One eskimO CD Review and Links

I recently discovered a fun music CD to listen to while driving the kids around for our summer adventures! One eskimO's self-titled debut album is a nice mix of light and heavier sounds and emotions. They're a British band that can run from pop to a more alternative sound without getting too serious. I liked the popular track "Kandi", but also enjoyed many of the others including Hometime and Chocolate (I can never resist this!). I wasn't able to catch them when they played Ybor City in Tampa recently, but I've heard the show was good. There's a free download of "Astronauts" from the CD, and I'm providing the link below - courtesy of the band!


Tracklisting:
Hometime
Astronauts
Kandi
Slip
Simple Day
Givin Up
Chocolate
All Balloons
Chosen One
UFO
Amazing


Visit their website and other awsome resources:

One eskimO Website: http://bit.ly/bCAfYE
“Kandi” Video: http://bit.ly/9CkEsg
Tour Dates: http://bit.ly/bQa94y
Band’s Facebook: http://bit.ly/906Gp3
You Tube Channel: http://bit.ly/bgZM8P
Deluxe Edition on iTunes: http://bit.ly/agXgTj
Free Download of “Astronauts” via Twitter: http://bit.ly/97B94S

One eskimO is a critically-acclaimed English band fronted by singer-songwriter Kristian Leontiou and includes musicians Pete Rinaldi (guitar), Jamie Sefton (bass, horns) and Adam Falkner (drums).


They currently have the #1 adult alternative song called 'Kandi' which you may have already heard since it's the most played song on all adult rock radio 4 weeks and counting


Billboard Magazine calls One eskimO's self-titled debut album "...catchy, ambient pop." and Los Angeles Times Magazine hails the song "Kandi" “a beautiful, aspirational track.” The album is available in stores now.


The album release comes in tandem with a full length animated film. “Hometime”, one of the tracks that an animated short was first done with proved to be quite a sensation. It received numerous honors at film festivals around the world, as well as a 2008 British Animation Award.


Band is on tour May/June/July supporting Michael Franti and in addition to festivals and headlining shows


Tour Dates
May 14 Miami, FL Fillmore
May 15 Jacksonville, FL Free Bird Live
May 18 Orlando, FL House of Blues
May 19 Tampa, FL The Ritz Ybor
May 22 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre
May 24 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel
May 25 Charleston, SC The Music Farm
Jun 01 Toronto, ON The Guvernment
Jun 03 New York, NY The Beach at Governor’s Island
Jun 04 Boston, MA House of Blues
Jun 05 Essex Junction, VT Camplain Valley Expo
Jun 06 Hunter, NY Mountain Jam Festival
Jun 08 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Thtr
Jun 09 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
Jun 12 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall
Jun 13 Kansas City, MO Crossroads
Aug 14 Denver, CO Mile High Festival


I received a copy of the music CD One eskimO courtesy of One2One Network to help facilitate this review.

"Your Songs" Are Definitely MY SONGS

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m just in the mood for something mellow and refined….something groovy and easy on the eyes….

I’m enjoying the latest CD release from Harry Connick, Jr. “Your Songs”, and he transports me to another place and time with many of these wonderful American standards! I enjoy an “me time” to wind down from a hectic day at the office combined with kids, housework, and civic activities – and HCJ’s take on the great ones like “Just the Way You Are”, “Besame Mucho”, and “The Way You Look Tonight” really helps me chill-lax and unwind….

The CD is filled with fun ditties deftly performed by Harry in his iconic smoothness. He’s soooo dreamy….

Other links:
Behind the Scene look at ‘Making of’ the album: http://bit.ly/HCJrVideo
Harry’s website: http://www.harryconnickjr.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/harryconnickjr


Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by):
All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

I would certainly recommend this as a great gift paired with a favorite bottle or box of chocolates – something special and decadent to be a little naughty and nice!

I received a complimentary advance copy of the "Your Songs" CD by Harry Connick, Jr. courtesy of One2One Network for review.

Ballas Hough Band CD Contest

Ballas & Hough- On TV and In Stores

Dancing With The Stars Season Premiere was last night - DID YOU CATCH IT???

Dancing with the Stars
DD Kristen and I tuned in to ABC at 8/7c to watch the two-hour Season 8 Premiere of Dancing With the Stars to check out Mark Ballas and Derek Hough.

Derek danced with multi-platinum artist Lil' Kim and Mark's partner was Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson.

Derek and Mark have dominated the past two seasons, having led their partners to victory, and the fabulously coveted Mirror Ball trophy. Derek and Brooke Burke were the winners last season and Mark claimed the trophy in season 6 with Kristi Yamaguchi.

It was awesome! Today the new CD from Ballas Hough Band has launched! One2One Network has graciously provided me with the new release to check out and review. I just received it tonight, so I'll post tomorrow with more details! However, I've heard very positive reviews so far so I'm super excited to share my thoughts.

Here's the contest information:

I am hosting a contest open to all U.S. residents. Please post your thoughts on the new season of Dancing With the Stars including your favorite pick for the winner at this point. If you like, please share about Make Ballas and Derek Hough...One winner will be randomly selected from all completed comments. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win! The contest will conclude 11:59PM on Wednesday, March 23, 2009. Winner will receive a copy of the new Ballas Hough Band CD, including postage via US regular mail delivery.

Thank you for visiting my blog and participating! Good luck.

Yanni Voices CD/DVD Release and Contest!

Uber-talented artist Yanni, in collaboration with legendary producer Ric Wake, has discovered and developed four of the most extraordinary young voices in music today. Two years in the making, Yanni returns to the global stage with a dazzling new tour. For the first time ever, Yanni re-interprets his classic compositions and debuts new music introducing show-stopping vocalists Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills. The release date is scheduled for March 24th!

I'm excited to learn that the Yanni Voices Tour will be heading here to Tampa Bay on April 11, 2009 as they play the St Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. Hoping to score some tickets in some fashion....

Here are the details:

Website: http://www​.yanni.com​/voices/

Video: http://www.yanni.com/Events/

PBS Special Air Dates: http://www​.yanni.com​/Events/pb​s_schedule​.aspx

Tour Info: http://yanni.com/Tour.aspx

Anyway, thanks to One2One Network I was able to enjoy a preview of the new Yanni Voices CD and DVD set to experience and review! I adore the CD - it's great for a trip in the car or just relaxing at home alone or with friends...the music is soaring and eloquent. The DVD captures the magic....

Now, here's your chance to experience it too. Please post a comment on my blog with your favorite Yanni song or memory by March 7, 2009; 12 Midnight. One random winner will be selected and notified. Winner must respond within 3 days with mailing address information. Winner will receive the Yanni Voices CD and DVD. Winner be a US resident.

Thank you for visiting my blog site and participating. Good luck!

Idina Menzel Concert and Contest!

Have you heard of Idina Menzel yet? If not, trust me...you will! Idina will melt your heart...
First, she played Maureen in the off-Broadway and film version of Rent. Then, she was the amazing green girl, "Elphaba", in her Tony award winning performance in Wicked. Now, she is lighting up the music scene with a fabulous CD, "I Stand", of her original songs! Talk about a TRIPLE THREAT!

I had an amazing opportunity to see Idina on tour this week at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in Tampa, Florida. She brought such an energy of excitement and intimacy to the stage! She was comfortable and elegant...funny and real. She shared about her "wedding singer" roots beginning at age 15 - it was hysterical to see her create the persona of a big-haired, sequined gowned teen adrift in the loung-lizard sea of NY! I can't encourage you enough to catch her when ever possible - and certainly invest in the new CD! See my contest below...

Songs to pay particular attention to include my favorites "Better to Have Loved", "I Stand", and "Defying Gravity". She's such a warm and lovely person on stage - her stage presence and connection with the audience was amazing! She reaches into her soul and captures the essence of love, loss, and adventure....and takes a stand for individuality...WOW!

LINKS:
Stand Amazon.com link to buy: javascript:ol('http://www.amazon.com/I-Stand-Idina-Menzel/dp/B000Z8R2VW/ref%3dpd_bbs_sr_1?ie%3dUTF8%26amp;s%3dmusic%26amp;qid%3d1217285724%26amp;sr%3d8-1');
“Brave” video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjzlt0tdS0A
Idina Widget: http://www.clearspring.com/widgets/48583b018da8aa42



CONTEST:
WIN A COPY OF "I STAND" CD AND ONE IDINA MENZEL TOTE ($29.99 VALUE)
Post a comment on my blog about how you TAKE A STAND to enter. One entry per person. Be sure to include contact email information. I will select one winner from a random drawing of all eligible posts at midnight on Sunday, August 2, 2008. Winner will be notified promptly. The contest sponsor is One2One Network and they will mail the prize package to the winner.