Jul 17, 2008 | 4:08 PM
Category:
Music
Jul 14, 2008 | 11:50 PM
Category:
Music
In 1983, the musical career comeback began for Miss Legs herself, the one and only Tina Turner. I was only 5 or 6 years old, so when I saw this video for the song "Let's Stay Together" on either early MTV or very early vH1, I loved it. Of course, that was the beginning of the 1980s greatness that was woman from "Nutbush City Limits." (I know Erin Anthony is a fan of the track "Private Dancer.") I was too young at the time to know that it was not the original version.
I became aware of the Al Green version a few years later ... and learned to love his catalog of music. "Let's Stay Together," "Here I Am, Come and Take Me," "Love and Happiness," "Tired of Being Alone," are just a few of the Al Green songs I appreciate. I first became aware of him in the duet of "Put a Little Love In Your Heart" with Annie Lennox for the soundtrack to "Scrooged."
So which of these two classic versions do you appreciate more? The stunning 1983 version by Miss Tina or the original 1970s version by the Reverend Al Green? (By the way, I have been outside his church in Memphis on the street named for him.)
Jun 19, 2008 | 1:11 PM
Category:
Music
Niho Mozas, known musically as Niho, emigrated to the United States in 1994 when she was 18 years old.
I can say that I have been fortunate to see her grow as a musician since her arrival. To be honest, I never really knew her personally until I met her formally in April 22, 2008 for her CD release event at Inka, but I had seen her perform at several events throughout the years.
I am of Cuban heritage, so I have attended several events sponsored by Casa Cuba and I have witnessed Niho perform at most of them, but I had no idea who she was; I only knew that she was confident and talented.
While she doesn't care to compartmentalize her style of music, Niho did suggest that it blended elements of Spanish music with that of African rhythms.
Niho began her musical learning with a classical background in Cuba.
Pianist Joe LoCascio, who has been based in Houston since 1977, provided a jazz influence in Niho's life. She also said she learned of the blues musical style during this time.
Between 1997 and 1998, Niho served as a background singer for the Houston-based salsa group Angelucho y Su Copacabana. It was during this period that she said she had learned to sing salsa, which despite her Cuban background, was a new experience for her.
After her time with Angelucho, Niho formed the band La Informacion, but the ensemble failed as a result of too many conflicts.
Niho later joined Houston-based Orquesta Salmerum, which is known for its fusion of salsa, merengue and rumba musical styles, hence, the unique band name. She spent approximately one year with the group and as a performer considered it a "duty to make you feel good."
Niho has performed at such Houston area restaurants as Mi Luna, Taco Milagro, la Palapa and Guayaba.
Throughout her various band incarnations, Niho also spent time as an on-air radio personality alongside Cesar Agusto from 104.9 FM, known the early 2000s as 'K-Love.'
As far as her career outside of entertainment, Niho was a licensed massage therapist and vocal instructor, although she admitted that she only had two loyal clients.
Growing up in communist Cuba, Niho was taught that music was a recreation and not a profession.
Since her CD release, Niho has made radio and promotional appearances in Panama and Puerto Rico. Her tracks have garnered airplay on 11Q FM in Puerto Rico. Niho said that her music has appeal in those countries as well as others throughout South America because fans care about well-written lyrics, not just rhythms.
The CD "D' Rosas ... ?" is available for digital download on the Fuego Entertainment Web site. To purchase the CD, visit Barnes & Noble, Disco Mundo, Gran Tangolandia and Ritmo Latino.
The tracks "Mi Tequeteque" and "Catarsis" were also released as singles on April 22 with dance remixes.
Niho said 'tequeteque' refers to the sound of a heart beating, while "Catarsis," sung in Spanish flamenco style, refers to abuse.
To continue her musical study, Niho is considering enrolling at either Texas Southern University, University of Saint Thomas, Houston Baptist University or University of Houston.
Watch Niho's June 13 performance on FOXRox.
May 29, 2008 | 4:08 PM
Category:
Music
May 16, 2008 | 12:10 AM
Category:
Music
Even though the Black Crowes released the track Hard to Handle in 1992 and Buckcherry released the track Crazy B---- in 2006, almost a decade and a half apart, there is a definite similarity between the two, especially the way the songs begin. When I hear the introductory parts to either song, I have to listen longer in order to realize which track I'm listening to. Do the two tracks sound similar to you?
Hard to Handle by Black Crowes (1992)
Crazy B---- by Buckcherry (2006)
(Warning: the video below contains lyrics that may be considered explicit and objectionable for some bloggers.)
May 10, 2008 | 3:52 PM
Category:
Sports
I have made the claim for the last few years and I'm not sure if the comparison has been echoed publicly before or not, but the first time I saw ESPN basketball reporter Stephen A. Smith (who had a failed talk show on ESPN 2),
(photo courtesy of ESPN Media Zone)
looked a lot like one of my favorite rappers of all time ... Ludacris, also known by his actor and actual name, Chris Bridges.
(photo courtesy of AP)
Do you agree?
May 7, 2008 | 4:52 PM
Category:
Music
What's New with ... Donna Summer?
The original diva of the disco era, Donna Summer, will release her first CD since 1991 on May 20. Do the math ... Summer has not released new material for the past 17 years! To be honest, the last single track I remember from her is This Time I Know It's for Real from the 1989 CD, Another Place and Time.
Summer will release Crayon, which contains primarily electronic dance tracks. The disco originator with the soulful delivery realizes that with a modern return attempt, came the need to update her dance music repetoire.
In the past, Summer has worked with dance music visionary producers including Giorgio Moroder and the trio of Stock-Aitken-Waterman. The latter is best known for producing Rick Astley and early Kylie Minogue albums.
One producer of her newest effort is remix master Jason Nevins, who arranged Summer's second single, Stamp Your Feet.
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The first single released from Crayon and already getting airplay on satellite radio electronic music stations is I'm a Fire, which has already reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Dance chart.
Despite the 'rust factor,' it looks as if the disco diva has no plans to retire quietly into the gentle night. Are you a fan of her newest work?
Apr 8, 2008 | 11:49 PM
Category:
Music
Compare the following two tracks. Both are considered alternative rock, but while Franz Ferdinand (the group, not the assassinated archduke of the early 20th century) originated in Glasgow, Scotland, according to its MySpace.com profile page, Finger Eleven hails from Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Overall, the two bands have different sounds, but with their most popular tracks, they resemble each other musically, if only for a moment.
Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand (2004)
Paralyzer by Finger Eleven (2007)
By the way, Finger Eleven will be playing April 26 at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion, as part of the sold-out 94.5 FM the Buzz Buzzfest annual concert.
So what do you think about the similar style these songs share?
Apr 7, 2008 | 12:53 PM
Category:
Music
There are plenty of songs heard on the radio (whether that be internet, satellite or terrestrial) that may remind you of a song of the past (whether that be recent or vintage). As someone who provides occasional D.J. services, I have a keen sense of what songs sound similar for live mixing purposes, so while I don't want to 'spill' any D.J. secrets, I thought it would be fun to share some of my observations of songs that when compared, make you think, did one inspire the other?
The following comparison example has a more than 20 year age difference, but the refrains sound quite similar to me. What do you think?
Rent by Pet Shop Boys (1987?)
See You Again by Miley Cyrus (2008?)
Unfortunately, there is no official video for See You Again, so I had to include a fan video.
Most people wouldn't think that Disney-produced 'kiddie' pop would be similar to 1980s British 'synth pop,' but now that you've heard both, what is your opinion?
Mar 17, 2008 | 12:24 AM
Category:
Sports
In all the excitement over the Rockets winning streak, I forgot to post the results of the men's Southland Conference basketball Tournament which would ensure the champion a berth in the NCAA tournament. The conference tournament took place at the Merrell Center in Katy; it started Wednesday, March 13, and ended Sunday, March 16.
Two colleges within the conference that are closest in proximity to Houston are Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and Lamar University in Beaumont.
Lamar failed to advance past the first round, losing Thursday to University of Texas at Arlington.
Sam Houston State made it to the second round after a 64-62 overtime win over McNeese State, but lost Friday to eventual champion UT Arlington.
Below is the Associated Press summary of the championship game that took place Sunday between UT Arlington and Northwestern State University.
UT Arlington Wins First SLC Tournament In School History And Earns First Ever NCAA Tournament Berth
KATY, Texas (AP) - Anthony Vereen scored 25 points to lead UT Arlington to an 82-79 victory over Northwestern State in the Southland Conference title game Sunday and the school's first NCAA tournament berth.
Vereen's two free throws with 11 seconds left sealed the win for seventh-seeded Mavericks (21-11), who set a school record for victories. Roger Guignard added 17 points for Texas-Arlington.
Trey Gilder had 20 points and Gerrell Thomas added 14 for Northwestern State (15-18), the tournament's fifth seed which was looking for its third NCAA berth and first since 2006.
Texas-Arlington used an 11-5 run to take a 62-54 lead with 12:21 to play. The Mavericks led by as many as 10 points in the second half, but Northwestern closed within 78-77 with 2:22 left on three free throws by Colby Bargeman.
2008 All-Tournament Team
Matt Kingsley, Stephen F. Austin
Trey Gilder, Northwestern State
Larry Posey, UT Arlington
Ro'ger Guignard, UT Arlingotn
Anthony Vereen, UT Arlington (MVP)
Feb 13, 2008 | 1:07 AM
Category:
Music
Top 5 Favorite Songs by Cher
- If
I Could Turn Back Time - this is a song that I am tempted to increase
the audio settings for when I'm driving; it has a great rebel 'vibe,'
in my opinion
- Believe
- I have never been a big fan of electronic music until lately, but
this track is one of the ones that I could not resist even though it
had the obvious electronic vocal effects
- Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves - this track has great novelty value, even more than 30 years later
- We All Sleep Alone - a great song of heartache that somehow didn't make her 2003 Very Best of Cher CD
- I
Got You Babe (Beavis and Butt-Head version) - forgive me, but the
original version with Sonny Bono is too corny for my taste, but Beavis
and Butt-Head help add the anger to the track
This
list is given special edition status because of the recent announcement
that Cher has accepted the offer to perform 200 shows over a three-year
period at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Read the entire myFOXhouston.com article.
(AP Photo)
She follows the lead of several performers who have called 'Sin City'
their show home base during the past several years. Celine Dion started
the trend in 2002 and was followed by Elton John and Bette Middler.
Of course, Wayne Newton has made a livelihood of performing almost
exclusively in Las Vegas, although he does split some time between
there and his theatre in Branson, Missouri.
Many of the greats of the 1940s had residency status, more or less, in
Las Vegas, so I don't like how Cher is being criticized for accepting
the offer after she retired from touring. Guess what? This situation is
not touring! It is quite the opposite of touring. Cher realizes at this
point in her life that touring worldwide is not the wisest or sanest
move, but residency status in Las Vegas is perfect for her. I haven't
seen her in concert (unlike my mother who was fortunate enough to
witness one of her concerts in the 1970s), but from what I've heard,
she tends to change her costumes often, so an ongoing engagement at
Caesars Palace seems like a good fit.
I know I've left some of your favorites off the list, so please share
your favorites and share your opinions on her Caesars Palace
arrangement.
Feb 6, 2008 | 8:31 PM
Category:
Music
Top 5 Favorite Original Songs by Rod Stewart
(in no particular order)
- My Heart Can't Tell You No
- Young Turks
- Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?
- Infatuation
- Some Guys Have All the Luck
(Associated Press Photo)
Notice I asked for original songs by Rod Stewart. This Old Heart of Mine was originally performed by the Isley Brothers and Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? was originally performed by Van Morrison, so you can list them as an honorable mention if you like. Come on, I had to help narrow down the likely long list somehow.
Jan 28, 2008 | 2:19 AM
Category:
Music
I purchased tickets to see Jersey Boys as an anniversary gift for my parents in December. I was glad to get a gift that while temporal, was meaningful to them. The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a big favorite for my mother who grew up listening to them in the 1960s and 1970s. I ordered the tickets online in December for the Jan. 19, 2008 night show.
I'll be honest; I thought going in, is the show just going to be nothing but live performances of Four Seasons music by young impersonators with little dialogue and story? Boy was I mistaken!
The music was masterfully intertwined with the developing story of how the group had begun and evolved throughout the years. There were some tear-jerking moments that were only punctuated by certain songs played at the opportune moments.
Some 'Jersey Boys' Step Into Houston
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All of the cast members are both musically talented and gifted actors. For at least one night, I was proud to have been born in Newark, New Jersey.
I don't want to give away any elements from the show in case any of you bloggers plan to catch the show before its run ends at Hobby Center in February, but I will say that there was a surprise when it was revealed that one of the most unforgettable songs from the Four Seasons catalog was almost 'shelved' because radio disc jockeys and record company executives thought the song was too conceptual and not mainstream enough. The song, the title of which I will not mention, is one of the most 'covered' songs by the Four Seasons and helped launch a brief solo career for lead singer Frankie Valli. (Do you remember the track Grease from the motion picture, Grease?
It must be mentioned that since the play is based on the real life of the Four Seasons members from a gritty neighborhood in New Jersey, the script surprisingly contained its share of foul language. Surprising because foul language, as far as I'm aware, is not typical of Broadway-based musical plays.
The Jersey Boys performance was my first trip to the relatively new Hobby Center venue and I must say, I look forward to returning, although next time, I will order lower-level seats because my upper-level seats during Jersey Boys slightly obstructed the back upper portion of the stage.
Jan 21, 2008 | 7:06 PM
Category:
Music
Top 5 Favorite Madonna Songs- Into the Groove
- Vogue
- Lucky Star
- Like a Prayer
- Take a Bow
What are your favorite songs from the 'high priestess' of pop music?
Jan 3, 2008 | 3:13 AM
Category:
News
Alright, so I was watching Red Eye on FOX News Channel and the panelists were discussing the arrest of former Arizona beauty pageant contestant Kumari Fulbright. The former Miss Pima County was charged with kidnapping and torture of a former boyfriend with help from three other men. Read the full report for more details.
So when the host Greg Gutfeld asked guest panelist Bill Sammon, author of Meet the Next President, what he thought about this topic, Sammon mentioned the uncanny resemblance that Fulbright had to Nick Nolte when he was arrested a few years ago.
courtesy of myFOXphoenix.com
courtesy Associated Press
I report, You Decide 2008!
Maybe it is the blond hair, most likely a false color for both subjects.
