Back in May, I was joined on stage by The Damn Whippersnappers for my first virtual concert. It was a fun-filled and amazing day. I've posted clips from that show, but none of them really do justice to the fantastic musicians that played with me that day.
Well, as luck would have it, Des, the keyboardist from that show, has graciously offered to join my in the studio today to record a few tracks for the 300 songs project. He can take a song in any genre and effortlessly move it into a new one. So when I got the idea to do ZZ Top as a jazz piece, he was the first guy I called.
Here we are (and you might hear my 8 year old "playing drums" in the background on this rehearsal clip. In truth, this was both a rehearsal and a performance, as we were recording live both on camera and into the studio board. We're considering making it available as a download. Let us know if you're interested in the comments below.
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In the long journey of recording 300 songs, I do a lot of it alone. That's fine, but sometimes I like to do multi-part harmony, and that's not something that comes across very well in my rehearsal videos. It's so much more "awesomer" when you can ask for help. I'm very lucky to be part of a local vocal group called "The Sweet Browns" who sometimes rehearse at my place. This week was one of those times.
Jen and Jackie had independently had the idea of singing "Foil" at some point in the future, and since we had a quorum (one on a part), we decided to try it and see if we could figure out all the parts. Mind you, there's no sheet music for Weird Al's tunes, so we did what any good teenager would do when they're trying to learn their favorite songs: we listened to the CD repeatedly for about 30 minutes until we were pretty sure that we knew all the bits and pieces. Jackie had a head start, because she's a life-long Weird Al fan and walking encyclopedia of all things Weird Al, so it was her CD and she was already fairly familiar with the words. The rest of us were listening to the song for maybe the third or forth time since his multi-video release a few weeks ago.
Then, Jen, Steve, Jackie and I progressively turned the volume down on the stereo until it was just us singing.
And in less than an hour, it didn't even sound like crap! We're holding lyric sheets, because this was the first time we'd worked on the piece, but you're seeing us raw, behind-the-scenes style. If you come to our show in November, it'll be a much cleaner experience - and probably a lot more fun, too!
It's more "awesomer" when you ask for help. (Click to tweet)
This video is take 3 from the rehearsal.
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Never before, and probably never again am I
gonna do something like this.
Give a look at this week's video. If
You have ever had projects that you felt like giving
up on, I challenge you to think differently. You'll
never experience success if you keep saying you're
gonna get to it "someday."
Let yourself off the hook!
You deserve a little bit of time to clear your head - maybe some
down time, sure - but if you keep quitting before you start, you'll
never get where you want to go. I'm
gonna share with you a little secret... When you
run through this video, you'll see what I mean. Somewhere
around the 1:13 mark, you'll find out my "third approach"
and how it can help you get through task overwhelm. If you feel lost in the
desert on the number of projects you've got on your plate,
you are not alone. Just remember that quitting is
never the answer. It's gonna take stamina, it's
gonna take determination, it's gonna take sweat equity to
make your dreams come true.
You deserve to stand tall and own your dreams. Don't
cry about missed opportunities. Keep pressing on!
Never give up on what really matters. I'm
gonna say that again. Never give up on what really matters!
Say to yourself that you're worth it! Say
"goodbye" to negative thinking. You're
never going to entertain those thoughts again. You're
gonna take the world by storm!
Tell everyone about your awesome new plan...
a plan that will give you power over overwhelm. Don't
lie around waiting for "someday" to sneak up
and leave you high and dry. Get over your
hurt and let the world know how lucky we are to have
you in it!
(Or just watch the video and it will all become clear)
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It took Bart Howard well over 20 years.
Bart was a piano player in the Blue Angel cabaret, working on his own music, in the hopes of one day working with his idol, Cole Porter.
Most musicians know the name Cole Porter. Very few know the name Bart Howard. But this one song is his legacy.
Bart wrote dozens of tunes, but none were as popular as "Fly Me To The Moon".
Bart was asked by a publisher for something simple, and in 20 minutes he cranked out this cabaret waltz. The publisher asked him to change the lyrics, but Bart refused - a move that could have jeopardized his opportunity to have this song produced. But Bart held his ground on his song. Since then, "Fly Me To The Moon" has been covered, re-arranged, and even had the time signature changed when Quincy Jones arranged a version for Frank Sinatra.
Originally titled "In Other Words," Peggy Lee recorded and later performed the song on national television. As it grew in popularity, Peggy convinced Bart to change the name to it's well known opening line.
For Bart, it was this song. The success of "Fly Me To The Moon" was such that he continued to live off the residuals of that one song for the rest of his life. It's considered a "Towering Song" in the history of contemporary popular music. In 2004, 50 years from when he wrote that tune, Bart died.
This week's song is a request from @PattyKogutek on Twitter. Thanks, Patty! It was a joy to learn this story and be able to share it with everyone.
Just one step. Just one song. Just one moment. That's all it takes to make history. What will you do?
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Judy Garland is one of my all-time favorite vocalists. So much of what she sang is right in my range, so that may have something to do with it. And while she was known as a "pop" singer in her time, she really had a lush, jazzy quality to her voice that lent well to a variety of genres. I'm seriously considering doing a whole series of videos that answer the question "What if Judy Garland sang (insert song title here)?" She was such a trailblazer as an entertainer - and she inspires me to own my dreams even to this day.
"The Man That Got Away" is, in my opinion, one of her most overlooked tunes. Sure,"Over The Rainbow" is probably more well known, but when I see that scene from "A Star Is Born" - where they do the entire song in one continuous shot - I always get goosebumps.
It's not the traditional arrangement - this one's a bit more haunting. It reminds me that it's a waste to keep longing for that thing (or person) that's long
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On the heels of last week's post about Comparison-itis, I was driving in the car with Hubby yesterday and this tune came on the radio. It reminded me that nobody's perfect, we all make mistakes, and that's how we learn.
Have you been beating yourself up because you're not perfect? This catchy little tune might help. 🙂
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So I'm in Minnesota this week, and I'm spending time with my coach, workin' on me. We take a dinner break and head to a local joint, the Green Mill, and on the radio, I hear what I think is Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" - a tune I can never get enough of.
But you know how it can be noisy and chaotic in a restaurant, right? I'm trying to tune in, and realize what I'm really hearing is Bono from U2, singing his melancholy "With or Without You".
And BAM! A musical mashup is born.
Here's this week's tune - completed just before I need to leave for the airport to come home. Enjoy!
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This song was recorded before I left town for the Pink Papaya national conference. It was a song I'd heard a couple of years ago
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Happy Independence Day Weekend!
For the 300 songs project this week, I thought it was ironic that I was singing a breakup song by a Brit today (since the US broke up with Great Britain all those years ago), but the votes on Facebook made it hands down the winner. Next week, I'll post the Beyonce tune. 🙂
Watch for my badass boots and my Grandfather's military jacket from WWII. Later this year, I'm hoping to have my Dad's military medals, and when I get them, I'll show them to ya!
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I'm proud of my family's military history, and I'm grateful to ALL the men and women who put their life on the line every day to keep our country in one piece. Say what you will about the current regime, these people risk everything so I can sit in my living room and sing to you. "Thank you" doesn't begin to cut it, but it's what I've got today. THANK YOU!
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I may be ill this week, but I'm not skipping my weekly video. It's time again for another musical medley mashup!
This time, it's the most well known Sunday song of all time (that classic Commodores hit, "Easy") with a little country thrown in for good measure (that Tim McGraw hit "Watch The Wind Blow By").
Lionel wrote his song as a breakup tune, while the other is just a feel good, kick back love song. Put the two together, and it's a fun little anthem about freedom and doing what you love on your own timetable. Enjoy!
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367One of my favorite Jim Brickman tunes is not just a great love song, it's a powerful reminder to own your dreams.
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Well, the auditions for Season 7 of The Voice have come to a conclusion for me. I filmed this yesterday on our way out of town. The audition was awesome, and while I didn't make the cut, I'm completely happy with my audition and learned a lot along the way. A post will follow in the coming days. For now, enjoy one of the songs the judges didn't get to hear.
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One of my favorite songwriters just happens to be a retired football player. Back in the 1990's Mike Reid co-wrote a few tunes with Allen Shamblin, and this one is one of my all-time favorites. The first time I heard it was on Kirk Whalum's CD by the same name, and Mike was the vocalist. There were actually several songs by Reid on that disc and I fell hard for his music. I think he's one of the most underestimated songwriters and composers of our time. He's been a classical pianist, written for the stage, and you're probably familiar with at least a few of his songs. Oh, and he was an All-Pro football player before I was born. Is there anything this guy can't do?
It was only later, I'd heard it was made poplar by Collin Raye, and I was disappointed that he cut the middle section out of the song, since I think it really drives the point home about how powerful love can be. Anywho, this is one of my favorites, and I'm seriously considering it for my audition for The Voice if I make the cut for the open call next week. It's down to this or "Get Here" - made popular by Oleta Adams - but that's been done overseas recently.
What do you think? I'd love to get your comments below.
One last clip from the May show. This is our original jazz arrangement of that classic Mowtown hit "Tears of a Clown".
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If you missed the May show, you can catch the replay here.
This was the finale from our show this month. Needless to say, this was one of those "dream come true" moments for me. When I first started writing this song a couple of years ago, it begged to be played with a band. The Damn Whippersnappers do not disappoint, and Kris' solo is just the soulful kind of melody the song needed.
I heard a whisper on the wind
and an echo in my heart trying to tell me to begin.
I knew the words, held deep inside,
but the spirit wouldn't flow
and no matter how I tried
to fill the void of distant spaces
with the workings machinating in my mind,
to find true love in vacant faces,
it was you. You were with me all the time.
And you will never know what love can do.
My wounds are deep, I can't deny.
And the salty rivers flow down my face 'til they run dry.
I ran away, in shame and pride,
but the echo in my heart keeps telling me to try.
And once again your love is calling with the words so gentle and so clear
I'd give my heart, I know I'm falling into faith.
I just want to have you near.
And you will never know what love can do.
Once again your love is calling with the words so gentle and so clear
I'd give my life, I know I'm falling into faith.
I just want to have you near.
Consecrated deep inside, emancipated, satisfied.
And you will never know what love can do.
(Lyrics copyright 2012 Lisa Robbin Young. All Rights Reserved.)
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Saturday, May 17, 2014, will be the day I count as the day my dream began anew. My whole life I wanted to be on a stage and perform for an international audience. Well, the first installment of the Front Row Sessions played host to people in London, Canada, and all over the US.
It's the first time in my life I've had the honor of playing my own original music with a live band. And WHAT a band! The Damn Whippersnappers are simply a fabulous bunch of boys - and fun, too. This monologue and song opened the show and set the tone for what I believe (from all the comments on social media) was a powerful and fun afternoon for everyone watching. This was also the debut performance for my new song, "Photoshop Me" - a song about self acceptance and being proud of who you are (the song starts around the 6:40 mark).
This afternoon wouldn't have happened without this awesome band I call The Damn Whippersnappers:
Piano: Desmond Sheppard
Bass: Owen Ananich
Drums: Joe Neminski
Guitar: Kris Kress
It also wouldn't have happened without the gracious support from the folks at Gigee.com and my behind-the-scenes team of Tanya Brayer and Jen Harris. They kept the broadcast working like a charm and the chat room hopping.
And lastly, this dream come true wouldn't have had any meaning without an audience. My fans all over the world are the biggest reason I put this show together. THANK YOU for being so awesome and supportive!
Happy Mother's Day! Today, I'mma be chillaxin' with my fam, opening gifts and posting the pics on facebook.
This coming weekend, I'll be doing my first live "solo" performance in about 10 years. I've been in a lot of shows since I got married and had another kid, but I wasn't really the "star" of any of those shows. This weekend, that changes.
On Saturday May 17, I'll be hosting the first in a series of livestream concerts with my band "The Damn Whippersnappers" (get tickets here). They are so named because they're all about half my age, and I could almost be their mom. But don't be fooled, these guys are phenomenal talents. The video below is only after about 15 minutes of rehearsing "I Cain't Say No" from The Rodgers & Hammerstein cowboy classic, "Oklahoma!". You'll notice that Des, our piano player, isn't even using music.
This was our first rehearsal. These guys are THAT good - and we didn't even have our drummer, Joe, with us! This song - and others like it - are just the tip of the iceberg.
While I'm thrilled to be singing some of my favorite tunes - in my own style - I'm more excited that this show isn't just about great music. It's about inspiring people to own their dreams. In addition to the fantastic music, I'll be sharing some personal stories that I've never shared publicly before about my journey to own my dreams and be myself without apologies.
The Damn Whippersnappers left to right: Des, Kris, Joe, Owen.
The Damn Whippersnappers are incredibly talented and dish it out as well as they take it. We have a blast playing together, and they're going to knock your socks off when you hear them play in a performance setting. Heck, they blow me away in rehearsal!
The Damn Whippersnappers have never played to a national (or global) audience before. They all have musical aspirations, and this project is an important opportunity for them to bring their very best to the world. I'm humbled, honored, and amazed at the musical gifts they bring to each rehearsal.
More than that, though, I'm impressed by their level of commitment and professionalism - that's only rivaled by their ability to have fun. We've had some fun outtakes where music just spontaneously shows up - like our "Jazzthoven" moment, or the rehearsal where Michael Jackson's "Thriller" made an impromptu appearance. They are SO much fun to work with, and the best gift I can give them is a huge audience.
A huge audience would be awesome for me, too! This show is truly a dream come true for me. I've always wanted to play tunes I love - and a couple of original tunes I wrote - with a band of my own. To have an audience that hears these songs, these stories, and leaves the show inspired, changed, and better off because of it.
My biggest dream is to help you live yours.
If you're worried about the time, grab a VIP seat and you'll get recorded highlights from the show, so you'll have the best bits to enjoy for years to come. We're hoping to do more shows this summer, and ultimately record the best songs for posterity. In less than a week, it'll be all over, you'll miss out on a huge dose of inspiration and you'll probably kick yourself for years to come.
Save yourself the bruises and get your ticket to the show. And if you're local, we've got house seats, too... but not for long!
I have this friend, Matt, who's a true Renaissance man. He's a gifted teacher, comic actor, impersonator, dancer, gymnast (he's teaching me how to do a backflip), and yes, folks, he can sing.
Now, I take no credit for his talent, but I do take credit for getting him out of his performance shell. He came to me wanting to audition for a role in a local musical, but wasn't sure he had the chops to be on stage.
Whatever!
Matt has a beautiful Tenor voice and a pretty good ear. Turns out he's played piano for most of his life - yet another gift that no one knew about. He had never had an audience for his musical gift - and the world was missing out.
He's now a regular at a piano bar near his home, singing & playing dueling pianos with some other poor guy that has to try and keep up with him. Once he was cast in that show, we started "asking" him to sing at karaoke. He was shy about doing anything he wasn't 100% familiar with, and I don't know exactly how it happened, but we ended up singing this song together. Now it's "our song" whenever the gang goes out to karaoke. It just made sense to have him sing this for the 300 songs project.
Instead of a straight rehearsal video, I wanted to show you just how GOOD Matt is - as a comic, a singer, and all-around nice guy. So for the first time, you're hearing the final recording of our song, with a bunch of video from Matt's day at the studio. Stay tuned to the end to see a fun little outtake.
Matt's gifts sat under a bushel until he was able to show up and embrace his gifts. Now - just a few years later - his voice is a wonderful contribution to our community and to this project. I was lucky to be a person of encouragement for Matt. Sometimes I forget to be that person. Sometimes, I NEED that person myself. Someone to believe in me even when I'm not so sure. His story always reminds me that you never know when someone is going to come into your life and need some encouragement - and You could be the person that makes all the difference.
I hope this encouraged you. Who will you encourage today?
So, um, I was listening to a Michael Buble CD, and as his swing rendition of Van Morrison's "Moondance" started playing, it became apparent that I could also hear strains of "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson. It would not leave me.
You know how you get a song stuck in your head and can't shake it? Yeah. THAT.
It isn't beautiful, but it's certainly silly. You've been warned. 🙂
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David Stanley is a friend of mine and a musical connoisseur without equal in my world. Earlier this year, he joined me in the studio for one of my 300 songs: "This Masquerade" by Leon Russell. A lot has happened since I started that project, but I still wanted to complete this video (and one other you'll see soon). When I dug up the footage, I saw our first run-through, and thought it would be cool to post it, so you could see the "before" as well as the "after".
I remember in jazz class they call it "woodshedding" - where you start learning a piece, rehearsing it, and getting your parts down. We clearly don't have our parts down here, since it was our first rehearsal of the piece and I was sight reading the music. We spent a goodly amount of time in the wood shed before we recorded the final track.
So here's essentially the "first draft" of the song. You'll see where we went with it in a future episode.
