Going Higher with Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé takes us Higher on March 25. With new original songs, a standard or two and a collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney, it looks to be a fresh and fantastic new release. The man's lived through a lot the last few years. Sounds like it might be reflected a bit in his music. We'll see!

My Very Own Grown Up Christmas List

As I sit and reflect on the year that has passed, I see so much pain and loss. Maybe you do as well. Yet, I can still truthfully say "Merry Christmas to You!", and I mean it. In that spirit, and in no particular order, I offer my very own Grown Up Christmas List (with thanks to David Foster who wrote it and folks like Amy Grant, Natalie Cole, or Michael Bublé whose versions I love):

• A Peaceful United States During 2020: Election years are truly the worst since the Clinton days. Instead of civilly discussing issues, all parties and most voters seem to be willing to spew hatred toward each other, further damaging a country clearly divided. 

• An End to Hunger and Religious Persecution: If you read the Bible, you know this will not happen until Jesus returns to the earth. In the meantime, consider bringing food and hope to children around the world. It's too late to send gifts for Operation Christmas Child, but you can always sponsor a child through Compassion International. What a joy to help feed a child who is probably homeless and most certainly needy. You can go deeper and help those who face hardship and death because they are Christians in a nation where they are severely marginalized or tortured because of their faith. Open Doors is one of the best ministries to support. In the 1930's, Jews were being persecuted, and few stood up to the Nazis until millions had been executed. That is a fact, not fiction. Don't look the other way until a group you are part of suffers.

• More Family Friendly Entertainment: I get so tired of movies and television shows I cannot watch with my family! Filthy language is never needed to convey a character's thoughts or emotions. Violence can be tempered and discreetly shown or implied. And I do not want to see what happens in someone's bedroom. Period. The grooming of children toward a more animalistic nature is something horrible, and make no mistake, we will be judged for our words and actions. 

• An Awareness of God's Love: Can you imagine your life projected onto a screen for all the world to see? I would be so ashamed of some of the things I've done! Wouldn't you? Although God Himself is holy, pure, and righteous, He is also merciful and loving to those who come to him and express their remorse and brokenness, choosing to follow Him and live by the standards He designed the world by. His love drove him to send His Only Son to the cross to die for the sin we all deserve punishment for. No one gets a pass. We all have to answer to Him. Heaven for those who follow and trust. Hell for the rest. It was created for angels who rebelled against Him, and those who choose to reject God's great gift. It's your choice. Is this too blunt? The truth is watered down all too frequently. 

• Joy to the World: There's joy in the comfort that only Jesus Christ brings. All else is temporary at best. May the whole world stop- if just for one day- to enjoy a respite of peace, love, hope, and joy.

Merry, Merry, Christmas to You and those you love!

Such A Night: Michael Buble' Rocks Pepsi Center

What a gift to be able to see the incredible Michael Buble' live! Thanks to Groupon, we actually had a chance at the discounted rate of $85 a seat- but it was so worth it! 

Focusing on his recent Love collection, the sold out venue held an appreciative crowd on July 13th at Denver's Pepsi Center. With a full enthusiastic band, plenty of horns, lush strings and gifted background singers, the crooner with the sharp sense of humor (not G-rated!) treated fans to two hours worth of a swinging good time. Yes, he did Home, but he opened the show with the expected Feeling Good, got romantic with When I Fall in Love, and gave so much more than we expected. It was Such A Night- his newest hit- and the highlight of the concert.

Notable and Quotable: Michael Bublé

"We took it day by day... We all moved and lived by (Children's Hospital Los Angeles) and we just had the best doctors. God, thank you Jesus Christ."

Michael Bublé, speaking of his son's cancer

Michael Bublé Returns with Love

As one of the most gifted singers in this era, Michael Bublé returns to music in a big way. His new album Love comes out next month and includes the Nat King Cole classic When I Fall in Love as well Unforgettable, and a personal favorite of mine, I Only Have Eyes For You.

It's nice to see him back and happy. After his son's diagnosis with cancer a few years ago, things look good for his eldest son and his family continues to grow. He and wife Luisana Lopilato have recently added a new daughter to their now family of five. Check out the interviews with him as he discusses the cancer battle and its impact on his views of life and what makes him happy.

Back to the album. With great songs to be sung, it's a reunion of sorts with David Foster, the mega-star producer who first brought Michael to the limelight. Michael's warm tones and choice of vintage material bring just the right flavor for the coming holidays, much like Karen Carpenter and her brother Richard did in the 70's- who also happened to record the Nat King Cole classic found on their album Lovelines. Wouldn't it be great to have someone create a virtual duet?

Welcome back, Michael! You were missed!

The Very Thought of You

One of my all-time favorite songs from the American Standards songbook. Now sung by one of my favorite contemporary artists, Mr. Michael Buble. The Very Thought of You. What a gem! I hope the new album, Nobody But Me, is as good...

Michael Buble's Christmas Misfire

This guy has one of the greatest voices ever. Smooth and warm or crisp and focused, Michael Buble can sing it all. And I love so much of what he puts out. Unfortunately, his brand new Christmas single, "The More You Give (the More You'll Have)" falls flat. It's a very nice and very true sentiment, but the snappy arrangement doesn't quite come together- and for one of the first times, it sounds like a rather uninspired vocal performance. Sorry, Michael- really!

Classy Christmas

Christmas music is a family tradition in our home, and its on most days and into the night after Thanksgiving is over. Our collection covers a variety of styles, pop to R&B, country to jazz, vocals to instrumentals, sacred to secular. With family all around and music in the air, it's difficult to not thank God for His blessings- especially the gift of Jesus, the centerpiece of the holiday.

Let's take a look a some of the most beautiful Christmas album covers. While much of the year album art is meant to be eye catching and can be trendy or even garish, Christmas albums often are elegant and simple in their beauty. Here are a few favorites in alphabetical order and some comments on the music within.

Mary J. Blige guests on Andrea Bocelli's album for its centerpiece performance- the rich and delicate "What Child Is This?" What a gorgeous voice this man has. I first came to really appreciate it hearing him on Chris Botti's Italia album. 

Each decade seems to produce a most favored vocalist that listeners hear repeatedly on Christmas radio. In the new century, Michael Bublé seems to rule the Christmas roost. His Christmas disc (deluxe edition) contains 19 tunes, covering a wide variety of styles but with an overall 40's crooner flair. There are many cuts to enjoy, all well done without a single stand out. Well rounded or just all excellently performed? Does it matter? Michael Bublé is probably the finest male vocalist of the decade. 

The first of two Christmas albums by the beloved duo Carpenters. This 1978 release was quite the surprise in one way as Christmas albums had long gone out of style. Karen Carpenter's voice is the voice of the holiday in our home, and the day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas season officially begins once Karen sings "Frosted Window Panes"- the opening line from the gorgeous sweeping "Christmas Waltz". Richard's concept for this album comes from a Spike Jones' holiday disc. While Spike's disc is campy and tongue in cheek, while in comparison the Carpenters Christmas Portrait was traditional sounding and became an instant classic upon first listen. Although many have tried, no one, and I mean no one, sings "Merry Christmas Darling" like Karen. Bonus points for the striking, Norman Rockwell inspired album art. A very detailed look at each song on the disc can be found here.

Nat King Cole was the voice of Christmas in the 60's as much as Karen Carpenter was in the 70's. His version of Mel Torme's Christmas Song is still beautiful after 50 years. 

When it comes to pop radio and Christmas music, no one comes close to "owning" the holiday like Amy Grant. Last count, she has recorded six Christmas albums, with the rarest being "The Animal's Christmas" with Art Garfunkel. It's long out of print but a worthwhile find. Home For Christmas, album number 3, is Amy's most popular seasonal release. It includes the modern standard "Grown Up Christmas List" and a compelling version of another classic, Amy's penned "Breath of Heaven". Lovely. Looking for another instant classic but one less known? Check out Amy's album A Christmas to Remember, and listen to the incredible composition  "Christmas Lullaby".

Time for some country Christmas fun! No one delivers like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers on this classic Once Upon A Christmas disc. "The Greatest Gift of All" tops an excellent collection featuring buoyant performances and heartfelt lyrics. It's a family favorite from when our kids were little.

Perhaps there is a competition between Michael W. Smith and his long time friend Amy Grant to see who can release the most Christmas collections. I believe this disc is his fourth of now six or seven. This one is stuffed with original compositions and one traditional hymn, "What Child Is This?" A full orchestra joins him with the recording completed at the famous Abbey Road Studios.

A worship album for Christmas? It's a perfect fit! To quote a now fairly tired but still true cliche: Jesus is the Reason for the Season. His birth is celebrated by all who believe it was because of love that God sent his only son to die for the sin of all men who would choose to believe in Him and give their lives to Him. A god who loves his creation and set his son to die sacrificially for the devoted? A totally new idea compared to all other expressions of spirituality. And a perfect reason for worship! Chris Tomlin has written and performed some of the most loved church songs of this generation, and this album is full of a mix of old and new. "Silent Night" captures the heart of the season and why Christians celebrate. A beautiful collection for the faithful.

To end this post on classic Christmas album covers, the R&B field brigs us This is Christmas by Luther Vandross. An elegant take on the classic Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas stands above the rest of the disc. His voice is warm and the arrangements lovely. 

As you'd expect, this is just a slice of what's out there. My own collection includes great albums by Vince Gill, Al Jarreau, Reba, Boney James, Elliott Yamin, Donna Summer, Crystal Gayle, Marilyn McCoo and many more. Who is in your collection?

Reevaluating Barry Gibb

A great producer and song writer "hidden" within the confines of a top selling pop group. A hit making group that spanned decades. Barry Gibb is just a talented man. That I think that may be news to some of you.

Today as I was listening to a recording of Dionne Warwick's version of the old Ruby and the Romantics pop hit, "Our Day Will Come", I was taken by the arrangement and the background vocals by Barry. Even though her album Heartbreaker was a hit, I had not purchased it during its initial release , nor had I heard her version of the song.

Granted, I was well familiar with the song as it had its last big hit version recorded by Carpenters in 1973. Long a favorite from their smash album Now & Then, Karen's vocal and Richard's piano made for a song just waiting to be released as a single. Of course, it never was.

Beyond Saturday Night Fever and the smash songs from the album, BeeGees hits were appreciated, sometimes really enjoyed, but not always a staple in my collection. Admittedly, I loved two songs by younger brother Andy Gibb: "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" and his later hit "Everlasting Love". They were pop perfection of the addictive candy kind!

Toss in Barbra Streisand's truly stunning Guilty album. Now, I respect her as an artist, can't stand her as a political activist, but thoroughly enjoy this disc, as its associated with so many personal happy memories. Particularly the title song- a duet with producer Barry.

Then there's Olivia Newton-John. So many hit singles that I like, but it was late night radio's "I Can't Help It" with Andy Gibb that kept me mesmerized (along with Ambrosia's smash "Biggest Part of Me") during long late night drives while I delivered bowling leagues sheets to alleys all over Southern California. And who wasn't captivated by "Islands in the Stream"? The Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton duet was just too catchy to ignore.

In the year 2003, a new artist came to the forefront as we saw Michael Bublé cover "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" also ;written by Barry Gibb. The list goes on and on. 

So I say, forgive Barry Gibb and his brothers for the misstep found in their involvement with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and let's give brother Barry the respect he deserves.

Totally Hot House Cleaning

The time had come. I had amassed so many CDs, that it was time to be brutal and donate those I really wasn't listening to any longer.   The space for storing discs had run dry, so the pressure I placed on myself was something to act on. 

It was clear that I was storing hundreds of discs but never listening to them. A pattern of not enough time and no longer not enough money either to keep building my collection. The books would be next, but this was a good first step.

In the 80's and 90's, I had become kind of a completest when it came to my favorite artists. Or even one hit wonders- mainly artists discovered on American Idol and such. (Here's looking at you, Elliott Yamin.)

Starting slowly with one box, I picked out discs no longer listened to by America, Gloria Estefan, George Benson, Amy Grant, Michael Bublé  Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, Olivia Newton-John, and more. So many more. Sure, I kept many Greatest Hits packages and every disc by Karen and Richard Carpenter, of course. But for every one I kept, I offloaded seldom listened to discs by Sting, Ambrosia, Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, various soundtracks and compilations...even some Beatles.  I am sure among the 160 or so discs I donated, there are some gems serious collectors will be wanting.

The aftermath was a sense of release, a bit of sadness for letting go some of my history (isn't it amazing that we music fans associate so much of pieces of our life- good and bad- to our favorite songs?) and ultimately, more space in my life. 

Barbra Streisand and Michael Bublé Partner to Mixed Results

What began with incredible potential ends up with mixed results. Michael Bublé is one of my favorite musical artists. When I'd heard he was teaming with Barbra Streisand on this old Frank Sinatra classic, I had a fair amount of hope for a great number. After all, who didn't love Sinatra's take on It Had to Be You when Billy Crystal realized he did love Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally?

Frank's subtle style worked perfectly. 

That same style works equally well when Ms. Streisand opens up the song. Truly, she hasn't sounded this good in a decade. Michael comes in softly to great effect. It seems a good pairing, right? It is until the song kicks into high gear with horns blaring and subtlety gives way to fanfare, including the now obligatory "I love you Barbra" moment. The song winds down, returning to the gentleness of the opening. 

This Partners-hip had a lot of potential, but it was lost due to a bombastic approach.  

Christmas in August

Here's the one upcoming album I am very excited about this season! Michael Bublé finally wraps has terrific vocals around some great, classic Christmas music on a full length album. His is the voice of Christmas for this generation, just as Karen Carpenter was for hers. Speaking of the Carpenters, both their holiday albums still rule the Christmas speakers in our home. Christmas Portrait and An Old Fashioned Christmas continue to delight decades after their release. Want a couple of album reviews? Go to these posts: here and here, respectively.

Brain Candy for the Holidays

Lots of fun this Christmas season- movies, music, games, family. Time for rentals of the Sandra Bullock disaster, "All About Steve" and other movies not worth the time, much music by Michael Bublé, and a good amount of resting and playing cards with the family. (By the way, Toy Story Mania on wii is quite fun!) Not much news on Disney or the California Adventure remodel. Not much substance overall, but life is not always serious, either!

Turning New Tricks

Taking an old and tired but respected torch song and turning it into the next James Bond 007 theme is just one trick in Michael Bublé's latest bag. His Cry Me A River startles after hearing the same tune recorded by Olivia Newton-John a few years back on her Indigo disc. Who could ever have guessed the song could sound like this! An instant favorite once the jolt wears off.

The disc brims with cuts expected like Georgia on My Mind, which would do Ray Charles justice, and the title song orginally recorded by Van Morrison. However, it is the unexpected choices and arrangements that make the collection stand out.

Haven't Met You Yet surprises with its horn section similar to that found on Fleetwood Mac's Tusk. The following two songs move this album into greatness: All I Do is Dream of You sparkles while the gorgeous Hold On picks up on the relationship where his classic Home left off.

One of the biggest acts of magic is David Foster's production. Just when you think Michael needs a new producer and all you'll get another stylistic retread from past albums, David pulls off a remake of the Eagle's classic Heartache Tonight with such pananche. It's enough to make the listener think the tune always had this much swing. As fun as the arrangement and production are, it is the vocals of this new age Rat Packer that takes it to a new level.

The fun continues on- including an old song from Sandra Bullock's movie Two Weeks Notice: Baby (You've Got What it Takes) sounds absolutely terrific. The unexpected island influenced vocals on Startdust also startle, but ultimately the song is not as successful as with the opening cut. Lastly, the bonus cut, Whatever It Takes with Ron Sexsmith, surprises with its bromance anthem- maybe crossing over as a blatant bid for play at gay clubs. It is, in fact, a very tender song of hope with their voices playing beautifully against each other. Right about now, whether straight or gay, we all need a little hope.

In a tight economic market, gaining new listeners may be the biggest trick of all- and with a #1 debut on the Billboard charts, Crazy Love has just enough magic moments to pull it off.

Crooners Galore!

Looks like the music selection for Christmas 2009 is shaping up to be the year of the crooner. First, Michael Bublé, and now Harry Connick Jr. His new disc, Your Songs is coming soon. Just in time to bring on the romantic holiday fun!

Nice to Meet You- Again

Catchy little song Michael Bublé's "Haven't Met You Yet". From his new album "Crazy Love" coming October 9th. Really looking forward to it as this man can sing!

One Busy Guy

According to our friends over at E-Train Station, Mr. Elliott Yamin has alot on his plate these days. In Japan, his album is finally out and doing great-the disc includes a new song Home, (not the Michael Buble' megahit). His souped up Christmas album My Kind of Holiday will soon be easy to find. Last and certainly not least, the man's cutting a new album due for Spring 2009 release. Of course his fans have wish list favories, and I am not an exception. My choice? A studio version of "A House is Not a Home", the old Burt Bacharach/Luther Vandross classic.

A Little Dinner Music, Please...

Michael Bublé. This dude can sing- and write! Home has to be one of the classics of the new century. Great vocals without the attitude and the Mafia ties. New music coming soon. Enough said.