Ellis Paul: Jukebox On My Grave

I haven't posted here in a while; I've been very busy with work and side projects. Sadly, I've not been able to do much with my own music, either; but, I do listen and keep up with  how independent artists are faring. One of these is Ellis Paul. He was a principal leader in the wave of singer/songwriters that emerged from the Boston folk scene with a folk-pop style that helped renew interest in the genre in the 1990's, a genre that I've never lost interest in.

I recently had the pleasure of hearing one of his signature songs: "Jukebox On My Grave," first released in 2005 on American Jukebox Fables. I immediately went to iTunes and bought it. Now, I'm previewing everything he's done, a pretty substantial list--he's put out 16 albums, his latest being Ellis Paul-The Dragonfly Races.

Highly recommended. Check him out.

Cheers!
Kenny

The Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden

I can't believe that in my posting about my top ten songwriters I didn't include Don Henley, Glen Frye, Joe Walsh, and the Eagles, et al. This group has been on my favorite list since the '70's. They've just released a new double-CD album that is completely fabulous, Long Road Out Of Eden. For songwriters, this is a must-have. Completely captivating melodies mixed with graphic and meaningful lyrics that actually communicate messages worth hearing will keep you interested.

Oh, don't think think this is a concept album where everything begins to take on the same flavor - it's not. The group is, in typical Eagles fashion, all over the musical spectrum: upbeat, downbeat, ballads, hard rock, country-folk.

My pick hit is "Do Something," a fine ballad with a good piece of advice that we can all identify with. That's followed closely by "Waiting In The Weeds," a song about how life changes and that there's always hope.

For us songwriters, there are plenty of why-didn't-I-think-of-that-line moments. And the melodies -- oh, my! I have to describe some of them as truly innovative. You have to listen to these songs!

OK, OK, here's a lyric clip from the chorus of "Do Something:"

But when I feel like giving up
And I'm ready to walk away
In the stillness, I can hear
A voice inside me say
Do something
Do something
It's too late for saving face
Don't just stand there takin' up space
Why don't you do something?
Do something
It's not over
No, it's never too late

The melody and harmonies that go with this lyric will blow your mind. Really. Go buy the album and give it a listen.

You won't regret it. Hell, it may become one of your most-listened-to CDs.

Cheers!
Kenny

Please Listen And Comment On My Music

I do almost no self-promotion. And I haven't played in public for several years. That's almost certainly why I'm not widely known. My ill-fated excursions into the Nashville music scene 15 years ago nearly destroyed me as a songwriter and artist. Despite, or, perhaps, because of that I continue to keep going. I've never lost sight of my dream to get my music heard and I never will.

Life seems to get in the way of our dreams sometimes, however, and that's why I'm behind in my goal of releasing a CD. I had targeted that goal for the first part of 2007; I've obviously missed that target. My new target is the end of 2008.

I could use your help. The hardest thing for me all along has been to figure out which of my more than 150 songs I should record. I need you listen to the songs I've posted on my Music page and give me feedback on the ones you think I should release. And be honest with me, OK? If you don't like a song, say so and tell me why. I really appreciate your help; in fact, if you post feedback and give me your email address, I'll give you a free CD when it's finally released, maybe even a mention in the liner notes.

While you're at it, let me know what you'd like to see more of on The Singing Songwriter.

Thanks!
Kenny

One of my all-time favorite songs

It starts out "And when I see the sign that points one way..." and it just gets better from there.

"Walk Away Renee" has to be one of my all-time favorite songs. Its simple, yet emotional lyrics move me in a way I can't explain--even though I don't know exactly what the writer is saying. But the song communicates the pain and sense of loss in a way that few songs manage to do.

I've worked out a folky, acoustic guitar version of this song that punches up the emotion even more, if that's possible, and it's one of my favorite songs to perform.

I have others, but I'll tell you about them later (Emmylou Harris and Hank Williams come to mind; maybe I'll record them and post links...maybe.)

Warning: If You're Not Listening to Pandora's Podcasts, You're Missing Something Incredible.

Back in February I posted 'Pandora Podcasts are a "Must Listen" for Songwriters' and wrote this:

Pandora plans to continue this series delving deeper and deeper into what makes music tick. I guarantee you'll learn something with every one of them. I did. And I've been at this music stuff for more than 40 years.

Here's the link: http://blog.pandora.com/podcast/

Since that post, Pandora has produced nine more Podcasts bringing the total to 15. I'll say this again: these podcasts are a "must listen," not only for songwriters, but for musicians, too. Hell, even producers should pay attention to this stuff. Want to know what makes a particular style sound the way it does? Then listen to these podcasts. The folks at Pandora know what they're talking about.

This should pique your curiosity:

Much of the music we love exists in four-beat measures. Why is this? Why is 4/4 so natural? What happens when you don't have four beats in each bar?

'Nuff said. The time signatures podcast will amaze and inspire you.

Write on!

Kenny