Logan Brill's Walking Wires

Above Logan Brill performs one of her new songs from the album "Walking Wires." Well, I haven't written as much as I have wanted to lately. The truth is my life is a bit crazy right now. Then on top of that there is the Holidays. Well, I was writing some articles on examiner and I took interest in one of the opening acts. Logan Brill, she is young and beautiful like so many other Country artists on the scene today. However, I found her music more honest less pop and more Americana. Sure the themes are familiar but she found a way to seperate herself musically. You can read what I thought here.

I liked the music I stumbled into something nice to listen too. Check it out and see if you agree. As a writer I was proud to see it was featured in Yahoo! Voices music since it had been a while since I have written on that site. I will be back there in the new year.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2014

Back for another round of who's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2014.

Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel is officially a two-timer! A two time member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that is. The first time around he was inducted as a member of Genesis, this time around he is being honored for his solo work.I agree with his selection. He had a big hit with Sledgehammer and a lot of his songs got a tremendous amount of airplay.

"Solsbury Hill"

Cat Stevens

It is a "Wild World" out there and Cat Stevens deserves this honor just ask Mr. Big. But Mr. Big wasn't the only superstar to have a hit due to a song Cat Stevens wrote, Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow will tell you "The First Cut is the Deepest."

Hall and Oates

I remember liking them as a young kid. Somewhere down the line it became not as cool. But I like what I have seen Daryl Hall do recently with his live from his house show or what not.In truth they were very talented.

"Private Eyes"

Linda Ronstadt

A good call she belongs here. You might be "No Good" but she is. 11 Grammy good.

There you have it, and next year maybe..

Happy 70th Keith Richards!

As "Wicked As It Seams" Keith Richards turns 70 today. He is still going strong, rocking with The Rolling Stones and recently released a hit book. The only way to celebrate Keith's birthday is to celebrate his music.

Here he is with the Rolling Stones...

Here Keith Richards performs with Willie Nelson..

I know I have blogged about Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones a few times. The challenge is to try not to repeat the same videos.You can search my other post for more videos.

This song might be a repeat, but it is the most fitting way to wrap up this post..

Happy Birthday, Keep Rocking

Part One: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2014

Again Deep Purple did not make the cut.I might be bias but the band has one of the most iconic songs in rock "Smoke on the Water." The album "Machine Head" is a masterpiece. When you have guitarists named Richie Blackmore and Steve Morse in your band in different eras you might be great.

I'm not saying they were the only band not to make it int the Hall of Fame that had a good argument for membership. I am not taking away from this year's class. Just saying Deep Purple belongs.

Kiss

I remember them from the 70s. They could be the first rock group, I was exposed to which was a departure from the cowboy music I was into at the time. They have a huge fan base and they still make headlines and grab media attention today.Can't argue this selection...

Nirvana

Honestly, I liked Pearl Jam better as far as grunge bands back in the day. A lot of Nirvana songs hold up well when you listen to them today. They had Dave Grohl on drums which is always a good thing. It was sad when Kurt Cobain killed himself. it is sad whenever a 27 year old does that. Would they be inducted now if Kurt Cobain was still alive? I think probably not. Kurt Cobain has become a mythical, idol to some which is probably good for Rock and Roll.

There were more but I will get to them on another post!

One Year Ago Sandy Hook

The following people could have been great leaders, doctors, athletes, teachers, inventors, musicians, artists, Mothers, Fathers, and the list could keep going. They all should be enjoying second grade. I remember them in my blog in this list:

• Charlotte Bacon 
• 
  
• Daniel Barden
• 
  
• Olivia Engel
• 
  
• Josephine Gay
• 
  
• Dylan Hockley
• 
  
• Madeleine Hsu
• 
  
• Catherine Hubbard
• 
  
• Chase Kowalski
• 
  
• Jesse Lewis
• 
  
• Ana Marquez-Greene
• 
  
• James Mattioli
• 
  
• Grace McDonnell
• 
  
• Emilie Parker
• 
  
• Jack Pinto
• 
  
• Noah Pozner
• 
  
• Caroline Previdi
• 
  
• Jessica Rekos
• 
  
• Avielle Richman
• 
  
• Benjamin Wheeler
• 
  
• Allison Wyatt

I wonder what dreams they had. My heartbreaks at the heartbreak their parents endured. It is sad to think about what will never be.

The following lost their lives too. They aren't famous or wealthy. They are missed. They are true heroes..

Dawn Hochsprung Sandy Hook's principal

Mary Shelach the school's psychologist

Victoria Leigh Soto Teacher

Lauren Roussaeu teacher

e da

Rachel D'Avino Teacher's aid

Anne Marie Murphy Teacher's aid

Nancy Lanza I am sorry your child killed you. Adam Lanza, I am sorry you killed all those people. I am sorry you killed your mom. I am sorry you didn't get the help you needed. I am sorry no one kept you away from guns. 

They are gone but not forgotten. May one day we lift each other up. Lay our hurt and pain down. No need to kill one another. Share shoulders to cry on. Share comfort. It would be a better world..

• 
  

Kelly Thomas

I blog a lot about famous musicians, actors, and famous people who die. Perhaps someone in that realm who might be more obscure, but somewhere they had their 15 minutes of fame or more. I read on social media posts after blogging about Paul Walker's death that no one ever writes about ordinary people who pass away. I took that as a challenge. Work one in now and then.

Well, today's blog is about a guy name Kelly Thomas. He was a 37 year old homeless man. Reportedly mentally handicapped with the mental capacity of a child. The homeless that grabbed me too.I have worked with various organizations to stop homelessness. I see it everywhere. It is a major problem.

Today on Facebook on my feed I had two posts back to back. One about a police officer shoving an attack dog through the window of a suspects car to bite said suspect. That was pretty bad, then the next post was about Kelly Thomas. I've met some very nice police officers. I call some my friends. The actions of these cops were not right.

Don't watch the video at work. It is graphic, there is foul language, it is disturbing. Police were called to the area about a person breaking into cars that is why Kelly Thomas was being questioned. Investigators later confirmed Kelly Thomas did not break into the cars.

Below is the video..

The homeless are people they have rights too. Most police officers aren't like this.Obviously some are as the video shows. Could more training help? Questions we all can ask. Did Kelly Thomas deserve to die? No. Could this have been prevented? Yes. Do homeless people need places to live? Yes.

The BCS Championship

Florida State belongs in the National Championship game, The Seminoles took care of business, were undefeated, and dominated their competition. FSU is for real.A lot of teams could make the case to challenge Florida State.

However, the Auburn Tigers lucky as they might be did defeat the defending Champions, Alabama.The Crimson Tide is third in the polls but they just lost to Auburn.Michigan State made a compelling argument by beating Ohio State.

I think they made the right call. If Auburn wins other one loss teams might argue with their season resume.However, I don't think they would match the Tigers if some of those wins did leave their fans in cardiac arrest.The Tigers would have beaten then #1 Bama and then #1 FSU hard to debate that,

If Florida State wins hard to debate undefeated!

Jim Morrison and John Lennon

December 8 marks what would have been Jim Morrison's 70 birthday and today marks the anniversary of John Lennon's death. Both died early one by the excesses of being The Lizard King and one by a bullet. Both were great poets. That is where the comparison should end.Lennon had more musical talents, while Morrison was more The Shaman of Rock and Roll. Both left us with a great musical legacy.

Let the Celebration proceed..The Doors "Light My Fire"

Let's travel "Across the Universe" with John and The Beatles..

Jim's thoughts on the future of music was he right?

The Doors "Indian Summer"

John Lennon "Watching The Wheels Go By"

Thoughts on a reunion..

Another great song..

What do we do now "When The Music's Over"

"Celebration of the Lizard"

"Instant Kharma"

The songs could go on but I "Imagine" I will wrap this post up..

"This Is the End"

R.I.P. Nelson Mandela

December 5, 2013 the world lost a great man when Nelson Mandela. He lived an amazingly long life to 95. Considering he was arrested in 1962 and wasn't released until 1990. Hard labor, vision damage and a battle with TB during the prison years makes it even more surprising.

His life makes an incredible story. Prison, overcoming apartheid, becoming President of South Africa, winning the Nobel Peace Prize to become a philanthropist so many twists and turns. He leaves behind quite a legacy.

He could have been bitter but he was not. What he overcame is remarkable.The world and South Africa mourn Nelson Mandela, may he rest in peace.

Remembering Tommy Bolin

Tommy Bolin died at the young age of 25. He was on his "Private Eyes" tour. The night before he had opened for the legendary Jeff Beck and had also opened shows for Peter Frampton. The young man earned those spots by being the guitarist in Zephyr, Energy, James Gang, Deep Purple and more. He also put out a couple of solo albums. In the end his demons took him.Today we look back and celebrate this guitarist and his work.

Here he is solo with the song "Teaser"

Another solo gem "Dreamer"

Here is "Cross the River" with Zephyr..

Here is "Heart light" with Energy

Here is Deep Purple performing "Burn" with Tommy..

It is just a taste of what Tommy Bolin did with his short career, I hope you enjoy!

Fantasy Football: My Team is in the Playoffs

My fantasy football team won for the second week in a row clinching a playoff spot. The game that lead my team to victory was a game most NFL fans this season don't care about, the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Cleveland Browns.

One of my wide receivers is Jacksonville's Cecil Shorts...

Cleveland's Josh Gordon another receiver I had a monster game catching 10 passes for 261 yards! Here he is on a big catch from last year.

Gordon has two 200 plus yard games back to back and my fantasy team thanks him! Well I have one week until the playoffs.

Woody Sez is Back at Theatre J

Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie is back at Theatre J in Washington, D.C. When I reviewed it last year I discovered it was pretty much the same production that worked the stages of London's West End (the English equivalent of Broadway.) The same cast, design and director. In reality you get see a West End quality production up close at Theatre J. The show is easily one of the best values for musical theater in Washington. You can read my review of last year's show here.

However, it is a different year. How is this years production? Apparently this year's production is still incredible! Christina Marie Frank of DC Metro Theater gives the production five stars! You can read her review here. John Stoltenberg also from DC Metro Theater Arts also chimed in on the experience and you can read his views here. However, I would encourage you to check out a performance for your self.

Here is a trailer for the show from another theater. Yes it is a traveling show.

After the show stay for the Hootenanny to hear even more music. Below is a little taste..

Here they perform "Bound for Glory"

Trust me the show is packed with more music.Plus there is a distinct dramatic side to it and a story to be told. Go and catch the show if you can.

R.I.P Paul Walker

Paul Walker was best known for his roles in The Fast and the Furious movies. Ironically and sadlt Paul Walker died in a tragic car accident along with a business associate. Paul's breakout movie was probabl Varsity Blues.

The driver Roger Rodas who wish to say rest in peace as well. Rodas was Walker's financial adviser, the CEO of Walker's Always Evolving performance shop, and a person who helped Walker create his charity Reach Out Worldwide.

Clip of Walker on a shop event..

Below is a clip about his charity...

The car burning..

A slide show..

May the two folks rest in peace!

20 years of Jacksonville Jaguars Football

Twenty years ago the Bold New City of the South, Jacksonville was awarded an NFL franchise. Te team didn't start playing until 1995. 10 years prior to the city being awarded a team of their own my family left Jacksonville for Maine. I remember seeing Jacksonville Sharks of The World Football League in the Gator Bowl.

In visits since we left Jacksonville I went to an exhibition game between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in the Gator Bowl.Then during one of the Jaguars better seasons I came down and watched a Jaguars game in person. It was a Sunday night game against the Bengals.

Here is an article I wrote which managed it's way onto Yahoo Sports which covered the history of the Jaguars from 1995 through the 2009 season. Here is a smaller article about how the team became the Jaguars.

Yes the Jacksonville is suffering through a dismal season, and haven't had a winning season since 2007. They did have a .500 season in 2010. Still they have a new coach, a new owner, and new plans for the years a head. Here is a cheer for the first 20 years and I am looking forward to the next 20. 

Celebrating George Harrison

Perhaps George Harrison's solo career did not match that of his former Beatles band mates John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Maybe George doesn't grab attention like Ringo Starr. None the less, George Harrison did have a solid solo career despite his lack of touring. Harrison was also an important member of the Fab Four. Today marks 12 years since the guitarist passed away.

All things Must Pass including George..

Here is one great rythym guitarist talking about another. Keith Richards on George Harrison..

Hopefully he found "Cloud Nine"

I bet his guitar still "Gently Weeps"

A true song of hope..

We all remember when he was fab...

He is missed. what George songs do you like?

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

I am thankful a friend invited me to eat with his family. It was really kind especially since I couldn't be with my family.

Anyway I made a wrong turn on the way to my friend's house. A turn to soon using the navigator. As fate had it I came up to red light an there were some people in a black Mercedes SUV talking to a homeless man. They gave him a full meal and a clean shirt.

The two events taught me a lot about what Thanksgiving should be about.

On the subject of the meal it was delightful. Started out with a nice glass of wine. Probably the best tasting white wine I have ever had. Not saying much since I rarely drink wine. A meal with turkey, potatoes, garden fresh vegetables, squash from the same garden, stuffing, and rolls. I guess you could call it the works. It went by fast, since work was on tapped.

That's my holiday yours?

Happy Birthday Jimi Hendrix

Yes I celebrate Jimi Hendrix on my blog when I have the chance. I mark his death and birthday. Today Jimi Hendrix would have been 71. To celebrate his birthday I offer up Hendrix performing covers. I know I am only going to share a handful so if you have a favorite one feel free to share.

Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix were friends. Here Jimi Hendrix covers Cream's "Sunshine of Your Life"...

Jimi Hendrix made Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" his own. Below he covers Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone"..

Jimi Hendrix could play about anything. Here he plays Carl Perkin's "Blue Suede Shoes"

Here Hendrix covers The Trogg's "Wild Thing"

I am not going to post some obvious covers since I was trying to avoid repeating myself. Enjoy Jimi's birthday!

Remembering Freddie Mercury

22 years ago Freddie Mercury passed away. One of the top front men of all time, a great singer, and a member of a band all of my kids have enjoyed, I enjoyed as a kid and now, the band of course is Queen.

Here is how many of us heard the news on MTV..

I think I will share a few of my favorites here. I am sure I will miss some but I have blogged about Queen before so there may be a few more.

Here he performs "Living on My Own"...

As an adult I can relate to this song, which also features David Bowie..

This song hooked me as a kid on this band, my son and daughter have both enjoyed this song as well..

We will end with this one..

Thanks for stopping bye I will be back soon with a new post!

Remembering Hubert Sumlin

Today, November 16 marks Hubert Sumlin's birthday. The great blues guitarist passed away a few years back.I met him once and shot the breeze with him. He was a gracious man. As a blues fan it is a memory I will cherish.

Here he gives a blues history lesson..

Hubert Sumlin doing what he did best..

Jamming with some all stars..

Hope you enjoy! Like the tunes check out the Pirate Radio on facebook for more.

Happy Birthday Whopi Goldberg

Today is Whoopi's Birthday! So it is time to celebrate her career as an actor and comedian.

Here she is in "Sister Act"

Here is a bit of stand up...

On "The View"

A trailer for "Made in America"

Her career has spanned Broadway, movies, comedy stages and television.

Happy Birthday Neil Young

Today Neil Young turns another year older. He is still an "old man"

However, he has had a long career and provided lots of music.

In lots of styles..

 

Well I wish him many more birthdays and hope he keeps on rocking...

Veteran's Day

Most Veteran's Days I write a blog post thanking our veterans. They deserve a thank you everyday for the sacrifices they make and they all make sacrifices. I say thank you to those who served in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, The Coast Guard, the reserves and guard.

I wish you all peace! I also wish your brothers and sisters in arms who are missing in action make it home some day and that they are never forgotten!

Mike's Pirate Radio

Well I decided to start a Pirate Radio page on facebook. I got the idea from Devon Allman who has a similar page on facebook. I share a lot of music on this blog. The difference is I will share music from musicians I know, local artists from everywhere, some obscure artists, some mainstream, and a lot of different genres.

I take suggestions, posts, promote gigs, I hope it turns into a bunch of fun! Here is the link to the page.
I have Americana music from Delnora Reed, Country Blues from Duffy Kane, rocking blues from Bobby Parker, and African artist Oliver Mtukudzi performing a song Bonnie Raitt had a hit with!

This is just day one more to come! However, feel free to join the fun!

Joni Mitchell Happy 70th

Joni Mitchell could be the most influential musician of her generation. A huge  statement I thought about when I realized today was her 70th birthday. Her catalog stacks up well. Her songs have been covered a lot. I think her songs could compare well with Bob Dylan's songs. I think she herself a bit with her musicianship playing more instruments. Her guitar playing and alternate guitar tunings even influenced Jimmy Page.However, music is not a competition. She is great, she is perhaps under rated, and she is now 70! We celebrate it here with lots of songs...

I really like this song Both Sides Now. A friend of mine turned me onto this song a long time ago and I was lucky enough to see Judy Collins cover it over the summer.

This song might be my favorite Joni Mitchell song..A Case of You..

She is probably best known for this song..

Another favorite..

She never made it to Woodstock but she wrote this..

I could go on and on with her songs. I hope you enjoyed and I will be back soon with a new post.

11.06 Happy Birthday Glen Frey

Glen Frey turned 65 today. Being a member of The Eagles and having a solo career is a great reason to celebrate his birthday!

Here is a fun look back at his Miami Vice days with his Pepsi commercial with Don Johnson..

"The Heat is On" from The Beverly Hills Cop movies..

Part of You, Part of Me from Thelma and Louise Soundtrack

Yes he had a boom in 80s TV and movies. The shows I grew up with.

Here he is with Eagles...

What a career! Cheers to 65!

My Fantasy Team Got Crushed

It was ugly my fantasy football team was crushed 160 to 84. My team was on a good run and had won several straight. The loss drops me to 5-4 and fourth place.

It didn't help that Nick Foles had a season for the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished with 48 points. My quarterbacks finished collectively with 4. Foles had a record game tossing seven touchdown strikes,

Oh well there is always next week.

Voices of Wetlands

I had been wanting to catch Tab Benoit's Voices of Wetlands All-Star Band for sometime. Well the last time I was in New Orleans my friend Eric mentioned they were playing later in the month. I didn't know if I could make it since my hours at work were changing. Well things worked out.



Well the lineup for the band changes quite often. Being the guitar fan that I am I wanted to catch Tab playing with Anders Osborne another great guitarist living in the New Orleans area. My wish was granted! Truth be told I wold have made the trip just to see Tab play.

It was a bonus that the proceeds of the free concert series was going to help the hungry in New Orleans. It sames like everywhere there are hungry and homeless. A good cause, beautiful weather, a good friend, and great music. That's what I call a super mid-week get away.



There was a third guitarist in the band this time around, he was Tom Malone. He was in a local band called The Subdudes and has played with a bunch of greats. The band also consisted of Waylon Thibodeaux on fiddle and Johnny Sansone on harmonica and accordion both musicians were a real treat and added a lot of Louisiana culture to the show.

Here they play "Let it Go" from that show..

Here they perform "Poor Man's Paradise" from that show..

Really you can't beat that for a free concert in a city park! Obviously I enjoyed the show and thought I wold share.

Still Fishing..

Well the fishing at my usual spot stopped being productive for me so I stopped fishing for about three weeks.
Earlier in September I wrote a post about my fishing adventures. To catch you up I did try another a spot and caught some Southern Kingfish also know as Ground Mullet. No these are not the big Kingfish, they are rather small but supposed to be darn good table fare. This spot was closer to the gulf of Mexico, I also caught my usual suspects croakers and pinfish.

I went back to my regular spot and a lagoon down the road. The lagoon was more freshwater and I managed to catch two nice size hardhead catfish. They like fresh, brackish and salt water. I tired of catching them and went back to my spot and caught a smaller catfish. The spot was good for me I fished it a few times catching more redfish, catfish, some small sea bass, pinfish and croaker. I also caught a new fish for me..

Black drum, I caught two about this size one day..


September was good but October the fishing changed.

Well today was nice, I was running errands and had lunch. My fishing rod was in my truck and where I was felt a lot warmer than 70 degrees like my phone said it was. So I went to my usual bait shop, the guy suggested my spot should still be productive and even hinted I walk out in the water. I asked for other spots and he suggested one I tried the lagoon. I tried my spot with no luck. An osprey flew over me and I saw four pelicans resting on pilings. The birds weren't even fishing and nothing was touching my shrimp. So, I tried the other spot.

Nothing for a while, then I started getting some bites. The fish were better at bait stealing than I was at catching them for sure! The sun was starting to set so I went to the other side of the bridge. It was worth it since I did get to capture this..



Then I was getting some bites on the other side. Finally, I caught something a stingray.



You never know what you might catch. 

R.I.P Bobby Parker

His musical resume is impressive on a world wide level. However, like a lot of great musicians he made the Washington, D.C. area his home. I am talking about the blues guitarist Bobby Parker who I wrote an article about his passing which you can read here.

Obviously on an article like that I am limited on the music I can share. Here I am not. Since I shared the sad story and his bio information in the  article. I wanted to share his music and celebrate his life, I had the privileged to see him perform a couple of times.

He is best known for this influential hit..

Here Bobby Parker plays with Carlos Santana..

Here he performs "Blues Get Off My Shoulder"

I am going to end with The Spencer Davis Group covering Bobby Parker

Bobby Parker rest in peace you will be missed!

All Saints Day

In honor of All Saints day and being pretty close to New Orleans I thought I would dedicate my post to "When The Saints Go Marching In."


Here is a classic version by Louis Armstrong...

From a jazz great to a blues great here is B.B. King's version...

Here is the funk master James Brown with his Motown version...

Bringing it back to New Orleans with Dr. John...

Maybe a royal version by the king himself Elvis..

and I'll end with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band giving a great brass, funky, New Orleans version of the great song..

Enjoy your All Saints Day and enjoy the music!

Happy Halloween

Well I have to work tonight so not to much of a Halloween for me. However,, I have been watching some horror movies this week to get in the mood for the holiday.

I started off with Alligator X, it fit with the bayous and swamp lands that make up my surroundings, especially on road trips to New Orleans.

Here is the trailer for the movie..

The next one was Snake Island...

These moves were kind of predictable. The alligator special effects was neat and the inbred bad guys were humorous in a sophomoric way. Lots of snakes in the snake one. Pretty predictable, lots of animals, and lots of "cheese."

Then I switched from the nature horrors to a vampire movie..

We Are The Night was about some female vampires. It actually had a couple of interesting love stories woven into the plot.

Well those were my Halloween movies this year, feel free to share yours!