CONCERT REVIEW

25^th ANNUAL ROOTS OF AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL- NEW ORLEANS TRIBUTE

LINCOLN CENTER OUT OF DOORS FEST NYC

IRMA THOMAS & MANY MORE

AUGUST 23, 2008

It borders on the remarkable that an event of this magnitude can be free.

But it’s just that.

And what a show it was.

Opening with a battle of the brass bands, the all-woman Pinettes Brass Band and the all male Hot 8 Brass Band marched throughout the park making a joyful noise. Not as polished as some of the veteran acts to follow, it nonetheless was a happy way to start what would be- for the most part- a wonderful day

Betty Harris of Cry to Me and Nearer to You fame is being billed as a “lost” New Orleans R&B queen as she had dropped out of sight for the longest time. Well, I’m certainly glad they found her as she was in fine voice. Unfortunately, she got the short end of the stick for sure, as she did all of four songs before getting the hook. The woman deserves better.

Harris was followed by one of the greatest live acts on the planet in gospel act The Campbell Brothers’ Sacred Funk. Backed by sousaphone great Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Horns, The Campbells had the thousands on their feet with their sacred steel. But again, the set was a bit too short and kind of felt like a tease as when I saw them stretch out at BB Kings’ Supper Club last year I saw firsthand the full effect of their musical virtuosity.

Singer John Boutte was someone I had thus far been unaware of, so was I ever startled when Sam Cooke’s voice came out of this dynamo. They sound so similar it’s almost eerie.  And what a wonderful, charismatic performer the man is.  His songwriting is also both sharp, heartfelt and witty in an Oscar Brown Jr. kind of way. I’m told in New Orleans he’s revered and I was so impressed by his soulful singing that I will be seeking out his CDs.

Finally, headliner Irma Thomas at age 67 hasn’t lost a note. What a beautiful voice, great band, and royal stage presence this woman possesses.  Why she never attained the mainstream success of so many of her peers is probably due to the business end of things, because talent wise she’s got it and always has. Playing a generous hour and a half, she got a standing ovation and deservedly so. She’s just marvelous and you should make every effort you can to see her when she leaves her home turf of New Orleans.

Although the pacing of the event was odd with some bands getting time to deliver their full shows and others cut off at the knees, I can’t complain about a 6 hour show featuring all this greatness on one stage.
Bravo to all concerned for this one.

CONCERT REVIEW

STILL BLACK, STILL PROUD: AN AFRICAN TRIBUTE TO JAMES BROWN

FRED WESLEY, PEE WEE ELLIS & MANY MORE

w/SPAM ALL STARS

LINCOLN CENTER OUT OF DOORS FEST 8/22/08 NYC

This one was special.
Very.

Take James Brown vets Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, vocalist Martha High, and mix them with world class African musicians Cheikh Lo and Vieux Farka Toure and what do you have?
A serious jam that not only got thousands on their feet, but showed just how far reaching is the music of the godfather of soul.

And what an interesting show it was.

Hearing the colorful Cheikh Lo in a thick accent doing This Is A Man’s World, was an almost indescribable experience. Sitting third row center, I watched Pee Wee and Fred look at him in both amazement and amusement as he put his own unique stamp on the tune. And watching the joy on the face of Toure as he sang Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud in French was just wonderful.

I should mention that Lo played multiple instruments and Toure is a tremendous guitarist. I look forward to catching their bands down the road.

Although sitting on stools for much of the show and looking quite their age (with both extremely heavy), Pee Wee and Fred nonetheless haven’t lost a note. It was a joy to hear them once again doing many old Brown tunes and even sneaking in some P-Funk.

I’ve seen several James Brown tributes since he died and they’re always great, but you also feel there’s sort of a hole on stage with his absence. But THIS was a unique concept and presentation and truly triumphant.
Openers the Spam All Stars mix electronics, turntables, and masterful musicians for a unique mix leaning on the Latin rhythm side of things. Thoroughly enjoyable- they should, however, study guys like Fred and Pee Wee to develop more showmanship.

File this concert under memorable and magical.

Evan Ginzburg’s 1 sentence concert reviews!

Hilary Cole/Billy Stritch (Birdland Jazz Club 8/15 NYC)

Jazz meets cabaret as wonderful vocalist and great pianist join forces for a lovely set in a lovely setting.

Neil Diamond (Madison Square Garden 8/16 NYC)

A master showman with moving lyrics and still powerful vocals backed by an ultra-tight band of 32 years- a sure-fire combination for his ever-adoring audience.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings/Mehanham Street Band/Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens

 (Central Park Summerstage 8/17 NYC)

A tireless 4'11 52 year old bundle of energy, talent, and showmanship with an ever-tighter band making for a great, great concert; instrumentalists Menahan Street Band were tight  (particularly for their first live gig) but lacked showmanship, and Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens won over the crowd with some old school gospel.

CONCERT REVIEW- HAL WILLNER’S BILL WITHERS PROJECT

PROSPECT PARK BROOKLYN

AUGUST 9, 2008

Noted producer Hal Willner’s Bill Withers tribute concert was loud, long, and some of the performances just plain didn’t work.

It was also at times simply magnificent.

The event featured not only Bill’s hits, but far more obscure album cuts.  Particularly interesting was the fact that so many of the renditions sounded nothing like the originals, with artists allowed to stretch out and paint their stamp on Bill’s genius.

On the negative side, the great Howard Tate muddled through a tune he clearly wasn’t familiar with. How did I come to this conclusion? Well, he was reading the lyrics off several pieces of paper. Come on, now- does this even border on professional in a major event in front of 5,000 plus fans? I’m also a big James “Blood” Ulmer fan, but the sound wasn’t quite right during his first number and just wasn’t doing him any favors. The wonderful Sandra St. Victor sang like her life depended on it, but was drowned out on much of her first number, although she tore the place up and was one of the evening’s highlights on her second. And as much as I love The Swell Season, whose movie Once is just a beautiful, beautiful indie film, their quite sweet performance just couldn’t touch many of the other vocalists this evening.

But then there was greatness and plenty of it.
Corey Glover of Living Colour was the show-stopper, just oozing charisma and talent out of every pour. The ageless Nona Hendryx’ version of Lovely Day was a great opener. The still marvelous Persuasions rocked the place with Grandma’s Hands. I had never seen vocalist Eric Mingus, but what a showman he is plus he has a magnificent, booming voice.  Angelique Kidjo was excellent as always with her powerful vocals and charisma.  Jim James of the hot rock band My Morning Jacket did an excellent version of Aint No Sunshine.  Simply put, over the course of the 3 hour or so show there was just a wealth of notable performances.

And then there was Bill himself.

It’s always a shock when you haven’t seen a performer in a long, long time. Out came a 70 year old, white haired Bill, to open the second set. As the great guitarist Cornell Dupree did a beautiful version of Grandma’s Hands, it appeared that Bill’s accompanying him was spontaneous. The massive crowd rose in a deserved standing ovation, and I could feel the goosebumps that weren’t there much of the first set. What a thrill to see this reclusive performer who hasn’t released an album in almost a quarter century! And, clearly moved by it all, towards the end of the show he was back on stage shaking hands and hugging each and every performer as The Persuasions, his daughter, and a host of other singers did a long, powerful rendition of Lean On Me. With the audience begging for an encore, his lovely and talented daughter sang Just the Two of Us. It was both dramatic and quite touching watching a beaming Withers conduct a great crew of musicians including Music Director Steven Bernstein, Lenny Pickett, a full string section, and the fine band Harriet Tubman featuring Melvin Gibbs, J.T. Lewis and Brandon Ross.

The evening may have had its ups and downs, but to see someone of Bill Withers’ stature “get his due” in an event of this magnitude, and to see so many marvelous world class performers on one stage, made this an unforgettable evening. That Bill himself was there and graced us by performing made it that much more of a thrill. I may have done a few things differently if I had organized the show, but all in all this was a musical memory to treasure and I look forward to seeing the documentary on Withers that this concert will be a major part of.

CONCERT REVIEW- RICHIE HAVENS

BAM R&B FEST- METRO TECH BROOKLYN

THURSDAY AUG. 7, 2008

For a man who is generally labeled a “folkie” and not a soul singer, Richie Havens sure has a lot of soul.

He’s one of those rare performers who is a “sure thing.” I’ve never once seen him put on a bad show.

Singing insightful, passionate songs about the human condition, he’s a wonderful guitar player, songwriter, and a great vocalist.

And Freedom is one of the all-time great live concert performances.

Now I probably could have lived without one or two of the many “new ageisms” Richie threw at us between songs.  For me it got in the way of the flow of the show. For example, I learned we are “all connected.” And even though we may never see most of our fellow concert-goers again, we were all “one family” during the event.

But what was ironic is that the guy’s absolutely right. Sitting there with a student from China, Soul-Patrollers Sally from California and fellow New Yorker Selah (both of whom I was meeting for the first time) as well as other friends, this beautiful music had brought us all together.  And who knows if the stars will ever align where we’d all share such a nice experience together again?

If you’ve never seen Richie Havens live you should. You’re going to hear some heartfelt, well performed music.

And you may even learn a thing or two.

CONCERT REVIEW- LIZA MINELLI/CHRISTOPHER CROSS

ASHER LEVY PARK  BROOKLYN

AUGUST 7, 2008

Part of Liza Minelli’s “magic” is that she is so vulnerable.

And it’s not just show business “shtick.” She truly is.

Stating she was “jet lagged,” “weak,” and “needed a chair,” one wondered if she would get through the show. Coughing repeatedly in the middle of several numbers, she clearly was not well.

But remarkably, in that Judy Garlandish “Show must go on” manner, she still managed to tear the house down.

Even if she spent most of the night in her chair.

Backed by an impeccable orchestra and noted pianist Billy Stritch, Liza remains one of the great forces in modern music; she’s a throwback to a seemingly lost era. The woman knows how to “tell a story” with a song. And although she barely dances anymore, she is a showman supreme whose every gesture is passionate and means something.

Sitting next to a young singer in a park packed with thousands of people, my companion studied her- as should all performers. What she does is almost a lost art. She is simply put- even on an “off night”- a force of nature. Patti Labelle and very few others can touch her in pure emotion, glamour, and showmanship.

Opener Christopher Cross was the exact polar opposite. Looking and dressing like the guy next door cleaning out his garage; he never once got off his stool and exhibited zero charisma. Having been weaned on Al Green, James Brown, P-Funk and other master showmen, I almost wanted to tell the guy to get off his butt and perform. Surprisingly, his music is quite jazzy in person and actually very soothing.  He has a fine voice, is a serious songwriter, and his band can play. A song about a friend who died young in a car accident was very touching and memorable.

But a showman this guy isn’t.

All in all, though, it was a memorable evening. Liza survived, she triumphed, and fans left knowing they’d seen greatness.

And you can’t say that every day.

CONCERT REVIEW

HEZIKIAH WALKER/KURT KARR/DAVE HOLLISTER & MORE

CENTRAL PARK’S SUMMERSTAGE NYC

JULY 19, 2008

Imagine a field filled with thousands of people.

They’re hugging. Kissing. Telling friends, family and even strangers how much they need and love them. Some are so emotional that they’re openly crying.

Haight Ashbury 1967? A hippie love-in?

No, it’s Hezikiah Walker and his massive Love Fellowship Choir at Central Park’s Summerstage doing the profoundly beautifully I Need You To Survive.

To say that being part of this was a moving experience would be an understatement.

Mixing modern and old school gospel along with R&B and hip-hop elements, Hezikiah has the perfect formula to reach people of all ages. And reach them he does with his powerful outfit of some 50 or so folk on stage.

Kurt Karr’s no slouch either.  Braving the 95 degree heat, he went with a chordless mike right into the crowd, working the entire length of the park. A tremendous showman and preacher, he got the place rocking right quick. Just thoroughly enjoyable.

However, the rest of the show was nowhere on this level.

Now here’s how it works. Yours truly took multiple buses and trains and coped with scorching heat to see a show. I also made a voluntary donation upon entering the park. So as a fan I certainly fulfilled my end of the bargain.
So what do you expect in return? Well, maybe, just maybe, the acts should bring an actual band.
That’s right. It was the old “singing to tracks” deal. While Dave Hollister (formerly of Blackstreet) at least gave it a try when an organist joined him mid set, the two opening acts just didn’t do it for me. I just can’t connect when there are no live instruments. And during one set I looked around me and a group was chatting, another woman sleeping, and someone else doing a puzzle. So I guess it “wasn’t just me.” When you pull out a book to read mid-set as I did, it’s probably not a good sign. Frankly, I’d have rather seen Hezikiah and Karr do longer sets then waste time with 3 of 5 acts singing to tracks.

I should also add that there were some real positive messages offered throughout the day whether you’re religious or not. Dave Hollister openly talked about doing tons of drugs and being shot and stabbed multiple times before turning his life around. And Hezikiah Walker wondered why the media wasn’t at a tremendously positive event like this and instead always turns up in his community when something bad happens. Point well taken.

All in all, this was not only a memorable day, but because of “Hez” and Karr, a great day in the park.

CONCERT REVIEW- PHOEBE SNOW

METRO TECH CENTER BAM RHYTHM & BLUES FEST
BROOKLYN, NY

THURSDAY JULY 17, 2008 12 NOON

If Phoebe Snow had Beyonce’s looks and body she’d no doubt have a fortune sitting in the bank.
One of the greatest voices to ever grace a recording, she blows away most anyone in music today and this show proved she hasn’t lost a note. Her voice, simply put, is an instrument virtually limitless in its power.

She made covers of All in the Game , Jackie Wilson’s Work Out, and even Janis Joplin tunes her own. And her compositions remain sensitive, introspective, and poignant.

Even more powerful was Ms. Snow trying to cope with facing her birthday without her daughter who passed away earlier this year. Struggling to sing a song about her, it was one of the most touching moments I can remember at a live event. What had been a mere concert transformed into something more- a “love fest” as Phoebe herself put it.

The audience- deeply moved by what they were witnessing- spontaneously burst into a rendition of the traditional Happy Birthday followed by Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday, while Phoebe stood on stage shaking her head at what she was witnessing. It was truly beautiful. Adding to the great vibe, an African woman in traditional garb walked up to her and graciously gave her a beautiful ring while another man passed along flowers.

Mentioning the heat repeatedly, it was clear Phoebe was feeling it. And she did maybe a dozen numbers total. So I’ve seen longer, even better concerts in my life.

But I sure don’t remember too many that felt this good.

Bravo Phoebe. And happy birthday.

-Evan Ginzburg  www.evanginzburg.com

GEORGE CLINTON AND PARLIAMENT-FUNKADELIC

CAPITOL ONE THEATER AT WESTBURY

WESTBURY, NY

THURSDAY JULY 17, 2008

I tell people all the time that some of the best nights of my life have been seeing P-Funk.
This was no different.

Looking older, frailer, even somewhat shorter, George took his sweet time before coming out to a 2/3 empty house. This didn’t have the makings of a great evening yet it somehow was. And George has a charisma that is beyond description; when he finally walked on stage, virtually every person in the building rose in love and respect for the man.

With literally 20 members of the entourage jamming, they tore the place up for two and a half furious hours with the world’s funkiest grandpa singing, conducting, dancing, smirking, and even smoking weed.

Interestingly enough the audience was about 80% young and white with many clearly “Deadheads” doing that herky-jerky “Grateful Dead Dance.” Being an old school P-Funk fan it was odd witnessing this, but they loved every minute of the gig and have obviously adopted a new hero.

My only criticism is that faced with a strictly enforced 11PM venue curfew, the band probably should have come out on time.  Yet I somehow doubt at this stage of the game George and crew follow the same rules or clock that us normal folk do. So I missed hearing One Nation Under a Groove and a few other classics. As an announcer demanded the fans clear the venue, George stood on a now darkened stage without a mike, conducting the remaining fans to chant "Shit...goddamn...get off your ass and jam."
Yes, he's still crazy after all these years.

All I can say is there’s one constant in this galaxy. Somewhere George Clinton is out on that endless road, wearing something that no other 67 year old would dare to, and playing that wild, wonderful music.

There’s something just reassuring about the whole thing.

Live long George. We love you.

-Evan Ginzburg www.evanginzburg.com

CONCERT REVIEW
SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80/AFRIKA BAMBAATAA/LOVE TRIO & U-ROY
CENTRAL PARK’S SUMMERSTAGE NYC 7/6/08

In 1986 at Madison Square Garden’s sold out Felt Forum, I saw what may have been the greatest concert of my life in Fela Kuti, with his incomparable band Egypt 80. With an army of musicians and dancers/wives on stage, the building shook for 3 ½ glorious, unforgettable hours.

So when I heard that his son Seun Kuti would appear with Egypt 80, I knew I just had to be at Summerstage. But could it compare to his late, great, truly legendary dad?

Shockingly, in many respects it did.

First off, the resemblance between Seun and Fela is almost eerie. And he has that same almost cocky, charismatic swagger.

And then there’s that band.

With 15 musicians, singers and dancers on stage it most definitely is a joyful noise. And a driving one at that.

Musically, Seun’s politically astute songs are very much in the spirit of Fela’s. Thousands danced and chanted along in the hot July sun, and to say that nobody wanted the magic to end would be an understatement.

And thus my sole criticism- the set clocked in at a mere 90 or so minutes. Fela would have just been hitting his stride at that point.

Which begs the question why opening act- electronica’s Love Trio- were allowed to noodle around on stage for a good 45 minutes with virtually no audience interaction before being joined by the late (as in tardy- not dead!) toaster U-Roy. Frankly, they didn’t quite gel anyway, and we were now an hour plus into the gig. A 40 minute break between sets didn’t help the show’s flow either.

The second act, though, tore the place up as the great Afrika Bambaataa proved to be everything rap should be. His crew rapped to various classics like Kurtis Blow’s The Breaks and Chic’s Good Times and were upbeat and positive, emphasizing “Love, peace, unity and having fun.” Plus President Bush haters would have just loved ‘em with their scathing attacks.

All in all, I may not treasure this show 20 years from now like I do Fela’s, but it was most certainly a musically memorable day in the Big Apple.

Evan Ginzburg

www.evanginzburg.com

CONCERT REVIEW
OLETA ADAMS

BAM R&B FESTIVAL METRO TECH BROOKLYN

JULY 3, 2008

Oleta Adams has everything a performer could dream of.
With beauty, class, warmth and sheer talent, the 46 year old singer is a pleasure to see live.

Belting out her own hits like Get Here and fine covers of classics like Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me, Adams overcame occasional sound problems to put on a crowd-pleasing 90 minute show.

Although I could have lived without her performing New York State of Mind which has been done to death, and one or two other numbers left me uninspired, the bulk of the show better utilized her powerful vocals, sensitive lyrics and fine band.

Adams sat at the keyboards the first half of the set, eventually getting up for the uptempo numbers which helped the show build to a strong finish. Although I would have liked to have seen her totally let loose ala a Patti Labelle, I would be hard pressed to find a soul who walked out of the show disappointed.

I give this one an 8 as in near great.

SOME MUSICAL NOTES & THOUGHTS 7/1/08

By Evan Ginzburg

This is going to be some musical stream of consciousness, so enjoy the ride.

New York is a musical smorgasboard. Over the past week or two I’ve not only been involved in but caught a bunch of events that I’ve been too busy to fully write up, but here are a few thoughts.

Orchesta Baobab from Senegal is one of the greatest bands anywhere. Incredibly influential in many musical genres and throughout the world, don’t miss them the next time they’re around. Their live shows are simply joyous.

Fela’s son Sean plays with his late, legendary Dad’s band, Egypt 80, this Sunday at Central Park’s Summerstage. Afrika Bambatta also on the show. The Fela show I saw at Madison Square Garden’s Felt Forum mid-1980s may have been the greatest concert I ever went to. Sean’s getting rave reviews, too. Looking forward to it.

Sounds of Tibet is also a great world music band with gorgeous vocals and simple yet beautiful instrumentals. They’re playing around New York .

Had Portuguese singer Ramana Vieria on my radio show. Lovely music.

Speaking of World Music, how come clubs like Satalla that feature these wonderful artists tend not to last? Is it the rents, the economy, or just the apathy of music “fans” (I use the term loosely). I just threw an end-term party in NYC club Zinc featuring 3 live bands and drew a nice enough crowd, but you wouldn’t believe how many people wouldn’t come out 6:30 PM because they “just go home after work.” Like it’s a law or something. I get so tired of this way of thinking. Folks, if you haven’t paid to see your favorite artist since “back in the day” or purchased one of their CDs in forever, you’re just not the fan you think you are. Support LIVE music!

My friend Carlton J. Smith is in the middle of a several month run in China. He gets lots of ink there which he sends me. If only R&B got the same attention in his own home town of NYC.

Caught R&B singer Bobby Harden at an outdoor concert the other day. Leaning towards the jazzy side, I enjoyed his wonderful original compositions more so than some of the covers he did, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable hour and change and he’s a good showman to boot.

TV One in NY ran a one hour Jill Scott concert at 1AM the other night so I wanted to see what all the hype was about as I really don’t follow her. Strong vocals. Fine band. Quality songs if not incredibly memorable. But there was nothing there that made me say “I must see her live next time.” At $35-$95 a pop which is what I believe they charged at her recent JVC Jazz Fest show, I want Patti or Chaka or Aretha. Or maybe I’m missing something?

Speaking of Chaka she’s on one of those AM morning TV shows live this Friday singing between 7-9AM. Has anyone been to one of these freebies? Just wondering if it’s worth the effort, or if the artists only do 2-3 songs.

Al Green on Letterman yesterday. Always great with the cameras rolling- wish he were that consistent live. And why doesn’t Letterman actually talk with the guy? He’s got to be a lot more interesting than celebs hawking their latest films.

Rocker Gavin McGraw impressed me on one of the late night shows yesterday. And there’s not all that much rock I get into, so there must be something to this guy.

Speaking of great New York talents, check out singer/songwriter/vocalist Ansel Matthews. Reminds me a lot of Jon Lucien. You just mellow out immediately and the lyrics are intelligent, adult, and so introspective. Definitely a talent deserving far wider recognition. Folk legend Pete Seeger raves about the guy.

Here’s an interesting one. New York City Swing band somehow successfully mixes swing with hip-hop as they bring out a young, rather large rapper named BIG. You would think the combination would be disastrous, but it works. I’ve even seen senior citizens get into this at their shows.

The Nelson Mandella tribute concert from England ran yesterday. So who got the most air time? That very spiritual bastion of peace and love, Amy Whinehouse, who just clobbered a fan at one of her shows. Sometimes I just scratch my head at who is pushed on TV. For those who care, her voice sounded somewhat weak, but her band was tight anyway. On the same show, Will Smith defined the word mediocre with his rap number. And Bono didn’t exactly make me forget about Sinatra or Luther or Marvin with his vocals. Not much here.

I caught some of the BET Awards. Just wondering if the shirtless rapper who assaulted my eardrums realized that maybe, just maybe, on an awards show he might want to go a bit more formal than that? I lasted about 8 minutes on this show before turning the channel. I don’t know what’s worse, the negative images BET sends out or the complete dumbing down of VH1. If you have any IQ whatsoever the former music channel VH1 will no doubt insult your intelligence.

What’s Evan listening to? Late jazz giant Chris Anderson’s Solo Ballads Two, This is Ryan Shaw, Jazz Funk Hip HoPoetry Phaze 2 by the Sounds of Urban Life Soldiers, Meet Lee, and the truly amazing Kid Creole Going Places- The August Darnell Years 1976-1983.

And finally, somebody please tell Kanye West to stop whining. First it was his not winning some meaningless MTV award. And now he’s complaining that fans were up in arms when he came out to a Bonaroo Festival show two hours late. Hey, his elaborate set wasn’t ready. I guess just performing wasn’t an option, huh Kanye? Did James Brown or Jackie Wilson need some fancy set to tear the roof off? This crybaby’s just too much already.

And those are just some musical missives.

Evan Ginzburg

www.evanginzburg.com

CONCERT REVIEW- AL GREEN/DIANE REEVES
CARNEGIE HALL NYC

JVC JAZZ FESTIVAL JUNE 27, 2008

Having been weaned on jazz, next to R&B it’s the music that’s closest to my heart.

So I was curious to finally hear Diane Reeves, whose reputation exceeds her.
And deservedly so.
With beautiful range, impeccable taste in material, and strong stage presence, it didn’t take her long to win over the appreciative crowd.

Her bit where she sings her introductions to her splendid quintet is also unique and charming.

Although I wouldn’t put her in the class of late legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McCrae, or Betty Carter, I think she is that link to those giants, and I was certainly glad to finally catch her live.

And then came Al.

Those who know me well will tell you that Al Green is my all-time favorite performer. I’ve not only been to his church in Memphis, but have seen him a good dozen times or so, going back to 1975.

No doubt that on the right night, the Reverend is the greatest performer in the world.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t such a night.

In fact, this was one of the notorious “Sing Along With Al Nights.”
Luckily, I didn’t pay $95 orchestra to hear Mark the Dentist or Bob the Accountant doing Let’s Stay Together. Or Bill the Hedge Fund Manager singing How Can You Mend A Broken Heart.

But Stan the Plumber was in fine voice when Al did his classic R&B medley.
Yup. That’s pretty much what you got.

I think he did two classic hits straight through the entire night and was out the door at just over the 60 minute mark.
I took my Mom who also loves the guy. She summed it up by saying “He was faking it.” And one point she also said, “That was the first time he earned my applause."
Ouch.

Maybe it’s just his eccentricities. Or maybe he just occasionally “calls it in.” But I would have been far happier sitting at home watching an old concert video of him. Ironically, while a couple dozen people walked out, most seemed thrilled by what they saw, so I guess some people “just don’t get it.”

By the way, Al never even bothered to do You Oughta Be With Me or Call Me. Hell, most likely Barbara the Lawyer in Row 12 would have sung lead on it anyway.

I can only file this one under “major disappointment.”

CONCERT REVIEW-

REGINA BELLE/ELLIS MARSALIS/KIDZ IN THE HALL

J&R MUSIC WORLD FESTIVAL AT CITY HALL PARK NYC 6/12/08

J&R Music runs several free outdoor concerts a year varying in quality from triumphant (Teena Marie) to tragic (Chaka Khan minus band struggling to sing over a defective track).

This show was also a mixed bag.

Openers Kidz in the Hall are an up and coming rap group who have seemingly gotten that “next big thing/young geniuses” label.

Playing in front of an audience whose age generally skewered older, the amiable enough young trio struggled to win over the crowd. Not helping their cause was the deafeningly loud sound system. I felt the back of my head literally vibrating while the hearing in my right ear was being sucked out.

A wonderful experience this wasn’t.

Nothing that us old heads weren’t “throwing our hands in the air” with the enthusiasm they desired, we were informed that our nieces, nephews, kids and even grandkids were listening to this music.

Hey, better them than me.

Now I’ve heard far worse live rap shows but I’ve certainly heard better (KRS-1, De La Soul, Run DMC, Public Enemy quickly come to mind). But the sheer volume made me think back to director David Cronnenberg’s sci-fi classic, Scanners, where heads suddenly exploded, leaving bloody stumps. Was mine next? Glancing to my right, I noted my student from China looking like he was lapsing into shock. Mantra-like, he repeated over and over…”It’s loud…It’s loud.”

And it was.

Throughout the 20 or so minute set, I fully realized that Kidz In The Hall have talent, potential, and “flow.” But to be honest, all I could decipher was one tune, Drivin’ Down The Block, about a car whose wheels kept turning and turning.

Not exactly profound.

So when jazz piano giant Ellis Marsalis took to the stage next to do a wonderful 45 minute Thelonious Monk Tribute, the quartet sounded so heavenly in comparison that I was beyond thankful.

Marsalis plus Monk equal magic.

Headliner Regina Belle came out next, sans band, and I literally groaned, assuming the worst. How unprofessional to have a name performer and not spring for live musicians. I figured I’d be “out of there” by the second number.

But then a miracle happened.

Doing only gospel numbers, she proceeded to tear the place up.
Vocally it was one of the greatest performances I had ever heard. Of course, it would have been even better with a band, but this was that rare case of turning lemons into lemonade.
Sitting there stunned by what I had heard, I just shook my head and went, “Wow!”

Kudos to J&R for having the guts to put together an eclectic bill of rap, jazz & gospel. All the pieces may not have fit, but it’s brave programming anyway that ultimately made for a flawed yet memorable show.

CONCERT REVIEW

OTIS CLAY & RYAN SHAW

BAM R&B FEST

METRO TECH BROOKLYN 6/12/08

Whenever I see a young artist get that hot and heavy record label push, I grow a bit suspicious.

Young, “cute” and gifted is a powerful trio of qualities that marketing geniuses drool over. But too often they’ll take a raw talent and water down his or her work into commercial pablum. So when I went to see Ryan Shaw I wasn’t expecting much.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Dripping talent out of every pour, and working hard in the hot noonday sun, Shaw would have torn the roof off had there been one.

With a mere trio behind him, he covered artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Bobby Womack & Janis Joplin. Hey, the kid has taste. And while his versions may have paled somewhat in comparison (How could they not?), they were nonetheless worthy renditions.

Although I couldn’t compare him to an Al Green or James Brown at the same age, this 27 year old is most certainly a star in the making, exhibiting not only great vocals, but strong showmanship. Already touring arenas as opening act for Van Halen (of all people!), it was almost reassuring that here was a young man singing his guts out “old school” all the way.

I can’t say enough great things about Ryan Shaw who added to the experience by graciously greeting each and every fan who enthusiastically swarmed him after his set. His debut CD, This is Ryan Shaw also is worth checking out. If I didn’t know better I’d have thought it came out in the sensational 60’s. It’s that good.

And mere minutes after Shaw left the enthusiastic crowd, Otis Clay headlined the concert with one of the tightest bands anyone will ever see.

Clay at 66 does things the way we remember. While Shaw came out in a ripped pair of jeans, Clay was dressed s-h-a-r-p and the band all wore matching outfits. And he had a horn section to die for.

I can’t imagine anything better than this outfit doing O.V. Wright’s Nickel and a Nail or Love and Happiness. Both were thrilling.

When Clay talked about friends he missed, like Johnny Taylor, O.V.Wright, Otis Redding, Bo Diddley and a laundry list of so many others, I sadly realized that here was one of the last of a literally dying breed. Support artists like this with a CD or ticket purchase because when they’re gone there will be few to replace them. Which was more the reason why seeing a Ryan Shaw coming up is so special and Clay noted just that.

After a generous hour and a half or so set, I realized that this was one of those shows where the stars just aligned and all was good in the world. Both opener and headliner were great and the beautiful weather and fine sound system worked in their favor as well. My students, mostly from China, had never seen anything like this, nor will they ever forget it.
Bravo to all concerned.

-Evan Ginzburg www.evanginzburg.com

CONCERT REVIEW- FRIEND ENTERTAINMENT’S 20^th ANNIVERSARY DOO WOP CONCERT

5/3/08 Kupferber Performing Arts Center- Queens College NYC

Review by Evan Ginzburg (www.evanginzburg.com)

There’s something inspirational about a Doo Wop Concert.

Partly it’s the 1,500 or so seniors who still have the get up and go to be out on a Saturday night and be entertained.

There’s also that gorgeous music that still resonates some fifty years later.

And then there’s the performers themselves. They’re still vital, energetic, and even great. And some, like Earl Lewis, Willie Winfield and Barbara Harris, seem to have sipped from a cup of eternal youth, looking virtually the same year after year.

Friend Entertainment provides a great service in doing innumerable charitable fundraisers for a variety of worthwhile causes. And keeping these classic artists working and “on the road” is, of course, priceless as well. Yet their 20^th Anniversary show was a mixed bag. Wonderful groups were rushed off after as little as two numbers, while MC/promoter Norm assaulted the audience with what felt like an endless barrage of plugs going into 2009. Maybe, just maybe, some interesting facts about the artists would have made for better entertainment than hearing about the 2009 cruise and New Year’s party they were already hyping. And after what felt like the twentieth time Norm was thanked for “keeping the music alive,” with multiple plaques and speeches rendered, audience members began to groan audibly. Frankly, it started to feel like a testimonial and stopping a song in the middle to bring out Norm to play tambourine already felt like some invisible line had been crossed between deserved acknowledgement and pandering.

We most certainly had gotten the point.  Two intermissions didn’t help the flow of things either.

But there were, indeed, magical moments throughout.

Barbara Harris and The Toys stole the show. Her Lover’s Concerto and boundless energy was just wonderful. I’ve probably seen Earl Lewis and The Channels a dozen times on “the oldies circuit”and he remains a great showman.  The soothing Willie Winfield and the Harptones feel like the link between The Ink Spots and early rock and roll. Cleveland Stills looks sharp some fifty plus years after his first hit and his Dubs have gorgeous group harmonies. The Teenagers with original member Herman Santiago served as the headliners. And although their four song set was disappointingly short, they sounded great and their music is just timeless.  

“10 year old singing sensation” Kayla belted out some classics. With a booming voice that reminded me of a young Judy Garland, her embracing this music rather than rap felt almost inspirational.

Vito Picone & The Elegants, The Encounters, 3^rd Edition, The Cavaliers, the Passions, The Fireflies, The Demensions and house band Sammy Sax and the MDs rounded out what turned out to be a marathon five hour event. You can’t say they don’t try to give you your money’s worth anyway.

It never fails to amaze and inspire me when a still vibrant performer had their first million seller some fifty years ago. Yet critics in mainstream publications have no qualms about mocking “blue haired and balding” audience members or even the performers themselves. Seemingly ageism is the last “acceptable” form of prejudice with young critics’ writing in mocking tones while writing about events such as this. Frankly, it’s disgraceful. And maybe I’m crazy but I’d rather see Little Anthony over Lil Wayne any day.

Let’s hope that these great artists stay on the road for many years to come and continue to inspire.

NEW CENTURY MUSIC AWARDS 2008: FEATURING THE BEST HEATSEEKER ACTS, CDs, TRACKS & VIDEOS:

BEST HEATSEEKER ARTISTS 2008:

THE MINOR HEATSEEKER CATEGORIES:

THE WINNERS/2008:

BEST NEW HEATSEEKER R&B ARTIST:

MARCELL & THE TRUTH

BEST NEW HEATSEEKER URBAN ALTERNATIVE ARTIST:

ART & SCIENCE

BEST NEW HEATSEEKER ROCK ARTIST (SOLO):

LISA BIANCO

BEST NEW HEATSEEKER ROCK ARTIST (DUO):

WAR FOLK

BEST NEW HEATSEEKER ROCK ARTIST (GROUP):

THE C.J. VINSON BAND

BEST NEW HEATSEEKER MODERN ROCK ARTIST:

NICOLE ATKINS

BEST NEW HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY ARTIST:

KATHY ZIMMER

BEST HEATSEEKER MAINSTREAM ROCK ARTIST (SOLO/MALE):

SEAN LENNON

BEST HEATSEEKER MAINSTREAM ROCK ARTIST (SOLO/FEMALE):

EMILY EASTERLY

BEST HEATSEEKER MAINSTREAM ROCK ARTIST (GROUP):

CHRIS CUBETA & THE LIARS CLUB

BEST HEATSEEKER MAINSTREAM ROCK SONG:

"BUZZKILL" - MICHAEL McHUGH (Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER ROCK SINGLE:

"BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT" - MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER MAINSTREAM ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"PARACHUTE" - SEAN LENNON

BEST HEATSEEKER MAINSTREAM ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"SHOTGUN WEDDING" - EMILY EASTERLY

BEST ROCK HEATSEEKER MAINSTREAM VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"ME AND THE RADIO" - CHRIS CUBETA & THE LIARS CLUB

BEST HEATSEEKER BLUES ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"ONLY MONEY" - MICHAEL McHUGH

BEST HEATSEEKER BLUES ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"BABY IT’S YOU" - BONNIE BURNS (WITH BLUES IN PROGRESS)

BEST HEATSEEKER BLUES ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"PONY BLUES" - WILLIE McBLIND

BEST HEATSEEKER ROCK CD:

‘DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY’ - NICOLA

BEST HEATSEEKER ALTERNATIVE/MODERN ROCK CD:

‘NEPTUNE CITY’ - NICOLE ATKINS

BEST HEATSEEKER ALTERNATIVE ROCK TRACK:

"DRIVE MY CAR" - THE DONNAS

BEST HEATSEEKER ALTERNATIVE ROCK PERFORMANCE (MALE/SOLO):

"SHAME TRAIN" - ERIC NEHER

BEST BEST ALTERNATIVE ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE/DUO):

"BROKEN RADIO" - JESSE MALIN (DUET with BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN)

BEST HEATSEEKER ALTERNATIVE ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE);

"SHY" - EMILY EASTERLY

BEST HEATSEEKER ALTERNATIVE ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"DESTINY" - SONIC ART

BEST HEATSEEKER ALTERNATIVE ROCK SONG:

"BROKEN RADIO" - JESSE MALIN (Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER HARD ROCK PERFORMANCE:

"LOVE COMES DOWN" - REZ

BEST HEATSEEKER HARD ROCK PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"LIGHTHOUSE" - NICOLA

BEST HEATSEEKER ROCK/RAP TRACK:

"DESTINY" - SONIC ART

BEST HEATSEEKER METAL PERFORMANCE:

"LOVE COMES DOWN" - REZ

BEST HEATSEEKER ROCK INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE:

"EVERY HEART" - EMILY EASTERLY

BEST HEATSEEKER ELECTRONICA ARTIST:

IMOGEN HEAP

BEST HEATSEEKER ELECTRONICA CD:

'SPEAK FOR YOURSELF' - IMOGEN HEAP

BEST HEATSEEKER ELECTRONICA TRACK:

‘THIRD EYE’ (ELECTRO MIX) - TOM GLIDE Featuring EKAYANI

BEST HEATSEEKER ELECTRONICA ‘REMIX’ TRACK:

"LIKE FIRE"- TOM GLIDE Featuring EKAYANI

BEST HEATSEEKER SPOKEN WORD/ELECTRONICA TRACK:

‘THIRD EYE’ (ELECTRO MIX) - TOM GLIDE Featuring EKAYANI

BEST HEATSEEKER SPOKEN WORD/HIP-HOP TRACK:

"QUANTUM LOVE" - LARISSA SHMAILO

BEST HEATSEEKER SPOKEN WORD/MODERN ROCK TRACK:

"DESTINY" - SONIC ART

BEST HEATSEEKER SPOKEN WORD/MAINSTREAM ROCK TRACK:

"OHIO" - LAUREN O’BRIEN

BEST HEATSEEKER SPOKEN WORD TRACK OF THE YEAR:

"OHIO" - LAUREN O’BRIEN

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT TOP 40 TRACK:

"BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT" - MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER NEW AGE ARTIST:

DAVID BELMONT/WIND WATER ENSEMBLE

BEST HEATSEEKER INSTRUMENTAL TRACK OF THE YEAR:

"WEAR YOUR LOVE LIKE HEAVEN" - DAVID BELMONT/WIND WATER ENSEMBLE

BEST HEATSEEKER INSTRUMENTAL CD OF THE YEAR:

‘THE JOURNEY’ - PREMIK

BEST HEATSEEKER NEW AGE CD:

‘POSTMODERN PANACHE’ - DAVID BELMONT/WIND WATER ENSEMBLE

BEST HEATSEEKER NEW AGE TRACK:

"THE JOURNEY" - PREMIK

BEST HEATSEEKER R&B SONG:

"RELIGION" - TIMOTHY DARK/NELLIE McKAY (Songwriters)

BEST HEATSEEKER TRADITIONAL R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE:

"TIME STOPS" - MARCELL AND THE TRUTH

BEST HEATSEEKER R&B PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"LIKE FIRE" - EKAYANI (Remix with TOM GLIDE)

BEST HEATSEEKER R&B PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"ROCK U" - TIMOTHY DARK

BEST HEATSEEKER R&B PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"TIME STOPS" - MARCELL AND THE TRUTH

BEST HEATSEEKER R&B CD:

‘HOPES TOO HIGH’ - MARCELL AND THE TRUTH

BEST HEATSEEKER RAP/SONG COLLABORATION:

"RELIGION" - TIMOTHY DARK & NELLIE McKAY (YouTube version)

BEST HEATSEEKER RAP SONG:

"ROCK U" - TIMOTHY DARK

BEST HEATSEEKER RAP PERFORMANCE:

"ROCK U" - TIMOTHY DARK

BEST HEATSEEKER INSPIRATIONAL RAP PERFORMANCE:

"LETTER 4 THE LORD" - TIMOTHY DARK with LIZH

BEST HEATSEEKER RAP ARTIST:

TIMOTHY DARK

BEST HEATSEEKER RAP CD:

‘DARKROOM’ - TIMOTHY DARK

BEST HEATSEEKER DANCE TRACK:

"LIKE FIRE" (Original Remix) - EKAYANI with TOM GLIDE

BEST HEATSEEKER DANCE ARTIST:

EKAYANI with TOM GLIDE

BEST HEATSEEKER REGGAE SONG:

"BUSTED IN BARBADOS" - BANKIE BANX

BEST HEATSEEKER REGGAE PERFORMANCE(SOLO):

"BUSTED IN BARBADOS" - BANKIE BANX

BEST HEATSEEKER REGGAE PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

‘MARCUS GARVEY" (Version) - BLUES IN PROGRESS

BEST HEATSEEKER REGGAE GROUP:

STEEL PULSE

BEST HEATSEEKER REGGAE ARTIST (SOLO):

BANKIE BANX

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY SONG:

"IRA" - CHARLIE LOUVIN (Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"GOD’S PROMISE" - THE BURNS SISTERS

BEST BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"GREAT ATOMIC POWER" - CHARLIE LOUVIN

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"MARYLAND TO TEXAS" - EMILY EASTERLY

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY PERFORMANCE (DUO):

"WHEN I STOP DREAMING" - CHARLIE LOUVIN (DUET with ELVIS COSTELLO)

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY PERFORMANCE (TRIO):

"BLUES STAY AWAY FROM ME" - CHARLIE LOUVIN (with BOBBY BARE and TOM T. HALL)

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY ALBUM:

‘CHARLIE LOUVIN’ - CHARLIE LOUVIN

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY-ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE :

"DRINKIN’ WHISKY" - ZANE CAMPBELL

BEST HEATSEEKER ALT-COUNTRY PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"DRINKIN’ WHISKY" - ZANE CAMPBELL

BEST HEATSEEKER ALT-COUNTRY PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"NEIL YOUNG KNOWS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT" - EMILY EASTERLY

BEST HEATSEEKER ALT-COUNTRY PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"PAPERBACK BIBLE" - LAMBCHOP

BEST HEATSEEKER ALT-COUNTRY ALBUM:

‘DAMAGED’ - LAMBCHOP

BEST HEATSEEKER LATIN ARTIST:

XTREME

BEST HEATSEEKER JAZZ ARTIST:

DAVID BELMONT/WIND WATER ENSEMBLE

BEST HEATSEEKER JAZZ VOCAL PERFORMANCE:

"IF I NEEDED SOMEONE" - NELLIE McKAY

BEST HEATSEEKER INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ TRACK:

"MR. MILES" - DAVID BELMONT/WIND WATER

BEST HEATSEEKER INSPIRATIONAL SONG:

"BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT" - MAT KEARNEY (Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER WORSHIP SONG:

"ARRAYED IN MAJESTY" - DAVID CHAPIN

BEST HEATSEEKER CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN CD:

‘NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE’ -MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMANCE:

"BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT" - MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER WORLD MUSIC ARTIST:

BEBEL GILBERTO

BEST HEATSEEKER WORLD MUSIC TRACK:

"MOMENTO" - BEBEL GILBERTO

BEST WORLD MUSIC ALBUM:

‘MOMENTO’ - BEBEL GILBERTO

BEST HEATSEEKER BLUES ARTIST:

WILLIE McBLIND

BEST HEATSEEKER BLUES ALBUM:

‘WILLIE McBLIND’ - WILLIE McBLIND

BEST HEATSEEKER BLUES TRACK:

"PONY BLUES" - WILLIE McBLIND

BEST HEATSEEKER CHILDREN’S ARTIST:

LEO’S MOM

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY SONG:

"FALLING SLOWLY" - GLEN HANSARD (Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"UNDER MY MOON" - CURLY KAREN

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"EVERYDAY IS A WINDING ROAD" - DAVID BELMONT

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE (DUO):

"HEART, HEART" - EMILY EATERLY with CHRIS CUBETA

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"BRING THEM HOME" - THE BURNS SISTERS

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY SINGLE:

"BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT" - MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY ARTIST (SOLO):

RHETT MILLER

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY ARTIST (DUO):

GLEN HANSARD & MARKETA IRGLOVA

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY ARTIST (GROUP):

THE BURNS SISTERS

BEST HEATSEEKER TOP 40 ADULT ARTIST:

MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE ARTIST:

NELLIE McKAY

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE SONG:

"NEPTUNE CITY" - NICOLE ATKINS (Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE ALBUM:

‘PRETTY LITTLE HEAD’ - NELLIE McKAY

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE SINGLE:

"BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT" - MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE);

"CHANGE" - CHRIS CUBETA

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE);

"20 SUPERHEROES" - LIBBY JOHNSON

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE (DUO):           "OLD MAN" - CHRIS CUBETA with EMILY EASTERLY

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"MODERN LOVE" - THE LAST TOWN CHORUS

BEST HEATSEEKER CONTEMPORARY FOLK ARTIST:

ROD MacDONALD

BEST HEATSEEKER CONTEMPORARY FOLK SONG:

"MIKE ROW IS DEAD" - DAVID INDIAN (David Ruderman, Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER TRADITIONAL FOLK SONG:

"MY FATHER’S AMERICA" - JOE VIRGA (Songwriter)

BEST HEATSEEKER TRADITIONAL FOLK ALBUM:

‘DIRT FARMER’ - LEVON HELM

BEST HEATSEEKER CONTEMPORARY FOLK ALBUM:

‘BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER’ - DENI BONET

BEST HEATSEEKER CONTEMPORARY FOLK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"MONEY TO BURN" - MICHAEL McHUGH

BEST HEATSEEKER TRADITIONAL FOLK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"WILD MOUNTAIN THYME" - LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE

BEST HEATSEEKER FOLK/ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"SKY FULL OF ROCKETS" - CHRISTINA LaROCCA

BEST HEATSEEKER FOLK/ROCK PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"ALWAYS AT WAR" - AD AUGERI

BEST HEATSEEKER FOLK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"HANDS ACROSS THE WORLD" (Live At The Knit, NYC) - PEACE PROPHET

BEST HEATSEEKER AMERICANA SONG:

"MY FATHER’S AMERICA" - JOE VIRGA

BEST HEATSEEKER AMERICANA ALBUM:

‘DIRT FARMER’ - LEVON HELM

BEST HEATSEEKER AMERICANA TRACK:

‘BEAUTFUL DREAMER’ - RAUL MALO

HEATSEEKER VIDEO OF THE YEAR:

‘I WANNA BE A HIPPY’ - TECHNOHEAD

BEST HEATSEEKER DANCE MUSIC VIDEO:

‘TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART’ - NIKKI FRENCH

BEST HEATSEEKER ROCK VIDEO:

‘ROCKS’ - EMILY EASTERLY (Director: K.P. Alvarez)

BEST HEATSEEKER URBAN VIDEO:

‘RELIGION’ - TIMOTHY DARK/NELLIE McKAY

BEST HEATSEEKER HARD ROCK VIDEO:

‘LOVE COMES DOWN’ - REZ

BEST HEATSEEKER CONTEMPORARY FOLK VIDEO:

‘A FOG OF WAR’ - GILLEN AND TURK (Director: W.L. Jackson)

BEST HEATSEEKER NEW ACOUSTIC VIDEO:

‘MODERN LOVE’ - THE LAST TOWN CHORUS

BEST INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO:

‘SOUL OF A MAN’ - OLLABELLE

BEST HEATSEEKER VIDEO/NOVELTY:

‘DETERIORATA (FLUKE OF THE UNIVERSE) - NATIONAL LAMPOON

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT ALTERNATIVE VIDEO:

‘NEPTUNE CITY’ - NICOLE ATKINS

BEST HEATSEEKER COUNTRY MUSIC VIDEO:

‘TENNESSEE BIRD WALK’ (Live) - JACK BLANCHARD & MISTY MORGAN

BEST HEATSEEKER ALT-COUNTRY VIDEO:

‘TELL IT TO ME’ - OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT CONTEMPORARY VIDEO:

‘LOVE ME BACK’ - JESS KING

BEST HEATSEEKER ADULT 40 VIDEO:

‘BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT’ - MAT KEARNEY

BEST HEATSEEKER LIVE MUSIC VIDEO:

‘SARI’ - NELLIE McKAY

(ALL VIDEOS ARE ON YOU TUBE)

CHRIS ANDERSON MEMORIAL- ST. PETER'S CHURCH

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

NEW CENTURY MUSIC AWARDS 2008: FEATURING THE BEST MAINSTREAM ARTISTS AND RECORDINGS of 2007 :

BEST MAINSTREAM ARTISTS, SONGS AND CDs OF 2007:

THE MAJOR CATEGORIES:

RECORD OF THE YEAR:

"REHAB" - AMY WINEHOUSE

Also nominated:

"RADIO NOWHERE" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

"WITHOUT YOU, WITHOUT YOU/TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS" - THE BEATLES

"GIMME SHELTER" - PATTI SMITH

"FIDELITY" - REGINA SPEKTOR

SONG OF THE YEAR(Songwriter’s Award):

"FRANK AND AVA" - SUZANNE VEGA

Also nominated:

"MAGIC" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (Songwriter)

"ROCKSTAR" - NICKELBACK (Kroeger/Peake/Kroeger/Adair- Songwriters)

"DON’T YOU WISH IT WAS TRUE" - JOHN FOGERTY (Songwriter)

"GOD GAVE ME EVERYTHING"- MICK JAGGER/LENNY KRAVITZ (Songwriters)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

‘MAGIC’ - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Also nominated:

‘REVIVAL’ - JOHN FOGERTY

‘BEGIN TO HOPE’ - REGINA SPEKTOR

‘TWELVE’ - PATTI SMITH

‘RAISING SAND’ - ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS

BEST NEW ARTIST:

AMY WINEHOUSE

THE MINOR MAINSTREAM CATOGORIES:

BEST NEW R&B ARTIST:

AMY WINEHOUSE

BEST NEW POP ARTIST:

INGRID MICHAELSON

BEST NEW ADULT ALTERNATIVE ARTIST:

REGINA SPEKTOR

BEST NEW URBAN CONTEMPORARY ARTIST:

SEAN KINGSTON

BEST NEW ROCK ARTIST:

PLAIN WHITE T’s

BEST NEW MODERN ROCK ARTIST:

REGINA SPEKTOR

BEST NEW CONTEMPORARY FOLK ARTIST:

INGRID MICHAELSON

BEST MAINSTREAM ROCK ARTIST:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

BEST ROCK SONG:

"RADIO NOWHERE" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

BEST ROCK SINGLE:

"ROCKSTAR" - NICKELBACK

BEST ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE:

"GOD GAVE ME EVERYTHING" - MICK JAGGER

BEST ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP);

"RADIO NOWHERE" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E ST. BAND

BEST ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"GIMME SHELTER" -PATTI SMITH

BEST ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"GOD GAVE ME EVERYTHING" - MICK JAGGER

BEST ROCK CD:

‘MAGIC’ - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

BEST ALTERNATIVE/MODERN ROCK CD:

‘THE INFORMATION’ - BECK

BEST ALTERNATIVE MODERN ROCK TRACK:

"WORKING CLASS HERO" - GREEN DAY

BEST ALTERNATIVE MODERN ROCK SINGLE:

"ROCKSTAR" - NICKELBACK

BEST ALTERNATIVE MODERN ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE);

"SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT" - PATTI SMITH

BEST ALTERNATIVE MODERN ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"ROCKSTAR" - NICKELBACK

BEST ALTERNATIVE MODERN ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"THINK I’M IN LOVE" - BECK

BEST HARD ROCK PERFORMANCE:

"SWEET SACRIFICE"- EVANESCENCE

BEST METAL PERFORMANCE:

"THE ECSTACY OF GOLD" - METALLICA

BEST ROCK INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE:

"ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Track from: We All Love Ennio Morricone

BEST ELECTRONICA ARTIST:

MOBY

BEST ELECTRONICA CD:

‘GO- THE BEST OF MOBY’ - MOBY

BEST ELECTRONICA TRACK:

"NEW YORK, NEW YORK"- MOBY Featuring DEBBIE HARRY

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP/ROCK PERFORMANCE:

"EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD" - PATTI SMITH

BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE:

"ONE WEEK LAST SUMMER" - JONI MITCHELL

BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL CD:

‘THE MIX-UP’ - BEASTIE BOYS

BEST TRADITIONAL POP CD:

‘LIVE IN CONCERT 2006' - BARBRA STREISAND

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP PERFORMANCE (DUO):

"GONE GONE GONE (DONE MOVED ON) - ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"MAGIC" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E ST BAND

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"BEAUTIFUL GIRLS" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"SHUT UP AND DRIVE" - RIHANNA

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP SONG (Songwriter’s Award):

"REHAB" - AMY WINEHOUSE (Songwriter)

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP CD:

‘LOVE’ - THE BEATLES

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP SINGLE:

"BEAUTIFUL GIRLS" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST R&B SONG (Songwriter’s Award):

"NO ONE" - ALICIA KEYS

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE:

"ALL NIGHT LONG" - RANDY CRAWFORD with JOE SAMPLE

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE (DUO):

"BABY" - ANGIE STONE with BETTY WRIGHT

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"ANGEL" - CHAKA KHAN

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"BEAUTIFUL GIRLS" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR" - SHOP BOYZ

BEST R&B SINGLE:

"BEAUTIFUL GIRLS" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST R&B CD:

‘FUNK THIS’ - CHAKA KHAN

BEST CONTEMPORARY R&B CD:

‘SEAN KINGSTON’ - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST RAP/SONG COLLABORATION:

"UMBRELLA" - RIHANNA with JAY-Z

BEST RAP SONG:

"CRANK THAT (SOULJA BOY) - TELL ‘EM SOULJA BOY (Songwriter)

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE (SOLO):

"THIS IS WHY I’M HOT" - MIMS

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR" - THE SHOP BOYZ

BEST RAP ARTIST:

KANYE WEST

BEST RAP CD:

‘GRADUATION' - KAYNE WEST

BEST DANCE ALBUM:

‘BLACKOUT’ - BRITNEY SPEARS

BEST DANCE ARTIST:

RIHANNA

BEST DANCE SINGLE:

"ME LOVE" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"NIGHT LIFE" - THE LITTLE WILLIES Featuring NORAH JONES

BEST COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"BEFORE HE CHEATS" - CARRIE UNDERWOOD

BEST COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE (DUO):

"LOST HIGHWAY" - WILLIE NELSON & RAY PRICE

BEST COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"AMAZING GRACE" - WILLIE NELSON

BEST COUNTRY SINGLE:

"HOW LONG" - THE EAGLES

BEST COUNTRY SONG:

"BEFORE HE CHEATS" - JOSH KEAR/CHRIS TOMPKINS (Songwriters)

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM:

‘LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN’ - THE EAGLES

BEST COUNTRY SONG:

"GOTTA GET DRUNK" - WILLIE NELSON (Songwriter)

BEST LATIN ARTIST:

DADDY YANKEE

BEST CLASSICAL ARTIST:

STING

BEST CLASSICAL CD:

‘SONGS FROM THE LABYRINTH’ - STING

BEST CLASSICAL CROSSOVER ARTIST:

JOSH GROBAN

BEST CLASSICAL CROSSOVER CD:

‘NOEL’ - JOSH GROBAN

BEST JAZZ ARTIST:

HERBIE HANCOCK

BEST JAZZ VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"SCATSVILLE" - MICHAEL FRANKS

BEST JAZZ VOCAL PERFORMANCE (DUO):

"RIVER" - HERBIE HANCOCK with CORINNE BAILEY RAE

BEST INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ TRACK:

"BOTH SIDES NOW" - HERBIE HANCOCK

BEST INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ CD:

"PILGRIMAGE" - MICHAEL BRECKER

BEST JAZZ CD:

‘RIVER: THE JONI LETTERS’ - HERBIE HANCOCK

With Featured artists: Leonard Cohen, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Corinne Bailey Rae, Luciana Souza & Tina Turner

BEST NEW AGE ARTIST:

THE PAUL WINTER CONSORT

BEST NEW AGE ALBUM:

‘CRESTONE’ - THE PAUL WINTER CONSORT

BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE:

"NEVER GONNA BREAK MY FAITH" - ARETHA FRANKLIN/MARY J. BLIGE

BEST CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL CD:

‘A DEEPER LEVEL’ - ISRAEL AND THE NEW BREED

BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN CD:

‘OH GRAVITY’ - SWITCHFOOT

BEST WORLD MUSIC ARTIST:

BEBEL GILBERTO

BEST WORLD MUSIC ALBUM:

‘MOMENTO’ - BEBEL GILBERTO

BEST BLUES ARTIST:

B.B. KING

BEST BLUES ALBUM:

‘ROAD TO ESCONDIDO’ - J.J. CALE/ERIC CLAPTON

BEST BLUES TRACK:

"RIDE THE RIVER"- J.J. CALE/ERIC CLAPTON

BEST FOLK/AMERICANA CD:

‘WASHINGTON SQUARE SERENADE’ - STEVE EARLE

BEST REGGAE CD:

‘YOUTH’ - MATISYAHU

BEST CHILDREN’S CD:

‘EXPERIENCE...101' - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK

BEST SPOKEN WORD CD:

‘THE AUDACITY OF HOPE’ - BARACK OBAMA

BEST MUSICAL SHOW CD:

‘SPRING AWAKENING’ - DUNCAN SHEIK

BEST SOUNDTRACK CD:

‘LOVE’ - THE BEATLES

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR FILM:

‘LOVE’ - THE BEATLES

BEST COMPILATION TV SOUNDTRACK:

‘GRAY’S ANATOMY (SEASON 3) - VARIOUS ARTISTS

BEST FILM SOUNDTRACK SONG:

"SCARED" - JOHN LENNON

(FROM ‘THE U.S. Vs. JOHN LENNON’ - JOHN LENNON)

BEST TV SOUNDTRACK SONG:

"KEEP BREATHING" - INGRID MICHAELSON (Songwriter)

(FROM ‘GRAY’S ANATOMY’)

BEST MOTION PICTURE SCORE:

‘HAPPY FEET’ - JOHN POWELL, COMPOSER

BEST HISTORICAL CD:

‘FOREVER CHANGING: THE GOLDEN ERA OF ELEKTRA RECORDS ‘63-‘73'

-VARIOUS ARTISTS

BEST ENGINEERED CD:

‘BEAUTY AND CRIME’ - SUZANNE VEGA

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:

MICK RONSON

BEST LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO:

‘THE CONFESSIONS TOUR’ - MADONNA (Jonas Akerlund, Producer)

BEST SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO:

‘GOD’S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN - JOHNNY CASH (Tony Kaye, Director)

BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"MAGIC" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E ST. BAND

BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"FIDELITY" - REGINA SPEKTOR

BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS" (Demo) - GEORGE HARRISON

BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY SONG:

"FRANK AND AVA" - SUZANNE VEGA (Songwriter)

BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY SINGLE:

"BEAUTIFUL GIRLS" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ARTIST:

SUZANNE VEGA

BEST TOP 40 ADULT ARTIST:

SEAN KINGSTON

BEST TOP 40 ADULT SONG:

"BEAUTIFUL GIRLS" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST TOP 40 ADULT SINGLE:

"REHAB" - AMY WINEHOUSE

BEST TOP 40 ADULT PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"HEY THERE DELILAH" - PLAIN WHITE T’S

BEST TOP 40 ADULT PERFORMANCE (MALE)

"BEAUTIFUL GIRLS" - SEAN KINGSTON

BEST TOP 40 ADULT PERFORMANCE (FEMALE);

"REHAB" - AMY WINEHOUSE

BEST ADULT ALTERNATIVE ARTIST:

REGINA SPEKTOR

BEST ADULT ALTERNATIVE ALBUM:

‘BEGIN TO HOPE’ - REGINA SPEKTOR

BEST ADULT ALTERNATIVE SONG:

"WORKING CLASS HERO" - GREEN DAY (John Lennon, songwriter)

BEST ADULT ALTERNATIVE SINGLE:

"FIDELITY" - REGINA SPEKTOR

BEST ADULT ALTERNATIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE);

"THINK I’M IN LOVE" - BECK

BEST ADULT ALTERNATIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"FIDELITY" - REGINA SPEKTOR

BEST ADULT ALTERNATIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"WORKING CLASS HERO" - GREEN DAY

BEST CONTEMPORARY FOLK ARTIST:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE SESSIONS BAND

BEST CONTEMPORARY FOLK ALBUM:

‘LIVE IN DUBLIN ’ - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE SESSIONS BAND

BEST FOLK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE):

"MAGIC" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

BEST FOLK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE):

"HELPLESS" - PATTI SMITH

BEST FOLK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (GROUP):

"AMERICAN LAND" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE SESSIONS BAND

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST:

ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION