HollyWood Christmas

Last night, we hosted. Tonight, we are destined for Chaz Dean's Christmas Spectacular at his studio down in Hollywood. I was there yesterday getting my hair cut. Ah, for the first time in nearly a year, I had my hair styled by Monica, my girl. No more barbers for me for a while. Ha ha.

Anyway, I'm all dandied up, just drying off a bit more before leaving the house. It's freezing outside.

I'm very excited because the Grammy Ballot arrived today. People, I'm part of that vanguard trying to inject some modern taste into the votes. I must admit though, Paul McCartney will be getting the nod in a few categories. But this year, it's all about Amy Winehouse. No, no, no. She is the artist to be reckoned with this year. Forget her current death wish, check out her album Back To Black. Nominated in all 4 of the marquee categories, 10th Feb could be the night of her life if she lives to see it. For a bonus, check out her guest vocal Valerie on Mark Ronson's Version. Definitely the most talked about and popular musician of the year. Stay gold, Pony Girl. Stay gold.

Biggest Grammy disappointment: no noms for Arctic Monkeys. Boo!

I'll be posting my top 10 CDs of 2007 this week, so stay tuned.

I'm out of here. See you in Hollywood!

Peace & Disco Beats

Comments

Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (Review)

I'm just in from the world premiere of Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins . WHRJ is the new comedy starring Martin Lawrence, directed by Malcolm Lee ( Roll Bounce ; Undercover Brother both underrated and well-worth your time) . It's the story of a Hollywood hotshot who takes his new fiancee and his son to his parents' 50 th wedding anniversary/family reunion. Mr. Lawrence as usual shows off his comedic genius. He has steadily become a sure bet in Hollywood. This time Lawrence is flanked by a cast of stars that at times threaten to steal the movie. Mike Epps (Reggie, a straight-up fool) and Mo'Nique (Betty) in particular shine in their roles as cousins to Lawrence's talk show king, RJ Stevens aka Roscoe Jenkins. The gift of gab runs deep in this family. Michael Clarke Duncan has never made me laugh so hard as Otis, Roscoe's unlikely little brother. Anytime the three of them were on screen the audience's laughter drowned out the dialogue. Watch for the softba...

Murderous Haircut of the Mayor of Bel Air - Book Review

“The Murderous Haircut of the Mayor of Bel Air” is a trippy new mystery novel from Phillip Mottaz. It captures the grit and gilt of the City of Angels with the flair of a contemporary Raymond Chandler. The brisk pace and wit are reminiscent of Douglas Adams’s entries in the detective game. Flourishes of Fletch and “Medium” also spring to mind. However, Mottaz has added a psychic/mutant/superhuman touch and his own comedic voice, structure and internal monologues to the proceedings that help the author announce his own style and the arrival of a literary heroine for a new generation. Hairstylist and budding private investigator, Danica Luman is the perfect character to convey the irony, angst and sarcasm needed to tell a 21st century L.A. crime story. Danica also represents anyone who thought it would be neat to get tangled up in a mystery and the darkly comic cautionary tale that follows. The genre is recognizable, but Mottaz offers a fresh take on the not-ready-for-prime-ti...

Rush Hour Soul Returns

Hey Soulmates, been some time, but many of you on Facebook have already seen that Rush Hour Soul is back. I am very excited that while we are looking back at the 15th anniversary of our 2006 UK tour, there are things happening behind the scenes for 2021. For those unfamiliar, Rush Hour Soul is a trio with myself on bass and lead vocals. We were a part of the Indie/Powerpop scene in Los Angeles from 2004-2008, although our style was heavily informed by the Rolling Stones, Chic, ABC, and Sam & Dave. Funkier than our peers. The well-known venues Rush Hour Soul played around Los Angeles included The El Rey, B.B. King's Blues Club and The Hard Rock Cafe. Our travels in Britain took us to Sheffield, Liverpool, York and back to London. There was a four day detour to Monnow Valley Studios in Wales where recorded in the old manor house. We shot a music video in London, as well. 2006 was a magical summer for the band. In 2008, the project was rechristened as a solo recording under my n...

Norman's Rockwell

Search This Blog