I've expressed my dissapointment at the lineup of the Dubai Jazz Fest this year, which includes 4 major pop bands that are non-jazz related (Deep Purple, Three Doors Down, The Script, and One Republic).
Finally the full lineup has been revealed as below:
It's nice to see Lebanese jazz artist Guy Manoukian on the list; he's a superb player.
The lineup is smaller than last year's festival, but there is a nice focus on blues, from Toni Lynn to Barrence Whitfield.
You can buy your tickets now on their official site, and the full program can be downloaded [here].
This must be the coolest piece of movie or cultural merchandise.
It is a known fact that I am in love with 2001: A Space Odyssey, a novel by Arthur C. Clarke and movie directed by Stanley Kubrick from 1968.
It is one of the best movies ever made, and is an everlasting story on human advancement and space exploration. Of course it goes deeper than that, but it's not the issue here.
ThinkGeek has sent out emails (and to me of course) to market their newest item; a lifesize (!) replica of the HAL 9000 computer found on the spaceship Discovery. It remains the staple of the series and is one of the most recognized characters worldwide.
It's not cheap ($499) but if you have the cash this is an awesome piece to be put at home as a great collectible and conversation piece.
Features:
HAL 9000 Life-Size Replica
The most movie-accurate HAL 9000 replica ever created.
Based on the blueprints and studio files from the 1967 movie.
Machined in 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum. Black components are anodized.
Custom-ground glass lens with red LED eye (sticker included to make this lens have the Nikkor wording as seen in some close-ups).
Digital sound randomly cycles through 15 phrases from the film.
Trigger HAL's speech by talking to him (must talk for over 1200 Ms (1.2 seconds) to trigger voice activation) or by pressing a button on most IR remote controls.
Did we mention this is frickin' HAL 9000?
Rotate the lens ring to activate.
Two minute auto-shutoff (to conserve battery) (or point an IR remote at it and hold button for 4 seconds).
Easily mounts to wall (wall mounting hardware not included).
Hand-assembled to make sure they are perfect.
Batteries: 1 9-volt (included).
Weight: approx. 2 lbs.
Dimensions: 13.6" x 4.6" x 1.125" (exact to the movie blueprints)
See more info (including a video) [here], and here's a video from the movie fearing HAL:
I love the Fender Custom Shop Precision Bass Pro... it's got the best of the Precision and Jazz basses... but the 2013 version is so uninspired:
A Telecaster/'51 headstock, a new Fender bridge and Seymour Duncan pickups? And BLACK!? Very boring and I think it's a step back from the 2012 version:
The great singer and author of the award winning book 'The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu, Debra Devi, has written a great article at the Huffington Post about why we call the genre of music "The Blues", that name.
It's a great read for you folks out there who want to know more about the history of the music, from it's roots in Africa until modern times.
Go go on over to that article [here] and have a history lesson, while listening to some great blues as below!
There's a British band called NuBlues which I just recently started listening to.
Interesting fusion of both genres; check out this track called "Blues Man on the Run" from the album Dreams of a Bluesman. The band has split up since 2008.
I have previously written about Otis Taylor in 2011, and how his album 'Contraband' was due for release.
And yes, what a release it was.
"Songs on the album again tell tales of love, loss, injustice, inequality, and war but Taylor doesn't consider his music an act of activism, but of art...Contraband is again built on a foundation of traditional blues sounds, styles, and structures and the unusual rhythmic and instrumental sounds that have become the hallmark of Taylor's sound." Blinded by Sound
I usually write about blues from the old days, but there are some strong blues performers from today, and Otis Taylor is no exception. The album was released in February 2012, with tons of glaring reviews, many publications naming it one the best albums blues albums of the year.
This album continues and improves upon his 'trance' or 'hypnotic' style of blues, featuring heavy droning rhythms and lyrics that encompass different issues, including religion and historical injustices.
There are also a handful of acoustic tracks, alongside the usual electric sounds of his band.
If you are looking for a nice, almost trippy, twist to the blues, go out and buy this album.
Here's a track from the album called "Contraband Blues':
A new collection has been released featuring Muddy Waters' work with Chess Records, called "You Shook Me - The Chess Masters, Vol. 3, 1958 to 1963".
Some of these tracks from 2 disc album are not that famous nor available easily, which makes it worth buying. It includes songs from the "Live in Newport" album, rated one of the best albums of all time.
I have returned from my trip to Beirut, which was, like me, short but sweet. I had a great time seeing family and friends. Beirut has changed so much in the last few years, and despite politics, it still is a breathtaking city.
I am from Beirut, so obviously the connection is deeper, but when you live there you will understand why people are just infatuated with the culture and lifestyle of this great city.
And whats more? I got to perform for the first time in 7 years on a Lebanese stage, singing the same ol' blues. The owner of 'Name this Bar' in Gemmayze was kind enough to have me perform with their house band, all of whom are kickass performers.
The Lebanon 'high' is still in effect, so excuse me if I feel overly happy these few days. I'll be back with more blues for 2013, so stick around, there's a lot of news!
