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

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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!