Words Get in the Way

With sincerest apologies to Gloria Estefan, my words get in the way all the time! They're not even always words of anger, they are often words spoken out of time or even confessions from my heart that get me into trouble. I do try to use my words to build others up, but that may be only when I'm on my very best behavior. the Bible's book of Proverbs says "... the tongue has power of life and death... (chapter 18, verse 21). Am I using my words to encourage people and strengthen them or do I use them to tear others down, thinking that's how I can build myself up? Oh, how I need Jesus!!!

Top 10 Quincy Jones- The Musical Genius' Top Ten, My Favorite Cuts

The legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones is gone. I'd been compiling a Top Ten list of my favorite pop /rock /jazz records he'd produced, knowing this day was coming. It did yesterday. The musical world will not be the same. Everyone is in mourning. There's not much written about any faith or spiritual involvement, but I pray Quincy knew Jesus.

I'll eventually detail each one more and more, but for now, here are my favorite cuts from various artists during different stages of his career:

One Hundred Ways- James Ingram. This ultra romantic tune is one of our favorites! I remember hearing it on our honeymoon at the beautiful restaurant The Sun And in the Bahamas. We were celebrating our one week anniversary. The was 42 years ago. The restaurant is now long gone, but the record (and the marriage) live on. God is good!

Don't Stop Til You Get Enough- Michael Jackson. My favorite MJ song from my favorite Michael album, Off the Wall. Years later, I'd come to know that the title song and Rock With You were offered to Karen Carpenter. The Rod Temperton penned tunes became mega hits for the former Jackson5 lead singer. The first of many, many more to come... including hits he did for Disneyland's iconic Captain Eo attraction. We are Here to Change the World- and he did.

Mystery of Love- Donna Summer.  An incredibly compelling cut, perhaps one of the most unexpected on the whole album. The Donna Summer album is a great one and its story is fascinating. (I've detailed it in a deep dive article here.) This almost duet with James Ingram is pure pop perfection from start to finish, and I find it on perpetual repeat every time I play it. Oh, the mystery of love indeed!

Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me- Phil Collins. Who knew Phil has this in him? The jazzy standard takes on a whole new feel for Mr. Collins, who rocks it like he was born to sing in this era. I so wish Phil had done an entire collection of songs like this with Quincy. Do not miss this one! It's a joy from start to finish.

Thriller- Michael Jackson. Epic release. Seemingly millions upon millions of writers have composed scores of print on this one. We all know how great the album is and why. Let's leave it at that.

The Woman in Me- Donna Summer. A song so good that the Wilson sisters of Heart had to do their own rock cover years later. Richard Carpenter's songwriting partner John Bettis crafted lyrics so strong that you'd swear they were written by a woman. But of course he could do that- he'd been penning lyrics for Karen Carpenter for years, making it sound as if she'd written them herself- songs seeming quite autobiographical. Donna's hit is vulnerable, intimate, and disarming. This one is also from the Quincy produced Donna Summer album.

Give Me the Night- George Benson. Next two cuts on the list are from Q's work with my "favorite vocalist who also can rock the guitar". The one and only George Benson. The who album is Nate night radio at its best. More Rod Temperton penned hits produced elegantly and combined with George's unique take created a career propelling smash. 

Turn Out the Lamplight- George Benson. One of the sultriest records George has ever made. This is Teddy Pendergrass territory- and George shows he pulls it off quite well. Another Rod Tempterton tune.

Just Once- James Ingram. Perhaps the solo record that made James a household name. This record has it all: great vocals, a memorable lyric line and music that transcends genres. A brilliant recording.

Is It Love That We're Missing- Gloria Estefan. You can place Gloria in about any setting and she would shine. This one song is no exception, only making me wish that Mr. Jones would have produced an entire album by the beloved Cuban superstar.

Making Records with the World's Biggest Stars

What do the following legendary musical artists all have in common? Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Sting, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Gloria Estefan, Karen Carpenter, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Quincy Jones, Art Garfunkel and dozens more. They are have worked with producer Phil Ramone. 

The now deceased genius producer and artist goes behind the scenes of American Popular Music and reveals stories about the creation of one iconic song after another. How he did it and how he worked with some of the most gifted writers, musicians and singers to walk the planet. He'll mention the exciting work behind something like Still Crazy After All These Years, and the reader needs to turn on the record to hear what was put into it.

Who is the artist Phil said was most open to feedback? Who was terrified to meet Ray Charles and why? What song took over a decade to complete and which were written in a matter of minutes? 

Making Records: The Scenes Behind the Music is a fan's dream book! Phil and co-author Charles L. Granata make this one a must-read... and a must listen to.

Con los Años Que Me Quedan (Brazil 305)

Gloria Estefan's Con los Años Que Me Quedan is one of the most beautiful songs she has ever recorded. I first heard it in 1993 on her Mi Tierra disc. It came with a very atmospheric video that you'd swear came right out of Cuba. Her voice was just lovely and the guitar work stunning. Show-stopping, really. I instantly loved it! I thought I'd never hear it any other way.

Surprise! In 2001, Gloria recut the lead vocal in English (with different lyrics on her  Greatest Hits Volume 2 with a brand new title and story, If We Were Lovers. Just as beautiful and a nice nod to hear English speaking fans. Was that the end of new versions of the song? No!

From 1993.

This year in 2020, she gave us yet another version on the brand new disc, Brazil 305. Still gorgeous with a Bossa Nova flair. Her voice still lovely after decades and instrumentation just as engaging.  Thanks, Gloria, for another surprise with one of my favorite songs!

Disney Springs and Pleasure Island

Highly successful, Disney's Springs is continuing to lead the transformation of the entire area around it. Change is constant. Bongo's Cuban restaurant is one of the last pieces of what was The West Side. Back in the day, it was Pleasure Island and the Disney Village. Both were both smartly done and hit two very different audiences.

No, it wasn't just the theme parks that were given the Imagineers touch. Bringing some nightlife to Walt Disney World was also one of their tasks. Just think about the amazing, excellent Adventurer's Club! That's got their hand all over it. (Boy, I miss it!)

Do you want to see more Pleasure Island in its heyday? Go to this post for some great vintage photos taken right after the grand opening- including my favorite, a larger than life, leg swinging Jessica Rabbit. 

Look for more Pleasure Island posts on the blog. You'll be surprised what you find around here...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Top Ten Gloria Estefan

A celebrated performer, writer, and all around nice lady, Gloria Estefan has accomplished a career most would envy. Her albums- both with Miami Sound Machine and solo- comprised of Latin, Pop, and Standards, have brought her fans from lovers of all genres all over the world. Including me.

Here's a look at my Top Ten of Gloria's best:

1- "If We Were Lovers" - This English language translation of her hit "Con Los Anos Que Me Quedan" first appeared on her Greatest Hits II disc. I loved the original version in Spanish- and this version is just as beautiful. The delicate guitar and yearning vocal perfectly express the tender words of love. This all time favorite takes me right to Miami and a tropical evening under a silver moon.

2- "Live For Loving You" - The first time I heard this song was in 1992 while Gloria was performing live on the televised opening of EuroDisney, now Disneyland Paris. "Ooh, La, La, La, La". Just lots of fun. (Can't embed the performance, but you can find it here.)

3- "I Know You Too Well" - Another ballad showing off her vocal gifts. It is well known that Gloria was a fan of Karen Carpenter, and this lovely piece showcases Gloria's voice to great effect.

4- "Don't Let This Moment End" - This is a blistering cut off the disco "Gloria!" album. Incredible production, great songs, and powerfully strong vocals reminiscent of Donna Summer at her best.  If you think the upbeat version is great- and it is- the rarer to find ballad version is just as enticing.

5- "Traces" - Sure, its a remake from Classics IV, but in an album of all remakes, it stands out. This is a case where the photography is better than the music, but it is still an album of much loved songs from hit makers past.

6- "What a Wonderful World" - The old Louis Armstrong classic. Every bit as good as you think it might be.

7- "Rhythm is Gonna Get You" - And, boy, does it. If you can help but tap your feet or get up on them, maybe you aren't listening to one of Gloria's catchiest songs ever.

8- "Christmas Through Your Eyes"- Beautiful, simple, charming. One of the few instances where a children's choir truly belongs on a song sung by an adult. 

9- "Here We Are" - This is one performance that took time to grow on me. It was probably the first time I truly heard Gloria's potential to be an artist for all time. Very mature lyrics befitting a woman who has lived a very full life. 

10- "Don't Release Me" - Another thumper from the "Gloria!" disc. With an absolutely sumptuous opening vocal line from her, the listener is pulled in and never let go. Wyclef Jean brings just the right touch of grit, complementing Gloria's most smokey vocal.

Gloria Estefan Sings The Standards

Well now... September 10, 2013 seems oh so very far away. That's the release date for Gloria Estefan's new album, The Standards. The way I see it, it is about time that she covers some classics! Can you imagine her warm, smoky voice doing the great tunes of the 20th Century? Boy, I can! Can't wait to hear her versions of What a Wonderful World and The Way You Look Tonight. 

If you want a little preview of what she can do with this genre, listen to her fairly recent duet with Tony Bennett on "Who Can I Turn To?" or "Come Rain or Come Shine" with Frank Sinatra. 

Disney World Trip Report- 20 Years From Last Visit!

Imagine if you will... not having been to Walt Disney World for almost 20 years. Hard to think of for us Disney geeks, but it was reality for my sister and her husband. And I'm here to give you a second hand trip report as told to me by her. Perhaps you may see the Resort through a new set of eyes.
As with any trip report, it begins with who is traveling. In this case, my sister and her husband, both 50ish, and two daughters, one 26 and the other 17. My eldest niece last saw Walt Disney World in May of 1992, and my younger one had never been to the Vacation Kingdom of the World. My brother in law is by no means a big fan of Disney. In fact, he would probably prefer Universal Studios or a Marvel based theme park, but hint, hint, he is a huge lover of the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

Due to other obligations, the parents arrived in Orlando first. They stayed at Lake Buena Vista. Immediate reactions to Orlando? "So many palm trees!" Spent the evening relaxing at Downtown Disney followed by a swim. The youngest daughter arrived the next evening, the eldest one day later than her sister- but the eldest was also departing a day earlier to go back to her husband on the West Coast. This left 3 days total for all of them to experience the resort together, beach time excluded.

Day One: Disney's Hollywood Studios, party of three.

Since the eldest daughter had been to Disney's California Adventure as well as Disneyland, they decided to do the former Disney-MGM Studios without her. She had ridden the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror already and little else seemed to appeal to her. Even though we hard core fans know each version is different and that Florida's is superior, here is the "reverse downside" of cloning attractions on both coasts. Anyone from California and familiar with that resort may bypass the Studios due to their view of a lack of compelling unique attractions there.

Arriving at the park well after opening, they began their day with a quick ride on Rock N Rollercoaster- which unanimously remained their favorite attraction in the park. I asked why. "It's just fun!" The Great Movie Ride was "ok" but the spectacular entrance of the Wicked Witch of the West was the highlight of the aging attraction. Star Tours 2 - great. Their journey through the Tower of Terror surprised and impressed them by the 5th Dimension room, eliciting a family friendly expression of shock.

The longest line for the day (at 20 minutes) remained Toy Story Midway Mania, and beyond three limousine rides with Aerosmith, it was the only ride they deemed repeatable. A quick lunch in a nameless restaurant (not a good sign if it couldn't be remembered or described) and no shopping led to an early evening exit. They had no interest in seeing Fantasmic!, however, a last minute choice to see the Little Mermaid theater show as they walked past left my sister with a smile on her face. Dinner was at Earl of Sandwhich, a pattern which would be repeated several times. And another swim ended the night.

Day Two: Magic Kingdom, party of four

Since daughter number one had to be picked up at the airport at around 11:00am, they did not arrive at the Magic Kingdom until 1:30pm. Dropped the car off straight at the lot and took the monorail in from the Transportation and Ticket Center. As I suspected, the ride on the Monorail past the resorts and around the lake made quite the impression on my youngest niece as it was her first visit to the park most appropriately compared to Disneyland.

Pirates of the Caribbean beckoned as the first destination. The remaining order was blurry in her memory, but Splash Mountain was happily with no wait due to Fast Pass- yet it was balanced out by a lengthy 40 minutes for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Not to be found in Disneyland, Liberty Square looked great, but it was not enough to grab their attention beyond the visit into the Haunted Mansion. No mention of the enhanced queue, and I didn't ask leading questions just so I could see what she told me about.

Fantasyland: Here, I quote my sister's reaction to It's a Small World- "It was just so beautiful compared to California!" No Philharmagic, instead they chose Snow White's Scary Adventures. And they were not told by me or did not realize it was on the chopping block due to the new Fantasyland Forest expansion. No Winnie the Pooh- "Saw that in California"or any other Fantasyland attraction beyond the ones I have mentioned. No snacking, no shopping.

A good amount of time was spent in Tomorrowland. It was Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, and Monsters, but a journey through Space Mountain was not to be had as the waits were 90 minutes each time they checked.

Interestingly to my way of thinking, there was not a single visit to Country Bear Jamboree or Carousel of Progress. Even though she and I grew up with these California favorites, they obviously did not have the lasting appeal to draw a visit when given the opportunity. Is it time for me to place them in their proper historical context and move on? I'll have to consider that!

To sum up the Magic Kingdom, my sister remarked about the incredibly lovely landscaping, the amount of available space- "the blessing of size"- and the beauty of the castle. Leaving the park after dark meant a stop at the Grand Floridian just to see it, followed by a visit to Gloria Estefan's Bongo's Cuban Cafe. (Great atmosphere, fatty food.)

Day Three: Epcot

Not being early risers, it was quite impressive to me that they arrived at my favorite Florida park before opening! Guess my talk about the Test Track/ Soarin' queues was successful.

Using both Fast Pass and the single rider line, everyone was able to ride Test Track three times total- and snag a ride on Soarin' (another Disney California Adventure favorite) with relatively little wait. A quick spin on nearby Mission:Space made my brother-in-law quite ill, not a small feat. He's a big, ex-football player, with a strong stomach. Needless to say, it was not the highlight of their Epcot day.

As much as the decent on Spaceship Earth is a sore spot for some of us, they found it quite fun, enjoying the personalization at the conclusion. There was no time for Living with the Land - one of our must dos- and The Seas with Nemo and Friends was a big hit, particularly the dark ride portion. No visit into the crystal pyramids of Imagination, either. In fact, I just ride it now to imagine what could and should be compared to the current pale imitation of what once was. Not even Michael Jackson could influence their decision. So much for Future World.

World Showcase was also to their liking. Interestingly, there was not a single mention of any particular attraction here (quite telling!)but stopping for lunch at the Yakitori House and a quick dessert at the new La Hacienda de San Angel made for a pleasant diversion between attractions. In spite of my sales pitch to stay for Illuminations - the best nighttime show on the property- , they opted out, left the park early for dinner once again at Earl of Sandwhich and an evening swim.

Day Four: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon

For each Disney park enthusiast, there is that first time we walk into a brand new theme park. It happens so rarely; the thrill of new discovery, the fresh eyes to see things never encountered before, lots of "How did the Imagineers do that?" Honestly, I was very excited for them to experience the park, its immense beauty, and the new attractions- especially my long talked about favorite Expedition: Everest.

It was a choice between Kilimanjaro Safaris and Everest for the first ride of the day. An encounter with the yeti won out. Two happy rides later, they moved onto Kali River Rapids before hitting the safari. Following this up with the Maharaja Jungle Trek, they exited the park for some watery thrills of another kind.

I was shocked to hear this, as given my brother-in-law's love of animals, I expected this park to be the sleeper hit. No Dinosaur? No Festival of the Lion King? What about a meal at Flame Tree Barbecue or a showing of It's Tough to Be a Bug? In asking about the park, their answers made me think of my own observations over the years. In fact, my review of the park based on my last visit seemed very similar. (You can read it here.)

Their's was not a flattering assessment of the place. The animal exhibits were interesting but several "naturalistic" environments could be found at zoos they had seen; not enough Disney attractions (rides); theater shows are not their thing; too much of the same. What about theming and landscaping? Not enough to warrant more time, so they left. Typhoon lagoon was the crowd pleaser of the day, particularly the swim with the sharks. Dinner at Rainforest Cafe finished off the evening.

Day Five: Pony Rides, Goodbyes, and a Last Fling at the Polynesian

Stick ponies that is, at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. My sister had asked me to recommend a great place for breakfast before they reluctantly started dropping the daughters back off at the airport in the afternoon. Whispering Canyon did not disappoint. Nor did the short stroll around the Wilderness Lodge!

The food, the atmosphere, the fun. My sis described this breakfast as one of their most memorable experiences in all of Walt Disney World. Waitresses yelling across the room, pony races, laughing kids, great food. They'd go again in a minute. After an airport run, the adults returned to the Polynesian Village (sorry, I relapse)for a quick bite at Captain Cook's and walking the resort grounds before retiring for the night.

Now the million dollar question: Would they do it again? The answer surprised me. Yes, absolutely, without a doubt. But they would save much more money before they went, would stay on the property, and would spend much more time in recreation and being at the resorts, spreading out their park visits between more leisurely days.

Favorite Park? "Epcot, absolutely"
Favorite Attraction? Expedition Everest, Test Track, or Rock N Rollercoaster
Favorite Meal? Whispering Canyon Cafe

As much as would have loved to be there with them to see things through their eyes, I did get a pretty good idea of it all! I wondered how I could ever enjoy a Vacation Kingdom visit without Illuminations, a visit to at least one sit down Epcot restaurant in World Showcase, and a dozen other things. This isn't even counting favorite attractions!

Sure, opinions will vary, but here are the things they did not say. Not mention of peeling paint, poor upkeep, or too many character based attractions being shoehorned into the parks.

You and I, die hard fans, see these changes and cringe. Rightfully so, as a trip to Walt Disney World today reveals much less care of the parks and groups than that of previous decades. However to the casual or once in a lifetime visitor, the place still packs an impressive wallop. And unfortunately, that very fact is what keeps the current management team from doing more than is absolutely necessary!

Karen Carpenter: Anything But An Ordinary Fool

Today marks the 27th anniversary of the death of Karen Carpenter.

As the Carpenters, she and her brother Richard crafted some of the most beautiful music of the latter half of the twentieth century. 
Maybe of the century. 

Musical artists as Madonna to Gloria Estefan and seemingly thousands of others praised Karen's golden voice and Richard's thoughtful arrangements, but it was their fans that made her a star. The warmth of her voice, the accessibility of their music, and the overall fine choice of song, arrangement, and production made them an act that would endure.

Hit after hit graced the airwaves until this day in 1983. Then it stopped- only to be heard again at Christmas when their Merry Christmas Darling remains a must hear.

So, today especially, rest in peace, Karen. And thank you for the music.

------------------

Note: The impact of their music is profound. As part tribute and part review, I have begun a series of posts about each album. For those interested, the series begins here.

Gloria!

A successful European tour. The same in Latin America. One busy lady. It is time, Gloria Estefan, for a new album. Your warm voice needs to be heard once more. Tell us it will be soon...

High Hopes for Music in 2009

OK, Sting, you and the rest of the Police made your millions and proved you could still really rock the world. Time for you to step back into the pop world again as a soloist. You've had your fun, now let's get going. (Please...)

What else do I hope for? How about a Whitney Houston album as strong as My Love is Your Love? Can't wait to find out if she still has it. Her last two- including a very ordinary Christmas album- have been mediocre at best. Hope her private life has calmed down enough so she can focus- and stay sober.

Calling Mr. Yamin, Mr. Elliott Yamin. Time for some blue-eyed soul again. I hear this one's to have a bit more of a pop flair. How about a remake or two to give us some old school? House is Not a Home? Some Stevie Wonder cover? A great duet with someone more worthy than that Katharine girl? Anxiously awaiting another outing.

Of course, I'd love something to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Karen and Richard Carpenter's first disc, but who am I kidding?
More to add to my list: Norah Jones, Daughtry, Queen Latifah, Michael Buble, Gloria Estefan, Paul McCartney, etc.

I'd even settle for some great new artists- if they could make me stand up and take notice. Requirement number 1: Must be able to sing it live, no studio tricks. Requirement number 2: Gotta be able to understand the lyrics.
High Hopes, yes, High Hopes.