Tag Archives: creativelymusical.com

Artwork, Blog

Creative Allies Bob Dylan Contest Entry

First, sorry for the lack of updates. I had tried to post some releases and information a couple of weeks ago and had some issues.  Then life got a little busy. Updates and releases are coming this week, along with some blogs over the weekend. Lots of photos and some new art to post.

Speaking of art, I entered a Creative Allies contest for a Bob Dylan poster. I would love for you all to see it, like it, share it and all that jazz. There are some really great entries, so like and share all of the ones you like. I have entered a few of these contests, haven’t won yet but it’s not about winning…it’s about the challenge and the experience.

Here’s the link to my entry: http://creativeallies.com/creations/mtb3/contests/880/create-commemorative-art-bob-dylan

Here’s the link to the contest, there’s still time to enter: http://creativeallies.com/contests/880-create-commemorative-art-bob-dylan

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week – Jeffrey Steele

This week my featured artist is Jeffrey Steele. If you’ve been listening to country music for the last two decades or so, you’ve heard a Jeffrey Steele penned song. He’s not only written for himself and his band Boy Howdy, his songs have been recorded by Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Mark Wills and more.

While I love the versions by other artists, Jeffrey’s versions – especially live – are just better. The above video is probably my most favorite Jeffrey penned tune, “What Hurts the Most.” I was at this particular concert, AlexFest in 2008.

Here are some more videos, I could give you links to recorded versions but you need to hear Jeffrey live – it is amazing. He is so passionate about every song he sings.

This is a playlist on YouTube of a bunch of Jeffrey’s live performances. Click through to watch on YouTube to see all of the videos:

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week: Elton John

Sir Elton John - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN - April 5, 2013 Photo © Christine A Ellis
Sir Elton John – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN – April 5, 2013 Photo © Christine A Ellis

This week I want to share with you my favorite Elton John songs. I’ve been listening to Elton John since I was a kid, so he’s been a part of my musical catalog virtually my whole life.

You can learn more about Sir Elton John through his official web site: http://www.eltonjohn.com/

Here are my favorite tunes:

Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/captain-fantastic-and-the-brown-dirt-cowboy/track/lucy-in-the-sky-with-diamonds

Sad Songs (Say So Much) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/sad-songs-say-so-much

I’m Still Standing – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/im-still-standing

Philadelphia Freedom – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/philadelphia-freedom

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/dont-go-breaking-my-heart-with-kiki-dee

I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/i-guess-thats-why-they-call-it-the-blues

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/dont-let-the-sun-go-down-on-me

Crocodile Rock – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/crocodile-rock

Your Song – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/elton-john/album/greatest-hits-1970-2002/track/your-song

For the whole list, check out this Elton John playlist on Rhapsody.

Be sure to explore Sir Elton’s full catalog on your favorite music service. His songs have been on the radio, in movies and on television. So many hits and so much great music.

I have had the pleasure to see him live this year on my birthday. One of the best concerts I have been to in my lifetime.

 

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week: Leroy Powell

Leroy Powell - Photo by: Christine A Ellis
Leroy Powell – Photo by: Christine A Ellis

My introduction to Leroy Powell was ZZ Top’s Gang of Outlaws tour with 3 Doors Down and Gretchen Wilson. When I arrived at the show, I didn’t even know that he was on the bill. He opened the show in front of Gretchen Wilson.

His live show turned me on to his music. That’s the way it should be in my book. The way he performs combined with the music he writes makes for that perfect combination live.

His style is eclectic, a little country and a lot of rock and roll. Rhapsody categorizes him under “new country” but categories are so limiting when Powell’s music is so dynamic.

Here is Powell’s discography (source: Rhapsody):

Here are my highlights from his catalog:

“You’re Driving Me (Out of My Ever Loving Mind)” – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/leroy-powell/album/life-and-death/track/youre-driving-me-out-of-my-ever-loving-mind

“Satan Put It On My Tab” – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/leroy-powell/album/life-and-death/track/satan-put-it-on-my-tab

“You Can Count On Me” – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/leroy-powell/album/atlantis/track/you-can-count-on-me

“Easy To Fall” – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/leroy-powell/album/leroy-powell/track/easy-to-fall

Here are a couple of videos:

“You’re Driving My (Out of My Ever Lovin’ Mind)”

Here ‘s a live show clip:

You can find out more about Leroy Powell and links to his social media sites here –> http://lp.leroypowell.com/

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week: Buddy Guy

If you haven’t had the opportunity as of yet to check out Buddy Guy’s new CD Rhythm & Blues, you should check out out through your favorite streaming service or download service. It’s a definite add to your music collection.

Here’s a link to listen to the album on Rhapsody, but it’s available everywhere: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/buddy-guy/album/rhythm-and-blues

From the second the first song started, I was in love with this album. That’s the to the point review. Every song after was as good as the first and the one before it. Not a bad tune in the bunch. It’s really that simple – an excellent album from an amazing musician.

Take a listen for yourself. Check out more information about Buddy Guy here –> http://www.buddyguy.net/

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week – Louis Armstrong

I had a wonderful music teacher in college, with whom I took several music classes. One of my favorite classes with him was a class on Jazz music. He was a jazz musician himself and passionate about the music.

You can’t not learn about Louis Armstrong in a Jazz music class, or any other music class – he was so important to the development of American music as a whole. His influence is far reaching; his songs are still played today.

He rose to popularity in Jazz music as a trumpeter and singer. He appeared in movies and on television. He was as well known for his personality as he was for his musical prowess.

The selections I’ve chosen to highlight below are just a few of my favorite performances, for more information about Louis Armstrong please visit the following sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Armstrong

http://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/louie_armstrong/overview.htm

http://www.biography.com/people/louis-armstrong-9188912

http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/artist_id_armstrong_louis.htm

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/louis-armstrong-mn0000234518

My highlights:

 

 

 

 

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week 8/7/2013: Frank Sinatra

This is probably my favorite movie starring Frank Sinatra, On The Town, with Gene Kelly and Jules Munshin.

Sinatra was equally as successful in the movies as he was in music, making for a one-of-a-kind career that no one can match. A crooner, heartthrob and larger than life personality made Frank Sinatra a legend.

I could list songs and movie clips for days.  My favorite movies were the MGM musicals with Gene Kelly Anchor’s Aweigh and  On The Town. I also love him in High Society with Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby.

 

His legacy continued on television in a variety of ways. In cartoons such as Looney Tunes, where his affect on women was dramatized.

 

To his music being used as the theme song for the popular sitcom Married With Children.

 

The songs Sinatra recorded during his music career are timeless and enduring, standards for all time. On the radio, on television, in concert or at the movies, his delivery was perfect, clear and strong. He was a master of his craft.

Take a listen to a few songs for which he is most well known. (Links are to Rhapsody.)

The Theme from New York, New York

That’s Life

My Way

Fly Me To The Moon

To get more in depth information about Frank Sinatra, check out the official web site at Sinatra.com and check out the Legacy page for everything that Frank Sinatra was during his life and everything that his legacy is today.

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week June 11, 2013: Murray Porter

I first discovered Murray Porter while listening to all of the NAMA nominees a couple of months ago.

His entry in the awards that caught my ear was “Rez Bluez” from the album Songs Lived & Life Played. 

It got my vote. It was one of those songs that sent me on a mission to find more from him and listen to it all. Well, that is just what I did. I downloaded the album from Amazon.com and listened. I listened three or four times or more in a row that first day – I only do that with albums I really love. I really dig this album.

Murray Porter is a blues piano player and singer. His style is charismatic and full of soul. His music reminds me of classic jazz and blues performances and artists that I learned about in a jazz history class I had in college.  It was one of my favorite classes and one of my favorite professors, who also happened to be a jazz trumpet player.

“Rez Bluez” is the song that won me over, but the entire album is wonderful stuff. It is available on iTunes and Amazon MP3. A couple of my other favorite songs are “Call You Baby” and “Dog House”.  “Is Sorry Enough” is a beautiful song.

You can find Murray Porter on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/MURRAY-PORTER/108126181953

MySpace – https://myspace.com/murrayportermusic

CD Baby – http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/MurrayPorter

His bio and some career highlights are on the CD Baby site. Check out his music and add him to your collection.