New Release from Lee Ann Womack

With an interesting last name like “Womack,” a person might be tempted to go in for something a little more traditional. Either that, or be tempted to become one of a kind. That’s what country singer Lee Ann Womack has done. Although her sound is somewhat similar to other lady country singers of this era, her persona is all her own. I remember seeing her for the first time on a celebrity version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” She wasn’t the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but neither did she posture or try to make herself look … Continue reading →

Steve Winwood Releases “Nine Lives”

Steve Winwood is perhaps best known for his songs “Higher Love,” “Back in the High Life,” “The Finer Things,” “Roll with It,” and “While You See a Chance.” His sound is distinctive and during the 1980s, he was one of the most popular artists on the radio. His songs are still played today, as well, and now we have even more Winwood songs to enjoy with his recent release of the album “Nine Lives.” Some critics have said that Winwood lost a little bit of ground with his more recent songs, but that “Nine Lives” brings him back to his … Continue reading →

Julianne Hough’s New Album Released Today

We know her best as the spunky blonde professional dancer from “Dancing with the Stars.” She’s taken home the title of “champion” twice, first with Olympic champion Apolo Anton Ono and then with Helio Castroneves, fully deserving this honor for her amazing choreography and gutsy moves. However, Julianne Hough’s first love isn’t dancing, it’s singing. She and her family formed a family band when she was just a child—yes, Derek too. Dancing was just a sideline for her while she studied singing, but when the offer to do “Dancing with the Stars” came along, it was too good to pass … Continue reading →

Neil Diamond to Release New Album

My goodness! Make someone a mentor on American Idol for a night and suddenly they’re everywhere! The promotion gurus must plan all this to coincide. More bang for the promotional buck, as it were. Neil Diamond’s new album “Home before Dark” will be released on May 12th. I find that rather significant . . . here he is, a favorite of moms everywhere, and this release coincides nicely with Mother’s Day. Sure, it’s a day late, but you could always make a coupon that says, “Mom, for Mother’s Day, I’m giving you Neil Diamond’s new album.” It would make her … Continue reading →

New Release from Clay Aiken

We all remember Clay Aiken as the nerdy young American Idol contestant back in 2003. His hair stuck up at wild angles, his striped shirt was anything but “rock star,” and Simon couldn’t stand him. When a wild card contestant was chosen, Paula dug in her heels and insisted they use Clay. He worked his way up the ladder, charming the American audience week after week with his unassuming way, and somewhere along the path he got less nerdy, he got more comfortable with the stage, and in the end, he placed second to Ruben Studdard. To look at him … Continue reading →

Lullabies and Wildflowers – CD Review

Broadway actress and singer Melissa Errico has starred or featured in such plays as “My Fair Lady,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “High Society.” However, her life has led her to another starring role, that of being a mother. When she was pregnant, she started attending a prenatal yoga class and felt an instant friendship with the twelve other women who were participating, all due the same week. As the class drew to a close, Melissa gathered everyone’s e-mail address and they kept in touch, sharing birth stories and commiserating over the struggles. As time went on, they stayed … Continue reading →

The Swell Season – CD Review

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová recently won an Oscar for their original song “Falling Softly”. In his Oscar acceptance Hansard exhorted others to “Make Art”. Irglová talked of how important this win was to all the independent struggling artists. I loved her statement, “Fair play to those who dare to dream”. Hansard is from the Irish group The Frames. Here, and in the movie “Once”, he is teamed with the classically trained Czech vocalist and pianist, Markéta Irglová. The mix of lyrics, guitar, piano, and their two voices are incredible. The album The Swell Season takes it name from Hansard’s … Continue reading →

The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas

Ten years ago I was on bedrest due to complications in my twin pregnancy. During my many hours of TV watching I kept seeing ads for The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas. I’d never bought anything off TV before, and I haven’t since, but I’m glad I got these CDs. The treasury comes with two discs and a total of forty-five Christmas songs. Even though my twins are almost ten, these Christmas CDs are still played a lot at our house. I don’t remember what I paid for it, but it was worth every penny! Some of the singers are from … Continue reading →

A Holiday Celebration – CD – Peter, Paul & Mary

We finally got our tree decorated last night. Our traditional music for decorating the tree is Peter, Paul, & Mary’s A Holiday Celebration. The kids sometimes make fun of my other Christmas music, but not this one. Peter, Paul and Mary really have a timeless folk sound. They are accompanied on this CD by the New York Choral Society. This CD includes songs I’ve never heard anywhere else. “The Friendly Beasts” is a fun song that tells the story of the animals who participated in the first Christmas. The “animals” take turns singing. The listener hears the cow who gave … Continue reading →

Winterlude: Instrumentals for Contemplative Christmas

Winterlude: Instrumentals For a Contemplative Christmas is always the first Christmas CD I listen to. The gentle and peaceful songs ease me into the holiday spirit. I don’t break out Christmas albums until after Thanksgiving, but this one usually doesn’t even get put up in the Christmas boxes. It’s also usually the last Christmas music of the year. The songs truly are contemplative. I like to listen to the CD while cooking or decorating. Even if the kids are playing loudly in the next room, this music relaxes me and makes me feel quietly festive. Winterlude is a gentle, relaxing … Continue reading →