Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 96: If Every Day Was Like Christmas

Good news is always good to hear, so here’s an encore presentation of a very special message found in a favorite Elvis Presley song….

 

Elvis Presley, one of my favorite Tsalagi/Cherokee singers, has a great Christmas album that I love to listen to repeatedly. (No surprise there! 🙂 ) As soon as one side of the record is over, I flip it to play the other. 😎 The CD and the digital get played repeatedly as well. 🙂 I never tire of his great voice, sound and soul. This article features his song, “If Every Day Was Like Christmas”. 🙂

  Gentle music like that of a music box begins to play then Elvis soon adds his voice in a soulful, gentle, quiet tone, singing about hearing the bells announcing that Christmas is near. 🙂 They’re ringing out that this is the season of cheer. 🙂 Here’s what they’re ringing out to tell us all:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

  This is from a treasured and reliable source: The Book of Luke from The Scriptures (original King James Version), Chapter 2, verses 8 through 20. 🙂

  Elvis continues to share his heart with us. He hears the singing of a choir, telling the true meaning of the season. His heart is aglow and he’s at peace with the world as the sound of their singing fills the air. 🙂 The joy of knowing the truth of The Creator’s love for us all is enough to make a heart sing. 😎

  Elvis reaches the chorus, kicking the volume up as he sings out the question, “Oh, why can’t every day be like Christmas?” Good question. The point is: every day could very well be like Christmas if we all did what we ought to make it so. We can’t get too caught up in the irritations of other people not doing right – we are responsible for our own actions and can help make a good change by consistently doing right no matter what “everyone else” is doing. Sometimes it seems like everyone only cares about themselves, but that isn’t true at all. Countless times, around the world every day, complete strangers go out of their way to help someone else. They do it with peace and good will toward mankind, which is part of what is so special about that feeling at Christmastime. 😎 If we all did that, it would be as Elvis sang next: “For if every day could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be.” 😎

  Elvis sings about how a smile on a little child’s face is a precious and wonderful thing. 😎 Yeshua/Jesus loves all children around the world, of every age! 😉

  As the chorus follows, Elvis sings out again, “Why can’t that feeling go on endlessly?” Exactly. Why not? If we have it in us to be nice for a short time, why not extend it to year ’round? We can; we only have to choose to. Attitude is up to each of us as individuals; The Creator gave us the free will to make our own choices, every day. That’s a powerful gift.

  “Oh, why can’t every day be like Christmas? Why can’t that feeling go on endlessly? For if every day could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be!” 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 95: Sweet Peace

Peace. We look for it, hope for it, long for it. In our homes, in our lives, in our hearts and in our souls. And it’s available to everyone. 🙂

Even in a restless world with no visible peace around us, the most important peace of all is readily available to each one of us – no matter where we are in the world. No matter where we have been, what we have done, what we have been through or are going through. The peace that passes all understanding – it’s so wonderful that our minds and hearts are awestruck by it – is waiting for us. 😎

The supercool song that I’m highlighting this month, “Sweet Peace” by the Youth Choir of the First Baptist Church of Nutley, New Jersey with lead vocals by Ronald Snead, in a youth choir of children ages 6-12 – such excellent, strong, musical voices! – tells us exactly where that priceless peace can be found. 😎 Here comes the answer…

The song conveys the strength of hope and truth in its very sound as well as in its lyrics. 😎 Yeshua/Jesus is the One Who can give us the true peace we need the most: peace with God, the Creator of the universe. 😎 When we put our faith in Him, we get that soul-deep peace that no one – absolutely no one – can take away from us.

The singers give us several examples of the joys of the peace Yeshua/Jesus gives. “He picks me up, turns me around, places my feet on solid ground.”

“He gave me peace.” That one sentence says so much; it speaks to your very soul. The singer encourages us to realize that Yeshua/Jesus is truly Who we need; He is the Answer to our every need. The Scriptures show us that clearly, too; our love letter from God. (John 3:16 is a favorite Scripture verse; have you gotten to read it yet? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”)

There’s the joy of comfort and hope in the voice as Ronald sings, “When days are dark and nights are long, He’s the One Who gives me a song.” And also when he sings about when you don’t know what to do, He’s the One Who sees you through, when you have put your faith in Him – Yeshua/Jesus. “He gives me peace. Sweet peace.”

The manmade instruments, including piano, drums and organ (all played with respect and soul-stirring faith) follow the opening snap-crackling of the 45 – all music to my ears! 🙂 The melody is beautiful, the arrangement excellent. L. Roberts did a great job! 🙂 😎 The record, a 45rpm treasure (45 R.P.M. BSC 622 A), was released on Harvest Records (27 Elizabeth Avenue, Newark, N.J.). 🙂 It sounds great, too – the 45 itself, the Gospel/Doo Wop style and especially the beautiful song of true hope and peace for us all. Please give it a listen (or two or three or four… 🙂 ); it’s right here for you:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdv-HH4ltoI

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 94 “Come On, Let’s Go”

Encore Presentation for One of the Best Songs Ever…

  One of my favorite ’60’s surf tunes to listen to is “Come On, Let’s Go” by The Rogues! 🙂 😎 Although there have been a number of music artists with the name of The Rogues, this specific one features the vocal prowess of singer/songwriter/musician/producer/et cetera, Terry Melcher, who recorded under a number of monikers. 🙂 Always sounding great! 😀 😎 A producer of great music acts like the essential 1960’s Paul Revere & the Raiders. Cool, fun note: Terry’s also known as “the sixth Raider”. 🙂 😎 That’s way cool. 😎 😎 The other member of the duo is Bruce Johnston; he and Terry usually recorded as Bruce & Terry, best known under that name for their hit “Summer Means Fun”. 🙂 😎 They both play numerous instruments in their music work as well. 😎

   The song, written and originally performed by Ritchie Valens (love his version so much, too! 🙂 ), has a great, upbeat tune.

   This great stereo single (Columbia 4-43253), “Come On, Let’s Go” by The Rogues, was recorded in the studio on 2/3/1965. It was produced by the same man who sang lead on it: surf music pioneer Terry Melcher. 😎 Terry did a great job of making the song “jump out of the speakers”, which he liked to do so it would sound great in the car – and the radio stations couldn’t turn it down. 😛 A very smart fellow, he figured out how to get around their limiters. 😉 😎

   Starting off with a big splash of music, guitar, bass, drums, tambourine, groovy organ and hand claps, it soon gives way to guitar chords of delight and then the highlight: Terry Melcher’s vocals! 😀 He sure can sing! 🙂

   With great energy and a gift of singing with such vitality, Terry invites the girl of the song to come with him and tell him she’ll never leave him. I love the way he strong-yet-gently sings out, “Little Darlin'”! 🙂

   At thirty-eight seconds into the song, the first chorus arrives. I love the way he carries the melody as he sings not only the verse, but also the backing vocals, a melodic rising and falling “ooo-oo-ooo” in a pure, clear tune! 🙂 Supercool! 😎 😎 😀

   He tells her “you know I love you so” & he wants her to be his girl forever. ❤ ❤

   An instrumental break in the center of the song highlights that upbeat and groovy organ music I mentioned earlier. 😉 The instruments, tempo and overall arrangement is excellent. 😎

   At 1:19 Terry belts out the chorus in great style, amping up the song even more. 🙂 😎 Reminding her of his abiding love for her and assuring her it will always be so. ❤ ❤

   He calls her “pretty baby”, telling her again that he loves her so. 🙂 🙂 You know, when you truly love someone, you can’t ever say it too much. 🙂

   It’s really cool the way the piano keys are run the length right in this area – it sounds great and really adds to the musicality of the piece. 😎

   Terry repeats the phrase “come on, come on, let’s go again” until he does a mic fade-out at the end, keeping that upbeat invitation going onward throughout. 🙂 😎

   I love upbeat tunes! 😎 Terry’s so very good at putting the right vocal power behind each musical note. And making it sound so easy. 🙂 Supercool. Super-talented. Super-good at lots of things and a heart full of love. Terry Melcher, a blessing from the Creator to this world. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 93: Hopalong Cassidy Theme Song

One Year Anniversary of…

The Creator, our Savior, is the only Hero we truly need, yet sometimes, as humans, we feel we need a hero we can literally see. William “Bill” Boyd, star of the ever popular, very loved Hopalong Cassidy movies and original television western series, is such a timeless hero. 🙂 Standing strong and firm and true for what is right and good in the Creator’s sight, honorable, respectful, wise, witty, brave, intelligent, cool, fun, strong, capable…so many good words describe this kind of visual hero we like to see. 😎 He’s a representative of the many good people around the world who trust the Creator, try to do what’s pleasing to Him, showing love and respect for others, helping with a willing heart. 🙂 ❤ Bill Boyd not only played such a good guy in movies and on his television show, but he was also a truly good guy in real life himself! 🙂 😎 It’s so easy to appreciate and respect a man like that. 😎

   The Hopalong Cassidy television show, which aired in the 1950’s, has a supercool theme song. 😎 The opening theme as well as the closing theme carries the same melody and fittingly has differing lyrics, matching its purpose. It is a song that is filled with true hope, encouragement and good cheer. And this is how it goes….

   Right at the start, you can hear the triumphant sound of hope, reassurance and the comfort that definite capable help is on the way! It makes the heart lift in joy, a feeling of good hope thrilling through you along with that of the adventure that’s soon to be played out before your very eyes on the screen! 🙂

   The orchestra as well as the excellent, strong vocals ring out with pleasure as it is announced, “Here he comes! Here he comes!” The sound of trumpets and that of drums announces to all: here he comes! 🙂 A melodic “oo-oo-ooo” is carried along on a cheering wind as the music quiets and the onscreen adventure begins. 🙂 It’s so cool! 🙂 I love this theme song and listen to it often! 🙂 ❤ ❤ 🙂 You can’t help but smile and feel happy when you hear it! 🙂

   After Hopalong Cassidy has wisely, realistically and successfully rescued people from the bad ones, the closing theme song rings out with just as much good hope and joy as the starting theme song did. 🙂 No need for sadness that that specific episode is over; he’d be on the next week, too! 🙂

   The lyrics, following the same beautiful orchestration of instruments and vocal melody, tells us that “he’ll return, soon again!” so there’s no need to say goodbye. 🙂 I like that. 😎

   The entire thing, the opening and closing theme song as well as the many good things that aired in the episode, all give a peaceful, resounding cheer to your heart and soul. 😎

   Even better than someone like supercool Hopalong Cassidy coming along to our rescue is that long ago the promised HaMashiach/The Messiah came to our rescue. 😎 He came to rescue by faith all of mankind, including each one of us who had not even been born yet! 🙂 As the Son of the Creator of the universe, He knew we would be here and need His help. He came down from Heaven to rescue us, to bring peace to our souls and give us life everlasting. He paid for our sins, because no human is perfect, and thus gave us the ability to put our faith in Him and get to go to Heaven someday, where we can live forever. 🙂 😎 I look forward to seeing Bill “Hopalong Cassidy” Boyd there, along with so many others I miss or would like to meet. I’ll have all of eternity to enjoy being there with them all and enjoy the beauty of the place the Creator has been preparing for us.

   Here’s what HaMashiach, Who is Yeshua/Jesus, said to a righteous man named Thomas, a message that applies to each one of us, as God made clear in the Scriptures repeatedly:
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(Scripture reference from John 14:1-6.)

   Faith in Yeshua/Jesus is the only way to make peace with our Creator. He loves us and wants us to get to spend eternity with Him instead of us having to pay for our sins ourselves forever. Believing Him, putting our trust in Him to save us and asking Him to forgive for our sins, that’s what we need to do to join Him in Heaven/Paradise someday. 🙂 He will return, soon again, and rescue all who trust in Him from the troubles here on Earth. Yeshua/Jesus gives us everlasting joy, hope and life when we put our faith in Him. He loves each one of us. He loves you.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 92: Supercool December Holidays Music 2021

Here’s eight great supercool music recommendations from me for you to check out for yourselves for a supercool December holidays music funtime! 🙂 I’m sure you’re all familiar with several of them while some may be new to you – always good to find more supercool music to enjoy! 🙂 Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas to every neighbor of mine – which includes, by Scriptural definition, each and every one of you around the globe! 🙂 😎

  Paul Revere & the Raiders’ supercool instrumental “Peace” that Terry Melcher co-wrote with Mark Lindsay and produced for The Raiders’ 1967 Columbia Records album, “A Christmas Present…And Past” continues to be a favorite of mine. No surprise there. 🙂 It’s a great piece. 😎 It says so much without saying an audible word – the need for peace, the hope for peace, the soothing presence of peace like a gentle rain after the storm. Great stuff. 😎

  Something many of us say as the wintertime approaches: “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” That’s what Ed Ames (we also know him as Mingo the wise Tsalagi/Cherokee friend of Daniel Boone on the classic television show, “Daniel Boone” 🙂 😎 ) sings on his RCA album, “Christmastime in Carol and Song”. 🙂 It’s a unique version that Ed Ames delivers for our listening pleasure.

  My favorite rendition of the song “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is sung by Tsalagi/Cherokee singer extraordinaire Wayne Newton on his Capital Records album “Songs for a Merry Christmas”. 🙂 It’s definitely a cozy-by-the-fire kind of song; he paints the scene so well with his gifted voice. I love the heart that he puts into every song he sings. ❤ ❤

  The Hymnworks Christmas collection features the delightful combination of loved songs of the season as well as some highly-recognizable classical tunes. They took one of each and paired them up together to a very pleasant sound. 😎 I love “O Little Town of Bethlehem/Reverie”! 🙂

  One of my favorite songs on Elvis Presley’s Christmas album is “Silent Night”. It is so very beautiful. Before he even sings, the deep, resonant tones of the piano touches your soul and then when the Tsalagi/Cherokee Elvis begins to sing…wow! You can easily hear the depth with which his faith sings from from his soul; it’s not only his gifted vocals, but also the heart and soul that reverberates through each and every note he sings in every gospel song he’s sung. 😎

  Listening to the deep, rich voice of country singer Ricky Van Shelton as he sings “Silver Bells” (or any other song on his supercool Christmas album! 🙂 😎 ) is a great way to enjoy a December evening by the fireside – or to listen to as you are out amongst those silver bells a-ringing! 🙂

  A fun vinyl record to listen to for the eight days and nights of Chanukah, featuring some exceptional songs for a good family listening is “Chanukah Songs for Children” by Shimon & Ilana. 🙂 I have featured music from this album previously and find it enjoyable every year. 😎

  “Little Drummer Boy” has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, partly because I love drums so much! 🙂 So it’s no surprise that this song is my favorite selection on The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. 😎 Not only does it feature their great voices, but also some good drumming! 🙂

  There are so many good Chanukah and Christmas songs available for our listening pleasure. 🙂 Some songs are just for fun and some have much deeper meaning and purpose. The songs telling about The Light, Yeshua/Jesus, are the ones that touch our soul and draw us closer to the One Who created us. May your heart be filled with joy this holiday season as we celebrate The Light Who gives us peace and life and joy and love forevermore. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 91: If Every Day Was Like Christmas

Elvis Presley, one of my favorite Tsalagi/Cherokee singers, has a great Christmas album that I love to listen to repeatedly. (No surprise there! 🙂 ) As soon as one side of the record is over, I flip it to play the other. 😎 The CD and the digital get played repeatedly as well. 🙂 I never tire of his great voice, sound and soul. This article features his song, “If Every Day Was Like Christmas”. 🙂

  Gentle music like that of a music box begins to play then Elvis soon adds his voice in a soulful, gentle, quiet tone, singing about hearing the bells announcing that Christmas is near. 🙂 They’re ringing out that this is the season of cheer. 🙂 Here’s what they’re ringing out to tell us all:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

  This is from a treasured and reliable source: The Book of Luke from The Scriptures (original King James Version), Chapter 2, verses 8 through 20. 🙂

  Elvis continues to share his heart with us. He hears the singing of a choir, telling the true meaning of the season. His heart is aglow and he’s at peace with the world as the sound of their singing fills the air. 🙂 The joy of knowing the truth of The Creator’s love for us all is enough to make a heart sing. 😎

  Elvis reaches the chorus, kicking the volume up as he sings out the question, “Oh, why can’t every day be like Christmas?” Good question. The point is: every day could very well be like Christmas if we all did what we ought to make it so. We can’t get too caught up in the irritations of other people not doing right – we are responsible for our own actions and can help make a good change by consistently doing right no matter what “everyone else” is doing. Sometimes it seems like everyone only cares about themselves, but that isn’t true at all. Countless times, around the world every day, complete strangers go out of their way to help someone else. They do it with peace and good will toward mankind, which is part of what is so special about that feeling at Christmastime. 😎 If we all did that, it would be as Elvis sang next: “For if every day could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be.” 😎

  Elvis sings about how a smile on a little child’s face is a precious and wonderful thing. 😎 Yeshua/Jesus loves all children around the world, of every age! 😉

  As the chorus follows, Elvis sings out again, “Why can’t that feeling go on endlessly?” Exactly. Why not? If we have it in us to be nice for a short time, why not extend it to year ’round? We can; we only have to choose to. Attitude is up to each of us as individuals; The Creator gave us the free will to make our own choices, every day. That’s a powerful gift.

  “Oh, why can’t every day be like Christmas? Why can’t that feeling go on endlessly? For if every day could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be!” 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 90: Old Time Religion & America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)

Another great piece of music footage to review! I loved this the first time I saw it, which was quite recent. For this 91st article on my blog, I’m featuring the matchless Wayne Newton singing a series of great songs as he tells a priceless story on “The Ed Sullivan Show”. 🙂 As you read onward, you’ll see the songs and the memories that he shared on this 1960’s special performance. 😎

  With great style, Wayne Newton, a smile on his face, tells a story interspersed with song as pleasant music plays in the background. He begins by telling about the good old days when things were hard. They were so poor even poor folks thought they were poor. Yet their family didn’t complain about the lack of things; they had love and enjoyed the truly important blessings in life. The Creator’s love, care and being happily together with family was what mattered most. After supper their father would gather them all to sing. Here Wayne starts to sing “Old Time Religion”, a scene taking place onstage behind him, depicting a family enjoying singing after their suppertime. 🙂 The song, “Old Time Religion”, is basically about how following the Scriptures is what’s important, not changing things around just to try to be popular.

  The spotlight returns to Wayne, the stage behind him in the dark as the next story scene gets set and he tells us more. The Scriptures were read and prayers were said before they went to bed at night. Now that’s a great way to finish a day and prepare for the brand new day coming our way with lots of potential for wonderful things! 🙂 😎

  The next part of the story tells about the children walking to school the next day, waving to their father working in the field as they went to school, starting the day with a pledge of faithfulness to the good things our country stands for. 😎 A scene of children, standing proudly with hands over hearts, recite The Pledge of Allegiance, stirring the patriotic heart.

  Wayne tells how an honest name, as in it being known that you are an honest person, is a priceless thing that cannot be taken away.

  He also gave the good advice that if you’re ever in doubt just bow your head, ask the Creator and He will show you how. Prayer is very much needed every day. Trusting the Creator is the wisest thing to do always. Here Wayne and the background set of singers launch into the chorus of “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms”, telling about how the Creator is always ready to help us; He loves us and will help us when we turn to Him. Joy, blessedness and peace can be ours by trusting in the Creator. There are so many alarming things in this world, yet with the Creator, we are, as the lyrics say, “safe and secure from all alarms.” 😎

  Wayne shares that in riches or in rags, character and what is right remains strong in our hearts. Standing strong and true, we’re not ashamed of our Bible and so proud of our country’s hard-fought-for flag.

  The whole stage lights up as everyone sings with Wayne, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”, sweet land of liberty. “Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light…” With the Creator leading us and guiding us by His might, freedom will ring. Let freedom ring all over the world! The Creator loves us all and gave us free will to make our own decisions in all things, good or bad. The choices we make effect us and everyone around us. We can choose to trust the Creator. We can choose to stand against what is wrong in this world. We can choose to be free and help those around us to be free also. With the Creator’s help, we can.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 89: It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

One of my favorite people is a fellow Tsalagi/Cherokee; you have certainly heard about patriotic, entertainer extraordinaire Wayne Newton, haven’t you? 🙂 The song I’m reviewing this time is from one of his gospel/inspirational album from the 60’s. 😎 The album’s full title is: The Old Rugged Cross Songs of Faith and Inspiration by Wayne Newton. 😎 He’s one of the nicest individuals you could ever meet and he sings of faith from his very soul. 😎 “It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)” is such a beautiful, inspiring song, that I chose it for this review. 🙂

  The song starts out cheerily, upbeat and sunny, the first lyrics sung by a chorus of good singers. 😎 The first verse comes through the speakers from Wayne’s heart to ours, conveying words of comfort after a rough day. He tells us with sureness that we ought not be discouraged and that he’s got hope to share with us.

  The chorus brings those words through, pointing out that it is no secret what God can do – what He’s done for others, He’ll do for us, too. 🙂 Sometimes, when we’re feeling discouraged, we might think that things only go right for others, not us, but that isn’t so. The Creator cares about you and me just as much as He cares about everyone else. 😎

  The wonderful truth is just as Wayne sings: with arms wide open, the Creator will pardon us. Even if we’re nice people, no human is perfect; we make mistakes, wrong choices at times. Some people do bad things and some do really bad things. Yet it doesn’t matter how minor our trespasses are or how bad they are: the Creator loves each one of us and gave His Word that He will pardon us, forgive us and rescue us if we trust in Him. How awesome is that?! 🙂 I know it for a fact myself and I’m grateful to Him every day for this great blessing. I know beyond a doubt that He has forgiven me and that I have peace with Him and a future home in Heaven/Paradise.

  You don’t even have to wonder if He’ll forgive you – He already gave His Word that He would. 🙂 You’ve probably seen that look of joyful, calm, peace that others who have put their trust in Him have. I’m not talking about just words or religious attitude; no, I’m talking about that steady calm and ready, genuine, heartfelt smile that is there regardless of what their circumstances are. Joy isn’t based on circumstances; that’s why it’s always there – because the Creator put it there. 🙂 😎 Do you have that sure joy? If you don’t yet, you can.

  There are more great words in this song for us. 🙂 With God’s Light, there is no night/darkness. Plus, we’ll never walk alone because He’s right here with us and we can always feel at home, no matter where we may roam. 😎 🙂 That’s something special; if we put our trust in Him, He’s in our hearts thus always with us. He’s the Creator of the entire universe. That’s an awesomely strong presence!

  The words of the song reassures us also that no power can conquer us when we’re on God’s side. His side is the winning side. Always. 😎 All we need to do is take Him at His promise, not run away and hide. We can stand strong with the Creator at our side. No one is bigger than God.

  The beautiful chorus is sung again. 🙂 Then Wayne sums up this excellent three minute soul-stirring musical treasure by telling us again that “It is no secret what God can do.” You know it in your heart. All you need to do is believe it, trust Him to save you, ask Him. He will hear your prayer for forgiveness and rescue you. Your heart can safely trust in Him. Always.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 88: Back In Time

Armando Perez, worldwide ( 🙂 ) known as Pitbull (and “Mr. Worldwide” 🙂 ), is blessed with an awesome voice, with which he sings as well as speaks to share his wisdom and strength of heart in caring about others and their freedom. I deeply appreciate all of these things. 😎 He is not blinded by the lies being dealt to us by people in places of power and influence and he is standing up and saying so. This song of his, from several years ago, speaks of freedom while also giving us a musically satisfying song that sounds so great I listen to it repeatedly and love it every time! 🙂

  I’m reviewing a live performance for the article here. 🙂 This supercool song, “Back In Time”, starts with Pitbull’s way cool vocal countdown then the amazing guitar work featured in this song quickly joins in. Such a great sound! 😎 The drums are strong and true, too. 😎

  Backing vocals that were inspired by an oldies song lead to Pitbull’s trademark call the start of the lyrics. His hometown state of Florida is included in the verse before he leads into references of the movie this song was featured in.

  The tempo is upbeat, strong and lively, like the man himself. 🙂 😎 As he says in the song: he’s a go-getter, a mover-shaker. He speaks of giving credit where credit is due. He also lets it be known that he’s confident and knows what’s true, therefore it won’t break his heart if people fail to recognize that (I very much appreciate the creative, artistic way in which he avoided using bad language – cuss words – to convey his strong thoughts. He made it very clear.) You can’t let people’s rudeness bring you down; if you’re right, you can stand proud.

  He speaks of saving the world and truly it needs it. He shares more drops of truth and wisdom throughout the song. The past effects the future. Not forgetting the truth of what has happened in the past can help prevent the same kind of mistakes from taking place in the future. We just need to make sure that what is being taught as truth really is; we should look into things for ourselves, research, not just believe what others say just because they act like they’re telling the truth. Saying something like it is a fact does not make it one.

  I like it that Armando used the word “groovy”; I like that one, one of the reasons being I love the literally groovy sound of vinyl records. 🙂 Soon he directs his band to “Break it down”, going into a very cool slow-mo sound then at the right moment he directs with great energy to “Speed it up!” His voice, talking, singing, rapping has a great musical quality to it, strong and clear with super depth and a cool bass vibe feel.

  Great drums get the final notes of the song after the guitar speaks its voice once more. “Back In Time” has a solid sound from start to finish. 😎

  The music is good and the man himself is good, too. 😎 I cannot separate between an artst and ther music; if I cannot respect them, I cannot espect their music – or enjoy listening to it, no matter how good it sounds musically. I respect Armando’s heart and I can freely enjoy listening to this song. 😎 Armando is an American whose ancestry is from Cuba and he is doing what he can to help both countries to have freedom – America to regain freedom and Cuba to gain freedom. The heart of most Cubans feel the same beat of freedom that is in the hearts of true Americans and most of the rest of world. All humans naturally deeply desire to be free from all evil – free from sin and free from the evils of tyranny. We long for it. We seek it. We do what we can to attain it and thereafter to keep it.

  I pray for all peoples of the world to be free. Wherever you are, whatever the laws are in your country in regards to religious freedom – you are free to talk to the Creator of us all, anytime and anywhere. The people running your country might not allow you to gather with other people to worship the Creator, but you are free to worship Him in your heart. Some of your freedoms the human rulers might control, but they cannot control your direct communications with God or your relationship with Him. He is always available to you wherever you are, no matter the situation. He loves you more than mere human words can sufficiently convey and He will save you if you put your faith in Him. As Yeshua/Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (These quotes from Yeshua/Jesus, the Son of God the Creator of us all can be found in the Scriptures, John chapter 8, verses 32 and 36.) John chapter 3, verses 16 and 17 also gives us these encouraging words of truth, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” He wants us to be free; He loves us. Freedom for our souls brings peace with God.

  Freedom and peace are yours for the asking, you only need to put your faith in Yeshua/Jesus to get both immediately. Freedom and peace in our daily living aren’t quite so easy to obtain, but they are priceless treasures for which we pray each day and actively seek. Freedom will come. Peace will come. The Creator guarantees it; you can read that promise in the Scriptures as well. To all American citizens, Cuban citizens and citizens of each and every country on Earth: I’m praying for you, your freedom, peace and safety. May the Creator bless you with these things.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 87: Just Like Me

Patriotic American rock’n’roll with lots of soul band, Paul Revere & the Raiders, truly know how to entertain! Take, for instance, their supercool performance of their hit song, “Just Like Me”, on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand”. 🙂 😎

   Going from one scene to the next, Mark Lindsay comes through the shining stage curtains, joining a very animated Paul Revere, as the opening notes begin strong and clear. 😎 The rest of the band, Smitty, Drake and Phil, are simultaneously taking their places behind the curtains. Mark begins the vocals of the song, singing, “It’s just like me, to say to you…” while good naturedly moving Paul aside, who was standing in front of Mark, facing the curtains as he waved his arms to encourage their sweeping open (which they soon did 🙂 ). Mark was unruffled, smiling pleasantly – how many lead vocalists are that pleasant if someone else stands right in front of them while they’re singing? Paul Revere & the Raiders’ antics are fun and free flowing. 😎 With a smile, Mark points to Paul’s keyboard, directing him toward it.

   The curtains swing open, revealing Smitty behind his drums, up on a platform, with guitarists Drake and Phil to the left. Paul’s keyboard is toward our right as we watch, with Mark taking up his spot in the midst of them all, never missing a beat. 😎 He moves effortlessly in time in line with Paul, Drake and Phil to the music in cool Raider fashion.

   While Mark tells the story, the other four extremely talented guys sing backing vocals that fill the song with an essential sound that makes it all come together just right. Everyone’s vocals are strong and clear throughout. 😎

   The guys joke around on stage some more, Phil stealthily traveling around and Drake coming towards Mark as he plays a sizzling guitar solo. Mark gets behind him, reaches around and pulls Drake’s Raider shirt open (the guys all wear U.S. Revolutionary War uniforms) to reveal a Batman logo T-Shirt beneath. (Paul Revere & the Raiders, like many other popular celebrities, made an appearance on the 1960’s Batman television show.)

   Smitty continues to play that great beat as the rest of the group gathers around the American Bandstand Top 10 board, sliding the cover strips off of each line to reveal the titles of the 1966 Top 10 songs. Instead of the expected list of songs, they had fun with it, having each line say things like “Just Like Smitty”, “Just Like Drake”, going through the whole group and having fun with the rest of the lines as well. 🙂

   The curtain swings shut and open again, Mark plays the keyboard – and Paul promptly begins to swat him with a roll of parchment he’s holding. Mark laughs and moves aside so Paul can resume his playing. The camera view goes upside down briefly then rights again! Smitty’s having a good laugh back on the drums, watching his buddies goof around. Shortly thereafter, Mark and Paul unroll the parchment, which is a banner proudly proclaiming “#1 Just Like Me”! 😎

   Smitty, as he often did, stood up on the drummer’s stool – continuously playing the drums without any trouble. 😎 So cool! 😎

   The song finishes up way too soon, every moment of it having been musically satisfying as well as wholly entertaining! 🙂 Which is what every Paul Revere & the Raiders performance is. 😎 🙂 They are a great blessing continually; I thank the Creator for each one of them. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 86: “Summertime”

Special Encore Presentation of one of my favorite articles; hope you enjoy it! 🙂

One of the best instrumentals – and very fitting for this month 🙂 – is “Summertime” by Paul Revere & the Raiders. This original 1961 recording from their album, “Like, Long Hair”, is a work of art. 😎

   Drummer extraordinaire, Mike “Smitty” Smith, leads off the song with steady, strong beats. A bash and a cymbal crash heralds the entrance of Drake Levin’s guitar strokes, played with so much soul. (I couldn’t pick out the bass, so either the bass guitar was not used in this song, or it so intricately melded with the other instruments that its sound cannot be isolated without extreme effort or equipment.) Paul Revere’s gifted piano playing adds a light breeze to the Deep South heat that the song is already conveying so clearly.

   Then all stops.

   Significantly.

   Poignantly.

   Then, at thirteen seconds in, the sultry voice of Mark Lindsay’s sax begins to sing the instrumental lyrics of the song. 😎

   The other instruments rejoin the scene, each one of them adding to the ambiance of the hot, hazy, oh-so-hot summertime piece. Smitty’s cymbals are excellent! 🙂

   At forty-one seconds, Mark’s sax brings a sweet touch to lift the senses from the simmering heat.

   The volume rises and falls at the right moments and in the right way to paint the musical picture. 😎 The whole sound and feel of the song is conveyed with the Raider expertise.

   Two verses of “Summertime” doesn’t seem like enough when you’re listening to this beautiful rendition. That must be why it gets set to “repeat” when my friends or I play it. 🙂 🙂

   At 1:55, Mark’s sax sings out with great emphasis, Smitty’s shimmering cymbals shine, a soulful guitar stroke from the best guitarist in rock’n’roll soul fills the speakers, the supercool piano melody being played by Paul and more shimmering cymbals by Smitty brings the song to Mark’s sultry summer peak. Then the instruments ring out, lowering, easing its pace, giving the song a never-ending continuation of sound. 😎

   Paul Revere & the Raiders: the most versatile, talented, fun, supercool group of artists you could imagine. And they’re real. How awesome is that? 🙂 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 85: Meet Paul Revere’s Raiders

Here’s a Special Encore Presentation of one of my favorite articles; hope you enjoy it! 🙂 

The great Paul Revere (the one from our time period 😉 ) always had a gift for bringing good, likable, fun, highly talented music artists together to make exceptionally good music and perform amazing concerts. One of the best is the group now known as Paul Revere’s Raiders. 🙂

   Recorded live in concert – and available at popular online stores in the digital download format for your listening pleasure – are these Raider singles performed by Paul Revere’s Raiders: “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”, “Hungry”, “Kicks”, “Just Like Me”, and “Good Thing”. And whenever you can, I believe you’ll want to go see for yourselves why I refer to Paul Revere’s Raiders as one of the most fascinating bands to watch in concert! 🙂 They perform all across America and also do an annual cruise to the Caribbean. 🙂 😎

   The more footage I get to see of these wonderful men, the more I like them! 🙂 And that’s saying a lot! 🙂 I love them all already. 🙂 I have always known they must be good guys, because Paul Revere carefully chose each one of them to be in his band. Recently I had the opportunity to see some footage from their concerts and I was beyond happy with their character and their talent. They truly keep the musical integrity and rockin’ good time of Paul Revere & the Raiders going strong. They are a blessing from the Creator.

   The sound. The correct tempo. The cool moves. The fun atmosphere. The energetic performances. The warm friendliness of the group. The brotherhood of the group. The cool (and hot!) uniforms they wear. The showmanship. The respect for the people. The patriotism. The love of music. The rhythm. The stage presence. The good humor. The overall style. The heart. The tradition. The enthusiasm. The musicianship. The good rockin’ fun. The full entertainment. The genuiness. The love and respect for their original leader, Paul Revere. All of it resounds with the spirit of the original Paul Revere & the Raiders of the 1960’s when these hits were first recorded and performed so exquisitely by Paul Revere, Mark Lindsay, Mike “Smitty” Smith, Drake Levin and Phil “Fang” Volk. And I don’t give this compliment lightly. You see, Paul Revere & the Raiders are who I call my favorite complete band (complete, because they sing as well as play all of the instruments). Paul Revere’s Raiders keep this great legacy going with magnificent prowess. They give it all they’ve got and I love them for it. Two of the greatest bands ever! 🙂

   Paul Revere’s Raiders play the music and sing the music with such an amazing ability because they feel the music from within. They are genuine; each one of them has a true Raider heart.

   In alphabetical order, by surname, here is a brief description of the on-stage presence I observed while watching performances by these six guys I believe you’d love to meet:
Darren Dowler 🙂 – The lead singer, he has a gifted voice, is a cool guitarist and talks well to the audience with great friendliness.
Ron Foos 🙂 – The showman bassist – I’ve seen very few with such style and flare, a happy smile, keeps the crowd entertained.
Doug Heath 🙂 – He’s quite the guitarist, a good dancer with seemingly boundless energy; he has an ever cheerful disposition.
Danny Krause 🙂 – He’s the man on the keys, playing the piano and organ with amazing talent, gifted hands and full heart.
Jamie Revere 🙂 – He plays the guitar like it is as much a natural part of him as breathing is, a blessing to all, and the son of Paul – with his own talents and his own intriguing personality.
Tommy Scheckel 🙂 – The drummer! 😀 That really says it. 😎 He’s a magnificent drummer – beyond cool, as amazing as all get out.

   All of these guys lend not only their superb instrument-playing abilities to the overall sound of the group, but also their strong, masculine vocals in true Raider fashion. I’d love to hear – and see! – them sing “Don’t You Just Know It” just like the 1960’s Raiders did in their September, 1964 concert! 😀 I think they would enjoy doing that one. 😎 I know everyone could greatly enjoy that performance as much as their other ones; Paul Revere’s Raiders are super-talented.

   They “Raider” songs – that means that whenever they play another artist’s song that already sounds distinctive and great, they do it even better! I have noticed this over and over with any song the Raiders cover or even if they only play a sampling thereof. I first made this audible observation while listening to the original 1960’s Paul Revere & the Raiders recordings and, watching footage of Paul Revere’s Raiders, I can easily hear that they have this same gift in regards to non-Raider songs. So cool! 🙂

   Something else about them that is supercool: Paul Revere’s Raiders are very patriotic. 😎 They started The Ride to the Wall Foundation and for years have participated in Rolling Thunder every Memorial Day. 😎

   Having a rough day? Watch some Paul Revere’s Raiders footage and you’ll surely be feeling happier before long. 🙂 They are great entertainers and very cool guys. 😎 If you have the opportunity, I recommend you go check out their concert in person; to see and hear the band playing live must be an amazing thing. 🙂

   “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…” as The Scriptures record Shlomo’s words in the first part of Proverbs 17:22. No matter what level of pain (a constant companion since I was little) I might be in on any given day, Paul Revere’s Raiders consistently bring a smile of delight to my face and to my heart. Wado equa (“thank you very much” in Tsalagi/Cherokee), Paul Revere’s Raiders, for your dedication, determination and long-lasting goodness that never ceases to amaze, entertain, please and bring joy to those who have the honor, privilege and pleasure of seeing your performances (in person and/or through recorded footage). May the Creator continue to bless you as you bless others. 🙂

   My heart overflows with gratefulness for the many kindnesses and great performances by the six members of Paul Revere’s Raiders.

   One of the performances I love most, although I truly love them all, is from their concert in Deland, Florida on 11-11-2014 at the Volusia County Fair. It was right on Veteran’s Day. 😎 Which is always the eleventh of November, the day directly after the birthday of the U. S. Marine Corps. 😎 😎

   Tommy took the stage first to start the music; his expert drumming set the theme of great music as the rest of the band joined him on stage. 😎

   From the crowd around the kind individual who filmed the show to share with others, I heard the enthusiastic cheers to greet this great band as well as the question, “Where’s Paul?” For some, this was when they first found out that our beloved Paul had been promoted to Heaven the previous month. Darren did a beautiful job of gently breaking the news while keeping an upbeat attitude that kept everything in perspective. He noted how Paul is dearly loved, his earthly presence missed, then he said, “But we’re not sad, because we know where he is.” And he pointed Heavenward. It was beautiful. Later, when he said, “God bless you” to the Veterans there at the concert, the tears threatened to spill. Paul would be so proud of his Raiders. And he is, as he looks on from Heaven. 🙂

   Another exceptional part of their show is the respect and heartfelt “welcome home” to our Vietnam Vets, who didn’t receive the honorable welcome home due them when they made it back from serving faithfully as they had promised to do. Doug explains that as part of their welcome home, the Raiders have a special segment for them. 😎 They play a collection of songs that were played on Armed Forces Radio during the time these brave members of the military were serving over there. And I can tell you something else about these songs when Paul Revere’s Raiders play them: they never sounded so good! 🙂

   Each song Paul Revere’s Raiders performed that night was exceptionally well-done. The building rang with good rockin’ music, laughter, fun and gratefulness. They did Raider hit after Raider hit, faithfully doing it like it is on the records, just like Paul told them to – and they have the talent to do it! 😎 I love it that they keep to the 1960’s Raider sound, not jazzing it up or trying to change it. Those songs were hits because they were great music – and great music is timeless. That means that those hits not only “were” hits, but also they “are” hits. Still bringing in the crowds, still selling records/CDs/digital downloads, still getting played on original and replica vinyl as well as every other media available. 😎 This is great music and these guys are a great complete band.

   This article is becoming my longest one yet, so I should probably do a couple of quick notes about original Raider/Paul Revere’s Raiders cool stuff that I cannot leave out. I’m looking forward to writing much more on this supercool, super-nice, super-rockin’ band in upcoming articles! 🙂 I must leave room to tell you about their epic last-song-of-the-night performance! 🙂

   “Steppin’ Out” – like the 1960’s Raiders, they do a cool move in unison – including the drummer – at just the right musical part of the song. That is just so cool!!!!!  They likewise do cool group moves in “Just Like Me” – just like the 1960’s Raiders’ style. 🙂 The drummer of a group has so much to do that often they don’t get in on dance moves, but in the Raiders they do so anyway. 🙂 Yeah, they’re that cool. 😎 🙂 Those who play the keys are limited in how much moving around the stage they can do as well, after all, you can’t carry a double layer of keys around much easier than you can carry around a drum set. 😉 But Danny does the cool 1960’s Raider moves to these two songs as well, as Paul would always do also. 😎 I saw footage of Smitty, that’s how I know about his sharp, cool moves in unison with Paul, Mark, Drake and Phil. He’s something else. 🙂 And so is Tommy. 🙂 Great drummers. 😎

   “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” – their voices blend together with powerful, masculine strength as they vocalize the “ahh-AH-ah-ahh” of the chorus. I’m talking about the 1960’s Raiders and the now Raiders. 🙂 Great stuff. 😎

   The show finishes with the customized, supercool Paul Revere’s Raiders’ rendition of “We’re an American Band”. As Paul Revere said before: they are an American band. Through and through. 🙂 I love it as Tommy continues to put his whole heart into his drumming – and somehow amps it up beyond that as the song reaches the awesomest part; Danny’s fingers continue to blaze across the keys and Jamie strides with strength of purpose to the front of the stage to join the other three guitarists, Ron, Darren and Doug, in a regimental guitar lineup as they play an electrifying portion of Francis Scott Key’s “The Star Spangled Banner”. Powerful. Poignant. Beautiful. The stuff of legends. What a band. What a blessing. What an honor to hear, to see, to witness the patriotic heartbeat pounding out through these men’s fingertips, to their selected instruments, and out into the atmosphere of this land, mingling with the breath of those in the audience who served faithfully for their country, so that we might be free to live and worship the Creator without fear or oppression. What a beautiful gift. Wado equa.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 5: “You Can’t Sit Down”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 6: “Don’t Let Me Go”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 7: “Money (That’s What I Want)”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 8: My Two Shekels Worth on Scheckel’s Drumming

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 84: Sweet Peace

Peace. We look for it, hope for it, long for it. In our homes, in our lives, in our hearts and in our souls. And it’s available to everyone. 🙂

Even in a restless world with no visible peace around us, the most important peace of all is readily available to each one of us – no matter where we are in the world. No matter where we have been, what we have done, what we have been through or are going through. The peace that passes all understanding – it’s so wonderful that our minds and hearts are awestruck by it – is waiting for us. 😎

The supercool song that I’m highlighting this month, “Sweet Peace” by the Youth Choir of the First Baptist Church of Nutley, New Jersey with lead vocals by Ronald Snead, in a youth choir of children ages 6-12 – such excellent, strong, musical voices! – tells us exactly where that priceless peace can be found. 😎 Here comes the answer…

The song conveys the strength of hope and truth in its very sound as well as in its lyrics. 😎 Yeshua/Jesus is the One Who can give us the true peace we need the most: peace with God, the Creator of the universe. 😎 When we put our faith in Him, we get that soul-deep peace that no one – absolutely no one – can take away from us.

The singers give us several examples of the joys of the peace Yeshua/Jesus gives. “He picks me up, turns me around, places my feet on solid ground.”

“He gave me peace.” That one sentence says so much; it speaks to your very soul. The singer encourages us to realize that Yeshua/Jesus is truly Who we need; He is the Answer to our every need. The Scriptures show us that clearly, too; our love letter from God. (John 3:16 is a favorite Scripture verse; have you gotten to read it yet? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”)

There’s the joy of comfort and hope in the voice as Ronald sings, “When days are dark and nights are long, He’s the One Who gives me a song.” And also when he sings about when you don’t know what to do, He’s the One Who sees you through, when you have put your faith in Him – Yeshua/Jesus. “He gives me peace. Sweet peace.”

The manmade instruments, including piano, drums and organ (all played with respect and soul-stirring faith) follow the opening snap-crackling of the 45 – all music to my ears! 🙂 The melody is beautiful, the arrangement excellent. L. Roberts did a great job! 🙂 😎 The record, a 45rpm treasure (45 R.P.M. BSC 622 A), was released on Harvest Records (27 Elizabeth Avenue, Newark, N.J.). 🙂 It sounds great, too – the 45 itself, the Gospel/Doo Wop style and especially the beautiful song of true hope and peace for us all. Please give it a listen (or two or three or four… 🙂 ); it’s right here for you:

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 83: Give Me Your Hand

An instrumental melody of gentleness, love, reassurance, happiness, all things pleasant and good 🙂 that’s “Give Me Your Hand” by Innisfree. 😎 So beautiful. The beauty of the Creator’s handiwork in the beautiful land commonly known as Ireland can be almost physically felt by just listening to this excellent instrumental piece. 😎 That’s artistry. 😎 🙂

   I purposely didn’t look into finding the lyrics for this new-to-me song (well, new-to-me when I first heard it and quickly purchased it not long ago 🙂 ), although I figure lyrics exist. You see, I love instrumentals and when I listen, scenes and stories form in my mind and lyrics often come to my poetic mind as well, making a very personalized version of the song. The original lyrics for this song are probably beautiful, fitting the pleasant melody, yet I will currently keep with my personalized version for my own fun. 🙂 Here, I’m reviewing the instrumental version we all hear. 😎

   The melody begins with the Celtic harp’s gentle sound coming softly through the speaker. Its waltzy style is beautiful. Even without lyrics, you can tell when the phrases repeat; you can also hear the words “Give Me Your Hand” in the very notes of the music as the harp speaks it. 😎

   Soon, the volume rises mildly, showing more earnestness and displaying even more of the heart of the song.

   Played so well, this song sounds like a music box. 🙂 One that you want to keep winding up and playing over and over again. 🙂 😎

   Another line of notes are added to the current melody, giving it yet another level of beauty. And again, a mild rising of the volume, accomplished not by the sound board in the recording studio, but by the effort with which the harpist is plucking those strings. 😎

   A harp is basically a piano without keys; the harpist is directly plucking those strings with their bare fingers. Much of the time it is with the fingertips and/or knuckles; the edge of the thumb are also used often to bring about the sounds we hear. It is fascinating not only to listen to harp music, but also to watch great artists such as Harpo Marx play this supercool instrument. “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” never sounded so beautiful as it did when he played it on the “I Love Lucy” show! 🙂 😎 Some fun, bonus information to think about there and enjoy. 🙂

   Another neat note about this song, “Give Me Your Hand” as done by Innisfree on their album, Celtic Dreams: The length of the song is fittingly marked as 3:17 (as in March – 3rd month of the calendar year – 17th day of that month, St. Patrick’s Day 🙂 ).

   This song somehow gets more beautiful as it continues, lifting the heart to happy heights.

   The very title lets us know that this song is one of reassurance, care and love. The Creator is Love; He loves us more tha we can even imagine. 😎 We have an idea of how great that love is from the Scripture verse “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” You can read it for yourself in the book of John, chapter three, verse sixteen (for English languages, the King James Version is the closest translation from the original Hebrew texts). His love shines all around us and His love is everlasting. Nothing is stronger than the Creator’s love for us. Each one of us. Now that’s supercool.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 82: “Come On, Let’s Go”

Special Encore Presentation!

One of my favorite ’60’s surf tunes to listen to is “Come On, Let’s Go” by The Rogues! 🙂 😎 Although there have been a number of music artists with the name of The Rogues, this specific one features the vocal prowess of singer/songwriter/musician/producer/et cetera, Terry Melcher, who recorded under a number of monikers. 🙂 Always sounding great! 😀 😎 A producer of great music acts like the essential 1960’s Paul Revere & the Raiders. Cool, fun note: Terry’s also known as “the sixth Raider”. 🙂 😎 That’s way cool. 😎 😎 The other member of the duo is Bruce Johnston; he and Terry usually recorded as Bruce & Terry, best known under that name for their hit “Summer Means Fun”. 🙂 😎 They both play numerous instruments in their music work as well. 😎

   The song, written and originally performed by Ritchie Valens (love his version so much, too! 🙂 ), has a great, upbeat tune.

   This great stereo single (Columbia 4-43253), “Come On, Let’s Go” by The Rogues, was recorded in the studio on 2/3/1965. It was produced by the same man who sang lead on it: surf music pioneer Terry Melcher. 😎 Terry did a great job of making the song “jump out of the speakers”, which he liked to do so it would sound great in the car – and the radio stations couldn’t turn it down. 😛 A very smart fellow, he figured out how to get around their limiters. 😉 😎

   Starting off with a big splash of music, guitar, bass, drums, tambourine, groovy organ and hand claps, it soon gives way to guitar chords of delight and then the highlight: Terry Melcher’s vocals! 😀 He sure can sing! 🙂

   With great energy and a gift of singing with such vitality, Terry invites the girl of the song to come with him and tell him she’ll never leave him. I love the way he strong-yet-gently sings out, “Little Darlin'”! 🙂

   At thirty-eight seconds into the song, the first chorus arrives. I love the way he carries the melody as he sings not only the verse, but also the backing vocals, a melodic rising and falling “ooo-oo-ooo” in a pure, clear tune! 🙂 Supercool! 😎 😎 😀

   He tells her “you know I love you so” & he wants her to be his girl forever. ❤ ❤

   An instrumental break in the center of the song highlights that upbeat and groovy organ music I mentioned earlier. 😉 The instruments, tempo and overall arrangement is excellent. 😎

   At 1:19 Terry belts out the chorus in great style, amping up the song even more. 🙂 😎 Reminding her of his abiding love for her and assuring her it will always be so. ❤ ❤

   He calls her “pretty baby”, telling her again that he loves her so. 🙂 🙂 You know, when you truly love someone, you can’t ever say it too much. 🙂

   It’s really cool the way the piano keys are run the length right in this area – it sounds great and really adds to the musicality of the piece. 😎

   Terry repeats the phrase “come on, come on, let’s go again” until he does a mic fade-out at the end, keeping that upbeat invitation going onward throughout. 🙂 😎

   I love upbeat tunes! 😎 Terry’s so very good at putting the right vocal power behind each musical note. And making it sound so easy. 🙂 Supercool. Super-talented. Super-good at lots of things and a heart full of love. Terry Melcher, a blessing from the Creator to this world. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 81: Hopalong Cassidy Theme Song

The Creator, our Savior, is the only Hero we truly need, yet sometimes, as humans, we feel we need a hero we can literally see. William “Bill” Boyd, star of the ever popular, very loved Hopalong Cassidy movies and original television western series, is such a timeless hero. 🙂 Standing strong and firm and true for what is right and good in the Creator’s sight, honorable, respectful, wise, witty, brave, intelligent, cool, fun, strong, capable…so many good words describe this kind of visual hero we like to see. 😎 He’s a representative of the many good people around the world who trust the Creator, try to do what’s pleasing to Him, showing love and respect for others, helping with a willing heart. 🙂 ❤ Bill Boyd not only played such a good guy in movies and on his television show, but he was also a truly good guy in real life himself! 🙂 😎 It’s so easy to appreciate and respect a man like that. 😎

   The Hopalong Cassidy television show, which aired in the 1950’s, has a supercool theme song. 😎 The opening theme as well as the closing theme carries the same melody and fittingly has differing lyrics, matching its purpose. It is a song that is filled with true hope, encouragement and good cheer. And this is how it goes….

   Right at the start, you can hear the triumphant sound of hope, reassurance and the comfort that definite capable help is on the way! It makes the heart lift in joy, a feeling of good hope thrilling through you along with that of the adventure that’s soon to be played out before your very eyes on the screen! 🙂

   The orchestra as well as the excellent, strong vocals ring out with pleasure as it is announced, “Here he comes! Here he comes!” The sound of trumpets and that of drums announces to all: here he comes! 🙂 A melodic “oo-oo-ooo” is carried along on a cheering wind as the music quiets and the onscreen adventure begins. 🙂 It’s so cool! 🙂 I love this theme song and listen to it often! 🙂 ❤ ❤ 🙂 You can’t help but smile and feel happy when you hear it! 🙂

   After Hopalong Cassidy has wisely, realistically and successfully rescued people from the bad ones, the closing theme song rings out with just as much good hope and joy as the starting theme song did. 🙂 No need for sadness that that specific episode is over; he’d be on the next week, too! 🙂

   The lyrics, following the same beautiful orchestration of instruments and vocal melody, tells us that “he’ll return, soon again!” so there’s no need to say goodbye. 🙂 I like that. 😎

   The entire thing, the opening and closing theme song as well as the many good things that aired in the episode, all give a peaceful, resounding cheer to your heart and soul. 😎

   Even better than someone like supercool Hopalong Cassidy coming along to our rescue is that long ago the promised HaMashiach/The Messiah came to our rescue. 😎 He came to rescue by faith all of mankind, including each one of us who had not even been born yet! 🙂 As the Son of the Creator of the universe, He knew we would be here and need His help. He came down from Heaven to rescue us, to bring peace to our souls and give us life everlasting. He paid for our sins, because no human is perfect, and thus gave us the ability to put our faith in Him and get to go to Heaven someday, where we can live forever. 🙂 😎 I look forward to seeing Bill “Hopalong Cassidy” Boyd there, along with so many others I miss or would like to meet. I’ll have all of eternity to enjoy being there with them all and enjoy the beauty of the place the Creator has been preparing for us.

   Here’s what HaMashiach, Who is Yeshua/Jesus, said to a righteous man named Thomas, a message that applies to each one of us, as God made clear in the Scriptures repeatedly:
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(Scripture reference from John 14:1-6.)

   Faith in Yeshua/Jesus is the only way to make peace with our Creator. He loves us and wants us to get to spend eternity with Him instead of us having to pay for our sins ourselves forever. Believing Him, putting our trust in Him to save us and asking Him to forgive for our sins, that’s what we need to do to join Him in Heaven/Paradise someday. 🙂 He will return, soon again, and rescue all who trust in Him from the troubles here on Earth. Yeshua/Jesus gives us everlasting joy, hope and life when we put our faith in Him. He loves each one of us. He loves you.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 80: “White Christmas”

I hope all of my cool, good meshugge readers had a very happy Chanukah! 🙂 ❤ ❤ The eight days and nights go by so fast, nu? 🙂 It feels that way to me amongst all of the fun, rejoicing and reflecting on the Creator’s blessings. A true miracle that that little bit of oil lasted eight days and nights until new could be properly purified for the rededication of the Temple! 🙂 Further proof that our loving Creator knows our needs and provides for us even when things look dire – major battles had been fought and won by His mercy, love and grace. Every battle can be won. So much to be thankful for! 🙂 Chanukah is a supercool holiday! 🙂

  Now Christmas is almost here and the joyful fun continues! 🙂 There are always things to be happy about and grateful for, so like Mark Lindsay tells us in the Paul Revere & the Raiders song: “Wear a Smile at Christmas” (and all throughout the year! 🙂 ). 😎

  Usually I give eight (this number chosen in honor of the length of Chanukah) brief reviews of Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s songs. This year I felt I should select one song this time, so I chose a popular favorite around the world. 🙂 😎 You know it’s a favorite of mine; it’s been featured by various artists here. 🙂 My favorite since I was little is by Elvis Presley, featured on his Christmas album. The song is none other than “White Christmas”, written by famous Jewish composer, Irving Berlin. 🙂 😎

  This song is applicable to all three December holidays and is a good one. 😎 All areas of the world enjoy this song, no snow required – it’s a feeling in your heart that cannot be taken away unless you let it. 😎 The songs speaks of dreaming of a snowy Christmas, a feeling of coziness, warmth and love. Regardless of where you are in the world and what’s going on around you, in your life, there are some things that no one can take away from you. 😎

  One thing is your dreams. 🙂 They live in your heart, comfort your mind and inspire your heart to keep beating. No one can stop you from dreaming of and hoping for good things.

  Another thing no one can take away from you is love in your heart. ❤

  Hope in your soul cannot be taken by someone else; the Creator gives us hope and we only lose it when we allow bad things to rob us of that reassurance – but we can get it back with His help. He offers us hope; all we have to do is accept it, this priceless gift. As long as there is life, there is hope. Please never give up hoping for and believing in good things; it is a joy that the Creator offers us daily, moment by moment.

  The song paints a picture of peacefulness and that’s another thing no one can take away from us. That might seem incredulous, given circumstances, yet it is true that we can have peace in the midst of chaos, war and everything else that feels anything but peaceful. The Creator’s peace is always right there waiting for us, unending and priceless. His peace is a lasting one and it comes to us through faith in His Son, Yeshua/Jesus, HaMashiach – the Messiah. He is the true Gift of Chanukah, Christmas and New Year, giving us new life when we put our trust in Him.

  There are so many blessings awaiting us as we look to the Creator for them. As Smokey Robinson sang, “more love, more joy”! 🙂 Surroundings and situations cannot be ignored, but our focus needn’t be on them 24/7, but rather focus on the Creator, His love, His Light, His Gift to us all. 🙂 😎 ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 79: “White Christmas”

This seventy-ninth installment features a special encore presentation of the supercool, real country rendition of the timeless song, “White Christmas” by William Michael Morgan!!!

William Michael Morgan. Now, there’s a name every true country music enthusiast should know. 😎 Why? Because he sings good, pure, true country. He’s got the heart, the voice, the sense, the tone, the authenticity, music and melodic style of it. When you hear one of his songs – any of them – you immediately know you’re hearing real country music. Not pop. Not sap. Nor anything else that is sometimes accepted – by some – as country music. William Michael Morgan is genuine and so’s his music. 🙂 😎

   “White Christmas” is a nice, pleasant song of the season and has been recorded numerous times, by artists of varying genres, since it was first heard. William Michael Morgan’s steady, practical-yet-dreamy rendition of it is of supercool quality. 🙂 😎

   The three-minute-and-fourteen-seconds song of Christmas pleasantness begins with notes played on one of the most well-known stringed instruments 😉 and is appropriately joined in time with drums, percussion, real piano, steel guitar and the bass…and the most important sound in it all: William Michael Morgan’s Creator-blessed voice. 🙂 😎 (If you’re wondering if I’m going to keep typing all three of his names, the answer is, “Yes.” 🙂 He goes by his full name. I’m encouraging others to check out his great music, so they need to know the name he goes by. Plus, I don’t currently yet know which name he prefers to be called by. His best friend, who is his dad 😎 , calls him Michael, but that might be a best friend’s privilege, so I’ll wait until I know his thoughts on that. 🙂 )

   He sings from the heart, setting a calm, steady pace for the song that keeps it cozy and comfortable without becoming slow or draggy – that’s very important in this song. It’s supposed to paint a picture, reminiscent and fun – not make you fall asleep. 😉 And William Michael Morgan sings it just right. 😎 🙂

   In the song, it’s about hoping for a nice, cozy setting to celebrate in, as has been enjoyed previously, “where the treetops glisten, and children listen, to hear sleigh bells in the snow.” This supercool singer carries the notes in melodic vocal beauty, holding each note for the right amount of time. 😎 I also like how his notes lift upwards with hope and brightness; I always appreciate that. 🙂 😎 (I don’t like it when a song’s overall tone – in vocals and/or other instruments – has a downward-note sound. Music can get an idea across without dragging your spirit down; William Michael Morgan is one of the artists who understands that – the proof is in his every song. 😎 )

   Approaching the midway point in the song, the steel guitar takes the forefront of the manmade musical instruments section before the ivories take their light and cheerful turn.

   William Michael Morgan sings the chorus again, adding even more heart to his blessing for the listeners. 🙂 He sang of dreaming of a white Christmas and sings to us all: “May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases,
may all your Christmases, oh, may all your Christmases be white.” 🙂

   The drums have the last say in the song, giving a flourish at the close of this hopeful song of wanting and of blessings.

   Dreaming of a white Christmas. People do that all over the world in both extremes of hot and cold climates and everywhere in between. It sounds nice. 🙂 Although Yeshua/Jesus was born in the Mediterranean area – Bethlehem, Israel to be specific – snow is often associated with the celebration of His miraculous birth. Part of the reason for this is that many have snow in their hometowns in the month of December and it lends a warm, cozy scene with fireplaces and greenery on postcards. Also, there’s something symbolic and therefore comforting in the quiet beauty of a pristine, soft blanket of pure snowflakes, each one a unique design – just like each person in the world is unique and special to the Creator. 🙂 😎 He loves us all. He came and gave up His life, suffering in our stead so that we wouldn’t have to pay for our imperfections ourselves. He gave us a way to Heaven/Paradise – the only way, in fact. Faith in Him, asking His forgiveness and trusting what He did for us is all we need to do. Once we’ve done that, we don’t need to worry about getting into Heaven; we’re all set! 🙂 And we also have Him in our hearts, filling our soul – that place that felt empty before we asked Him into our hearts. He gives us peace with the Creator and joy within, regardless of what we face in life. He’s there for us. Always. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 78: New Orleans

Paul Revere, reknowned supercool co-founder and leader of Paul Revere & the Raiders, takes the singing lead in their way cool rendition of “New Orleans”! 🙂 All of the members of this supercool group sang lead on a few songs each, although Mark Lindsay’s voice was the regular lead on most of their songs. Great quality vocals from each of these super-talented artists who not only sang great, but also played their instruments at the topmost level. 😎

   “New Orleans”, the eleventh track from their 1965 album, “Just Like Us!”, is jam-packed with solid musical grandeur! 🙂 I love it! 🙂

   Smitty’s awesome drumming rolls us right into “New Orleans”, soon joined by cool, beat-keeping hand claps by the rest of the group. 😎 Paul starts singing moments later, “Hey, hey-ey, hey, yeah!” Then Mark, Smitty, Drake and Phil echo him with their own great voices. This sound truly appeals to my Tsalagi (Cherokee) heart; it’s got tribal routes, you can hear it. 😎 Paul repeats his opening line, adding the words, “I said!” to the forefront, the others echoing again. Paul didn’t need to repeat himself anytime other than in this song; he’s a natural-born leader. 😎

   With his next words he invites us to take a trip with him down the Mississippi to New Orleans, Mark Lindsay’s amazing sax swinging into the song in great New Orleans style! 😎 The rest of the group adds their two shekel’s worth with enthusiastic words of agreement. 😎 Paul sings about the wonderful honeysuckle flowers and vines blooming there all of the time, of the magnolia blossoms smell so sweet in the air, a heavenly scent. 😎

   Good music is one of the many great blessings the Creator blesses us with every day. 😎 A song in our heart. A good song playing on radio, or other media. The birds outside cheerily praising the Creator for His love and care for us all.

   More chorus time begun with Mark’s sax, backed by the rest of the guys on instruments and vocally, singing great and undoubtedly dancing to that Dixieland beat! 🙂 The chorus is repeated several times as the song finishes up, Smitty going to town on those drums, drawing a comment from Paul. As producer Terry Melcher ends the recording, it is perfectly timed with Paul (saying in a voice that fades in volume poetically 🙂 ) saying that he thought it might be time to fade the song to a close now. 🙂 It’s a great, fun tune and it’s no wonder Smitty kept at it…even as the recording stopped. 😉 Never quit a good thing. 🙂 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 77: “The Duke of Earl”

Of songs that stand out as something special, timeless and stop-you-in-your-tracks good, “The Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler is one of the best! 🙂 His singing is spectacular, as is his live performances of the song. 😎 The lyrics, music, production, engineering, every aspect of the recording of it is excellent. 😎

   Instantly recognizable from the very opening notes, this song catches and holds your musical attention from start to finish. The melody, the sound of each instrument – including a beautifully played sax – and the music of Gene Chandler’s voice are all impressive.

   The character in the song tells of walking through this world, nothing can stop him. The abiding love of a good woman gives a man great strength. She gives him power; he uses that power to cherish her.

   He tells of the unstoppable power of his love for her – no one can hurt her. She’s his girl. Love is a powerful thing; God is love. He has given us so many examples of what true love is like. The special love that a man and a woman have for each other, when they are true loves, is a beautiful and powerful thing. Both the man and the woman share their joys, protect each other from hurt as much as they can, help give one another courage, whether things are going well in the world or not. Together they are strong, lending a feeling of unstoppable good. Faith in the Creator makes that feeling real. 😎

   Gene sings of the paradise they will share and the love he has for her. ❤ ❤

   The song tells how he’s the “Duke of Earl” and, when he holds her, she will be his “Duchess of Earl”. Being held in the arms of someone you love and who also loves you is a powerful thing, so wonderful, mighty in healing, comforting, makes your heart feel like it’s soaring up to the sky. Nothing like it. 🙂

   The chorus is sung again after a beautiful series of vocalizations by Gene; this song is supercool! 🙂

   “The Duke of Earl” is a greatly loved song. Gene Chandler’s vocals are exquisite. He makes this song the treasure it is. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 76: “Happy” by The Blades of Grass

This beautiful song of love, “Happy” by The Blades of Grass, particularly the love the fellow has for the girl to whom he’s singing – the girl he wants to marry and spend all of his life with 🙂 , begins with gentle, sunshiney musical orchestration. 🙂 It’s beauty immediately transports you (figuratively spoken there 😉 ) to the dreamy world of love and happiness. It’s bright and cheery, pleasant to the ears. 😎

   “Happy is the day I found you.” That feeling of happiness is a wonderful blessing. “Happy is the world around you.” Some people make everything feel happier just by being around them. 😎

   Grand, flourishing music wafts through the speakers. The singers echo back-and-forth in a neat way.

   “Happy is our love forever.” The words of the song convey’s so much. “Happy is the way I love you.” “Happy is just thinking of you.” 🙂

   God is Love; He is the Creator of Love. And He loves us unconditionally. All we have to do is truly trust Him, putting our faith in Him, believing on Him, as it says in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Creator wants all of us to be happy – truly happy in good things. The Scriptures say so much about this. 😎 The Book of Psalms in the middle of the Bible is beautiful; there is so much treasure telling us of His love and care for us. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 75: “Blue Fox”

Now, if you want to hear another really cool song, here’s a good one for you: “Blue Fox” by Paul Revere & the Raiders! 🙂 😎 Amazingly talented group. 😎 They give top-notch in every category: song-writing, playing their individual instruments, singing, dancing, performing live, recording in-studio – every aspect covered and delivered in high quality! Gifted musicians. Fun to listen to. Fun to watch. Musically satisfying. Here we go…

   “Blue Fox” begins with rockin’ piano by Paul Revere then Smitty joins in with his superb drumming. Drake and Phil soon add their excellent guitar work to the sound and Mark’s sax steps in to lead. 😎 The song has a solid, rockin’ beat that’s quick-paced yet smooth with groove. 😎 These guys really know how to play their instruments to their utmost! 🙂

   A little over a half minute into the song, sudden silence gives the floor to Paul who asks with an accent, “Hey, senor, is this the way (to) The Blue Fox?” To which Mark replies with fitting accent akin to Mel Blanc (the voice of WB cartoon character Speedy Gonzales and many more!), “Si.” 🙂

   The piano starts up again as do the other instruments as the song continues in its supercool melody. The drums bring it down when the next question comes along. “Is this The Blue Fox?!” Paul asks in delighted wonder. Drake’s guitaring is way cool as Mark replies with deep sincerity in his voice, “Si.” 😎

   At 1:23, Paul exclaims, “This place is a gas!” Mark responds, “You like?” and plays a great tune on his sax. 😎

   The song is a solid piece of instrumental prowess, sounding great from start to finish. Putting this song on “repeat” is a good idea! 🙂 Great songs like this one deserve replay! 😎 If you’ve heard this supercool song, I’m sure you were nodding along as you read my enthusiastic words, knowing from personal experience that this song, “Blue Fox”, is all this and more! 🙂 If you haven’t heard it yet, I heartily recommend you do so! 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 74: “Groovin'”

Cruisin’ in the summertime! The 1960’s hit “Groovin'” by The Rascals is an excellent choice to play on your sound system as you travel the roads this summer. 😎

   Right off it sets the relaxed, peaceful, stress-free mood of enjoying a pleasant drive on a sunny day. 🙂 The music is pleasant, a fine audible backdrop for a day that dreams are made of. 😎 🙂 It’s a tapestry of sunshine, a warm breeze, scents of flowers, the beach, all that good stuff that makes up your perfect summer’s day…

   The song tells of the satisfying fun of groovin’ along on a sunny afternoon, needing and appreciating the freedom of enjoying creation without the unpleasantness of other things getting in the way. Letting go of pressures and thoughts that stress, you just admire the pleasures of being surrounded by the Creator’s handiwork. And it’s free. 😎

   The music flows, birdsong, keys, sweet harmonica and other good sounds fill the air as you listen to this supercool song. 🙂

   The vocals are excellent, singing with true feeling, conveying the heart behind it and helping to paint the scene of tranquility and freedom. 😎 They sing of continuing to spend sunny days this way, talking and laughing, taking time away to relax and enjoy being happy.

   There’s nothing quite like the sound of the ocean, the rustle of reeds in a summer breeze, the song of birds and the feel of the sun. Groovin’ along amongst creation is a wonderful blessing. If you cannot literally go do that for whatever reason, you can use the powers of memory and imagination that the Creator has blessed us with and bask in that wherever you are. 🙂 It’s available to you, as are all of the Creator’s blessings, including life everlasting through faith in Him.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 73: “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?”

Here’s a fun one! 🙂 Great music can be found in cartoons. 😎 I love the theme from the 1969 opening/closing of the television cartoon, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” 🙂 The adventure of a mystery sings out loud and clear in this song in keeping with the intriguing mysteries featured in the cartoon. Scooby (a dog) and the rest of the gang (humans Velma, Daphne and Fred) always discovered the truth even when bad guys went to great lengths, using eleborate disguises, to try to scare off good people. Good guys win. 😎

   The theme song for “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” begins by painting an audible picture of a mysterious setting. The lyrics of the song are addressed to Scooby-Doo. When the singer first asks him where he is, telling him that they’ve got some mystery-solving to do, the cartoon dog’s voice replies with a somewhat startled and unsure, “Huh?!”

   Neither Scooby nor his closest friend, Shaggy, are enthusiastic about potentially scary situations. Yet they eventually show great bravery when truly needed. At first, when the singer tells Scooby they need some help from him, they notice he pretends injury to avoid having to face danger. They know he’s actually fine, just scared.

   In the song, you can hear the neat sounds of the cartoon. 🙂

   The singer encourages the would-be hero, telling him not to hold back, he’s got what it takes to help defeat the bad guys. 😎 We can learn from the cartoon basic truths such as the fact that we can all help stop bad people from causing harm and shouldn’t let our natural fears keep us from bravely doing what’s right. 😎

   Scooby is promised a tasty reward for his participation in foiling the bad guys’ plans, in the form of his favorite treat, a Scooby Snack! 🙂 There are many rewards in doing right; there’s the visible ones of stopping bad stuff from happening as well as the rewards of the good you feel when you help others. 😎 The Creator blesses us when we do the right thing in the right way at the right time for the right reason. And He’s always ready to help us with that; ask Him and trust Him. 😎

   The song wraps up with Scooby showing his bravery: “Scooby-Dooby-Doo, here are you. You’re ready and you’re willin’.” 😎 🙂 They are grateful for his help; sometimes he’s the only one present who can do certain tasks to defeat the bad people: “If we can count on you, Scooby Doo, I know we’ll catch that villain!” Friendship is teamwork and being able to count on one another in good and bad times is a wonderful blessing, a gift from the Creator Who made us and loves us.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 72: “Sing a Happy Song”

Spreading good cheer is always needed and songs like this one tell it well. 🙂 “Sing a Happy Song” by WAR, from my 2-Disc CD set, The Hits & More, is track 8 on the second disc. And it’s cool. 😎

   This upbeat tune begins accordingly with a groovin’, funky instrumental intro that sets the scene for this supercool song. 🙂 You’ve got drums, guitars, peppy organ, tambourine/cymbals coming through the speakers, setting the mood for you to “Sing a Happy Song”. 😎

   “Wake up in the mornin’ with a tune in your heart. Groovin’ to the music is the only way to start.” Singing it all day long, “making people happy while they follow you along.” It “feels so good” and these three words are repeated with genuine heartfelt pleasure coming through loud and clear in the vocals. 🙂 Singing a happy song helps the world. 🙂 You’ve probably heard someone singing a happy tune to themselves and so you know from firsthand experience that it can instantly bring cheer to your own heart as well. 🙂

   More good words are sung in verse two. Walking down the street, groovin’ to the beat, when you smile and sing, it will be a blessing to the people that you meet. 😎 Working can be fun and it’ll help you get the job done – the day won’t feel so long when you sing a happy song. 🙂 Have you tried it? 🙂

   The third verse follows the lively chorus and tells how singing a happy song makes every part of your day better. 🙂 This super-talented group continues to encourage us to sing a happy song as the audible song comes to an end yet the good feeling continues to ring in the listener’s heart. 🙂 Feels so good. 🙂 😎 ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 71: “Come By the Hills”

An Irish tune usually graces my music review blog this month each year and the tradition continues. 🙂 The featured song for this year is the very melodic and inspiring track “Come By the Hills” by Celtic Thunder. 😎

   The instrumental introduction paints a picture light and beautiful, setting the scene for the even more beautiful lyrics and vocals forthcoming. 😎

   The first verse is fittingly sung in the language of the Irish, which is music itself. 😎 The first verse is then sung in American English, as are the following two. In the opening verse, the beauty of the land – specifically that of beloved Ireland – so wonderfully designed by the Creator, is described. It tells of a beautiful place where there is peace and calm amongst creation. It also tells of how it helps you to realize that there is peace and hope “And the cares of tomorrow can wait ’til this day is done.” 😎 Enjoying each day the Creator has made, as the Scriptures say, gives us much-needed shalom (peace) within us and therefore around us in our daily lives. Rejoicing and being glad is the attitude that helps make our days brighter, happier and better in so many ways. 🙂

   The second verse encourages us to come to the beautiful land “where life is a song”, “birds fill the air with their joy all day long”, trees sway to the music and wind is also in tune with the song of creation. 😎 “And the cares of tomorrow can wait ’til this day is done.” The Creator, Who made all of this beauty that works so wonderfully together, loves and cares for each one of us. 😎 We can – and should – trust Him in all things. Fear and worry should not rule us; there is freedom to live and enjoy life when we trust the Creator. He makes the good times even better and the not-so-good times easier. Love is powerful and God is love.

   The third verse speaks of continuing onward with hope, reminding us that “the cares of tomorrow can wait ’til this day is done.” Then, as the song approaches its closing instrumental section, in a tone more poignant and gently sung, we hear the words encouraging us yet again that we ought enjoy each day and not worry about tomorrow: “And the cares of tomorrow can wait ’til this day is done.”

   Some words of wisdom: Don’t waste time today worrying about or over-thinking tomorrow (or any other day). Worry isn’t helpful and doesn’t solve anything. Faith in the Creator, prayer to Him and trusting Him brings reassurance, peace and good hope. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 70: “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

With a whole range of music styles and genres in my collection, this song has a happy home: “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. 😎 I love it. It’s simple, pure, true, reassuring, relaxing, upbeat, calming – supercool! 🙂

   It starts with the expected reggae drumbeats that immediately tell you a great song has just begun. 😎 Several more man-made instruments join in then the best instrument on Earth, the music of voice created by the Creator, sings the message of this song.

   “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be alright.” Marley, in his excellent voice, tells the story of waking up that morning, sharing a smile with the rising sun. 🙂 🙂 There were three little birds by his doorstep, singing a sweet song of melodies pure and strong. The song they were singing conveyed this message of encouragement and true hope: “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be alright!”

   The Creator of the entire world cares about us; there is nothing we need to worry about. Yes, it’s that simple. 😎 He already knows the future. He is nearby, ready to help us whenever we need Him – we only need to ask Him to help us, put our faith in Him.

   Worrying solves nothing and is the opposite of faith. Instead of worrying, putting our trust in the Creator will bring us hope and peace. If you think about it for just a mere moment, you can quickly conclude that many of our worries never ever happen – so time spent worrying about whatever was a complete waste of time and energy. Time and energy we could have put into something fun and constructive.

   The story is told again – every good story is! 🙂 – then Marley sings out with good, strong determination: “I won’t worry!” 😎 That’s a good attitude to have. 😎 Worry solves nothing. It won’t fix anything and it only makes us feel miserable. Why worry? We shouldn’t and we don’t need to, even though we tend to do it. We need to determine not to, like Bob Marley sang in this song. Then we can be free. 🙂

   The verse “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be alright!” is repeated again. And again Marley sings with purpose, “I won’t worry!” as the song finishes up. It’s melody and message is good and true – and stays with you, happily repeating in your head with a good reminder not to worry – just trust the Creator. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 69: Amazing Grace

The first article of Supercool Music for the year 2020 features a song that has become a beloved and readily-recognized tune throughout the world. 🙂 The melody came long before the words now associated with it. This American Tribal tune that others added lyrics to became known as “Amazing Grace”. 🙂

   The version I’m reviewing here now is sung by two Tsalagi/Cherokee men playing Cherokee drums with two verses sung – first in our language then in American English. 😎 Using the strong, from-the-soul vocals of the Tsalagi that the Creator blessed them with, these two men show the true beauty of this song as they play the drums in excellent precision, timing so smooth and seemingly effortless that they could play continuously and I’d be just fine with that! 🙂

   “Amazing Grace”, how true, the Creator’s gifts to us! 🙂 Grace means being given something that is not earned; it is a blessing, a gift. The Scriptures say that every good and perfect gift comes from Him – how cool is it to receive a gift from the One Who created the entire world?! Amazing! 🙂 He has power we cannot even fathom, it is so great, yet He cares about us so much that He gives us gifts out of love.

   The Creator of us all watches over us and is there for us as we go through every day, allowing us to make our own decisions. He gave us the gift of free will; we can choose to trust Him or try to do things all on our own. The choice is ours. Trusting Him brings peace and reassurance in all areas of our lives. 😎

   People often seek the advice of those who are knowledgeable, looking for guidance whether it’s to buy a car, travel information, which books are good to read – so many things! When someone really knows their stuff, their knowledge is priceless. The Creator has knowledge way beyond ours. And His knowledge covers every subject on Earth and beyond! 🙂 😎

   The lyrics of the song, “Amazing Grace”, notes the sweet sound of those very words, “amazing grace.” The Creator’s gift of eternal life through faith in Yeshua/Jesus is grace most amazing. Accepting His gracious gift guarantees forgiveness and a future home in Paradise/Heaven. The ideal vacation destination for all of eternity! 🙂 🙂

   The melodic tune of “Amazing Grace” speaks to the soul beyond the limitations of human words. You feel it deep within. It soothes, uplifts, encourages, touches your spirit with a powerful joy. Music is a precious gift from our loving Creator. ❤ Much more so, the gift of His love. ❤ ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 68: December Holidays Music 2019 Edition

Welcome to the 2019 edition of December Holidays Music, featuring eight songs reviewed! 🙂 I hope you enjoy reading about each one of them – beautiful melodies for Chanukah and Christmas plus fun cartoony tunes – and if there are any you haven’t heard yet heard, I hope you’ll check them out! 🙂 I enjoy good music and making sure others know about these great songs as well. Some are well-known and some are more rare treasures. May the Creator bless you as you read each review for these songs dedicated to telling the stories and sharing the feelings of Chanukah, Christmas, the wintry season and the joys of hope and love. 🙂 ❤ ❤

   “White Christmas” by Elvis Presley, who is mishpacha Tsalagi/Cherokee 🙂 😎 , has always been one of my favorite December tunes. 🙂 I love the upbeatness of it and the way he sings it in his own style, making it special from the heart, not just different. 😎 I have seen some snowy Christmases, yet every Christmas was a “White Christmas” whether those little ice sparkles graced the ground or not – because of my imagination and because of Elvis singing this song for us. 🙂 😎 He paints a happy, cozy picture with this track from his famous Christmas album. ❤ ❤ He sings the blessing for our Christmas to be “merry and bright” and we can have that with or without snow. 🙂 😎 Knowing that the Creator of us all loves us so much is more than enough to give us a merry and bright Christmas as it shines with His unending love.

In December of 2018 I reviewed another excellent rendition of “White Christmas”; it was by the daddy of a little girl whose name is Presley. 🙂 William “Keepin’-It-Real-Country” Michael Morgan received a full article for his supercool single then and this time, I’m including a review here for when he sent a Merry Christmas message to all and sang “Blue Christmas” so warmly. 🙂 I never heard it sound so cozy before! 🙂 He sang it with such ease, warmth and cool style! 🙂 His demeanor, Creator-blessed abilities and clear enjoyment of singing was evident in his tone as well as by the smile that lit his face repeatedly through the song. 🙂 His deep voice conveyed the feeling that went with the lyrics of how the girl may be doing alright with her Christmas of white, but that his Christmas will be sad and blue without her. You could take the lyrics to mean that the guy and girl in the song are no longer together. However, the words could just as easily be conveying the fact that he is missing his true love for whom he is seeking and has not yet found. 🙂 The Creator Who made their heart and soul united can guide the two individuals together; having faith and trusting Him is key to finding the right person at the right time. The Creator gives His children even better gifts than an Earthly father can. 😎

My feature from the Paul Revere & the Raiders’ 1967 Christmas album, “A Christmas Present…And Past” this year is actually just the introductory to a song that has three parts to it. The album (with the exception of the guest-sung song, “Jingle Bells”) was written entirely by co-authors Mark Lindsay and Terry Melcher. The featured track begins with Mark musically saying how people would be very displeased and maybe even angry if their holiday traditions were messed with – like the possibility of turkeys and rabbits and such being taken out of the holidays they are connected with. He goes on to poignantly say that every December he wonders how, with people holding to those simple traditions so strongly and adamantly, how could they let it happen to the entire reason for the Christmas holiday? The promised Messiah isn’t merely a decoration for a holiday; He is the reason we have this blessed holiday. Without Yeshua/Jesus coming to Earth to save us, how could we celebrate life and joy and freedom to its fullest? He is the Author of it all. 🙂 And that’s why Terry sang out in a Heavenly clear voice, vocally displaying how sad it is when people try to take “the ‘Christ’ out of ‘Christmas'” – you cannot truly separate the Greatest Gift from the holiday that was made to celebrate His life-giving love for us all.

Personally providing all of the music needed – street corner vocal harmony and finger-snaps, Why Don’t We sang “Silent Night” in their own unique style. They kept a good balance of originality as well as staying true to the message of the song, being careful not to get too caught up in the vocalizations – I appreciate that. 😎 It was one minute and twenty-two seconds of powerful vocal beauty. 😎 The song helps convey the true hope and beauty of the calm and peace that the Creator offers to us through the gift of salvation through our faith in His Son, Yeshua/Jesus, Who came to Earth as a Baby, lived among us and died in our place so that we could have true peace with our Creator and live forever with Him. The song is poignant and beautiful, touching the heart and the soul. 😎 This cool rendition of “Silent Night” by Why Don’t We can be found on their 2017 Christmas EP, “A Why Don’t We Christmas”, along with more good music! 🙂

Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera’s “A Hap-Hap-Happy Christmas from Yogi Bear”, a 78 RPM vinyl record from Little Golden Records that sold for twenty-nine cents back then, is up next! 🙂 Yogi Bear is a fun character and his little buddy, Boo-Boo, is featured on this piece, too. 🙂 It’s a pleasant tune that lends a happy, cozy warmth as you listen to it. After the opening, cheerful music notes, Yogi tells his little buddy, “Here comes some Christmas cheer” and soon begins to sing: “Have a Hap-Hap-Happy Christmas! Have a Merry Christmas Day!” He, as a bear, will by hibernating by then, so he wanted to go ahead and tell everyone to have a Joyous Christmas Day. 🙂 He hopes everyone gets nice presents. Yogi and Boo-Boo will be dreaming all winter about springtime and all the fun it will bring. And the boys and girls will be playing with their Christmas toys all winter long. “So from me to you – and Boo-Boo, too – we want you to have a hap-hap-happy Christmas, ring the holiday bells, have fun! Merry Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone!” He repeats this then the two bears exchange Christmas blessings to each other as well. 🙂 Records like this are nice, fun and easy to reminisce and daydream to – something that’s extra fun to do while enjoying the holiday decorations sparkling around. 🙂 This song is new to me, but the feel of it is timeless. 🙂 I appreciate the generous individual who kindly shared it. 🙂 Record collections are cool; vinyl has a great sound and that’s why it continues to be produced, sought-after and collected today! 🙂 😎 I enjoy hearing music on vinyl from way before my time as well as from new releases right now – it’s great! 🙂

“Jingle Bells”, A Disneyland Record on 45RPM of cool, fun vinyl, is another good song to listen to. 🙂 It, of course 😉 , starts out with actual jingle bells playing, soon joined by the orchestra, a fun, playful tune that gets even more entertaining in the next moments. 🙂 Cheerful little chipmunk voices begin to sing! 🙂 They don’t exactly sound like the Disney characters Chip ‘n’ Dale, but they are at least some of their kin, I’m thinkin’. 😉 With the sleigh-ride-fun music going cheerily onward, the friendly little chipmunks sing about the jingle bells sounding continuously as they enjoy the swift, smooth glide of the sleigh over the snow as the prancing horse dashing along at a brisk pace. 🙂 You can easily imagine the fun-filled ride in the one-horse, open sleigh. 🙂 The fun and the laughter brings warmth to the literally cool situation as they travel along, snug in their winter gear along with a cozy blanket to protect them from the cold. The stars twinkle brightly above in the chill, wintry air, their brilliance shining crisply with the midnight-blue sky for their background. Another fun way for everyone to keep warm is to sing and that’s what these friends do, selecting a sleighing song to fit the adventure. 🙂 About two-thirds of the way through this song they change it up, singing in a ballad-like fashion for a short bit before jumping back into the swift-moving fun, finishing it out in cheerily-sustained notes and happy laughter 🙂 😎

Now for the supercool sounds of Chanukah, a great time of love, laughter and light amid the celebration of the Creator’s blessing of miracles, providing for His children and caring for us in everything. Miracles take place everywhere – in Yisrael, in America, in Fiji, in all of creation, the Creator blesses us with miracles every day. Some we know of, some take place and we just don’t realize it – like when He miraculously prevents a collision that we weren’t even aware almost happened. He does neat things like that all the time. 😎 Miracles aren’t just for the December-celebrated holidays for when He provided the enough-for-eight-days-and-eight-nights oil for the light or later when He provided the Light He promised. Those are both wonderful miracles to be forever thought of and appreciated. Yet we should know that miracles aren’t limited to one season. Miracles are for every moment of every day; miracles are taking place all over the world with every breath we breathe. Now that’s something great to celebrate! 🙂

A happy song of celebration: “Chanukah O Chanukah” from the vinyl record “Chanukah Songs for Children” by Shimon and Ilana! 🙂 Leading off the record, this fun tune begins first in Hebrew then a welcome is included in the first 2:47 of the album in which they invite everyone to sing along. A song sheet was provided niftily inside the album cover, with lyrics in Hebrew and English. 😎 The upbeat music rolls right along with the words as they sing about this festival of joy; “A holiday, a jolly day for every girl and boy!” 🙂 “Spin the whirling dreidel all week long! Eat the sizzling latkes! Sing the happy song!” Happy celebrations are great fun and good music makes it all the better. 🙂 Playing fun games, eating delicious food and singing…these are memories-in-the-making. 🙂 The song turns from happy to joyful as they sing about lighting the candles, flickering in a row. And, most importantly, the telling of the wondrous story of the Creator and all His glory. A great miracle He gave to His people, one of victory and meeting the need required for following His will. The Creator always watches out for His children – His chosen ones, the Jews as well as His adopted children, Gentiles who put their faith in Him to save them, too.

Here’s another great tune from the “Chanukah Songs for Children” album by Shimon and Ilana! 😎 “Sivivon, Sov, Sov, Sov” sing for the dreidel (sivivon) to “turn and turn, while the lovely candles burn!” 🙂 As the singers sing, “what a wondrous holiday” to sing and dance and play and tell the story full of cheer: a great miracle happened here/there! 🙂 If the song is sung in Israel you sing “here”; if sung anywhere else in the world you sing “there”, because the miracle took place in the land of Israel. 🙂 This holiday of light goes on for eight days and eight nights (the same number of days and nights as the Creator provided the needed pure oil until more was ready) – lots of time for celebration, thanking the Creator for His merciful love and grace. 🙂

❤ HAPPY CHANUKAH! ❤ MERRY CHRISTMAS! ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 67: Ryan Beydler Drums for “I Know Who He Is” by William Michael Morgan

Words are powerful. Music is a powerful thing as well. When you put them together…superpower, right?! 🙂 😎 Well, that is certainly true of this next song I’m reviewing, “I Know Who He Is” by William Michael Morgan. He sings with so much heart, it touches the soul. 😎 The song is a very emotionally-touching one; it is poignant with beautiful heart, powerful encouragement and truth within. The lyrics tell the story; you’ll need to take a listen for yourself – it is too much for me (it overwhelms me emotionally when I listen to it and no words are forthcoming) to review it in my usual thorough style. Yet it is such a good song and can help so many, I wanted to bring more attention to it by having it in one of my articles.

   My reviewing focus for this song will be of Ryan Beydler’s astounding drumming for this song from a piece of footage he uploaded of William Michael Morgan and the band performing it.

   As already established in my William Michael Morgan articles of December and January, I love William Michael Morgan’s heart and soul, real country music – the man is blessed by the Creator for sure. 🙂 I appreciate his humble, truly sincere friendship with and respect for the Creator. A good-hearted man. 😎 On the album as well as every performance I have had the pleasure of seeing via YouTube, every song he sings is with heart. This song is no different in that area and if I had written this song, I also would have chosen him to sing it.

   Each member of the band plays their instruments not only with great ability, but in this song performance posted by Ryan Beydler, I especially noticed the care and heart that they put into each note they played. It was powerful and honoring.

   Ryan Beydler is a great drummer with precision and confident know-how. 😎 He feels the music. You can not only hear that, but also you can see it.

   He starts the song off with the cymbals and drums respectfully quiet and low. He expertly does the drummer’s job of supplying essential music as well as setting the tone and pace (beat) of the song. Can you imagine how songs would sound without that key element of guiding timing that the drums give to the rest of the band – as well as the singing? Maybe you never thought of it that way before; drums are the guide, the leader, even though they are often behind everyone else. They don’t need to be in front; their presence is loud and clear and leading the way. 😎

   The touch of the drumsticks to cymbals and drums is continued, keeping that beat steady, yet not in a repetitive style. Ryan keeps it fresh with subtle changes, all-the-while staying within the tone of the song. He expertly provides his essential music along with William Michael Morgan’s matchless vocals and the rest of the band’s impressive playing. 😎

   Picking up the volume and pace leading into each chorus and carrying through, Ryan continues to display his prowess with the drumset. 😎

   My favorite part in the song, lyrically, is about thanking the Creator, focusing on what is good instead of the other. That is a very important thing; gratefulness should be in our hearts for the good things – truly, we should do that without having to compare it to the not good things. We should be thankful for what we have and treasure the real things like love, faith and beloved family. I learned that as a young child and remind myself of those facts often – it is important and helps in every aspect of my life.

   Ryan keeps laying down that beat. The instrumental breaks between verses is really cool. 😎 🙂

   And the extended instrumental finish to the song is poignant, giving time for the listener to reflect on what they have just heard. I think that was a very good thing to do. Ryan shimmered the cymbals with just the right touch; it was beautiful. 😎

   I hope this song and this article is a blessing to each individual who hears/reads them. Please always appreciate the good things; the Creator has given a lot of them to us. 🙂 And He continues to every day; if you look with eyes of faith, you will see them all around you. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article Pa©rt 66: “The Lord is Gonna Take Good Care of You”

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans are a continuous blessing to this world. 🙂 😎 I could say a lot about them, noting their love and generosity, their patriotism, their many great talents in acting, singing, et cetera. 🙂 However, that would be one looooooong article! 🙂 You all know I try to keep my articles to a comfortable few-minutes reading length for you and I already have so much to say about the song I selected to review! 🙂

   So here’s the supercool Roy Rogers and Dale Evans song starring at the top in my living article this month: “The Lord is Gonna Take Good Care of You” – A Little Golden Record, which originally sold for twenty-five cents, and is a nifty, happy tune that plays for about one minute and forty seconds. 🙂 😎

   The happy, upbeat chorus starts right up, encouraging us to “Pack up your troubles, turn ’em over to the Lord. That’s the thing to do, ’cause He’ll take care of you! So won’t you pack up your troubles, turn ’em over to the Lord. The Lord is gonna take good care of you!” There’s so much we don’t know, but the Creator of us all knows all – and He cares about us. 🙂 That’s so awesome! 🙂 😎

   The first verse begins with the lovely voice of Dale Evans encouraging us to look around us each morning when we wake up and be glad about the good things instead of thinking about things that make us unhappy. 😎 It really does make the day start brighter when you appreciate the good things and focus on that right off. 🙂

   Roy Rogers’ pleasant voice sings the next part of this section, telling us the wonderful truth about our Creator’s love and care for us: “You’ve got Someone to turn to if something bothers you; He’ll be right there to help you ’cause that’s what He loves to do!” It is so good to know that He is always there for us, ready and waiting for us to look to Him and trust Him to help us. There is great comfort and joy in that. 😎

   The bright and cheery chorus comes around again, fitting right in with the instrumental melody that could be described in that same way. 🙂 It all comes together beautifully! 🙂

   Dale Evans then wisely notes that worrying doesn’t do any good and wastes time; it stresses you and makes you hurry “instead of doing things you should.”

   Roy encourages us to think it over and kindly advises us to “…ask the Lord to help you out; He’ll take good care of you!”

   Singing out with good cheer and encouragement, the chorus shares the message again to pack up our troubles and turn them over to the Creator and finishes up with: “Yes, the Lord is gonna take good care of you!” carrying that note cheerily onward. 🙂 😎 Great song! 🙂 Great singing! 🙂 And one of the things I appreciate most about it is the fact that Roy and Dale understood and meant what they were singing. It wasn’t merely nice words or pleasant thoughts; they knew this information to be real and true in their own lives. You can hear it. 🙂 And when you watch any footage of them, you can see it, too. 🙂 😎 They are a great blessing and so is this song; I hope you’ll get to hear it soon if you haven’t heard it yet! 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 65: “He’s My Rock”

Now, this next song I’m reviewing is one that touched my heart deeply the very first time I heard it. 🙂 It was on The Moon Man’s 90.5FM radio show (streaming online at WKHSradio.org, as well as on the varying radio apps). This wise, witty and clever host, on a night some months ago, with just minutes remaining on that night’s show, announced he felt should play it. He even skipped his usual closing song in order to do so, because he felt so strongly that he ought to make sure he played that song right then. And I was one of the ones needing to hear such a song right then. 🙂 It was a great blessing from the Creator. 😎 The Moon Man played it every week for a good while and recently started playing it weekly again, much to my joy. ❤ This song was an immediate hit with his worldwide audience, garnering him many happy thank-you e-mails, calls, messages and requests for more play of it. 🙂 😎 I’ve been looking forward to typing this review; I put it on my list for this year’s reviews shortly after I first heard it. I pray it is a blessing and encouragement to you as well. 🙂

   A beautiful, inspiring stream of music soars from a collection of stringed instruments, taking off and flying upward like a bird into the freedom of the heavenly skies. This is the very fitting opening of “He’s My Rock” by Leonard Green. 😎 🙂

   The keys add their music next, a waterfall of notes follows then soon the man-made instruments section is joined by the best instrument on Earth, the one created by the Creator of all: the human voice. Leonard Green. has a voice that instantly reassures, comforts and uplifts your soul. 😎 And the words he sings are powerfully inspiring and good. Here’s some of what he says…

   The Creator is right there with him at all times and is the Power that keeps him free from all the wrong temptations, with a strong foundation on which to build his dedication to the Creator. 😎 Freedom is a precious gift to be treasured and enjoyed.

   The song swings into an equally-inspiring chorus. 🙂 He sings with sureness that the Creator is his Rock, “stronger than the mighty oak tree and wiser than you and me.” It is wonderful to know that. We don’t have to rely on ourselves; He is there for us. The One Who created us still cares for us, always has, always will.

   The next verse tells how the Creator gives him the sight to see all of his abilities. The singer walks with Him. 😎 Leonard Green. also shares the inspiring information that although sometimes he doesn’t understand some things, he’ll never question the Creator because he knows he’s in His plans. The Creator is his Rock, as the chorus is repeated beautifully.

   The lyrics continue to convey good things, like thanking the Creator for each day, as it says in haTehillim (the Psalms).

   Encouraging words come to light next as he sings that when the road he is traveling seems too rough and he doesn’t have enough to handle it or the load that he is carrying feels like too much, he just calls on the Creator, Who has already been actively keeping things from being too much, taking it on Himself.

   One of the sections most touching to my soul is when he sings poetically, “When my way is too dark I just can’t see, I just call on Him…” We don’t always know what’s going on or what’s ahead, but the Creator does, so He’s the One we need to talk to and to trust. He cares about each one of us. That’s why He said that He wanted all (Jew and Gentile both) to be saved and that’s why He sent haMashiach (the Messiah) to die in our place, paying for our imperfectness, so our souls could live forever.

   “When I call His name, I can feel no pain.” It doesn’t mean we’ll never feel pain, but He can ease our pain in so many ways.

   The Creator can help us to see what’s real and true, helping us comprehend the various aspects of a situation more fully and clearly and that’s good reason to call out His Name in a respectful, faithful prayer of hope.

   “Still I won’t worry cause I understand He’ll take care of me because I’m in His plans.” Each individual has purpose and by faith in the Creator, we can see that. We don’t need to sink in despair; He’s available to be our Rock – He holds steady and is capable and willing to give us the help we need each and every day.

   There is so much good stuff in this song; I could write a book about it. 😎 However, I try to keep these articles short enough for easy reading, so I had better sum this song review up soon. 😉

   The music playing in the background – especially the strings – and the well-sung backing vocals adds to the song’s soul and has all of the right levels in heart, soul and volume. 😎 If you listen to this song, it will surely bless your own soul. 🙂 The Moon Man plays it often, along with other great music like blues, soul, Oldies, rock’n’roll – quite a variety from the 1950’s/60’s to hot-off-the-press. You might want to check out his show, and when you do, and you hear those bird-on-the-wing soaring strings begin, you’ll soon be enjoying the inspiring lyrics of “He’s My Rock.” 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 64: Keeper of the Stars

When I first heard “Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd, I immediately loved it. ❤ A few months ago, when I heard William Michael Morgan sing this song, he took my breath away. 🙂 He had selected it to sing when a gentleman requested a song to be sung for his bride-to-be. The setting was casual. The music was William Michael Morgan, his voice, his heart, his guitar and tapping boot.

   The opening guitar notes are gentle and tender, showing the depth of respect and awe that the upcoming lyrics contain. The way William Michael Morgan played it was perfect.

   Whichever artist you are listening to – the original recording artist, Tracy Byrd or William Michael Morgan, singing it from the soul – you immediately hear the heart in the words. 😎 The lyrics tell how the love of the man in the song for the girl in the song didn’t just happen – Someone (the Creator of us all) had already been working on bringing them together long before they ever met on Earth. 🙂 The man is amazed that she’s in his life; it’s like Heaven is smiling down on him as he looks at her. 😎

   The gentle quiet of the verse rises to a greater level of voiced joy when the chorus arrives, as he sings out his appreciation for this wonderful gift. He tips his hat – a cowboy sign of respect – to the Keeper of the stars, because He sure knew what He was doing, when He joined their two hearts.

   The man in the song holds everything when he holds her, his true love, in his arms. He’s sure he has all he will ever need, thanks to the Keeper of the stars.

   The instrumental bridge between the verses, strummed by William Michael Morgan, is a work of musical beauty. 😎 It is amazing how some people can get even more out of an instrument than what can be taught; it is an inspiring thing to hear. Skill and gift, melding together excellently. 😎

   The second verse is as dreamy and poetic as the first, all-the-while being real and clear. He sings of the soft moonlight on her face, “Oh, how you shine. It takes my breath away, when I look into your eyes.” He says he knows he doesn’t deserve a treasure like her and that there really are no words to show his gratitude.

   This song in its entirety – the words, melody, heart, soul and all instruments – including the human voice 🙂 – tell it so well. You can feel in your heart what is being conveyed. 😎

   The chorus, with some beautiful guitar notes singing extra special in there, comes again in a smooth follow-up to the verse. 😎 It’s a great song. 🙂

   I love the deep guitar notes that William Michael Morgan plays right before he sings the first part of the song once more. “It was no accident, me finding you; Someone had a hand in it, long before we ever knew.”

   The simple beauty of the thoughts being sung in the way it is sung is priceless, deep and heart-thrilling. It holds a feeling of glowing warmth, like the sun on a breezy day or a fire crackling in the fireplace on a winter’s night.

   The closing notes fits just right with the whole picture of this song of how God blesses the pure beauty of true love. Love is a gift from Him; we can (and should) look to Him and trust Him to bring us together with our true love when the time is right. There is nothing like it and it’s well-worth waiting for. I have seen it and I know it exists; I trust the Creator to bring my true love together with me in His time. Deep peace and assurance in Him keeps me strong; I’m waiting for the real thing. 🙂

   This song features some of the most beautiful poetry I have ever heard. The lyrics and melody sing together in harmony, painting a wonderful, audible picture of true love. ❤ ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 63: “Summertime”

One of the best instrumentals – and very fitting for this month 🙂 – is “Summertime” by Paul Revere & the Raiders. This original 1961 recording from their album, “Like, Long Hair”, is a work of art. 😎

   Drummer extraordinaire, Mike “Smitty” Smith, leads off the song with steady, strong beats. A bash and a cymbal crash heralds the entrance of Drake Levin’s guitar strokes, played with so much soul. (I couldn’t pick out the bass, so either the bass guitar was not used in this song, or it so intricately melded with the other instruments that its sound cannot be isolated without extreme effort or equipment.) Paul Revere’s gifted piano playing adds a light breeze to the Deep South heat that the song is already conveying so clearly.

   Then all stops.

   Significantly.

   Poignantly.

   Then, at thirteen seconds in, the sultry voice of Mark Lindsay’s sax begins to sing the instrumental lyrics of the song. 😎

   The other instruments rejoin the scene, each one of them adding to the ambiance of the hot, hazy, oh-so-hot summertime piece. Smitty’s cymbals are excellent! 🙂

   At forty-one seconds, Mark’s sax brings a sweet touch to lift the senses from the simmering heat.

   The volume rises and falls at the right moments and in the right way to paint the musical picture. 😎 The whole sound and feel of the song is conveyed with the Raider expertise.

   Two verses of “Summertime” doesn’t seem like enough when you’re listening to this beautiful rendition. That must be why it gets set to “repeat” when my friends or I play it. 🙂 🙂

   At 1:55, Mark’s sax sings out with great emphasis, Smitty’s shimmering cymbals shine, a soulful guitar stroke from the best guitarist in rock’n’roll soul fills the speakers, the supercool piano melody being played by Paul and more shimmering cymbals by Smitty brings the song to Mark’s sultry summer peak. Then the instruments ring out, lowering, easing its pace, giving the song a never-ending continuation of sound. 😎

   Paul Revere & the Raiders: the most versatile, talented, fun, supercool group of artists you could imagine. And they’re real. How awesome is that? 🙂 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 62: “I Met a Girl”

Talk about a beautiful song, a beautiful melody! 🙂 “I Met a Girl” by William Michael Morgan, track #4 from his supercool LP “Vinyl”, is exactly that! 😎 And when he sings…ahhhh, it’s like a breath of the freshest air! 🙂 It’s no wonder that this song has gotten so much appreciation everywhere it’s heard and even made it onto the radio’s topping charts – quite a feat for a real country song to get on-air recognition like that. (I know, it’s sad that good music – in country as well as rock – often gets ignored while songs not worthy of the genre gets airtime. 😦 But if we keep making our requests for specific good stuff – such as William Michael Morgan’s music 🙂 – we’ll get to hear some good stuff coming over the airwaves! 🙂 😎 Never give up. 😎 )

   I could listen to this song from the album or from a performance time after time and never tire of it one bit. 🙂 “I Met a Girl” sounds so great every time he sings it – and, as he consistently does, it sounds just as good with one or two guitars or a full band! 😎

   Now I’ll try to put into words what I hear when I listen to “I Met a Girl”, which won’t be easy at all times because it is good beyond words! 🙂 And that goes for all of this man’s great music. 😉 🙂 😎

   Three minutes and twenty-two seconds of great country music is what starts as you hit the “play” button. 🙂 The opening sounds like Summer, warm sunshine with a refreshing breeze as a stream gently flows nearby. 🙂 The acoustic guitars, the steel guitar, bass tones and gentle drums all weave an audible picture and at eleven seconds in, William Michael Morgan’s deep, pure country vocals steps into that glorious scene. 🙂 😎

   The spring green leaves dance in the wind and the fresh green grass waves to the tune as he sings about a special girl. She doesn’t laugh at everything – which is good; I appreciate and respect it when someone has discerning humor. 😎

   The song has great lyrics that connect with the feelings of the heart. She doesn’t need the glitter of the Vegas lights because she can “blow a kiss and leave it spinnin’ like a Tilt-A-Whirl”. 🙂 😎 I really like that fun ride! 🙂 And I love the way William Michael Morgan gently sings this part with appreciative tenderness as he voice drifts softly into the cool, summery breeze, carried onward by the same melody played on the various instruments in superb fashion. 😎

   0:45 chorus begins with strength and heart, picking up in volume as the joy soars. He met her; she made him smile. 🙂 🙂 Every time he sings those words, William Michael Morgan smiles with natural ease; he cannot keep it from his face, thinking about the beauty of the love story. Meeting someone who touches your heart is an amazing thing. Meeting the one who holds your heart – your true love from the Creator – is even more so. And well-worth waiting for. Else, I’d not be waiting. 😉 🙂 😎 Waiting for the one whose heart is connected to yours by the Creator Who made us and loves us is wise, yet not so easy to do. But worth it. 🙂

   The instrumental lead-in for the second verse is beautiful. 🙂

   I like the lyrics about the sun waiting for her to wake up. 🙂 And it’s sung so well! 😎

   The natural beauty that the Creator gives us girls is more attractive to a man than fancy make-up, hairdos or other fashion stuff that constantly changes. Character and heart shines brighter than glitter and trending fashions. And although some aftershave smells good, a man’s natural, manly scent mingled with Irish Spring and the fresh outdoor air is headier to us girls. 🙂 You can’t truly improve your attractiveness with store-bought items; your true self is the main draw – just make sure you are who you want to be (As in: you shouldn’t act a certain way just to attract a specific individual – be yourself and, at the same time, make sure you are thoughtful, caring and of good character – thinking about them as well as yourself and having respect for both of you.)

   The seamless slide from the verse to the second chorus is way cool. 🙂 😎

   At two minutes in he sings the story about how powerful it was when she turned around toward him, the guy in the song. All he could think to say was a one-word greeting, “Hey.” But how he said it conveyed so much more than that three-letter would usually manage. 🙂 He’s so glad she didn’t walk away; she changed his whole world in a wonderful way.

   A beautiful instrumental break leads us to the next set of lyrics before going on to the finishing chorus. 😎 He’s honored to be in her world, part of her life. Each thing feels more special to him when it’s her – from her smile to the way she tilts her head. That’s what attraction will do to a certain degree and what true love will do to a much higher degree than that. 🙂 When it’s attraction, it’s nice, but when that attraction includes deep-hearted love, it’s priceless. 😎

   This is a great song, “I Met a Girl”, and William Michael Morgan sings it just as it should be. From the heart. Pure and true.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 61: “Pretty Pretty Girl”

“Pretty Pretty Girl” by The Timetones is one of the most beautiful Oldie songs vocally as well as the music of the instruments behind them. 😎 The melody is excellent. 🙂 The range of vocal notes from low and tender to high and melodic is exquisite. 😎 Loving this song so much, I purchased the remastered version when I found it. I appreciate them taking the time to give us the original song restored to its original shining quality. 😎 (Just a note here: “Remastered” is quality and clarity of sound, an entirely different thing from “re-recorded.” I don’t tend to like “re-recorded” versions of songs. I prefer the songs to sound like they were meant to – no messing around with the melodies, music and vocal styles that made the songs popular to begin with!)

   When “Pretty Pretty Girl” starts playing, two minutes and thirty-seven seconds just doesn’t seem long enough. It begins right off with an upbeat, cheerful tune featuring drums and sax amongst other instruments that instantly brings a happy smile to the listener’s face. 🙂 After the intro, one voice joins in on the music with Doo-Wop vocalizations and soon the rest of this five-man group begins to sing in the background, “Pretty Girl.” 🙂

   The first verse begins with another one of the men singing lead, singing about the pretty girl. 🙂 He tells her he loves her so and will never make her cry. And she fills his heart with joy. 🙂 😎

   The melodic high note at 1:06 is so manly beautiful! I like it when male singers hit those high notes while still clearly sounding male, like this guy. 😎 A man’s high note is different from a woman’s high note, naturally. 🙂 😎 This fellow of The Timetones carries this on an amazing wave of melody for an impressive amount of time, taking a very short break before launching into it again and again. Way cool! 🙂 😎

   He sings with much heart, singing his thoughts, telling her he wants to know if she needs him with a lasting love so she will never let him go. His heartfelt plea is sung with power and he gets it across that he truly means what he is saying. True heart. ❤ ❤

   With a great style that puts genuineness into each sentence, keeping it from sounding merely repetitive, he sings out several times, “I want to know!”

   At 2:10 and onward, that soaring-high vocal melody takes wing again and carries on through to the close of the song with the doo-wopping in the background and the musical instruments continuing their great sound. I love the great drumming! 🙂 😎

   “Pretty Pretty Girl” is a solid, truly beautiful love song. 🙂 The Timetones sound great throughout, delivering a musical masterpiece set to love. 😎 ❤ ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 60: “I Found You”

One of the most talented bands around, with amazing musicianship: Alabama Shakes. 😎 I was amazed when I first heard them. (Yes, I just used the word “amaze” in two consecutive sentences, but, if you hear this band, you’ll know I’m not over-using the word. 😉 ) Their entertaining capabilities are a sure-thing and they deliver musically solid concert performances consistently. 😎 Their drummer, Steve Johnson, seems tireless; he keeps going – with such steady strength! – through one song after another without missing a beat (literally – don’t you just love it when that word is actually used correctly? 🙂 ) Each member of the band plays their instruments with amazing (there’s that word again! 😮 ) finesse. 😎 The lead singer, Brittany, is one gifted guitarist as well as a great voice that reaches for, achieves and carries some incredible notes. 😎 She can sing low as well as very high, yet pleasant. This song is one of my favorites of theirs…..

   “I Found You”, track #2 from their 2013 album, “iTunes Session”, is one beautiful song. 😎 It begins with good guitar, soon joined by the opening lyrics that what she’s about to say isn’t just for sometime, but for always. Sounds like a love song. 🙂 And it is. 😎 She’s going to love him with all of her heart. Twenty seconds in, the drums join in and the other instruments slide right into place, too. 😎

   She waited so patiently, waiting for God to bring somebody to be good to her. It blessed her soul. (I love lyrics like this – lots of soul! 🙂 ) A real groovy guitar section holds the attention before the drummer does his thing and Brittany launches into the next part of the song. Their arrangements are excellent, by the way! 🙂 😎

   The guys in the band echo her words as she sings that she traveled a long way and it took a long time, but she found him! 🙂 😎 That’s a real good reason right there to trust our Creator: He wants what is best for us and will bring us to our true love if we follow His guidance. (He gave us free will, which means we can make our own choices – and that’s why sometimes we choose the wrong thing – our mistake, not His.)

   The instrumental breaks are so filled with great soul music! 🙂 Even when it is only seconds between vocals, the music is so rich with heart and soul! 😎

   The chorus is way cool! 🙂 The volume increases along with the energy and passion after the second chorus, building up the song to higher realms. 😎 At 2:39, a very well-played, groovy organ lends its voice to the collection of great music. 😎 It’s like some of the best from the 1960’s (Paul Revere, Booker T – guys like that with knowledge on how to get real soul music out of organs); I really appreciate that! 🙂

   The drums are awesome. Steve Johnson is one of the best drummers I have ever had the pleasure of watching and hearing. He is so impressive, I can mention his name in the same sentence as Mike “Smitty” Smith of Paul Revere & the Raiders – now that’s a huge compliment! 🙂 Very impressive drummer, with seemingly endless energy; I don’t know how he does it! 😮 😎 🙂 He shimmers the cymbals uniquely at the close of the song and graciously allows the guitar to have the last note heard. 🙂

   What a supercool song. 😎 It sounds great on the recording and watching them perform “I Found You” on stage (I saw it on television with friends 🙂 ) is a sight to behold. 😎 Alabama Shakes is a very real, very talented, very genuine music group/band that my friends and I love to watch and listen to whenever they are on – including repeats/rebroadcasts! 🙂 😎 Great music! 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 59: “Teen Beat”

Rock instrumentals are a favorite part of that genre for me and “Teen Beat” by Sandy Nelson is one of the best. 🙂 It’s upbeat. 😎 It’s got a great, rockin’ melody. 😎 And it’s supercool. 😎

   Released in 1959, “Teen Beat” continues to be a favorite among rock connoisseurs, especially those who love that strong drumbeat. 😎

   Sandy Nelson makes excellent use of the full drum set, including the sticks and rims. 😎

   “Teen Beat” catches the attention from the very first note. The deeper beats set off the snare drum’s part to perfection. The way Sandy Nelson plays it, as well as the recording of it in the studio, lends the tune a multi-dimensional sound that is fascinating to listen to. 😎

   The full range of the drum set is apparent throughout the song as the volume rises and falls appropriately in melody. It’s pretty cool. 🙂

   Sandy Nelson has so much going on that you find yourself asking, “Is that truly one individual playing one set of drums?!” That’s how it is with great drummers. 😎

   Before a minute is up, the guitar decides to claim some attention for itself and does a fine job joining in on this supercool tune. It’s a good addition to the song, although the drums are what I most want to hear. The guitar does play an important part and the song wouldn’t be the same without it.

   The pace is now faster, the uptempo bringing greater volume along with it. This song is a solid piece, never failing to lay down a good beat.

   I enjoy the crashing cymbals as well as the shimmering cymbals. Both sounds are essential. 😎

   Halfway through the song, the volume drops back down to a more subtle level, comparatively 😉 , with some really cool sounds that you truly need to hear for yourself. 🙂

   The different levels and sections of the song are really cool. Each is key and sounds great all on their own yet run so smoothly into the next section that it brings it all together into one solid song that no one wants to end. 😎

   The part right before Sandy Nelson does the big close of the song is supercool; have you heard it? 🙂 If not, I recommend you check it out; “Teen Beat” is one great instrumental whose place in music is holding steady and rockin’ onward. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 58: “Vinyl”

If I could only have one album from each genre I like in my vinyl record collection, “Vinyl” by William Michael Morgan would be my country album. 😎 It’s no surprise, then, that the title track from this supercool album is about to be featured here in the first article of 2019. 🙂

   The unique sound of a vinyl record is a treasure to enjoy. Likewise, yet to a much higher level, is the voice of William Michael Morgan and the heart he sings with. As you know, I don’t rely solely on radio (FM, AM, satellite, streaming) for good music, because they tend to play only a small portion of the good stuff. A friend of mine came across William Michael Morgan’s music on YouTube when it came up as an advertised video when she was looking up Jon Pardi (another great real-country singer!). I knew instantly that I loved William Michael Morgan’s sound when we listened to “I Met A Girl”. I was amazed when my friend scrolled and found he also had a song called “Vinyl”! 🙂 😎 Because I love vinyl records and his voice even more, it was a favorite song before I even heard it. 😉 And when I heard it…I loved it! 🙂 I have been wanting to review this song ever since, but because it is so special to me, I am a bit overwhelmed as to how to put the wonderful depth of meaning of this song into words. I will do my best to do it justice, despite the fact that there are really no words to adequately convey the full love of something so good.

   William Michael Morgan has noted that “Vinyl” is his favorite song and is his favorite track on the album, which helped lead to it being chosen as the title of the album. 😎 He certainly has good taste! 🙂 He said that vinyl has always been a “timeless classic” from when it first came out and onward through now and is continuing to hold that distinction. The correlation between love and vinyl in the song is that they’re both constants. 😎 I agree with him on that. 😎 (And on quite a few other things as well! 😉 🙂 😎 ) It is so wonderful to me that this song exists now and was recorded by an artist of William Michael Morgan’s caliber.

   I read that Ashley Gorley, Wade Kirby and Carson Chamberlain are the talented songwriters who penned this great tune. Thank you! 🙂

   Besides sounding great on the recording, William Michael Morgan performs “Vinyl” with such honest ease that whether he has a full band backing him, one additional guitar or, my personal favorite, just his own guitar, it sounds wholly wonderful. As I have said before: when an artist is truly good, they sound just as good live – and usually even better – than their recordings. He sounds great in every category, never failing to get it right – in note and heart – and supercool each and every time. 😎

   This supercool song starts off with drums – always a plus to this Cherokee girl! 🙂 😎 The very groovy, pure country melody continues to hold the musical interest as guitars and other well-played man-made instruments lead the way to the best sound of all: William Michael Morgan’s voice singing heart country. 😎

   In a deep, warm country tone, he sings to the girl, telling her that if their love was a song, he would play it all night long. And he’d put it on vinyl. 😎 “A little Rock, a little Motown” – very cool lyrics! 🙂 I love that. 😎

   Shortly after the first half minute of the song, it swings smoothly into the chorus. The references to vinyl throughout this track are excellent, knowledgeable and cool. 😎 “Baby, you’re an instant classic.” He compares her and their love to the long-lasting (ever continuing onward since its initial appearance, in fact), treasured sound of vinyl. There’s nothing quite like it. 🙂 It is unique, deep, nostalgic, brand-new and delightful. 🙂 “Ain’t nothin’ gonna stop this groove.” 🙂

   William Michael Morgan sings with the effortless sound of a voice the Creator designed to fill His creation with song. 😎 He carries the notes so smoothly (note “you” and “groove” in the first chorus, for example) and uses the right inflections for emphasis at the pivotal spots, letting the song carry on in a natural way. 😎

   “You know you got the real thing,” he sings with cowboy matter-of-factness as the second verse begins.

   The entire sound and feel of the song, from William Michael Morgan’s excellent singing to the production and recording – all of it makes for a supercool song that you just can’t help wanting to listen to repeatedly. 😎 I can’t even guess how many times I’ve played it now. 🙂

   At one minute and fifty-three seconds into the song, a very cool instrumental break begins, featuring some great guitar work along with the other instruments. 😎 The melody takes an upward flight in heart as it leads to his next vocals. “Ain’t nothin’ gonna stop our groove.” ❤ ❤

   He continues to emphasize the lasting strength of love, like vinyl records. 😎

   “When you say my name it’s the sweetest sound.” Nothing sounds the same as vinyl and nothing sounds the same as your name on your true love’s lips. Both are like nothing else. 🙂

   William Michael Morgan sings with heart, pouring genuine feeling into the continuing chorus, telling the girl again how their love is like vinyl records – lasting without end, always strong, always real. 😎

   I love this song and I love the way William Michael Morgan sings it. I love the sound of vinyl records above CD, MP3, Cassette, Radio, any of the various things available. Always have. Expect I always will. Truly, it is as if the song was made especially for me. It couldn’t have been better if I had asked specifically for such a song. It’s perfect.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 57: “White Christmas”

William Michael Morgan. Now, there’s a name every true country music enthusiast should know. 😎 Why? Because he sings good, pure, true country. He’s got the heart, the voice, the sense, the tone, the authenticity, music and melodic style of it. When you hear one of his songs – any of them – you immediately know you’re hearing real country music. Not pop. Not sap. Nor anything else that is sometimes accepted – by some – as country music. William Michael Morgan is genuine and so’s his music. 🙂 😎

   “White Christmas” is a nice, pleasant song of the season and has been recorded numerous times, by artists of varying genres, since it was first heard. William Michael Morgan’s steady, practical-yet-dreamy rendition of it is of supercool quality. 🙂 😎

   The three-minute-and-fourteen-seconds song of Christmas pleasantness begins with notes played on one of the most well-known stringed instruments 😉 and is appropriately joined in time with drums, percussion, real piano, steel guitar and the bass…and the most important sound in it all: William Michael Morgan’s Creator-blessed voice. 🙂 😎 (If you’re wondering if I’m going to keep typing all three of his names, the answer is, “Yes.” 🙂 He goes by his full name. I’m encouraging others to check out his great music, so they need to know the name he goes by. Plus, I don’t currently yet know which name he prefers to be called by. His best friend, who is his dad 😎 , calls him Michael, but that might be a best friend’s privilege, so I’ll wait until I know his thoughts on that. 🙂 )

   He sings from the heart, setting a calm, steady pace for the song that keeps it cozy and comfortable without becoming slow or draggy – that’s very important in this song. It’s supposed to paint a picture, reminiscent and fun – not make you fall asleep. 😉 And William Michael Morgan sings it just right. 😎 🙂

   In the song, it’s about hoping for a nice, cozy setting to celebrate in, as has been enjoyed previously, “where the treetops glisten, and children listen, to hear sleigh bells in the snow.” This supercool singer carries the notes in melodic vocal beauty, holding each note for the right amount of time. 😎 I also like how his notes lift upwards with hope and brightness; I always appreciate that. 🙂 😎 (I don’t like it when a song’s overall tone – in vocals and/or other instruments – has a downward-note sound. Music can get an idea across without dragging your spirit down; William Michael Morgan is one of the artists who understands that – the proof is in his every song. 😎 )

   Approaching the midway point in the song, the steel guitar takes the forefront of the manmade musical instruments section before the ivories take their light and cheerful turn.

   William Michael Morgan sings the chorus again, adding even more heart to his blessing for the listeners. 🙂 He sang of dreaming of a white Christmas and sings to us all: “May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases,
may all your Christmases, oh, may all your Christmases be white.” 🙂

   The drums have the last say in the song, giving a flourish at the close of this hopeful song of wanting and of blessings.

   Dreaming of a white Christmas. People do that all over the world in both extremes of hot and cold climates and everywhere in between. It sounds nice. 🙂 Although Yeshua/Jesus was born in the Mediterranean area – Bethlehem, Israel to be specific – snow is often associated with the celebration of His miraculous birth. Part of the reason for this is that many have snow in their hometowns in the month of December and it lends a warm, cozy scene with fireplaces and greenery on postcards. Also, there’s something symbolic and therefore comforting in the quiet beauty of a pristine, soft blanket of pure snowflakes, each one a unique design – just like each person in the world is unique and special to the Creator. 🙂 😎 He loves us all. He came and gave up His life, suffering in our stead so that we wouldn’t have to pay for our imperfections ourselves. He gave us a way to Heaven/Paradise – the only way, in fact. Faith in Him, asking His forgiveness and trusting what He did for us is all we need to do. Once we’ve done that, we don’t need to worry about getting into Heaven; we’re all set! 🙂 And we also have Him in our hearts, filling our soul – that place that felt empty before we asked Him into our hearts. He gives us peace with the Creator and joy within, regardless of what we face in life. He’s there for us. Always. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 56: Supercool December Holidays Music

Starting off this December Holidays article collection featuring numerous songs from varying genres and languages, is this one in honor of Chanukah, which starts this evening. 🙂 Celebrations often include dancing – especially dancing for joy, as is the case in most Jewish celebrations the world over. A song in your heart often puts a lightness in your step. 🙂 Thus I chose this supercool dance melody by a very talented band. The group performing this wonderful tune is Ot Azoj Klezmerband featuring Allan Merovitz. 😎 The song, “A Yiddishe Honga” (“A Jewish Dance”), from the 1999 album “Chanukah – Festival of Lights”, is three minutes and seventeen seconds of delightful, warm, upbeat music that satisfies both the soul and the ears. 🙂 😎 Right from the get-go I love this song! 🙂 It has such a great sound and is played so superbly by this klezmer band! 🙂 The deep notes are so inviting and the higher notes that join in springs with liveliness! The music lowers shortly after a minute into the song in preparation to Allan Merovitz’s excellent vocals. 😎 The musical instruments travel along with his melodious telling and a conversation of voices soon join in for a brief time then its back to Allan’s solo in great tempo. I love the many levels of the music; it tells a story so very well. Very cool music. Supercool. 😎

   One of my favorite Christmas songs – and from my favorite Christmas album, no less 🙂 – is “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by none other than Elvis Presley. 🙂 I like the heartfelt, genuine reverence that Elvis’s voice clearly conveys when he is singing gospel music. The Creator’s very important to Elvis; you can hear it. 😎 Gentle music begins to play then Elvis’s deep, warm voice begins to sing of Bethlehem (which means “House of Bread” – bread is a symbol of sustaining food, much as the Creator’s gift of salvation through Yeshua/Jesus is life-giving to our souls). He tells about the small town, how still and quiet it appears at night, yet in the darkness shines the Everlasting Light: Yeshua/Jesus (Yeshua is Jesus’s Hebrew name, what His mama called Him). All of mankind’s hopes for a Savior/Messiah, for peace and an end to our fears were answered that night in that small area known as Bethlehem in the form of the Creator’s only begotten Son, Yeshua/Jesus, born in the form of mankind, lowering Himself to live among us as one of us so that He could give His life in exchange for ours so that we could have peace with the Creator and live forever. 😎 That’s a miracle. 😎 Elvis continues to sing of how the angels kept watch that night Yeshua/Jesus was born and how the stars proclaimed His holy birth. Praises were sung to God the King; the angels proclaiming peace to Earth, because, through Him, we can have true peace. 😎 There is only peace when the Creator is included in the establishing of it; we humans cannot create nor maintain peace on our own. In our hearts, we know this. Trust and faith are key elements – it’s important to make sure our trust and faith is in the One Who can make true peace a real thing. 😎 Peace with the Creator is the beginning of the road to true peace on Earth.

   Whether it’s a Chanukah, Christmas or New Year’s celebration going on, the beautiful, dreamy strains of the “December Waltz” by Toot Sweet (from the 1999 “Celtic Christmas” album, song #9, 3:29) is just right for sweethearts. 🙂 ❤ ❤

   Now to the song that has always been extra special to me and in the language I love to hear – my native Cherokee/Tsalagi. 🙂 “What Child Is This?”, sung exceptionally well by Jana Mashonee, is a musical treasure filled with heart, soul and powerful meaning. 😎 This popular song points out the amazing Gift that the Creator gave to us – His Son – and brings home the reality of the situation, which never ceases to leave me in awe of the Creator’s great love and forgiveness for each one of us – every person ever born, past, present and future. Amazing. Even if you don’t know Tsalagi/Cherokee, this song is well known and the message can still be heard and its beauty appreciated. 😎 The instruments include a beautifully-played piano, the distinct beauty and poignance of the Tsalagi/Cherokee bells (often worn among the fringes of our ceremonial attire so that it plays as we dance the song from our soul to the Creator with respect and hope and deep joy), and the pleasant tones of Jana Mashonee’s beautiful voice blessed by the Creator. 🙂 😎 Each melodic lift and depth is exactly right, a beautiful thing to hear, because the heart is also there along with the perfection. 😎 This song – and especially this version – is a treasure. 🙂

   Jon Pardi singing “Blue Christmas” at one of his supercool concerts is, well, supercool! 🙂 😎 I was pretty pleased when I first heard Jon say that the Elvis Christmas Album is his favorite Christmas album; it is mine as well. 🙂 😎 He sings it very well, too. 😎 As he’s playing his 1970’s electric guitar, he’s pouring on the country as he sings to the girl in the song that no amount of beautiful decorations is going to make up for her not being there. It just won’t be the same for the fellow if the girl he holds dear isn’t near; he’s wishing they were still together. Jon’s voice and vocal style really makes the song poignant as he sings about blue memories and blue snowflakes falling. She’ll be doing alright with her Christmas of white, but he’ll have “a blue, blue-blue-blue Christmas.” Jon brings the audience into the “ooo’s” and “ahhh’s” along with his own vocals and that of the band’s. He finishes off with some supercool deep notes as he sings about that blue Christmas; his voice and delivery of a song’s story is impressively good. 😎

   For a beautiful, happy Christmastime love song, this one is a real good one. 🙂 Sung by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” was written by him for her. 🙂 And they sang it together during the holidays season several times that same year (2017). 😎 I saw two performances of it on television – the love beamed from him to her and likewise her love for him glowed upon her face. ❤ ❤ As is sung in the song: they’re going to be a classic for all time; the song has a great sound and their love has a lasting glow. 😎 The musicians play the instruments of this lively, upbeat tune in harmony with the great vocals that Blake (who’s also playing guitar), Gwen and the backup singers provide. It’s got a solid sound that is timeless and entirely enjoyable. 🙂 They sing about the many material things that are associated with the holidays scene and clarify that those aren’t what makes it feel like Christmas. It’s love. ❤ ❤ True love is a gift from the Creator and you can see that powerful love shining in Blake’s and Gwen’s eyes each time they sang that song – or looked at one another. 🙂 Love is a precious gift. 🙂

   The melody of the song “Silver Bells” has always sounded pleasant to my ears, yet it never sounded better than when I heard Clint Walker sing it. 😎 🙂 Having heard it online, I knew right away I wanted to buy a copy of it and was so happy it was available! 🙂 From the 1960’s Warner Brothers compilation album, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”, where various stars from that studio sing favorite Christmas songs, I got to hear Clint Walker’s amazing singing of this nostalgic song. 🙂 😎 Bells begin to ring, a chorus of voices then Clint Walker’s deep, pleasant bass voice sings the lyrics of this scene-setting song. 🙂 Pretty female voices join in on the chorus. Clint sings with strength and gentleness, painting a picture of the bustling holiday city sidewalks along the decorated streets and stores. The feeling of Christmas is in the air as children are laughing, smiles are shared among the happy shoppers – window shoppers or in-store shoppers, and an overall fun and happy feeling. He sings of the shoppers’ happy return home and notes again, “Soon it will be Christmas day!” 🙂

   Big Time Rush brought lots of energy and fun as they sang the song “Jingle Bells” in 2010 along with numerous other television stars. 🙂 James, Kendall, Logan and Carlos gave us not only a great show to enjoy, but also lots of enjoyable music. 🙂 This was a bonus song. 😎 “Jingle Bells” is a fun and easy song to sing; I like its upbeat melody. 😎 The crisp, cool winter air breezing by as you ride in an open sleigh pulled by a beautiful horse, dashing through the snowflakes swirling down from a blanketed sky of clouds, zipping over the hills and down the pretty, tree-lined lanes – paints a nice picture, doesn’t it? 🙂 This song is popular all around the world and sung in many languages, too. It’s especially nice to see and hear it sung by some of your favorite television stars. “Big Time Rush” is one of my all-time favorite shows and knowing that James, Logan, Carlos and Kendall are thoughtful people in real life besides on their show adds to the enjoyment of watching the show (I bought them and received some as gifts; now I can re-watch them without commercials! 🙂 ) and listening to their music. 🙂 😎 Their song, “Beautiful Christmas” is forever one of my favorite December songs; I even listen to it during other months of the year! 🙂

   Gene Autry’s singing and merry music is a warm and cheerful gift. 🙂 I recently got to hear the recording from a 45rpm record of the song, “Merry Texas Christmas, You All!” 🙂 It’s a bright and pleasant melody coupled with a friendly, Texas-style explanation on how things are different – and yet in some ways the same (but bigger 😉 ) – in Texas. Like the greeting. 🙂 They don’t tend to have much snow, especially not the sleigh ride kind of snow that they get in the Northern states, but they have green cactus trees and red flowers. 😎 The backing vocals are excellent and the musical instruments sound great in this song, too. 😎 The guitars, bass fiddle, steel guitar and fiddle are all prevalent; I think I heard drums and a little banjo music as well in there. 😎 Texans may not have the scenery many tend to associate with Christmas, but they sure mean it when they say, “Merry Texas Christmas, you all! May your days be sunny and bright. May your hearts be happy and light. Merry Texas Christmas, you all!” 😀 (That’s a big, Texas smile, there. 😉 )

   At only a little over one and a half minutes in length, Paul Revere & the Raiders’ “Wear a Smile at Christmas” delivers an important message of encouragement. 😎 All but one song (“Jingle Bells”) on their album 1967 Christmas album, “A Christmas Present…And Past” was produced and co-written by Terry Melcher and Mark Lindsay. 🙂 An original album with a unique variety of songs. In this opening track for the album, Mark notes how many people are in such a hurry, focused on the trappings of the holidays scene, not taking the time to share a smile with another human being. A genuine, friendly smile can go a long way in brightening up someone’s day and lightening their load. 😎 A few seconds to smile and you’ve given another person – friend, acquaintance or stranger – a powerful gift. Even if you don’t see a smile in return, you shouldn’t be discouraged – keep on smilin’ anyway! 🙂 Everyone needs some sunshine in their soul and a smile will encourage that beam of light to grow. 🙂 😎

   Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and may 2019 be filled with joy and blessings for you all! 🙂 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 55: Supercool Ron Foos Interview

There are many blessings to be thankful for every day, and the friends you make can be exactly that. 🙂 A few years ago, when I wrote a Paul Revere & the Raiders article for my blog, I had the pleasure of making new friends. And Ron Foos, bassist for Paul Revere’s Raiders, is one of them. 🙂 He’s not only a great bassist, but also he can count writing and producing among his many other talents. 😎 Ron graciously offered to do an interview for my music review blog when our busy schedules allowed and I’m happy to be sharing that interview with you now. 🙂 Ready to read the fun, informative results? 🙂 Here we go! 🙂

1. When did you first meet Paul Revere?
I met Paul Revere around 1975.

2. What is the story behind how you came to be a part of this fun, rockin’ band?
Paul came to see me play in one of Seattle’s top bands “The City Zu”, but didn’t tell me he was watching from the back of the club. Paul called me the next morning, we met, and he hired me on the spot. I started playing with The Raiders that year, 1975.

3. What is your favorite 1960’s Raider song?
My favorite Raider song is… hummmmm… That’s a hard one! I’ve always liked all The Raiders music, but a couple of my favorites are “I Had a Dream” which we recorded it on “Paul Revere and The Raiders Greatest Hits Live! and “Silver Bird” which we played live for a while, written by Mark Lindsay.

4. What is your favorite 1960’s Raider song to perform in concert?
“Indian Reservation”….but you knew that! ha

5. Is there a 1960’s Raider song you haven’t performed in concert yet, but would like to?
Yes, “Just Seventeen”, it is a Rocker that I love! It wasn’t a big hit song but boy does it rock!

6. Which song originally performed/recorded by you guys (Paul’s second group named Paul Revere and the Raiders) do you most enjoy performing on stage?
I was lucky enough to write and record a few songs for/with Paul Revere. Mark Lindsay and I also wrote a few songs but nothing big. One that I wrote for The Raiders and I’m proud of is “Dead End Night”, also “No Tell Motel” on Paul Revere and The Raiders “America’s Favorite Rock n Roll band LIVE!” CD, another was song called “Do you really Mind” co-written by myself and Michael Bradly. We won a songwriting award in L.A. for that song.

7. When you write a song, do you tend to play it first on keys, rhythm guitar or bass?
I have only written one song on bass, called “The Sun Song”, I really like it, if that’s ok to say. Paul Revere and the Raiders were playing in the sunny Caribbean and the island vibe just took over in my head. Keyboard player Danny Krause sang it, and did a great job, but it hasn’t been released yet. I have mostly written on guitar but over the last few years I have fallen in love with my piano. So I write on piano a lot but it changes from time to time as I am now writing on guitar again recently.

8. As lead guitarist for the Seattle band, City Zu, did you meet prolific singer/songwriter/musician/producer/surf music pioneer/et cetera Terry Melcher after you guys signed on at Columbia Records?
I did met Terry but just a short meeting. He was a great friend of Paul Reveres tho.
I will always have the utmost respect for Terry Melcher.

9. Your neon green bass strings look really cool; what got you started on using them? Was it the color or the sound of these particular strings that first got your attention?
I got a call from Evan Shelly owner of “Bass Northwest’ in Seattle. Evan asked if I would try a set of these wild colored bass string made by DR Strings. He sent me a few sets and they were wild looking and of course Paul Revere loved all things WILD! I was then contacted by DR Strings and they set me up with an endorsement. I love the sound, the look, the feel of them and they are fun! If you look on http://www.DRStrings.com you can scroll down to see my photo as a proud DR string endorser. They now come in many different colors, so fun!

10. I understand from your media bio that your parents received a very special gift in December one year. 😉 You were born the same day on which the birth of Yeshua/Jesus is celebrated by many. Are you two friends? Is He important to you?
I love my birthday, and yes I love all things associated with Christmas. My Dad was also born on Christmas too. It’s a very special time of year and many celebrate the day in many ways or maybe even another day, depending on your religion preference. I am always asked “Do you feel ripped off having ONE birthday on Christmas that puts both together. I say absolutely NO, I love the day of Christmas. It was such a special time to have with my Dad (r.i.p.) and never felt ‘ripped off’ ha….geez…I am the luckiest guy alive!

11. Thank you for coming up with an idea that helped lead to the Ride to the Wall Foundation, telling Paul about it and together, all of you as a group, making it such a great success! 🙂 It is wonderful that you have been doing these concerts for our Veterans for years and also raising money to help them after they gave so much for us. While Paul was here you all also annually participated in Rolling Thunder; do you continue that honorable tradition as well?
We have done so many concerts all over the world for our Veterans and US troops, I can’t express how much that has meant to me personally.
Paul Revere and his wife were so open to the idea when it was brought to them by my music business partner Steve Mueller and I. They picked up on the idea right away and made it their own and really did a great job making a single idea into a meaningful project that changed so many lives.
We played to so many people who are fighting for our freedom and don’t have much in the way of entertainment, so it made a big difference to them.
What an honor to play for such amazing soldiers, men, women of all kinds, we all had a good time for a couple hours. It took their mind off of the war for a while.
We were also the only band that was allowed to play in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Wash D.C for 7 straight years on Memorial Day. Many bands have played the White House lawn but none have had the honor of playing right in front of the Lincoln Memorial to our Veterans on Memorial Day. We were able to raise money for them and we all had a great time doing it. Most people don’t know that Righteous Bros. Bill Medley came in to D.C. to join us on stage for some of the concerts as he is a big supporter of our Veterans, as did Billy Ray Cyrus and Nancy Sinatra who also joined us on occasion. Its been a real life changing experience playing and being a Raider for over 40 years. We ran our course doing the Veterans concerts in D.C but we always say our Thank you’s to our Veterans at every show. I have written a song called “Goodnight America” for our Veterans and it’s recorded on Raider lead singer’s new CD titled …”Goodnight America”. (available on all internet media outlets) I thank Paul Revere for making my life better thru music, he was the best ever!
All the best to you and your readers!
Ron Foos

Thank you, Ron, for your friendship, the interview, your dedication to our military and your part in supercool Paul Revere’s Raiders music! 🙂 😎 Keep on rockin’! 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 53: “Dirt on My Boots”

Here’s the story: I had enjoyed listening to country music on the radio in the 90’s, when one of my favorite baseball players got me listening to Randy Travis. I soon loved his music along with other great, real country artists like Alan Jackson, George Strait, Clay Walker, Alabama, Pam Tillis, Ricky Van Shelton, Neal McCoy, et cetera. Then the radio stations started playing too much non-country and I stopped listening to them for a long while. I had the good stuff, so why not just pop in a CD instead of subjecting myself to non-music? Very recently – this winter of 2018 – I decided to give country radio another try, just in case they had decided to play some real music again. And guess what I heard? 🙂 Yes! 🙂 They were playing some truly good stuff again. 😎 (I don’t believe that all of what they’re playing is true country, but it’s more evened out now, anyway.) The song that stood out most to me was “Dirt on My Boots”; I immediately recognized its greatness and knew it would sound awesome live! 🙂 Finding out who sang it and then watching footage on YouTube soon followed. Real country. So cool to hear him say he wants to do good stuff similar to the 90’s – the very decade I most enjoyed the rockin’ soul of country music sound! 🙂 😎 No wonder I love Jon Pardi’s music! 🙂 He knows what sounds good and he delivers. 😎 Keeping the good music going, playing what he knows is good. I like it that he goes for the upbeat sound; that’s my kind of music. 😎

   Time to review this supercool, super-country song, “Dirt on My Boots” by Jon Pardi! 😎 (Album: California Sunrise. Released: June 17, 2016. Label: Capitol Records Nashville.) And here we go! 😀

   It starts off with the voice of the fiddle – a pure country fiddle that draws you into the song from the barest sound of that first note, musically pulling you in as the bow is drawn across the strings. 😎 Yes, if you know the song like I do, that takes place in the first second of the track. 😎 More than three minutes remaining in this song filled with musical satisfaction. 😎

   The other instruments join in as the time hits right on the one-second mark. 😎 It immediately sounds really cool; you know you are hearing something great already. It’s got a deep yet laid-back sound to it, perking you up and settling you down comfortably at the same time. It catches your interest and assures your ears that you are in for a great country song. 🙂

   Twelve seconds in and the fiddle sings a happy, upbeat tune, announcing the approaching vocals of Jon Pardi. His voice is the best instrument yet and by his tone and style, he sets the stage for this song, telling it like it is with authenticity. 😎 He’s been up since the crack of dawn, earning his pay in the 100+ degree heat with no shade to be found. He knows exactly how much work he has left in this workday then he’s shutting that tractor down. A half hour after that, having gotten cleaned up some from his rough day at work in the fields, he’s going to go pick up his girlfriend for a date of dancing. 🙂

   And here comes that supercool chorus! He might have a little dirt on his boots, but he’s taking her uptown tonight. And he may have a little mud on his wheels, but they’re going to shine with her up inside. 😎 Great lyrics delivered excellently. 😎 I love the distinct way Jon Pardi sings “got-a-little”; it’s really cool, sounds good. 😎 He sings about how they’re going to dance the dust right off those boots.

   The instruments are played great on the album and, as with Jon Pardi’s singing, it’s even more powerful in concert. 😎 He plays guitar with strength, a comfortable ease and is great to watch. 😎 Most of the performances I’ve seen (thanks again to all of the fans who share concert footage on YouTube so we can all see it! 🙂 ) featured the supercool drumming of Mitch White. What great style, power and smooth precision! If you watched him play the song (any song), but couldn’t physically hear him, you could still “hear” it just by watching his movements. He’s one of the drummers I most enjoy watching. 😎 During this summer, Kevin Murphy started playing the drums, and, as a drum enthusiast, I immediately recognized his strong talent. He seemed to be enjoying it, too. 🙂 I miss seeing and hearing Mitch. I always have room in my heart for more good drummers, so I welcome Kevin, too. 😉 🙂 Solid drumming. 😎 Lee brings that essential bass groove to the music. 😎 Terry Lee plays supercool guitar. 😎 Billy makes his fiddle to sing. 😎 Andy really brings it with his steel guitar work. 😎 Great band, The All-Nighters. 😎 😎 😎 😎 😎 (There’s a “cool” smiley for each of you. 😉 )

   “Got a little dirt on my boots!” As Jon Pardi finishes up that chorus, he sings out a hearty, “Yeah, Girl!” that fits perfectly and is one of my favorite parts. 😎

   The second verse goes a little deeper. 😎 He sings to the girl in the song that he’s worked really hard that day, but he’s going to put even more into loving on her. (Terry Lee’s guitar does a really cool thing right here. 😎 ) He’s going to spin her all around that dance floor. When she’s ready to go, he will take her back to her place. The music brings it down here, as it did at this point in the previous verse – really cool. He assures her she needn’t worry – he’ll kick his dirty boots off on the porch when they get there. 🙂

   Supercool chorus! 🙂 😎 The drums really hit it. 😎

   Coming up on two minutes, the instrumental section starts sizzlin’, really rockin’ it good, then winds down to this really cool tempo by the drummer. 😎 And now we’re at the final verse of this supercool song.

   The third verse goes deeper yet. 😎 A cool play on words – since there’s actual dirt on the boots – as he sings in his wonderfully-timbered voice, “A little dirty dancin’, blue-collar romancin’.” He notes that he can get cleaned up if she wants him to, but – here he gives a tug to his collar and cuffs – “I can only get so fancy!” Love that part! 😀 😎 😎 He sings it with such great delivery; it’s supercool. I looked forward to this part every time it came to it on the radio when I was first hearing it. And I still do. The entire song sounds great, but this part, the way he sang it, really added to the song and made me want to go buy it. And I did. 🙂 I love listening to it! 🙂

   The final chorus continues the strong, solid, rockin’ real country music that this song (and all of Jon Pardi’s music) is filled with from start to finish. The song never lacks, never eases up on its power, never loses its appeal. It’s lively, good and entirely enjoyable. Great song. Great band. Great artist. Great for country music. Keepin’ it real and true. Keepin’ it live and genuine. Keepin’ it with heart and authenticity. Thank you! 🙂

Jean247

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More Jon Pardi Articles:

Heartache on the Dance Floor

Head Over Boots

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 52: “Just the Way You Are”

“Just the Way You Are” – my favorite Bruno Mars song. 🙂 And not only that, but it also has one of the coolest music videos. 😎 In the video, the girl of the song is sitting and listening to the song on her headphones, enjoying the great music. Then Bruno comes, removes the cassette from the player, grins and sits down across from her on a couch. He sets the cassette on the coffee table before him, unwinds a length of the tape, and then begins to create designs with it. 😎 The camera follows a time-delay speed-up as he lays out his name then the song title. 😎 As the the song begins, he designs a drum then plays it to the beat. 😎 (Bruno is an awesome drummer as well as dancer and his singing abilities are a blessed gift from the Creator.) Throughout the song he artistically makes designs with the tape that tell the story of the song. 😎 Such as when he begins to sing…

   The song, having already begun with a beautiful vocal melody by Bruno, launches into the lyrics, the tone already set for this excellent song. 😎 His words, sung in that velvety voice of his, poetically tells of how beautiful he knows his girl is – even though she doesn’t realize her own beauty. (It’s good not to be conceited about your looks, yet you needn’t be insecure about them, either. Men naturally are drawn to a woman’s beauty – we were designed with them in mind and don’t need to rely on makeup, hairstyles, fashion attire or games to draw their attention. We already have it. Just be nice, be you, and the man who can fulfill your dreams will find you.) As I was saying, Bruno’s words are beautiful: “Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they’re not shining.” Exquisite poetry. 😎

   And he tells her every day how beautiful she is. He knows she doesn’t believe his compliments are true – even though he speaks them from an honest heart – and he finds that a sad thing. Every time she asks him if she looks okay, he says to her: “When I see your face there’s not a thing that I would change – ‘Cause you’re amazing just the way you are. And when you smile the whole world stops and stares for a while; ‘Cause girl you’re amazing just the way you are!” He ends the chorus with a heartfelt “Yeah!” During that chorus in the music video, the cassette tape became an animated version of Bruno – excellently done! Such art! 😎 Very cool and creative concept that was carried out very well. 😎

   The man-made instruments (such as the excellent drums, keys, bells, guitars) and the Creator-made instrument of Bruno’s voice sound so great throughout the song, tender and gentle, ringing out at the right times, softening at the right times. “Just the Way You Are” is a well-written, -sung, -played, -performed song and the recording of it as well as the video production of it is impressive and highly enjoyable. 😎

   In the next verse he sings about her lips being so kissable and that “her laugh she hates but I think it’s so sexy.” Laughter that comes from a good and happy heart is a priceless thing. Some laughs are quiet like a chuckle, some are loud guffaws, but all of it is good when it’s laughter for the right reason (as in: not laughing at someone else in a mean-spirited way). 😎 Laughter should be free to sing out, not stifled because we think it sounds unpleasant to the ears. Laughter is a precious gift. 🙂

   In the video, the cassette tape becomes piano keys that Bruno begins to play as he sings that she’s beautiful. He tells her every day that he would never ask her to change – she’s perfect for him just the way she is. 😎

   The supercool chorus is extended for this later part of the song. 😎 The cassette tape in the video becomes a bell, which Bruno rings, a cool pairing of animation and live action. 😎 Right after this, the tape becomes Bruno at an upright piano. 🙂 😎 (I love upright pianos; they have a certain sound, a deeper, more pleasing tone than a spinet, a baby grand – or even a grand piano. 🙂 😎 ) Farther into the chorus, the scene changes from the cassette tape art on the coffee table to Bruno himself playing a real upright piano – I love that! 🙂

   The way Bruno carries the word “are” each time partway through the chorus when he sings, “The way you are! The way you are!” is especially beautiful, strong and gentle. He sings the entire song from the heart, putting genuine emotion into it, because he’s an authentic artist. 😎 😎 😎

   Another really cool thing connected to this song: in concert before, while singing to a packed stadium, Bruno dedicated this song to the men and women of our Armed Forces. Now that’s supercool. 😎 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 51: “Do You Love Me”

“Do You Love Me” by Paul Revere & the Raiders, featured on one of their supercool albums, “Here They Come!” – track #4 – is three minutes and fifty-two seconds of great musical entertainment! 😀 😎 Whether you are listening to it on original vinyl, cassette, compact disc, an MP3 device or the radio, it’s a solid listening experience. 😎 The Raiders really know how to rock’n’roll! 😎

   The vocals are top-notch and the instruments are played with amazing ability; these are two things you can count on these fellows to consistently do. 😎 Their albums sound great and their live performances – as you can hear on songs like this one – are even more impressive! It’s no wonder that no one has ever been able to out-sing, out-play or out-perform Paul Revere & the Raiders! 😀 😎

   “Do You Love Me” (also recorded by The Contours) is another gem that Paul Revere & the Raiders performed at their live, in-studio concert on September 24, 1964 at Columbia Records in California. Let the music begin! 🙂

   The song track opens with the guys setting the stage in cool, comedic fashion, ever the entertainers! 😀 The audience’s boisterous clapping from the previous song, “Louie, Louie”, is finally quieting enough for the fellows to start the next one. 🙂 Drake starts a background with his guitar, with Smitty adding some well-placed emphasis with his drumming. 😎

   Mark, as if talking to a particular girl he had liked before but was rude to him, says “You broke me heart…” The other fellows calling out as well, such as saying, “You broke his little heart!” Mark goes on, “‘Cause I couldn’t dance.” Paul said, “Let’s see you dance.” After a few brief moments in which I suspect Mark pretended he couldn’t dance, a voice yells out, “He can’t dance.” Paul goes along with that and tells Mark in a faux-serious tone, “You can’t dance.” Mark fakes some unhappy sounds as if he’s crying and continues talking to the girl, “You didn’t even want me around!” Just because he couldn’t dance, he was shunned by her. It’s silly to treat people that way. Wrong, too.

   Paul encourages him to tell them all about it and Mark, after a few more weeps, bravely goes on to say, “Now I’m back.” His buddies back him up with a “Yeah!” Mark says strongly, “To let you know…” Drake’s husky voice can be heard asking, “What’s that?” Mark announces with confidence, “That I can really shhhake ’em down!” Then all of the band, in their strong, deep, manly vocals that I love so much, shouts out in unison, “Shake ’em down!!!!!” And it’s on. 😎

   Smitty goes into an awesome display of drumming, joined by Drake’s supercool guitar licks. 😎 Paul’s keys and Mike “Doc” Holliday’s supercool bass (Phil “Fang” Volk wasn’t there yet) rounds out the super-great sound of Paul Revere & the Raiders as this song takes off. 😎

   Mark lets loose with a hearty “Allllright!” then invites the audience into singing the word “yeah!” with coaching echoes from the rest of the band. 😎 It sounds so great! 😀 Mark and the rest of the guys do a back-and-forth (I love those! 🙂 ) with the “yeah!”, ever reaching greater levels. 😎

   The echoing vocals continue as Mark sings out, asking the girl if she loves him now. Now that he can dance. Their voices raise in perfect precision as they sing the word “dance”. Mark invites her to, “watch me now!” He’s undoubtedly doing some great dance moves. 😎 That’s another thing about Paul Revere & the Raiders: they’re great dancers. 😎 That means that they feel the music inside and they move to the music. 😎 That’s what real dancing is – it comes from within, inspired by the music and in tune with it. The guys made up their own dance moves, many of them created by Drake and Phil, buddies from way back. 😎

   Mark names several of the dances that he can do then asks the girl, “Now tell me, baby, do you like it like this?” They swing into the chorus and keep that rockin’ music going. 😎 Smitty’s drumming is amazing! 😀 😎

   At about two and a half minutes into the track, Mark says “one more time” and Smitty does more great drumming and Drake’s blazing guitar is right there, too. 😎

   They invite the audience into the singing again with Mark leading, Paul, Smitty, Drake and Doc echoing. 🙂 Sounds so great! 🙂 Mark changes it up several times, coaching the audience to raise the volume. The Raiders let out with powerful back-and-forth lyrics, with Paul yelling animatedly in his energetic, fun, cool style. Supercool performers. 😎

   And they did all of this boisterous entertainment in a not all that big room – complete with their heavy, layered U. S. Revolutionary War uniforms replicating the 1700’s. Think maybe those fellows were hot? They certainly were – not only in temperature, but also as artists and musicians. One hot group. 😎 (Yeah, I just put a “cool” smiley in there right after saying how hot they are. 😛 Both words are compliments, after all. 🙂 😉 ) Paul Revere & the Raiders…one supercool group of supercool good guys. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 50: “Come On, Let’s Go”

One of my favorite ’60’s surf tunes to listen to is “Come On, Let’s Go” by The Rogues! 🙂 😎 Although there have been a number of music artists with the name of The Rogues, this specific one features the vocal prowess of singer/songwriter/musician/producer/et cetera, Terry Melcher, who recorded under a number of monikers. 🙂 Always sounding great! 😀 😎 A producer of great music acts like the essential 1960’s Paul Revere & the Raiders. Cool, fun note: Terry’s also known as “the sixth Raider”. 🙂 😎 That’s way cool. 😎 😎 The other member of the duo is Bruce Johnston; he and Terry usually recorded as Bruce & Terry, best known under that name for their hit “Summer Means Fun”. 🙂 😎 They both play numerous instruments in their music work as well. 😎

   The song, written and originally performed by Ritchie Valens (love his version so much, too! 🙂 ), has a great, upbeat tune.

   This great stereo single (Columbia 4-43253), “Come On, Let’s Go” by The Rogues, was recorded in the studio on 2/3/1965. It was produced by the same man who sang lead on it: surf music pioneer Terry Melcher. 😎 Terry did a great job of making the song “jump out of the speakers”, which he liked to do so it would sound great in the car – and the radio stations couldn’t turn it down. 😛 A very smart fellow, he figured out how to get around their limiters. 😉 😎

   Starting off with a big splash of music, guitar, bass, drums, tambourine, groovy organ and hand claps, it soon gives way to guitar chords of delight and then the highlight: Terry Melcher’s vocals! 😀 He sure can sing! 🙂

   With great energy and a gift of singing with such vitality, Terry invites the girl of the song to come with him and tell him she’ll never leave him. I love the way he strong-yet-gently sings out, “Little Darlin'”! 🙂

   At thirty-eight seconds into the song, the first chorus arrives. I love the way he carries the melody as he sings not only the verse, but also the backing vocals, a melodic rising and falling “ooo-oo-ooo” in a pure, clear tune! 🙂 Supercool! 😎 😎 😀

   He tells her “you know I love you so” & he wants her to be his girl forever. ❤ ❤

   An instrumental break in the center of the song highlights that upbeat and groovy organ music I mentioned earlier. 😉 The instruments, tempo and overall arrangement is excellent. 😎

   At 1:19 Terry belts out the chorus in great style, amping up the song even more. 🙂 😎 Reminding her of his abiding love for her and assuring her it will always be so. ❤ ❤

   He calls her “pretty baby”, telling her again that he loves her so. 🙂 🙂 You know, when you truly love someone, you can’t ever say it too much. 🙂

   It’s really cool the way the piano keys are run the length right in this area – it sounds great and really adds to the musicality of the piece. 😎

   Terry repeats the phrase “come on, come on, let’s go again” until he does a mic fade-out at the end, keeping that upbeat invitation going onward throughout. 🙂 😎

   I love upbeat tunes! 😎 Terry’s so very good at putting the right vocal power behind each musical note. And making it sound so easy. 🙂 Supercool. Super-talented. Super-good at lots of things and a heart full of love. Terry Melcher, a blessing from the Creator to this world. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 49: “Johnny Angel”

One of the sweetest, prettiest songs I have ever heard on the airwaves is “Johnny Angel” by Shelley Fabares. 🙂 I love it every time one of the 1960’s radio shows or stations plays it! 🙂 I have the song on my MP3 player, too. 😎 I’ll be reviewing the single version, which is two minutes and nineteen minutes in length. It may not be a long track, yet every second of it is beautiful! 🙂

   A musical chime begins the song, followed by the sweet, melodic voices of Shelley Fabares and the ladies providing the backing vocals. Each instrument plays an important part in the overall sound of this song. The cymbals are superb and the bass gives depth of tone. The keys, guitar and strings add to the beauty already present. 😎 It’s a beautiful, dreamy melody. 🙂

   “Johnny Angel” tells the story of how very much this girl likes a boy named Johnny and is dreaming of the day he will take full notice of her and become her sweetheart. 🙂 She knows she likes him, but it doesn’t seem – to her, anyway – that he notices her in the same way. He politely acknowledges her when he sees her; he greets her with a “hello” and makes her heart begin to soar, as though it were flying up among the clouds. ❤ ❤

   She dreams about the two of them, how wonderful it will be when they become sweethearts. Other fellows ask her out for a date, but she declines each one – preferring to wait for her Johnny. I understand that. She loves him; he holds her heart. It wouldn’t feel right to her to hold another’s hand or share kisses with him when Johnny alone is the one she adores. (Note: If a girl isn’t sure who she loves, it is wise to not ignore other boys – she wouldn’t want to pass her true love by! Likewise, if a fellow isn’t sure which girl is his true love, he should keep his eyes open so he will see her. Focusing solely on the wrong person could delay you finding your true love.)

   The girl in the song prays that Johnny will someday love her, too, and that together they will see how lovely heaven will be. Waiting for your true love – who will love you unconditionally – is worth the effort. It’ll save you from a lot of unnecessary heartache, too.

   The way Shelley sings this song is so very beautiful! The Creator blessed her with a sweet, melodic voice whose tones and inflections make this song the hit that it is. 😎 True, it’s a great song in its own right, but Shelley’s voice is perfect for it – soft and gentle, carrying the dream from thought to sound by her vocals. At the right moments, she changes her tone to tell the story of the girl’s heart…excellent delivery throughout! 🙂

   The song finishes out with the chorus repeated in style, carrying the song along and continuing the beautiful melody on through. Such a beautiful song, “Johnny Angel”! Dreamy. Hopeful. Filled with beauty.

   And would you like to know something else about the story of this song? 😉 A follow-up song was released as a single just months after this one in 1962. It’s title? “Johnny Loves Me”! 🙂 🙂 ❤ ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 48: “Head Over Boots”

🎶~~~~~SPECIAL EDITION~~~~~🎶

Osiyo! 🙂 (Cherokee/Tsalagi greeting) This is the second-year anniversary of publishing Supercoolmusic: A Living Article at its own independent blog space. 🙂 I appreciate everyone who has read my articles; thank you for letting me know how much you enjoy them! 🙂 It’s always good to know my work is appreciated; I do this on my own time, celebrating, encouraging and sharing good music as well as cool, related aspects. 🙂

   Choosing a special song for a special occasion is always fun and this time I chose one of my favorite songs. 🙂 “Head Over Boots” by Jon Pardi is three minutes and twenty-three seconds of lyrics and music that most definitely qualifies as supercool music! 🙂 😎 This song, track #3 from his “California Sunrise” album (released June 17, 2016 on Capitol Records Nashville), is going to be a joy to review. 🙂 I love it! 🙂 And there’s so much good to say about it. 😎 I have some supercool behind-the-scenes information to share with you all as well. 🙂 Come on, let’s go! 🙂 😎

   “Head Over Boots” is so beautiful and touches my soul so deeply, that even while I’m trying to review it, I keep getting caught up in the pure beauty of it. Jon’s voice carries the message of the song straight to the heart. 😎 The words and the melody exemplify a perfect pairing. 😎

   I saw a piece of footage where Jon was giving an explanation for the song, telling of its origin. One night when he and his dad were at a Texas dance hall, he was watching dancers two-steppin’ their way around the floor, having a good time. What he saw inspired him to write a song about a constant love between a man and his wife (this story was featured later in the music video as well ❤ ). 😎 The next morning he was writing this beautiful song. 🙂 He saved it to finish the writing of it with another good song-writer whom he knew would get the song, too: Luke Laird. Jon said the song was just coming so easy and that for songwriters “…when it’s easy, it’s usually the best.” 😎 True. 😎 When the Creator gives you something to write, it seems to flow, coming quicker than you can write/type sometimes! 🙂 And it comes together so well, seamlessly. “Head Over Boots” is a very good example of musical poetry that flowed straight from the heart and soul to words and music notes. 😎

   Jon Pardi’s songs are all-new, current, traditional, timeless & pure, solid, rockin’ country. 🙂 😎 Each melody is instantly recognizable as one of his even before you hear his vocals, because it has that 😎 Jon Pardi quality to it. 🙂 This song is one of his masterpieces.

   Naturally, “Head Over Boots” opens with the earthy rhythm of a well-strummed guitar. It’s joined by drums, percussion, steel and bass guitar (the fiddle comes later 😉 ). Jon begins to sing the song of a man who’s deeply in love with his wife, their constant, abiding love evident. He wants to sweep her off her feet tonight, love her and hold her tight – spin her around on some old dance floor, “act like we never met before – for fun – ’cause…” And with that perfect lead-in and a timely pause, the first chorus arrives. 🙂

   The drums pick up the beat, guiding the music to a rousing chorus as Jon sings out with much heart and strong volume. “You’re the one I want. You’re the one I need.” Love. ❤ ❤ Two hearts joined as one; they share a heartbeat. Whether in each others’ arms or miles between because of work, et cetera, their hearts are united and their thoughts are of each other. True love is strong.

   The excellent lyrics continue. 🙂 If he was a king, she would be his queen. “You’re the rock in my roll. You’re good for my soul. It’s true; I’m head over boots for you.” 😎 True love satisfies a longing in your heart that can only be filled by that one person. There’s something special about your true love that outshines everyone else deep in your soul. The Creator loves us and blesses us with love. Sometimes you might think you found your special someone and your heart feels broken when it doesn’t last. But true love does last, because it’s powerful, abiding and real. That’s the kind of love that holds marriages together. Your true love is your priority – not yourself. Talking to the Creator about it is always a good idea; He has all the answers. 🙂 😎 ❤ ❤

   The instruments, the guitar taking the forefront, bridges the space from the chorus to the second verse in a supercool way. 🙂 Such great sound! 🙂

   “The way you sparkle like a diamond ring. Maybe one day we can make it a thing.” Marriage. 🙂 ❤ ❤ 😎 He sings of their continuing love for one another, enjoying life together year after year. 😎 Talking, sitting together on the porch, kissing… 🙂 🙂 Everything means more and is felt deeper when it is shared with your true love. They not only hold your hand; they hold your heart, too.

   That awesome chorus begins again; it has such a great melody, sung and played with good heart and real talent. What a great song! 🙂

   An extended instrumental break features more of that deep-note, country guitar work. 😎

   The song plays on with that well-chosen pace of melody that fits so well with the lyrics of this song. 😎 Each element is important in the overall sound of a song – and Jon Pardi is well aware of that and fully up to the task. 🙂 😎

   With reassuring strength he sings, “Yeah, I’m here to pick you up and I hope I don’t let you down.” Significant pause here. “No.” Very definite about not wanting to let her down – there’s a good man. 😎 The drums carried that down perfectly, too. 😎 Another pause then a series of acoustic guitar notes leads into a quieter, more gentle level as he sings again: “’cause you’re the one I want. You’re the one I need…”

   The volume and energetic strength heightens again as another round of the supercool chorus is repeated. 😎 “I’m head over boots for you!”

   Another section of instrumental supercoolness delights the ears and the heart. The fiddle is a key part in good country music and this song certainly qualifies – it all sounds so great! 😎

   Jon tenderly sings the first part of the song again, his voice growing yet gentler and quieter as the fellow sings to his sweetheart with all of the love in his heart. 😎

   During these last twenty seconds of the song in concert, Mitch’s finesse and style shines especially bright as he taps specific cymbals at just the right moments then shimmers them. 😎 Sheer poetry. 😎

   Although “Head Over Boots” finishes at a little over three minutes, Jon sings it in such a way that it is understood that the story continues onward. 🙂 The song reaches its full 3:23 length with a beautiful flourish, bringing a contented sigh from the listener’s heart and the motion of reaching out to play that song again. 🙂

   “Head Over Boots” sounds great on the album and in all of the special recordings and every live performance of it. That’s good music. 😎 Jon puts the right emphasis – and the right amount of it – on each word he sings. That’s important, too.

   The lyric video is way cool, the words rolling in the Old West town setting with specifically selected features – love the picture of Jon swirling along in the dusty breeze. The concept and creativity as well as the completion of it all’s supercool! 😎 Have you seen it yet? 🙂

   In regards to the music video, Jon said, “It’s really cool – probably one of my favorite videos we’ve done so far.” The dedication of everyone working together and being enthusiastic about making the video authentic-looking shows in the finished product. 😎 It was filmed at the Twin Sisters Dance Hall in Blanco, Texas, a historic treasure from the 1870’s that continues to hold weekend dances. 😎 That setting really went with what Jon was thinking for the song: “It just really hit home with my idea for ‘Head Over Boots’.” The video tells the story of a guy and girl meeting at the dance hall, coming back for more dates; they get engaged, married and celebrate anniversaries. 🙂 Cool mini-movie! 😎 I love the look of the video, the lighting, setting, et cetera – especially the 1950’s look, the 1970’s jacket, so cool. 🙂 Way cool to see the classic Chevy pickup! 🙂 😎 🙂 There were more cool scenes than I can fit in this review, but I do want to make sure I make mention of the many cool in-between-the-storyline scenes where Jon played his guitar by an old jukebox – and laying out some very, very smooth dance moves. 🙂 😎 He sure feels that music! 🙂 😎

   “Head Over Boots” sounds fantastic from the album and in Jon Pardi’s supercool concerts with The All-Nighters (they were in the music video, too – very, very cool)! 🙂 Jon, Mitch, Lee, Billy, Andy and Terry bring everything to the music – heart, soul, talent, energy, fun, celebration, liveliness, vibrant music! 🙂 😎

   I love to hear “Head Over Boots” come on the radio, too! It’s so great to hear such good, solid, truly beautiful, hearty love music! 🙂 Thank you, Jon, for sharing your love and gift of music! 🙂 I’m looking forward to more! 🙂 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 47: “Heartache on the Dance Floor”

When an artist is as good as Jon Pardi, it’s hard to choose which song of theirs to review first! 🙂 All of his original songs that I have heard thus far are supercool, pure country music. 😎 And I believe that every song he’s covered has sounded the best those songs can sound – and that’s a supersize compliment! 🙂 I would like to review every song he’s sung – originals and covers – yet before I could claim that accomplishment, a certain decision must be made. Do you know what that is? 😉 Deciding which song to start with! 🙂 I believe I will do this one…

   “Heartache on the Dance Floor” is the newest radio single from his album, “California Sunrise”, which was released on June 17, 2016 by Capitol Records Nashville. 😎 Supercool. 😎 I loved his debut performance of it on TV (March 6, 2018), every piece of concert footage I’ve been blessed to see of it, the video, the performance video and especially when he sang it solo for a radio show. 🙂 It was a perfect example of what George Strait’s character was talking with hope about in the movie “Pure Country”: you don’t need all the smoke and lights – just a man and his guitar. 🙂 😎 (At that same radio show, Jon also sang George’s “I Just Want to Dance with You”; I so loved it that I’m working on a review for it, too. 🙂 ) Back to this review: I loved “Heartache on the Dance Floor” since the first time I heard it. 🙂 This song has such a great sound – made it feel like summertime in the wintertime. 😎 Sunshine, blue skies, sparkling waters, the colorful artistry of the Creator’s sunsets – I can hear it all in Jon’s song. 🙂

   At the very start of “Heartache on the Dance Floor” you immediately know two things about it: it’s pure country and it’s good…really, really good. 🙂 😎 As you all know, I appreciate every aspect of what makes a song sound good – and this one excels in it. 😎 Every instrumental note is played with genuine heart and talent. And every note sung is essential to the great sound of this song. Guitars, drums, fiddle and steel guitar all lead into the opening verse featuring the amazing lead vocals of Jon Pardi (later joined by the All-Nighters’ impressive backing vocals). 😎

   Jon begins telling the story of the song in first person; he has a Creator-blessed gift for storytelling, by the way. 🙂 The setting is a little beachside town on the West Coast.

   The video begins with him buying some fries at a standing trailer on the edge of the beach in the bright sunshine. 😎 The scene changes to evening, lights have been set up in front of it, music playing, people dancing, enjoying the atmosphere. 😎

   In the song he tells about a girl catching his eye the other night, like nothing he had ever seen. When Jon’s singing “Heartache on the Dance Floor”, he gets the full effect of the story across with such clarity and smoothness. 😎 The girl was dancing to an old Motown song (good music! 🙂 ). Jon Pardi has some great moves. 🙂 He sure feels that supercool music. 😎

   He sings he was speechless, watching her, couldn’t manage to say anything, so he just sang along to the Motown song. (Which would’ve sounded great! 🙂 )

   I love the notes, tones, volume, pace and melody of this song through and through! 🙂 It sounds so good!! 🙂

   The chorus begins, picking up the pace and volume from conversational singing to an upbeat rhythm of exultation. He sings about her being a heartache on the dance floor, moving through his mind. He’s determined to know her name, to see her again. She has him wondering where she is this night. Jon carries a “whoa” in strong, melodic fashion, along with the driving country beat of the band. 😎

   And I just have to note here: that blue guitar he plays so excellently has got to be one of, if not the most, beautiful guitars I have ever seen. 😎 Just beautiful. 🙂 I’m so glad that that fine guitar has such a talented owner. 🙂 😎

   In the second verse he continues the story. Wanting to see her again, he hung around that little West Coast town, dropping by that beachside place every night and staying until closing time. I like the way he said “my little mystery”. 🙂 😎 He put on a song, just to sing along. I like the heart and determination in this song; the man’s doing what he can, trying to find this girl who stirred his heart like that. Good romance. 😎

  The second chorus is sung and played just as excellently as the first time; Jon Pardi and his supercool band, The All-Nighters, give consistently top-notch performances each and every time. 😎 And they make it look so easy; they’re that good. 🙂

   This chorus includes some bonus features. 🙂 He sings that she’s got him mesmerized; she’s all he thinks about. Then the instrumental break arrives, featuring a blazing guitar lead with the rest of the instruments keeping that great song going in the background. 😎

   In the third verse, Jon sings that he’s right here, right now, humming this little song. If he could say a thing, he’d want her to know: “You were a heartache on the dance floor.” Bringing it down a little bit instrumentally, thus highlighting this part of the song expertly, he sings the entire chorus to her, with The All-Nighters echoing his words in good, strong voices. 😎

   He’s hanging around this little town, “looking for you, Baby”. Singing the chorus, addressing this girl in the song, brought a really cool element to it. First he was telling about it, and then he changes it, directing it personally to her. I really liked that touch. 🙂 😎

   The song ended as it began: perfectly! 🙂 Such a great sound; this is a song I could – and have 😉 – listen to repeatedly and love it just as much each time. Now that’s real supercool music! 🙂 😎

   Jon Pardi’s music sounds great whether it’s a studio recording or from a live performance with his band The All-Nighters. 🙂 Billy plays the fiddle with equal parts great talent and energy. 😎 The steel guitar artist, Andy, plays with smooth skill. 😎 (I would give them credit by last name as well, but I don’t have that information as yet.) Super guitarist Terry Lee Palmer and boss bass guitarist Lee Francis have accompanied Jon at various radio station performances. 😎

   I’ll close this review by telling how I know the supercool drummer’s name. 🙂 Mitch White, yes, he’s the one rockin’ those drums to a country beat, joined Jon Pardi in a cool, purposeful challenge – which they both aced. 😎 Jon was taking part in a 22 push-ups challenge to help bring more awareness of our soldiers who are losing their lives from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He had asked Mitch to join him in the show of strength and they added extra challenges to it besides. 😎 (You can check out the footage on YouTube to see what they did. 🙂 ) And not only did they accomplish the 22 push-ups impressively, but they added two bonus push-ups at the end! 🙂 Strong fellows, good men who care about our military – the men and women who defend freedom and help keep us safe. 🙂 😎 The members of our military who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other struggles, need our prayers, love and encouragement to help them have hope and to know that they can win this battle. Never give up. Please. Never give up.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 44: I Believe

“I Believe” is a song that inspires, encourages, comforts and shows forth hope and deep joy. Clint Walker’s strong, steady voice is perfect for getting across the sureness of this song. 😎 His tone resonates the power that can be found when you believe in things that are true. This sixth track on his twelve-song LP, “Inspiration”, is two minutes and fifty-five seconds of exactly that: inspiration! 🙂

   I’m reviewing while listening to the digital version I own – and I’m so delighted to hear the wonderful sounds of vinyl recording coming through the speakers! 🙂 There’s nothing quite like it. 😎

   “I Believe” begins with the beautifully melodic rising “ahh’s” and lowering “ooo’s” of the Sunset Serenaders of Warner Bros. studios. 🙂 One bell chiming between ten and twelve seconds rings in the arrival of Cherokee Clint Walker’s noble vocals at thirteen seconds. 😎

   He sings of the amazing workings of raindrops, like their ability to make beautiful things grow. 😎 The beautiful strum of a harp, an organ softly playing, a bell chime, and then Clint’s voice rises in volume to sing, “I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows.” There is always light, no matter how dark things may seem – literally as well as figuratively. Literally: on a clear night with a dark, new moon, there is still light. If you step outside, having been indoors with man-made light, it would seem pitch-black to you. You wouldn’t be able to see much until your eyes adjusted. In much the same way, if we are blinded by the brightness of manufactured life, it sometimes takes us a while to see clearly what great things God has for us. Literally, if you are standing beneath the sky in the Creator’s pure light at sunset, your eyes will easily adjust to the darkening sky. The spiritual correlation is that if you’re focusing on the Creator’s ways instead of being overwhelmed by the world’s pressures and glitter, you can see the blessings in life much easier. 🙂

   The Sunset Serenaders lend their melodic voices to this song at just the right moments, guided by an excellent arrangement and wise director who hears just how perfect it all comes together. 😎 I love the sound of the harp strings! 🙂

   Clint’s gifted voice sings these next words of true hope: “I believe for every one who goes astray, someone will come to show the way.” The delivery of each word is perfectly timed and delivered to convey the certainty of the message. 😎 We’ve all naturally gone astray from our Creator, being imperfect humans, but He sent His Son, Yeshua/Jesus, to show us the way back to Him. 🙂 Yeshua/Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life; He is the only way back to peace with God. (That’s in the Scriptures in the book of John, chapter fourteen, verse six, if you’d like to check it out for yourself. 🙂 If you’re unfamiliar with Bibles, I recommend the King James Version as far as most-reliable-English-translations go. 🙂 ) Our shortcomings will keep us out of Heaven unless we put our faith in Yeshua/Jesus, Who paid for our mistakes with His own life over 2,000 years ago. And He arose, thereby conquering death and enabling us to live forever, too. Has anyone else ever loved us that much? No, because only God is big and powerful enough to do that. These truths are strong enough to make you free. Yeshua/Jesus is the only Friend we can’t live without.

Back to the song…

   The Sunset Serenader’s voices swell. Clint sings with a solid knowing, these definite words, “I believe.” He sings out again with hope and assurance: “I believe.” Strong and sure. And that’s only the first minute of the song! 🙂

   “I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard.” And that’s true, too. Even when you can’t even hear yourself, your heartfelt prayers of faith wing their way to the Creator. 😎 “I believe that Someone in the Great Somewhere, hears every word.” See? 🙂 The Creator, Who made and loves each one of us, is the Someone in the Great Somewhere – as it says in the Scriptures: God is so great neither the heavens nor the Earth can contain His greatness. He’s all around us. 🙂 You never need to ask the words, “God, where are you?!” Because the answer is this simple: He’s right there, waiting for you to trust Him to help you.

   In the chorus of “I Believe”, Clint sings of the wonderful things the Creator blesses this world with, from miracles to the awesome beauty of His creation, like the sky above. Touching a leaf can be a powerful lesson itself. 😎 When you take time to notice the texture, the design, the amazing miracle of how it comes about, you can’t really help but be awed by this seemingly simple item. Seeing and hearing these daily miracles declare the Creator’s existence, power, love and care. 😎 Clint sings out with certainty, “Then I know why I believe!”

   The Sunset Serenaders repeat the chorus section in soaring vocals then Clint finishes it with great vocal power. Building. Strengthening. Leaving no question that when you recognize the Creator’s love all around you amongst His creation, you can believe His love for you. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 42: December Holidays Music Part 2

Welcome to part two of my December Holidays Music review collection! 🙂 There’s so much great music to listen to such as Paul Revere & the Raiders, Big Time Rush, Bruno Mars & the Hooligans, LUNAFALL, In Real Life and Why Don’t We. 🙂 I enjoyed listening to these songs, watching some performances and reviewing them to share with you all. 🙂 I hope you enjoy reading here and checking out any of this great music you haven’t yet had the pleasure of hearing for yourself. 🙂

   An artistic instrumental written by the hands of two geniuses of music, Terry Melcher and Mark Lindsay, “Peace” is a mesmerizing composition that says so much – without one word. 😎 This song was recorded by Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay and released on their 1967 album, “A Christmas Present…And Past”. 😎 The first seventeen seconds subtly sets the scene of a rainstorm; at eighteen seconds the strings come in a few notes at a time to add to the story being told within the music. If you listen closely, you will hear it. 😎 More strings shimmer out music by the smooth gliding of the bows with a sudden dash of three higher notes depicting the flashes of lightning in the stormy, dark sky. Midst the storm, there is peace. The Creator made a way for peace with Him through His Son, Yeshua/Jesus. And it doesn’t matter which kind of storm nears you – be it the storm of weather, thoughts, actions (or inaction) of others, or anything else that might make us feel unsure and unsettled in spirit, soul or body – the Creator is more powerful than them all. 😎 He can give us peace in our hearts; all we have to do is ask Him, believing. Belief is important. Words merely spoken have no power; belief, faith and trust must be in your heart or else they are just empty words. When He said He loves us; He meant it 100%. 🙂 And He doesn’t change. 😎 He loves us still. In the song, you can hear the raindrops falling, the ominous storm. Yet, if you listen as the song goes along, the sun is breaking through the dark clouds, sending beams of light shining down on us. 🙂 😎 The storm is ending, moving off, as sound of thunder and flashes of lightning grow farther away. The rainstorm gentles until it is a calm, soothing rain that brings the feelings of coziness – and peace. 🙂 😎

   Last Christmas season, the three members of the band LUNAFALL, (Joel Darkes, Craig Wright and Dave Bright) released a charity single entitled “Christmas Day”. All profits from sales of this cool single goes to Donkey Sanctuary, UK, where these noble creatures are cared for, many having been rescued from dire situations. It said a lot to me about the band members – it takes a lot of heart for your band’s very first single to be dedicated to a charity, instead of focusing on promoting your own band. Great guys. 🙂 😎 I saw the music video first, which led to me gladly buying the single. 🙂 The video starts with Craig opening double doors and inviting us in to a cheerily-decorated collection of rooms where the video was filmed. The rockin’ trio begin their song, guitars in hand. 😎 A pleasant tune is soon joined by lyrics sung by Dave then Joel, respectively, telling of some of the happy things often associated with the Christmas season, such as children having fun playing in the snow. They sing about it being almost Christmas and how we can sing merrily, joining together to sing this song. 😎 The chorus features some very cool guitar work by Craig. 😎 The words paint a very cozy picture. 🙂 The drums are real cool as are the other musical instruments in this great tune. 😎 Partway into the second verse, backing Dave’s vocals, quiet “ooo’s” add a very important touch to the overall sound. 🙂 😎 Singing about faces all aglow leads to the supercool chorus again. 🙂 2:16 to 2:45 features an awesome Craig guitar solo. 🙂 😎 One of the best parts of the song has arrived. As the notes carry from the guitar, Joel sings the chorus softly – some of my favorite of his vocals! 🙂 Meanwhile, those supercool “ooo’s” and adding of the other voices at just the right points makes this such a completely good collection of sound! 🙂 The chorus kicks back up into high, rockin’ gear and ends with some very cool notes. 😎 At the close of the music video, Craig closes the doors with a friendly smile after our visit and the screen changes to a familiar blessing: Merry Christmas. 🙂 Christmas, when many celebrate Yeshua/Jesus having come to Earth, bringing everlasting light, life and forgiveness for all.

   Bruno Mars & the Hooligans (Peter Gene Hernandez, Philip Lawrence, Kameron Whalum, James King, Jamareo Artis, Phred Brown, Eric Hernandez, John Fossit and Dwayne Dugger) are amazingly talented and entertaining fellows. 🙂 😎 In 2012 they did a performance of “White Christmas” on television. 🙂 Classic. Cool. Original. Fun. Superb. Entertaining. Supercool. Those are just a few of the words that describe this rendition. 🙂 😎 All of the fellows are dressed their finest for this occasion. Bruno starts the count then they all begin the vocal intro with the drums, keys and bass blending in just right. When it’s time for the first verse, Bruno steps forward as if to sing, but a Hooligan with chutzpah (okay, so that probably applies to each of them 😉 ) quickly steps in front of him, an arm stretched out to block any attempt to regain the forefront, and starts singing – very, very well. 🙂 Bruno smiles and steps back; he’s cool, he knows he will be centerstage at the right moment. Mr. Chutzpah (of the moment) sings in his exceptional, deep voice that he’s dreaming of a white Christmas, just like he used to know – “you remember the ones!” he adds in personably. 🙂 Bruno slides up after verse one, stepping alongside said Hooligan, clamping a firm hand on his shoulder then smoothly shoving him out of centerstage as Bruno himself claims it verbally (starting at the top 😉 ) as well as physically. 😎 His smooth, husky tones sing of treetops glistening and children listening for sleigh bells in the snow. 🙂 Going onward to the next part, where the blessing is given for days to be merry and bright, the harmonious vocals of Bruno Mars & the Hooligans rings out beautifully. “And may all your Christmases be-” right here everyone stop, Bruno says, “Dramatic pause” 🙂 😎 strikes a dramatic pose then he finishes the blessing for a snowy Christmas. As he holds the note, the Hooligans sing a little bit of “Jingle Bells” in the background and the instruments flourish, the cymbals shimmering to perfection. 😎 🙂 But are they done performing? No, after all, they take entertaining the audience of listeners very seriously. 😉 🙂 😎 They always give more, adding good surprises along the way. Bruno says, “Merry Christmas, America”, they do an end-of-song-pose, drumsticks count to the next part then the seven in front exit the stage with witty style as they vocalize the tune. 😎 🙂 😎

   Now to the music group featuring Michael Conor, Drew Ramos, Chance Perez, Sergio Calderon and Brady Tutton: In Real Life. Their version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” opens with an original lead-in sung by vocals in harmony accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Melodic background “ooo’s” brings us to the start of the well-familiar lyrics of the song. Sleigh bells and finger snaps join in as the tempo picks up to a cheerful reassurance that she can count on him to be home for Christmas. A collection of percussion is soon added to the instrument backing the group. I really like the way they sing the part, “Yeah, I’ll be home for Christmas”, Drew sings out, “I’ll be home!”, they sing again “Yeah, I’ll be home for Christmas” then Drew sings “Yeah!”; it sounds so supercool! 🙂 😎 Next up is a highlight of the In Real Life music: Michael Conor’s rapping! 🙂 😎 I love Michael’s music: his singing is great, he’s a gifted expert on the violin and the supercool rapping and free-stylin’ is way cool. 😎 😎 😎 😎 In this song, he’s rapping words of promise that he’s coming home for Christmas. 😎 He repeats this promise alternately throughout the closing chorus section in this cool arrangement along with Drew’s singing out a heartfelt “I’ll be there!” 🙂 😎

   How’s this next one for a supercool gift? 🙂 On December 25, 2016, the five-member band Why Don’t We posted an acoustic Christmas Gift – a song called “You and Me at Christmas”. 😎 Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Corbyn Besson, Jonah Marais and Jack Avery sang with Daniel’s guitar being the only other instrument heard. 😎 Here’s how I came to know about this group, this song and their YouTube channel that began in 2016. A friend came across one of their performances back on October 14th of this year, saw their nice message on this song’s page and told me about it. And I was already liking them because of that cheerful and thoughtful message. 🙂 We watched the performance – loved it immediately! 🙂 The tune’s great 🙂 – I love upbeat stuff! 🙂 😎 The lyrics are excellent, flowing with natural musical beauty. All five of the guys have really good voices and sing superbly. Great style – honest, real and musically satisfying. They and their music are genuine, unique. If anyone should ask me, “So, who does Why Don’t We sound like?” My answer would be, “They sound exactly like Why Don’t We!” 😀 😎 That’s important in the music business; you want to be immediately recognized by your (good 😉 ) sound (it isn’t all that great for a group to be recognized because they sound musically bad). “You and Me at Christmas” is two minutes and thirty-eight seconds of great melody and singing. 😎 The song tells about how he’s been missing her since she went to California and wanting to see her again. The chorus is the song title sung in a very cool, melodic way; they’ve got great vocals and style! 🙂 😎 He sings that now, with her near, even though it’s cold outside, his heart is warm because he’s kissing her. 🙂 ❤ Bells and sleigh bells are ringing along with the heartfelt beauty of this song. 🙂 The chorus is sung gently with a cheerful, upbeat vibe. 😎 This song is supercool! 🙂

   So how about another song by Why Don’t We? 🙂 They gave us a whole Christmas EP this year! 🙂 This one, “Kiss You This Christmas”, is the first song on their EP “A Why Don’t We Christmas” – and it’s supercool, too! 🙂 😎 This music group has such great harmonies and sings each solo part with excellent, melodic vocals. 😎 “Kiss You This Christmas” opens with twenty-four seconds of beautiful bells and strings, its melody already established as unique, warm and cozy. 😎 A perfect setting. 😎 The singing begins as he tells how joyful he is when she’s near and that she shines like a star. 🙂 These fellows sure know how to write a song – and sing it with heart. 🙂 ❤ ❤ It’s refreshing, good and supercool. 😎 The beautiful lyrics just keep coming, sharing his heart with her through poetry-set-to-music. 😎 He wants to kiss her this Christmas. ❤ He’s waiting for her to let him know. 😎 She’s all he needs to bring him cheer; there’s nothing sweeter than for her to be near. ❤ ❤ This is one of the most beautifully romantic love songs ever. 🙂 ❤ And I don’t say that lightly; I mean it thoroughly. Why Don’t We has a real gem here; it’s extraordinarily beautiful in word, in melody, in heart. ❤ 😎 I heartily recommend you check out their EP; it would be a great gift to give – and to receive! 🙂 😎

   In 2016 I reviewed Big Time Rush’s “Beautiful Christmas”; this year, I’ll review the other track from their 2010 Christmas EP, “Holiday Bundle: All I Want for Christmas/Beautiful Christmas”. I’ll also be referring to their music video for it as well as my favorite acoustic performance. 🙂 The music video was the first time I saw Big Time Rush; I was immediately pleased with their great sound as well as their fun, upbeat personalities. 😎 I couldn’t even tell you how many times I’ve watched that video. 😛 A whole lotta times, to be sure! 🙂 My favorite acoustic performance of this song (although they are all great) is their performance from “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on 11/30/11. 😎 Sitting amongst the festive decorations on a wintry New York City night, Dustin Belt played guitar, Kendall Schmidt (who learned from Dustin) also played guitar and Carlos PenaVega played tambourine. James Maslow and Logan Henderson, along with Kendall and Carlos, sang vocals. All five of them – for surely Dustin Belt is an essential part of Big Time Rush’s success both on scene and behind the scenes – brought good cheer, good music and warmth midst the cold with their excellent performance. 😎 The EP featured a full set of instruments including cool drums, music box chimes and sleigh bells; both versions sound very good. 🙂 😎 My favorite part of the EP version is found in the last half minute of the song. 🙂 They’re all singing the chorus in a round, Logan sings, “All I want for Christmas…” then James perfectly sings out, “…is you-oo-oo, Baby!” Then Logan takes over at twenty-three seconds remaining and it just sounds so cool! 🙂 😎 I love the arrangement, the change-up, the melody, the style – if you haven’t gotten to hear it yet, I believe you really should give it a listen and hear for yourself what I’m talking about! 🙂 😎 🙂 “All I Want for Christmas” tells about the desire of the heart in love, not needing or wanting lots of presents or other material things that many think are inseparable from the holiday. This song sings out that all that’s really necessary for happiness on that day is love. 🙂 Love is a precious gift from the Creator, as is His Gift to us: forgiveness, freedom and life through faith in His Son, Yeshua/Jesus. 🙂 😎 The Scriptures make it clear that He loves us, like in John, chapter three, verse sixteen: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That’s a lot of love! ❤

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 41: December Holidays Music Part 1

Happy Chanukah! 🙂 Merry Christmas! 🙂 This December Holidays Music collection is part one and features supercool music artists Elvis Presley, Heffron Drive, James Maslow and more! 🙂 Part two is scheduled to post later this month and features such artists as Paul Revere & the Raiders, Big Time Rush, Bruno Mars & the Hooligans, LUNAFALL, In Real Life and Why Don’t We. 🙂 I hope you enjoy these review collections and the music that they feature. 🙂

   Paul Revere’s Raiders, in their rockin’ Christmas concerts, include a beautiful version of the song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. 🙂 It’s one of the very best versions I have ever heard; an excellent ballad gently sung from the heart by lead singer Darren Dowler. 😎 The footage I was blessed to see is from a few years ago and it’s a treasure of a concert. 😎 Paul Revere’s Raiders have a reputation for great concerts filled with good music and fun. 🙂 The stage set-up is festive and cheerful with decorations; I love the tinsel and multi-colored lights draped about the stage – as well as on some of the instruments. 🙂 Their Raider uniform jackets are a bright red and Paul’s tri-cornered hat, which is usually black, is bright red as well – with white trim. The opening of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is so beautiful as Darren’s singing goes perfectly with Danny Krause’s keys. 😎 Excellent! 🙂 The instrumental break in the song is beautiful as Darren turns the focus to Danny Krause’s highlight on the keys. 🙂 Paul Revere shows his approval by word and action as he, along with the rest of the guys, join in instrumentally – Ron Foos’s right-on bass, Doug Heath’s fine guitar playing, Tommy Scheckel’s awesome cymbal-shimmering all help make the performance exceptional. 😎 (I didn’t get to see footage of a time when guitarist Jamie Revere was performing this song with the rest of the guys on stage; it would’ve been even cooler with one more Raider there. 🙂 ) I appreciate the continual honor and respect that the Raiders have for our military, which they continue here with a tribute to them with a salute of respect at the finish of the song. 😎 It’s a great blessing and comfort to know that even if you aren’t able to be in the company of your family during holiday time – Chanukah, Christmas or any other holiday – you are together in heart and thought. ❤ ❤

   In 2014 Kendall Schmidt (of Heffron Drive and Big Time Rush) wrote and recorded a new timeless Christmastime song, “Blame It On the Mistletoe”, releasing it as a solo single. It has a supercool, catchy, always-sounds-great rock’n’roll sound – complete with “shoop-shoop, shoop-de-doop”. 😎 🙂 Besides the drums, guitars and keys, excellent use was also made of ringing bells and sleigh bells. Kendall sings about his desire to break the ice, get the girl to go out skating or dancing with him, but it hasn’t worked out – yet. 😉 He keeps trying to figure out how to let her know what she means to him. 🙂 The chorus swings in at 51 seconds with some supercool drum beats. He tells about the mistletoe – symbolic for kissing – is hanging right above them, so why not pause from talking and just kiss…while they can “blame it on the mistletoe”? 🙂 Smart boy. 😉 At 1:16 is one of my favorite parts, where the note’s melodically carried at the end of “mistletoe” – excellent! 🙂 😎 Nice echoing effect of “mistletoe” from the chorus to the next verse, too. 🙂 The lyrics continue to be cool, poetic and witty as he tells her he’s been writing her carols since the fourth of July. 🙂 Kendall brings the volume down just right as he sings the chorus then jumps right back into the enthusiastic, upbeat vocals. 😎 When Heffron Drive (Dustin Belt and Kendall Schmidt’s music group 😎 ) performed it in concert the following year, they included a cool saxophonist on stage – who, after playing great throughout the song, played a supercool solo near the end. 😎 The lively tune sounded great live with Dustin and Kendall’s guitars, along with other music artists on drums, keys, bass and the sax. 😎 The drummer started it off in style with the rest soon joining in. Kendall focused on singing the song brilliantly as Dustin’s smile lit up the room. 😎 They were all having a good, fun time and that always makes it extra fun and enjoyable for the audience as well. 😎 Dustin’s energetic performance slowed down perfectly to a gentle strumming with less than a minute to the finish, conveying the tenderness in his own excellence of pure style. 😎 Awesomely cool. 😎

   James Maslow gave us all an early Chanukah & Christmas gift! 🙂 A new song especially for the holidays season, “Christmas Beautiful”, is worded and sung by James with poetic beauty. 🙂 😎 This cozy, romantic song is well-titled, making good use of the good feelings that are often associated with Christmas: love, happiness, light, cheer, joy, celebration, loved ones near. 🙂 These words also apply to Chanukah, which celebrates the miracle of the Creator making one day’s amount of oil (for the Temple light after Israel won against the invading foe, cleaned up the desecrated-by-the-enemy Temple and rededicated it to the Creator – the lamp was to burn continuously and He made it so) last for eight (the amount of time needed for more of the required oil to be made and purified). 😎 Celebrating the miracle of oil for the Temple and the miracle of the Light (Yeshua/Jesus) makes it a joyous season in heart and soul. 😎 🙂 James poetically brought that beauty into a phrase “Christmas Beautiful” that shines brightly. 😎 His vocals are really the only music needed for this song, even though there’s other music joining in. He sings of the nice California weather outside, but that he would rather be inside cuddled close to his girl. 🙂 It’s his favorite time of the year, made better with her here by his side. She’s Christmas beautiful. 🙂 That would mean that not only is she beautiful to him in appearance, but also beautiful in her heart. 🙂 The holidays are known for warmth and love; true beauty comes from the inside and shines forth from the eyes. In the next verse, James paints another tropical beach scene then points out what’s better: it being cold outside, but warm inside. Thus he invites her to come in and enjoy the coziness of the holidays together with him. And he hopes it snows all night. Yes, a cozy evening cuddled close on the sofa in front of the fireplace is a beautiful scene that neither would want to end. 🙂 Thank you for the song gift, James! 🙂 I hope you have a Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🙂 😎

   This next song, “Wintery Nights” by Allison Medina, was brought to my attention by my friend Ron Foos (Paul Revere’s Raiders), who co-wrote the song. 🙂 😎 He kindly shared it with me pre-release and I’ve been looking forward to including it in my holiday music collection review this year. 🙂 The opening sound of shimmering notes brings to mind the sparkling light reflected in the snowflakes of wintertime. 🙂 Gentle “ooo’s” in the background join together with a relaxed beat, setting the pace for the song. I love the touch of reggae beat that enters the song along with Allison Medina’s unique voice as she begins to sing – mentioning that snow we heard at the top of the song. 😉 😎 She sings the story of looking forward to husband and wife holding each other tight on this cold, wintry night. The chorus swings in at 46 seconds, where she sings that “wintery nights won’t get me down” – now that he will soon be back in town. 🙂 The next verse tells of the cozy setting; a crackling fire in the fireplace and the kisses that mistletoe traditionally represents is a great combination. 🙂 After the second chorus, an instrumental break leads into the third verse – and more romance. 2:43 is one of the prettiest parts of the song – a gentle melody sung so well in excellent tone and with tender heart by Allison. 😎 (The backing “ooo’s” are brought back in perfectly, too. 😎 ) She does a beautiful job of singing that spending your favorite time of year with the one you love most dear is precious. The song closes with her tenderly singing of how he’s riding on his sleigh through the sleet and snow to get back home to her. Love. 🙂 😎

   When I hear “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” sung by Elvis Presley, it’s a blessing and a comfort to me. I have always loved listening to his Christmas album; his voice is so warm and reassuring as he sings these melodies. This particular song begins with a piano note; ladies prettily singing a snow-falling series of “oo-oo-oo-oo-ooo’s” follows then Elvis starts the verse. 😎 He sings that he will be home for Christmas, to plan on him being there. He asks for snow and mistletoe. 🙂 He tells how Christmas Eve will find him where the love light gleams. He reiterates that he will be home for Christmas – even if it’s only in his dreams. Being with loved ones is natural for celebrations; it makes it all the merrier. 🙂 However, sometimes loved ones are in various locations and are unable to meet up in one place at the same time on a specific date. But that shouldn’t keep the joy of celebration from happening in our hearts; we can be together in heart wherever we are. 🙂 I know it’s not exactly the same, but it counts and is important to remember. 😎 If you are joined in heart, you are together. If you have no loved ones to celebrate with you can still celebrate. If you believe on the Creator, you are never truly alone. 😎 You can talk to Him; He listens and cares. Most likely, you can find happiness in helping others; it’s an awesome feeling that adds yet more joy to any celebratory occasion, be it Chanukah, Christmas, New Year’s, et cetera. 🙂 Back to the song now… The way Elvis sings so gently, deepening his notes and carrying them in his own style all at the right moments makes this an extra-special version of the song with continuous recognition as the top recording. The male and female chorus finishes out the song, along with the other instruments, with the heartfelt words, “I’ll be home for Christmas!”

   John McDermott, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan – The Irish Tenors – sang “The Holy City” poignantly beautifully on their 1999 album, “Home for Christmas”. 🙂 This four minute, fifty-four second studio recording begins with a majestic orchestral opening (played expertly by a seventy-eight piece orchestra) then quiets as the singing begins. John sings the lyrics about a wonderful dream one night. 😎 “I stood in old Jerusalem beside the Temple there.” 😎 He heard the voices of children singing, then he heard what seemed to be the voices of angels. The instruments begin to build up majestically around fifty-three seconds into the song as the chorus, the words of the angels in the dream, is sung out by all three tenors. 😎 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift up your heads and sing! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to the King!” Anthony brings in the second verse, which tells about a change in the dream. Now all was silent, no gladness of singing, a darkness reigned over the land, when Yeshua/Jesus, died on the cross to pay for everyone’s sins so we wouldn’t have to. Now all we need to do is accept His gift of forgiveness and trust Him to save us. 🙂 The joyful chorus begins, because now there’s singing again! 🙂 😎 The third verse, sung by Ronan, tells of another scene change in the dream. The Holy City, New Jerusalem, from Heaven above, is seen. 😎 You can read about it in the Scriptures, in Revelation (the King James Version is the clearest English translation from the original language). The streets are paved with gold. His Light is the only illumination needed – no sun or moon necessary. 😎 The gates are open wide in invitation to all who would like to enter; all you need to do is believe in Yeshua/Jesus, what He did for you, ask Him to forgive and save you – and He will. That’s why He came to Earth. To rescue you. Because He loves you.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 34: “Kicks”

The 1960’s supercool, super-rockin’ group Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay has the distinction of having the most popular, most easily recognized, most widely known anti-drug song ever recorded. 😎 Their supercool and way-talented music producer and friend, Terry Melcher, got this song for them from the amazing song writing duo of Mann & Weil, a husband and wife team who wrote an amazing amount of music hits. 😎

   “Kicks” is a consistently great and consistently-needed song. It’s current. It’s relevant. And it’s rockin’ cool. 😎

   It’s covered by many – including supercool tribute band Paul Revere’s Raiders! 🙂 – and performed by original Raiders Mark Lindsay and Phil Volk on their tours and appearances. 😎 The song is available on vinyl, compact disc, and digital. 😎 Seeing footage of the original performances is way cool; in them you will see:

   Drake Levin, the most amazing guitarist I’ve had the pleasure of watching footage of, starts off the song with his signature guitar playing – flawless, rockin’, and supercool! 🙂

   Drummer extraordinaire, Mike “Smitty” Smith, is shimmering the cymbals in the background, bringing up the volume at the right time before swinging into the superb drumbeat of this excellent song. 😎

   Phil Volk, the man who plays the bass with the finesse that brings it the attention of a lead guitar, is vibing the bass beat perfectly. 🙂

   Founder and leader of the coolest band, Paul Revere, is playing the keys – making the instrument known as the organ to sound as cool as only he can. 🙂

   Mark Lindsay, the Cherokee man with the voice no one could ever realistically hope to duplicate, starts singing the vocals, putting his heart and soul into it as he authentically always does. 😎

   And that’s just the seven-second introduction of the song! 🙂 😎

   Musically, it’s an awesome song. 😎 Message-wise, it’s an awesome song. 😎 And talent-wise, it’s an amazing rendering. 😎

   Mark sings to the girl in the song with a soft pleading in his voice, hoping she’ll listen to the truth of things and stop trusting in lies. He says he knows she thought she’d find a little piece of paradise when she took drugs last night, but the truth is that when she wakes up in the morning, the world’s still going to get her all stressed out – drugs don’t fix anything or make things better. Not ever.

   Drake changes the notes, guiding the tone and set of the song with ease of expertise. 😎 Smitty keeps that drumbeat strong and steady while Paul and Phil blend their instruments’ great sounds into a masterpiece of music. 😎

   Mark notes that there’s nothing the girl hasn’t tried “to fill the emptiness inside” and that when she comes back down from the drug “high” – she still isn’t feeling right. Drugs aren’t the answer. God is. He loves you so much He died for you, in your place, and rose again to life everlasting so that you could be forgiven for everything once and for all and live forever in Paradise, when your life here is done. All you have to do is believe that, ask Him to forgive and save you, and you’re saved forever. 😎

   In the Scriptures in the book of John chapter 3 verse 16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He loves you. If you were the only person on Earth ever; He would have done it just for you. 😎 That’s how much He loves you. 🙂 That’s how much He loves me, too. 🙂 He loves each and every one of us that much. 😎 That’s a powerful, abiding love. 😎

   At thirty-four seconds in, Mark continues to sing the real truth: drugs are a lie. They deceitfully offer escape and pleasure – but you get neither, not for real. You just get more trouble, more sorrow, more misery. They don’t make your troubles go away at all; they just add to your troubles. You like freedom, right? Then you don’t want to ever even try drugs – they enslave you, take over your life and make you less than what you can be.

   The tempo picks up with freedom at your fingertips as the other fellows join Mark in singing that kicks (supposed thrills from drugs) keep being harder to find – because they aren’t real or satisfying – and they don’t bring peace of mind. The guys warn with strong encouragement: “Before you find out it’s too late, Girl, you better get straight.” Mark says drugs aren’t the way. And he’s right. 😎

   Drake’s cool guitar notes accompany Mark’s words that, “You just need help, Girl.” Whatever you are facing in life, no matter how big or how small, God always cares and is there for you if you just trust Him. And there are people who care about you, too. You might like to know: I pray for you each day. 🙂 What’s that? You ask how I can pray for you when I don’t even know your name? It’s easy. 🙂 God made you, He knows exactly who you are – yes, you right there reading these words right now – and so when I pray for everyone who reads my blog, He knows I’m including you. 🙂 He sees and knows everything and He can be trusted always. 😎

   The second verse begins with Mark saying how the girl in the song thinks she’s found a little piece of Paradise, but he warns her that she’d better think twice. Her assumption is incorrect. Drugs aren’t wonderful like Paradise; they’re horrible, like Hell on Earth. That’s not cool. No need to mince words; your life is important. 😎

   Sometimes people try drugs because they’re unhappy with who they are or how their life is going, but drugs don’t fix a thing – they only make things worse. “Don’t you see that no matter what you do – you’ll never run away from you. And if you keep on runnin’, you’ll have to pay the price.” Starting drugs is a bad idea and continuing doing drugs takes its toll on you – spirit, soul and body. If you haven’t ever tried drugs: please don’t, respect yourself. If you have tried drugs: please get away from them before they suck you in. If you’re doing drugs: please get help to stop – your life matters.

   Yes, it does. 😎

   Drake’s right hand blurs along the strings as he plays with his perfection of expertise, building up the momentum of the song along with Smitty’s drums. 😎 All-the-while, Mark’s urgent voice implores the girl to get away from drugs. Mann & Weil cared enough to write this song and Terry, Mark, Paul, Smitty, Drake and Phil all cared enough to put in the work to record it. 😎 It’s message is strong and clear. 😎

   At 1:41 the tempo of the song slows down to a more intimate pace as Mark sings with gentleness, “No, you don’t need kicks to help you face the world each day. That road goes nowhere – I’m going to help you find yourself another way.”

   As the rest of the group sings the chorus, Mark continues to try to get through to the girl, telling her that “Ah, you don’t need kicks, Girl! Oh, you just need help, Girl! Girl, you better get straight…” Everyone needs help sometimes; there’s no shame in asking for help. Actually, it is a sign of wisdom and bravery to ask for help, especially when your life depends on it. Maybe you think no one cares, but they do. I care. God cares more than you can imagine. And as far as people are concerned: the one who needs to care most about you is you. If other people let you down, you can’t really do anything about that – it’s their bad. But if you let yourself down… You need to care and to respect yourself. Every life is important. Your life is important. You aren’t replaceable; there’s only one of you in this whole, entire world. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 33: Ocean Drum Music by Demian Arriaga

One man. One drum. Much music. 😎

   The man I’m referring to is Demian Arriaga, supercool drummer who spent part of this year’s springtime playing drums in the studio for Heffron Drive’s upcoming songs for 2017. 😎 Both members of Heffron Drive, Dustin Belt and Kendall Schmidt, were kvelling about how great the drum sessions were going. I was excited about this because I love the sound of good drumming! 🙂 Kendall mentioned the drummer’s name, Demian Arriaga, and I got in contact with him, telling him how much I was looking forward to hearing the music. He responded graciously, enthusiastically and humbly. 😎 He said good things about Dustin and Kendall, not bragging on himself. I couldn’t seem to wait to hear his drumming and realized there might be some drum solos on YouTube (not of Heffron Drive’s new music yet, of course, but other footage 😉 ). There were quite a few treasures of drum work there! 🙂 So much good stuff. 🙂

   The footage I’m reviewing is one minute and two seconds in length and features Demian having fun playing an ocean drum. This clip is so fascinatingly unique and good. 🙂 The ocean drum is an instrument similar, in a very general sense, to a Cherokee hand drum or a bodhran. Its sound differs greatly from that of those two individually unique instruments. The narrow edge of the ocean drum is rested on the player’s leg and balanced with their hands as it’s held so that the people watching will see the large O of the circumference. And so you can see a good reason for its name. 😉 😎 The drum, which is just a few inches thick, has a clear cover on it with an ocean scene depicted inside. 🙂 A small collection of metal beads is contained within this enclosure and adds another dimension of music to it, as Demian excellently demonstrates. 😎 At times, this drum sounds akin to a steel drum, depending on how it’s being played.

   Demian, in this brief video, shows a whole wealth of music that this instrument can do. 😎 He’s an excellent drummer. 🙂 I appreciate good drumming and this is such cool footage that I’ve watched it many times already. 🙂

   The first twelve seconds he makes use of his fingertips in a series of cool movements from the nine o’clock side (as you would be seeing it) and down to the six-thirty portion with his right hand while his left hand plays the twelve o’clock area. The drum has a really neat sound and the rhythm he’s playing is very cool. 😎

   The next part gives a good example of how those beads can add to the overall ocean sound of the ocean drum. 🙂 By hitting the top edge of the drum’s edge with his left palm, the beads shift and bounce at the bottom, as if it were ocean sand. He does this at just the right moments, making a groovy ocean tune. 😎

   Demian makes use of various portions of the drum surface, bringing about some supercool music. 🙂 😎

   At thirty-three seconds into this music footage, Demian speeds up his right hand’s pace, adding to his ocean drum song with amazing style and artistic gracefulness. 😎

   With some instrument artists, you can “hear” the music just by watching them play the instrument – with the volume turned all of the way down on whatever you are watching it on. Demian is one such artist. 😎 As I watch this treasure clip of ocean drum music, I notice this visual. I paused the footage, backed it up and silenced the sound. Yes, you can “see-hear” the music, the energy, the tempo, the beats, the style, the vibes. Very, very cool. 🙂 😎 You might want to try that out for yourself. 🙂 I appreciate visual music like this; music that everyone can “hear”, including those who are deaf. 😎 The deaf can, in a sense, “hear” music through watching movement as well as in feeling the music through the vibration of touch – I’ve noticed this with a few music devices/players. 😎

   Volume back up! 🙂

   By forty-four into it, his right hand is doing a fast-speed tap on the nine o’clock side and his left hand is keeping those beads bouncing at the right moments. 😎

   Several seconds later, both talented hands are getting those beads to bounce and shift in greater volume. 😎 The whole layout of this instrumental piece is very good. 🙂 Excellent drummers can do that. 🙂 😎

   Demian finishes up with more cool notes and rhythmic beats. 😎 This footage is very entertaining and fun to watch from start to finish – and for each replay, too! 😉 🙂

   Thank you, Demian, for sharing your drumming talents with the world. 🙂 And thank you, Raul Arriaga, for posting this supercool footage on YouTube for all of us to get to enjoy! 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 28: “Amazing”

🌊~~~~~~SPECIAL EDITION~~~~~~🌊

Multi-talented James Maslow wrote the song “Amazing” and it was featured on Big Time Rush’s 2013 album “24/Seven”. 😎 As soon as I heard it, I thought it sounded great! 🙂 After hearing it on there, I could hardly wait for them to sing it in concert! 🙂 I knew without a doubt that it would sound even more amazing with the live band! 🙂 😎 Nothing could beat DBelt’s rockin’ guitar!!!!! 🙂 😎 However, the tour that came up featured a DJ piping in the sounds of the instruments instead of the full band actually being there and playing it full-out. 😦 There were a couple of acoustic numbers – and thankfully DBelt was there for that! 🙂 – but “Amazing” only featured the piped-in music. 😦 As on the album, James, Kendall, Carlos and Logan all sounded excellent in their vocals, so that was still supercool! 🙂 In his solo performances, James is currently including a medley of Big Time Rush songs and you know which one is part of that compilation. 😉 It’s done as a solo-with-acoustic-guitarist and the words flow excellently from the lips of the song’s original author, James Maslow. 🙂 😎 And that’s what I’m going to focus on for this review. 🙂

   During his live performances, James sings the first two verses of “Amazing”. 🙂 Verse one begins with the opening strums of the acoustic guitar then James begins to sing how his girl looks good in a dress and how he especially likes seeing her wearing his sweatshirt. (I think it’s so nice – and cozy wonderful! – when a fellow shares his sweatshirt or jacket with his girl to keep her warm while out walking in the chilly weather. Extra nice: when he puts his arm around her, too, holding her close to his side. 🙂 ) He sings about how very understanding and gracious she is. 🙂

   James picks up the volume with his excellent vocals as he nears the chorus with the words, “She knows that I’m falling fast. Oh-oh! Oh-oh! I know that I’ll never let her go!” 🙂

   The chorus continues his melody of happiness as he sings out how he’s loving her character and how she makes him feel – he likes her feminine appeal. 🙂 He’s extremely attracted to her for her heart as well as her appearance. “Girl, you’re just amazing!”

   James Maslow sounds so good in concert; I’m enjoying watching some of the footage from March, 2017, as I write this review. 🙂 He has a very nice tone and carries the notes so well. The rise and fall of the notes are the musical pleasure that they are meant to be. 😎 His voice audibly shows the gentle, strong and awestruck feelings of the lyrics with ease. 🙂 😎

   The second verse sounds just as great. 🙂 (No surprise there. 😉 ) James sings in acting lingo that the girl is the “star of the show” – not that she demands accolades, but that she knows in her heart that she’s already “got the part”. He goes on to explain: she’s the star of his heart. 🙂

   Up to this point, James has been sitting on a stool as he sings, but now he gets up and sings, “So girl take a bow…” – he does an elaborate manly bow toward the audience, “…you’ve won my heart.” Here he holds up his hands to form a heart-shape. 😎

   As he leads into the chorus again, he’s moving to the music, singing with much heart. 😎 I especially like the extra emphasis he puts on the word “just” in “Girl, you’re just amazing” – that added umph gets across how he feels so clearly. 😎 He sings that part again then on the third time he carries the notes longer and softer as he brings the song to a gentle close. Very romantic. 🙂 James always sings with depth of feeling. 😎

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 27: “Slow Motion”

🎸~~~~~~~SPECIAL EDITION~~~~~~~🎸

Osiyo! 🙂 (Cherokee greeting) On this exact date one year ago I started this music review blog. 🙂 (I had already begun my work before that elsewhere then decided to go independent and make my articles more readily available for readers. 🙂 ) Thank you to all of my readers worldwide; I’m glad you enjoy my articles. 🙂 Thank you to those who have posted comments here and elsewhere and to those who have communicated their appreciation to me by other means. 🙂 I greatly appreciate each of you. 🙂

   What better way to celebrate this day than to review a new song by the music duo whose recordings first inspired me to begin typing my reviews three years ago? 🙂 I’m talking about Dustin Belt and Kendall Schmidt, also known as Heffron Drive! 🙂 😎

   The rockin’ soul music and good character of Dustin Belt drew me to Heffron Drive. 😎 Dustin’s guitar work is always amazing and the song I’m featuring in this article is no exception. 😎 “Slow Motion” may be the title, but it certainly doesn’t describe the speed of Dustin’s fingers as he plays this piece! 🙂 😎 I’ll be talking more about this later. 🙂 We’ll begin with the supercool opening of the song and glide on through this masterpiece of instrumental and vocal prowess. 😎

   I love the sound and instrumentation of this song! I can hear Dustin’s voice, his exceptional guitar work, the keys, the great production and masterful inclusion of cool elements…so much good stuff to the sound of this melodic song with a blazing guitar solo that sends this song soaring into the clouds with its supercoolness! 😎 Okay, so that was a rather long sentence – but when something is this good, who cares so much? 😉

   Dustin and Kendall are not only great friends, but also great creators of good music productions. And they deliver big-time in concert! 🙂 😎 “Slow Motion” is an excellent example of what their combined talents can accomplish musically. 😎

   The first fifteen seconds of this song already has me loving it! 🙂 The brilliant inclusion of vinyl-record-playing sounds is way cool; there’s nothing like the pop-cracklin’ of supercool vinyl records. 🙂 😎 (They had their “Happy Mistakes” album mixed and mastered for vinyl release; I hope they get them pressed – it would sound so cool! 🙂 😎 )

   The strings and piano are an orchestration of great musical beauty. A great start to a great piece of music. 😎 During the twenty-three second mark, Kendall’s gifted vocals brings us to the lyrical part of the introduction. 🙂 At first his voice is as if it is at a distance – and then it’s right there. 😎 Seconds later, the song does a cool zip into the next music section, smoothly going from one style to the next in an excellent blend of musical treasure. 🙂

   By thirty-four seconds we are hearing DBelt’s acoustic guitar finesse as well as his skillful fingers playing upon the keys. 🙂 😎 Question is: did he play both instruments at the same time or were they tracked separately? 😉 No, we know the answer to that one: part of Heffron Drive’s great sound is the great precision work that is done in bringing the tracks together. 🙂 DBelt is a master at this. 😎 Dustin and Kendall play most all of the instruments we hear in the songs, with other musicians only brought in when necessary. 😎 These two are super-talented. 🙂 They put a lot of time, effort and expertise into their music. 😎

   The drums are in action as Kendall sings the first verse. You know, one of the things I noticed while listening to this song is that Dustin’s guitar work is leading the way, setting the musical pace. 😎 In most songs, the drums give the orders, but DBelt’s the man and he’s at the helm of this rockin’ ship. 🙂 😎

   The vocals for this section: “There’s a light that guides me home inside your eyes” is especially beautiful. 🙂 😎 Kendall sings this part so well; he uses an excellent combination of gentleness and feeling-it-from-the-soul. 😎 Everyone needs light and guidance in life; love is a light. The Creator’s Light guides us on the path to Home. 🙂 He shines the truth all around us; all we have to do is open our eyes – the windows to the soul – to see this. 🙂

   The keys signal the lead into the chorus, which is amazing. 🙂 😎 Dustin switches to his electric guitar, playing an awesome tune. 🙂 😎 (Note: you can hear it even more clearly in concert, as I noticed on some of the footage I have seen – and watching his fingers play with ease of expertise is a blessing all its own. You know how I love seeing how the music comes about. 🙂 ) Kendall picks up the volume of the vocals perfectly. 🙂 😎

   The chorus music sounds so cool. 😎 The melody of it is artistic, real and supercool. 😎 😎 DBelt’s supercool guitar work was already addressed in the previous paragraph. 🙂 I also love the melodic notes of the keys; it’s the perfect key section, range and volume. 🙂 Beautiful music. 🙂 😎

   I can hear Dustin’s deeper, huskier voice along with Kendall’s ringing-out-above-all-else, higher vocals. They both sound great and their vocals go together well, like brothers. 😎 Have you ever noticed how harmonious and complimentary to one another’s vocal qualities the voices of siblings are? 🙂 It blends excellently. 😎

   Verse two comes into play and I notice yet again the supercool tempo style of it. 😎 It’s unique in its flow and pauses, sounding so melodic, strong and gentle all at once. 🙂

   The rolling music waves of the chorus are an awesome, glorious ride! 🙂 I enjoy good references to the ocean and “Slow Motion” has that feature. 🙂 😎

   Kendall’s singing in verse and chorus is superbly done. 😎 I love every moment I can hear Dustin’s magnificent vocals; the Creator gave him such a nice, pleasant husky singing voice. Maybe we will get to hear more of it in upcoming Heffron Drive songs. 🙂 😎

   Get ready before you reach the three-minute mark of this song – DBelt’s path-blazing guitar work is about to burst out onto the scene! 😎 On 3:03 and for more than a half-minute after that, DBelt’s guitar is sooooo good. 😎 The voice of his guitar sings loud and clear, unhindered and undeniable. 😎 Unstoppably good. 😎

   The tempo carries on, inspired by Dustin’s beautiful guitar (one of the most beautiful guitars I have ever seen – you might want to check it out on the concert footage! 🙂 ) and its awesome sound. 🙂 The music duo’s vocals continue to shine as the energy level keeps soaring along as if on the ocean’s powerful breeze. 😎 The arrangement of the vocals and various parts to it are well-designed and performed. 🙂 Wow, this song is good! 🙂 😎

   The closing twelve seconds of the song features that awesome tone of the keys chosen for this song 😎 along with the pops and crackles of a vinyl record playing. 🙂 😎 Soon we hear a sound akin to a record player’s needle being removed abruptly from the vinyl’s surface – yet the vinyl continues its pop-crackling sounds as if it refuses to stop playing. 😎 Keep on rockin’, vinyl – there’s no sound quite like yours. 🙂 😎 And there’s no sound quite like Heffron Drive’s, either. 😉 😎 🙂

   As I have said before: Heffron Drive’s recordings are very special work that Dustin and Kendall take care of in their own studio, TOLbooth Records – and their live performances surpass even that! 🙂 😎 The energy level and getting to hear the instruments live are two of the elements that contribute to an even greater sound than a studio can give – even when the producers are of the expert level that Dustin and Kendall are. That’s somethin’. 😎 In concert, Dustin plays his gorgeous electric guitar throughout the song. 😎 During the verses he plays a groovy heartbeat tune and during the chorus he plays the intricate notes with supercool precision. 🙂 Meanwhile, Kendall is pouring his energy into his vocals, giving his focus to a heartfelt performance therewith. 🙂 Both fellows do excellently in providing a great show. 🙂 😎

   “Slow Motion” sounds great on its recording as well as in concert; I highly recommend you hear both! 🙂 😎 Great stuff! 🙂 😎 Wado equa (“Thank you very much” in Cherokee), Dustin and Kendall, for sharing your love of and gift for music! 🙂 😎 The kindness, graciousness and thoughtfulness in your characters, respectively, is honorable and is a continual blessing from the Creator, through you, to the world around you. 🙂 Everywhere you go, at home and abroad, you treat people of all nations with individual respect and genuine friendliness. 🙂 That’s so cool. 😎 It should be that way; it is pleasing to the Creator. 🙂 😎 May He bless you for the many good and honorable things you do. 🙂

   I appreciate so much that I could always count on you to provide great, listenable music that I can freely and happily listen to. 🙂 😎 I would have bought The Slow Motion EP in its entirety if you had kept to your usual standard, but you had an explicit song on there. That one track is the ONLY Heffron Drive song I don’t own. Please keep it clean; I love getting to enjoy your unique sound! I believe you are both very creative, artistic and cerebral; you don’t need to rely on “explicit” material to try to make your music strong, real or cool – in its usual standard of integrity, your music is already all of those things! 🙂 😎 Using explicit language doesn’t make it more mature, either; it only takes away from your great artistry. You guys are cool; please don’t fall into that uncool abyss of poor lyric choices. You are far better than that. 😎

Jean247

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More Heffron Drive Articles ~
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 6: “Don’t Let Me Go”

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 21: “Cherokee Morning Song”

“Cherokee Morning Song”, a traditional Tsalagi/Cherokee song sung by my people since ancient time, is one of my most-loved songs. 🙂 It touches my heart as well as my soul. 😎 This review features the rendition as sung by Walela, released on their self-titled debut album in 1997. 🙂

   “Walela” is in Tsalagi/Cherokee what “hummingbird” is in English. And, in this case, the word refers to the very talented singing trio consisting of the sisters Rita and Priscilla Coolidge along with Laura Satterfield, Priscilla’s daughter, Rita’s niece. 🙂 As family members, their lovely voices have a natural blending harmony that is most beautiful. 🙂

   “Cherokee Morning Song” is a calming, strengthening, soul-and-spirit-invigorating melody. Its opening drum beats set the tone and the special Cherokee bell-chimes (in this case it is a handheld instrument, although multiple bells of silver are often attached to the attire of ceremonial clothing, playing the tune of the featured song through the movements of the graceful circle dancers) swiftly carries the listener onward through this musical treasure.

   The lovely voices begin to sing. They are backed additionally by a quiet synthesizer, although, truth be told, the true Cherokee instruments are the only ones needed for this song: the drums, the bells and the amazing voices of the three Cherokee women. Rita, Priscilla and Laura are gifted with some of the most beautiful singing voices I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. 🙂 😎 Their singing of this song is not only of great audible beauty, but also of beauty that comes from the soul, the spirit and the heart of their very being. You can hear the deep respect for the Creator ringing in their voices throughout the song. 😎

   This song is profound yet exquisitely clear in its lyrics. The character of the song – which should be the person(s) singing in first person – is saying that they are of the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit is the One True God, known by many names, as the Scriptures show. 🙂 He is the Creator; the One Who made all things, sees all things, knows all things. He is Love. HaShem. He is our salvation. He is our Hope; the Hope of Israel and of the entire world. He can make the rough seas to be calm. And He can get us safely across the stormy seas. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. He alone can bring peace to the world; when people shut Him out, there can be no peace. That’s why we need to trust Him, because humans cannot bring permanent peace into reality on their own – it takes a power greater than ours. It goes against our human pride to have to admit that, but the truth is the truth anyway. Denial doesn’t change things and it doesn’t fix things. The Creator can guide us on the right path; we just need to listen to Him.

   Saying you are of the Great Spirit refers to being a part of His family. The Children of Israel are His Chosen People and everyone who puts their faith in HaMashiach – the Messiah – is adopted into the Creator’s family. 😎 Yeshua/Jesus is the One the prophets foretold of as recorded in ancient writings, including the Scriptures. 🙂 He fills the void that every man and woman searches for; our soul needs Him more than our physical bodies need food – that makes it pretty clear how very important He is to our well-being and lives, don’t you think? 🙂

   The words we hear in this song are from ancient Tsalagi/Cherokee. As in all languages, they change somewhat over time and in different locations. The meaning of the song, “Cherokee Morning Song”, is as powerful now as it was when that version of our language was spoken regularly. 😎 It shows our deep connection to the Creator, starting off our day with Him, reminding ourselves of how we cannot exist without Him. We live because He does. We have hope because He is Hope. We have love because He is Love.

   This songs plays through like a peaceful flowing stream. 🙂 The first verse is sung in gentle unison then on the second verse the lyrics come in parts, complimenting one another in a beautiful arrangement. At 1:12 a melodic call is sung, touching the heart and soul of the singers as well as the listeners. 🙂 This style is continued in the next two verses of the song. 😎 The melodic instruments and voices glide smoothly through the finish of the song with the various metallic bells picking up speed before the song is done. “Cherokee Morning Song” never fails to touch my soul, my spirit, and remind me of those things that are really and truly important. My connection with and faith in the Creator is what guides me in the right path as I trust Him to show me the way. He can do that for you, too; I hope you know that and are trusting Him with your soul – He will never fail you. 🙂 True success is found with Him, the One Who truly loves us.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 18: Supercool December Holidays Music – Part B

Season’s greetings! 🙂 I hope each individual who reads this will enjoy my reviews and, especially, that true joy lives in your heart each day, making your day bright with hope and peace. 🙂

   The first song featured this time will be one that was heard in New York when James Maslow, Logan Henderson, Carlos Pena and Kendall Schmidt brought their amazing vocals to the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center – and Dustin Belt brought his very cool guitar-playing as well, all-in-all, making it a performance to remember for years to come 😎 🙂 The cheerful, upbeat tune of Big Time Rush’s “Beautiful Christmas”, is so excellent, that I have been known to play it at various times throughout the year – not just around December! 🙂 It tells about filling the holidays with love and cheer – which can and really should be applied to everyday life throughout the year. 🙂 As Big Time Rush’s supercool song, “24/Seven”, says: every day is a holiday. 🙂 It can be in your heart, even if you have other things you must do. Love and cheer are two very great things that every one can use more of! 🙂 “We can make beautiful Christmas – we can make the world shine bright. As long as friends and family are with us – every star will shine tonight.” Snow is pretty, but it isn’t mandatory for a happy Christmas. In fact, Yeshua/Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the land of Yisrael – not a snowy place. 😉 😎 🙂 It isn’t about the weather, what you do or don’t have, money-bought presents, physical location, or even who you are spending it with – even if you are alone. While some of those things can add to the fun of Christmas, the truly most important thing is knowing why the birth of Yeshua/Jesus is celebrated all around the world – it’s because in coming to Earth, He was providing a way for us to have peace with the Creator. 🙂 Love and peace are gifts from the Creator and through Him, we can love our neighbors (that includes everyone in the world) – and also have peace with them, if they are willing to truly make peace, too. 😎 When your heart is full of love, there isn’t any room left for hate. 🙂 May the love and peace that Yeshua/Jesus brings fill your hearts with joy throughout the year. 🙂

   There are many great versions of “Sevivon Sov, Sov, Sov” (The Dreidel Song)! 🙂 😎 I like the upbeat, flowing song. It sounds good from start to finish and catches the essence of the beauty of this traditional tune. 🙂 Spinning the dreidel is a popular game with a very cool-looking game piece. It is a top, often made of wood, with the Chanukah story briefly told by only a small number of Hebrew lettering, which represents the words “A Great Miracle Happened There”! 🙂 In Israel, one of the letters would be different, because it would proclaim, “A Great Miracle Happened Here”! 🙂 Whoever wins the game is usually the proud owner of a nice pile of gelt – chocolate coins! 🙂 🙂 This song is fun to listen to, whether you’re playing the game itself or just enjoying some good music. 😎

   Paul Revere & the Raiders put out a Christmas album in 1967 titled “A Christmas Present…And Past”. Most of the songs were originals to that album, having been written by Mark Lindsay and the exceptional producer of the Raiders, fellow prolific music enthusiast, Terry Melcher. 😎 🙂 The LP included an ongoing skit between each song and they are on the CD now as well. 🙂 One of the songs I most enjoy from this unique seasonal album is “Rain, Sleet or Snow”, which tells about the mail situation with great wit and humor – both authors were well-armed in both of those categories as they wrote this one. 🙂 For example: After the instruments have set the musical hard-rock edge, Mark sings with a powerful edge of his own, “Pardon my inquiry, but I gotta know – what makes all you people send your mail so slow? According to the information I receive – you send all your Christmas cards on Christmas Eve.” 😛 😉 The song title is sung next, which is the mail delivery motto about not letting any inclement weather stop them from getting the mail delivered. Mark shared some information that might prove helpful in everyone receiving their cards in time: “The Post Master General says that we’ll get by – if you send all your cards before the Fourth of July.” 😛 😆 🙂 The lyrics have humor, are sung with perfect, tough delivery by Mark, and the music is supercool. 😎 “Rain, Sleet or Snow” doesn’t have a soft, gentle melody – it’s a hard-rock sound through and through. 😎 It’s in the way the audio was recorded so expertly, how the instruments were played – yes, the Raiders had already “invented” using an orchestra in a strictly rock setting, which is something that some of the cooler bands have been experimenting with lately with great results. Paul Revere & the Raiders introduced a lot of unique elements into the music world; true originals and path-makers. 😎

   Yasmin Levy singing “Ocho Kandalikas” (“Eight Candles”) is Ladino music most beautiful! 🙂 The instrumentation catches the attention, grips the heart and touches the soul all at once. When Yasmin Levy begins singing, the songs enters new depths that are seemingly almost tangible. Hebrew and Spanish flavors blend together in the melody, expressed so clearly by both the instruments and Yasmin Levy. This song is five minutes and one second of heartfelt, soul-felt music. 😎 Each of the eight candles are counted as the song continues, showing the importance of each one. 😎 Each day was a miracle. 🙂 Each day is a miracle. 😎 We have so much to be thankful for – no matter how much we may feel we have to complain about in daily life. There’s lots of stuff we have to deal with in our everyday lives that we’d just as soon not have to be bothered with, right? And some things are way beyond irritating, maybe even very extreme problems – but there are still things for which to be thankful. All you have to do is give it a moment’s thought to find many such things. If you can walk, you can be thankful for that – not everyone can walk. If you are in a wheelchair, you can be thankful for that – not everyone can sit in one – some are stuck in bed. If you are stuck in bed, you can be thankful for that – some are in the same position, but cannot move. If you are in bed and unable to move, you can be thankful – you still have the power of the brain the Creator gave you. You see? 🙂 Thankfulness is something we can feel despite circumstances. Blessings abound and the Creator continues to bless us with miracles every day – never give up, never stop hoping, never stop praying, never stop trusting in the Creator. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask. Sometimes you ask and wait. “But I’m still waiting!” you say? You’re still here; there is time enough. 🙂

   “Sleigh Ride” is one of my favorite songs on the radio this time of year; it sounds so happy, cozy and cheerful! 🙂 One of my favorite renditions of the song is by The Ronettes. 🙂 A good imagination is all you need to go on a fun sleigh ride like they sing about in the song. 🙂 😎 If perhaps you have never had the pleasure of hearing this song, I will tell you a little bit about it. The setting is a snowy, wintry night with the stars shining up above, maybe some moonlight filtering through the trees in a soft light. A guy and a girl who are sweethearts are snuggled up next to each other, sitting in a wooden sleigh which is pulled by a fine horse, sleigh bells attached to the reigns ringing prettily in keeping with the horse’s brisk, clip-clop pace. 🙂 Enjoying the pleasant solitude on the country lane with snow sparkling all around you in the moonlight as you sing “a chorus or two” of a happy song like this one, your voices blending together harmoniously. Comfy and cozy sitting next to your sweetheart, you enjoy the ride regardless of the cold, wintry air. 🙂 Of course, sitting in front of a nice fireplace indoors afterwards with cups of hot cocoa is a good idea, too. 😉 🙂

   One of the most beautiful renditions – and most melodic – of “Away in a Manger” is the gentle and reverent singing of Celtic Thunder. You can easily see the scene the lyrics sing of the sweet preciousness of the babe, Yeshua/Jesus, as He lifts his sweet head from His lowly cradle. His big eyes looking up toward the Heavenly Father. It’s an amazing thing. 🙂 Whether you are a descendant of Isaac or not, you can be a child of the Creator. He chose Israel to be His people and through their line provided a way for all the nations of the earth to be blessed. He offers eternal life through the promised Mashiach/Messiah, Yeshua/Jesus, to not only the Jews, but also to all nations – every person, regardless of your location, ethnicity, religious practices, current beliefs or where you stand on various issues debated in this world: the Creator Who made you, gave you life on Earth, offers you peace with Him so that you may have everlasting life in Heaven with Him. 😎 He loves you. He is perfect; mankind is not. So He made a way to reconcile the two, by coming down to Earth in the form of man, born to Mary, lived as a man, taught and performed miracles for those who put their faith in Him, allowed Himself to be betrayed and killed by man and died on the cross, taking on all of our sins that mankind has been born with since Adam and Eve first sinned in Eden, Yeshua/Jesus died especially for each human being who ever lived or ever will, and then rose again and walked among mankind before returning to Heaven until the day He returns for us. The Creator of the universe did that for you. For me. For each person that ever was or ever is. All any of us have to do is to believe He did that for us, put our faith in Him, ask Him to forgive us and save us – and He will. He gave us that promise, just like He promised to never flood the Earth again even though mankind does very bad things sometimes – that’s why we get to see that beautiful rainbow in the clouds. He kept that promise, He kept His promise to send a savior, and He will keep His promise to forgive you, save you and give you eternal life if you put your faith in Him to do so. I hope you will. 🙂 I’m praying for you, for joy always. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 17: Supercool December Holidays Music – Part A

Holidays greetings! 🙂 (Yes, I did two plurals on purpose. 😉 ) For this month, I have decided to review some of the coolest and most uniquely good songs related to some of the holidays celebrated in the month of December. My two articles will feature a collection of songs – not just one. My next article, Supercool December Holidays Music – Part B, will include Paul Revere & the Raiders, Big Time Rush, The Ronettes, and more! 🙂 I hope you will read my reviews for each song and not only the ones featuring the holiday(s) you celebrate. Music is music. It speaks to the heart. It can affect and effect our lives in so many ways. Please read on; I hope you enjoy my gifts to you! 🙂

   Chanukah (also sometimes spelled Hanukkah) came first and begins first, so it is fitting that we start with a song by Matisyahu with the title, “Happy Hanukkah”. 🙂 An amazing beat and rhythm are just two of the things you will hear in this song! 🙂 😎 This is one of the coolest Chanukah gifts ever; it is a song of supercool proportions that comes directly from the gifted heart of music artist Matisyahu. 🙂 In fact, near the start of the song he says that this is a gift of love to you. 😎 I have enjoyed the unique style of Matisyahu’s songs since I first heard him; it is what could be partially described as Mediterranean Reggaeton. Very cool, lively music with honest heart. This song, “Happy Hanukkah”, is beautiful. Every instrument lends its beauty to the song with melodic power; it’s very cool. 🙂 Not only does it have a great overall sound, but also, it has so much profound truth in the lyrics, sung with the heart of a man who seeks to honor the Creator in all things. I appreciate that element so very much. It gives depth to a song like nothing else can. 😎 There are so many cool things in this song; I hope you will go listen to it so that you can hear it for yourself. Peace and love are two of the main things in this song and are treasures that we all desire. Very true are the words that Israel brings love to the world – “from Mount Zion this is what we do”. Israel exemplifies the Creator’s love in the way they so selflessly go help any country who needs their skills (such as medical help after natural disasters) – even if that country scorns them on a daily basis. The Creator loves each of us, whether we love Him or not. He doesn’t base His love on what we do; He loves us because He loves us. Simple as that. 🙂 That’s why He sent the promised Mashiach (Messiah) to give us eternal life through faith in Him and what He did for us. Selfless love. A gift of mercy (not giving us the bad things we deserve) and grace (giving us good things that we don’t deserve and haven’t earned – couldn’t earn on our own if we tried). Faith and trust in HaShem, believing on Yeshua (Jesus) who fulfilled the prophecies of old, this is the greatest gift ever.

   You haven’t heard how cool “Jingle Bells” can sound until you have heard Paul Revere’s Raiders’ rendition of it! 🙂 😎 They bring their own originality, fun-lovin’, energetic, highly-skilled musicianship to it, making it a standout to be admired. 🙂 They perform this at their live show, Rockin’ Christmas, bringing visual as well as audible entertainment as only they can. 😎 After a great instrumental intro by Tommy Scheckel on drums (his drums really make this rockin’ version rock!), Ron Foos on bass (bringing those groovy, deep tones), Paul Revere on keys (he played not one, but two instruments in this song! 🙂 ), Jamie Revere on guitar (I love his awesome guitar playing – its tones can be felt), Doug Heath on guitar (he’s got some supercool stuff to wow everyone with in this song), Danny Krause on keys (the man has gifted hands, what more can one say?), lead singer Darren Dowler sings lead with power, finesse and gusto! 🙂 😎 Each performance is special, with variations now and then. For example: Paul Revere would sometimes sing the second verse; I always enjoy hearing him sing – you can hear the fun and happiness in his vocals. 😎 Another example: Darren, instead of singing the lyrics “a one-horse open sleigh”, he sang “a ’57 Chevrolet”; both versions are cool and highly enjoyable for this Chevy girl to hear! 🙂 Paul said he really enjoyed doing that version after hearing another artist, Brian Seitzer, do that kind of a rendition. Paul and his boys Raidered it! (To see what I mean by that, please check out my article Meet Paul Revere’s Raiders! 😉 🙂 ) Midway through the song, the spotlight moves to Doug Heath at center stage as he plays a superb guitar solo while the rest of the band rocks on – Tommy Scheckel’s cymbal playing finesse adding another dimension of delight to this groovy rendition. 😎 Almost a half a minute later brings the song to its next verse of toe-tapping fun; Ron Foos is going to town with style as he strums that bass! On the last chorus, Darren belts out the words with even more umph, Doug does a groovy run along the frets, Jamie radiates joy as he plays that guitar so well, Ron keeps rockin’, Paul’s playing the jingle bells instrument, at the perfect moment Tommy uses his drumsticks to direct attention to Danny Krause who plays a beautiful flourish on the keys – accompanied by Jamie on guitar (maybe Doug and/or bassist Ron played, too, but I couldn’t see them in that shot so I can’t say for sure 🙂 ), then the rest of the guys all join in on an instrumental closing of very cool proportions. Paul Revere’s Raiders, akin to the original Raiders whose songs they perform faithfully, are a supercool live band who never fail to entertain, satisfy your need to hear good music, bring a smile to your face that doesn’t quit, and allows you to relax and gave a great time – every time! 🙂

   One song, “Silent Night”. 🙂 Two very talented as well as gifted artists, Elvis Presley and Taylor Davis. 🙂 I’ll start with the first recording, Elvis Presley’s classic tune backed by the deep tones of a grand piano as well as melodies provided by male and female vocals. 😎 Then I’ll review the next-recorded rendition, Taylor Davis’ beautifully melodic tune backed by a well-chosen and well-played orchestration of sound. 🙂
*When Elvis Presley sings “Silent Night”, he conveys the peace, comfort and joy of the Creator’s gift to us so genuinely with each tone and inflection of his voice. He sings from his soul, from his heart, reverently. “All is calm.” The Creator can bring peace and calm to us if we trust Him to. He can help us feel a true peace and calm in our hearts and minds through Yeshua/Jesus if we just ask Him sincerely. You can have peace in your heart anywhere and in any surrounding circumstances. Yes, even right there where you are right now. “All is bright.” He brings light even where there is darkness – whether the darkness is physical, mental, spiritual, or any other kind of darkness – He can bring you light. 😎 He made the sun shine for about a whole day, standing completely still overhead, when the Israelites were fighting their enemies back in Joshua’s day. The Creator is the same Being He has always been; He cares about each one of us, whether anyone else does or not. I think that’s really cool. 🙂 😎
*The very talented violinist, Taylor Davis, plays “Silent Night” so very beautifully, speaking to the heart and soul without the need for words. Drawing the bow sweetly across the strings with steady beauty, she brings the story of the song to life through music, touching the soul in a calm and gentle way. Timing is important and the heart of the musician comes through when they are playing their selected instrument. Listening to her music, I believe that Taylor Davis has a gentle, sincere heart that feels the depth of meaning through music. It is how she conveys the message of the song so exquisitely. 😎 “Silent Night” is a gentle lullaby melody, as the human birth of Yeshua/Jesus our Mashiach/Messiah is celebrated; He is the Son of the Creator, all-powerful, yet He came to Earth in human flesh to bring us light, joy, peace with the Creator and life everlasting. That’s real love. 😎

   Along with the upbeat tune of Klezmer, Chanukah is sung about in this song with great, warm, deep lively vocals from the illustrious, warm-hearted Theodore Bikel. 🙂 😎 In “Oy Chanukah”, he sings about the reason for celebrating Chanukah, lighting candles for eight days on the Chanukiah (a special, beautiful candlestick that holds eight candles – four on each side of a center candle that is employed to light the others. Kind of like the Creator is the Light Who has the power to give light to each of us if we’ll just stand still long enough to listen to Him. Chanukah is observed “to remind us of days long ago”, as the song says, and to especially remember the Creator’s provision – which continues today and always. 🙂 After fighting for freedom from oppression, winning, and cleaning up the Temple from the evil destruction by the enemies who had previously taken over, there was only enough pure oil to light the Temple’s candlestick for one day – but the Creator made that oil last for eight days and nights (which was the time needed for there to be more of the required oil made and ready). Miracles! 🙂 Way cool. 😎 This song tells it well and sounds great throughout! 🙂 I love the finishing lyrics, “you can dance with hope!” Hope is a priceless thing; it encourages you to be brave and stay strong through whatever you are going through or dealing with in your life. The Creator loves us and gave us precious promises that we can count on Him to fulfill; we can depend on Him – He loves us and cares about everything. 🙂 Hope is a strong thing, a knowing in your heart and soul that even if you can’t see it, it’s there. As it says in the Scriptures: you can’t see the wind itself, but you can see what it does. 😎 The Creator is present everywhere; you may not see Him, but you can see His Hand in the many blessings, big and small, in your everyday life – if you take time to notice them, you’ll find it is easy to see them. 😉 Anything good is a blessing from the Creator; He gives good and perfect gifts. 😎

   A doo wop group established in 1991, Stormy Weather, teamed up with the illustrious Ronnie Spector to sing a Christmas version of the 1960’s song, “Creation of Love”. 😎 And the result was quite beautiful! 🙂 Sung acapella, the poignancy of the lyrics are all the more powerful with only the human voice and some tasteful, time-keeping finger snaps being heard. Ronnie sings lead as Stormy Weather provides the perfect background – all of them sounding great! 🙂 The song tells the story of a girl and boy who met at a dance, walked hand in hand out into the winter wonderland and soon realized that love was there, created in their hearts for each other. 🙂 They kissed, their hearts dancing in the night. 😎 They walked along for a while, smiling, then as he held her tight, they pledged their love to one another. 🙂 “I love you and you love me – think how happy we will be. I know, now I know – that’s the creation of love.” A very nice love story. 🙂

   Did you know that Mark Lindsay sang a solo of “What Child Is This?” as part of a special recording? 🙂 Now, this treasure was made available at W. T. Grant stores on a vinyl LP titled “A Very Merry Christmas Volume IV”; Columbia Special Products produced it exclusively for them c. 1967. You can hear it, like I did, from YouTube. 🙂 A beautiful instrumental melody begins, and then Mark begins to gently sing of Yeshua/Jesus’ birth. The soar in Mark’s excellent voice as the chorus begins. I love the way he sings with strength and conviction; he consistently sings every song with true heart. 😎 The question is asked – why was he born in such a low estate, where animals fed? It was to show, in part, that He didn’t come to be popular or bring admiration from others. That wasn’t His purpose. The lyrics continue to explain, “Nails fierce shall pierce Him through – the cross be borne for me, for you”. He suffered and died in our place, so that we wouldn’t have to pay for our own sins – that’s how much the Creator loves us. As the song says from Scripture, He is the Word (“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotton of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Book of John, chapter one, verse fourteen. 🙂 ) in human form, come to save us. When He created us, He gave us free will – we can choose our own path. He won’t make us accept His gift and put our faith in Him; it is our choice alone. We can choose to believe or choose to deny; it is one or the other. Rejecting His gift means choosing to pay for our own sins forever with the Devil who made that same bad choice. Accepting the Creator’s gift of salvation through His Son, Yeshua/Jesus, means instantaneous forgiveness and the promise of eternal life in Heaven with the Creator Who loves us. Which choice do you want to make? It’s not too late; as long as you have breath, you have choice – but please keep in mind: no one is guaranteed they’ll take a next breath. Some things are too important to put off; this is one of them.

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 16: “Louie, Louie”

From their Columbia debut album, “Here They Come!” by Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay, we find the subject of this review: “Louie, Louie”. 🙂

   “Louie, Louie” is a cover of the 1957 tune originally written and sung by Richard Berry. Paul Revere & the Raiders performed this song at their live, in-studio concert on September 24, 1964 at Columbia Records in California. This song is likewise available for purchase on the highly collectible original vinyl as well as compact disc and digital download.

   The track starts off with lead singer, Mark Lindsay, announcing, “Here’s a thing called ‘Louie, Louie!'” Drummer-extraordinaire Smitty is making the cymbals sing, adding speed to the shimmering tempo as it continues. The audience cheers with great enthusiasm as Mark brings his instrument to his mouth and immediately launches into the unmistakeable “Louie, Louie” beat on his saxophone with depth, energy and clarity. You can hear right away that it’s going to be another awesome performance! 😎 You can hear the rest of the band getting into with boisterous shouts of “Hey!”, “Alright!” and “Alright, yeah!” The guitar, bass and keys join in seamlessly and Smitty calls out his famous introduction line to this song from behind his drum set, “Grab your woman; it’s ‘Louie, Louie’ time!” Leader Paul calls out, “All right!” and Smitty swings into his amazing drum work with strong precision and energetic finesse.

   These guys are excellent musicians who not only play their respective instruments to the instrument’s greatest capabilities, but also, they feel the music from their soul. This adds a whole ‘nother dimension to the great sound we hear. 😎 There’s a big difference between playing all of the notes correctly and playing it with heart in addition to that. Amazingly different sound that radiates beautifully.

   At thirty-five seconds in, Mark’s powerful, gutty vocals begin! 🙂 What a great voice! 🙂 He sings with endearments about the girl waiting for him across the sea. Keeping to the calypso style of the song, in singing of his need to be where she is, he sings “me got to go”. It rolls right off his tongue. 😎

   Mark adds his own words to the very danceable song when he sings, “O let’s stomp and shout and work it on out” following it up with a gutty, “Hey!” 🙂 😎

   From 1:19 to 2:01 Drake’s guitar takes over the lead singing with bluesy intricacy – check out that hand-blurring guitar work at 1:27!! Amazing! 🙂 What a guitarist! 🙂 😎

   While Drake was wowing the crowd with his guitaring talents, Mark had gone directly from singing lead to playing more great sax, Smitty’s drumming continued in its strength, Doc’s bass kept that groovy tone going and Paul kept rockin’ on the keys. 😎

   From sax to singing again, Mark tells it like it is then adds some more dance coaching with the low and gentle words, “Hey, baby, just a little bit of soul now.” A little later in the chorus the instruments quiet some as Mark instructs, to the delight of every girl listening, “Stomp and shout, child, and work it on out, chile.” You can hear the rest of the guys in the band cheering – and you can hear Drake whistling, as well. 🙂

   The song concludes with loud, enthusiastic cheering from the happy audience who got to enjoy this live performance of an amazing level of talent. 😎 As the guys strummed some notes and prepared for the next song and the cheering din lowered some, Mark graciously thanked the crowd. 🙂 What a great concert! 🙂 Although I have listened to this so many times, I can hardly wait to listen to it again! 🙂 Now that feeling, without a doubt, is a sign of good music. 😎

   Please share any good comments you have in the box provided; I would appreciate knowing you enjoyed reading my review. 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 9: Meet Paul Revere’s Raiders

The great Paul Revere (the one from our time period 😉 ) always had a gift for bringing good, likable, fun, highly talented music artists together to make exceptionally good music and perform amazing concerts. One of the best is the group now known as Paul Revere’s Raiders. 🙂

   Recorded live in concert – and available at popular online stores in the digital download format for your listening pleasure – are these Raider singles performed by Paul Revere’s Raiders: “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”, “Hungry”, “Kicks”, “Just Like Me”, and “Good Thing”. And whenever you can, I believe you’ll want to go see for yourselves why I refer to Paul Revere’s Raiders as one of the most fascinating bands to watch in concert! 🙂 They perform all across America and also do an annual cruise to the Caribbean. 🙂 😎

   The more footage I get to see of these wonderful men, the more I like them! 🙂 And that’s saying a lot! 🙂 I love them all already. 🙂 I have always known they must be good guys, because Paul Revere carefully chose each one of them to be in his band. Recently I had the opportunity to see some footage from their concerts and I was beyond happy with their character and their talent. They truly keep the musical integrity and rockin’ good time of Paul Revere & the Raiders going strong. They are a blessing from the Creator.

   The sound. The correct tempo. The cool moves. The fun atmosphere. The energetic performances. The warm friendliness of the group. The brotherhood of the group. The cool (and hot!) uniforms they wear. The showmanship. The respect for the people. The patriotism. The love of music. The rhythm. The stage presence. The good humor. The overall style. The heart. The tradition. The enthusiasm. The musicianship. The good rockin’ fun. The full entertainment. The genuiness. The love and respect for their original leader, Paul Revere. All of it resounds with the spirit of the original Paul Revere & the Raiders of the 1960’s when these hits were first recorded and performed so exquisitely by Paul Revere, Mark Lindsay, Mike “Smitty” Smith, Drake Levin and Phil “Fang” Volk. And I don’t give this compliment lightly. You see, Paul Revere & the Raiders are who I call my favorite complete band (complete, because they sing as well as play all of the instruments). Paul Revere’s Raiders keep this great legacy going with magnificent prowess. They give it all they’ve got and I love them for it. Two of the greatest bands ever! 🙂

   Paul Revere’s Raiders play the music and sing the music with such an amazing ability because they feel the music from within. They are genuine; each one of them has a true Raider heart.

   In alphabetical order, by surname, here is a brief description of the on-stage presence I observed while watching performances by these six guys I believe you’d love to meet:
Darren Dowler 🙂 – The lead singer, he has a gifted voice, is a cool guitarist and talks well to the audience with great friendliness.
Ron Foos 🙂 – The showman bassist – I’ve seen very few with such style and flare, a happy smile, keeps the crowd entertained.
Doug Heath 🙂 – He’s quite the guitarist, a good dancer with seemingly boundless energy; he has an ever cheerful disposition.
Danny Krause 🙂 – He’s the man on the keys, playing the piano and organ with amazing talent, gifted hands and full heart.
Jamie Revere 🙂 – He plays the guitar like it is as much a natural part of him as breathing is, a blessing to all, and the son of Paul – with his own talents and his own intriguing personality.
Tommy Scheckel 🙂 – The drummer! 😀 That really says it. 😎 He’s a magnificent drummer – beyond cool, as amazing as all get out.

   All of these guys lend not only their superb instrument-playing abilities to the overall sound of the group, but also their strong, masculine vocals in true Raider fashion. I’d love to hear – and see! – them sing “Don’t You Just Know It” just like the 1960’s Raiders did in their September, 1964 concert! 😀 I think they would enjoy doing that one. 😎 I know everyone could greatly enjoy that performance as much as their other ones; Paul Revere’s Raiders are super-talented.

   They “Raider” songs – that means that whenever they play another artist’s song that already sounds distinctive and great, they do it even better! I have noticed this over and over with any song the Raiders cover or even if they only play a sampling thereof. I first made this audible observation while listening to the original 1960’s Paul Revere & the Raiders recordings and, watching footage of Paul Revere’s Raiders, I can easily hear that they have this same gift in regards to non-Raider songs. So cool! 🙂

   Something else about them that is supercool: Paul Revere’s Raiders are very patriotic. 😎 They started The Ride to the Wall Foundation and for years have participated in Rolling Thunder every Memorial Day. 😎

   Having a rough day? Watch some Paul Revere’s Raiders footage and you’ll surely be feeling happier before long. 🙂 They are great entertainers and very cool guys. 😎 If you have the opportunity, I recommend you go check out their concert in person; to see and hear the band playing live must be an amazing thing. 🙂

   “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…” as The Scriptures record Shlomo’s words in the first part of Proverbs 17:22. No matter what level of pain (a constant companion since I was little) I might be in on any given day, Paul Revere’s Raiders consistently bring a smile of delight to my face and to my heart. Wado equa (“thank you very much” in Tsalagi/Cherokee), Paul Revere’s Raiders, for your dedication, determination and long-lasting goodness that never ceases to amaze, entertain, please and bring joy to those who have the honor, privilege and pleasure of seeing your performances (in person and/or through recorded footage). May the Creator continue to bless you as you bless others. 🙂

   My heart overflows with gratefulness for the many kindnesses and great performances by the six members of Paul Revere’s Raiders.

   One of the performances I love most, although I truly love them all, is from their concert in Deland, Florida on 11-11-2014 at the Volusia County Fair. It was right on Veteran’s Day. 😎 Which is always the eleventh of November, the day directly after the birthday of the U. S. Marine Corps. 😎 😎

   Tommy took the stage first to start the music; his expert drumming set the theme of great music as the rest of the band joined him on stage. 😎

   From the crowd around the kind individual who filmed the show to share with others, I heard the enthusiastic cheers to greet this great band as well as the question, “Where’s Paul?” For some, this was when they first found out that our beloved Paul had been promoted to Heaven the previous month. Darren did a beautiful job of gently breaking the news while keeping an upbeat attitude that kept everything in perspective. He noted how Paul is dearly loved, his earthly presence missed, then he said, “But we’re not sad, because we know where he is.” And he pointed Heavenward. It was beautiful. Later, when he said, “God bless you” to the Veterans there at the concert, the tears threatened to spill. Paul would be so proud of his Raiders. And he is, as he looks on from Heaven. 🙂

   Another exceptional part of their show is the respect and heartfelt “welcome home” to our Vietnam Vets, who didn’t receive the honorable welcome home due them when they made it back from serving faithfully as they had promised to do. Doug explains that as part of their welcome home, the Raiders have a special segment for them. 😎 They play a collection of songs that were played on Armed Forces Radio during the time these brave members of the military were serving over there. And I can tell you something else about these songs when Paul Revere’s Raiders play them: they never sounded so good! 🙂

   Each song Paul Revere’s Raiders performed that night was exceptionally well-done. The building rang with good rockin’ music, laughter, fun and gratefulness. They did Raider hit after Raider hit, faithfully doing it like it is on the records, just like Paul told them to – and they have the talent to do it! 😎 I love it that they keep to the 1960’s Raider sound, not jazzing it up or trying to change it. Those songs were hits because they were great music – and great music is timeless. That means that those hits not only “were” hits, but also they “are” hits. Still bringing in the crowds, still selling records/CDs/digital downloads, still getting played on original and replica vinyl as well as every other media available. 😎 This is great music and these guys are a great complete band.

   This article is becoming my longest one yet, so I should probably do a couple of quick notes about original Raider/Paul Revere’s Raiders cool stuff that I cannot leave out. I’m looking forward to writing much more on this supercool, super-nice, super-rockin’ band in upcoming articles! 🙂 I must leave room to tell you about their epic last-song-of-the-night performance! 🙂

   “Steppin’ Out” – like the 1960’s Raiders, they do a cool move in unison – including the drummer – at just the right musical part of the song. That is just so cool!!!!!  They likewise do cool group moves in “Just Like Me” – just like the 1960’s Raiders’ style. 🙂 The drummer of a group has so much to do that often they don’t get in on dance moves, but in the Raiders they do so anyway. 🙂 Yeah, they’re that cool. 😎 🙂 Those who play the keys are limited in how much moving around the stage they can do as well, after all, you can’t carry a double layer of keys around much easier than you can carry around a drum set. 😉 But Danny does the cool 1960’s Raider moves to these two songs as well, as Paul would always do also. 😎 I saw footage of Smitty, that’s how I know about his sharp, cool moves in unison with Paul, Mark, Drake and Phil. He’s something else. 🙂 And so is Tommy. 🙂 Great drummers. 😎

   “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” – their voices blend together with powerful, masculine strength as they vocalize the “ahh-AH-ah-ahh” of the chorus. I’m talking about the 1960’s Raiders and the now Raiders. 🙂 Great stuff. 😎

   The show finishes with the customized, supercool Paul Revere’s Raiders’ rendition of “We’re an American Band”. As Paul Revere said before: they are an American band. Through and through. 🙂 I love it as Tommy continues to put his whole heart into his drumming – and somehow amps it up beyond that as the song reaches the awesomest part; Danny’s fingers continue to blaze across the keys and Jamie strides with strength of purpose to the front of the stage to join the other three guitarists, Ron, Darren and Doug, in a regimental guitar lineup as they play an electrifying portion of Francis Scott Key’s “The Star Spangled Banner”. Powerful. Poignant. Beautiful. The stuff of legends. What a band. What a blessing. What an honor to hear, to see, to witness the patriotic heartbeat pounding out through these men’s fingertips, to their selected instruments, and out into the atmosphere of this land, mingling with the breath of those in the audience who served faithfully for their country, so that we might be free to live and worship the Creator without fear or oppression. What a beautiful gift. Wado equa.

Jean247

If you are reading this article on the homepage and you would like to read others’ comments on it or perhaps leave some comments of your own, just tap on the word “comments” above this article’s title. 🙂

Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 5: “You Can’t Sit Down”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 6: “Don’t Let Me Go”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 7: “Money (That’s What I Want)”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 8: My Two Shekels Worth on Scheckel’s Drumming

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 8: My Two Shekels Worth on Scheckel’s Drumming

A brief explanation about this article’s title in case it’s an unfamiliar term to you:
The phrase “giving your two cents worth” means giving your opinion about someone or something. A shekel is a Hebrew coin, money, that has been used in Israel for thousands of years. 😎 You can find it spoken of in the Scriptures as a monetary value or to convey the physical weight of an item. So, my two shekels worth on Tommy Scheckel’s drumming means I’m giving my opinion – review – on his drumming. 🙂

   That said, it wasn’t my original intention to do two articles in a row with references to money – “Money (That’s What I Want)” then this one referencing shekels – but it’s quite fitting, don’t you think? 🙂 Both articles contain information about priceless music and wondrous people; I hope you enjoy. 🙂

   This review features the extraordinary drumming skills of one supercool man, Tommy Scheckel of Paul Revere’s Raiders. 🙂 Scheckel – that has got to be one of the coolest surnames ever. 😎

   The specific footage that I’m reviewing came from a well-placed drum cam – filmed in black & white – during one of his group’s concert performances of the 1960’s Paul Revere & the Raiders’ hit “Hungry”. 🙂

   The drums have always fascinated me; I love their sound. It is amazing how much music you can get from them and how those sounds are brought about. 😎

   Every drummer has their own style – their own manner of playing and their own preferences for the setup of their drum set (the various percussion instruments that a drummer has around them). Tommy has his cymbals up higher than I have seen most drummers do, requiring him to reach up to hit them. It is so cool to see him swing those drumsticks through the air, making contact with various cymbals in a flash! 🙂 I could watch him for hours. 🙂

   “Hungry” for more details on this excellent performance? 😉 🙂 (Sorry, I couldn’t seem to resist that one!) Let’s go! 🙂

   The gentleman knows what he’s doing, that’s for certain! 🙂 Just watch him go at those drums; he’s in total command of the situation. 😎 And – this is very important – he is enjoying his work. 🙂 That adds to the quality of his playing as well as to the enjoyment of those watching and listening. That energy carries and spreads throughout the area, bringing a beautiful symphony of fun, good music to all. 🙂

   Drumsticks slicing through the air to ring/smash/crash/clang the cymbals at the right moments, Scheckel shows how it’s done with enthusiasm and fun. The lightning-like speed with which he plays the drums is a delight to observe.

   Waving the drumstick side to side, hitting the necessary cymbals to play that awesome tune then hitting those drums with sheer power – the man is impressive. 😎

   One of the cool tricks that drummers do is twirling their drumsticks – and Tommy has this down to an art. 😎 His twirling drumstick proficiency allows him to do that cool thing without missing a beat – even when he sneaks it in with only split-seconds to spare! 🙂

   Strong arms and a sure grasp of the sticks are mandatory for playing this great Raider tune – and Tommy is indeed well-armed ( 😉 ) for the task. His hands are deft and definite in their work.

   At 1:49 we come to my favorite part of the performance. 🙂 Scheckel is playing those drumsticks in a blur of motion when suddenly there’s a brief pause in the music, right at the key point after the lyrics “Hungry for that sweet life, baby, with a real fine girl like you…” Apparently he’s not the kind of guy to sit around and do nothing – even if it’s only briefly – because he takes this opportunity to launch his right drumstick straight up, high into the air it rotates at quick speed and way up, out of the camera’s view! He does this move with such a cool, powerful style of finesse that I have to back it up and rewatch it repeatedly. 🙂 I watch him as he lifts his head to spot his drumstick as it comes back earthward. Time seems to stand still. It’s an amazing, heady sensation. He must have gotten some major air with that drumstick, going by how long it was in flight before it obediently came back down to rest neatly in his capable hand once again. 😎

   Watching Tommy Scheckel play the drums, you can easily see that he puts his heart into it. He’s a great drummer, no doubt about it. 🙂

   And that’s my two shekels worth on Tommy Scheckel’s drumming. 🙂 I hope you enjoyed reading this article; please let me know by posting any good comments in the box provided below, if you like. 🙂 Thanks! 🙂

Jean247

If you are reading this article on the homepage and you would like to read others’ comments on it or perhaps leave some comments of your own, just tap on the word “comments” above this article’s title. 🙂

Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 5: “You Can’t Sit Down”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 6: “Don’t Let Me Go”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 7: “Money (That’s What I Want)”

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 7: “Money (That’s What I Want)”

This review features “Money (That’s What I Want)” – the second track from their Columbia debut album, “Here They Come!” by Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay. 🙂

   “Money” is priceless. 🙂 And I’m not referring to dollars and cents; I’m referring to Paul Revere & the Raiders’ top-notch cover of the song originally recorded in 1959 by Barrett Strong. 😉 This is another song that Paul Revere & the Raiders performed at their live, in-studio concert on September 24, 1964 at Columbia Records in California. This song is also available for purchase on the highly collectible original vinyl as well as compact disc and digital download.

   At the start of the track you can hear the audience clapping, cheering, waiting for more great Paul Revere & the Raiders music. 🙂 Paul doesn’t keep them waiting as he hits the keys with equal parts energy and talent; he’s got a huge amount of both! 🙂 Mark’s already into it vocally. 🙂 Then Smitty’s super magnificent drumming is heard along with Drake’s incomparable guitar playing and Doc’s very cool bass. 🙂 These guys are high energy and extremely great entertainers in personality as well as in talent. 😎

   The song, “Money (That’s What I Want)”, as it was originally written, is mostly appreciated for its great rockin’ sound, rather than the rather greedy theme of it. Every song that Paul Revere & the Raiders cover is, I believe, the best that that song can sound. Even when the original is excellent, these guys take it up to a whole ‘nother level! 😎 They usually follow the lyrics, but sometimes you will hear bonus ones. 🙂 “Stomp and shout and work it on out” is a dance-lyric line directly from Mark; it wasn’t in the original. 🙂 He sings that line in other Raider songs as well. 😎 Mark’s voice and singing style is like no other; he’s one-of-a-kind and I don’t believe it’s fair to anyone else to try to compare their singing to his. Yes, he’s that good. 🙂 Each singer should sing to the best of their own abilities – in notes as well as in heart – and stand on that. There is only one Mark Lindsay and there is only one you. 🙂

   The rockin’ instruments continuously play at an amazing rate of speed and proficiency throughout this song. 😎 I think it’s amazing that they have enough energy to do a whole concert on this level without taking a good break! And that’s just in reference to their singing and instrument playing; additionally, they’re dancing just as lively as the music that they are playing – and this with those heavy U.S. Revolutionary War styled uniforms on! Can you imagine how hot that is up on stage? With those hot spotlights shining on them? And the heat rising up from the crowd in the packed room? AND the effort the band is putting into their singing, dancing and instrument-playing?! And that’s without handy water bottles to replenish and refresh them.

   And they aren’t even at full throttle yet! 🙂 That comes at 1:57 courtesy one Drake Levin on guitar. 😎 Just listen to that amazing guitar work! 😀 His hand is moving at mach-like speed from 1:57 to 2:17 – when he drops back down to the speed of merely a mega-super-talented guitarist. 🙂 😎

   You hear all of the guys, at various times, vocalizing the great time they are having. 🙂 Paul is rockin’ it out on the keys, Doc’s bass is right on, you know how great Mark is singing and Drake’s playing, and Smitty – exquisitely talented drummer!!!!! 🙂 😎 Surely those drums and cymbals are the envy of all other drum sets. 🙂 What amazing music! 🙂 This song is filled with supercool musicality from its first notes to the closing ones; Paul Revere & the Raiders have done it yet again. 🙂

   The majority of the lyrics in this song aren’t to be taken literally, I think. 🙂 Although it is necessary to have money to pay for food, shelter and to pay required bills, the amount you have above that – or don’t have – isn’t that important in the whole scope of things. Or, more to the point: it shouldn’t be more highly regarded than that. For true necessities (the latest fads aren’t true necessities 😉 ) money is needed, but it isn’t more important than love. The lyrics do say in honesty, “Now money don’t mean everything – it’s true.” Faith and love are what truly counts; with these two gifts from the Creator, we have what our souls need. Faith in Him and His love toward us in sending HaMaschiach/the Messiah to save us is the life-giving source that our souls crave. He’s the only One Who can fill that void that no one and nothing else can fill. He is Who we seek. And as the Scriptures say, if we seek, we shall find. 🙂 The Creator doesn’t hide from us; it is only our pride that delays our putting our faith in Him. In Scriptures He tells us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotton Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” As you can see, “World” doesn’t mean “Earth”; He is referring to people. That means you can put your own name in that spot where the words “the world” and “whosoever” are. 🙂 He loves you that much. 🙂 If you were the only person on Earth, He would have died in your place so that you could live eternally with Him instead of paying for your sins yourself. (This includes everyone – no matter how nice or how unkind they are. Every human since Adam and Eve has been born with a sinful, rebellious nature – no matter how nice a person is, they still need God’s forgiveness to get to Paradise/Heaven. All you have to do is believe in Him and ask His forgiveness for your inborn sin, trusting Him to save you. Yes, that’s all you need. Yeshua/Jesus died for all – it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are. All means all and that’s all “all” means. 🙂 )

   If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them here or, if you’d like to ask non-publicly, just tell me you’d like to talk with me and I can contact you – at your request – by e-mail. 🙂

   Did you enjoy this article? 🙂 If you’d like to share your good thoughts about it, please let me know by typing your comments in the box provided below. And thank you! 🙂 I appreciate each one of you who takes the time to read my blog. 🙂 I have more reviews on the way – including “Louie, Louie” by Paul Revere & the Raiders from the 1964 concert, more articles on Paul Revere’s Raiders! 😎

Jean247

If you are reading this article on the homepage and you would like to read others’ comments on it or perhaps leave some comments of your own, just tap on the word “comments” above this article’s title. 🙂

Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 5: “You Can’t Sit Down”
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 6: “Don’t Let Me Go”

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 6: “Don’t Let Me Go”

Heffron Drive’s newest song, “Don’t Let Me Go” – and the video for it! – was released on the 24th – just in time for the start of Heffron Drive’s Summer Tour! 🙂

Single artwork
    The artwork for the single features the artistic rendering of a man’s fingertips gently resting on a woman’s hand, as if wordlessly asking her, “Please, don’t let me go.” The artwork reflects the theme of the song, as you will see. 🙂

Song
    Listening to this song, I find it a fascinating treat, tuning into the vast array of unique sounds that come together under very talented hands. 🙂 It starts its declaration of being another Heffron Drive hit at the very first note, catching your attention and holding it as you await what comes next. More sounds lend their ability to build the anticipation. A deeper tone soon joins in, escalating the the depth. 😎 (Yes, I just used those two words together – “escalating” and “depth” – if you listen to the song closely enough, you will hear what I mean. 😉 )

   At ten seconds the vocals begin. He sings with heartbreak in his voice, telling of his loneliness, admitting he made regretful mistakes, asking her for forgiveness for it all. At twenty-five seconds you begin to hear the guitar, lending its soulful tune to the story as only a well-played guitar can. It brings the sound of hope into the song, building up continuously as it soars toward the chorus when the vocals ring out to tell the girl that she means the world to him. And he wants the entire world to know it. Then he cries out the title, “Don’t Let Me Go!” Repeating this a few times, in various levels of pleading tones, the producers (who are Dustin and Kendall – also known as Heffron Drive 🙂 ) apparently had fun with the voice controls. 😛 How can boys resist all of those cool sound buttons, slides and levers? 😉 (And, no, that’s not one of the Chipmunks singing that one part, as a friend of mine commented to me – it’s one of the Yard Squirrels. 🙂 Enthusiasts of the “Big Time Rush” television show can readily tell you what that means. 😉 )

   I love the way the drums are in this song! Heffron Drive music would have good drum sounds in them, but now they are using actual drums – a great decision! 🙂 When they announced that the songs they are releasing this year have live drums in them, I was very happy about that. 🙂

   The character of the song tells his girl that he can’t find anyone else like her, speaking again of his loneliness and apologizing for what he did wrong.

   Although I didn’t get to hear Dustin vocals – I would so much like to hear the God-created instrument of his vocal chords on these songs – his music was heard otherwise, through the manmade instruments and production work that he so adeptly handles. 🙂 Heffron Drive is a duo and both members have excellent singing abilities. I could almost hear Dustin’s vocals joining in on the non-distorted part of the chorus, but was it only my creative imagination?

   I do know I heard some great guitar and other music at 2:23, painting an instrumental picture of a hot tropical beach vision with a sultry breeze blowing gently along the shore. 🙂

   There are so many fascinating things in this song; I like it. 🙂 The theme is good and so is the song. 🙂

   Toward the end of the song Kendall’s beautiful vocals at 3:15-“ooo” and 3:22-“ooo, yeah” are excellent. 🙂

Official Music Video
    When the music video began to play, I quickly recognized the video’s setting from DBelt’s Twitter picture he was using these past few months – cool! It was a hallway of lightbulbs hanging like drapes on either side with just the right amount of light. I believe Kevin G. Schmidt directed this video; I recognized his slo-mo technique that he utilized in the “Rain Don’t Come” music video.

   The video begins with close-ups of the unlit bulbs then a silhouette of Kendall in that hallway with a light shining from behind then, similarly, it switches to a silhouette of Dustin standing in the hallway, armed with his guitar. 😎 As the vocals begin, a black & white close-up of Kendall takes over the screen as he pours his heart into the vocals. As the tempo speeds up, the scene reverts to Kendall in the hallway, the lightbulbs now pulsing with the music – a cool concept. 🙂 It is a very good choice of brightness as well. 😎 The chorus begins as the scene changes back and forth between Kendall close-ups, him in the hallway, silver rectangles of confetti raining down on Kendall. Now we are a minute into the song. Quick flash sequences follow, another glimpse of Dustin, Kendall, Heffron Drive center stage, another silhouette of the very talented guitarist, DBelt. 🙂 Very cool shots. 🙂

   The second verse begins as Kendall continues to implore the girl to forgive and not let go of him. He definitely puts a lot of emotion into his singing; they are not sung as just ambiguous words and notes – he is putting himself into the story. The camera shot switches to Dustin, expertly playing the acoustic guitar as he moves in tune with the music. The chorus begins and Kendall, now the camera’s focus, backs up in two smooth moves as he cries out that she not let him go, as if he is trying to avoid being let go. He solemnly asks again that she not let him go. Then the video gets supercool. 🙂

   With those cool, higher instrument notes guiding the camera, the scenes flash by at two minutes into the video. Now Dustin and his gorgeous sparkling gold electric guitar are featured, deep into the music. 🙂 😎 A quick shot without his guitar, yet still deep in the music. 😎 Some of Kendall’s best scenes are right around here as he awaits her reply; you can easily see his hope and longing and his fear of losing her as he moves restlessly about at the forefront of the hallway he has been traveling up, closer to the camera = closer to her as he now implores her nonverbally.

   The guitar solo has arrived and it is cool! 🙂

   Kendall continues to sing as Heffron Drive now stands back-to-back on a rotating platform, Dustin playing his guitar. Special effects with this really cool various-currents almost lightning-like light flashing by adds to the overall unique style of the video. 😎

   The video plays out to the end of the song in varying sequences of Kendall doing his smooth back-step in the hallway, close-ups of Kendall, close-ups of Dustin, Heffron Drive standing on the turntable, DBelt groovin’ with his supercool guitar, Kendall – with various backgrounds including the green and red from earlier in the video – continues to pour his heart into the vocals.

In concert
    One day after its release, “Don’t Let Me Go” made its concert debut on the first stop of Heffron Drive’s Summer Tour. 🙂 It was cool to hear the song without the electronic sounds; I like hearing it both ways. 🙂 Dustin’s lead guitar was excellent; his solo later in the song, that tropical part I mentioned 🙂 , was the highlight of the song for me. Kendall was still recovering from a bad cold, but he managed to sing much like he did on the single. He’s one determined fellow. 🙂 I was happy to get to see footage from this debut performance; Dustin and Kendall’s concerts are always personable and fun. 🙂

   Thank you for reading my article; I hope you enjoyed it and will return to read more. 🙂 If you have any good thoughts you would like to share in relation to this article, please post it in the box provided below. Thank you! 🙂

Jean247

If you are reading this article on the homepage and you would like to read others’ comments on it or perhaps leave some comments of your own, just tap on the word “comments” above this article’s title. 🙂

Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 5: “You Can’t Sit Down”

Note: Any advertisements seen here are not chosen by me.

Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 5: “You Can’t Sit Down”

From their Columbia debut album, “Here They Come!” by Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay, comes the subject of this review: “You Can’t Sit Down”. 🙂

   “You Can’t Sit Down” is a cover (originally by The Dovells) performed at the start of a live, in-studio concert on September 24, 1964 at Columbia Records in California. This song is available for purchase on the highly collectible original vinyl as well as compact disc and digital download.

   In case you aren’t familiar with this amazing group, please allow me to give you a brief introduction. 🙂 Paul “Uncle Paul” Revere, co-founder of the original group (he also founded another group – using the same name – in the 1970’s), impressive wit, a ready answer, and blessed with great comedic timing, great musical talent, and a heart for those who fight to keep our country safe so we can live free – faithfully and actively supporting The Ride To The Wall Foundation. Mark “Mad Man Marcus” Lindsay, co-founder of the original, 100% genuine group, Cherokee, wise, observant, energetic, fun, top saxophonist, amazing vocals – soulful and gutty to tender and gentle. Drake “The Kid” Levin, top guitarist, no one can match his talent with the Epiphone guitar, brave, great vocals, cool moves. Mike “Smitty” Smith, Blackfoot, top drummer – amazing skills, peacemaker, deeply wise, entertaining. Mike “Doc” Holliday played the bass guitar for the concert song I’m currently reviewing, and, as you can hear in the song, he’s very talented and was another good part of the band, although he moved on and Phil “Fang” Volk replaced him before this album was finished. Phil is top bassist, very cool, nice, great vocals. Drake and Phil came up with most of the bands’ cool moves.

   On the subject of cool moves, the rocking-horse-leg-kick (which Bruno Mars borrowed a few years ago and did in concert with his groovin’ band), is one of the coolest dance moves ever – it goes perfectly with the music and keep in mind – these guys are singing and playing their instruments at the same time as doing this move! :).

   The group, as a whole, is amazingly talented in many areas: instrument playing – they get the most out of their instruments, singing, fun antics, entertaining with their wit and humor. Cool, fun and approachable. Great moves to the music. Behind-the-head guitar playing by both Drake and Phil. Songwriters, producers, musicians, singers – no end to the Raiders’ talents! 🙂 And they would do other cool stuff like entertaining the lunch crowds at Columbia Studios – very cool! Wildly popular, even when the record company didn’t have things quite in gear as far as promoting their artists, the guys music: consistently loved! Wherever Paul Revere & the Raiders performed, their records sold out. Their television appearances available on DVD are quickly out-of-stock and any footage of them on the Internet has huge hits! 🙂 Speaking of huge hits, “Kicks”, an anti-drug song their supercool producer, Terry Melcher, got for them from songwriters Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, is one of their most well-known hits. They also did the best cover ever of Richard Berry’s “Louie, Louie”. 🙂 They’re one cool, fun, talented group! 🙂

   Paul Revere & the Raiders added “Featuring Mark Lindsay” after their group name after some people mistakenly assumed Mark was the “Paul” since he was singing lead. Their U.S. Revolutionary War era-style uniforms are way cool, too: tricornered hats with gold trim – white feathers along Paul’s hat, velvet jackets (they looked great, but they sure held the heat in), era-accurate white shirts, pants, boots. A note about those boots: Paul Revere & the Raiders’ boot style was later erroneously dubbed “Beatle Boots” by the media. I say erroneously because Paul Revere & the Raiders started wearing this style of boot before The Beatles wore them. Also, it would understandably annoy/irritate Mark Lindsay whenever someone called his haircut a “Beatle Haircut”, because it wasn’t – he had that cut before the Brits, too. Thus Mark grew a Revolutionary War style queue so people would stop saying that. It is irritating when people give credit to someone else for something you came up with – and then say you’re copying them!

   On to the featured song in this review! 🙂

   Track #1, “You Can’t Sit Down”, begins with the sounds of the big crowd gathered at Columbia Studios for a very fun concert. 🙂 You can hear Paul, Mark, Smitty, Drake and Doc’s good-natured bantering amongst each other. Soon, a few keys of the organ are played then Paul holds with a steady stream of notes. The banter continues, the drum roll begins, and then the emcee grandly presents Paul Revere & the Raiders! 🙂 A three-note cue from the band’s fearless leader on the organ signals the instantaneous response of the rest of the group as they swing into a high-energy, lively rendition of “You Can’t Sit Down” – perfectly together. The sax – with the organ echoing – is the voice taking lead in this instrumental (or, mostly-instrumental, even though many songs labeled “instrumental” contain some vocals as well) version, with a thrumming bass, amazing lead guitar and magnificent drums all being played the very best those instruments are capable of. 🙂

   Throughout this energetic piece you can hear the band banter back and forth, whistles (Drake’s a proficient whistler), with plenty of “Yeah!” and “Hey!” vocals as they perform. And, yes, that’s the sax man yelling in between long runs of sax playing – the Creator gave this man an amazing set of lungs!

   Partway into the song the individual instruments are highlighted. Sax takes point. Mark is amazing. 🙂 At 1:32 Drake’s guitar work shines; his precision and blur of speed is awesome, without missing a beat ( 😉 ). The spotlight goes from the guitar to the drums at 2:05. 🙂 Yes, you are hearing one man and one drum kit! 🙂 Smitty’s drumming is out of sight! The organ gets some highlight time and the deep bass of Holliday can be heard throughout. 🙂 Warning for anyone listening on headphones: at 3:41 Mark hits – and holds – a very high note on the sax! In the last seconds of the song, super-lungs Lindsay yells with strength and volume that an average person would be hard-put to match after resting quietly – and he just finished that amazing run on the sax! And he was dancing. 😎

   These guys are excellent musicians and way cool groovy! 🙂 I love the music of the 100% genuine Paul Revere & the Raiders!!!!!! 🙂 Their albums include: “Here They Come!”, “Just Like Us!”, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere & the Raiders” (also known as “Midnight Ride”) and “Revolution!” (although the album cover doesn’t include all of the original band members who were there for the actual recordings – like Drake Levin). There’s a lot of great music on these albums and they are available with bonus tracks – like the Italian single version of “Little Girl in the Fourth Row” in which Mark sings the song in Italian – from Sundazed and digitally. 🙂

   Please feel free to share any good comments you have in the box provided; I would appreciate knowing you enjoyed reading my review. 🙂 More reviews are awaiting posting! 🙂

Jean247

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 4: Meet Heffron Drive

I’ll begin by individually introducing the founding members of Heffron Drive, Dustin Belt and Kendall Schmidt.

   Dustin Belt. He can calmly coax beautiful melodies from his guitar. He can rock his glasses right off his own face. He can move in rhythmic motion to the music he plays or dance across the stage, guitar in hand – never missing a beat, with the unbounded, barely-contained energy and liveliness of a wild stallion running free in his own territory. A witty tongue. An easy smile. A man whose vocals are mesmerizingly good and a great pleasure to hear. D. Belt writes. 🙂 And rocks. 🙂 Another really cool thing about Dustin that I love is that he wears his glasses – which always look great on him (he has good taste) – instead of irritating his eyes by using contacts. He’s smart and cool. 🙂

   Kendall Schmidt. Man of music. He can sing a tender melody. He can sing soulful, deep and gutty. He can hit high notes that soar up to the heavens with pure clarity. An easy-going familiarity that can make each person in the audience feel like they are his personal friend whom he is glad to see. 🙂 His humor is rich. He can play very cool guitar. He feels the music in his soul and it shows. 🙂

   As a team, these two gentlemen are Heffron Drive. Proficient. Articulate. Their music is original, unique. The sound that is Heffron Drive.

   Dustin and Kendall, who met and became friends in a California neighborhood whose street name you might recognize 😉 – Heffron Drive – are both proud of being from Kansas. I think it is really cool that strong friendship is such an integral part of their music that it is signified in the very name of their group. Already into the music scene, when Kendall signed up for the “Big Time Rush” TV show and recording group of the same name, Dustin was there, too, as the lead guitarist on tour as well as being a key part of Big Time Rush. He is readily recognized as the honorary fifth member of the group and has as strong a fan following as the rest of the guys (the other three members being Logan Henderson, James Maslow, and Carlos Pena, Jr./PenaVega). 🙂 Dustin and Kendall continued to write and perform as Heffron Drive even during the busy schedule of Big Time Rush. There are many fun, entertaining and witty Vines that they have recorded and posted for everyone to enjoy, too. 🙂

   Yet another cool thing about these two talented friends is that the love of music inspires them to achieve other challenges using their skillful ingenuity. They have their own recording label – TOLbooth Records – and spend hours upon hours on the work of recording, producing, editing, et cetera. Dustin even works on editing while they are inflight during a tour; Kendall turned his hotel room into a mini-studio before. These guys are very serious about their music – but not so serious that they lose sight of the purpose and the fun. Speaking of fun 😉 – they put their skillful ingenuity to much good use by building their own isolation booth for their California recording studio. From the ground up. By themselves. And these two manly men did an excellent job! 🙂 I love it that they made the decision to build it themselves and followed through with strong determination. It isn’t as easy as one might think; it must be done just right. I’m proud of them for this. 🙂

   My words are my own, but I hereby recognize the respected ownership of their own names, the titles to their songs, etc., as belonging to Dustin Belt and Kendall Schmidt, respectively.

   The Creator gives us many blessings; music is one of them. Whether a day goes well or not, good music can make it that much better or help make it feel so.

   To all who read this: please feel free to post any good comments of your own at the bottom of each part of the Living Article©, while keeping in mind consideration for others and their intellectual property. Thanks for reading! 🙂

Jean247

If you are reading this article on the homepage and you would like to read others’ comments on it or perhaps leave some comments of your own, just tap on the word “comments” above this article’s title. 🙂

Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video

 

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 3: “Rain Don’t Come” Single and Music Video

I first heard this upbeat, inspiring tune from concert footage when Heffron Drive was in Italy in March. I truly appreciate the hopeful theme of Heffron Drive’s music; Dustin and Kendall’s never-give-up attitude is encouraging to everyone who hears their music. I like the reference to the rain dance and well-placed hope that goes with that. When the tribes of the northwestern hemisphere need rain, we know Who to ask: the Creator. Sometimes the draught goes longer than we like, but we know the refreshing rain will come. That’s what true hope is: waiting with the knowledge that it will come, because He cares for us. In the chorus of “Rain Don’t Come”, Kendall sings that “we keep dancing but the rain don’t come”, repeating this to drive home the right attitude toward this dilemma: “so we keep dancin’!” Don’t give up hope. Don’t take the seemingly “no” answer to your prayer as a defeat. You keep praying (the rain dance is a prayer set to motion, asking the Creator to send rain), trusting it will come. And it does. Sometimes we (all peoples of the world) assume the Creator is saying no when we don’t get an immediate yes to our request, whatever that may be (by the way, if it’s okay to want it, it’s okay to ask for it 😉 ). The defeatist attitude is wrong thinking, though, because the answer might be “not yet” or “that’s not exactly how this problem is going to be best solved.” The keep dancing with true hope can be applied to every part of our life: don’t give up on something good. “Be strong and of a good courage” as it says in the Scriptures.

   I purchased this song within seconds of its release on 4-8-16. One of the aspects I appreciate about this song is the never-give-up hope theme. 🙂 Dustin’s guitar solo = supercool. 🙂

   On each verse, Kendall uses his voice to convey the feelings of deep loneliness and miserable dearth found in the situation set forth in the song. The tone of each note speaks of his plight and builds in desperation as well as hope as it reaches the chorus. The song tells of wandering, seeking, hoping – and not giving up. It tells of being brought down low, then of hope, a call to rise above, remembering that there have been other times of near-desperation and seemingly-hopeless situations. And that those times were survived. It is important to remember the good times that we have had and also the bad times; we need to remember that we have survived it all. That will help give us strength and encourage our faith through everything else that comes our way. The Creator made us, loves us and provides safety; we just need to accept the truth: we need Him, His forgiveness, and the gift of salvation through faith in Yeshua’s (Jesus’) dying in our stead so we can live eternally. In the Scriptures, John chapter three verses 16-18a explain it best: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned…” The Scriptures are written in old English and their manner of speaking varies somewhat from ours, so I’ll clarify what is meant by “should” and “might” as meant in these verses. “Should not perish” means you won’t perish if you believe in God’s Son, Yeshua/Jesus. “Might be saved” means if you put your faith in Yeshua/Jesus you are saved. 🙂

   The chorus of “Rain Don’t Come” carries on the theme of not giving up hope and of being steadfast in heart, continuing to dance in prayer and supplication for rain. I love the keys as they pick up at two minutes, twenty seconds into the song! 🙂 At shortly before three minutes, the band brings it down (this is often my favorite part in any song that breaks it down between the later choruses, especially since this is where the drums are usually the strongest focal point). Kendall’s nonword melodic vocals (I like what he did with this section in concert in Italy for their first performances of the song) were cool, fitting in well with the other instruments musically arranged there. This led into Dustin’s guitar solo. 🙂 It was cool; I would have been happy for its duration to have continued longer. 🙂

   Dustin’s and Kendall’s guitar playing is very good. The heart, talent and clean playing (as in: the lack of screeches that make my ears cringe) is something I greatly appreciate from guitarists who can manage that – and these two guys do well in all of those categories. 🙂 A flute adds to the feeling of airy dryness, setting the music scene well. I can hear a little bit of electronic in the break and well-placed bongos. The subtle bass and the drums lend their important musical presence as well. As I mentioned earlier, the keys are excellent! 🙂

   The finish of the song is very strong; I like that. It is a good song with a very good theme, although I would have liked to have heard more of Dustin’s super vocals. Both members of Heffron Drive are blessed by the Creator with vocal quality and talent.

   While this single was expertly recorded in the studio by Dustin and Kendall (TOLbooth Records), I always love to see and hear songs in concert footage best (when the performers are as solidly good as Dustin and Kendall). There is an extra energy and strength added to each part of the song. Heffron Drive sounds great in the studio and even better in concert. 🙂 That is so cool.

   The Official Music Video, directed by Kevin G. Schmidt, was a much-awaited-for event around the world. A friend and I had fun keeping watch of the time as 12:01 A.M. 4-15-16 approached; we were two of many – as shown by the thousands of hits it immediately had. 🙂 Accessing the video through the link Kendall had provided through Twitter (reposted on their website), we watched the video stream on 2G (which means it paused a lot as it downloaded – in about a half-hour’s time, but who could wait for the full video to completely download before starting to watch it?! 🙂

   A lot of planning and work goes into a music video from the first thoughts to the finishing touches. My thanks to each person who had a part in making so much of this video an enjoyable experience. 🙂

   The location of the video was as excellently selected as the theme of the song. 🙂 The desert is a very fitting place for the song to be filmed: they both speak of thirst yet include hope for quenching that thirst. The location isn’t a destitute place with only sand for miles around. It is a desert with hope; there is sparse green plant life among the desert rock, dirt and sand.

   The video is akin to a movie – packed within less than five minutes. Kendall has the majority of the screen time, representing the character of the song as he wanders through the desert, stumbling along in great need of water. Dustin has the coolest part in the video: he appears as a mirage, playing his electric guitar, no less! 😀 I love that part. 🙂 A distance away, a pretty girl on horseback sees Kendall bravely continuing onward. Just moments after he collapses from thirst she reaches him and tenderly cares for him. Cool fact about the horse: borrowed from Challen Cates, one of Kendall’s co-stars from the TV show “Big Time Rush” and also a great supporter of Heffron Drive. 🙂 I wish the female character in the music video had been attired in authentic-looking Tribal clothes, it would have been that much more powerful. She is attired in the typical misconception of what a woman of Tribal heritage would wear: not enough. Although more clothing was present than sometimes is in fictional films, it was still way less than a woman of any of the tribes on this continent would wear in real life. She would have on moccasins, leggings, a long-sleeved dress from neck to below the knees (varying lengths among the tribes yet all with the same result: the only exposed skin would be her face, part of her neck, and her hands).

   Kendall and the woman ride and join two men of First Nations (also referred to as American Indian, Native American, Tribal) heritage and soon have a bonfire going. Dustin makes a few more appearances – the mirage plays a very good guitar solo! 🙂 (I had expected to see Dustin involved in the rain dance; I have noticed that his energized, fleet-of-foot movements about the concert stage are akin to tribal dances. [For example you can see Heffron Drive’s performance of “One Track Mind” from CityWalk 2014 on YouTube.] I love watching that.) Back to the video for “Rain Don’t Come”: Kendall and the woman dance around the fire, the rain doesn’t come, so they keep dancing – in accordance with the lyrics. 🙂 Then the rain comes, just as they had hoped it would. I like it that this video ended with the realization of their hopes: the rain came. 🙂

Jean247

Thanks to @dbeltwrites for the single cover art and banner! 🙂

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?
Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2

 

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2

There is so much good music to review! When you think about how much there has been since the beginning of time, it is truly amazing. 🙂 To start my series, though, I had to make a choice and decided on two unique songs with “Interlude” in their respective titles. One is titled in simple grandeur, “Interlude”, an instrumental work of art by Heffron Drive. The other is the short, a cappella song “The Best Part (Interlude)” by Meghan Trainor; a poetic start to her record. 🙂

   So, ladies first? Sure, why not? 🙂 The gentlemen (Heffron Drive consists of/features friends-since-childhood Dustin Belt and Kendall Schmidt – both also of Big Time Rush) won’t mind waiting, deferring to the honor given to ladies and other dignitaries. 🙂 I appreciate that sign of respect.

   Twenty-five seconds of sweet singing that does not require any manmade instruments to make it beautiful. Lots of heart. From the soul. Happiness. A cheerful heart. A bright sunny day of melody that overcomes a rainy day with ease. That’s what I hear when I listen to “The Best Part (Interlude)” by Meghan Trainor from her Title (Deluxe) album. It is a pleasure to hear such a good example of how amazing the Creator made the human voice and how beautiful it can sound in song. The clarity and quality of her voice shines in this opening piece, making it clear from the very start that this record holds a promise of good music to enjoy. Thank you, Meghan. 🙂

   Thank you for waiting so patiently, Dustin and Kendall! 😉 Track #6 of the Happy Mistakes album is one minute and twenty-six seconds of instrumental art. Each note, each sound, each instrument is precise and joins together in perfect timing to form this musical masterpiece. It starts out low then it starts to grow in wonder and intensity. I like the natural musician, the cricket playing his serenade, being included; it brings an added touch of beauty and depth to the rest of the piece. The keyboard takes it from ground to sky as the song takes wing. The drum beats are perfectly placed, a deep, steadying beat that echoes the heart. And the volume continues to grow. The high, tinkling chime notes that play almost imperceptibly in the background from early on in the song comes closer to the forefront later on, bringing the song to yet another level of wonder and beauty. It keeps a presence of gentleness even as the intensity of the music continually builds in strength and power until, during the last seconds of the song, it levels out into the introduction of the following song in an intriguing welcome. Beautifully done. I would like to especially mention the artistry involved in not only the writing and performance of the song, but also the attention to minute details in the volume of each and every music note throughout the song during its production. Good job. 🙂 I recommend that you go somewhere quiet (or use headphones if no quiet is to be found where you are 😉 ), turn up the volume to a comfortable level of loud, set your player to “Interlude” then close your eyes and just listen. It is amazing how much more you can noticeably hear when you are tuned in to the music. Dustin and Kendall are very serious about their music. It shows. And it is appreciated. 🙂 Thanks, guys. 🙂

   I had the pleasure of seeing a few performances of this instrumental piece during Heffron Drive’s Happy Mistakes tour. I believe it is pure genius that they chose to begin their concerts with “Interlude” followed, naturally, by the song it leads into, “Art of Moving On”. It sets the stage superbly for the concert that the audience is about to enjoy. 🙂 Their shows are never cookie-cutter style; there are familiar similarities, of course, but it never has a “if you’ve seen one show you’ve seen them all” feel to it. Each concert is unique from start to finish, because Dustin and Kendall performs from their souls anew each time they take the stage. It is never “just a performance”; it is always music from the heart and soul. Integrity. Honesty. Please allow me to give you a glimpse into their intro… The houselights go down. The keyboardist and drummer begin to play “Interlude”. The atmosphere is electric. Well-timed strobes of light shine on the awaiting scene. The music builds and so do the cheers of the happy audience. The stage lights up when Dustin and Kendall take to the stage. Sometimes they already have their guitars in hand, but some nights, like tonight, one of their cool crew hands each gentleman his guitar of choice. Without breaking the beat, the guys get their guitars set, swinging into the music with natural music grace. During the more quiet last seconds of “Interlude”, Kendall greets the crowd, announces that they are Heffron Drive and gives the title of their first song of the night, “Art of Moving On”. And from there on it gets even better. 🙂 If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing these guys in concert, you might want to treat yourself to one. 🙂

   As I was preparing this review for publishing, I listened to the song yet again and there is something else I would like to say about it. “Interlude” by Heffron Drive has the beauty and power of a great work in movie theme music. Now, if only someone could write a movie worthy of this excellent instrumental… Can it be done? I believe Kevin G. Schmidt could. 🙂

   Meghan Trainor and Heffron Drive – both acts sing it and play it like they mean it. I have always appreciated that quality in music and look forward to hearing more from these artists. 🙂

   Part 3 in my Living Article© for supercool music will be published before long. Please come back and check it out; the song I choose to review could be from almost any genre or date! I look forward to more fun here with you. Please feel free to tell your friends about my series; I appreciate getting to share my love of good music with everyone. Thank you for your time in reading my works and for any good words you might post about them on here. 🙂

Jean247

 

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?

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Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 1: What’s This?

I had an idea, a unique one. It is unlike anything I have seen or read before, so much so that I coined a new phrase to describe it: “Living Article”©. No, it doesn’t literally breathe or have a soul, but it is literarily a living thing – it is inspired (to inspire is to “breathe”) and good music has soul. To describe it further, it isn’t merely a one-shot article that lasts the literary reading equivalent of the freshness of bagels. This is a continuing, flourishing article that doesn’t end. Each new part (installment) will show up as a new blog post – although it is one continual article, in essence. (You can also find quick access to specific posts by checking out my “Article Subjects & Links” page from the menu above.)

   My Living Article© will feature reviews and information on music by various artists from varying genres. I enjoy listening to a wide range of music – hot-off-the-press as well as from previous months and years. It will be fun to see which song gets featured in each installment! This continuing series is planned to include interesting topics such as: reviews of the artist’s/group’s albums, their exclusive/concert-only songs, cover songs, worldwide concert performances, things that are the same – or different – between their studio album and their live performances of those same songs (this is very cool stuff), behind-the-scenes type of things, and other related information that is cool to know!

   My words are my own, but I hereby recognize the respected ownership of the artists’ own names and of those who own or have authored the group names, stage names, song/album/tour titles, music and so forth. To the best of my knowledge, everything in my article is true. If your music is featured and you find something incorrect, please kindly contact me and I’ll gladly tend to it. 🙂

   What you won’t find in my Living Article©: I give you my word that there won’t be any profanity; I respect and love the Creator too much to use His Name disrespectfully. You also won’t find any hardcore cussing in my writing; I find that thoughts can be conveyed clearly and strongly without the use of unnecessary language. Nor will you find here any reviews or information on any songs that are labeled “explicit” by their publishers. I cannot review what I have not listened to and I have no desire to listen to any type of hate music, so you won’t find any of that here, either. Music encourages and inspires us – for good or for bad. I choose for good; I hope you do, too. 🙂

   Please feel free to post any good comments of your own at the bottom of each part of the Living Article©, while keeping in mind consideration for others and their intellectual property. Thanks! 🙂

Jean247

If you are reading this article on the homepage and you would like to read others’ comments on it or perhaps leave some comments of your own, just tap on the word “comments” above this article’s title. 🙂

Supercool Music: A Living Article© Part 2: Interlude x 2

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