Rock and Roll Trivia Question 4

Q. What do the following songs share in common?

     "1,2,3" by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine

     "25 Or 6 To 4" by Chicago

     "#9 Dream" by John Lennon

Rock and Roll Trivia Answer 4

A. All of the songs peaked at the number in or within their title.

     "1,2,3" peaked @ #3.

     "25 or 6 To 4" peaked @ #4.

     "#9 Dream" peaked @ #9.

Silence! The Musical @ ARTS AFTER HOURS

The word "silence" is an ironic word to use since the Opening Night crowd was literally roaring with boisterous laughter at this hilariously unapologetic parody of the movie "Silence of the Lambs."

So wrong it's right, Hunter Bell's Book is a clever if not raunchy send-up of all the nuances that made the movie famous. Jon Kaplan and Al Kaplan have created Music and Lyrics equally as as creative and naughty.

Director James Tallach knows how to bring all of this delirium to brilliant life, never overdoing anything, and always keeping the pace brisk and the action moving.

The audience is sold as soon Clarice opens her mouth and the accent ala Jodie Foster from the film shines through. She is played brilliantly by Lisa McDonough who not only looks like Foster but has her mannerisms and facial expressions down perfectly. She is enjoying the role and the audience is right there with her. It is not an easy role, but she makes it look effortless.

Chas Kircher incorporates Sir Anthony Hopkins's icy cold stare and speaking voice perfectly. He has a beautiful voice too, and I only wish I could mention the title of the song that best demonstrates that. ;-)

Buffalo Bill is played with the right amount of sleaze and sex by Jeremiah O'Sullivan. It is a role into which one must be uninhibited, and he is.

Samantha Gambaccini's beautiful Soprano complements her outstanding acting chops (sorry) as Catherine and the Senator.

The ensemble of lambs is also a joy to watch with original and crisp choreography by Nicole Spirito.

Costume designer Bonnie Fitzgerald has done an amazing job of capturing that of the movie.

The impressive and professional lighting, sound, set design, music direction, and projections flesh out (sorry again) an incredibly entertaining and laugh-filled night at the theatre.

Be warned that the language might not make it a family night, but it will make it a wonderful night out with your friends because this particular silence is golden.

artsafterhours.com

Rock and Roll Trivia Question 3

Q. What do the following groups share in common?


     Talk Talk

     Fleetwood Mac

     Big Country

Rock and Roll Trivia Answer 3

A. They all have their group name as a song title or incorporated in a song title they perform.

     "Talk Talk" by Talk Talk

     "Fleetwood Mac (Instrumental)" by Fleetwood Mac

     "In A Big Country" by Big Country

Rock and Roll Trivia Question 2

Q. What do Lipps Inc. and Pseudo Echo share in common?

Rock and Roll Trivia Answer 2

A. Lipps Inc. and Pseudo Echo are one-hit wonders in the US with the same song "Funkytown,"
     written by Steven Greenberg.

     Lipps Inc. brought the song to #1 in 1980, and Pseduo Echo peaked at #6 in 1986.

Rock & Roll Trivia Question 1

What does "b/w" represent?

Rock & Roll Trivia Answer 1

    "Backed With."

     Back in the day when "singles" a.k.a "45s" were a popular method of promoting albums,
     Side One a.k.a the A-side was "backed with" another song, usually from the same album.

BLONDIE TURNS 40!

Blondie has never been subtle or shy, and their 1976 self-titled debut is just the beginning.

Produced by Richard Gottenhrer for Private Stock Records, he took their punk background and complemented it with a hint of 1950s sensibility. It’s an odd combination on paper but comes to brilliant life on record.

Armed and ready right out of the gate, their first track and first single is “X Offender,” retitled from “Sex Offender” and not a favorite of commercial radio at the time due to its title and subject material. Penned by Gary Valentine and Debbie Harry, this is classic Blondie, and Harry is not afraid to sing controversial lyrics with self-confidence and a sneer.

Harry’s perception of women is showcased in “Little Girl Lies” with the title's play on words and triple meaning (at least). “Rip Her to Shreds,” the LP’s third single, is a more direct approach, and her cold voice is delicious.

Jimmy Destri showcases his love of keyboards and ethereal lyrics in “Look Good in Blue” and “A Shark in Jets Clothing.” The latter is clearly inspired by West Side Story, complete with finger snaps.

Chris Stein contributes “In the Sun” which is ready for any day at the beach. Stein’s “The Attack of the Giant Ants” lets us know that Blondie does not really take themselves or the business too seriously.

Harry and Stein share songwriting talents on the sole ballad and second single “In The Flesh.” It is a beautiful tune, but she sings with irony and distance, letting us know she is not a girl to be messed with.

The unique and undeniable percussion talents of Clem Burke is evident on every song here, and he will continue to get even better. 

Blondie will go through some personal and musical changes, but for now their impressive first album is a great start and a greater sign of things to come.

SPAMALOT @ NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE

It takes an incredible amount of talent and effort to pull off something so inane and ludicrous, but director Billy Sprague, Jr. makes SPAMALOT look like a walk through "a very expensive forest."

SPAMALOT is hardly an easy musical to pull off. Not only are there many physical demands for the cast, but if any of the timing is off, everything can fall as hard as a cow.

There are devoted fans of Monty Python who wish to see everything done correctly. No one will be disappointed.

It helps to be a fan of Monty Python, but it is not necessary here since the ensemble is so joyous, and their energy is infectious. The mere fact that half the audience is singing and reciting along means that everyone is doing their job.

Al Bundonis and Brad Bradley as King Arthur and Patsy work extremely well together, and their relationship is believable and effortless.

All of the knights are hilarious to watch, especially those appearimng in multiple roles. Talk about an ensemble that works "all for one."

Haley Swindal completely embraces the Lady of the Lake with a set of pipes to rival that of any diva.

Mark Nagle's costumes are inspired, colorful, clever, and beautiful.

Billy Sprague, Jr. also provides the lively and original choreography.

Every aspect of this production is top-notch, and it would have to be. If anyone is seeking "the bright side of life," they will find it right now at North Music Theatre, and you not be "all alone."

And don't forget to treat yourself to an outstanding buffet at the Backstage Bistro.
This time provided by Venetian Moon.

www.nsmt.org

http://www.venetianmoon.com

FLEETWOOD MAC's MIRAGE - REMASTERED, REISSUED, AND REVISITED!

Fleetwood Mac's 1982 release MIRAGE is an interesting return from the band's ambitious if not overwrought TUSK from 1979.

At first listen it sounds like they are licking their wounds after the commercial backlash of TUSK, and at times they almost play it too safe.

The lead single is Christine McVie's "Hold Me," a smart choice as her contributions are usually anchored in solid songwriting and production values. It's unusually quirky for McVie, but Lindsey Buckingham's crisp tenor complements her trademark honey-coated alto. Her piano licks are catchy and light, and this was the perfect release for that summer. Spending an impressive yet agonizing seven weeks at #4, this is one of the band's most successful tracks.

McVie's "Love In Store," the album's third single, is as light and breezy as a summer afternoon and reached #22. It probably could have benefited from  another go-around in the recording studio to provide with a bit more structure and backbone.

"Only Over You" showcases her signature voice well. Her dreamlike, ethereal approach is a unique approach for her, but the song never quite finds its grounding musically.

She fares better on "Wish You Were Here," which closes the album. It is a genuine Christine McVie ballad that highlights her superior work on the keys, complemented by Mick Fleetwood's solid drumming.

The second single is "Gypsy," a lyrical and musical masterpiece written by Stevie Nicks. Originally intended for her first solo release, producers Richard Dashut, Ken Caillat, and the band find the magic here. The musicology brilliantly brings to life her superior words. Although it stalled at #12, "Gypsy" has become a justified classic.

"Straight Back," demonstrates very well how Nicks can begin a song in one direction but veer off in another and somehow manage to get away with it. At times, however, it sounds less like a group effort and more of a solo one; McVie's backing vocals in the second verse almost sound like an afterthought.

Stevie's other contribution "That's Alright" is an upbeat tune complete with sing-along chorus reminding one of camping in the woods at night. Another run in the studio could have offered the song's country flavor with a bit more spice.

The five songs from Lindsey Buckingham are as pleasantly quirky as he is but seem to lack the angle and experimentation of his previous days, as if he is taking a step back to safer grounds.

The 1950s-inspired, "Oh Diane" was a cute #9 hit in the UK but failed to chart in the US.

His "Book of Love" and "Can't Go Back" are stronger musically than lyrically but don't quite reach the depths they could have.

"Empire State" and "Eyes of the World" provide more of edge with the latter's razor-sharp guitar solo reminding one of "Go Your Own Way."

There is much to celebrate in this album's reissue.

It might not be their strongest effort, but MIRAGE provides a nice balance to Fleetwood Mac's catalog.

SIGNIFICANT OTHER @ SPEAKEASY

Director Paul Daigneault has always been successful at finding the moments within the moments, and his latest production of SIGNIFICANT OTHER by Joshua Harmon is another great addition to his resume.

As audience members we immediately believe that Kiki, Laura, Vanessa, and Jordan are close-knit friends, probably getting closest while in their twenties. Kiki is played with incredible exuberance by Sarah Elizabeth Bedard, and she is the first of the three women to reach a certain age and decide - as if overnight - it is time to get married.

She is followed by Vanessa, portrayed with sharp wit and somber undertones by Kris Sidberry. Then there is Laura played by Jordan Clark who discovers the many layers in this complex person.

Harmon's script is hilarious right out of the gate, but as with most comedies, its humor is anchored in reality. The reality here is the harsh reminder that even the most non-traditional personalities find themselves yearning for a more conventional life. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a dilemma for male pal Jordan Berman who appears he would have been happier if they had all remained single and/or married each other. This is not out of immaturity; quite the opposite. He even defends himself in several conversations that are both painfully realistic and realistically painful.

Which brings us to Greg Maraio who plays our lead. Greg made an impressive debut @ SpeakEasy in Necessary Monsters followed by an even more impressive performance in Casa Valentina, but it was his performance in a recent staged reading when this pundit literally sat up and took notice. It was at that moment when it was obvious that something extraordinary was happening; Greg's natural talent is nothing shy of a marvel. He is very comfortable playing characters like Jordan who are uncomfortable with themselves, but he has the ability to display every emotion and character arc effortlessly while being mature and professional enough not to take over the stage, even though Jordan can. He doesn't act like Jordan; he becomes enveloped by Jordan. With good looks reminding one of Jonathan Graff, it is baffling to know that this is just the beginning for Greg. His talent is borderline ridiculous.

He shares the stage with Kathy St. George who is both lovely and lovable as his grandmother, and her comic timing has always been impeccable.

Eddie Shields and Jared Troilo have the difficult task of floating in and out of multiple characters, but they do so with such credibility and ease.

Tyler Kinney's incredible costume design is one of the most subtle yet deliberant that one has seen in years.

There are reasons why the set by Christopher and Justin Swader is monochromatic when focusing on Jordan and his friends, but slightly colorful and filled - if not slightly cramped - when addressing the grandmother. The choices are very sophisticated.

A shout out also has to be presented to the lighting and sound design who fill out this first-rate production.

Even though SIGNIFICANT OTHER is a comedy, it does force one to think about life and choices, specifically when it comes to friends and lovers. Sometimes we don't find the answer, but you need to find yourself purchasing tickets and share this experience.

http://www.speakeasystage.com

Random Thought 105

If you are seeing too many red lights, SWITCH LANES!!

Andrea's Restaurant, Rhode Island

Anchored in College Hill, RI is Andrea's, a welcoming, Greek-American Restaurant.

Andrea's is surrounded by lively activity including Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Donald, our server, was very professional and attentive as well as quite knowledgeable of the selections.

The menu features dinners to satisfy everyone's palate, and I chose the swordfish fillet on a bed of rice pilaf. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and I was able to cut it with my fork.

Donald recommended an Italian white wine that complemented the meal to my satisfaction.

For a warm summer evening, my dessert was a Key Lime Pie, fortunately larger-portioned than most restaurants. All of the plates at Andrea's are generous.

Please visit andreasri.com for further information,
and then please visit Andreas's on 268 Thayer Street, Providence, RI.

andreasri.com

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN @ NSMT

It doesn't matter what type of week, day, or hour you had leading up to you seeing SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, the latest musical at North Shore Music Theatre. All of your worries will be literally washed away instantly.

This is because Director/Choreographer Richard Stafford has created an easy-going production as light and refreshing as a summer rain. Everything happens so effortlessly, and the audience is invited right away to the party.

North Shore audiences will embrace Mark Evans, direct form the West End in England. His Don Lockwood is handsome and charming, but he knows how to handle physical humor as well. His mugging in the films is hilarious, and he and Sean McGibbon as Cosmo Brown work brilliantly together.

McGibbon plays the slapstick humor and wise remarks in an off-the-cuff manner. His "Make 'Em Laugh" is organic and spontaneous, which is what makes it funny.

The beautiful Emily Stockdale perfectly sustains Lina Lamont's infamous voice for over two hours. There are not many places in the Book for an audience to find empathy for the character, but she is such a gifted actress that she finds them on her own. Most Linas are portrayed as a runaway train, but thankfully not here. Stockdale gargles "What's Wrong With Me" until the answer is clear.

Tessa Grady is a lovely, gorgeous Kathy Selden who takes audience's breaths away during "Lucky Star" and "Would You?" She portrays the character with grace and finesse.

Credit must also be given to Kristyn Pope, the "Girl in the Green Dress," a part immortalized in the movie by Cyd Charisse. Kristyn's legs rival those of Cyd's, an accomplishment that should make her proud, and her sexy, sultry dance is joyous.

The lighting and set designs perfectly capture the feel of the 1920s as do the exquisite costumes.

Stafford's graceful, elegant choreography reminds one of Fred and Ginger.

This is a case where making less of a "splash" creates a more stylized, effective experience. Audiences will walk away from an incredibly impressive production with smiles on their faces.


nsmt.org

35 Years of BELLA DONNA!

   

     BELLA DONNA by Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks is as perfect as it gets when it comes to a debut solo record.

     Anyone who remembers Stevie's arrival six years prior with the intense "Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win)," might be surprised here as she is remarkably mellow. However, time will tell that Stevie has always found intensity in the quieter moments of life. This is where her real passion lies. Past hits such as "Landslide" and "Sara" with her band confirm this.

     The title track introduces fans to Stevie's love for finding structure with Stream-of-Consciousness.
She eloquently beckons "come in . . . out of the darkness."

     Her strong talents for storytelling are emphasized in "The Highwayman" and "After The Glitter Fades," which reached #32 on the Billboard Chart.

     She showcases her mystical, magical side in "Kind of Woman" and "How Still My Love," a concert favorite in the early years.

     "Think About It" is the soft ballad dedicated to "Christine" where she instructs her to "take on the situation but not the torment/now you know it's not as bad as it seems."

     "Outside the Rain" allows Stevie to be optimistically melancholy as only she can be.

     The first single is "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," a #3 rock hit with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Her love of duets is evident here, and she is quite comfortable with herself.

     The other duet is the beautiful, country flavored "Leather and Lace" (#6) with Don Henley (the Eagles) who also provides harmonies on "The Highwayman."

    Bella Donna is not complete unless we mention the powerhouse "Edge of Seventeen (Just Like the White Winged Dove)." It peaked at #11 and is a staple at all of her shows. This is where she demonstrates her passionate intensity in a rock song where Waddy Wachtel's famous guitar riff kicks in immediately and never lets up.

     This album also introduces Stevie's backing vocalists Lori Perry and Sharon Celani who still record and tour with her.

     Subsequent solo albums will reveal further layers of Stevie Nicks, but for now, we are in love with, and we are ready to sail.

     "It's just a feeling. Sort of captures your soul."

     Stevie Nicks has captured ours.













   

The Monkees Good Times

Everything you have heard is true -- the latest release by the indefatigable Monkees is as retro as it is contemporary, and the results are refreshing and satisfying!

Time has been kind to Micky Dolenz's honey-coated tenor, evident on the lead single "She Makes Me Smile." He still knows how to sing a lyric and sound like he is having a blast doing it. The second single "She Brings the Summer" continues the fun and remind's one of the band's best pop in their early years. The songs sound as fresh as the inaugural "Last Train to Clarksville."

Michael Nesmith contributes a tender, heart-felt ballad "I Know What I Know," sounding like it could be dedicated to his fellow band mates.

"Little Girl" showcases Peter Tork's underrated songwriting talents and vocal chops and is a fine contribution to his own catalog. 

The almost-gone-but-not-forgotten "Love to Love" is a classy tribute to Davy Jones. Originally recorded circa 1967, it was a sign of what could have been at the time but fits right in here.

"Me & Magdalena," the CD's third release is reminiscent of the "other" side of the band heard more in their later, non-commercial years. It is a bittersweet ballad with genuine orchestrations. 

In 1969 Davy sang "Looking For The Good Times." 

Well, they have arrived, along with some well-deserved and long-overdue respect!

A

Random Thought 104

If you don't tell me, I won't know.

Random Thought 103

Self-pity is self-destructive.