Great Responsibility

Hey Soul Mates,
I got something very exciting in the mail yesterday: my first Grammy Ballot. That's correct, yours truly is voting! But with this power comes great responsibility. Having watched the Grammy telecast for years and knowing "what I like," I figured it would be easy to vote for what I thought was the best of the best. But having read the criteria and the cover letter that came with the ballot, I feel I need to seek out and at least listen to, once, each of the nominated songs (whole albums, not so much) to make an informed choice.

NARAS takes all of this very seriously and as someone who's single vote might now determine the fate of an artist, I shall too. As a result, I've discovered some great songs nominated in individual fields that didn't get a lot of radio play or otherwise. I've also heard some things that are lackluster and surprise me that they were tabbed for the shortlist. There is no "write-in" choice on the ballot, so them's the breaks.

The deadline for turning in the ballot is in about 3 weeks, so I've got to get cracking. I'm also hoping to attend the show at Staples on Feb. 11. Should be fun, lots of nominees I'd like to see perform: Justin Timberlake, Prince, Mary J. Blige, Gnarls Barkley, RHCP. And of course, I'll be there rooting for my selections. No, it's not Decision 2008, but finally voting is getting to be a fun experience again.

Be sure to watch the Rush Hour Soul Live at the Gig webcast!
Happy Friday, all.
Love, Power, Peace

Hollywood Holiday [Show Recap]

Hey Soul Mates,
yes, it was a fantastic show. We played our hearts out and wowed the crowd with two new songs. That we only rehearsed in full last night. The band looked really sharp, too. I had on my layers of berry and my vintage vest from the Netherlands. Doug rocked the purple and black. Bryan sporting shades had on his trademark Cavern black, including skinny tie. We're very excited because not only will you get to see the whole concert on the Gig's website, but we had the show shot by a pro videographer in HD (Christo, you're going to love it). Action!



Here's the set from tonight's show:
U Had The $
Everyone's Ingenue
Sucka
I Can't Cry For You
Everything My Heart Desires
Down By Love
Roosevelt's Revue (debut)
Fall Out
Raspberry Beret (cover)
A Talent For Loving

That being said. It was also a dismal failure tonight. We would like to thank everyone who came out to our show...

Jen T.
Kristee L.
Patty T.
Gabe G.
Blake Mc.
Garner K.

Oh, and
Mari B.
Jana M.
who arrived in time for our finale.

Yep. That's it. That's everyone who came to see us tonight. Oh, but it gets worse. There was one other person there to see us. The Vice President of a real record label. I'm sure we impressed with our turnout. Ha ha. We certainly hope that our performance was impressive. In fact, I'm pretty sure that was our swansong at the Gig. Many thanks to the owners and management of the Gig for supporting us and our Quixotic quest for the last couple of years.

We know that there are hundreds of fans who want to see us in the U.K. We hope that we'll get back to entertain them again next year. But at this rate, it's slow going. The band's expenditures for this show topped $400 (Doug of course is doing the 8 hour drive back home as I write). We certainly did not get paid to appear at the Gig. But before we do any sign-off sermonettes, we've got one more chance to show and prove at the Good Hurt on Jan. 12, 2007. Be there. Please. In the meantime, power up your browser and head to the Gig and be amazed!

By the way, Doug and Bryan agree and sanctioned the tone and content of this e-mail.
Love, Power, Peace

Today's News: We Have A Show Tonight!

Hey Soul Mates,
I've been narrowing down my selections for my favorite albums of the year. I will post them this coming week, just in time for the holidays.

I'm very excited because we have our last show of the year tonight. Rehearsal (our first in a month) last night went into the wee hours and the new material sounds interesting to say the least. Our new original Roosevelt's Revue is gelling. It's a brisk number less than 3 minutes, just the way I like them.

As usual, here are the lyrics (reprinted with my permission and subject to change, ha ha.)

Roosevelt's Revue
I know exactly what you’re thinking.
The Revue’s a legend, only myth.
But I promise you my friends
That the party never ends
And I’m giving all of you a lift.

My cousin called me from the dance floor
Said the Revue was blowing up the chart
Got to get your groove along
Cause they’ll play your favorite song
If the music is in your heart

Everybody’s dancing
Everybody’s dancing
Up at Roosevelt’s Revue
Everybody’s dancing
Everybody’s dancing
Up at Roosevelt’s Revue

So grab your moment in the spotlight
With sophisticated steps or not
The song is really simple
When love sets the tempo
The Revue is so cool it’s hot

Everybody’s dancing
Everybody's dancing
Up at Roosevelt’s Revue
Everybody’s dancing
Everybody’s dancing
Up at Roosevelt's Revue
###

Our selection for this show's cover song has everything to do with someone who's been in the music news a lot this week. Check this piece of comedy out for a hint: Comedy. I can't wait for February. Anyway, we expect everyone to sing a long with the cover. We certainly need a loud chorus, especially from the ladies. Along with these two songs, we're playing a number of tunes we haven't done in months.

Time to get the day on track. See you at the Gig.
Love, Power, Peace

Rush Hour Soul performs at the Gig Hollywood, 7302 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles.
Showtime is 8:30 pm. Cover is $7 or $5 if you e-mail me with your name before 7 pm. 21 and up.