I am not often up with the time on new music releases, but I really couldn’t let this one slide. I have actually been holding onto this information for a while to post closer to the release date… and I can’t keep it in any longer! On Tuesday, August 17, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin in a magical combination of classic interpretation to reinventing the sounds of Gershwin entirely.

This promo video encapsulates the full story of the history and development of  this must have album for both lovers of Brian Wilson and George and Ira Gershwin.

Go to www.brianwilson.com to listen to one of the two original tracks that Brian Wilson developed using one of the 114 unfinished Gershwin melodies , “The Like in I Love You” and repeat.

Delays, delays… here is a post I compiled almost a month ago about an intriguing little music venue in University Heights. Better late than never. 

Sitting on an old shag carpet in the back room of a storefront that is now the Park Gallery, Thomas runs in circles around the poles that only slightly obstruct my view of the real reason we are here. Music on the speakers harks back to my coffeehouse days, but no food or drinks are sold here. Rafter Roberts entertains the hand-full of people with playful banter while taking a few minutes to play silly games with my son. Bonded over the commonality of red-red hair, they seal their correlation over the auto-tuner. The unnatural sounds of dinosaurs, monkeys, chickens and cats in heat set the stage for the show to come. 

The childish art lines the walls and even the giant duct tape cobra head, offers glimpses further into my teenage years while reminding me that anyone can be an artist and art has many definitions. The place sort of reminds me of the various hole-in-the-wall, living room-style venue seen in documentaries with Sufjan Stevens. 

The live music, set up on the same carpet as the gathering crowd sits, begins with Nick Delffs from the Portland band, The Shaky Hands . The twinkle lights circle over head indicating the imaginary line between performer and audience. Nick’s beautiful, raw emotions take hold of the room and shake your senses. Thomas rushes the “stage” before Nick dedicates a new song, “Passing By” to the little man. 

A short break allows for us all to stretch or legs a bit as Thomas gets another chance to run around through the various small rooms that make up this tiny gallery. Eventually, Rafter jumps into his solo set, an eclectic mix of his songs from Animal Feelings (both the original release and the remix version). I can never seem to get enough of this stuff. Expect to see this album on my top ten list at the end of the year even though Pitchfork only gave it 5 out of 10 something or others.  In the end, the auto-tuner is put to good use and Thomas, tired but still going, makes his journey up to the front for a few dance moves of the bouncing variety. He knows good music when he hears it.

I have been waiting on the official word that the Sunday pool parties at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley for about a month now. I finally found some confirmation from a post on SanDiego.com that this awesome summer tradition is back. I was a little worried that after the hotel went through a multi-million dollar renovation this winter they wouldn’t want to invite the public back to trash the newly resurfaced pool. I am so glad I was wrong.

Even though Lady Dottie and the Diamonds will not be returning to the scene, this is an awesome opportunity to bask in the sun with a drink, play in the pool with the kiddies, or hop in the hot tub all while listening to a live band. To my family, this IS our community pool.

The very first pool party of the summer will be Sunday, July 4th with a live performance by Mystique Element of Soul, a rhythm and blues cover band. I guess they were waiting for the June gloom to wear off to bring the party on. The music is from 2:00pm – 5:00pm but I recommend getting there early (around noon) if you want a lounge chair or a table by the pool. Perhaps the pre-planning won’t be necessary as the hipsters are likely to bypass this opportunity do to the band choice. Oh well, more room for us. The pool party will be every other Sunday running from July through the end of September. Make sure to get your parking validated at the bar.

In addition to Sunday afternoons, Wednesday nights from 5:00-8:30pm has become an acoustic music song swap hosted by Chris Dale. We had a chance to check it out a week ago with Robin Henkel and Jeff Berkley in the mix. A little mellower than the Sunday parties, but still an awesome chance to check out the hot tub and to see what the local acoustic music scene has to offer.

Good morning to you! Bacon and eggs are on the griddle and coffee is brewing. A rooster crows and a banjo serenades your bright-eyed morning. Today is going to be a good day, it’s Saturday!

Well it’s not really Saturday, but every time I play Steve Martin‘s 2009 debut album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, my day just gets brighter and feels more like a weekend morning with nothing to do but lay around. All smiles, Thomas runs around our bedroom bouncing to the twang of an instrument most kids haven’t even seen, much less enjoy. The banjo harks a simpler time where face time meant something entirely different.

Bluegrass and the banjo have a special place in my heart even though this born and raised California girl has no real country connections. Last year, Roger and I had the opportunity to see 80 plus year old Ralph Stanley who is known in the bluegrass world for his claw hammer technique of strumming a banjo. Although a legendary experience to just be there, Ralph was not at his prime, only able to play a handful of tunes. The rest of the show was filled with other guitarists, fiddlists and banjo players that were thrilled to be on stage with the man who they idolized.

A man of diverse talents, Steve Martin has mastered comedic and dramatic acting, magic and the banjo. This little known trait has now become another reason for me to love the guy. 

The highlights of this album include the first track, “Daddy Played the Banjo” where you soak in the concept that Steve, who late in life does not have children, seeks to inspire children to love the banjo and inspire music in their lives. Tears well. I smile. 

“Late for School” is the only song on the album where Steve Martin sings. His candid voice races as he picks up the speed of his fingers picking the strings while telling a childhood story of being “late to school.” The stress of running late bring flutters to my tummy as I recall the days where I rode my bike to school in combination with my perpetual lateness (even now). Some things never change.

Currently, Steve is touring the country with the Steep Canyon Rangers with one of the most hilarious riders ever written. I wish they were coming to San Diego, but I understand that we are only the 8th largest city that happens to be located in the worst physical location to reach for touring purposes. However, for Steve that may not be the case since the only California dates he as on his tour schedule is Davis… hmmm.  

Aside from this eclectic taste in tour stops, the album is wonderfully delicious. You must taste this charming album that should have been on my 2009 albums of the year (if I hadn’t been so delayed in purchasing). It really is truly wonderful and just as advertised.