Archive for December, 2008.
There is a review out of the Tribute to Burt Bacharach. It was apparently a very nice tribute to the composer. The singers were able to deal with his rhythms just fine, which is nothing easy to do, as he had very complicated meter sometimes. He also used female singers most of the time, and so some of the best performances of the evening were from the females in the show. Some nice renditions of his old songs that we all know and love. It is just a show, a one-off rather than a standing show, but it was quite nice, according to the reviewer, and congrats to the performers!
Bonnaroo goers may have extra reason to rejoice this year. In addition to the three days of utter freedom and experimentation that they will experience, one of the biggest jam bands of all time may be joining them. The early rumors report that Phish is ready to headline the Roo stage, making their fifth Bonnaroo appearance. Check out this article to get the full scoop.
Madonna is playing engagements again and people are really pleased with it. It’s always quite a lot of fun to see Madonna onstage, and we wondered whether she’d be back or not. She’s gone through a divorce lately and other problems. Here we are, though, and she’s doing a wonderful job. It’s quite athletic and colorful, say the reviewers. Her career recently has been tough but she’s finally there and ready to really sing again! See the full review.
Though they been through the best of times and the worst of times, Fleetwood Mac is back and ready to hit the road. They’ve gone through several genre changes and an even greater number of personnel alterations, but they’ve endured it all. With a lineup that includes original drummer Mick Fleetwood and singer Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac has booked nearly a monthlong of tour dates for the new year. If you want to keep abreast of all the Fleetwood Mac news, check out their website.
Britney Spears‘ new album has sold more than 505,000 copies in its first week, marking the fourth time that she has sold more than half a million albums in the first week of release. This bodes well for her. She has had some trouble the last few years, with trips to rehab and issues with the legal world and divorce. Now, she seems to be back on the right track. It’s going to be hard for her to get all the way back to the top with all the competition there is out there, and with the bad publicity that she has had recently. But this album sale is a good start in that direction. Now she’s on tour and selling lots of tickets to that, so perhaps she really back to stay!
Perhaps best known for his revival of the waltz with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, Andre Leon Marie Nicholas Rieu (there’s accents too I just don’t know how to add them) is a master composer/violinist. Though he is just shy of being 50 years old, Rieu has not led the hardcore, wear and tear lifestyle of a violinist deteriorate himself too much. In fact, he’s still on tour through at least the end of the year. You may want to get some Andre Rieu tickets and see him tickle the strings of that violin.
Paul Simon, the famous musician and band player has released a book last month. The book is called Lyrics and contains many, if not all, of his lyrics over the last several decades. It’s a beautiful mix of poetry and observations in the form of lyrics. I really enjoyed looking it over when I had the chance recently. It’s not quite the same as hearing it with the music or the angelic voice of Art Garfunkel. But still, it’s a nice compilation and probably a necessary addition to any fan’s library. I believe he’s also on tour to promote this book, but I’m not sure. Can someone set me straight on that?
Tom Paxton is still performing as much as before. He has been a favorite of the folk music circuit over the last few decades and he’s not stopping now. Just in January, he has 7 performances planned, and then he begins a month-long tour of the UK. His songs are loved by many people, and his shows are great for families, regular folks, anyone really, who likes a good song. His most recent album is called Comedians and Angels with 15 songs. And his previous CD, Live in the UK was nominated for a Grammy in 2005. If you get the chance to see this show, make sure that you do!
