Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

"AWAY FROM THE SKY" - Michael Aaron / Rickie Lee Jones Cover

"DON'T ASK ME WHY" - Watch it!

IN A VAN, DOWN BY THE RIVER...

Last night, I did one of the coolest/weirdest things in my musical career:  I had a rehearsal in the back of a van, parked on the street in Jamaica Plain.  I was there with Brad Smith on piano, and Anna Fan on drums.  And we had a pretty kick-ass time making music. 

This all came to be because of Brad.  This dude is one of the most creative and craftiest people I know.  He's built an all-inclusive carrying case for his keyboards that packs up and travels, but also doubles as a keyboard and music stand.  The thing just rolls in and out of gigs - it's pretty amazing.

Brad is also a piano technician and tuner, so he needs a van to get around to all his different sites of business, and he needs to be able to move pianos.  He also realized that he had downtime in between gigs, and that he could use that time to practice and play.  So he hooked up his van with some serious electrical power, speakers, the whole kit and caboodle.  This allows him to play pretty much anywhere he goes.  Uh, AWESOME.

So we had the rehearsal - complete with Anna's drum kit - in the back of the van.  My passenger seat swiveled around, I sat next to Anna, and Brad has his whole keyboard setup in there.  We parked on the street, kept the doors closed, and made music.  It was a really fun time, and just made me realize how freakin' happy I am to be making music - ANYWHERE.  (BTW - the three of us will be performing at The Stork Club in Boston this Saturday, March 27th from 9:30pm-1:00am.  Stop by and see us if you're in the area!)

From this rehearsal was born an idea that I'm hoping will turn into something really great:  "The Diva Taunia Traveling Show."  We're going to play lunchtime concerts at local businesses during the spring and summer months, and also play evening and weekend gigs in town - ON THE STREET AND IN PARKING LOTS.  I mean, how fun is that gonna be?!?  We're still looking into permits/restrictions/etc, but we're really excited to be setting up a summer tour of van concerts.  Man, I just love life with music, I really do.

So hey, if you're in the New England area and want to book us for a lunchtime concert, drop me a line at booking@divataunia.com.  If this van's a rockin', you should DEFINITELY come 'a knockin!

NEW MUSIC REVIEW: JEN KEARNEY

Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion – What Music Should Sound Like by Guest Writer, Melinda

Let me preface this review by telling you that I am not normally one who goes for the whole artsy, rocker grrrl genre. Spin some Biggie or Jay-Z and I am ready to jam. I have always felt pretty comfortable with my limited musical tastes – that is ….until I opened Jen Kearney's website (www.jenkearney.com). W-T-F …. why didn't I know about this chick? She is absolutely amazing! I feel as though a whole new world of musical options has been opened to me care of Jen Kearney and her band, The Lost Onion.

Now, let's see if I can put this into terms that one with as little musical culture as I, can understand. I think of Kearney's sound as something like a cross between the vocal stylings of Fiona Apple and the musical talents of a more mature Tori Amos. (I hope I haven't offended anyone ...ya still with me, ok, perfect...) Some critics have even compared Jen's voice to Stevie Wonder, which I absolutely agree with (not to say that Fiona sounds like Stevie....hmm). Her biting lyrics such as “. . . Trudge as you may, Try as you might, Through the mud and the water, You claw and you bite, But you won’t let go of your greed...” coupled with smooth, funky, jazzy, instrumentation threw me into a musical trance that was only broken by a screaming child outside (I like kids ...really, I do...).

Putting all of my dated 90's references aside. You have got to check out Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion. Even if you think you don't normally dig this type of music … Kearney will change your mind. The group has put out three albums: Bravery (2002), Eat (206), and The Year of the Ox (2009). You can listen to many songs from these albums on the website, www.jenkearney.com. You can also purchase the albums at this site ...do it – buy them all. If you are lucky enough to live in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area, you can check out Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion every Monday night at Toad. If you live nearby and you don't attend – shame on you!

Now, crank up Kearney's “Warm Bath Eyes,” rock the stunna shades, and put a frosty Hurricane in your left hand (you will need your right hand free to snap along). Close your eyes and let the big jazz sound transport you to a street party in New Orleans. Can you hear it? Can you feel it? This is what jazzy, edgy, and soulful are supposed to sound like. Go on, get up...dance and be groovy!

I give this one 3 sips!

We've all heard it ..sip, sip, sip – Now I'll use the phrase in a way that doesn't annoy me:

Sip: Boooo

Sip, Sip: check it out, you might like it

Sip, Sip, Sip: WOOT!! You have got to try this!!

1/18/10 MUSIC FEATURE: JONATHA BROOKE

One of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters is Jonatha Brooke.  She blends folk, pop, and rock in a way that’s accessible for everyone to listen to.   I first heard her a few years ago when a friend of mine let me borrow her “Steady Pull” album, and I was completely hooked.  After listening to her song for the fifth time in a row, I sang along with her and was completely entranced in the song.  She’s right up there with Paula Cole for me in the “musicians I wish I could be” category – with some of the strongest songwriting skills that a girl could envy.  Her voice is meticulous – she has an instantly recognizeable sound,  very different and unique, and I want to be her.

Jonatha’s music has been featured in movie soundtracks like Disney’s” Return to Neverland “and TV shows like “The Hills,” and “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.”  The first song I played on the radio program was the very first song I ever heard from her, “Linger,” and you can hear it on her website at www.jonathabrooke.com.

In 2006, after being completely obsessed with her music, I saw Jonatha live for the first time with my brother at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, NH.  My  brother Derek has always been a huge music  fan, and very open-minded about music.  Still, he’s also always been more partial to a heavier rock sound, so I wasn’t quite sure how he would react to Jonatha’s music.   His reaction?  He LOVED her, and to this day is a big fan.  In fact, at his wedding this past fall, he played one of Jonatha’s songs “Everything I Wanted”  (from “Back in the Circus”)as part of his wedding music. 

And now Jonatha has that shared connection with us:   I’m also going to request permission to use one of her songs at my wedding next year.  I fell in love with her latest album, “The Works,” and in particular, “King of My Love.”  It’s a lovely piano-focused song that prompts Alice-in-Wonderland-visions of characters dancing.   My fiancée Rob and I are huge poker players, and the card metaphors in this song couldn’t be more perfect for us as a couple starting a new life together.

I could go on and on about my love of “The Works.”  I think it’s a masterpiece for Jonatha.  The lyrics of Woodie Guthrie set to Jonatha’s music with an impressive list of music’s finest musicians (Keb Mo, Joe Sample, Steve Gadd, and Christian McBride).   Every song has magic in it, and it touched me in a way that not many other pieces of music have.   There’s one lyric penned by Woodie Guthrie and delivered musically by Jonatha that particularly comforts me:

“I’ll will never fear the day I will die, because my sunset is somebody’s morning sky.”Those lyrics are from the song “My Battle.”    

In that moment – when she sings this – if it doesn’t prove that there’s magic, peace, comfort and beauty from music, then I don’t know what ever will.  Jonatha is a musical treasure, so I encourage you to stop by her website and purchase many of her CDs.  Buy the works, the whole works.

 

12/21 "MORE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS" PRIZE GIVEAWAY LIST!

Honestly, this 12/21 "More Gifts of Christmas" show is going to ROCK!   Be sure to keep the number handy, because you'll want to call-in to win some of this awesomeness!  (347) 857-2052.  Tune in on Monday, 12/21 between 6:00-7:30pm and all you have to do is be the right number caller to win any of these fabulous prizes:

(Updated 12/17 - more prizes to come!)

• Award-winning Broadway and Hollywood Actor/Singing Superstar SAM HARRIS has donated an amazing prize package!  Three signed CDS ("On This Night," " Revival, "and "Free"), and a dvd of "free" behind the scenes, and the "I Can't Make You Love mM" music video.  For more information about Sam, please visit www.samharris.com.

• Rimmel London has put together and donated a holiday party essential package for one lucky winner on the show!The package includes: Sexy Curves Mascara, Colour Rush Quad Eyeshadow in Smokey Noir, Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Jet Black, Lasting Finish Kiss & Stay Gloss in Old Flame and 60 Second Nail Polish in Night Before!  Check them out at www.rimmellondon.com.

• Our WLS Lovely feature for this week is obesityhelp.com, and they've generously donated another THREE annual subscriptions to OH Magazine.

• Supreme Protein has a whopping four boxes for a prize!  1 box of 50gm Caramel Nut Chocolate, 1 box 43gm Peanut  Butter Crunch, 1 box 50gm Rocky Road Brownie, and 1 box of 45gm Cookies & Cream! To read more  check out their website at www.supremeprotein.com.

• Kay's Naturals Variety Sampler Gift Pack including cookie bites and the BBQ flavor. This is their second time donating, so thanks to everyone at Kay's!  To see some of their yummy products, please visit www.kaysnaturals.com

• Mikal (our 12/7/09 New Music Feature) donated two great prize packs!   Signed CD and Poster, 2 tickets to the  1/22/09  show at The Lucky Dog Music Hall, Worcester.  To hear Mikal, please visit www.mikal.us.  This is Michael's second prize package with BSPR - thanks, Michael!

• From the Diva Taunia Store, an Avon Footworks in Tropical Coconut gift package!

• $25 Gift Certificate to www.restaurant.com

I'm also featuring the music of Hollywood and Broadway actor and singing superstar, SAM HARRIS!  You don't want to miss this show.   More prizes and features to come....check back often! Happy Holidays!

OH, YEAH, IT'S HAPPENING: ANOTHER SHOW FULL OF PRIZES!

Last week's show was so insanely popular (yay!) that people were literally getting blocked out of the phone lines.  The phone lines were JAMMED UP with people trying to call-in and win prizes!  Yee-haw (although I'm sorry for those of you who could not get through!)

Things went so well that I'm going to do one more show full of "Gifts of Christmas"  with even MORE prize giveaways and pretty awesome loot - all donated from generous companies looking to celebrate the holidays with YOU.  :)  (Full prize list coming soon!)

So be sure to tune-in next Monday, 12/21 at 6:00pm EST.  I'm also going to be featuring the AMAZING broadway, TV, and general-superstar SAM HARRIS on the show as our music feature.  You do NOT want to miss this, my lovelies.

But don't worry, you know I'll remind you ten gazillion times before then.  You know how I roll....booyah!

RADIO MISH-MASH OF AWESOMENESS!

Tonight's show is a mish-mash of talent, and would love for to listen in, join the chat, and just be a part of our general antics!  Here's the program for tonight:

NEW MUSIC FEATURE:   Wes Carroll

WLS LOVELY: Shannon / JustSlcinoz (formerly slcinoz)

COMEDY FEATURE:  Brian Agosta

DEDICATIONS:  I'll be doing all of the dedications that I missed for last week's show.  Feel free to also phone in with your dedication:  (347) 857-2052.

HOLIDAY START:  featuring new music from singer-songwriter submitted holiday music!

NEW URL:  www.backstagepassradio.com

TONIGHT from 6-7:30pm EST !

11/16/09 WHITE OWL: PASSPORT TO RUSSIA

I admit it:  I tend to want to feature jazz and pop music on the 11/16/09 Backstage Pass Radio Program, and so I work pretty diligently to make sure I’m open-minded about other genres.  I’m glad that I am, because that’s how I came to showcase this week’s “New Music Feature,” White Owl from Russia.

I had a little fun at their expense with their English version of the band bio.   The translation didn’t read well in English (“On the one hand, a bird of about 2.5 kg weight, on the other hand, a result of brutal musical experiences directed on creating a monster which will destroy the world.)   The bio was good for a laugh, but the music spoke for itself.

“Fifteen Men on a Dead Man’s Chest,”  plays on the old folk tale, but has some seriously edgy instrumentation.  A mix of both folk/celtic feel and hard rock, the focus is clearly on the violin.  In fact, most of their songs blend genres and do it quite well, which makes for really interesting listening.

These are clearly some very strong musicians, and they are really tight.  Strong and dynamic, their music started some interesting conversations in the radio show chat room.   I think that’s when music really IS strong:  when it sparks interest and discussion.   White Owl’s music may not appeal to everyone, but I think most people will appreciate the change in sound and find themselves drawn in.

White Owl is fronted by face-painted leader Hagnir, and also
includes Artem Ryabov on bass, Vova Korzhev on guitar and backing vocals, Natasha Scherbakova on drums (chick drummers ROCK!), and Anatoly Velichkin on violin.  Velichkin deserves much praise for the sound White Owl has created with soaring violin string lines throughout.

White Owl offers free downloads of their album “Pepper” on the following website:

http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/4329

Go check out this band from Russia.  No passport required!

URL REFERENCE LINKS FOR TONIGHT'S RADIO SHOW - 11/16

DIVA TAUNIA STORE:  www.divatauniastore.com

DIVA TAUNIA HOLIDAY IDOL INFO ON WEBSITE: www.divataunia.com

PAWS NEW ENGLAND:  www.pawsnewengland.com

"BIG MEDICINE" - BIG MEDICINE ON THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL

WHITE OWL WEBSITE: www.myspace.com/whiteowlru

FREE WHITE OWL "PEPPER" ALBUM DOWNLOADS: http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/4329

YVONNE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/user/justyvonne

YVONNE ON OBESITY HELP:  http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/silverkatt/

YVONNE'S BLOG:  www.bariatricgirl.blogspot.com

SUSAN POWTER ONLINE:  http://www.susanpowteronline.com/

YALE'S RUDD CENTER :  http://www.yaleruddcenter.org

SIZE DIVERSITY AND HEALTH: http://www.sizediversityandhealth.org

BODY POSITIVE: www.bodypositive.com

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE FAT ACCEPTANCE:  http://www.naafaonline.com

HEALTH AT EVERY SIZE / LINDA BACON: http://www.lindabacon.org/

BODY POSITIVE: www.bodypositive.com

INTERNATIONAL SIZE ACCEPTANCE ASSOCIATION: http://www.size-acceptance.org/

BODY POSITIVE: www.bodypositive.com

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AGAINST OBESITY:  http://www.actionagainstobesity.com

THE OBESITY SOCIETY:  http://www.obesity.org