Canadian Idol Performance Show, August 21, 2006

I didn't always agree with the judges: I can't stand Chad Doucette's voice! To my ear he has too much vibrato and sounds warbly. To me he lacks good technique - what they call uniqueness of his voice.

I was also a bit concerned with my 'kid' Steffi D. A 17-year old just isn't convincing to me when she tries to convey sexiness. It felt like a child's play last week, and it did again now.

Surprising to me again was Eva Avila. With the exit of Ashley Coulter last week, I'm thinking she may be our first winner from Québec.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Steffi D, Eva Avila, Ashley Coulter.

Finally!

I just succeeded in posting my site archives. After several weeks not able to show more than 6 years of posts, folks can read them.

Canadian Idol results show of August 15 2006

Yup, I was completely off on my guesses!

Tyler was safe. Chad was safe. The bottom 3...

My 'kid' was in the bottom 3 - again. I keep steeling myself to the idea of her being eliminated soon. The other two (Craig Sharpe and Ashley Coulter)... these were the two most predicted to make the finals. Even more of a surprise: Ashley was eliminated!

This is a shock on par with Suzie Rawn being eliminated last year... and Theresa Sokyrka not winning over Frodo two years ago. Strong voices, much talent... yet not winners in the end.

If fate is doing right, their albums will all do well. Theresa's already is, so 1 out of 3. Go ladies!

Tags: Canadian Idol, Ashley Coulter, Suzie Rawn, Theresa Sokyrkya.

Canadian Idol performance show, August 14, 2006

There were some surprises for me when the competitors went unplugged. Much as I initially guessed Chad Doucette would perform badly, he was actually pretty good here. Mind you, good all of a sudden often means peril on results night.

As always I thought Steffi D was adorable here, but the lounge vamp isn't really appropriate for her yet. Tyler Lewis stuck with the same routine though. I'm guessing him to be cut tonight.

(Watch me be wrong yet again).

Tags: Canadian Idol, Chad Doucette, Steffi D, Tyler Lewis, unplugged.

Canadian Idol Double Post

My webhost was down for two days, so I have to cover a lot of ground in one shot:

Performance Show of August 7^th 2006

Featuring classic rock was a show I liked a lot. Supertramp's Roger Hodson didn't really wow me since I'm not really a fan of that band. Dennis DeYoung on the other hand... next to various jazz groups, Styx is one of my all-time favorites. That made a huge difference for me.

Most of the performances were from very good to great. Eva Avila made us Montrealers proud. My kid Steffi D was also a standout.

Not terribly impressive to me was Chad Doucette. I really don't like his vocal style, and I suspect he'll be eliminated.

Canadian Idol Results Show of August 8^th 2006

Hearing Denis DeYoung perform a medley of Styx songs gave me shivers. I was surprised that he sang Mr Roboto though; the "Kilroy Was Here" album ruined the group, as no one could take it seriously anymore.

The results were surprising: Chad Doucette was safe, but Steffi D was in danger again? What do folks have against my kid... she's been getting low votes 3 of the last 4 weeks! At least she was safe though. Rob Masters was cut.

As soon as Chad is cut, it will only be among the most talented competitors.

Tags: Denis DeYoung, Styx, Supertramp, Canadian Idol, Steffi D, Rob Masters.

The One no more!

I suspected something when there was no show last night, so I visited the website. According to the site:

There are no plans for additional episodes. Thanks to all who participated in and supported The One!

I feel bad for the competitors, and I hope the really talented ones like Aaron and Scotty get work in the music industry. It looks as if the show's bad reviews led to bad ratings, and it's gone.

Tags: The One, CBC.

Canadian Idol - Results Show, August 1^st 2006

I would have posted this yesterday, but a thunderstorm and power failure kept me from it.

Before anything, I have to say how great it was to hear Cindy Lauper perform. I was a teen in the 1980s... she's one of my music icons! I have to say: for a woman over 50, she's still one of the most energetic performers I've seen.

This was the final bow for someone who should have been cut last week: Brandon Jones. I was surprised folks waited for this week, because he actually performed well this time.

At least my "daughter" (Steffi) wasn't on the block this time!

Tags: Canadian Idol, Cindy Lauper, Brandon Jones.

Canadian Idol - 80s Show performances - July 31^st 2006

Overall, most of the 8 remaining performers really stepped up for this show. To my ear however some still didn't sound as good as the judges thought.

Rob Masters didn't really sound so good to me, and I suspect he'll be at least in the Bottom Three tonight. Sadly, my 'daughter' Steffi D wasn't really on for the first half of her song either. Craig Sharpe was again great, but seeing 'sure thing' Chris Daughtry cut from the American version made me leery about calling another certainty.

One thing for sure: Cindy Lauper was great to see. She's now over 50? Gahd I feel old!

Tags: Canadian Idol , Rob Masters, Steffi D, Craig Sharpe, Chris Daughtry, Cindy Lauper.

The One results show - July 26^th 2006

This one showed it's even more a popularity show than even the Idol ones... Nick was easily safe, even though he was sloppier than even the people who disappointed me Tuesday night - and after already having an emotional revelation of how careless Nick is, Aubrey was eliminated.

If the revelations about him don't affect his votes next week I'll know too many teen girls are ruling voting, and that their votes are just based on how good-looking a person is to them.

Aaron has so far been the only one to show himself worth winning. Actually, he's been the only one they've shown to be talented enough.

Based on what I've seen so far I'll be surprised if this show lasts more than a season.

Tags: The One, Nick, Aubrey, Aaron.

Getting rebuilt

I've finally got most of the blog moved over. Most of the images will take awhile... with my Windows system down, I can't currently access them.

This webhost has way too many times offline. This site is now moving: http://jazzlife.thehostcity.com/

The One Performance Show July 25^th 2006

I won't be voting tonight. Based on that show, MOST of the performers were off key at points and didn't nail their performances. Plus: at 2 hours, this show felt way too long to me.

Tag: The One.

Canadian Idol results show - July 25^th 2006

Results tonight had me cursing and yelling 'WTF?'... nothing about it made sense tonight!

Brandon Jones was nowhere near the bottom three... but three ladies far more talented than him were: Ashley Coulter, Steffi D (again!? She isn't the top choice of the group, but she was good last night, and of everyone she's quite original), and Sarah Loverock. Sarah was eliminated.

This show proved that pre-teen girls top the list of voting numbers... teen dreams seem to so far be outruling talent.

Tags: Steffi D, Ashley Coulter, Sarah Loverock, Canadian Idol.

Canadian Idol Performance Show - July 24 2006

Like the American show using Elvis Presley, the use of Rolling Stones songs gave a difficult job to the contestants to do something different... except some of them succeeded.

I didn't agree with the judges for some performances. I found Rob James didn't really impress by really staying on a few repeated notes for the song Start Me Up.

The guy who got the worst from the judges - and I agree - was Brandon Jones. I think either he or the above-mentioned Rob James will be eliminated this week.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Rob James, Brandon Jones.

First Elimination - The One - July 19^th 2006

I do have to agree here with another blog I read: the folks on this show lack the 'sizzle' of the Idol shows... maybe it's due to us not getting to see them coming up to this point.

I DISagree with the choice of letting performer Michael Cole be the one saved though. As a fan of pro-wrestling, that name makes me chuckle - but performance-wise, I don't like his sounds or his white trash appearance. Based on the audience reaction, many of them don't either.

This show now already has it's Carmen Rassmusin/Scotty Savvo/Bucky Covington, and in only one week. He hasn't been around long enough yet, but we'll see if he breaks their stay records.

Tags: The One, Michael Cole.

The One

I know: this is really turning out to be my summer of performer shows...

If they show us more of the stuff behind the performances, it could be very interesting. The voting/results step sounds like a lot of work though. We'll see how it works out Wednesday.

One neat thing for this one: I can actually vote! As a co CBC-ABC production, we can vote through the Website... plus, we're limited to 10 votes tops, so we'll see no cases of thousands of votes from one person.

Tags: The One, CBC, ABC.

Canadian Idol Results Show July 18^th 2006

Well I guessed the final results, but I was shocked at Steffi D being voted into the bottom 3!

I really got an idea how tiny Ashley Coulter is this night also, when she stood eye-to-eye with a younger Steffi.

Kati Durst being the one first eliminated came as no surprise though.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Steffi D, Ashley Coulter, Kati Durst.

(This was delayed by a thunderstorm)

Canadian Idol Performance Show, July 17 2006

I echo a comment made by Ben Mulroney here: playing with a full band made a huge difference in quality.

Considering Nelly Furtado's recent admission that she's bisexual, I'm surprised that Idol didn't consider her too racey for the show.

The performances on this show overall were above what I expected. Kati Durst still underwhelms me. I'm guessing she'll be eliminated tonight.

Tags: Ben Mulroney, Canadian Idol, Nelly Furtado, Kati Durst.

Canadian Idol Results Show - July 12^th 2006

I just came from watching the show that determined the top 10 -- and yet again I was only half right, and shocked by who I got wrong.

I was right about Sheldon Elter and Ashley Coles not making the 10, but the other two shocked me...

Keith MacPherson didn't make it, but Brandon Jones did? Keith was almost perfect each week, but Brandon was mediocre.

On the womens side Nancy Silverman at her quirky best was cut, but Kati Durst (who was VERY unimpressive) made it?

I expected some surprises, but Canada, we all got it wrong.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Idol Results Show July 12th, Keith MacPherson

Canadian Idol - Mens Performance Show - July 11^th 2006

I don't think my hearing or tastes are similar to the judges. Some of the performances they liked I didn't. Example: I thought Chad Doucette sounded bad, but the judges loved what they heard!

Even Keith Macpherson sounded so-so to me this week, but not to them. I realized something disturbing about him tonight also: when he stands under the lights, he gets a shahow under his nose like a small square moustache, and he ends up looking like the Fuhrer. Not a fair comparison, and I still think he's great... but that look is very disturbing.

Based on the performances, I think the two guys who'll be eliminated are Sheldon Elter and Brandon Jones. Shelton is a nice guy, but a fun personality won't beat weak singing ability here. Likewise, Brandon is a nice kid, but he just doesn't have it.

Of course Canada has surprised us already. It may again tomorrow.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Chad Doucette, Keith Macpherson, Sheldon Elter, Brandon Jones.

Latest Canadian Idol performance show - women - July 10, 2006

First off, I have to say: Steffi D is just too adorable! She had a solid performance, and although I don't picture her as the winner, she makes me wish I was her dad everytime I see her. The kid just makes me smile.

Overall, most of the ladies didn't wow me. Only Sarah Loverock's performance blew me away.

I could be wrong, but based on what I heard, I think Ashley Coles and Kati Durst. Neither one really connected with me performance-wise.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Steffi D, Sarah Loverock, Ashley Coles, Kati Durst.

Just a correction here: I looked at the Canadian Idol Website, and finally realized the contestand name Brandon Jones, not Routh.

I can go back to post-lurking now until Monday.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Brandon Jones

Canadian Idol - Results Show - July 5^th 2006

(If it hasn't aired yet in your time zone, don't read this until later. I don't want to spoil it for you.)

The results came out as I predicted to only 50 percent. On both the men and women's side one of my two guesses were eliminated, while one guy I'm surprised was voted out now, one I thought would be on the block wasn't, and one of the woman I was surprised with.

I predicted that Greg would get the axe, while Chris Labelle I thought would last a bit longer.

On the woman's side, I expected Allysa to be cut (and even her final words gave me the same urge to slap her as I got from Avril Lavigne; both are too young to think they know a lot!), but Alicia was a surprise; she's very talented.

Also, I have to get Brandon's last name right... Brandon Routh is the name of the actor playing Superman!

Tags: Canadian Idol, Superman.

For a change I can actually post something related to jazz!

Today I went to the Montreal International Jazz Fest with my power-chair, Rosebud. This was the first time I've attended now in two years.

I only got to see parts of two shows: klezmer influenced Gadji-Gadjo and part of a performance by the Stage Band of Ecole de Brebouef... but the more important thing is that I got to see more of the festival grounds than a few years ago, as I learned of the access for disabled folks.

Both Couleur Jazz and CBC Radio had setups there... I couldn't get in to the Couleur Jazz one to find out if they plan to get a better transmitter (the signal strength here is lousy), but it's still great to see it represented there!

Tags: jazz, Couleur Jazz, klezmer, power-chair.

Joint Male and female performance shows - Canadian Idol - July 5^th 2006

No doubt about it, the women overall beat the men this week!

On the men's side Craig and Keith outperformed everyone (again). The first two guys (Greg and Tyler) were dull to me. They might get cut this week, but Brandon Routh was disappointing this week, and I'm annoyed by the goofing around of Chris Labelle. The judges compared his antics to those of Jacob Hoggarth 2 years ago. Difference is Jacob has far more talent.

On the ladies side Allysa continues to unimpress me, as she did for Zack Werner who gave a major burn with his comment "I'm wondering if we should have let you through.". Of the others nobody stood out to me as giving a poor performance.

Tags: Canadian Idol

Canadian Idol results show - June 28, 2006

I'm totally shocked by one of the cuts on the ladies side, and both of the men.

I expected Anna-Belle Olivia to be cut, but with Alyssa Klazek. Valerie Jalbert I figured would be cut later on, but not so soon!

Steffi D was in the bottom four with Alyssa, but ultimately was safe.

Meanwhile on the men's side, Sheldon Elter (the native Canadian) and Rob James were part of the bottom four. Rob was a surprise so soon - but Jeremy Koz and Nathan Brown as the eliminated performers were a much larger surprise - they were so good.

This is likely to be a year of surprises.

(And yes: I admit it: I'm looking to the Idol site to get the names right.)

Canadian Idol performances - June 26 & 27

Firstly, I think the guys had a much stronger performance show Monday than the ladies did Tuesday.

Two of the guys really stuck out to me for different reasons. I don't remember their last names, but Craig (the blond guy from Newfoundland) really blew me away with his high voice. The other was Grant (not sure, but he was a redhead), because he reminded me of Seth Green (Oz on Buffy, Scott Evil in Austin Powers).

I think the native guy will be cut this week (he didn't show a lot of singing talent) and the final singer, the guy with a mohawk. He doesn't strike me as serious enough about performing.

On the ladies side, many of them didn't impress me. Still, to pick two, the trippy-looking redhead and Annie Belle struck me as the least impressive. As a fellow Montrealer it pains me to judge against a home-er, but she showed great discomfort singing in her second language of English.

Wow. I haven't updated this in about a month? Time to correct that!

I've been watching the initial auditions for Canadian Idol. Some parts of Canada really have a small number of talented competitors (5 for Regina, only ONE for the Northwest Territories!). Unfortunately a guy I was rooting for (Phil) had to withdraw... in any event we're now down to the top 24 and choosing the finalists.

One thing really struck me as strange though: when they held auditions in Toronto, wasn't it strange to tell gold ticket winners "Welcome to Toronto!"? Isn't that a bit redundant to you as well?

I already have one favorite to make the finals... of course I don't remember her name at the moment though.

American Idol Finals, Results - May 24^th 2006

Anti-climactically, Taylor Hicks is the 5^th American Idol. With the revellation in the last 4 minutes of a much too long 2-hour show, it was even put out pretty much with little fanfare and a sense of haste. The producers have done that for the other male winner, Reuben Studdard as well.

The reveal followed a song that saw Taylor and Katharine singing at the same time, but not really together. They have no chemistry together.

Canadian Idol starts next Monday. Hopefully I'll have some jazz content here as well while that one is on.

I'm watching the American Idol finale right now... and I'm realizing how I misnamed both Becky AND Bucky's family names wrong. I called them both "Carlysle". It's Becky Donahoe and Bucky Covington. Sad how I got Becky's name wrong after finding her so fascinating,

I'm posting just after a duet by Katharine McPhee and Meatloaf. I was blown away by how BAD he sounded though.

American Idol Performance Show (Finals) - May 23, 2006

That's right: Finals for this year. Tomorrow we crown the new American Idol, and these posts will be done.

(Well, Canadian Idol starts next week, and I'll be blogging about it... but many of my readers aren't here in Canada, so you may not be terribly vested in the results.)

The two finalists traded top performances each round. It was an interesting touch to have them each sing a different new track - but Taylor was given the better song. In itself, that's not fair in my book.

I think Taylor Hicks will be crowned the new American Idol tomorrow night, but I think that Katharine McPhee is the more talented singer of the two.

American Idol Results Show - May 17, 2006

Well, my imagined finals are 0 for 0... both my picks have now been eliminated!

The voting was all close, to within less than 1% difference -- but Elliot Yamin was eliminated... making the finals between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee.

Now comes the finals. I think that ultimately Taylor will be the winner. He's an entertaining performer... but I find his singing style rather limited. As I said before: the world already has a Mike Macdonald and a Bruce Springsteen. I don't see Taylor bringing any new sound to the mix.

American Idol Performance Show, May 16^th 2006

Here we are at the penultimate one, and I have to say the voting will be difficult for you Americans... all three had stellar performances mixed with so-so ones.

My favorite bit of the night came when the judges were down on Katharine McPhee's first song: they gave her flack for song selection, and she pointed out "It wasn't mine!" (Clive Davis chose that first song).

Of the three, I'm guessing Taylor Hicks will be in the finals. I'm just not sure yet if Elliot or Katharine will join him yet. I'll be curious of the results tomorrow.

American Idol, Results Show - May 10, 2006

SHOCK. That's the best way I can sum it up. Tamyra Gray from season 1 level shock.

Chris Daughtry, the guy everyone saw as the frontrunner in the competition, was the person eliminated tonight.

My thoughts of the finals coming down to he and Elliott are now just my imagination.

American Idol, Performance Show of May 9^th 2006

Here we go again. :)

I hope this will be the last year for Elvis week. As I said last year it's difficult to perform his songs without performing like yet another Elvis impersonator. That's not really fair to the contestants.

Based on the performances, I think either Taylor Hicks (he seems to alternate a song acting goofy with a serious one) or Katharine McPhee (after months I finally spell her name right!) will be cut tonight. Sadly, I think Katharine will go this week -- after Becky Carlysle she's been my favorite lady -- she just didn't perform as well as she could.

Goodbye Princess P

I goofed and didn't post yesterday. I just saw the Idol results show though, and came to my keyboard right away this time.

The voting is getting more difficult... ALL the remaining group are very talented. I think now folks are just voting for who blew them away the least.

The bottom two I semi-predicted. I suspected that Elliot Yamin would be there based on his shaky first song. Paris Bennet I only suspected at the beginning of the show tonight.

With Elliot surviving however, my guess of the finals coming down to Chris Daughtry and him may still be possible.

One thing I've noticed this season however: after 4 other years, there seems less emotional upset among the performers.

Idol Results for April 26, 2006

I think it showed great integrity for Simon Cowell to apologize to Katherine McPhee on the show!

The end result was what I predicted last night, but it was also an expected result for the person cut, Kelly Pickler. She also showed a lot of class when the result was announced.

American Idol Performance Show - April 25, 2006

First off: Paula Abdul did nothing to quell the theories that she has a drinking problem tonight... she was crying at Elliot's performance, then stood up to cheer Chris about a half hour later. Such inconsistent behavior is questionable at the least.

It was a really mixed bag, the love songs. I still really dig Katherine McPhee, but the judges didn't tonight. Kellie Pickler stood out as the least impressive of the group, and I'm suspecting she'll be cut tomorrow. Taylor Hicks was great tonight -- but I'm wondering if Mike McDonald really has any more hits for him to cover.

I actually didn't like Chris Daughtry's performance tonight (it seemed off to my ear), but the judges all loved him. Go figure...

Jazz Artist Interview - Chick Corea@ jazzreview.com

Chick Corea is a perennial favorite at the Montreal Jazz Fest. Anything he produces is worthy of study to me, and to many here.

American Idol Results - April 19, 2006

I said the results often surprised me, and Wednesday was no exception!

I was sure Kelly Pickler would get cut tonight, but she was safe. The Bottom Three had two of the best singers in the group, Chris Daughtry and Paris Benet. Fortunately, neither were cut. Instead Ace Young got the axe.

I found him too nasal in general, but it's a safe bet he'll still have a great career.

American Idol Performance Show - April 18^th 2006

We're down to a very talented 7 right now. Ace is still too nasaly for my tastes, and every week I like Katherine McPhee more. The camera really loves her.

Of the current group, I'm guessing Kelly Pickler will be cut this week. I could still be surprised, but she really messed up her song last night.

Out of touch

I read a newspaper article last week about the Burlington Jazz Festival, and realized that I'm out of the loop when it comes to the newer stars of the musical genre... I read the list of several performers -- not all of them -- and realized that I didn't know most of them!

It's a moot point: while we have the free outdoor concerts here in Montreal, the Burlington one is all shows at a local theatre, and all on paid tickets. Too rich for my blood!

American Idol Results Show - April 12, 2006

I didn't get to watch the show (the first Passover seder was far more important), so I read the results on the Idol Website:

Buh-bye Bucky.

Regular readers of this site know I'm not a fan of his, and I've been surprised he wasn't Bottom Three-bound many times before... at least we now know he isn't this year's Houdini in the voting.

American Idol - April 11, 2006

As I expected, coming up with new interpretations of songs given iconic significance by Freddie Mercury was challenging, to say the least.

Based on the performances, I think Ace Young will get voted out this week. His was the least interesting of the performances.

Paris' performance to end the show both surprised me, and in the case of the song choice really moved me. To stqaqrt with her look was so much older than we've grown accustomed to in this 17-year old dynamo. The song (Show Must Go On) is one I took as a theme right after I was diagnosed with MS, so I got very emotional at a song with such meaning for me.

American Idol of April 5, 2006: Goodbye Mandiva

The results show has been over for more than an hour now, and I have to echo what Kenny Rogers said: I was heartbroken by the results this week.

I was sure that based on their performances this week either Taylor (who really didn't sound comfortable in the country genre) or Ace (I'm starting to dislike his nasal performances) would be gone. Instead it was Mandisa, who I saw as a front-runner!

Next week I'm both looking forward to and dreading. I'm a huge fan of Queen, but the group also has a very defining sound. I don't see any of the current singers able to really do justice to Freddie Mercury's performance.

Weak Idol tonight

Most of the group didn't fare well tonight. Most of them were told they made bad song choices - and based on her performance tonight, Lisa Tucker in the bottom three tomorrow wouldn't surprise me.

I always think this will be Bucky Carlisle's final shot, but if it isn't I'll suspect he'll be this year's performer who lasts longer that he should. He could fit into the group with Nikki Cox, Carmen Rassmussen, redhead John (forget his last name) and Scotty Salvo.

I'm back!

Apologies for the loud proclamation. I've been checking my WSP for ages to see if they fixed their connection problems. An inability to add new content on a blog is bad for it. I'm taking steps to fix this... I hope to have news soon. It's the paranoia in me that I won't talk of it until it happens.

In jazz-related news, I finally found a Jazz theme for my PC! If I recognize the music style it's ragtime jazz... this theme will rotate with my Dracula one in the sunnier weather.

Tags: Jazz, PC destop, blog glitches.

American Idol Ladies Show for March 7, 2006

For some reason Blogger has been giving me trouble with this site. We'll see if it works today...

Last night was the final ladies performance show for American Idol before the final 6 of their gender are chosen. I can figure one of the ladies who probably won't make it: Kaniq. She was off-tune for much of her song - what the judges politely call 'off pitch'.

Other than her I'm not sure who'll be voted out, but one thing is sure: this year's crop will not be voted out for lack of talent, more for just not having enough votes.

I don't expect I'll be able to say the same for the guys. So far only 3 of them have impressed me.

Overdue Idol Catch-up

1. The mens performance show
   

   If Randy thought this would be the mens' competition to lose, then he must have felt foolish. Of the 12 performances, I can count only 3 that were really great. A few were downright awful. When Bobby performed Copacabana I thought Jackie Gleason had come back from the dead to perform. I agreed with Simon for once: it did feel like a cabaret performance!

   Even worse was the performance by Bucky Carlisle. To my ear it sounded as if he was just growling.

2. This week's results
   

   I was 75% right from my opinions this week: both the girls eliminated I picked... Becky looked great, but her singing was mediocre (apparently she and her twin sister are in Maxim magazine. She didn't lose out) and... I think her name was Stella. She was just too timid on stage.

   I was only half right on the men. As I expected, Bobby was eliminated... but I expected Bucky to get the axe, only Patrick did instead.

   One thing really surprised me here: there were no histrionics among those cut. They all took it calmly. At least this time we didn't have a lifeless performance by a disappointed contestant. Mind you, that's always been something I don't like in theirshow format: "You just lost... so perform for us one more time!"

The first 12 Idols Sang

I was surprised by the judges on American Idol tonight: it took Simon more than 50 minutes to act nasty!

The ladies mostly either gave strong performances or at least earned another week. I really don't like the girl from New York (Brenna? I don't remember any of the names yet) but two of them stood out as the weakest: the third lady was very attractive to me but was an underwhelming singer, and the fifth one (she did a Josh Groban song) just came off sounding timid.

Tags: American Idol, Simon Cowell.

The Twins are out

Tonight was the final cuts for this year's American Idol... and neither Terell or Derell Britnam were chosen. The fact that one was already arrested and the other soon would as well (for forgery, in fact) definitely contributed... but just their full-of-themselves attitudes did it for me. Saying to the camera that they had conducted themselves as perfect gentlemen after one brother had acted like a prima donna, the other narced out his group... they came off as complete jerks.

One of the jazz crooners made the cut. I'll be rooting for him to make it to the final 10 (or 12. I don't remember if they said what it would be).

Today's American Idol show is done, and my first thought: as much as I like the Britnam twins voices, their drama queen petulance is really grating on my nerves.

The 'Brokenote Mountain' bit was a chuckler. The trio were all cut, but the way they sounded hurt my ears, so I won't lie and say it is a shame.

Tags: American Idol, Britnam twins, Brokenote Mountain.

I posted stuff for another blog here, so it's the least I can do to honor the ping here to make some new content here as well!

Year 5 has begun, meaning American Idol is back.

In very quick fashion, Simon Cowell has earned my ire: he always makes fun at the expense of the plus-size contestants.

I remember him in past years criticizing body image, but this is too much! Yes, some of these people want to lose their weight -- but it has nothing to do with their vocal talent (or lack thereof).

I'm taking the advice from George in the comments in my last post... I'm currently using Napster 2.0 to listen to the latest album by Polar Bear, Dim Lit.

The tunes are good, but I have one small criticism: the songs on the album don't seem to have a unifying theme to me. Maybe I'm missing it, but it just feels like a collection of disassociated tunes.

Tags: jazz, Polar Bear, Dim Lit, Napster 2.0

I'm listening to a collection I downloaded from Emusic awhile ago: The Early Years Volume 2, Tom Waits

Anyone who thinks he can't be melodic should definitely hear this. He's famous for the fact of sounding like a singer who has had far too many cigarrettes and whisky. He often sounds like a barely alive critter, a wailing banshee. I think these recordings were from before he achieved that state.

You may be asking, "Jeff, what does this have to do with jazz?" Well, Holly Cole recorded a fantastic album of covers of his songs, Temptation.

Tags: Emusic, Tom Waits, Holly Cole.

He wasn't involved in jazz (as far as I know, anyway), and I can only think of one song I've ever heard from him (You'll never find), but soulful smooth R&B lost a legend in Lou Rawls today at the age of 72.

Tags: R&B, Lou Rawls.

I'm sorry this blog has been down for most of the weekend. My Webspace provider just wasn't on top of it.

I'm taking steps to solve this.

I learned yesterday that CBC Radio 2 has a jazz show. Unfortunately it doesn't play all day.

Still I may well track it down. If my radio reception for it is good and steady, I may well change my radio to it.

For those of you who listen through Sirius Sattelite radio, it airs there as well.

Tags: sattelite radio, CBC Radio 2.

Now that we're in-between Christmas and New Year's Eve, there aren't many specifically themed songs that I know in the realm of jazz... so I'm just listening to more general holiday-themed songs.

Holly Cole (who I've mentioned here a lot lately) practically made her career on Christmas music. I count at least 2, maybe 3 holiday albums by her. After all her first album was Christmas music!

The other singer I can think of who fits the theme - he's often featured on CoolTV so he may well be a jazz singer - is Nat King Cole. I take any opportunity possible to listen to him, not just the holidays!

Tags: Holly Cole, jazz, CoolTV, Nat King Cole.

Last week on CoolTV I saw an older interview with the late Ray Charles. I was very dismayed to see that, like many other musicians, he was a smoker.

I now suspect the cigarrettes may have contributed to his death.

Tags: Cool TV, Ray Charles, jazz, cigarettes.

Here I am in the waning hours of Xmas Eve. On Boxing Day this year, the 8 days of Hannukah begin.

I'm right now jazzed because I got an awesom gift for this year, a color laser printer. My dad and my brother-in-law couldn't understand why I needed one, but I explained to dad my need for heavy-duty, frequent printing, as a writer and electronically published.

To all the rest of you, I hope the holidays bring you similar great cheer.

Tags: Christmas, printer, Hannukah.

Me in 2003 

When I went to my meal service Christmas Brunch, my driver thought Temptation was the first album by Holly Cole.

I knew there we more before - in fact, I own some of them - but looking at her discography, I'm realizing that I only own 2 of 5. The list (with what I own in bold):

• Christmas Blues (1989)


• Girl Talk (1990)


• Blame It On My Youth (1991)


• Don't Smoke In Bed (1993)


• It Happened One Night (1995)


• Finally Temptation (1995)

With one of my friends we own everything she put out between us, and I want to get more myself (althoughj I've heard nearly everything), but it was still interesting to read.

Tags: Holly Cole.

Coming into the X-Mas holidays, you would think Holiday carols would all I'd be listening to, right?

You would be wrong.

I'll listen to jazz any day of the year, but there's also a fantastic Christmas album by the divine Holly Cole. That's an album I can listen to at any chance.

Holly Cole and Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Lfe". My two holiday traditions.

Tags: Holly Cole, Jimmy Stewart, It's a Wonderful Life, jazz.

The better part of today I've been listening to the soundtrack to the musical Rent via Napster 2.0. Yes, I'm also a fan of musicals - and I'm hetrosexual, so that stereotype is wrong.

I've also been using it to hear a lot of Django Reinhardt's music. He was a jazz pioneer, and I've heard his name, but none of his music until now.

I also found out today that a Woody Allen film about a jazzman a few years ago was actually about Django. I've only seen a few minutes of the film (I don't even remember its name. I'll have to look it up on IMDB), but now I want to track it down.

Tags: Rent, Django Reinhardt, Woody Allen, IMDB.

I've been using Napster 2.0's Daily Playlist feature a lot now.

As more recent pop singers fill my Library I end up with folks I don't really have an interest in... but I've also been able to load up on favorites like Django Reinhardt, Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins. I've also been able to discover new potential favorites like Eric Dolphy and Idris Ackamoor, so it all balances out.

Tags: Django Reinhardt, Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Eric Dolphy, Idris Ackamoor.

I'm taking my 1-week trial of Napster 2.0 right now. It is now available on Canada, so I gave it a try.

I don't plan to continue after my trial, but I've enjoyed downloading Miles Davis albums that I don't yet have, as well as Holly Cole material.

At the moment I'm lidtening to an album of the Best of Miles. I didn't know he recorded a musical version of Cindi Lauper's, Time After Time

Tags: Miles Davis, Holly Cole, Napster 2.0, Cindi Lauper.

I'm working on my novel as I type this, listening to streaming audio through WinAmp.

The surprising thing is that I'm not listening to Jazz! I've actually been listening to a mix of reggae (to counteract the gray sky and cold weather), and eightees music. I am, after all, a child of the 80s. :) I graduated high school in 1984.

Tags: jazz, reggae, 1980s, NaNoWriMo.

Sorry I haven't posted in a long time. NaNoWriMo started November 1^st. If you dont know what that is, it's the national novel writing month. All around the world, we writers sign up to write a 50,000 word first draft of a novel. This is my 3^rd year taking part. I also intend it to be my 3^rd victory.

The entire time I write, I tend to have radio via Itunes playing in the background. I usually listen to jazz stations, but I'm finding a great cure for upcoming winter blues is reggae music as well.

Tags: NaNoWriMo, jazz, reggae, Itunes.

Cool TV (the digital jazz station) is playing in the background at the moment.

I now know what music legend Carlos Antonio Joabim looked like. I have a CD of his music, but a static image doesn't really give a feel of a person.

In the performance Chick Correa was also playing with him. Chick I've seen several times now.

The channel plays many shows from the Montreal Jazz Fest. Since I don't see that festival much anymore, I can catch up.

Tags: jazz, Cool TV, Carlos Antonio Joabim, Chick Correa, Montreal Jazz Fest.

I've come to realize I prefer listening to Jazz MP3's rather than the radio:

When I ran out of MP3s to listen to at my gym Monday, I decided to switch to the radio tuner on my Iriver to listen to Couleur Jazz.

The reception often dropped out if I just turned a little. A shame, since they were playing songs I'd never heard.

At least I know the MP3s will stay the same quality irrelevant of whether or not I move.

Tags: jazz, Iriver, MP3, Couleur Jazz.

I've almost finished my latest podcast collection on my Iriver.

Considering how they all update within the week, I'm still falling behind with my once a week show download though.

Tags: podcasts, Iriver.

I learned this week the benefits of using regular (in this case, rechargable) batteries with my Iriver instead of the dollar store stuff:

• The dollar store ones barely last a week before they're drained.


• I've been using the same rechargable for three weeks now.

At least now I don't run through batteries so fast!

Tags: podcasts, Iriver, batteries.

Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis together. How could I resist?

Today I listened to the Mp3s of their album Dig, which I downloaded from Emusic a few months ago. I'd already listened to the solo album I got of Sonny's (Way Out West) - an album that may even surpass Global Warming as my favorite record by his if I play it enough times - and just today got to listening to this one.

This was earlier in their careers I think, before they grew past their need of being members of groups rather than superstars later, still... wow! Amazing work.

Tags: Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, jazz, Dig, Way Out West, Global Warming.

I finally got a new clock radio, hoping the new one would have a better radio tuner.

It does - but I'm still not able to get a good signal from Couleur Jazz. I was able to tune it in for a few minutes yesterday... now, it's impossible.

I have to go the digital tuner route for a radio, so I could get the most accurate signal rate. Maybe one will be available at Costco when next I go on a trip to the States

Tags: Costco, Couleur Jazz, digital radio.

Interesting: I was flipping through a magazine today and read a Sony ad about their new Flash ROM Walkmans.

Why that was interesting: I read this ad and thought how their 'new' product is really the same technology as my Iriver.

Tags: Sony, Walkman, Iriver, Flash Rom

Aruntx Podcasting Syndication Features Garage Band Music

I've been following more than a few podcasts lately. I like this sindication of the media - especially if it makes more jazz available!

Tags: jazz, podcasts

The Canadian Idol finale was tonight.

I have to say: this year, Canada got it right!

On the negative side, I feel they stretched out the show too long. At two hours, it just felt like it dragged at times. Also Rex Goudie went off-key again in the final performance.

One big negative for me was a performance by last year's winner Kaylan Porter. His record may now have gone double platinum, but I still don't like his style. Mind you the fact that I didn't vote for him last year definitely doesn't help my view - just as I'm not happy with our past mayoral winner (Pierre Bourque) especially when I voted for someone else.

(I know: not an accurate comparison, since mayors and Idol winners don't have the same importance...)

This year, they did have a nice touch though, having a performance by Dawn Bird, The lady who guides the top 10 through their whole performance.

The biggest plus though was the winner of the 2005 Canadian Idol crown: Melissa O'neil. By the end she was the most talented performer, and her skill and poise belies her 17 years. I think ultimately she may have the best career of all our contest performers to date.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Pierre Bourque, Melissa O'neil

Tonight was the final performance show for the 2005 Canadian Idol competition.

I agree with the judges: Alive (the first single the winner will release) is a hit whoever releases it. Both Rex Goudie and Melissa O'Neal gave distinct and strong performances of it.

That they had Theresa Sokyrka perform her hit from her album - and present her with her first gold record - was tremendous. Unfortunately Frodo Kaylan Porter will perform tomorrow night.

I was surprised: Rex hit a sour note in his performance of Five for Fighting's song Superman. I guess having perfect pitch means I could hear it more easily than they could.

Who should win and who probably will are two diferent performers. Melissa would be the former.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Melissa O'Neil, Rex Goudie, Theresa Sokyrka.

Luther Vandross, Smooth Crooner of R&B, Is Dead at 54

I just learned this today, although it happened back in July.

Luther performed some of the best soul of my youth, and I was really hoping he'd pull through after his stroke.

Late news, but nonetheless sad.

Tag: Luther Vandross

From one sad event to another: in less than 9 hours, it will be the 4^th anniversary of 9-11.

Four years since that tragic day - and 4 years too many that the scumbags who orchestrated it havent's been caught.

Four years, and I won't forget.

Tags: 9-11, Osama bin Laden

(You've seen a lot of different attempts at putting Technorati tags in this blog lately. I think I've found one I'll stick with.)

I just watched the Katrina Relief telethon that I taped last night. Just like the one for 9-11 years ago, I was emotional all throughout this one.

I can't find fault in any of the performances. No surprise; I'd be a cold SOB if I did. I do hope someone else recognized the final singer though.

I noticed that Kanye West only performed this time, didn't speak. His piece got edited for language quite a bit though.

I loved Chris Rock's parody of Kanye's speech at the last telethon though: it was subtle, but he started with "Bush hates midgets."

Tags: Hurricane Katrina, Telethon, Kanye West, Chris Rock

The Contemporary Jazz Lovers and Concerts Place

I don't link to many places overall, but this blog deserves it. Much as I love Jazz, Webmistress Missy offers much more in-depth reviews of recent artists and performers than I do.

American Red Cross: Give Them Help!

I've been thinking a lot about the tragedies Louisiana and other States down there have recently had due to Hurricane Katrina. I've already spoken of how the devastation of New Orleans has affected me.

The folks down there have lost their entire lives, and need the help of ev eryone.

Please donate all you can to help the recovery. The link is here.

Canadian Idol Results - September 7, 2005

Well, the results came in, and yet again - like last year - we have one extremely talented singer in the Finals, and one just OK but coasting on the drooling teen girl demographic.

After having a blowaway performance last night Aaron Walpole was eliminated. Rex Goudie was mediocre at best, but he sailed on through.

Might we be seeing another Kaylan Porter-like victory next week (meaning the more talented one loses)?

Tonight's Canadian Idol - Sept. 6, 2005

This show yet again proved just what big stars Barenaked Ladies have become in Canada.

I think we'll have another surprise in the results tomorrow night. I suspected Aaron Walpole would end up cut - then he performed. I think now, based on the performances that Rex Goudie will be cut and the Finals will be between Aaron and Melissa O'neil.

I look forward to tomorrow's results now with great interest!

The news has come out that Fats Domino was in the French Quarter of New Orleans when Katrina struck.

It was reported that he's alright though.

At least we have a small relief. Although one of his songs was used as a joke on Happy Days, he has really made a great contribution to the world of music. To lose him as well would have been an even bigger tragedy.

New Orleans Gone

I posted the last entry first, so that this would be above it.

The devastation caused there by Hurricane Katrina was mind-boggling to begin with. Today however came the statement that 90% of this great city is destroyed.

"N'awlins" is the birthplace of ragtime jazz. It's an important piece of both American and jazz history. Now it's a memory.

This really depresses me - but depression is a trifle compared to the losses there.

Canadian Idol Stunner - August 31, 2005

The results show really floored me this week. I was expecting thatg Aaron Walpole would be cut. He's talented, but as the judges have said is just too theatrical in his performances.

I already said that Elvis wasn't a great theme for the Idol competitors. The person cut for them however made my jaw drop: Suzi Rawn. On her birthday no less.

I guessed before that the finals would come down to her and Rex Goudie. Now Rex will likely be there... but maybe against Melissa O'Neill. I'm almost concerned that typing her name may hex her now...

Canadian Idol for Aug. 30, 2005

Performance night again.

First off, the songs of Elvis was a hard theme choice. His performances have generated so many impersonations that it's hard to bring something original to them.

I didn't see anything original enough to wow me, but of the four I think Aaron Walpole came off the weakest. This wasn't Suzi Rawn's week either.

Karma Works

You'll notice I have this blog still in my Blogroll, even though Sam died from breat cancer early this year.

I kept it in tribute to her. I had a few things published by DP7, the company she abd her husband Todd founded. I never met her in person, but she was still like family.

I'm listening to some podcasts with the Windows beta for IpodderX right now.

My friend Evo Terra from the Dragonpage podcast network (he and Mike Meninguez put out several science fiction 'casts) raves about this program on the Mac. Although Itunes has some problems, I find it a little more functional. Besides, it's free; IpodderX is shareware.

I needed a breath of fresh air after finally listening to the free track from Itunes. For some reason they seem to offer mostly alternative or rock songs that don't interest me.I think only Theresa Sokyrka and The Vanity Project, by the lead singer from the Barenaked Ladies tracks I've listened to more than once.

As a nice change of pace, I'm listening to Ray Charles final album, Genius Loves Company.

While I don't share the religion, his duet with Gladys Night of "Heaven Help Us All" (a song by Stevie Wonder. In one bar they showed more soul than Casey Leblanc showed period.

Today at my gym was the first time I used my new Iriver. First time I worked out to Podcasts and it was also my first time hearing Couleur Jazz in weeks!

The programers must have read my mind: while I was doing my exercises, they played one of my favorite Sonny Rollins' tracks also.

Finally, Casey Leblanc was eliminated from Canadian Idol.

As I always said, she has the vocal talent. She just didn't have the stage presence or charisma to be a performer yet. She's only 16, and you felt that on stage.

She can't come back to compete again (I think. I'm not familiar with those rules), but if she pursues this she may learn to perform as she lacks the skill to do now.

I taped Canadian Idol for later viewing tonight, because I was out.

While most of the judges were up on Casey's performance, I agreed with Zack: watching her was like watching paint dry. She went back to her old problem: technically her vocals are strong, but she has no charisma or stage presence.

Of the five people left, I'm hoping the final two will be Rex Goudy and Suzi Rawn. While their vocals weren't the best this week, they have charisma to make up for it.

I'm guessing right now, but based on the performances Melissa was the weakest this week.

I got my new Iriver working today, so now I'll be able to exercise with my new jazz MP3s!

Results night on Canadian Idol this evening...

The bottom three was composed of the three best of the Josh, Suzi and Rex. I was sure Aaron would be there this time, but he was safe.

In the end, Josh left this week.

I liked a point the judges made (I think it was Zack): the bottom three were all people who would make it in the music industry anyways.

Tuesday was Canadian Idol performance night again.

Surprisingly Casey Leblanc actually gave her best performance of the series. Based on what I heard, the bottom three would be Aaron Wampole, Josh Palmer and even more surprising Suzie Rawn. Those last two just didn't perform at their best in my opinion.

On my local news tonight was the 80^th birthday of jazz piano great Oscar Peterson.

The concert hall at my University was named for him. Canada Post will be issuing a stamp commemorating him as well.

He's one of my fellow Montrealers I'm most proud of.