One Fortnight Until Britain

In just two weeks, I will be making my way (accompanied by my producer/musical director, Adam Marsland) to the UK for a series of shows. I invite you all to join the ride. It's going to be a fun musical journey. I will be playing acoustic versions of tracks from ON THE REBOUND; plus a few choice covers.

The barnstorming will take me from London to Manchester to Liverpool. The specifics can be found on my website normankelsey.com. However, here are the dates; yes, there are double-headers on two of them. All shows are free admission!

Wednesday, May 15 at 9 pm
London - Notting Hill Arts Club

Thursday, May 16 at 5.45 pm
Liverpool - International Pop Overthrow @ The Cavern Pub

Thursday, May 16 at 9.30 pm
Manchester - Thirsty Scholar

Friday, May 17 at 5 pm
Liverpool - International Pop Overthrow @ The Cavern Club

Friday, May 17 at 8.30 pm
Liverpool - Festival Express @ Vinyl Bar

What else? I'm listening to a lot of new music that I'm digging, especially the latest Daft Punk single "Get Lucky," featuring Nile Rodgers, my disco-guitar hero. I had a chance to meet Nile about 20 years ago and it is one of my favorite early L.A. memories. And speaking of heroes, I am going to see the Stones next week. I think this will be my 7th time seeing them perform in person. Artists like Nile and Mick really keep me inspired. Last week was the Rock Hall induction. There was a time when I would devote an annual blog on how/why Chic (and Nile Rodgers) belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They still do.

Other new music worth a listen: Har Mar Superstar, BYE BYE 17 (raw soul); Local Natives, BREAKERS (raw souls); JT's "Mirror" is pretty nice; new music from Hanson continues to keep pop alive.

Did you see the latest review of ON THE REBOUND in Goldmine by John Borack?

L.A.-based singer/songwriter Norman Kelsey’s sophomore solo effort, On the Rebound, finds him mining the suave soul man territory, to great effect. Kelsey’s vocals are top drawer (love the oft-present falsetto), the songs are across-the-board memorable (we particularly dig the Bee Gees homage “Our Love is Known By Name,” the silky “Huckleberry Finn” and the sweet, Prince-influenced ballad “Airport Kisses”) and he offers up a contender for Song Title of the Year: “Supermodels With Gatling Guns.” Grade: B+

That's the groove for right now. I can't wait to meet more new and old fans at the shows.

Peace & Love!

Comments

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-time-hard-b

Hello, Dali! (Now with 50% More Photos)

Hola , Soul Mates, I'm feeling very jet lagged. Just got back from Espana . Catalunya and Andalucia to be more precise. I even learned Catalan ( jo parlo catala , amics ) and spoke it in broken fashion to amused natives. But wait, here's proof... It's me at the Dali Teatro - Museu in Figueres on Salvador's birthday. The place is more funhouse than museum. This objet d'art was hidden in a stairwell. I call it "The Crowned Peacock Dreams of Genie." Dali lived here. He's buried here. I'm being idiotic here. Genuflecting or posing? Felicitats , Salvador! It was his birthday and I was the only one celebrating. And yes, I did sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Another installation that defies explanation. But it's got a real crocodile and a real light bulb and artificial limbs involved. What's not to like? Seems like every town in Catalonia has some sort of memorial to John Lennon. This sign had fallen off (no, I did not keep it), s

Jim Brown: G.O.A.T.

Yesterday, I met the Greatest of All-Time in his profession. It's not everyday that you see one, let alone get to interact. Of course, the encounter is nerve-wracking for the fan and probably tedious for the G.O.A.T. Thanks to my friend Steve, we got to visit the field prior my hometown Cleveland Browns ' matchup against the Chargers in San Diego. I had hope to see some of the old new Browns and get some pictures. I also had a small bag with a couple of mini helmets inside it and figured, these guys wouldn't mind that someone actually cared for their autographs. As we walked around the sideline, I sized up my options. Not a lot of players on the field yet. And it was hot. Probably around 95 and I had on a jacket to cover up my vintage Brian Sipe jersey. Lo and behold, who do I see holding court at the far end but the Greatest football player... Ever: Jim Brown . A true legend. The man whole holds a record book full of milestones. Star of the silverscreen. Community activist

Norman's Rockwell

Search This Blog