“The Temptations were our Beatles” I stumbled across a series of Behind The Music episodes on YouTube last night and watched the story of Hall and Oates. Wow, I forgot how many hits they had. I loved so many of their songs. But, The Temps… I really didn’t know how much of an influence they…
Read moreMemphis The Musical
It has been a long time since I’ve seen this. It was one of the best experiences of my life working on this show. I loved just about every minute while I was here. Enjoy:
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Get ready for tuneful Temps bio in ‘Ain’t Too Proud’
Keyboard player-conductor Kenny Seymour leads a great 12-piece band serving up soulful stage interpretations of the indelible crossover hits that have thrilled generations. Read the entire review HERE: http://www.sfexaminer.com/get-ready-tuneful-temps-bio-aint-proud/
Read moreA Business Lesson By Frank Zappa
Not just your imagination: ‘Temptations’ musical rocks
Berkeley Rep’s world premiere musical, which opened Thursday, Sept. 14, under the direction of Des McAnuff, makes songs resounding clarion calls from their opening beats — the teasing jazz piano riff of “I Can’t Get Next To You,” the ache-filled strings soaring over gentle guitar thrums in “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).” Richly…
Read moreReview: New Temptations musical throbs to life at Berkeley Rep
A propulsive new musical driven by group founder Otis Williams’ life story, “Ain’t” is making its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre with its eyes on Broadway. Directed by a master of the genre, Des McAnuff, of “Jersey Boys” and “Tommy” fame, this ambitious Motown biography throbs with grit and groove. We learn the backstory…
Read moreRun- D.M.C. – The Ritz NYC 1985
What a time for rap music. It was the end of the “old school” and the beginning of the golden age of rap music. Run-D.M.C. were one of the pioneers of the “New School” with cuts like Sucker MCs. It was nothing but a beat and rhymes. They took out all of the music and…
Read moreWatermelon Man
I played the song “Watermelon Man” from Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters album for my kids a while ago. My daughter thought it was as interesting as I think it is. She requested that I play it for her in the car over and over again on our way to and from school. She began to enjoy…
Read moreJanuary-March
It’s been an interesting couple of weeks so far this year. I hung out with a bunch of old musician friends of mine (and some new ones) while filming a song for a new TV show backing up the Delfonics, subbed a bunch of dates at the musicals Avenue Q and The Color Purple,…
Read moreBranford Marsalis: The Problem With Jazz
When laypeople listen to records, there’re certain things they’re going to get to. First of all, how it sounds to them. If the value of the song is based on intense analysis of music, you’re doomed. Because people that buy records don’t know shit about music. When they put on Kind of Blue and…
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