You Sing, I Write

Friday, September 10, 2010

Song of the Week: "Magic"

While it's been in constant rotation on many radio stations recently, I cannot get enough of this track. "Magic" features B.o.B. rapping with guest vocals from Weezer's Rivers Cuomo. With a catchy beat and a music video that makes crowd surfing look so tempting, it's the perfect song to distract you from the realization that summer is over.


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Bob DiPiero, Jamey Johnson Tell Tales Behind Hits in New York

"How y'all doin? Welcome to Nashville," Bob DiPiero joked before introducing fellow celebrated songwriters Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon and Kendell Marvel at the CMA Songwriter Series at Joe's Pub in New York City Wednesday night.

Now in its sixth year, the CMA series brings country to the city every few months, recruiting some of Nashville's finest songwriters to the Big Apple to tell the stories behind their biggest hits. "This is our country hillbilly outpost up here in Manhattan," continued Bob, whose laundry list of country hits include Tim McGraw's 'Southern Voice,' George Strait's 'Blue Clear Sky' and Vince Gill's 'Worlds Apart.'

"They make fun of rednecks. What about 'Jersey Shore'? You've gotta be kidding me. No wonder Bruce Springsteen wants to get the hell out of there in every song he sings. Makes me embarrassed for being Italian, and I'm Italian! Good God in heaven. This is as far from New Jersey as you can get. This is down in Apalachicola," Bob said before he introduced 'Southern Voice.'

For the complete review, visit The Boot and be sure to catch Jamey Johnson tonight on the "Late Show with David Letterman."

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Swingadelic Offers Big Band Classics in Frank Sinatra Park


Swingadelic, Hoboken’s legendary swing band, has become a staple in town.

Formed in 1998, the band frequently performs at Maxwell’s and venues throughout the tri-state area. The 12-piece entertained Hobokenites during a recent two-hour set at Frank Sinatra Park. Complete with classic jazz standards by Ray Charles, Count Basie and Duke Pearson as well as many originals, Swingadelic had the crowd dancing and tapping their feet along during the entire performance.

For the complete review, visit Hoboken Patch.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Artist of the Week: Amy Regan

Two years ago, I introduced you to Amy Regan as an artist to watch. Since then, the New York singer-songwriter has continued to record new material, tour and have her music featured in a national Hertz commercial. (Watch video below).

In fact, it was at a gig playing Rockwood Music Hall in New York that art director Haley Fulop witnessed Regan live and later brought her on with the idea for the Hertz campaign. While she's been compared to Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell, Regan continues to make a name for herself with latest EP, Gonna Get Better.

The four-track EP kicks off with energetic title track, "Gonna Get Better." Complete with edgy guitar and percussion accentuated by her soulful vocals, Regan quickly grabs the listener's attention. Next song,
"Keep You Warm" is a ballad with fitting piano accompaniment. With her deep and powerful singing style, the song strikes a chord.

Though only four tracks, Gonna Get Better demonstrates Regan's versatility as a singer. Effortlessly jumping from a sultry ballad to a more energetic number, she manages to keep the listener intrigued.  "Crazy" is just one example. The track showcases Regan's more playful side and is a surprising transition from "Keep You Warm." With piano and vocals that bring to mind Sara Bareilles, one can only expect to hear more from Regan in the near future.

For more on Amy Regan, be sure to visit her MySpace or Web site. Stay tuned for a full album release later this year.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Song of the Week: "Helium Hearts"

A few weeks ago I recommended Jason Reeves as an artist to watch. I've interviewed him and covered his live show a few times and can't get enough of him! Check out his latest music video for "Helium Hearts," the first single off his upcoming album.



Thursday, September 2, 2010

Backyard Brunch Concert Satisfies Listeners Appetites


Photo Credit: Raki Lavon

Last Saturday, My My My and Kelli Scarr performed in Williamsburg for a special edition of Backyard Brunch Sessions. Founded and hosted by David Chaitt, every few weekends in the summer he invites friends and music industry enthusiasts to his apartment in Brooklyn for homemade breakfast and an unplugged set of music.


Since the beginning of the summer, Chaitt has been running a contest through Sonicbids for bands all over the country to submit their music for a chance to perform in his backyard. Indie rock outfit My My My were one of two bands selected and traveled from Chicago to play August 21. Their unplugged set featured two guitars and Casio accompaniment that won the hearts of the audience.

Rotating vocals between Russell Baylin and Sarah Snow, the band impressed with spot-on harmonies and emotion-filled lyrics. While powerful choruses in songs like "Swoon" captured the audience's attention, it was last track, "War Party" that struck a chord. A tale about navigating the world through a mid-life crisis, Baylin's raspy, impassioned vocals brought the song to life.

Singer-songwriter Kelli Scarr performed next and quickly quieted the crowd with her delicate vocals and soft guitar finger picking. While she's known best for touring and singing with Moby, the release of her debut album promises more notoriety. Ballads like "Anything" showcased Scarr's beautiful vocals while light horn accompaniment accentuated the track.

Performing the day after her album release party for Piece, she warned the crowd "I'm hurting a little today. So, let's all hurt together in this bright light. This next song is called "Break Up," speaking of hurting. This is when you gotta hand it to someone because they're fucking stupid."

With edgier guitar and more aggressive vocals, she got her point across. 

"I want to do a quiet one, but I feel like airplanes keep flying," Scarr said. Ironically, during last song, the soft "Baby Boom," two planes flew overhead. Never showcasing any distraction, Scarr continued with light guitar and breathtaking vocals.

To listen to the recording of Scarr's set, complete with airplanes flying overhead, click here. Stay tuned for video footage of My My My and Kelli Scarr's performance in the upcoming weeks.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Watch CMA Music Festival Tonight on ABC!

If you weren't able to make it to Nashville for the CMA Festival in June, you can watch over 20 performances tonight on ABC. Join host Tim McGraw as he introduces sets by Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and more.



If you haven't seen Taylor Swift's latest music video for "Mine," you can below. Do you think she'll perform it tonight? Tune in at 8/7C to find out!


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