Something different but really good. This is a Filipino group called M.Y.M.P. - Make Your Momma Proud, headed up by Juris Fernandez on lead vocals and Chin Alcantara on guitar - and other unknown, unnamed members of their backup group. I was introduced to them about a year ago from a friend of Nick’s. Juris has such a pure voice, and a smile that will melt the coldest heart. She’s just that cute (well I think so).

The video below is a live acoustic performance of a song, Tell Me Where It Hurts. Not sure if this is an original or a cover, but they do a phenominal job with the song - despite the fact the soundboard guys should be shot for drowning her vocals out with the accompanying instruments.

Give it a listen to, and let me know what you think of M.Y.M.P.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehtfELH1xHo[/youtube]

Visit their website, or MySpace page for more.

When did the Grammys and Oscars become awards doled out for upstanding behavior and political correctness? Egads! Isn’t the entertainment industry supposed to do just that — Entertain!?

I’m going on record to commend an artist whose take on music is both refreshing and unique, especially in the staleness that is the canned and overprocessed music offered up by the industry moguls. Amy Winehouse is that artist. She blends R&B, old soul, and a retro groove into her music that is totally unique. Probably why her music has been embraced to the extent that it has. I expect to see an increase in the number of copycat me-too’s popping up on the charts - trying to capture what Amy’s been able to do.

I don’t think her behavior is what’s attracting the praises and accolades. It’s her music. Granted, Amy’s personal life pits her as England’s answer to BritBrit. And you know what, I don’t give a rat’s ass what she does in her private life. I’m not idolizing her. I’m enjoying her music. Her unique voice and style are what drew me in and hold me there.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD5sahXoj0U[/youtube]

There are dozens upon dozens of unmentionable “stars” so f*cked up in their private lives, yet who have successfully hidden their ’secrets’ from the public behind the mask of normalcy. Are celebrities to be held to the level of high regard as the Queen Mother (whose family is just as screwed up)? Puleeeeze! They’re no different than anyone else, and are fallible.

In the first part of 2008, I’m going to be posting a spotlight on a great new musical artist - Toby Lightman. In the meantime, enjoy these video clips:

[myspace]http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2231649[/myspace]

…and a live performance…

[myspace]http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=5187623[/myspace]


Stay tuned.

Update: January 17, 2006: Congratulations to Taylor! Taylor Hicks - the debut release is Platinum.

Taylor Hicks emerged as the favorite in Season 5 of American Idol (AI), wanting only to have his voice heard. To that end, he was heard - being coronated the victor in May, 2006.

Since Season 5 ended, Taylor has been on a whirlwind roller coaster ride -

• promoting the obligatory winner’s mini-CD,
• preparing for and then touring the US (via tour bus - a dream come true for Taylor) on a coast-to-coast [expanded] 60-city lineup with the other AI Top 10 contestants, and then
• (as he stated himself) sleeping on the floor of the recording studio to record his music, his way.

Pushing the release back a month from that originally expected (from November to December, 2006) allowed Taylor to do just that - record his music, his way.

What is the end result of all the hard work?

Not surprising - and to the delight of his fans, Taylor stays true to himself and delivers thirteen handpicked tracks - some new, and some ‘old soul’ revisited - of “whomp” music - a blend of soul, funk, jazz, and blues.

The delay in releasing the album was a smart move, and it proves to the industry what the fans already knew - Taylor can deliver the goods. Taylor has stated he was fortunate to have a wealth of songs to choose from, and handpicked those to be included, creating speculation that it is, indeed, Taylor who is in charge of his path to success - not management trying to mold him into something he’s not (as was done with previous AI winners). By forging a collaborative approach, this offering showcases exactly why Taylor won in the first place - his versatility and likeability.

Throughout the album, Taylor (et al) infuses a dynamically full spectrum of sound to compliment the whiskey tenor voice and styling unique to his passion - ‘old soul’ - simplistic, feel it in your bones funk, with a dose of good ol’ southern groove - sampled in Heaven Knows, Gonna Move, and Give Me Tonight.

In addition to the unreleased and cover material, Taylor has included three new versions of his own compositions - Soul Thing, The Deal, and a bonus track - Hell of a Day.