Tuesday, April 9, 2013
April Brucker interview and clean Champ stand up set.
New blog and podcast posted! Check out my interview with one of NYC's most creative entertainers, you've seen her on My Strange Addiction, and The Today show.
She's a comedian, ventriloquist, actress, singer and published author..now's the time to meet April Brucker.
You'll also find the sound from one of my recent stand up shows. The set is clean and safe for work.
Plus you'll find links to buy April's book and more.
Click here to head to the post on the all new champcomedyblog.com
Click here for the iTUNES link.
Listen, rate and subscribe.
email your comments to comments@champcomedyblog.com
Friday, April 5, 2013
Back up the Uhaul 'cause this mother-sucker's movin'.....
Well...this blog is moving to a hosted site
It's an exciting time and I am so thankful for the comments and the support.
The new site WWW.CHAMPCOMEDYBLOG.COM
is the new home of the Thoughts from The Champ blog.
It now features a weekly podcast you can find on iTUNES and on Stitcher for Android..
Check out the newly designed blog, please change your bookmarks and subscribe.
Please visit the blog and subscribe to the feed on iTunes.
The podcast features interviews with artists, small business owners and more.
The podcast is up and active and several episodes are posted.
Please visit and rate the podcast.
Send email about the site and podcast.
Some more great links to save.
The blog and podcast have a growing Facebook page.
Follow me on Twitter @champcomedyblog
There's a YouTube channel
Find me on GOOGLE+
The blog and podcast have a growing Facebook page.
Follow me on Twitter @champcomedyblog
There's a YouTube channel
Find me on GOOGLE+
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Reasons TMZ would hate me when I'm a celeb
In this age of instant information, I would confuse the pure mess out of a paparazzi photographer.
I can imagine the story on TMZ or Entertainment Tonight sounding like this...
"We followed comedian/actor/producer Jon Champion all day long..that fool bought a cheeseburger, took his dad a fish plate from Jack's Seafood and went home Much to our chagrin... no cocaine was purchased and no hoochie mamas were slapped."
I'd be the most boring celeb ever compared to Lindsay Lohan, and Chris Brown.
I'd show up on sets early because I'd appreciate the blessing it is to have a career you love.
I'd constantly work on my craft and the only time you'd hear about me doing anything was when it was time for my next project to be released.
Nothing sexy about me...not beating my wife because I love and respect her too much for that kind of foolishness.
Plus she's a few feet taller than my tiny fat ass and would whomp me on the top of my head one good time and be done.
I read this article about Chris Brown telling a crowded nightclub his take on how men should talk to their women.
I disagree because I've got a few years on Chris and I've seen his method doesn't seem to work.
Maybe he needs to make sure he's pleasing Rihanna so that she's telling him it's HIS.
It seems that he's not listening to her..she seems to be saying..well..when it's not yours, it's DRAKE'S.
I'm just saying.
Follow me on Twitter @champcomedyblog
I act write and perform original stand up and produce television news.
I can imagine the story on TMZ or Entertainment Tonight sounding like this...
"We followed comedian/actor/producer Jon Champion all day long..that fool bought a cheeseburger, took his dad a fish plate from Jack's Seafood and went home Much to our chagrin... no cocaine was purchased and no hoochie mamas were slapped."
I'd be the most boring celeb ever compared to Lindsay Lohan, and Chris Brown.
I'd show up on sets early because I'd appreciate the blessing it is to have a career you love.
I'd constantly work on my craft and the only time you'd hear about me doing anything was when it was time for my next project to be released.
Nothing sexy about me...not beating my wife because I love and respect her too much for that kind of foolishness.
Plus she's a few feet taller than my tiny fat ass and would whomp me on the top of my head one good time and be done.
I read this article about Chris Brown telling a crowded nightclub his take on how men should talk to their women.
I disagree because I've got a few years on Chris and I've seen his method doesn't seem to work.
Maybe he needs to make sure he's pleasing Rihanna so that she's telling him it's HIS.
It seems that he's not listening to her..she seems to be saying..well..when it's not yours, it's DRAKE'S.
I'm just saying.
Follow me on Twitter @champcomedyblog
I act write and perform original stand up and produce television news.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
It's Black History Month thanks grandma!
I'm so glad it's Black History Month!
Not just because of the reruns of Roots and classic black film marathons that only happen during the shortest month of the year.
No, I'm excited because I have taken a personal inventory and decided it's time to say thanks to some of the people who have made it possible for me to continue to grow and learn at the ripe old age of 42.
I was raised by a woman who was born in the south in 1894
I obviously didn't have to endure many of the challenges my grandmother and others endured and for that I'm thankful.
One reason for that was her strong love of reading.
She taught me to read out of the biggest Bible anyone has ever seen.
I 'm pretty sure her Bible was the first off the press.
This thing is bigger than a phone book, which I'm sure made sense to her.
I can hear her saying.. "Boy laugh if you want to... How else am I going to call on the Lord if I don't have a Big Bible? Now haul that heavy good book on over here and let's get to learning."
I am also thankful for the community where I was raised.
Especially for the mothers and fathers who took the time to try and encourage me and correct me when they saw me heading down the wrong path.
I didn't always listen, but I am thankful for the lessons.
I'm thankful to the elders who put their lives on the line so that my generation could vote, go to school, start business and basically have a future with choices.
Every year I post this video I put together from a film about Dr Martin Luther King Jr, with Alecia Keys singing Someday We'll All Be Free. You should watch it and share it.
I'm not going to get into a discussion on the state of black America, or gun crime or poverty.
However, with all the murders this year in Chicago so far, it does make me wonder sometimes if the KKK and other hate groups are cutting back staffing and funding because we're doing all the work for them!
Growing up with a wise grandmother in the 70's who lived in the south long before the civil rights era was a wonderful, challenging and exciting experience.
Even though things were changing in America socially, she still had legitimate concerns and fears.
Plus I know at a very young age I expressed my fondness for big booty white girls.
It all started with this poster. It was in a cereal box. Seriously...
and I couldn't find any scotch tape...so I nailed the poster to my wall.
SHE BEAT MY ASS LIKE I STOLE SOMETHING.
She broke a pure sweat wearing me out.
I think she got a nose bleed too.
That was also the day my grandmother told me the story of Emmet Till's murder.
She also vowed that I would certainly die the exact same way and she'd be there to say
"I told that hard headed boy bout whistlin at white women".
Lil Wayne, is not my favorite rapper ..really for one reason, I can't understand what he's saying.
They call him Weezy.
That's fitting because he sounds like he has chronic asthma to me.
Don't give him a Grammy, give his scrawny ass an inhaler.
So recently I learned that Weezing..I mean Weezy has a verse on a song where he makes a vulgar reference to Till's death.
You can read about the article by George E. Curry here.
Sometimes I wish everyone could have the opportunity to be raised by much older family members.
I think if they heard the story told at the knee of someone who really truly didn't want them to die, they would understand.
I can't knock any artist's hustle.
Keeping your name in the news is what it's all about.
When people stop talking about you, you're done and the only thing left to do is either get cast on Celebrity Rehab or Dancing With the Stars Season 55.
I understand that times have changed a great deal.
But after the murder of Trayvon Martin and countless others , I still fear for my children's safety in a violent and ever changing world just like my grandmother.
Not just because of the reruns of Roots and classic black film marathons that only happen during the shortest month of the year.
No, I'm excited because I have taken a personal inventory and decided it's time to say thanks to some of the people who have made it possible for me to continue to grow and learn at the ripe old age of 42.
I was raised by a woman who was born in the south in 1894
I obviously didn't have to endure many of the challenges my grandmother and others endured and for that I'm thankful.
One reason for that was her strong love of reading.
She taught me to read out of the biggest Bible anyone has ever seen.
I 'm pretty sure her Bible was the first off the press.
This thing is bigger than a phone book, which I'm sure made sense to her.
I can hear her saying.. "Boy laugh if you want to... How else am I going to call on the Lord if I don't have a Big Bible? Now haul that heavy good book on over here and let's get to learning."
Especially for the mothers and fathers who took the time to try and encourage me and correct me when they saw me heading down the wrong path.
I didn't always listen, but I am thankful for the lessons.
I'm thankful to the elders who put their lives on the line so that my generation could vote, go to school, start business and basically have a future with choices.
Every year I post this video I put together from a film about Dr Martin Luther King Jr, with Alecia Keys singing Someday We'll All Be Free. You should watch it and share it.
I'm not going to get into a discussion on the state of black America, or gun crime or poverty.
However, with all the murders this year in Chicago so far, it does make me wonder sometimes if the KKK and other hate groups are cutting back staffing and funding because we're doing all the work for them!
Growing up with a wise grandmother in the 70's who lived in the south long before the civil rights era was a wonderful, challenging and exciting experience.
Even though things were changing in America socially, she still had legitimate concerns and fears.
Plus I know at a very young age I expressed my fondness for big booty white girls.
It all started with this poster. It was in a cereal box. Seriously...
SHE BEAT MY ASS LIKE I STOLE SOMETHING.
She broke a pure sweat wearing me out.
I think she got a nose bleed too.
That was also the day my grandmother told me the story of Emmet Till's murder.
She also vowed that I would certainly die the exact same way and she'd be there to say
"I told that hard headed boy bout whistlin at white women".
Lil Wayne, is not my favorite rapper ..really for one reason, I can't understand what he's saying.
They call him Weezy.
That's fitting because he sounds like he has chronic asthma to me.
Don't give him a Grammy, give his scrawny ass an inhaler.
So recently I learned that Weezing..I mean Weezy has a verse on a song where he makes a vulgar reference to Till's death.
You can read about the article by George E. Curry here.
Sometimes I wish everyone could have the opportunity to be raised by much older family members.
I think if they heard the story told at the knee of someone who really truly didn't want them to die, they would understand.
I can't knock any artist's hustle.
Keeping your name in the news is what it's all about.
When people stop talking about you, you're done and the only thing left to do is either get cast on Celebrity Rehab or Dancing With the Stars Season 55.
I understand that times have changed a great deal.
But after the murder of Trayvon Martin and countless others , I still fear for my children's safety in a violent and ever changing world just like my grandmother.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
My Teen years, the 1980's.
So I was driving this afternoon and Planet Rock was playing on my favorite station.
My memory of that song goes like this....
I was a 16 year old hormone driven acne scarred teenager.
When my closest crew of friends decided that we were going to Club 401 on a Saturday night.
We had no idea what city or town The 401 Club was in..we just knew we had to go.
About 10 of us in an orange Chevy Chevette.
So all day long we planned and plotted and sneaked and got our cover stories together so that we could go to this club that everyone was talking about.
All day long the old heads would say.."You young boys need to be at The 401 (unintelligible word) is DJ'in there tonight..it's gonna be great".
This unintelligible word sounded like "YIPPER MAZE"...and people kept saying it to us all day long.
We'd run into people from our high school at the mall who were aware of our upcoming adventure and the first thing they'd say is "Oh man..and YIPPER MAZE is dj'in there too..that's gonna be so much fun".
Finally, I got the nerve up to ask somebody "what in the hell are you saying?" or.." Can you say that name again"? I got the craziest looks. One guy said.."man I know you wear glasses but I didn't think you were deaf too".
So at the risk of really blowing it..I decide I'd just nod my head in agreement every time someone said "YIPPER MAZE"...
The ride to the club took forever.
We were young..and lost..and determined to find the 401 club.
This was long before cell phones..and GPS devices.
We rode..and rode..and rode some more.
Finally..we saw it..it was...cars lining both sides of a rural highway..we turned and followed and wound up driving down a long dirt road..also lined with cars..and muddy..which brought us to a large field filled with cars.
We got out and followed the crowd of thousands to a tiny tiny house...with a porch..we had arrived.
People greeted us like we were long lost family..we had arrived...It was The 401 Club..." and you're so lucky ..YIPPBER MAZE"...I just started cutting people off...yeah yeah yeah...I know..."YIPPER MAZE"...
We made it inside..how they got that many people into that small a place is beyond me.
There was a bar..and they had igloo coolers full of 40 oz's cans and bottles of Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull for a dollar.
I finally conned some female into dancing with my awkward teenage butt..and what did the DJ play...you guessed it..Planet Rock by Afrika Bambatta and the Soul Sonic Force.
Man I put on a show on that dance floor...I was dancing to the beat...and even to these strange sounds..that were just a lil off the beat...
The girl I was dancing with yelled in my ear..something I couldn't understand...I replied back "Yeah baby I know..YIPPER MAZE is on fire tonight"...and she yelled in my ear again..Louder this time....
"NO I SAID DEY Shooot-innnnn we gotta get outta hea'!!!"
She led me out of that club while we ducked and dodged gun shots and punches and chairs being thrown.
That girl saved my life that night.
After the stamped to the parking lot..or parking farm..field...I got to talk to her again and she said...
" I'm never coming back here..even if GILBERT BAEZ is DJ'in"
He is a well known radio and tv personality and a well respected Army veteran who contributes alot of time to causes in Fayetteville N.C.
So there we were..the only two people in the county that spoke English that night.
Wherever that lady is..I hope she's doing great.
Lesson learned that night..avoid night clubs named after highways!
My memory of that song goes like this....
I was a 16 year old hormone driven acne scarred teenager.
When my closest crew of friends decided that we were going to Club 401 on a Saturday night.
We had no idea what city or town The 401 Club was in..we just knew we had to go.
About 10 of us in an orange Chevy Chevette.
So all day long we planned and plotted and sneaked and got our cover stories together so that we could go to this club that everyone was talking about.
All day long the old heads would say.."You young boys need to be at The 401 (unintelligible word) is DJ'in there tonight..it's gonna be great".
This unintelligible word sounded like "YIPPER MAZE"...and people kept saying it to us all day long.
We'd run into people from our high school at the mall who were aware of our upcoming adventure and the first thing they'd say is "Oh man..and YIPPER MAZE is dj'in there too..that's gonna be so much fun".
Finally, I got the nerve up to ask somebody "what in the hell are you saying?" or.." Can you say that name again"? I got the craziest looks. One guy said.."man I know you wear glasses but I didn't think you were deaf too".
So at the risk of really blowing it..I decide I'd just nod my head in agreement every time someone said "YIPPER MAZE"...
The ride to the club took forever.
We were young..and lost..and determined to find the 401 club.
This was long before cell phones..and GPS devices.
We rode..and rode..and rode some more.
Finally..we saw it..it was...cars lining both sides of a rural highway..we turned and followed and wound up driving down a long dirt road..also lined with cars..and muddy..which brought us to a large field filled with cars.
We got out and followed the crowd of thousands to a tiny tiny house...with a porch..we had arrived.
People greeted us like we were long lost family..we had arrived...It was The 401 Club..." and you're so lucky ..YIPPBER MAZE"...I just started cutting people off...yeah yeah yeah...I know..."YIPPER MAZE"...
We made it inside..how they got that many people into that small a place is beyond me.
There was a bar..and they had igloo coolers full of 40 oz's cans and bottles of Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull for a dollar.
I finally conned some female into dancing with my awkward teenage butt..and what did the DJ play...you guessed it..Planet Rock by Afrika Bambatta and the Soul Sonic Force.
Man I put on a show on that dance floor...I was dancing to the beat...and even to these strange sounds..that were just a lil off the beat...
The girl I was dancing with yelled in my ear..something I couldn't understand...I replied back "Yeah baby I know..YIPPER MAZE is on fire tonight"...and she yelled in my ear again..Louder this time....
"NO I SAID DEY Shooot-innnnn we gotta get outta hea'!!!"
She led me out of that club while we ducked and dodged gun shots and punches and chairs being thrown.
That girl saved my life that night.
After the stamped to the parking lot..or parking farm..field...I got to talk to her again and she said...
" I'm never coming back here..even if GILBERT BAEZ is DJ'in"
He is a well known radio and tv personality and a well respected Army veteran who contributes alot of time to causes in Fayetteville N.C.
So there we were..the only two people in the county that spoke English that night.
Wherever that lady is..I hope she's doing great.
Lesson learned that night..avoid night clubs named after highways!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Musical guilty pleasure..don't judge me
My musical guilty pleasure this week is Dr. Hook.
Don't judge me, they had a lot of really good songs.
I always liked the lead singer's voice.
As a kid growing up listening to AM radio and seeing bands on The Midnight Special, I always
thought the guy with the eye patch was the lead singer.
So here's a YouTube playlist with their greatest hits and some cool live performances..check out
The live version to Cover of The Rolling Stone. It's a cry for a twelve step program.
Don't judge me, they had a lot of really good songs.
I always liked the lead singer's voice.
As a kid growing up listening to AM radio and seeing bands on The Midnight Special, I always
thought the guy with the eye patch was the lead singer.
So here's a YouTube playlist with their greatest hits and some cool live performances..check out
The live version to Cover of The Rolling Stone. It's a cry for a twelve step program.
Teena Marie album review--Beautiful
The title of Teena Marie's last album is Beautiful.
It couldn't be more fitting.
The recording was completed just before her unexpected passing in December of 2010.
The album shows the versatility and creativity that fans of Lady T will always remember,
She even talks about her style and her use of metaphors on the song "Luv Letter"
I'm a love letter baby/might just make you cry/read em and weep.
The thumping bass line and catchy hook are ready for radio.
Likewise, "Sweet Tooth" projects a dynamic bass line with upbeat and catchy lyrics.
It's not a song with a simple melody as you'll notice by the chord changes and bridge before the rap break.
In my opinion this album is one of Teena's finest.
You'll find subtle references to Motown hits and a full fledged tribute to Smokey Robinson.
This is NOT a remake of the 80's hit "When Smokey Sings".
There is a cover version of Curtis Mayfield's "Give Me Your Love."
Teena's daughter Aliah Rose is featured on some of the songs and has a beautiful voice.
You'll also find Rick James' daughter Ty performing on this project.
This is a great record for longtime Teena Marie fans and people just introduced to her work.
Rolling Stone magazine has a great ARTICLE on the album where you can listen to songs and read an interview with her daughter Aliah Rose who went to work soon after her mother's passing to make sure this project was completed.
I produced a tribute radio program with interviews that you can find in a You Tube playlist here.
My advice..go get BEAUTIFUL.
It couldn't be more fitting.
The recording was completed just before her unexpected passing in December of 2010.
The album shows the versatility and creativity that fans of Lady T will always remember,
She even talks about her style and her use of metaphors on the song "Luv Letter"
I'm a love letter baby/might just make you cry/read em and weep.
The thumping bass line and catchy hook are ready for radio.
Likewise, "Sweet Tooth" projects a dynamic bass line with upbeat and catchy lyrics.
It's not a song with a simple melody as you'll notice by the chord changes and bridge before the rap break.
In my opinion this album is one of Teena's finest.
You'll find subtle references to Motown hits and a full fledged tribute to Smokey Robinson.
This is NOT a remake of the 80's hit "When Smokey Sings".
There is a cover version of Curtis Mayfield's "Give Me Your Love."
Teena's daughter Aliah Rose is featured on some of the songs and has a beautiful voice.
You'll also find Rick James' daughter Ty performing on this project.
This is a great record for longtime Teena Marie fans and people just introduced to her work.
Rolling Stone magazine has a great ARTICLE on the album where you can listen to songs and read an interview with her daughter Aliah Rose who went to work soon after her mother's passing to make sure this project was completed.
I produced a tribute radio program with interviews that you can find in a You Tube playlist here.
My advice..go get BEAUTIFUL.
It's a good idea to GOOGLE yourself
To people who don't use the web very much, I guess the title of this post may sound dirty.
But GOOGLE is not a dirty word.
I speak of the wonderful search engine that is also parent to Gmail and YouTube.
It's a good idea to control your online image as well as your physical, especially in a very competitive job market.
So, here's the funny.
I share a name with a LEGENDARY British football..I CALL IT SOCCER.. ESPN broadcaster.
He's been in the business for more than 30 years.
I always thought the random Africans that wanted to friend me on facebook were just part of the ol' Nigerian email scam.
you know the ones...
"So far I have to distribute money to charity organizations now that my health has deteriorated so badly,I cannot do this myself anymore that is why am soliciting your assistant to make this donation through you. The last of my late fathers money that am willing to donate to the less privileged right now is the huge sum of $10.6M USD that is concealed in a consignment and deposited in (OVERSEA CREDIT COMMISSION ABROAD) for safekeeping which he intends to invest on profitable factory."
It's actually not what I thought. I GOOGLED myself and there he was.
Jon Champion. Well..my picture comes up..and my latest blog posts...along with his Wikipedia page and bio information.
It's all right, I'm not complaining. It could be worse..he could be Jon Champion the peeping tom.
I am a little concerned because he called some player a cheat..and was reprimanded.
I just don't want some over zealous soccer fan to throw a big bag of piss at me or try to fight me because he thinks I'm THAT JON CHAMPION.
In the meantime, I think I'll practice saying GOAAAAAAAL.
But GOOGLE is not a dirty word.
I speak of the wonderful search engine that is also parent to Gmail and YouTube.
It's a good idea to control your online image as well as your physical, especially in a very competitive job market.
So, here's the funny.
I share a name with a LEGENDARY British football..I CALL IT SOCCER.. ESPN broadcaster.
He's been in the business for more than 30 years.
I always thought the random Africans that wanted to friend me on facebook were just part of the ol' Nigerian email scam.
you know the ones...
"So far I have to distribute money to charity organizations now that my health has deteriorated so badly,I cannot do this myself anymore that is why am soliciting your assistant to make this donation through you. The last of my late fathers money that am willing to donate to the less privileged right now is the huge sum of $10.6M USD that is concealed in a consignment and deposited in (OVERSEA CREDIT COMMISSION ABROAD) for safekeeping which he intends to invest on profitable factory."
It's actually not what I thought. I GOOGLED myself and there he was.
Jon Champion. Well..my picture comes up..and my latest blog posts...along with his Wikipedia page and bio information.
It's all right, I'm not complaining. It could be worse..he could be Jon Champion the peeping tom.
I am a little concerned because he called some player a cheat..and was reprimanded.
I just don't want some over zealous soccer fan to throw a big bag of piss at me or try to fight me because he thinks I'm THAT JON CHAMPION.
In the meantime, I think I'll practice saying GOAAAAAAAL.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Upcoming gigs and..growth.
Stepping outside of my normal routine and dong two clean comedy shows in February.
ON THE SAME DAY.,,
AND THEY ARE BOTH FOR CHURCHES...
(Insert laugh track here)
But seriously folks, I am happy..overjoyed..over the moon to host First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Raleigh's Annual Valentine's Day Program.
the "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" program is February 16th at 10am.
You can count on music PROVIDED BY A GREAT DJ, comedy, a little dancing and a free breakfast prepared by some of the best folks in Raleigh.
No admission charge for that one.
Later that night...I'll be performing at the 1st Annual Laughing for Your Love Life Comedy Show.
Sponsored by Doer of the Word Church.
That's 8pm at the Forest Hills Park Clubhouse in Durham.
The show is hosted by Malcom Aaron and headlined by Comedian Jay Derrell,
Tickets are $10 and you can get them by visiting here or calling Tonya Daye at 919-597-8409.
I'm looking forward to talking about love and relationships and how wives are always right.
It's a growth thing for me.
Realizing I can't get on Letterman with my dirty mouth..so I'm cleaning up my act..literally.
So, if you've been afraid to come see me entertain for fear that the devil would jump out of one of my jokes and take you straight to hell..you're safe this time!
Glad to be called upon to share my talent and I want you to come out and laugh with me.
.jpg)
ON THE SAME DAY.,,
AND THEY ARE BOTH FOR CHURCHES...
(Insert laugh track here)
But seriously folks, I am happy..overjoyed..over the moon to host First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Raleigh's Annual Valentine's Day Program.
the "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" program is February 16th at 10am.
You can count on music PROVIDED BY A GREAT DJ, comedy, a little dancing and a free breakfast prepared by some of the best folks in Raleigh.
No admission charge for that one.
Later that night...I'll be performing at the 1st Annual Laughing for Your Love Life Comedy Show.
Sponsored by Doer of the Word Church.
That's 8pm at the Forest Hills Park Clubhouse in Durham.
The show is hosted by Malcom Aaron and headlined by Comedian Jay Derrell,
Tickets are $10 and you can get them by visiting here or calling Tonya Daye at 919-597-8409.
I'm looking forward to talking about love and relationships and how wives are always right.
It's a growth thing for me.
Realizing I can't get on Letterman with my dirty mouth..so I'm cleaning up my act..literally.
So, if you've been afraid to come see me entertain for fear that the devil would jump out of one of my jokes and take you straight to hell..you're safe this time!
Glad to be called upon to share my talent and I want you to come out and laugh with me.
.jpg)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
John Lee Hooker-Boogie Chillun
UPDATED VIDEO PLAYLIST.
Being around comedians is like having a front row seat to Smokey Robinon's ''The Tears of a Clown".
It makes some wonder how people with so much pain and so many inner demons can easily share their pain night after night on stage.
All for the entertainment of others.
I compare it to the lives and stories of blues singers.
I've always loved the talking blues style of John Lee Hooker.
I can imagine the characters and the places he describes in songs like "BOOGIE CHILLUN'' and "BOOM BOOM".
It's all about sharing life experiences and making it easy for people to relate to.
Just like comedy!
If you are not hip to the music of one of the true founding fathers of rock music...cause we all know the blues had a baby and they named it rock and roll,
get hip by checking out this site...
http://www.johnleehooker.com/home.htm
and this playlist... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veam26T9WR4&list=PL42537C5D095231AA
Being around comedians is like having a front row seat to Smokey Robinon's ''The Tears of a Clown".
It makes some wonder how people with so much pain and so many inner demons can easily share their pain night after night on stage.
All for the entertainment of others.
I compare it to the lives and stories of blues singers.
I've always loved the talking blues style of John Lee Hooker.
I can imagine the characters and the places he describes in songs like "BOOGIE CHILLUN'' and "BOOM BOOM".
It's all about sharing life experiences and making it easy for people to relate to.
Just like comedy!
If you are not hip to the music of one of the true founding fathers of rock music...cause we all know the blues had a baby and they named it rock and roll,
get hip by checking out this site...
http://www.johnleehooker.com/home.htm
and this playlist... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veam26T9WR4&list=PL42537C5D095231AA
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Album review : Donald Fagen--Sunken Condos
I've always appreciated the music of Steely Dan.
Some people call it thinking man's rock and roll.
I felt validated as a teen when De La Soul sampled "PEG"
for their song "EYE KNOW"and then years after that
when Bronx hip-hop duo Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz sampled
"Black Cow" for their song "Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)."
It' clear that Donald Fagen and Walter Becker have so much soul.
Fagen's new solo project "Sunken Condos" is awesome.
I love the storytelling and the characters that Fagen
creates.
Of course it's got a tune about a much older man and his attraction for a younger woman.
The musicians and back ground singers that play on
Steely Dan projects and the solo albums are truly a who's who of pop jazz and
soul music, artists like Cindy Mizelle and Freddie Washington who have appeared on recordings and on stage with Michael Jackson, Elton John, Patrice Rushen The Crusaders Luther Vandross and Bruce Springsteen just to name a few.
Here's my track by track breakdown
1.Slinky Thing----Awesome song about that love age difference thing. The breakdown and the bridge are incredible.
2. I'm Not The Same Without You--- Don't let the title fool you. Another great thing is the double meaning and intricate lyrics. The horns and even the harmonica solo totally bring this song to life.
3.Memorabilia- Fagen takes a funky tour of artifacts possibly from the arms race. It's so catchy you'll find something new about it every time you listen again.
4.Weather In My Head--First track I heard from the set. I saw this performed live on Letterman. See that video here
Beautiful bluesy rock jazz funk take on relationships.
The way Fagen puts a stormy romance up against bad weather
will capture you and reel you in. A perfect storm for sure.
"Girl when you hurt me/when you told those lies/it's
like a typhoon exploded behind my eyes/they may fix the weather in the
world/just like Mr. Gore said/but tell me what's to be done about the weather
in my head."
5.The New Breed---A fantastic arrangement over super sarcastic lyrics. Tale of woe about the new young IT guy.
6.Out Of The Ghetto- YES. A remake of the Issac Hayes song. READY Freddie Washington on bass and Fagen on the Wurlitzer organ. MAGIC. When Fagen wails "Ghetto mama stay the same" you'll know it's real.
7.Miss Marlene--Another great story with characters you feel like you know after three minutes.
Beautiful arrangement and Cindy Mizelle makes the background
harmonies so clear smooth and beautiful.
Jon Herington's guitar solo is smoking hot.
8.Good Stuff---A fun and oh so hip gangster tale. The piano plays a great melody while Fagen paints another beautiful picture. There are so many cool instruments on this song from melodica..vibraphone..all manner of keyboards. A treat for the ears. FUGGETABOUT IT.
9.Planet D'Rhonda-- This may be my favorite song on this album..."She's from a small town somewhere upstate/I guess she's somewhere between nineteen and thirty eight". Kurt Rosenwinkel's guitar solo is mind blowing. I was checking the credits to see if it was George Benson. Yes the song is that good.
All in all this is one of the best album's I've heard in recent years
If this is what getting older is all about please sign me up.
Below, you can check out the video's to the songs I talked about at the beginning of this review.
Below, you can check out the video's to the songs I talked about at the beginning of this review.
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