Two quick videos to share with you all today. The first is a recording of a solo I sang at church a few months ago. I just got around to posting it on YouTube the other day. The first half of the lyrics were written by Jars of Clay, the second half is my own personal addition. Following that, since I never posted about the Super Bowl (which was awesome by the way, though I hope Brownsox will get over it) or, more specifically, its commercials which I thought were relatively good this year (see: E-Trade baby and Doritos mouse), I wanted to share my favorite commercial of all time. Enjoy.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
February 22, 2008
December 14, 2007
Video Bonanza (episode 2)
Greetings beautiful people of the world. Despite my lack of blogging recently, the Musings have encountered a resurgence in popularity. I think it has to do with this post from last year in which I spread the word of The Abominable "O Holy Night". Well good news folks. I just found out there is a new article up over at the Burnside Writer's Collective which includes an interview with the "singer" of this hideous musical performance. Check it out.
As for me, my creativity is still waning. I have yet to fully recover from 12th Night. By the by, kudos to those of you who came out to support me. It truly means a lot. PezMan came all the way from StL, my Dad was in town, and TinRoof's entire extended family (almost) showed up from TN and DC. And of course, many of the CVille crew came out as well. For those of you who did not come (save those of you with proper excuses): allow me to gently remind you how important it is to us performers that our friends come and support us. For all of you out there with friends in theatre or music: when someone invites you to a performance - be there. It's what you do. Especially if it's a show they've spent months on and have a large role in. Unless your friend gives you permission, or you have a genuine conflict, it's pretty much not acceptable to miss a show.
Enough of that. Now on to bigger and better things. Namely, my second ever Video Bonanza! (See above comment about my current lack of creativity.)
A clip from the show Extras. Hilarious episode with Sir Ian in it.
(NYC crew - be sure to watch this one!)
Since we've been talking about hilarious versions of "O Holy Night" I thought I'd rehash the classic performance by Cartman. You wouldn't believe how hard it was to find a clip of this. The only one I found is really poor - but does the trick.
A clip from my recent performance of Carmina Burana.
And because I can't get enough of Bobby McFerrin lately, here's The Voice.
As for me, my creativity is still waning. I have yet to fully recover from 12th Night. By the by, kudos to those of you who came out to support me. It truly means a lot. PezMan came all the way from StL, my Dad was in town, and TinRoof's entire extended family (almost) showed up from TN and DC. And of course, many of the CVille crew came out as well. For those of you who did not come (save those of you with proper excuses): allow me to gently remind you how important it is to us performers that our friends come and support us. For all of you out there with friends in theatre or music: when someone invites you to a performance - be there. It's what you do. Especially if it's a show they've spent months on and have a large role in. Unless your friend gives you permission, or you have a genuine conflict, it's pretty much not acceptable to miss a show.
Enough of that. Now on to bigger and better things. Namely, my second ever Video Bonanza! (See above comment about my current lack of creativity.)
A clip from the show Extras. Hilarious episode with Sir Ian in it.
(NYC crew - be sure to watch this one!)
Since we've been talking about hilarious versions of "O Holy Night" I thought I'd rehash the classic performance by Cartman. You wouldn't believe how hard it was to find a clip of this. The only one I found is really poor - but does the trick.
A clip from my recent performance of Carmina Burana.
And because I can't get enough of Bobby McFerrin lately, here's The Voice.
August 01, 2007
Remind Me
I guess I'm on a commercials kick right now because lately I haven't been able to get a song out of my head from one of Geico's caveman commercials. Specifically, it's the one where the caveman is on a conveyor at the airport and passes a Geico sign. You can watch it on YouTube if you want. Anyway, I really dig the song. Well God bless the internet! I tracked down the song. It's called Remind Me and is by the Norwegian duo Röyksopp. While I still haven't found a recording of the remixed version which is heard in the commercial, the original version is pretty tight as well. To top it off, the video is excellent. Enjoy!
April 25, 2007
Pearls Before Breakfast
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
-- from "Leisure," by W.H. Davies
We have no time to stand and stare.
-- from "Leisure," by W.H. Davies
Some of you may have already caught wind of this story - others perhaps not. But as I've finally finished reading the entire article (it's admittedly kind of long), I felt I had to share it with you all. A few weeks ago the Washington Post ran an article about an experiment they conducted in which one of the world's most renowned classical musicians (Joshua Bell) performed in disguise at a Metro station in Washington, D.C.
The idea was to see how many people - despite being busy and on their way to work - would recognize the high quality of the music they were hearing. Would they be willing to take a few moments from their day to appreciate truly beautiful art? Or would they walk by oblivious to what they were missing?
I'm sad to say, the latter scenario is what unfolded. Over the course of 45 minutes, more than 1000 people passed by indifferent - perhaps even intentionally ignoring. Only a handful of people so much as looked his way - let alone stopped and listened. The article is truly fascinating, if sad. I'd like to think I would have been the kind of person who would stop. But then again I'm also not the kind of person who would ever live in D.C.
The idea was to see how many people - despite being busy and on their way to work - would recognize the high quality of the music they were hearing. Would they be willing to take a few moments from their day to appreciate truly beautiful art? Or would they walk by oblivious to what they were missing?
I'm sad to say, the latter scenario is what unfolded. Over the course of 45 minutes, more than 1000 people passed by indifferent - perhaps even intentionally ignoring. Only a handful of people so much as looked his way - let alone stopped and listened. The article is truly fascinating, if sad. I'd like to think I would have been the kind of person who would stop. But then again I'm also not the kind of person who would ever live in D.C.
April 24, 2007
Don't worry, be... content?
Last week was a terribly quotable week for me. For example, the department seminar speaker regaled a story about talking with some governmental types about the future of aerospace design. He sat there listening as they belabored the idea of attempting to replicate designs seen in nature. Finally, he stood up and said, "The thing is, I've never seen - in nature - a bird with a 20 foot wing-span flying at Mach 1.2!"
But the best quotes of all - of which there are too many to count - came from the mouth of Bobby McFerrin. I was fortunate to sit in on a masterclass he gave to singers on campus this past week. It was absolutely unreal. I've never heard anyone do the things he can do with his voice. My jaw was on the floor the entire time. I had hoped to share some footage from his visit - but the person who promised to email me the video has yet to do so.
Aside from his sheer talent, his approach to performing really struck a chord with me. Bobby is about as un-pretentious as they come. He sees no distinction between the stage and life. No line. No difference between who he is off stage and who he is on. Rather, he's just there fulfilling his purpose. He spoke at length on the subject and I know I am probably mangling it, but the one quote of his I did write down was this:
But the best quotes of all - of which there are too many to count - came from the mouth of Bobby McFerrin. I was fortunate to sit in on a masterclass he gave to singers on campus this past week. It was absolutely unreal. I've never heard anyone do the things he can do with his voice. My jaw was on the floor the entire time. I had hoped to share some footage from his visit - but the person who promised to email me the video has yet to do so.
Aside from his sheer talent, his approach to performing really struck a chord with me. Bobby is about as un-pretentious as they come. He sees no distinction between the stage and life. No line. No difference between who he is off stage and who he is on. Rather, he's just there fulfilling his purpose. He spoke at length on the subject and I know I am probably mangling it, but the one quote of his I did write down was this:
"When I perform, my audience is One, and that's God."
- Bobby McFerrin
- Bobby McFerrin
January 15, 2007
Video Bonanza (episode 1)
I promised it, and here it is... My first ever YouTube Video Bonanza!
I'd like to begin with a presentation of Casablanca as performed by the 30-Second Bunnies Theatre. For those of you who have not heard of this troupe, well, it's pretty self explanatory really. Movies performed in 30 seconds... by bunnies.
Now I'd like to move on to a beautiful cover of Hey Ya as performed by a big folk singer who has a beard of which I am envious. It's amazing how his interpretation gives new meaning and depth to the lyrics. Anyway, I still think the phrase "Shake it like a Polaroid picture" is sheer genius.
Mixing it up a little, here is a video from the days of yore. Well, my days of yore anyway. This is a clip of Boomshaka playing basketball at a playground in Florida over Spring break 2004. Also, yours truly is the cameraman and narrator.
Finally, most of you know of my love for barbershop music. If you've known me long enough, I've likely forced you to listen to mp3s of quartets I once sang with. So here now is a performance by my favorite quartet and arguably one of the greatest quartets ever: The Gas House Gang. I promise you won't be disappointed.
I'd like to begin with a presentation of Casablanca as performed by the 30-Second Bunnies Theatre. For those of you who have not heard of this troupe, well, it's pretty self explanatory really. Movies performed in 30 seconds... by bunnies.
Now I'd like to move on to a beautiful cover of Hey Ya as performed by a big folk singer who has a beard of which I am envious. It's amazing how his interpretation gives new meaning and depth to the lyrics. Anyway, I still think the phrase "Shake it like a Polaroid picture" is sheer genius.
Mixing it up a little, here is a video from the days of yore. Well, my days of yore anyway. This is a clip of Boomshaka playing basketball at a playground in Florida over Spring break 2004. Also, yours truly is the cameraman and narrator.
Finally, most of you know of my love for barbershop music. If you've known me long enough, I've likely forced you to listen to mp3s of quartets I once sang with. So here now is a performance by my favorite quartet and arguably one of the greatest quartets ever: The Gas House Gang. I promise you won't be disappointed.
January 09, 2007
I think I can, I think I can
Why is it that some days (like today) are days in which I have no motivation and can't figure out what to do with myself while other days (yesterday) are so full of big decisions that I verge on a breakdown? Yesterday was very stressful - though I suppose in a good way. I've had several different performance opportunities fall into my lap at the same moment and it's been a bit overwhelming. First I should set the context in that this semester I will likely be taking two classes and TA-ing in addition to my normal research load. On top of this, I usually am involved with a choral group and jazz ensemble on campus. Meanwhile I have bible study, worship team practice, GCF, and Awanas which take up time each week. Oh...and a girlfriend. Hopefully you can see why any decisions regarding my schedule are complicated.
Sunday afternoon a friend convinced me to audition for Company up at the Four County Players. It's a show I've liked ever since seeing a David Schwimmer look-alike play the role of Robert at NU my freshman year. I've been offered the role of Larry. The major drawback to involvement is the playhouse is a 25 minute drive which means lots of commute time (and gas money). So I have yet to accept the role (though who am I kidding, I probably will).
Meanwhile, I've been trying harder to work out a scenario in which I could spend a few weeks in Chicago helping out with Be The Groove. They have some performances in March/April that I'd like to be a part of. After a long discussion with some of those folks, it's unfortunately looking less possible to make happen, primarily because of my TA responsibilities. Have I mentioned lately that I hate grad school?
Finally, I received a call yesterday about an audition for some sort of radio-style play which is to be broadcast via cell phones. I didn't really understand, but what I did understand is that it's a paying gig! So...looks like I'll be auditioning for that as well.
Life is funny like that I guess. When it rains, it often indeed pours. I just wish I had longer to make some of the decisions. I'm not great at snap decisions especially when they're all interrelated... unless the questions are "Would you like to watch a movie?" and "Would you like to eat cinnamon rolls?" I will always answer yes and can do them simultaneously.
Sunday afternoon a friend convinced me to audition for Company up at the Four County Players. It's a show I've liked ever since seeing a David Schwimmer look-alike play the role of Robert at NU my freshman year. I've been offered the role of Larry. The major drawback to involvement is the playhouse is a 25 minute drive which means lots of commute time (and gas money). So I have yet to accept the role (though who am I kidding, I probably will).
Meanwhile, I've been trying harder to work out a scenario in which I could spend a few weeks in Chicago helping out with Be The Groove. They have some performances in March/April that I'd like to be a part of. After a long discussion with some of those folks, it's unfortunately looking less possible to make happen, primarily because of my TA responsibilities. Have I mentioned lately that I hate grad school?
Finally, I received a call yesterday about an audition for some sort of radio-style play which is to be broadcast via cell phones. I didn't really understand, but what I did understand is that it's a paying gig! So...looks like I'll be auditioning for that as well.
Life is funny like that I guess. When it rains, it often indeed pours. I just wish I had longer to make some of the decisions. I'm not great at snap decisions especially when they're all interrelated... unless the questions are "Would you like to watch a movie?" and "Would you like to eat cinnamon rolls?" I will always answer yes and can do them simultaneously.
December 20, 2006
The Abominable “O Holy Night”
I've been waiting to share this with you all since I first stumbled across it around Thanksgiving over at the Burnside Writers Collective. It is quite possibly the most craptastic song ever recorded. How someone can turn a beautiful song such as "O Holy Night" into this hilarious monstrosity is beyond me. Really, it's beyond all description. So if you haven't heard it yet, now is your chance. Follow this link and you'll find the music player a few paragraphs down.
Merry Christmas to all!
Merry Christmas to all!
December 13, 2006
Tonight (x5)
I think an awesome song would be a medley of Tonight, Tonight from West Side Story and Tonight Tonight Tonight by Genesis (or was it just Phil Collins). The song could be called Tonight Tonight Tonight Tonight Tonight.
I suppose I can't really post about great Christmas songs or movies (Dubs has already covered these topics). But interestingly enough, he left out what should be the most obvious genre for an English major...books. Now, as I am illiterate, I am unable to provide much food for thought in this discussion. But I would suggest a few...
A Christmas Carol: I'm not sure if I've ever actually "read" this story. But I am quite certain it was a book (by some Dickens fellow) before it became the Disney version with Ebenezer Scrooge played by...well... Scrooge McDuck.
'Twas the Night bef.... I mean... do I even need to finish?
Polar Express: I always loved this book when I was a kid. As for the movie? Well, let's just say it's better in 3D at the IMAX.
And finally, a new addition. One I was read last night...
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Tin Roof read this to me last night by the fire. It was a lot of fun. The story is funny and has a nice message. I quite enjoyed myself.
I suppose I can't really post about great Christmas songs or movies (Dubs has already covered these topics). But interestingly enough, he left out what should be the most obvious genre for an English major...books. Now, as I am illiterate, I am unable to provide much food for thought in this discussion. But I would suggest a few...
A Christmas Carol: I'm not sure if I've ever actually "read" this story. But I am quite certain it was a book (by some Dickens fellow) before it became the Disney version with Ebenezer Scrooge played by...well... Scrooge McDuck.
'Twas the Night bef.... I mean... do I even need to finish?
Polar Express: I always loved this book when I was a kid. As for the movie? Well, let's just say it's better in 3D at the IMAX.
And finally, a new addition. One I was read last night...
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Tin Roof read this to me last night by the fire. It was a lot of fun. The story is funny and has a nice message. I quite enjoyed myself.
December 02, 2006
Ever heard of the Seattle Seven?
Just posted a few recent recordings of my jazz combo here at UVA. They are a bit larger files, but I hope you will take a moment to check out my singing and let me know what you think.
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~jlk6f/music/
Yeah...that was me. And...uh...six other guys.
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~jlk6f/music/
Yeah...that was me. And...uh...six other guys.
November 21, 2006
That thing is lucky I'm not armed
I have a way with the copy machine in our department office. Unfortunately, it's a bad way. Every time I use the thing it paper jams on me and quotes from Office Space flow through my consciousness. Thankfully our dept. secretary usually comes to my rescue. I just spent a good 45 minutes copying the drum score for Ain't Misbehavin'. I'm filling in for 6 shows at LiveArts this December (by the by - based on what I heard last night, it's likely to be a good show - come see it). What kind of irritates me about the situation is that I'd asked the music director 5 times to make me a copy of the score and a CD of the soundtrack so I could spend some time with the music and be ready to perform. Of course, knowing the musical director as I do from a previous show (she's totally incompetent despite her pleasant, mellow, half-baked demeanor) I should have guessed she would leave me hanging. Ah well. It's done now.
In other news, my Musings have now received visitors from several other countries including: China, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada (I know, I know, Canada's not a real country). So that's fun. Also, I was pleased to discover this morning that the person tracked by sitemeter visiting my site daily was not in fact this weird stalker girl that I barely know (I had reasons for the assumption in identity - but they are boring and technical) but rather was my sister (who is weird but not a stalker).
Today I've got lots left to do. I didn't come in to work till noon (ah, grad school). I've got a meeting with some tech guy at 2, a hairs cut at 3, then I need to finish work, do laundry, get packed and run errands before leaving town at the buttocks-crack of dawn tomorrow morning. Unfortunately all of this meant Tin Roof and I had to pass on an invitation to spend the night at Sandals and Husband's house in Lynchburg (which I have yet to see). (Husband is the worship director at my church and Sandals is his wife. They are good people.) Ok, that's it, I've used entirely too many parenthesis today. I quit. (PS. the cubs suck.)
In other news, my Musings have now received visitors from several other countries including: China, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada (I know, I know, Canada's not a real country). So that's fun. Also, I was pleased to discover this morning that the person tracked by sitemeter visiting my site daily was not in fact this weird stalker girl that I barely know (I had reasons for the assumption in identity - but they are boring and technical) but rather was my sister (who is weird but not a stalker).
Today I've got lots left to do. I didn't come in to work till noon (ah, grad school). I've got a meeting with some tech guy at 2, a hairs cut at 3, then I need to finish work, do laundry, get packed and run errands before leaving town at the buttocks-crack of dawn tomorrow morning. Unfortunately all of this meant Tin Roof and I had to pass on an invitation to spend the night at Sandals and Husband's house in Lynchburg (which I have yet to see). (Husband is the worship director at my church and Sandals is his wife. They are good people.) Ok, that's it, I've used entirely too many parenthesis today. I quit. (PS. the cubs suck.)
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