Rehearsing for the UK and the Stones

Last night's rehearsal for the upcoming tour was a gas. Adam Marsland and I ran through duo versions of songs from ON THE REBOUND, along with hits from Smokey, the O'Jays and the Robots. Stay tuned if you're curious... or better yet, come down to a show. We did this version of things for my IPO set last August at Fais Do Do, before the album dropped. Sort of a cabaret setting. But now that you fans know the songs, there will be more points-of-reference to these acoustic performances. Plus the covers are a lot of fun.

Had a great time seeing the Rolling Stones at Staples Center last Friday. They pulled out a few gems including a rare version of "Factory Girl," the rollicking "Midnight Rambler" with guest Mick Taylor and a live debut of the disco-riffic "Emotional Rescue." I'm thrilled that I was part of the first audience to hear "Emotional Rescue" performed by the band. My guess is that "Start Me Up" was already charting by the time they would have been touring the material from EMOTIONAL RESCUE and that the disco curve was flattening. But I love that track and LP.

Our seats for the concert gave us a glimpse of the backstage action and it was very cool to see Mick prepare while the UCLA marching band banged out "Satisfaction." Plus, Mick gave me an idea of the proper kicks "mature" rockstars should wear.

Check the show schedule; the UK tour begins in less than a week! Can't wait to see you, Britain!

x

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...

My Grammy Moment

This year's 50th Grammy Celebration was so superior to last year's awards ceremonies that I can barely contain my thoughts as I type. So many highlights. So many great moments. I hope you had a chance to watch the show. In case you didn't here's a bit of what you really missed out on from my seats in the 200 level: The Time reunited to perform "Jungle Love." Flat out fun. They had the Staples Center grooving. Rihanna joined them half-way through to perform her hits "Umbrella" and "Don't Stop The Music." What became abundantly apparent was how superior the Time's nearly 25 year old song was. Rihanna's performance was helped by being backed by one of the premier funk outfits of all time. Morris Day and Jerome still have the moves and the comedy timing down! Aretha Franklin and Co. ran through gospel hits ancient and new. They brought Cherch to the show like never before. And when the choir and 'Retha finished with "the...

Norman's Rockwell

Search This Blog