pleasure. It took me too long to get to hear Barbara, don't make the same mistake and when you get there, tell her the MusicMan sent you. Barbara performs at the Molly Pitcher Inn every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. She also plays at the Sunday brunch starting in October. The food is wonderful and so is the view at the Molly Pitcher Inn and there is no cover or music charge. The bargain of a lifetime for music lovers!

                Barbara Rose Playing "Bali Hai" and "Some Enchanted EveningFrom Her New CD "La Vie En Rose"

                                                                                      As Posted on "YouTube"

CD Review: "Jimi FITZ"

The Jimi FITZ Group: Ronnie King, Patrick Bostrom, Jimi Fitz, Steve Monroe and Francis Cronin

Jimi Fitz

Patrick Bostrom & Jimi Fitz

Jimi Fitz

If you have ever spent any time in the Coachella Valley, you know the name Jimi Fitz.  Jimi "Fitz" Fitzgerald has one of the most popular radio shows in the California Desert, "Fitz in the Morning" that broadcasts every weekday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 102.3 KJJZ. Jimi has legions of Jazz fans that never miss his morning radio show because Jimi plays the best Jazz classics from yesterday, today and what will become tomorrow's classics.  Jimi has also hosted the highly popular "Fitz' Jazz Cafe" at The McCallum Theatre for the past 15 years. He has brought great Jazz artists into this forum including Diana Krall, George Benson, Natalie Cole and Chris Botti just to name a few. Jimi's career in music is deep into every aspect of the business. He is a giant in the entertainment business and has had success in everything he has been involved with.  He has worked successfully as a producer, concert promoter, director, talent agent, radio and television personality. Music has always been in Jimi's blood. It's who he is!  He is also a talented songwriter and  co-wrote all of the songs on his new CD with the exception of the one cover song, The Chambers Brother classic,"Time Has Come Today".  Jimi's wife and partner Wendy Jayne, who is known by her stage name, WJ Renee wrote the wonderful lyrics for the songs on this album and played a key role in producing the final musical product.

Jimi Fitz has a true life-controlling passion for music that few people ever experience. Music is truly his life and has become his universe. Listening to his new CD, it is clear that Jimi has been able to transfer his passion for music directly into his performance of the songs on this Album. One gets the feeling of conviction and honesty and Jimi uses these emotions to give life to the great lyrics of WJ Renee.

Jimi Fitz' new CD contains 10 great new songs and one of the songs, "American Dream" was recently featured as a lead story on the Coachella Music Festival and Stagecoach blog, Mycoachella.com as "The new 4th of July anthem". I am sure that his wonderful song with 21st century lyrics will be heard for many 4th of Julys to come by music lovers in the Valley.

Jimi's voice has many of the same qualities as the late Johnny Cash. For me, I think it's probably what Johnny Cash would have sounded like if he was singing songs with lyrics that related to today's fast moving culture. There is no spin in the composing and singing from Jimi Fitz, he is true to his roots and is solidly focused on his take of today's American way of life!

Fitz put together a sterling group of musicians to work with him on this CD.  Patrick Bostrom on Guitar, Francis Cronin on Bass, Ronnie King on Keyboards and Steve Monroe on Drums. Also contributing were Lewis Richards on Bass and Guitar, Jennifer Argenti on Violin, Arianna Harville on background vocals and the great John Stanley King on Guitar.  The album was co-produced by Ronnie King, Lewis Richards and Jimi Fitz.

Check out the "Youtube" below where Jimi sings and talks about the making of this record along with members of his group.

You can hear all the songs on this CD by checking out Jimi Fitz' site: jimifitz.com.

Songs on the Jimi FITZ CD:
1. Go On                                                         6. I Don't Need This Now
2. Don't Waste My Champagne                      7. Hey Mister
3. Quick Quick                                                8. Hello There My Friend
4. American Dream                                         9. Song For Dad
5. Time has Come Today                                10. A Simple Tune

The Unsung Musical Heroes: Sidemen

Homage to Royo's "Pensentiva" 

A recent documentary film, "Twenty Feet From Stardom" looks at the life and career of backup singers, who are so important to popular music while  at the same time so unknown by the general public.  It's an excellent look at the lives of these singers and started me thinking about the lives and careers of thousands of sidemen that are also critical to popular music and Jazz and yet live their lives virtually unknown to the listening public.

I have a lot of personal friends who have spent their lives making a living as sidemen and appear to have no problem playing 2nd fiddle to some of the most popular musical stars of our lives. I have had many conversations with these sidemen trying to understand why, for the most part, they find full satisfaction in making a living in a supporting musical role.  They seem satisfied in their supporting roles even while watching the lead singer or player take all the spotlight, oxygen, applause and most of the money.

Sidemen are really special musicians! They don't play for the glory, fame or money, their payoff is in the music. They simply love playing music, it consumes their very existence. It is who they are!

I recently observed a couple of my sidemen friends who have retired but still play and have moved into a lead position in groups they put together to perform in local restaurants. I have to say they seem to really enjoy being in front after years of being in back.  Personally, it is a good feeling for me to see at least some sidemen finally getting their day in the sun.

We will always have musical stars but without superb sidemen supporting their performance, their road to success would be a lot tougher.

Sinatra said "Here's to the Band" and I say "Here's to the the Sidemen" bless them all!

     
                                           Sinatra Singing "Here's To The Band" From "YouTube"