Condor Flats

This post is probably going to be interesting to two people - myself, and my girlfriend Marie. For the rest of you, go ahead and skip this entry!
One of the things that I like about the Disney theme parks are the soundtracks that are played in different areas or "lands". Some of my favorite music is featured in Condor Flats (where the ride 'Soarin' Over California' is located) at Disney's California Adventure Park. After extensive internet searching I *think* I have found a complete playlist of all the songs from Condor Flats. Here they are in no particular order:

• Jerry Goldsmith - "Have A Nice Trip" from Explorers.
• Bill Conti - "Main Title" from The Right Stuff.
• Stu Phillips - "Main Title: Theme" from Battlestar Galactica.
• Jerry Goldsmith - "Welcome Aboard, Sir" from Air Force One.
• Cliff Eidelman - "The Broken Cloud" from Christopher Columbus: The Discovery.
• Alan Silvestri - "Awful Waste of Space" & "End Credits" from Contact.
• Jerry Goldsmith - "The Trees" from Medicine Man.
• George Delerue - "Main Title" from Steel Magnolias.
• Bruce Broughton - "Cody's Flight" from The Rescuers Down Under.
• Bruce Broughton - "The Hospital" & "Flying" from The Boy Who Could Fly.
• Michael Small - "Good Friends" from Consenting Adults.
• Lee Holdridge - "Dear Father" from Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
• Alan Silvestri - "End Titles" from Father of the Bride.
• John Barry - "Suite" from Indecent Proposal.
• James Horner - "'All Systems Go' - The Launch" & "Re-Entry & Splashdown" from Apollo 13.
• James Horner - "Flying Away" & "End Credits" from An American Tail.
• John Williams - "Among the Clouds" & "Dorinda Solo Flight" from Always.
• David Newman - "Mr. Destiny" & "Main Title" from Mr. Destiny.
• James Newton Howard - "Main Title" & "End Title" from Dave.
• David Arnold - "Main Title" from The Musketeer.
• John Williams - "Prologue" from Hook.
• James Newton Howard - "Main Title" from The Grand Canyon.
• Craig Safan - "Main Title" from The Last Starfighter.
• James Horner - "End Credits" from Field of Dreams.
• Trevor Jones - "End Title" from Arachnophobia.
• John Williams - "The Land Race" from Far And Away.
• Rachel Portman - "End Title" from Emma.
• James Horner - "Rocketeer To the Rescue/End Title" from The Rocketeer.
• Lee Holdridge - "Sailing" from The Great Whales.
• Joel McNeely - "Flight Through Neverland" from Return to Neverland.
• James Horner - "Kaleidoscope of Mathematics" from A Beautiful Mind.
• Michael Kamen - "Suite No. 1" from Band of Brothers.

Happy listening!

Natalie Cole Christmas concert

For me, it just wouldn't be the Christmas season without seeing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform in Salt Lake City...
This year the choir was joined by Grammy Award winning artist Natalie Cole and Pulitzer Prize winning author David McCullough for their annual Christmas concert. Miss Cole wowed the crowd with her lovely vocals on such songs as: My Grown Up Christmas List, Angels From the Realms of Glory, and The Christmas Song (made famous by her father Nat King Cole). However, my personal favorite song of the evening was her simple yet hauntingly beautiful rendition of The Holly and the Ivy. It was absolutely wonderful!

The choir and orchestra also performed other classic holiday songs like O Holy Night, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, and I'll Be Home For Christmas (while David McCullough told the story of a World War II White House Christmas). Also, the organ solo, Good King Wenceslas, was particularly show-stopping. If you couldn't make it to the concert, the DVD will be out next year, or you can catch it on Music and the Spoken Word which airs Sunday mornings on KBYU or the Hallmark Channel. Merry Christmas!

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

What is your favorite Michael Jackson
song, memory, or moment?

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

One of my favorite traditions for the holidays is going up to Temple Square and hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform in their annual Christmas concert. I love seeing all the lights, and being part of the large crowd that bravely faces the cold in Salt Lake City.

The choir always invites the best guests and has the best program, and this year was no exception. Guest singer Brian Stokes Mitchell wowed the crowd with his vocal range, but it was Edward Herrmann's reading of Longfellow's Christmas that stole the show.
Many people know American author and poet Henry W. Longfellow from such works as The Village Blacksmith, Evangeline, Song of Hiawatha, The Children's Hour and The Courtship of Miles Standish. However, he also wrote one of the most beloved Christmas carols, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Originally a poem, it was later edited and set to music, and is now sung all over the world.

Edward Herrmann powerfully tells the story behind the story of Longfellow's tragedy that inspired this beautiful poem. His wife was burned to death in their home, and he himself suffered severe burns after trying to save her. She was later buried on their anniversary.

During that time, America was in the midst of Civil War (with no end in sight), when Longfellow received news that his son, Charles, was seriously wounded. Rushing to his side, they reunited on Christmas Day, and it was shortly thereafter that he created the words to the now famous song. (For the full story, please click here).

Mr. Herrmann's powerful re-telling, coupled with the choir singing, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, was absolutely outstanding. Every time you hear that song, I hope you remember the wonderful story behind the story. Merry Christmas!

Coldplay - Viva La Vida Tour

To say that Coldplay is the biggest band in the world right now is probably a bit of an understatement. These multi-talented Brit's are poised to take over the crown of 'most popular musicians' from the group U2 (as soon as the Irish rockers plan on retiring, of course).
Last weekend my husband and I had the privilege of attending their concert in Salt Lake City at the Energy Solutions Arena. It was the biggest spectacle this town has seen in quite some time.

The lights begin to dim, as the first strains of Strauss's The Beautiful Blue Danube come over the speakers. As the music comes to it's crashing crescendo the band can be seen back-lit behind a silk screen. They almost look like still-life paintings, that is, until they begin to play their intro song - Life in Technicolor. Like the Danube, the music comes softly at first and then begins to build on itself, until it suddenly merges into a full-blown rendition of their hard-hitting radio favorite, Violet Hill.

The crowd is pulsing now.

Only this music isn't like the CD I've been listening to in my car all year. This is visceral, loud, and just about perfect. The bass is pounding the floorboards, and I can feel the energy coming off the crowd. Oh yes, they have our attention, and for the next 3 hours we are held enraptured in their creative genius.

It is a transcendent experience.

The playlist includes just about everything from their newest CD, Viva La Vida, and many of their popular favorites, such as: Fix You, Yellow, Politik (my husband's favorite), The Scientist, Speed of Sound, Clocks, and In My Place (my personal favorite).

Front-man Chris Martin is working up a sweat as he races around the stage, dancing like a tribal native, and alternating between a harmonica, acoustic guitar and upright piano. It's a seamless transition for this musician, and the audience is unexpectedly graced with classical numbers (ie: Gnossienne No. 1 by Erik Satie) as piano interludes to the next song choices. The crowd was also treated to the pleasure of their company, as the musicians took up instruments in the upper-middle deck of the grandstands. There they performed, talked, played around, and then raced back to the stage to finish their set. Coldplay is one of the few bands I have ever heard live, that actually sound better than their vinyl recordings. The band is clearly passionate about their work, whether it is creating incredible music or devoting their time and energy to various fair trade charities. In fact, Coldplay is very like their predecessors, U2, in that sense. They are a politically conscious band, with strong roots in rock and punk. Yet despite their enormous popularity, Coldplay has somehow managed to keep themselves grounded by contributing their voice to worthwhile causes.

It is all of these reasons, combined with a healthy dose of rock-star charisma, that make Coldplay one of my all-time favorite bands. You better believe I'll be at their show the next time around. Happy concert-going!

Loreena McKennitt

Canadian born singer Loreena McKennitt, is one of those rare artists who combines elements of the past into something universal and relevant to those of us living in the present.
It is obvious through McKennitt's work that she has a deep love of all things ancient. Her music has Celtic and Arabic inspired origins, and most of her lyrics are taken from classical poetry and stories - among them: W.B. Yeats, Dante, Tennyson, and Alfred Noyes. It is this combination of the two which makes her such a special, extraordinary, and widely loved musician.

McKennitt received mainstream popularity a few years ago through her song, "The Mummer's Dance", which had plenty of air-time on many pop/rock channels. To her fans however, she is known as a "New Age" artist - with contemporaries in Enya, Clannad, and Yanni (to name a few). Her haunting and ethereal voice is set to harp, string, and celtic flute, to give her a rich "old world" sound.

Her CD's include: "Book of Secrets", "An Ancient Muse", "The Mask and Mirror", and her newest endeavor, "A Midwinter Night's Dream." My personal favorite of McKennitt's work is probably her album, "The Visit", which includes such tracks as: "All Souls Night", "The Lady of Shallot", a wonderful version of "Greensleeves", and my all-time favorite song: "The Old Ways". However, I also like her "Live From Paris and Toronto" CD, which is a sampling of many of her best works. For more information on the lovely Loreena McKennitt, please visit her website: www.quinlanroad.com. Happy listening!

Forever Young

This amazing book, illustrated by Paul Rogers and written by Bob Dylan, will change the way you view children's literature forever. The story is merely the lyrics from one of Bob Dylan's most famous songs, Forever Young, but the illustrations are really what transcend this book to greatness. With extreme attention to detail, Paul Rogers takes us to Bob Dylan's New York City of the 1960's. Everywhere we see changes. The music scene is undergoing a radical transformation. There is political unrest. Civil rights are making head-way. And throughout each of the paintings, we see snippets of people and places that helped to shape the American culture.

The illustrations are not merely incredibly beautiful, but help to tell the story. I found myself going back through the book and finding things I didn't catch the first time around. At the end of the book, Mr. Rogers talks about each of the pictures, what they mean, and gives little insights into the details. Of course he doesn't reveal everything - that would take away the fun!

With a beautiful, inspiring message, and lots of enchanting pictures, this is a book for children and parents to read and enjoy together. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Forever Young for your family. *Dig yourself.* Happy reading!

Bitter:Sweet - The Mating Game

This CD has been in my queue and on my radar for sometime, but I finally broke down last week and purchased a copy for myself. It's been repeating at my computer, in my car, and on my MP3 player non-stop ever since. The band, Bitter:Sweet, comprises of sultry lead singer Shana Halligan and DJ/instrumentalist Kiran Shahani. They categorize themselves as Pop/Electronica/Trip-Hop/Retro Swank, and the sound is nothing, if not unique. They use a combination of jazz and percussion inspired instruments, along with Shana's sexy vocals, which give the band a nightclub lounge effect. Think of Ocean's Eleven meets 007, and everything in-between. In fact, most of you have probably heard one of their songs at some point and not even realized it. They first attracted attention in 2007 when their song played in a Bebe commercial starring the lovely Mischa Barton (see below), and now they do the theme song to my new favorite chick show, Lipstick Jungle. Their first album, The Mating Game, has been critically hailed, and it's no surprise since I haven't ever heard anything like it. I am loving the CD from beginning to end, and am already thinking of purchasing their newest endeavor, Drama (even though I haven't heard any of it yet). Some of my favorite tracks from Mating Game include "Don't Forget to Breathe", "Dirty Laundry", and "Bittersweet Faith" (their most recognizable song). For a sampling of some of their work, check out their MySpace page by clicking here. Happy listening!

Viva La Vida

I'm really enjoying Coldplay's latest and greatest CD, Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends. The title track, "Viva La Vida", has been getting lots of air-time lately (you've probably seen the iTunes commercial), and although it's the best song on the album (and the best song I've heard in years), the entire CD is excellent from beginning to end.The music is distinctly Coldplay, but it's clear the band has been experimenting with new sounds (such as Middle- Eastern and Latin), for a unique playlist. Another favorite song off the album is titled, "42", and it's clear with their track, "Strawberry Swing", things are sounding a little different. Most of the ballads begin slow, but half-way through they pick up the tempo, and it seems you never know what you're going to get when you start. The first track, "Life in Technicolor" is purely instrumental, while "Violet Hill" is their vibrant attempt at a political ditty. The CD is great work from start to finish, and don't forget to catch the extra song, "Chinese Sleep Chant", which has been tacked on at the end. Happy listening!

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert

For me, it just isn't Christmas until I've been up to Temple Square in Salt Lake City to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert. With the exception of last year (I had a nursing baby), I have been to the Christmas Concert every year for about the last 10 years. I love going up to the beautiful Conference Center, seeing the lights and nativity, and hearing some of the best music performed by the best choir in the world. I am a little biased however, because my Aunt Lynn sings in the choir (thanks again for the tickets Lynnie!). I think she has such an amazing talent, and I love boasting to people that I have an "in" with someone in the choir.

This year the King's Singers will be performing with the choir, and I can't wait! The choir always get such great musicians, conductors, and singers to come out for their annual Christmas concerts. One of the best Christmas presents I got from my husband last year was the CD, "The Wonder of Christmas" which featured past Christmas performances with the choir. My all-time favorite guest singer, is definitely Bryn Terfel ("Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful"). I love this time of year!

christmas (baby please come home)

Is anyone else getting excited for Christmas?



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Wintersong

I LOVE Sarah McLachlan. Mike and I were fortunate enough to go to her concert the last time she came to town (about 2 years ago now?). She is one of those rare performers who has an incredible vocal range, and doesn't even seem to strain to hit the high notes. Needless to say, it was an awesome experience to see her perform and play live...

So, I was at Costco tonight and saw this CD for a decent price, and thought, "Why not?" I brought it home, popped it into the computer, and started listening...the verdict? I LOVE IT! I love it, I love it, I love it! It's one of the best Christmas CD's I've heard in a really long time, and it features one of my favorite Sarah songs: "Song For A Winter's Night" (which I already have on her "Rarities, B Sides & Other Stuff" album).

The only song that is missing from this CD, is her duet of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with The Barenaked Ladies--which I also look forward to hearing around Christmas. Anyone know where I can find that one? Other than that, this CD has a variety of traditional as well as never-heard Christmas tunes that is easy on the ears and very mellow. I love her version of "Christmas Time Is Here" and "What Child Is This?" It's perfect for a night of cuddling next to the fire.

***
The lamp is burning low
upon my table top
snow is softly falling
the air is still
in the silence of my room
I hear your voice softly calling

If I could only have you near
to breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy
just to hold the hands I love
on this winters night with you

Smoke is rising in the shadows overhead
my glass is almost empty
I read again between the lines
upon each page,
the words of love you sent me

If I could know within my heart
that you were lonely too
I would be happy
just to hold the hands I love
on this winters night with you

The fire is dying
my lamp is growing dim
shades of night are lifting
morning light steals across my window pane
where webs of snow are drifting

If I could only have you near
to breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy
just to hold the hands I love
on this winters night with you
And you'll be once again with me

-Song For A Winter's Night