R&B RIPs

2012 has been a rough year for loss. I count over 30 deaths in the world of music. Let's look back and remember some of those who are gone, first with the focus on R & B performers.


Singer Whitney Houston was the most noted loss of  2012. The 48-year old singer died tragically in an accidental drowning on February 11. Although cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most awarded female act of all time, Houston's long career was marred by drug use and turmoil in her personal life. In the years preceding her death, her performances had became erratic and often embarrassing. Her last appearance was in the 2012 film Sparkle.


The great Etta James died in January at age 73 after a long illness. Like Houston, James' long career was marred by drug addiction. Unlike Houston, she was the greatest singer who ever lived, mistress of every musical style from jazz to rock and roll. Here she is singing I'd Rather Go Blind.

 

 

Soul Train creator Don Cornelius committed suicide on February 1st at age 75. He had been suffering from seizures and pain following brain surgery during the last 15 years of his life. A native Chicagoan, from Bronzeville, Cornelius launched Soul Train in 1970, realizing that no television venue existed for soul music. He introduced many famous black musicians like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson to a wider audience. "We wish you love, peace, and soul."




Singer Donna Summer died in May at age 63 of lung cancer unrelated to smoking. Summer was a five time Grammy award winner who rose to fame during the disco boom of the 1970s. Her hit songs include Hot Stuff, I Feel Love, and She works Hard for the Money. Summer is scheduled to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2013. Here she is singing Last Dance in 1978.

Beastie Boys co-founder, Adam Yauch, who performed as MCA and sometimes Nathaniel Hornblower,  died in May at age 47 after a long illness. He was a well-known white rap artist and part of the first white hip hop group founded in 1985. He also founded Oscilloscope Laboratories, an independent film production and distribution company based in New York.He was also a practicing Buddhist. Here is Sure Shot.

Herb Reed, the last surviving original member of the singing group The Platters died in June at age 83 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The platters was one of the great R&B groups of  the 1950's with such hits as The Great Pretender, My Prayer, and Twilight Time. Reed named the group after 1950's disc jockeys' name for records. Reed was the only group member who appeared on nearly all of the group's 400 recordings.

Finally, Johnny Otis died in January at the age of 90. He was a singer, musician, composer, and record producer known as the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues". Otis was a white man of Greek parents who grew up in an all-black neighborhood in Berkley and chose to live his entire life with African Americans. He played drums in a number of swing bands, founding his own band in 1945 which produced the hit song Harlem Nocturne. He passed just three days before Etta James, whom he discovered in the early 1950s, producing and co-writing her first hit, Roll With Me Henry.

Songs on Phineas & Ferb

Great songwriting segment on Bloomberg West last Friday about the creativity behind Disney’s no. 1 animated TV show. I found it interesting that a new song is created for each episode using Garage Band. There’s a list of the songs per episode on Wikipedia. Does everyone use Rhymezone? /http://www.rhymezone.com/

Watch this http://bloom.bg/SMr437

`Phineas & Ferb': The Evolution of Animation Tech Dec. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Cory Johnson reports on the number one animated series for kids and tweens in the US. He speaks on Bloomberg Television's "Bloomberg West." (Source: Bloomberg)

And on November 15 the songwriters commemorated the 1 year mark.  Tim brought in extra music makers and we all joined in! The next gathering for the Songwriters is Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7pm at the Niles Library.

Songwriters'

We had a great songwriters’ session last night. Good music all round.  Our next gathering date is Thurs., Aug 16^th at 7:30pm.  The  venue is changed to the board room where we’ll have access to the computer and projector that we had last night.  The library does have several Dream Theater CDs, a group that was mentioned last night, and if Pagan's Mind is a Norwegian Prog/Power metal band there are none in the system, but I’ll make a purchase request. Thanks, Michael.  Another group mentioned was Moby and there are several in the collection to choose from, so I’ll be checking them out on Carlos’ recommendation.  I visited the Old Town School of Music website last night to see what classes they are offering. I might try to squeeze in the one about chords (something I missed in my years of piano lessons). And thank you Pam for the tip on the Second City performance workshops http://www.secondcity.com/training/chicago/coursecatalog/  -those that came last might have missed that announcement -they have songwriting workshops too! Pam accepted last month’s challenge to write a song about cheese or independence and delivered another fun song – all about cheese! Michael accepted the challenge to put Norm’s reading to music – can’t  wait to hear the results next month.

The Final Two

Here they are: YOUR final two. Yes I was surprised and a little sad that Joshua did not make the final. Be that as it may, I'll be shocked if Jessica wins. But all three finalists are amazingly talented, all three have been touted by the judges and Jimmy Iovine for their musicality,  and all three have careers in music to look forward to, no matter who wins.

Regarding our elimination contest, five of you correctly guessed that Joshua would be eliminated, nine thought, like me, that it would be Jessica, and SIX expected Phillip to be the one to go. I just don't get that. Is it because you don't like Phillip or that you think America doesn't like him? The home visit showing all kinds of women throwing themselves at him should have taken care of the latter objection. You actually don't like him? Well, each to his or her opinion.

The winner of this week's elimination contest is SIMY KOSHY. Congratulations! Next week's prize, for correctly guessing the winner is a set of earbuds. Every one who has voted in the contest this year is entered into the sweepstakes for the grand prize: an 8GB ipod nano.

America Idol: The Final Three Perform

I am here to report that Phillip Phillips just won American Idol. Yes, I know the finale is a week away, but Phil Phil is the 2012 American Idol and that's that.

This week I watched the performance show on Thursday morning instead of Wednesday night. I think being less tired helped me to appreciate what I was seeing. I also think that this may be the most talented, entertaining, and all around outstanding final three in the history of the show.

Joshua Ledet has turned into a star right before my eyes. I love everything about him, but his body movements kill me. He has his own style, but he is like a restrained, cool, laid back version of Jackie Wilson. And to me, classic R&B never gets old. This is his strength. But will this go over with young AI voters? By the way, I liked his version of Imagine better than John Lennon's.

Unlike Josh, Jessica Sanchez has not been getting stronger with each show. She is undeniably mega-talented and will eventually grow up to be an incredible combination of Mariah Carey and the late great Etta James. But she is too young to step up the way Josh has. Besides her youth she has the girl thing going against her. Perhaps it's not fair that the majority of AI voters are girls and women tending to fall for the cute boy. But I think it's more than that. In general, male voices are better than female. Sorry for the way that sounds, but I think it's true. A girl singer has to really have something special to beat out a boy. Jessica is special, but not ripe yet. I pick Jessica for the elimination this week.

I can't say much about Phillip Philips because I'm all choked up. He ended the show with a quietly sexy performance of We've got Tonight that brought tears to my eyes. And that wasn't even his best performance of the night. That would be Beggin. His hometown visit had tears running down my face. He is totally himself at all times, totally unpretentious and natural, and a musical genius. Because of his uniqueness, it's Phillip for the win. Below is the YouTube of his Bob Seger rendition.

American Idol: Hollie is Gone!

So belatedly, the slightly creepy girl who reminds me of Jodie Foster IS GONE!  And I can't believe that Skylar Laine went home before Hollie did!  Is America tired of country after the double country win of season ten? But Skylar is so much more entertaining than Lauren Alaina, though Steven Tyler probably doesn't think so.

Next week's elimination is going to be anybody's guess. I predict that all three of the finalists will do themselves proud (they never fail) and that Jessica will be the one to go. Even though this year's contest included some of the best women singers ever, I expect an all boy finale.

Last week we got a record number of votes in our elimination contest. Eleven voters thought that Hollie would go last week and so did I. Seven thought that Phillip would be eliminated. Don't you like Phillip? He's so great.  Six thought that Joshua would be gone and five thought the same about Jessica. And only five correctly picked Skylar for the elimination. The winner of the week 3 contest was ALAN MAK. Congratulations! Astute pick.

This week was week 4 of the contest, and we had fewer votes. Amazingly four voters picked Phillip for the loss, one each picked Joshua and Jessica, and four picked Hollie and so did I. This week's winner is LISA of the lucky MAK family. Congratulations! 

You can be as lucky as the Maks if you play to win. The prize for week 5 is a $15 itunes gift card. Get in your ballot by next Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 and you'll be automatically entered for the grand prize, an 8GB ipod nano! See you at the ballot box.

American Idol: Toward the Final Three

Yes American Idol Fans. He killed. Again. Joshua carries the thrill factor of American Idol in being the artist who comes from behind and rises to the top. If this weren't a cuteness and popularity contest, Joshua would be the winner of season 11. Not that Joshua isn't cute and not that Phillip isn't a great singer. The alt rock boy will always have a piece of my heart. Phillip will win this season. But Joshua better come in second.

Wait. What about the phenom that is Jessica Sanchez? I put her in the final three of course, but I think Joshua deserves second place more because he is older and therefore more ready for a full time career. He has become an assured, polished, and accomplished performer. Jessica has a scary amount of poise and polish for her age, but she can stand to ripen a bit. She was great tonight. I especially liked her Etta James song. I love hard, blusey R & B. Jessica is like Etta in that she will become mistress of many genres: jazz, blues, R&B. Jessica's performance reminded me that Etta was only 15 when she organized and led her first singing group.

That leaves Hollie and her wooden performance of a beautiful Bonnie Raitt classic. Play the Bonnie Raitt video you'll find below and you'll see what I mean. And I'm not even a Bonnie Raitt fan, but she puts Hollie to shame. I'm getting tired of predicting that Hollie will leave, but this has to be her week to go home.

Of course we may get an unpleasant surprise like last week when we lost the wonderful Skylar Laine. I'll tell you how you voted on that one as well as on this week's elimination on Friday when I post the results of the Niles Library Elimination contest.

American Idol: The Final Five

Here they are, the season 11 final five. And I can't believe that Hollie Cavanaugh is standing there between the great Phillip Phillips and the great Joshua Ledet. After their Righteous Brothers duet, however, maybe they do need someone to separate them. Each of them nearly broke up at some point during the song. They thought that they were singing a romantic tune to each other.

Here is my power list for this week, best to worst:

Joshua keeps getting better and better. Someone has been coaching him not to give cry face all the time and not to go over the top. Plus his outfits are a delight. Slick and getting sexy. Amazing talent.

Jessica is still amazing. Unlike Randy, I loved her Tina Turner flavor on Proud Mary. She gave two great performances this week.

Phillip was solid this week. Not his total best, but awfully good.

Skylar fell down. I didn't think that either of her performances worked. If Randy was offended by Jessica attempting Tina, I was offended by Skylar's version of CCR. Not good. Her second performance was better. I think she'll be in the bottom two this week.

Hollie's first song was well suited to her voice, but she delivered it like the plastic Barbie that she is.
Her second number was much better. I predict that she finally goes home.

Check back on Friday to see if I'm right and more importantly to see if you guessed right in our Elimination contest. You may be a winner.

American Idol Elimination: Elise

Gee, I finally got a prediction right for the first time this season. However, I am sorry to see Elise go; she was one of the best and most unique singers this year. Here is a link to an exit interview with her from Idol Chatter.

It HAS has to be Hollie next! But what was Skylar doing in the bottom three last night? That scares me a little. I was just thinking that she could make it into the finale or at least the top three.

Here are the Niles Library Elimination Contest results:

Three of you picked Elise as the one to go this week. Three also picked her pal Phillip Phillips as the loser. Oh no! I think he has a chance to win the whole thing, although he did not get much judge love this week. Four people though that Joshua Ledet would be eliminated after what was probably his best performance of the season. And finally four insightful players thought that Hollie Cavanaugh would be going home. Better luck next week.

The winner of this week's contest is Mollie Weinberg. The only person from week One to pick Colton Dixon for elimination never came forward, so, by drawing, the Week One winner is Megan Mitchell.

PS: Three of you forgot to pick someone for elimination, so you didn't get into the contest this week.

American Idol: 6 to the final 5

You guys, Joshua killed today. He's IN IT TO WIN IT!!! Randy J. hyperbole aside, Joshua seems to be getting better every week. This week he was flawless, entertaining, cute, and may I say, thrilling. I give him a A+ on his Queen song, and an A on the india.aire number.

Actually the Queen songbook turned out surprisingly well for most of the performers. Second to Joshua this week was Skylar, to whom I also gave an A+ for her Queen number - dramatic, and powerful, incredible, and goosies according to the judges. Her second song was way too country for me, but she did a nice job. I gave her a B+ mainly because I didn't like the song.

The rest of the pack (except for Hollie) all made solid Bs. I liked Jessica's version of Bohemian Rhapsody, but maybe it was too mature for her. Her second song was lovely but also kind of schmaltzy. I did not think that Elise was in good voice for her Queen selection (and I thought it kind of a stupid song) but I loved her Jimi Hendrix song where she sounded like Janis. In this my opinion was exactly opposite that of the judges. I think Elise is going home this week.

I loved Phillip's Fat Bottomed Girls very much, but was mystified by the Dave Matthews song he chose to sing. I agreed with Jennifer that it was too arty, but Randy made me see that it was a bold, non-pandering choice. Phillip is the most honest and unpretentious performer ever to be on American Idol (and also Lee DeWyze). And that brings us to boring, hideously styled Hollie.  Save Me made me uncomfortable, and the Miley Cyrus song was shouty and predictable. I can certainly see Hollie with Elise in the bottom three this week, along with either Jessica or Joshua.  Why two of the best singers on the show would land in the bottom three is beyond me, but it has happened before.

Who do you think is going home? Don't forget to vote in our Elimination Contest. The more you play the better chance you have of winning an ipod nano or an itunes gift card.

American Idol Elimination: 7 to 6

Were you surprised? I'll admit that Colton was almost the last person I expected to be eliminated. The judges seem to like him (although not this week's performances so much), and Jimmie Iovine is always pimping for him.

On the other hand, I was not sorry to see him go, although he was an early favorite of mine. I think he's a little creepy and bogus. I was getting tired of his soulful stare into the camera. I did like his Wednesday performance of September though.

Because of the surprise and confusion about last week's save, we are having an extra week of our American Idol Elimination contest! Most of you (nine people) thought that Elise Testone would be going home this week. Three thought Hollie Cavanaugh (Yay) would be leaving and surprisingly, three thought the loser would be Phillip Phillips (Boo). Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Skylar Laine, and COLTON DIXON each got one vote.

Here is where I need some help. The winner of the first week contest is named CINDY EPIFANIO, but she did not leave a telephone, email, or library card number so we can't contact her.  If you are Cindy or if you know her, please ask her to contact me at bnash@nileslibrary.org. Or she can call the AV desk at 847-663-6640. If we don't hear from her by Thursday May 3, we'll draw a name from the other contest entrants.

PS: Some of you voted twice for two different contestants. I assume that's because you thought 2 people were being eliminated this week and that you do know that there is only one vote to a customer under usual circumstances. This week no one was sure if one or two would be eliminated until the day of the elimination show.

American Idol: 7 to 6 Part 2

After last week's dramatic elimination of Jessica Sanchez I had to get online tonight and VOTE. I love this girl. Like Randy, I think that she is so talented that it is otherworldly. But you know what? She's only sixteen years old. Maybe it's better for her to delay the start of her career. Extraordinary talent exposed too young, like Etta James for example, can lead to destruction. Now I want her to stay, but maybe it won't be so terrible if she does get eliminated before the end. I have mixed feelings.

I tried to be objective this week and graded each performance. Of course the grades followed my prejudices somewhat, but I did try. Each performer gets 2 grades because each gave 2 performances.

Straight As for Phillip Phillips. His Usher song was so unique - a kind of reggae vibe - and Wait Till the midnight Hour so exciting!

Jessica Sanchez A/B+. Falling was so mature and soulful. Try a Little Tenderness slightly oversung.

Joshua Ledet B+/A. I Believe was overdone, but I noticed that Joshua's voice reminds me of chocolate - sweet and smooth. A Change is Gonna come is one of the greatest songs of all time, perfectly done.

Skylar Laine B+/B+. How can you resist that energy?

Elise Testone B+/B. Elise is the most Janis Joplin-like singer ever to come to American Idol. I loved her soulful version of No One.

Colton Dixon B/B+. Loved the girl band in the Lady Gaga number. Sometimes there is something conceited and creepy about Colton. It showed tonight.

Hollie Cavanaugh B-/C. I just can't like her. The judges gave her a lot of compliments though. Since I was so sure that she'd be going home last week, I suppose she won't even be in the bottom three tomorrow. I'm still predicting an off for either Hollie or Elise. Who else could it be? Sklyar? Joshua?

At this point I am predicting Phillip for the win. I don't think a girl can win this thing.

Don't forget to VOTE in our contest. Ballot box at the AV desk. We have great prizes this year.

American Idol: Going for Six

Hollie Cavanaugh

After Miss Hollie gets eliminated tomorrow, it's going to be nearly impossible to rate the remaining candidates: they are all that good. Of course I have my favorites, but will they necessarily be the power players? Maybe not.

For example, I love me some Skylar, and she was GREAT tonight, but somehow I don't see her as that memorable to the general audience. I feel like Colton, despite Jimmy's pimping, may be slipping into the middle of the pack as well. His last 2 or 3 performances haven't killed. I love Phillip to pieces, and foresee a great musical career for him (as well as for Skylar), but his performances have a sameness that can be the kiss of death. I no longer see him as a surefire finalist, although he may well be one.

Elise is a terrific singer, and she was wonderful tonight, but does her style speak to the American Idol audience? Likewise Joshua killed tonight- he couldn't have been better down to his pink socks- but does his usual intense soul style go over nowadays? Jessica is another story. She is scary good and is my pick to win American Idol this year.

Don't forget! Our American Idol elimination contest begins next week when 6 becomes 5. I know you'll want to play because we have some killer prizes: itunes gift cards for the weekly winners, ear buds for the final show, and an ipod nano for the grand prize. The more times you play, the more chances you have to win the the grand prize, because we're drawing from all of the weekly entries. So I'll see you at the ballot box.

American Idol: Who Killed tonight?

Skylar Laine

Yes, Skylar came back from behind and gave a killer performance on Wednesday's American Idol competition. This girl is a powerhouse, but she wasn't the only great performer tonight. As usual with this talented group, it's very hard to do a power list. But I know who was the worst.

8. Hollie Cavanaugh tried much too hard. Despite having a truly great voice, there is something essentially false and essentially cold about her delivery. That was clear in her duet with Deandre Brackensick. She was good - better than in her solo, but she could not generate a bit of heat between herself and her partner. They were the only pair that didn't hug at the end.

7. Elise Testone  is uneven.Tonight she seemed tired. A sleepy ballad wasn't her best choice. I hope Hollie goes home, but I think Elise is in danger.

6. I don't like to give such a low number to Andre Brackensick, but he doesn't get much love from the AI recappers crowd. Some say he is gimmicky. I say he is unique. I thought he was great tonight, showing off his mellow lower register. But the consensus is that he won't make the finals, and I have to agree. Going first didn't help.

5. Joshua Ledet is fabulously talented, but like Hollie he has problems. He ended his song with a scream that looked like vomiting and was out of place. He tends to go over the top. His duet with Jessica Sanchez was unbelievably great though, and I LOVED his suit. The judges are pimping him.

Here is where I break down the distinctions because the remaining performers were all so great. Phillip Phillips gave his usual great performance. I do wish he would change things up a little though. Jessica Sanchez does try to change her style of song and it always works for her because she is scarily great. Colton Dixon did not blow me away totally tonight, but I noticed an androgynous David Bowie quality in him that I think will serve him well. He is delicately built and from that perspective did not pair up well with Skylar Laine in the duet. And what can I say about Skylar? She killed.

American Idol: A Solid Final Nine

There were so many good performances this week that I am hard pressed to produce a power list. I thought that the judges/producers were blatantly manipulative this week. Heejun and Deandre were good, but they received undeserved standing ovations from the judges to strengthen their positions with the voters. Hollie wasn't bad, but she got the only criticism of the night. The producers might think, rightfully, that she has no chance of winning or placing and want her to leave sooner rather than later to leave room for more interesting or polarizing performers. I'm looking at you, Heejun. They tried this last year with Haley Reinhart, but it backfired when she ended up in the final three. I don't expect that for Hollie.

Weak
Hollie is too generic a performer to last. She has a big voice and that's about all she has going. Joshua  has the cry face that is the kiss of death for me. I don't think the audience likes it either. He also has a generic quality although he is a much better performer than Hollie. Deandre may be too gimmicky to last, but I love his movements.

Medium
Colton gave one his weakest performances, boring and manipulative. Skylar  redeemed herself this week with a real country turn. Heejun decided to take the show seriously this week, and showed off his beautiful voice. He may have the best voice of the group, but that won't take him to the win.

Strong
Phillip gave the best performance of the night; great song, great delivery. Stevie Nicks, this week's mentor, predicted that he's going to be very famous one day, and I believe her. Jessica was scary-good as usual. Randy asked where does it come from? I wonder about that too. Elise brought down the house with her wailing rock performance. Will she be in the bottom three again? I don't think so, but who is going home? Hard to predict.

American Idol: Billy Joel Night

Well American Idol fans, tonight the youths competing on the show had to sing the songs of an American icon who is in grandpa range. Deandre Brackensick doesn't even know who Christie Brinkley is. But it was alright. There were some good and outstanding performances, and my personal power list has slid around some. Plus I got goosies!

10.   Now that Shannon Magrane is gone, I am campaigning for the removal of Hollie Cavanaugh. First off, she has horrible taste.  From her consultation with Tommy Hilfiger it emerged that she is the one that insists on sequins and other sparkly grandma clothes. She is 18 trying to look 45. What? The judges dissed her performance this week.

9.    Joshua Ledet killed last week, but he is starting to wear on me. He has the cry-face. Like Hollie, he is talented but just not likeable or fresh in his musical approach. The judges said he wasn't believable.

8.    This is killing me, but Skylar Laine  is also beginning to pall. She over sang, and what was with that diaper she was wearing? Tommy Hilfiger wanted her to keep doing what she was doing style-wise, and she did the opposite. I think she got good advice and should have followed it.

7.    This kills me even more, but, although I loved her hair, I don't think Erika Van Pelt was at her best.   The judges loved her, but I think she over sang. She started out sounding intimate and jazzy. She made me wish that I was seeing her in a small club. Then she went to the power notes. I think she is in danger this week, since she has been making a poor showing in votes and at her jazzy best she isn't the type for young Idol fans.

6.    I thought Deandre Brackensick was as adorable and entertaining as ever, but his performance, though wonderfully peppy, was not that memorable.

5.    Heejun Han was one of the most entertaining performers of the evening. One of the recappers thought that he was making a droll postmodern commentary on the show, and that could be right. It especially seemed so in his wardrobe choice. He may be a little bit of a genius.

4.    Elise Testone  is undoubtedly this year's Haley Reinhart. The judges decided not to give her the Haley diss and gave her a standing O this week. And she was that good.

3. - 2.- 1.   I can't rank the rest of the performers. I loved them all so much. I especially loved Phillip Phillips aggression and refusal to give in to image control. And Diddy made a very stupid comment about the guitar being a crutch. Philip knows, and we know, that that isn't the case for him.  Jessica Sanchez is a channel for something beyond the earth.  She is unbelievable. This week she reminded me of Aretha Franklin. Where does that come from? And I  fell  deeply in love with polished, intense Colton Dixon. That's when I got the goosies. Here are your three finalists.

American Idol: Shame on Jermaine

As many of you know by now, baritone Jermaine Jones, the 13th contestant, was kicked to the curb by American Idol for lying about a previous arrest record and concealing that he has four outstanding warrants. Here are more details on this dramatic story. Jermaine is pictured above. I find these photos interesting in that they show him looking tough and just a bit thugish, contradicting his clean living country boy image on the show.

In other drama, Phillip Phillips had surgery for kidney stones during the week, Colton Dixon had dinner with Chris Daughtry, and Joshua Ledet ate a mess of crayfish.

The performances this week slipped in general, through there were some outstanding contributions most notably by Joshua Ledet. Here is my personal power list for this week. This reflects a combination of my opinion and how I think the voting will fall.

11   Sharon Magrane: her costume styling was way too old for her, she sounded whiny and weak, and she has no singing style. I can't stand her.

10   Elise Testone: overly mannered performance with a forced vibrato; she pushed too hard. I wouldn't be surprised if she goes home.

9    Heejun Han: his schtick is getting old, his performance was meh.

8    Jessica Sanchez was disappointing this week. She sounded a little shouty and, as Randy and others pointed out, her rhythm was off. However, I don't think she or Deandre are in danger.

7    Deandre Brackensick: I loved his performance, but the judges didn't seem to. He is comfortable on stage and very cute. I think he'll get some girl votes this week.

6    Hollie Cavanaugh: This girl is immensely talented, but I don't like her. She sings with confidence, but somehow she reminds me of a scared mouse. I don't like the irrelevant Celine Dion style of singing either. She also lacks charm.

5    Skylar Laine is one of my favorites, but her performance this week was not that entertaining for me. The judges however, loved her.

4    Erika Van Pelt: I love her. I'd put her at number one, but she'll likely be in the bottom three. The judges suggested that she oversang this week, but last time they criticized her for undersinging. I think she always gets it just right. And she looked fantastic.

3   Colton Dixon: What can I say. I always love the rockers.

2    Phillip Phillips: Not bad for kidney stones.

1    Joshua Ledet killed.

Here is a link to the LA Times recap.

Niles Songwriters

The next meeting of the Niles Songwriters is Thursday, March 15th 7:30-9pm. We will meet in the library’s youth service program room which has great acoustics, but can be warm. Songwriters are invited to bring an original song to share. Last month those who played guitar, ukulele, or recorder brought them along, those that didn't play, sang acapella. It was great fun! If you’re a songwriter and would like to join us, stop by the Niles Public Library at 6960 Oakton St. Niles, IL

For more information contact Cyndi Rademacher at crademac@nileslibrary.org or call 847-663-6614.

American Idol: Toward the First Elimination

OMG! That was some show! Just when I thought I was through with American Idol, it pulled me back in. There is a new twist in the show too. For this elimination the boy and girl with the least votes will sing off and the judges will decide who goes home. But it's hard to decide who were the weakest performers.

Actually it's not. Shannon Magrane was pretty bad, and I don't think her pageant-y presentation will help her either. Elise Testone, an early favorite was also weak, but Shannon was worse. Elise reminded me of Haley Reinhardt in her jerky phrasing and tense moves, but Haley rallied and so will Elise.

Weakest boy? That's harder to say. Jeremy Rosado? Jermaine Jones?

But there were so many strong performances, the foremost being teeny tiny Jessica Sanchez who gave me GOOSIES over the TV. Can you imagine that anyone would pull off "I Will Always Love You" on Whitney Houston night, let alone kill? My girl Skylar killed as well, as did Colton Dixon and Phillip Phillips. Other standouts were Erika Van Pelt and Deandre Brackensick who was so entertaining. Hollie Cavanaugh is also an outstanding singer, but she creeps me out a little.

On its 400th show, American Idol is off to a strong start.

American Idol: YOUR Final Thirteen

Erika Van Pelt, Wild Card

In Thursday's semi-final results show, I think America got it right. And so did the judges in their wild card picks. I was slightly disappointed that Jen Hirsh didn't get through, but actually her later performances weren't as strong as her earlier ones.

Here are the Final Thirteen:

Boys
Phil Phillips: unique
Joshua Ledet: incredible R&B chops
Heejun Han: adorable, great voice, questionable delivery
Colton Diixon: an indie delight
Jermain Jones: deep baritone voice, but belongs on Broadway
Girls
Jessica Sanchez: beyond great
Hollie Cavanaugh: tiny girl, huge voice; she makes me nervous
Shannon Magrane: strong singer, but, so far, too pagent-y princess
Skylar Laine: adorable ball of pep
Elise Testone: country piano girl

Wild Cards
Erika Van Pelt: powerhouse (Randy's pick)
Jeremy Rosado: sweet and sincere (Jennifer's pick)
Deandre Brackensick: great falsetto, a little different (Stephen's pick)

American Idol: A Star is Born

Here are some girl face slices because last night (Wednesday) 12 women competed for five places in the American Idol Season 11 finals.

Normally I become a fan of a  cute and quirky boy singer like LeeDeWyze or Kris Allen, or a great rocker like Daughtry or James Durbin. But after seeing this group of girls  perform, I think I'm in love. And by star I'm referring to tiny 16 year old Jessica Sanchez who had me sitting with a dropped jaw. I even insisted on replaying her performance for my husband who was equally impressed. Both young Jessica and 18 year old Skylar Laine, my other girl crush, understand that a performer has to entertain, which with some exceptions has never been a hallmark of American Idol performances. That's why I love The Voice so much; it's so entertaining.

Maybe the AI performers are trying to be entertaining , but they don't know how. Last night the AI girls paraded some good voices accompanied by lackluster performances. I'm looking at you three interchangeable blond beauties - Hallie, Baylie, and Haley. I hope they all get voted off, though I might tolerate Hallie, the best of them.

Jessica Sanchez

Skylar Laine

I also like Jen Hirsh. Anyway, if Jessica Sanchez can take the pressure, I don't see how she can't win the whole thing. Here is a link to Carla Patton of Buddy TV recapping the performances live. She also thought Jessica killed.

Jen Hirsh

American Idol: Boys Night Out

After a punishing round of auditions and an interesting contest in Las Vegas, American Idol Season 11, 2012, has finally started the live shows. That means that the audience at home gets to vote for their favorites, eliminating one singer each week until the American Idol emerges. Last night was a semi-final round with 13 men singing to remain in the competition. There are their face slices above (one doesn't belong). Tonight it's the women's turn. On Thursday the eight lowest-scoring men and the seven lowest-scoring women will be sent home all at once. Each judge will bring back one of the eliminated in a wild card pick., bringing the total number of finalists to 13. That's when the show really begins to heat up as favorites fall and over-the-top divas keep going.

It's good to review the rules, because every year American Idol tweaks them a bit. We haven't had wild card picks for several years, for example. Besides the rules, I noticed a significant change in the show's production vales. I attribute this to direct competition with The Voice, my new favorite show. This was particularly noticeable in the second round of group performances. The contestants were all styled up and voice-coached to the nines, resulting in slick and entertaining performances. And check out the new Idol stage.

As far as last night's semi-final performances, it's too early to get excited. Half of these performers will be gone by the end of the week. USA Today rated the 13 men. Their favorites did not totally coincide with mine. I loved Aaron Marcellus and thought his performance classic rather than "old fashioned". The judges did give him a standing O after all. But I agreed that Joshua Ledet was incredible. My favorite is Phil Phillips, but I was disappointed in his performance. And why did the judges start talking about going home directly after Creighton Fraker's credible version of True Colors? Unfair!

Aaron Marcellus

Creighton Fraker

Phil Phillips

GRAMMYS!

Surprise, Surprise! The beautiful and strong-voiced Adele Adkins walked away with it. Here is a quick run down of the main Grammy winners, starting with.........Adele.

Record of the Year: Adele, Rolling in the Deep 
Album of the Year: Adele, 21
Song of the Year: Adele, Rolling in the Deep
Best Pop Solo Performance: Adele, Someone like You

Best Pop Vocal Album: Adele, 21 


Seriously?

Here, for variety, are some other winners:

Best New Artist: Bon Iver
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony Bennett, Duets II
Best Rock Song: Foo Fighters, Walk (from Wasting Light)
Best Rock Album: Foo Fighters, Wasting Light 
Best Alternative Rock: Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Best R&B Performance: Corinne Bailey Rae, Is This Love? (from The Love EP)
Best R&B Song: Cee Lo Green, Fool For You
Best R&B Album: Chris Brown, F.A.M.E. 
Best Rap Album: Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy