Calming and lovely - this blogsite I found purely through a shared interest in the author Jasper Fforde - when you need a lift, it's full of positives. See the link in 'For Fun and info...'
Three beautiful things for me today:
A leisurely walk through green suburban canopies; my littlun, linking his hand in mine while we walked; kicking my shoes off on our return and settling down with a cup of tea. (You notice I sneaked in a fourth there!)
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Britain's Got Talent (2) or, never compete with children or animals...
Call me old-fashioned, but if Simon can't handle the responsibility and is going to put through who he thinks the public want, why not put through the top two the public vote for in the first place?
So that's the dog and the kids through; whilst they are entertaining in a provincial theatre kind of way, the likes of 'Flava' are the ones I'd pay to see.
Is Simon ensuring a clearer run for his personal favourites, appearing over the next few nights?
So that's the dog and the kids through; whilst they are entertaining in a provincial theatre kind of way, the likes of 'Flava' are the ones I'd pay to see.
Is Simon ensuring a clearer run for his personal favourites, appearing over the next few nights?
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Britain's Got Talent
I've seen it all now - last night, the dancing dog was put through. According to Simon and Amanda he's original...best non-human performer in the world????
Have these people not seen Crufts? There's a whole bloomin' section dedicated to prancing pooches!
So the 18 year old theatre wannabe, who, ok, wasn't at good last night as the first audition (should have turned the music down a bit) was sent packing. Surely he deserved another chance over the dog and it's less than charismatic owner?
But like Hubby says, the panel aren't there to ensure only the best go through, are they? Where would the spectacle be without the spectacles of Bra-Strap Woman swinging it all about?
Have these people not seen Crufts? There's a whole bloomin' section dedicated to prancing pooches!
So the 18 year old theatre wannabe, who, ok, wasn't at good last night as the first audition (should have turned the music down a bit) was sent packing. Surely he deserved another chance over the dog and it's less than charismatic owner?
But like Hubby says, the panel aren't there to ensure only the best go through, are they? Where would the spectacle be without the spectacles of Bra-Strap Woman swinging it all about?
Monday, 26 May 2008
Inky fingers 1 Green fingers 0
We braved the Bank Holiday rain, now hubby’s finally finished painting the decking, to find pots and ornaments to break up the woody look.
“What d’you think of this” he asks, pointing at a small, fir tree type effort.
I shrug. It looks the same as all the other small, fir tree type efforts he’s already pointed at.
I’m not a green-fingered person, you see, I need Trisha at Ripplestone for that kind of thing. She’s my expert. I even offered her cash to do my garden and she laughed. I mean it, I said, really. She laughed again.
We now have some pink lilies in a lilac pot, white lilies in a blue pot, one of the small fir tree type efforts in a large green pot (he’s hoping it will grow tall enough to hide the drainpipe: If only drainpipes were just four foot high) six small, multi-coloured pots hanging from a rope by the garage door and three green/blue spheres in the corner. And a snail, a hedgehog and a tortoise watching from the side, looking in need of a lift - so now I‘m off in search of the outdoor equivalent of a wotnot. Then he says: “We need a new table ...and chairs ...the bench is broken ...” See, once you start with this gardening lark, look what happens. That’s not really my garden up there, by the way. As soon as I can figure out how to get the pic of the animals from my phone to son’s MP3 player to the PC, I’ll post it.
I'd Do Anything Results Show, Week 9
Nancy and Olivers reprise: Food Glorious Food - I noticed Jessie’s interaction with the boys there for the first time.
The Task: Living in a hovel for the night, no mods cons, to put them in the mood for ‘speaking’ Nancy - As Long as he Needs Me, to Barry, who rated the girls thus: Jessie - heartfelt, convincing; Rachel - commanding leading lady quality; Jodie - emotional, not sure re the sense of courage; Samantha - initially disappointed then “here was an actress”. Rachel won his vote overall but then he said he couldn’t predict.
Group Song: ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ - Jessie stood out for me, a real presence on stage.
The Olivers: ‘Where is Love’. Very sweet, without any sickiness.
It’s coming close to decision time. The panels choice of who isn’t Nancy: John - Jessie (too young) Denise - Jessie (same reason) Barry and Cameron - Jodie (to boos from the audience).
I was fair tingling with excitement! No, really, I was.
Jodie - safe! She blubbed big time, like the wet weekend we’re having. Rachel - sing off! She knew, as soon as Graham said her name. John and Denise were clutching each others arms - desperate for Sam to be safe, probably, and not Jessie. Unlucky then you two, the public aren’t listening to you - Jessie is safely through. Both the panels choices of who isn’t Nancy - safe. Andrew’s worse case scenario was having to choose between Samantha and Rachel;neither Jodie nor maybe even Jessie would have been saved over either of these two. I’m shocked Samantha was in the sing off, the unknown solo song did her no favours - or are we seeing another ’She’ll be safe’ attitude from the audience who wanted to ensure Jessie made it through?
Memory: Samantha all the way for me. Beautiful tone, so clear - that on top of last weeks show song says Samantha should be Nancy. If she’d had this in the solo section, she wouldn’t be in the bottom two, I’m sure. Showed the vulnerability they were looking for earlier, stunning vocal and presence. Rachel looked and sounded desperate, even stealing a glance at Samantha towards the end. If Andrew had chosen Rachel I’ll have been gobsmacked. Rachel out - and Sam will have won more fans with that song, so don’t count on her being the first out next week. The connection issue showed most strongly, a real distinction between both girls - Sam held the gaze of the camera all the way through; Rachel looked above it at nowhere in particular, doing the eye thing again. She did the same with ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ - not the strongest I’ve heard of the girls to leave.
Now then - I have to trust my brother in law to tape the final for me to view at some godforsaken hour! Shocking, isn’t it, that I have a life and will be OUT next week. Another Gethin’s Girls Grand Gathering, no less: If we can find a TV we will watch en masse, but it’s likely we’ll cancel out each others votes, so ’Good Luck’ to Jessie, Jodie and Samantha and here’s to a wonderful final.
The Task: Living in a hovel for the night, no mods cons, to put them in the mood for ‘speaking’ Nancy - As Long as he Needs Me, to Barry, who rated the girls thus: Jessie - heartfelt, convincing; Rachel - commanding leading lady quality; Jodie - emotional, not sure re the sense of courage; Samantha - initially disappointed then “here was an actress”. Rachel won his vote overall but then he said he couldn’t predict.
Group Song: ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ - Jessie stood out for me, a real presence on stage.
The Olivers: ‘Where is Love’. Very sweet, without any sickiness.
It’s coming close to decision time. The panels choice of who isn’t Nancy: John - Jessie (too young) Denise - Jessie (same reason) Barry and Cameron - Jodie (to boos from the audience).
I was fair tingling with excitement! No, really, I was.
Jodie - safe! She blubbed big time, like the wet weekend we’re having. Rachel - sing off! She knew, as soon as Graham said her name. John and Denise were clutching each others arms - desperate for Sam to be safe, probably, and not Jessie. Unlucky then you two, the public aren’t listening to you - Jessie is safely through. Both the panels choices of who isn’t Nancy - safe. Andrew’s worse case scenario was having to choose between Samantha and Rachel;neither Jodie nor maybe even Jessie would have been saved over either of these two. I’m shocked Samantha was in the sing off, the unknown solo song did her no favours - or are we seeing another ’She’ll be safe’ attitude from the audience who wanted to ensure Jessie made it through?
Memory: Samantha all the way for me. Beautiful tone, so clear - that on top of last weeks show song says Samantha should be Nancy. If she’d had this in the solo section, she wouldn’t be in the bottom two, I’m sure. Showed the vulnerability they were looking for earlier, stunning vocal and presence. Rachel looked and sounded desperate, even stealing a glance at Samantha towards the end. If Andrew had chosen Rachel I’ll have been gobsmacked. Rachel out - and Sam will have won more fans with that song, so don’t count on her being the first out next week. The connection issue showed most strongly, a real distinction between both girls - Sam held the gaze of the camera all the way through; Rachel looked above it at nowhere in particular, doing the eye thing again. She did the same with ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ - not the strongest I’ve heard of the girls to leave.
Now then - I have to trust my brother in law to tape the final for me to view at some godforsaken hour! Shocking, isn’t it, that I have a life and will be OUT next week. Another Gethin’s Girls Grand Gathering, no less: If we can find a TV we will watch en masse, but it’s likely we’ll cancel out each others votes, so ’Good Luck’ to Jessie, Jodie and Samantha and here’s to a wonderful final.
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Sportsday *note to self: check more often!*
Paralympian Dave Roberts added to his freestyle world record collection by taking the 200m mark at the German Open Swimming championships.
Roberts, who competes in the S7 category, is now the world record holder over 50, 100, 200 and 400m.
Rising star Sam Hynd smashed the S8 200m freestyle mark in the morning heats with a time of 2:11.12.
The women's 50m backstroke also yielded success for the British team with Heather Frederiksen (S8) and Stephanie Millward (S9) breaking European and world records respectively in the heats. Frederiksen, a former open water swimmer, twice lowered the European record, touching home in her heat in 38.04 before lowering it further to 37.53 seconds in the final to win the silver medal.
Millward showed her strength in the heats to claim her world record in a time of 33.84.
There was a silver medal for Charlotte Henshaw in the 100m breaststroke while Eleanor Simmonds took gold in the 200m freestyle youth final where she was followed home by Louise Watkin.
Paralympic World Cup, Manchester.
For the British team, the last major international competition before the Games gives real hope for a golden summer of Paralympic achievement after the host nation won 21 gold medals.
Wheelchair basketball: The British women won bronze with a 57-34 score over Brazil, with Sally Wager weighing in with an impressive 27 points.
As ever, cycling saw a number of world records fall, predominantly to the British team and in doing so claimed an impressive haul of nine golds, with Anthony Kappes, Aileen McGlynn, and Darren Kenny each achieving double glory.
But one of the headline grabbing stories surrounded three-time Paralympic Judo gold medallist Simon Jackson, who only took up cycling three weeks ago. Jackson scooped silver behind Kappes in the tandem in 1.04.982 minutes.
The 35-year-old said: “I’m not even in my third week of cycling yet so it is absolutely fantastic.
More success in the pool they dominated proceedings. Sascha Kindred left the rest of the 100m breaststroke field trailing in his waves as he clocked 1.25.47 minutes with British team mate Matt Whorwood picking up third with a time of 1.33.95 minutes. Youngster Sam Hynd, Paralympic champion Natalie Jones, and rising star Heather Frederiksen all broke world records in an action packed afternoon.
On track, Britain’s David Weir was also in impressive form, winning the 400m and 1500m to confirm his impressive pedigree ahead of Beijing.
Bowls: Alison Merrien beat world number one Val Smith in the final of the 2008 World Indoor Cup at the Warilla Bowls Club in Australia on Friday.
The Guernsey star won the first set 17-3, lost the second 1-10 and took the resulting tie-break 4-0.
It completes a double for her, having won November's 2007 World Champion of Champions at the same venue.
Merrien said: "I'm on the top of the world - it's fantastic to do it once here but twice is even better."
MERRIEN'S PREVIOUS FINALS
2001 - WIBC Pairs - Winner with Adrian Welch
2002 - WIBC Pairs - Runner-up with Adrian Welch
2004 - WIBC Pairs - Winner with Neal Mollet
2004 - World Outdoor Champion of Champions Singles - Runner-up
2006 - WIBC Pairs - Runner-up with Nick Donaldson
2007 - World Outdoor Champion of Champions Singles - Winner
Canoeing: Great Britain finished with two gold medals at the European flat-water Championships after victories for Tim Brabants and Lucy Wainwright in Milan.
14 year old Tom Daley and Blake Aldridge claimed a first-ever gold for Britain at the Fina Diving World Series to stake their claim for a place at the Olympics.
The duo won the 10m platform synchronised title, scoring a perfect 10 for their second dive in Sheffield.
I just caught the final few laps of the North West 200, won by an emotional Michael Dunlop. His father, motorcycle legend Robert Dunlop was killed in a high-speed crash during a practice lap for the races on Thursday. Knowing how focused you have to be in any competitive sport makes it all the more remarkable that he was able to complete the course in the 250cc race, let alone achieve victory. Illustrates once more the guts and determination you need to succeed at the top and why the world of sport arouses such passion in most of us.
Roberts, who competes in the S7 category, is now the world record holder over 50, 100, 200 and 400m.
Rising star Sam Hynd smashed the S8 200m freestyle mark in the morning heats with a time of 2:11.12.
The women's 50m backstroke also yielded success for the British team with Heather Frederiksen (S8) and Stephanie Millward (S9) breaking European and world records respectively in the heats. Frederiksen, a former open water swimmer, twice lowered the European record, touching home in her heat in 38.04 before lowering it further to 37.53 seconds in the final to win the silver medal.
Millward showed her strength in the heats to claim her world record in a time of 33.84.
There was a silver medal for Charlotte Henshaw in the 100m breaststroke while Eleanor Simmonds took gold in the 200m freestyle youth final where she was followed home by Louise Watkin.
Paralympic World Cup, Manchester.
For the British team, the last major international competition before the Games gives real hope for a golden summer of Paralympic achievement after the host nation won 21 gold medals.
Wheelchair basketball: The British women won bronze with a 57-34 score over Brazil, with Sally Wager weighing in with an impressive 27 points.
As ever, cycling saw a number of world records fall, predominantly to the British team and in doing so claimed an impressive haul of nine golds, with Anthony Kappes, Aileen McGlynn, and Darren Kenny each achieving double glory.
But one of the headline grabbing stories surrounded three-time Paralympic Judo gold medallist Simon Jackson, who only took up cycling three weeks ago. Jackson scooped silver behind Kappes in the tandem in 1.04.982 minutes.
The 35-year-old said: “I’m not even in my third week of cycling yet so it is absolutely fantastic.
More success in the pool they dominated proceedings. Sascha Kindred left the rest of the 100m breaststroke field trailing in his waves as he clocked 1.25.47 minutes with British team mate Matt Whorwood picking up third with a time of 1.33.95 minutes. Youngster Sam Hynd, Paralympic champion Natalie Jones, and rising star Heather Frederiksen all broke world records in an action packed afternoon.
On track, Britain’s David Weir was also in impressive form, winning the 400m and 1500m to confirm his impressive pedigree ahead of Beijing.
Bowls: Alison Merrien beat world number one Val Smith in the final of the 2008 World Indoor Cup at the Warilla Bowls Club in Australia on Friday.
The Guernsey star won the first set 17-3, lost the second 1-10 and took the resulting tie-break 4-0.
It completes a double for her, having won November's 2007 World Champion of Champions at the same venue.
Merrien said: "I'm on the top of the world - it's fantastic to do it once here but twice is even better."
MERRIEN'S PREVIOUS FINALS
2001 - WIBC Pairs - Winner with Adrian Welch
2002 - WIBC Pairs - Runner-up with Adrian Welch
2004 - WIBC Pairs - Winner with Neal Mollet
2004 - World Outdoor Champion of Champions Singles - Runner-up
2006 - WIBC Pairs - Runner-up with Nick Donaldson
2007 - World Outdoor Champion of Champions Singles - Winner
Canoeing: Great Britain finished with two gold medals at the European flat-water Championships after victories for Tim Brabants and Lucy Wainwright in Milan.
14 year old Tom Daley and Blake Aldridge claimed a first-ever gold for Britain at the Fina Diving World Series to stake their claim for a place at the Olympics.
The duo won the 10m platform synchronised title, scoring a perfect 10 for their second dive in Sheffield.
I just caught the final few laps of the North West 200, won by an emotional Michael Dunlop. His father, motorcycle legend Robert Dunlop was killed in a high-speed crash during a practice lap for the races on Thursday. Knowing how focused you have to be in any competitive sport makes it all the more remarkable that he was able to complete the course in the 250cc race, let alone achieve victory. Illustrates once more the guts and determination you need to succeed at the top and why the world of sport arouses such passion in most of us.
I'd Do Anything, Week 9
Cameron himself on the panel tonight - no pressure then, audience, but let's take note of what he’s looking for. Fascinating to hear them dissecting the girls around a table. What can we discern from the deliberations? Cameron presumably made it clear to them who he wants in the final, which should make choosing who to save a bit easier for Andrew. He said whoever is chosen has six months to mature into the role and he’d like rawness with potential - that suggests Samantha and Jessie to me.
Group song with the Olivers: Food Glorious Food. None (or all, depending on your viewpoint) stood out for me. It’s going to be a close night.
Rachel: Worries about connection - Denise a confirmed fan - Cameron needs to be impressed. He was with ‘Cabaret’ - her best performance so far. Standing ovation led by Andrew. Cameron wants her in the final, Andrew encourages the others though, he wants them to match it. It was a stunning performance. She put everything into it. And no hiccups vocally. Still did that funny thing with her eyes though - that’s the connection issue, she doesn’t seem to aim at the dancers or the audience, her eyes just don’t connect anywhere long enough.
Jessie: John isn’t a fan, she’s not feminine enough. Andrew says she has ‘Star Quality’ - Cameron moved by her singing ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ in Andrew’s sitting room. Proves to him she has ability, this is where I got the impression Cameron wants to realise her potential. She’s not there yet - Andrew’s also a fan.
‘What I Did for Love’ - Passionate, became a little aggressive, loved the end. She knows John is against her and she’s fighting her corner, which produced this little gem: “What can I do to excite you?” John: “That’s a question a lot of women have asked!” I think she has the loveliest voice - I hope all three finalists sing ‘As Long As Needs Me’ next week - I’d hate us to choose and then find the Nancy we kick out does it better, because that’s the main one, isn’t it? That’s the one we hear of when we think of Nancy singing.
Duo (1) Samantha and Jodie - Jesus Christ Superstar
Glitzy, full of energy - Sam takes it from Jodie there, vocally and dancing.
Olivers: The final three will be revealed, the mums’ll be in tears. From the little we heard they all sounded wonderful - my favourite is Harry, he looks and sings the part. Gwion, Laurence and Harry have it.
Samantha: Really grown, they reckon, though John unconvinced about vulnerability. Hasn’t moved Cameron yet. She takes on board everything though. ‘When you Believe’ - don’t think this song helped - needed a better known weepie. Still a very strong performance, fantastic vocal. John’s now a fan “Powerhouse performer” - Denise - "likeability factor, appeals to men and women, Nancy needs that." Barry, keen as always “A star” - Cameron - sure she’ll be here next week. Andrew agreed re the song - she’s got time to learn.
Jodie: Andrew “Should be a good Nancy but…” Cameron “Has it all but not all the time…” She needs more grit, less glitz. Barry can see her as Nancy. They’re in two minds, so am I. ‘Out Here On My Own’ - best since ‘Send In the Clowns’ - I agree with Cameron, that was the only performance previously that had moved me. Denise is almost in tears, it didn’t quite take me like that but the emotion was there. Worst comment of the night from Cameron, in the nicest possible way “Slightly matronly.” That she is who many people ‘see’ as Nancy will count against her with Cameron if he genuinely wants a 'different' Nancy.
Duo (2) Jessie and Rachel - Jessie’s going to have to go some, if she’s to secure the public vote to stay, after the panels comments. ‘Buenos Aires’ - Spirited performances but it really is too close to call tonight.
In fact, I can’t decide based just on tonight - my vote has gone to Jessie and Samantha because I’ve preferred them overall to Rachel and Jodie. And my impression of the discussions is that Cameron wants to keep them both, while he isn’t so fussed re Jodie and, apart from tonight, hasn’t really warmed to Rachel. He wants someone different for the role, someone with raw potential - Rachel is already too polished and set in the way she performs. But what do I know? He’ll probably mark her out as his choice later! Ultimately, he wants someone the public will pay to come and see - Rachel may win more votes tonight, but she's been in the bottom two, whereas the other three haven’t.
Group song with the Olivers: Food Glorious Food. None (or all, depending on your viewpoint) stood out for me. It’s going to be a close night.
Rachel: Worries about connection - Denise a confirmed fan - Cameron needs to be impressed. He was with ‘Cabaret’ - her best performance so far. Standing ovation led by Andrew. Cameron wants her in the final, Andrew encourages the others though, he wants them to match it. It was a stunning performance. She put everything into it. And no hiccups vocally. Still did that funny thing with her eyes though - that’s the connection issue, she doesn’t seem to aim at the dancers or the audience, her eyes just don’t connect anywhere long enough.
Jessie: John isn’t a fan, she’s not feminine enough. Andrew says she has ‘Star Quality’ - Cameron moved by her singing ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ in Andrew’s sitting room. Proves to him she has ability, this is where I got the impression Cameron wants to realise her potential. She’s not there yet - Andrew’s also a fan.
‘What I Did for Love’ - Passionate, became a little aggressive, loved the end. She knows John is against her and she’s fighting her corner, which produced this little gem: “What can I do to excite you?” John: “That’s a question a lot of women have asked!” I think she has the loveliest voice - I hope all three finalists sing ‘As Long As Needs Me’ next week - I’d hate us to choose and then find the Nancy we kick out does it better, because that’s the main one, isn’t it? That’s the one we hear of when we think of Nancy singing.
Duo (1) Samantha and Jodie - Jesus Christ Superstar
Glitzy, full of energy - Sam takes it from Jodie there, vocally and dancing.
Olivers: The final three will be revealed, the mums’ll be in tears. From the little we heard they all sounded wonderful - my favourite is Harry, he looks and sings the part. Gwion, Laurence and Harry have it.
Samantha: Really grown, they reckon, though John unconvinced about vulnerability. Hasn’t moved Cameron yet. She takes on board everything though. ‘When you Believe’ - don’t think this song helped - needed a better known weepie. Still a very strong performance, fantastic vocal. John’s now a fan “Powerhouse performer” - Denise - "likeability factor, appeals to men and women, Nancy needs that." Barry, keen as always “A star” - Cameron - sure she’ll be here next week. Andrew agreed re the song - she’s got time to learn.
Jodie: Andrew “Should be a good Nancy but…” Cameron “Has it all but not all the time…” She needs more grit, less glitz. Barry can see her as Nancy. They’re in two minds, so am I. ‘Out Here On My Own’ - best since ‘Send In the Clowns’ - I agree with Cameron, that was the only performance previously that had moved me. Denise is almost in tears, it didn’t quite take me like that but the emotion was there. Worst comment of the night from Cameron, in the nicest possible way “Slightly matronly.” That she is who many people ‘see’ as Nancy will count against her with Cameron if he genuinely wants a 'different' Nancy.
Duo (2) Jessie and Rachel - Jessie’s going to have to go some, if she’s to secure the public vote to stay, after the panels comments. ‘Buenos Aires’ - Spirited performances but it really is too close to call tonight.
In fact, I can’t decide based just on tonight - my vote has gone to Jessie and Samantha because I’ve preferred them overall to Rachel and Jodie. And my impression of the discussions is that Cameron wants to keep them both, while he isn’t so fussed re Jodie and, apart from tonight, hasn’t really warmed to Rachel. He wants someone different for the role, someone with raw potential - Rachel is already too polished and set in the way she performs. But what do I know? He’ll probably mark her out as his choice later! Ultimately, he wants someone the public will pay to come and see - Rachel may win more votes tonight, but she's been in the bottom two, whereas the other three haven’t.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
CD Review: The Most of Latin Groove - Various, Jazzfm records.
Since ‘the Jazz’ has shut down and moved to a 2hour slot on ClassicFM (midnight to 2.00am - Wow, thanks!) I’m now ironing to this litter of Latin lovelies (as it says on the box) 28 tracks of sheer unadulterated foot- tapping-scat-inducing-no-actual-ironing-being-done-too-busy-salsa-ing groovy tunefulness.
We’re treated to two offerings from Cal Tjader - the relentless pounding of percussion in overtime of ‘Shoshana’ and, featuring Willie Bobo and Mongo Santamaria, ‘Afro Blue’ - I defy you to keep still before transporting yourself to Rio with the infectious rhythm of Poncho Sanchez’s ‘Yumbambe‘.
If you’ve ever wondered what ‘Mas Que Nada’ means, Ella Fitzgerald kindly translates - forget football on the beach; think more a similar sounding cocktail! *Ahem* Meanwhile, George Benson, who some of you may only know via the likes of ‘In Your Eyes’, will have you shimmying without consent to Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’.
One of my all time favourite things, the dreamy and romantic samba of Seawind ‘He Loves You’ precedes Sergio Mendes, putting in an appearance with a hypnotic cha cha version of … ‘My Favourite Things’. Yes, THAT one!
And when you come to ‘Nature Boy’ by Alex Wilson, well, just put all thoughts of Nat King Cole back there - no, further back - there you go. Funky. Capital F. Following that, set your whistle to ‘Stun’ for Fourth World’s ‘Final Celebration’. You’ll know it when you hear it. Pompey fans will be singing it, hopefully not for another seven years like last time!
The ladies are represented on CD two with the sultry tones and funky ivory tickling of Latin diva Tania Maria on ‘No Ano Que Vem’; while you forget LA to New York and dream of Rio to Paradise, as Patsy Gallant sings ‘Te Caliente’ - without words!
Azymuth’s ‘Jazz Carnival’ was one of the first 12 inch vinyl records I bought - you see how I feel the need to explain what they are, showing my age - here we have an altogether different sound from them: ‘Tudo Due Voce Podia Ser’ featuring Nair Camdia, a smooth and gentle glide. Then you can salsa your butt off to the wonderful party song of Pete Escovedos ‘Cabo Frio’ - you’ll be ba-ba-ba-ing along before you can stop yourself. We end with another major artist from my youth, Bob Marley, being given the Merengada treatment on his ‘No Woman No Cry’. You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s Bob himself, the opening vocal retaining that Caribbean feel with pure South American rhythm.
If you loved Gethin and Camilla’s salsa music ‘Azucar’, you’ll love this CD. Real music, played from the heart and soul, you just can’t beat it. And an added bonus, I’ve now re-discovered on the internet not only Jazz Fm but Solar Radio too, a soul music station with a host of familiar names. (Possibly some of the original DJ’s when Horizon/Solar pirate stations were around) Definitely showing my age!
Full track listing:
CD1 -
1. Cal Tjader: Shoshana
2. Poncho Sanchez: Yumbambe
3. Snow boy & the Latin Section: Wild Spirit
4. Ella Fitzgerald: Mas Que Nada
5. Ray Barretto: La Cuna
6. Sarah Vaughan: Nothing Will Be As It Was
7. Duke Pearson and Flora Purim: Stormy
8. George Benson: Summertime
9. Seawind: He Loves You
10. Sergio Mendes: My Favourite Things
11. Paz feat. Frank Holder: Speak Low
12. Neos Original: Original Unlimited
13. Alex Wilson: Nature Boy
14. Fourth World: Final Celebration
CD2 -
1. Cal Tjader deat. Willie Bob & Mongo Santamaria: Afro Blue
2. Dom UM Ranao & Mr Hermano: Coisana 11
3. Tania maria: No Ano Que Vem
4. Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers: Got Myself a Good Man
5. Patsy Gallant: Te Caliente
6. Ray Barretto and New World Spirit: Work Song
7. Azymuth feat. Nair Candia: Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser
8. Marcos Valle feat. Patricia Alvi: Cidade Aberto
9. Pete Escovedo: Cabo Frio
10. The Robin Jones Seven: Atlas
11. Quintetto X: The Jody Grind
12. The Subterraneans: A Night in Tunisia
13. Louis Berenius’ Coup E’tat: Last of the Aztecs
14. Merengada: No Woman No Cry
We’re treated to two offerings from Cal Tjader - the relentless pounding of percussion in overtime of ‘Shoshana’ and, featuring Willie Bobo and Mongo Santamaria, ‘Afro Blue’ - I defy you to keep still before transporting yourself to Rio with the infectious rhythm of Poncho Sanchez’s ‘Yumbambe‘.
If you’ve ever wondered what ‘Mas Que Nada’ means, Ella Fitzgerald kindly translates - forget football on the beach; think more a similar sounding cocktail! *Ahem* Meanwhile, George Benson, who some of you may only know via the likes of ‘In Your Eyes’, will have you shimmying without consent to Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’.
One of my all time favourite things, the dreamy and romantic samba of Seawind ‘He Loves You’ precedes Sergio Mendes, putting in an appearance with a hypnotic cha cha version of … ‘My Favourite Things’. Yes, THAT one!
And when you come to ‘Nature Boy’ by Alex Wilson, well, just put all thoughts of Nat King Cole back there - no, further back - there you go. Funky. Capital F. Following that, set your whistle to ‘Stun’ for Fourth World’s ‘Final Celebration’. You’ll know it when you hear it. Pompey fans will be singing it, hopefully not for another seven years like last time!
The ladies are represented on CD two with the sultry tones and funky ivory tickling of Latin diva Tania Maria on ‘No Ano Que Vem’; while you forget LA to New York and dream of Rio to Paradise, as Patsy Gallant sings ‘Te Caliente’ - without words!
Azymuth’s ‘Jazz Carnival’ was one of the first 12 inch vinyl records I bought - you see how I feel the need to explain what they are, showing my age - here we have an altogether different sound from them: ‘Tudo Due Voce Podia Ser’ featuring Nair Camdia, a smooth and gentle glide. Then you can salsa your butt off to the wonderful party song of Pete Escovedos ‘Cabo Frio’ - you’ll be ba-ba-ba-ing along before you can stop yourself. We end with another major artist from my youth, Bob Marley, being given the Merengada treatment on his ‘No Woman No Cry’. You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s Bob himself, the opening vocal retaining that Caribbean feel with pure South American rhythm.
If you loved Gethin and Camilla’s salsa music ‘Azucar’, you’ll love this CD. Real music, played from the heart and soul, you just can’t beat it. And an added bonus, I’ve now re-discovered on the internet not only Jazz Fm but Solar Radio too, a soul music station with a host of familiar names. (Possibly some of the original DJ’s when Horizon/Solar pirate stations were around) Definitely showing my age!
Full track listing:
CD1 -
1. Cal Tjader: Shoshana
2. Poncho Sanchez: Yumbambe
3. Snow boy & the Latin Section: Wild Spirit
4. Ella Fitzgerald: Mas Que Nada
5. Ray Barretto: La Cuna
6. Sarah Vaughan: Nothing Will Be As It Was
7. Duke Pearson and Flora Purim: Stormy
8. George Benson: Summertime
9. Seawind: He Loves You
10. Sergio Mendes: My Favourite Things
11. Paz feat. Frank Holder: Speak Low
12. Neos Original: Original Unlimited
13. Alex Wilson: Nature Boy
14. Fourth World: Final Celebration
CD2 -
1. Cal Tjader deat. Willie Bob & Mongo Santamaria: Afro Blue
2. Dom UM Ranao & Mr Hermano: Coisana 11
3. Tania maria: No Ano Que Vem
4. Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers: Got Myself a Good Man
5. Patsy Gallant: Te Caliente
6. Ray Barretto and New World Spirit: Work Song
7. Azymuth feat. Nair Candia: Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser
8. Marcos Valle feat. Patricia Alvi: Cidade Aberto
9. Pete Escovedo: Cabo Frio
10. The Robin Jones Seven: Atlas
11. Quintetto X: The Jody Grind
12. The Subterraneans: A Night in Tunisia
13. Louis Berenius’ Coup E’tat: Last of the Aztecs
14. Merengada: No Woman No Cry
Rant of the Day (2)
Time for another one I think - what is it with pedestrians? Do they have a death wish? Firstly, this morning, I’m waiting patiently at the lights - they turn green - I set off - stupid woman decides to step in front of me. Oblivious, you think? No, actually, fully aware of what she was doing because she was watching the lights and waiting with a couple of others. So why with the jay-walking? Then on my way home, another one does it - daring me to run her over. I’d had a nice day though, why should I spoil it for myself?
So then we come to the schools: Kids, you expect it, don’t you, because they are a bit blasé about the dangers at that age and will chance their luck. But a mother, accompanying the child with a walking frame? She’s crossing at the section of road just in from a roundabout: There’s a lollipop lady thirty yards up the road (outside the school this kid had just come from). Twenty yards further up past the lollipop lady and there’s another primary school child being pulled back by her mother and chastised in very basic language and I can’t help myself: “There’s a Crossing Lady there, you ...” I’m afraid the wind took my words (which weren't as choice as hers, to be fair.)
Why do they do it? I remember driving round a bend in the same road some time ago and there’s a mother, holding a baby in her arms, darting out and back again because she’s on the blind side of another bend. And yes, there‘s a zebra crossing, literally ten yards away on the next bend, so you can see both directions. I just don’t get them. Is it any wonder so many kids are run over, when their parents haven’t shown them how to cross a road properly?
These people were lucky, they did it in front of me and I’m expecting it - but tomorrow or the day after, the driver will be distracted and BANG!
In case you’re wondering *enters self righteous mode* - I always take mine via the Lollipop Lady. Save a minute or lose your child? Hm, seems it’s a tough choice for some.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
I'd Do Anything Results, Week 8.
‘Consider Yourself’ reprise: Showed the range across the girls, Sam lowest note through Jodie, Rachel, Jessie and Niamh at the top.
Comparing the Olivers: Looks: For that street urchin look I favour Chester, Arthur, Harry and Laurence. And during the song, I preferred the same four vocally! Which is handy.
The Comedy Mission: Phil Jupitus - funny guy and good West Ham lad. What was that show called again? ‘Life Coach’ ? May have to check that one out.
Jodie and Niamh strong in that challenge, though Phil is impressed with each of them. How to choose when it appears we need a combination of them all?
‘Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’ - a wonderful collective number, every inch a team. And then they show the girls saying who they DON’T think is Nancy again. The Panel's verdict: John - Jessie, two weeks running; Denise and Barry - both Niamh, her age against her.
Samantha, safe and relieved; Jodie, safe and gobsmacked; Niamh - sing off and resigned; Jessie - safe and stunned! Come on girl, move along; Rachel, sing off and gutted. Both she and Niamh have been there before, Rachel the safe consistent one, Niamh with that ethereal quality. Left to the viewers, Niamh would be gone. Can she change Andrew’s mind singing one of his own compositions? He’s looking for vulnerability so she has an advantage over Rachel. ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ Niamh’s type of song - it’s a shame she couldn’t do show songs all the way through. Beautiful sing off, strongest yet, which should be the case at this stage. Andrew’s in a quandary: Rachel it is. Niamh didn’t give in without a fight. Encouraging words for her, he wants to protect her voice for a couple of years. I’m shedding a tear, we’ve spent too many weeks in Niamh’s company and I really didn’t need to see her sister bawling; always guaranteed to set me off.
Comparing the Olivers: Looks: For that street urchin look I favour Chester, Arthur, Harry and Laurence. And during the song, I preferred the same four vocally! Which is handy.
The Comedy Mission: Phil Jupitus - funny guy and good West Ham lad. What was that show called again? ‘Life Coach’ ? May have to check that one out.
Jodie and Niamh strong in that challenge, though Phil is impressed with each of them. How to choose when it appears we need a combination of them all?
‘Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’ - a wonderful collective number, every inch a team. And then they show the girls saying who they DON’T think is Nancy again. The Panel's verdict: John - Jessie, two weeks running; Denise and Barry - both Niamh, her age against her.
Samantha, safe and relieved; Jodie, safe and gobsmacked; Niamh - sing off and resigned; Jessie - safe and stunned! Come on girl, move along; Rachel, sing off and gutted. Both she and Niamh have been there before, Rachel the safe consistent one, Niamh with that ethereal quality. Left to the viewers, Niamh would be gone. Can she change Andrew’s mind singing one of his own compositions? He’s looking for vulnerability so she has an advantage over Rachel. ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ Niamh’s type of song - it’s a shame she couldn’t do show songs all the way through. Beautiful sing off, strongest yet, which should be the case at this stage. Andrew’s in a quandary: Rachel it is. Niamh didn’t give in without a fight. Encouraging words for her, he wants to protect her voice for a couple of years. I’m shedding a tear, we’ve spent too many weeks in Niamh’s company and I really didn’t need to see her sister bawling; always guaranteed to set me off.
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