John Torres' CD Release Party

I went to a CD Release Party tonight. It's not like this was my first, but I have to admit this was definitely the best.

The feature artist is friend John Torres.

The album being celebrated; "Music After All."
Which by the way, sold out at this event!!




If you haven't already, check out his Myspace



Aside from John doing cuts from his album, there was jamming from the band, friend's of John's. These seasoned musicians included; keyboardist Gary Verrill and guitarist for Kenny G, John Raymond. There was some blues, Gospel, alittle Beatles and even some Motown. You'll forgive me that I didn't know the other fantastic musicians and singers. They were all amazing!!

Here's a few of the songs John performed.










Check out these impromptu moments;

Totally unrehearsed.
These are the moments a musician watchin lives for!!
A W E S O M E




This was my suggestion to the band, actually any Motown song.
I didn't realize my voice was being picked up by the camera.
John and the gal he was singing with were FANTASTIC!!




If you want to hear and see more songs from John, visit his youtube page and stayed tuned for something very special coming in the next couple of months.

;-)






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The Split Enz

What can be said about this unbelievable group of the late 70's and early 80's that hasn't been said already? There will never will be another band like "The Split Enz! But of course, this has been said and I am know I am not alone in this opinion.

For me, I was so infatuated with the love songs of Neil Finn, but went crazy for brother, Tim's edgy rebelliousness. At the same time, I felt so deeply for what seemed Tim fighting his demons in his songs.

Now I know that the band was more than The Brother's Finn. According to wikipedia (and we know they know everything) the rest of the band included from March 1978 - May 1981: Nigel Griggs (bass) Malcolm Green (drums) Eddie Rayner (keyboards) Noel Crombie (percussion, art/visual director).

Today, both of the men are still unbelievable in their song writing with Neil coming out of The Split Enz, creating "Crowded House" and now on his own with whom I understand, his grown son joining him on tour, while Tim has also been touring on his own around the U.S. I am sad I missed both of their separate appearances awhile back in Seattle.

Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam has said that The Split Enz is one of his favorite bands, covering "I Got You" while in Europe back in 2000 and appeared with the guys when he was in New Zealand years ago and from what I understand, appearing with Neil while he was in Seattle sometime after that.

All I know is; The Split Enz were IT for me!!

Coming from Palm Springs and never having gone to a concert, I wasn't sure how one did. But when I found out through L.A.'s KROQ that they were going to be playing The L.A. Palladium promoting their "Time and Tide" LP, I knew there'd be nothing holding me back, except maybe reliable transportation, which was quickly resolved by a nice boyfriend who lent me his 1978 3 speed Camaro. Problem solved!!

1982. . . Ahhh. . . The Split Enz. . .my first concert. . . what a night!

There we were, my sister Lynette and friend Julie. This was the biggest thing to happen in my life and I had to make it count. Going up front was the only way. Getting there very early helped, but once the other Split Enz affeciandos started turning up, it became increasingly difficult to hold our place up front as we were being pushed into the stage. But it was all worth it. I couldn't believe that when they came out Neil Finn was standing right in front of me!! And then Tim!! Wow!!!

This is during the time that "slam dancing" which might be a bit like "moshing" was popular. I got my look, I was close, but it was time to go! My 14 year old sister was only too happy to stay in the pit, but Julie and I went to the back. We were both shocked to see who was standing near us; Tatum O'Neal!

A favorite memory of that night was standing in the back with Julie and seeing my sister, Lynette being thrown out of the crowd with this crazy look of surprise on her face and her saying "Man, that was great! I'm going back in!!!" BIG SMILES!! We still talk about how that concert was probably one of the best we have ever been to. Was it because it was our first? Nyah! It was a good concert PERIOD!




Here's something for your next trivia game; Their N.American mgmt was Tommy Mottola, Champion Entertainment, later head of Sony Music Entertainment, married to Mariah Carey and currently married to Thalia



I found this 45 in a pile of records I had bought last year, forgetting all about them. Of course like the albums "Waiata" and "True Colours," it had wild, shapes and patterns covering the record with "laser etching" so when the light hit it, you'd see the design around the room. VERY COOL!!

The first is "One Step Ahead" written by Neil Finn. Yes, there are MTV videos on this, but I haven't seen any 45's playing on a turntable/stereo.



The next one is "In The Wars" written by Tim Finn which by the way, does not appear on the original album of Waiata, only on the Bside. But you will find it on the 2006 re-release, track 12.



Now I realize that these two songs would sound "way better" on a premium sound system, but when I was a kid and when you were a kid, didn't you have to play your favorite 45's on your mom and dad's old stereo or record player that was probably made in the 1960s? THAT SOUND in and of itself, brings back the memories!

And that is why there is "Spin That 45" for those who have their 45's and still listen to them.

Mornin' by Rene & Rene

Rene & Rene or aka René Y René are a band from South Texas but growing up with their music I had thought they were an East L.A. band.

With their soft ranchera sound, their songs were a staple with los pachucos with their rucas in one arm and the other hanging, stationary to their side, swaying to songs such as "Lo Mucho que Te Quiero (The More I Love You)," and "Mienteme."

I have memories of my mom singing Mienteme with that look in her eyes thinking about the love of her life. It brings chills just thinking about it now.

To me, I find it sad that René Y René are listed as a "One Hit Wonder" because they definitely were not a one hit wonder.
With their flexibility in playing any style, they proved they could not only write beautiful love songs, but songs to dance to like "Angelito" where a soft cha cha cha was inorder. Can you say "la fiesta con la familia y amigos todos!!?"

Although René Ornelas y René Herrera were not brothers, there is a duo who make me feel like I am listening to René Y René. They are The Gutierrez Brothers and they are brothers. Check em out!



In this song I'm posting, "Mornin' " you can't help but think of "Gerry & the Pacemakers" meets "Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass." Close your eyes and you just might be taken back to a movie interlude where two lovers in this 60's movie are walking through a meadow of tall grass. She's wearing a yellow dress with white daisies and he's handing her a bouquet of "forget-me-nots." While the soundtrack plays, they gaze into one another's eyes as she holds the flowers close to her face and breaks out into a child-like smile and laugh. So 60's!!!

Enjoy the song!!!

A Most Beautiful Tribute to Mr. Roby Duke

This was put together by his family. So beautiful and precious.
Somehow, my face is placed towards the end of this pictoral tribute to this "one of a kind" man.

Roby Duke / "Seasons of Change" / "Closer to You"

A treasure has been uploaded to YouTube.
For Roby Duke fans, this is something to behold!

What You Won't Do For Love and Bobby Caldwell

Okay, okay, I realize this site is to showcase 45's and the love of 45's.

But what better 45 to showcase than Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love?"

Only I'm not going to show the 45 playing, but the video of Bobby singing this live at Jazz Alley recently.

I've seen him and his amazing band several times and I never tire of hearing him perform one of my most favorite songs of all time. . . and yours. . . I know it!!!

Before he sings, he always asks the audience to think back at where they were when they heard this song.

Well, I'll you, Bobby.

1979, I was in Palm Springs. . . a senior at Palm Springs High. . . a LOUSY student and a HOPELESS romantic.

This song did not help in stirring those feelings of love and infatuation. . . for who? I don't know. This I DO know. . . I am not alone in this . . . Do I hear a "Yes, Yes?"

I also remember hearing it being played at a school dance, dj'd by a guy named Kip, who had the 12inch long play. My favorite song available on a 12inch.

Come to think of it, I need to go and search for that on ebay.

So that's where I was, Bobby. Thanks for puttin' on a great show.

I cannot wait to see that Big Band sound next year!

The B-52's in Seattle

My friend and neighbor Guy, was so nice to invite me to go with him to see the B-52s at the Showbow Seattle May 6.
What a treat!! They were amazing!!
Here are my pictures and videos. I would have taped more songs, but I got busted by security. Perhaps I should have tried to get closer to the front.
Oh well.
Enjoy!

















Give Me Back My Man




Planet Claire




Love Shack




Rock Lobster




Private Idaho

Wedding Day Memories con el Mariachis

Pictured are L.A.'s famous "Mariachi Los Camperos."

Growing up in a Latin American family, it is the tradition that you have a Mariachi Band perform at your wedding reception. If you don't know what a Mariachi Band is, you can go to wikipedia to find out.
My wedding was no exception. We had the Mariachis playing poolside at a Palm Springs area hotel where my reception took place. They played beautifully, from what I was told, since I felt like I was in Mars that day. So I don't remember too much from that day.



My wedding day, 1985 If you've ever seen the movie "Mi Familia" with Edward James Elmos, Jimmy Smit, Esai Morales and Jennifer Lopez, you will recognize the similarities of this photo... Father wearing a tux. . . mother wearing taffeta. Even my husband, when watching the movie's reception scene, says, "Wow, honey, look! It's your parents!!"

Recently, here in Washington, my sister, who had been visiting from California had wanted to go record shopping at the local thrift shops, as well as buying every mexican style blanket she could find.

I, of course, am looking for 45's. At one thrift shop, I find two 45's that seem interesting, mostly because they are in spanish. I have no idea what type of music is on these records, but I don't care. My sister is bummed that I got to the records first. From then on, it's a race at every thrift shop & used record store.

When we get back home, I'm going through what I hope will be subjects for this blogsite. There's one that catches my eye. . . The label seems like it might be from a small company. . . "Estrella" it says at the top. Reading the side. . . hmmm. . . WOW!! Palm Springs!! What the heck!!

The artist, "Santana Lerma" I don't recognize. So, I have to call my dad, who because of his experience in the restaurant business, knows alot of the musicians in the Palm Springs area. Palm Springs is a small town, everybody knows everybody.

I tell my dad about the record I found here in Seattle. He doesn't recognize the name of the artist, either. I tell him the 45 is from 1980. And on the right side of the record it says, "Mariachi Estrella de Abel Garcia."

My dad says, "m'ija, dozz (those) are da (the) mariachis that played at joo (your)weddding! Dey (they) are friends to mine." (accent and grammar usage is important here to get the full flavor).

Well I am surprised to say the least. And impressed. The songs are good!!! And as far as my wedding day, I was not able to enjoy Mariachi Estrella's wonderful performance. This is one of my regrets, aside from being an hour and half late to my own wedding, but that's a story for another day.

I know you will enjoy these songs.

"Look-Ka Py Py" The Meters

"The Meters were an American funk band based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Meters performed and recorded their music from the late 1960s until 1977. While the band never enjoyed huge popular success, they are considered one of the progenitors of funk.

Art Neville, the group's frontman, launched a solo career around the New Orleans area in the mid-1950s, while still in high school. The Meters formed in 1965, with a line-up that included keyboardist and vocalist Aaron Neville, guitarist Leo Nocentelli, bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste later joined by percussionist/vocalist Cyril Neville. They became the house band for Allen Toussaint and his record label, Sansu Enterprises." wikipedia

This song has such a cool guitar riff. Man, 70's funk was so cool!

For us who love trivia, Allen Toussaint, who is also on here, you might know under the pseudonym, Naomi Neville. . . famous for writing "Fortune Teller," covered by The Rolling Stones, The Hollies, The Who and most recently by Robert Plant and Alison Krause on their "Raising Sand" release.

Enjoy and Get'cho Groove On!

Looking for a needle for your record player or turntable?

This is where I go to for that hard to find needle or cartridge. You'll feel at home when you walk into this "Mom n Pop" shop and begin talking with owners, Jim & Sharon.


JNS Phonograph quietly fills niche
Time turns a little more slowly here

Last updated April 13, 2007 8:50 p.m. PT

By DAN RICHMAN
P-I REPORTER

Many Seattle residents were born after phonographs had faded from common use. But even some of those whippersnappers find their way to JNS Phonograph Needles, according to Jim Goff, who has owned the Roosevelt District shop for 20 years.

"We get people of all ages, from pregnant mothers who want to play music for their unborn children to older people who still want to hear their records, and everyone in between," said Goff, declining to give his own age.


With his wife, Sharron, Goff runs what he says is the only business on the West Coast devoted to repairing electric-powered phonographs and selling needles and record-cleaning supplies.

Goff does the repairs on site, charging a flat $45 plus parts. If parts aren't available, he'll try to make them, and if the phonograph can't be restored to perfect condition, he'll at least try to make it usable. Estimates are free.

Some of the best customers are disc jockeys who use turntables to provide the scratching sounds common in hip-hop and rap.

Others are seniors such as Elmer Johnson, 88, who visited the store earlier this week.

He'd driven over from West Seattle to get his record player repaired. Goff found that it wasn't actually broken (no charge), and he sold Johnson a sapphire needle to get a better sound out of his beloved 78 rpm records ($21.76 with tax).

"I play mostly 78s -- Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Rudy Vallee," Johnson said. "I've been coming here for 15 years. I think he's got something here, for older people."

Needles range from $11 to $230, and Goff said he can find a needle for nearly every turntable, excluding those by Bang & Olufsen because the company no longer makes them widely available.

Sharron is responsible for the store's decor: pale green walls covered from floor to ceiling with old and obscure but never-played 33-rpm records.

It's fairly easy to find used versions of many of those records, but new copies are harder to come by.

Many are so-called picture discs from the 1970s and 1980s, which bear a large photographic image of the artist.

They're fun period pieces, particularly because the spindle hole always seems to occur in the worst possible place. One of Barbra Streisand, for example, appears to have a third nostril.

The selection leans heavily toward soundtracks, though there's a range of esoteric titles including advertising jingles (Choo Choo Charlie singing for Good & Plenty, the "stronger than dirt" Ajax Laundry Detergent song) and three volumes of TV show theme songs.

Prices range from $10 (soundtrack to "Hearts of Fire" or "Flying Down to Rio") to $175 (a picture disc of Elvis Costello).

All of the store's records are left over from inventory the Goffs bought from Kay and Millard Smith, whose Standard Records store occupied that space for 56 years, until 1987.

The stock is 80 percent gone, and when it's sold off, "Well, we'll worry about that when the time comes," Goff said.

Goff started working for the Smiths in 1955, stocking shelves and opening mail in the record store. One day he started tinkering around with a turntable someone had brought in for repair and found he had a knack for it.

"I've been interested in that ever since," he said.

A significant percentage of the company's business is done by mail order. None of it is done on the Internet, as the Goffs don't own a computer and don't know how to use one.

They also don't own a fax machine, and they don't accept credit cards.

"I'm in the time warp of vinyl, and it works for me," Goff said.


IF YOU GO
1028 N.E. 65th St., Seattle

HOURS: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday

CONTACT: 206-524-2933

Cash or checks only



http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/311541_retail14.html

Rick Springfield "Take A Hand"

A very catchy tune. You can tell I played this alot when I was 15.

Shirley Ellis "The Nitty Gritty"

Can't say too much about this, except. . .Ah-ooo-weee. . .Let's get down to the real nitty gritty.

Al Wilson's "The Snake"

Unfortunately, I don't know too much about this talented singer. I only know I loved this song as a kid and when "Show & Tell" came out in the mid 70's, I loved that, too.

The Spiral Starecase

This group was definitely talented and I loved watching them whenever they were on t.v.
My mom met them at a club somewhere in the L.A. area, probably around El Monte, which is where they lived. It was Harvey Kaye (Kaplan), my mom new best. This 45,"No One for Me to Turn To" was going to be their latest single and he gave this copy to her.
Years later while I was a teen, my mom and I ran into Pat Upton in Palm Springs. . . a very nice man.

A Side "No One for Me to Turn To"



B Side "Sweet Little Thing