Music Monday 33 :: Dave Mathews Band "American Baby"

I'm going patriotic on you all this week. Not only are we celebrating the 4th of July, Independence Day, in the United States, but I am about to become an expat. That's a wowser. I'm relocating to Cairo, Egypt to teach journalism at The American University in Cairo. It's a big, bad move and I'm gun-ho about it.

But it's Music Monday and that's the focus here.

I'm spotlighting The Dave Mathews Band this week. Specifically "American Baby". The hook on this song is so attractive and the lyrics so simple.

Check out the "American Baby" video on YouTube.

PodCampOhio 09: Finding Music for Your Podcast

Just trying to get the information that I shared w/the PodCampers out to everyone who were not able to attend PodCamp Ohio.

Here's another topic and is great for newbies and vets. To freshen up your podcast add some music at the beginning and end. You know, an intro and outro.

My presentation portion went quick. The discussion ventured into Audacity. That evolved because on Jamendo and on some other sites you can download the music. Some folks wanted to know what to do next especially if you don't want the entire song, but maybe just the intro or the hook of the track.

I also like the idea of using a local/neighborhood band. And I have some loops that I can use to make tracks, if you are so inclined.

I mentioned that I am near married to Adobe Audition. But my session attendees convinced me to dig deeper into the abilities of Audacity (which was a session that I attended after my sessions).

All went well. Enjoy the "Finding Music for Your Podcast" presentation on Slide Share:

Finding Music For Your Podcast

View more OpenOffice presentations from Kim Fox.

Using FREE Software to Maniuplate Images

I attended PodCamp Ohio on Saturday, June 20, 2009 on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus, Ohio.

I was only able to attend for a half day. Add to that that I had two presentations back to back. Not a complaint just a note to self for the next time: it might be best if you are working a full day, then attend a half day conference that maybe one presentation is plenty.

I liked the session on "Using FREE Software to Manipulate Images". I wanted it to be simple enough for newbies to understand, yet maybe offer some new information to the vets attending the session.

When presenting at PodCamp, it's best to keep it open and solicit comments and ideas from the attendees. Remember: "Everyone is a Rockstar!".

Here's the "Using FREE Software to Manipulate Images" presentation from SlideShare:

Using FREE Software to Manipulate Images

View more OpenOffice presentations from Kim Fox.

Music Monday 32 :: Dorothy Moore "Misty Blue"

Dorothy Moore's "Misty Blue" (1976)

I'm feeling nostalgic these days and thinking of some oldies. Dorothy Moore's "Misty Blue" is a classic. And it solely reminds me of my grandmother - my father's mom, Nellie.

I have such good memories of spending time at her house when I was growing up. It was always busy at her house. If there was one child in the house, there were five. She would cook for us; she would load us up and take us to the race track w/her. It was always something and it was always so much fun.

But one day she had the 45 of Dorothy Moore's "Misty Blue" on. It played once, then twice, then three times ... well, of course the kids got restless hearing the same ole slow song play over and over again. But my cousin Phil (somehow) got bold enough to go over to the record player and take it off. There was a moment of silence ... and then I think she threw a shoe at him after bellowing "Get away from there!". There may have even been profanity. We all giggled and scattered throughout the house. Hilarious.

The point of a never-ending cycle of Dorothy Moore's "Misty Blue" is only apparent to me now, some 30+ years later. The lyrics are quite short and simple. But it's the strength, confidence and passion of her delivery ... so smooth and seasoned!

Here's a live version of the track:

Misty Blue - Dorothy Moore

Many folks have covered this song, but Dorothy Moore's version is a stand out!

Music Monday 31 :: "Animal House" Soundtrack

"Animal House Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" (1978)

This is absolutely THEE best soundtrack ever!

It's hard for me to single out one track that is the standout on this soundtrack. I've been known to start this one out and let it play all the way through. I must admit though that I have this one on cassette. That sort of limits its playback these days since the cassette player in my car is on the blink.

That's where Imeem comes in handy. I was able to track down most of the tracks on Imeem. There are several Sam Cooke: "What a Wonderful World" and "Twistin the Night Away". Good stuff.

I love the interludes that include clips from the movie too. I am a big John Belushi fan. Love him from his Saturday Night Live (SNL) days. That's how I got into "Animal House" in the first place. I even had a toga party for my 17th birthday. It was soooo much fun.

Anyway, another fond memory from the movie was the group Otis Day and the Knights. Hilarious. That's especially why I like "Shout" and "Shama Lama Ding Dong". Classic.

Here's "Shama Lama Ding Dong":

Shama Lama Ding Dong - Otis Redding


Here's the track listing:

1. Faber College Theme

2. Louie, Louie - John Belushi

3. Twistin' the Night Away - Sam Cooke

4. Tossin' and Turnin' - Bobby Lewis, Bobby Lewis

5. Shama Lama Ding Dong - Lloyd Williams

6. Hey Paula - Paul & Paula

7. Animal House - Stephen Bishop

8. Intro

9. Money (That's What I Want) - John Belushi

10. Let's Dance - Chris Montez

11. Dream Girl - Stephen Bishop

12. Wonderful World - Sam Cooke

13. Shout - Lloyd Williams

14. Faber College Theme

So much fun ... what do you think of this soundtrack? Memories for you too...?

Music Monday 30 :: Trombone Shorty

I got a frantic call from my girlfriend during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She was excited because she'd just seen Trombone Shorty perform. But she goes on to squeal that Wynton Marsalis 'dropped' in on the jam session too and took it to another level.

Trombone Shorty is Troy Andrews. He's a 23 year old trombone and trumpet player. Actually, after attending a jazz workshop this past weekend, I learned that he plays 12 instruments. Incredible.

He's proudly from New Orleans. His resume is impressive - especially since he's only 23. He used to play w/Lenny Kravitz and he now has his own band, Orleans Avenue.

When he walked into the room the other day, he looked like an average teenage guy: tshirt, jeans, sneakers. And I do mean teenage. He looks younger than he is; at least he did the other day.

Trombone Shorty's quite personable. It was nice to sit in on a session where they played a little and he and some of his band members answered questions. I was even more impressed to see some of the young people ask some questions.

So what's all the hype about? Oh, just a legend in the making.

Here's a vid of Trombone Shorty w/a 'short note' on the trumpet.

This is a vid of a showdown w/Trombone Shorty and Wynton Marsalis, both on trumpet (this might be the session that my friend witnessed).

If you want more ... go out and get it. It's there for your enjoyment.
NOTE: image borrowed from the Houston Institute for Culture

Music Monday 29 :: Denyce Graves

I recently saw Denyce Graves perform in Columbus, Ohio. I did not know what to expect. I've been to an opera before, but not a performance by a solo opera singer. I thought that after a while, it would be slow and somewhat boring. It was totally not that.

The performance was recital style. She was accompanied by her pianist Warren Jones.

It was a fabulous show. Graves' voice is phenomenal. Just so rich and full. Of course she did the piece from "Carmen". Love that. But she also did some little ditties that she called 'half minute' pearls of wisdom - hilarious. They were indeed wise words and often funny and on point. I should have written one or two of them down. It was so unexpected.

It was also nice that prior to some pieces, she would give some background information. Her preview was quite entertaining.

She looked wonderful. She first came out in a blue gown. Then following the intermission, she wore a yellow gown. I liked yellow gown best.

I had a chance to interview Graves the day before her performance and she mentioned that one of her most memorable performances was at the 9/11 Ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. There she sang "America the Beautiful" and "The Lord's Prayer". Her version of "America the Beautiful" will bring tears to your eyes. It does for me. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate her version on the Web. You'll have to settle for "Carmen". I'm certain that you will love it, heck, you might even come away thinking that you've got the chops to sing "Carmen"... nothing wrong w/singing along.