Norman's Rockwell

Happy Birthday, Han Solo

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:12:00 +0000

Today is Harrison Ford's 66th birthday. Mr. Ford holds a dear place in my movie-going memory. Yes, I saw the new Indiana Jones movie after coming back from the UK. It was alright, but basically a pastiche of the original. The two big characters Harrison created rank among the most influential and coolest in my reckoning. No one has come close to Han Solo's effortless hipness nor Dr. Jones' wry heroism.

From 1977 to 1985, I went out of my way to see every movie starring Harrison Ford that I could. That meant many viewings of the western/Yiddish comedy the Frisco Kid as well as the innovative Blade Runner. I used to wait with baited breath for the opening of a new Harrison Ford movie. Mom used to take me straight from school on a Friday afternoon to see an Indiana Jones or Star Wars film the day it opened. Of course, my favorite memory was going to an advance screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark in Cleveland. I passed up going to the big end of the year party for the 6th grade to see Raiders. And I have no regrets. I didn't even know what Ark was missing; all I knew was this was Harrison Ford's new movie! It was such fun and still holds up as one of the best action flicks ever.

Mr. Ford's recent movies (i.e. anything the past decade) have not been among my favorites, but I'll put his Golden Age (ending with Witness, his only Oscar nominated performance) up against any other actor's. He's a true movie star. Happy Birthday, Harrison!

Peace & Making the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs

Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:13:00 +0000

My 500th blog. Thanks for stopping by!

Late last night I discovered that there is one more great Summer album. Bruce Springsteen's Magic. There are records that immediately evoke a place and time for me. I thought I might not find another Summer set. Music has gone so far down hill in general. There are some good singles, but few entire albums that hit the mark.

Magic was released last October to much fanfare and debuted at Number 1. The lead single Radio Nowhere wasn't a killer, even though it was a freebie on iTunes. So I didn't pay any more attention to the record. Combine that with the fact that Bruce was pretty well snubbed by the Grammys in the major categories.

Then around Christmas, I heard Bruce's second single The Girls In Their Summer Clothes. Now that it is the dog days, TGITSC is magnificent. The true test was listening to the CD in my car with the windows rolled down on a warm July night as I ran some evening errands. Brilliant. Shimmering. It's like a night-time carnival of sound. I'm looking forward to hearing it in broad day light. Livin' In The Future and You'll Be Coming Down are equally appealing. It's also fun to hear Bruce in great voice really digging for smoother vocal performances than usual. The slower moments are powerful, too. The album closer Terry's Song is a touching eulogy punctuated with the refrain: "When they built you, Brother, they broke the mold."

Bruce sure can write a great pop song when he wants to. My only quibble with the record is that it is over-compressed in places. I know Springsteen likes that Wall Of Sound aesthetic, but sometimes it can be too much for the digital age. When the E Street Band kicks into high gear though, the performances are undeniable. I haven't been this enthralled by Bruce since Born In The USA. I did get to see him and the Band at Dodger Stadium a few Summers back. Wish he was coming to town again to hear these songs in a live setting. Oh, well.

So for my record buying friends, this is a great back porch record or apartment balcony blaster. Albums like this were born to be soundtracks to BBQs. Better yet, cruise down the boulevard around 9 tonight with all the windows down and let the breeze cool you off and the Magic heat you up. I know I will on the way home from work. It's not a party album, but it does rock and roll and hits me right to the core.

Got a recent LP that shouts "Summer Album?" Drop me a comment.

Speaking of cooling off, time for a haircut. Gotta run.

Peace & Summer Breezes

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:39:00 +0000

Lately,
I have been having plenty of trouble with MySpace. I can barely log on without the site crashing my computer. Or without spyware leeching through the pages. I hope that if any of you are visiting me via MySpace that you are not encountering these problems. It's been very frustrating as you might imagine. Anyway, you should still be able to check out the song samples and leave comments there. It might take me a while to respond, but that's why.

Right now, I'm listening to Handel's Water Music. Nice and relaxing. I'm hopeful that the worst of the Summer heat is done. There's a cool wind refreshing NoHo. Between the high temps and food poisoning last week, I was done right in. Thanks again to everyone for their prayers and well-wishing.

Tonight, I attended a nice function at church. Dining on grilled hot dogs and crock pot chili. After dinner al fresco, a bunch of us watched August Rush. A very nicely done fable about an orphan who is a musical prodigy. August believes if enough people hear his music that his real parents will be able to find him. Suitable for all ages, obviously (it was church, people). But it does feature Robin Williams channeling the villainous Finnigan from Dickens' Oliver Twist.

What else is new? Well, with Tiger out of action, I'm making my move! I've returned to golf for the first time in over 20 years. Been hitting the driving range. I'm not planning on playing in the British Open. But I'm hoping to get onto an 18 hole course by the beginning of August. It's been fun getting back in to the swing. Literally. It's like learning from scratch. The first couple of times I went to the range, I was trying to bash the ball. My approach was all wrong. But I've loosened up and have started hitting fairly straight.

OK, MySpace is still giving my PC fits. I need to concentrate on a solution.

Have a great week, all.

Peace & Summer Breeze

Pizened!

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Hey all,
just checking in here on the blog. It's been a long hot Summer for the first two weeks of it. I've been really out of sorts. Got a nasty case of food poisoning on Tuesday that has lingered up to the present. No fun at all. Nothing like several hours in the ER getting an IV. And a return visit might be in store.

Interest seems to be building in my upcoming gigs which helps lighten the mood. But seriously, watch what you order when you're dining out.

Hope your 4th of July was safe and fun. I did get to see a dozen fireworks last night.

Peace & Health

Happy Sunday & The Most Important American Movie of 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:34:00 +0000

Hey All,
today was a wonderful (although very warm) day. Our charity variety show at the Noho First United Methodist Church was a grand success. Literally. We raised our goal in donations for the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky.

The program itself was a success and showcased all kinds of talent. I personally, performed I'm In The Mood For Love. It was the first time I'd played a song by myself on piano for an audience since a 4th grade talent show at Berwick El. in Columbus, OH. It went over well; everyone who remembered the song as a contemporary hit made sure to tell me so. Ain't they sweet? Playing the song was a lot of fun. There are plenty of standards from that era that I'm going to learn. Nothing like having a new party piece.

I also did a bit with the MC Hart Bakely (played by comic/writer Phil Mottaz). I certainly enjoyed the entire fake radio show. Thanks to everybody who attended and donated.

After all the Sunday activities at church, several of us went to the movies. We saw WALL-E and it is flat out brilliant. I won't give much away. But, I think it's the most important American movie of 2008. And the Pixar team have done an amazing job at depicting a version of Earth in the year 2815. Try to see it before anyone tells you about the plot or the themes. It references great sci-fi watersheds like 2001, Star Wars and Alien and even Disney's previous fantasy attempts the Black Hole & Tron. And frankly, WALL-E is rated G, which is wonderful, because this cautionary tale should be seen by every soul living on this planet right now. It's easily Disney's boldest cinematic statement in my memory... if they've ever had an agenda in the past. Don't leave early, the end credits are a history of human visual artistic styles and features Peter Gabriel's inspiring Down To The Earth. So, see the movie, then we'll discuss it.

You heard it hear first: Do NOT be surprised when WALL-E is nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture next year. In fact, the opening act is as powerful and wordless as the opening of my favorite film of 2007, There Will Be Blood. It will win best animated feature. The score by Thomas Newman was evocative. The one human actor that shows up is pitch perfect, too. And that's all I'm going to write.

Hope your week is filled with blessing, sunshine and the usual: Peace & Disco Beats!

Church Charity Event This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:26:00 +0000

Hey All,
long time since I blogged. Been learning new job parts at the Studio and it's been a hot week. Apologies for not checking in.

Here's the latest. This Sunday I am performing in a charity event at North Hollywood First United Methodist Church, 4832 Tujunga Ave. The show will be at Noon, June 29 in the social hall. It will be a mock 1940's radio show (not to be confused with the "1940's Radio Hour" that my Dad performed in in Atlanta) with skits and musical acts. I will be doing one number and one of the skits. It's a free show, although this is a fund-raiser for the Red Bird Mission, so free-will donations are welcome. Free food will also be served. So bring your yearning for yesteryear and join me on Sunday.

Also, my performance for Defy Music Group's premiere party is now scheduled to take place at the Avalon on Vine St. in Hollywood on Weds. July 30.

Time to beat the heat and turn up the A/C. It's sweltering here in L.A.

Peace

Some Girls Are 30 Years Old

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:44:00 +0000

File under Music Appreciation.

An underrated (although big selling) masterpiece celebrates its 30 Birthday today. I'm talking about the Rolling Stones' Some Girls. One of the most exciting records put on wax.

I vaguely knew who the Stones were as a tot, but really couldn't tell you about their music. They weren't popular with my generation. Until Miss You. Oh, that groove, that falsetto, that sweet harmonica and a saxophone solo. Whoo! And disco!? I didn't know better. It surely represents a lot of what I'm after musically now.

I was a Saturday Afternoon roller skating fool at United Skates of America when I first really discovered the Stones. That was the Summer of '78. My favorites to skate to included Chic, Heatwave and the Stones!

I also remember muggy nights in Michigan rolling in my Dad's big old car and Miss You (or something from Steely Dan's Aja) would pop on and I'd be in music nirvana. And I certainly didn't know what they were singing about. In fact, later in the year, when Beast of Burden was released as a single in heavy rotation, I thought Mick was singing about courtroom drama. My Mom had recently finished law school, so the lyric I heard was "They never seemed to reach the verdict." I still think that would make a killer hook for a song. So I hear by claim it for copyright. Zap!

So right now, I'm digging Some Girls. If you've seen Shine A Light, the recent Scorsese doc/concert film starring the Stones, you know that tracks from Some Girls featured prominently. Shattered still reminds me of the weekend I spent in Brooklyn at my uncle Danny's. Dunno why, but it captured everything about NYC. And I probably heard it on the radio. I know for sure that I heard Emotional Rescue on that trip. But Shattered is brilliant in it's rock and roll decadence. "They got rats on the westside, bedbugs uptown!" Although, not at Danny's.

It also had the most distinctive album cover of my youth. Garish, bold and colorful, it was a fake advertisement for women's wigs and underwear with cut out faces, the band members peering from an assortment of faux-hairdos. I remember vividly seeing it at Meijer's Thrifty Acres, a precursor to Wal-Mart, in East Lansing. About the same time I first "noticed" tabloids. And who was on the cover? Mick and Bianca.

I didn't own a copy of Some Girls until the '90s, but I certainly had the Stones' greatest hits package Rewind, which had Miss You & Beast Of Burden. Of course, most of you know that I've covered Miss You for a long time. I'll have to dust it off for my Summer shows in honor.

So here's to the Stones and 30 years of a high-water mark in LPs. The disc is chock full of hits (I rate Miss You and Beast of Burden as two of the best singles ever), genre exercises and raucous playing. Exactly all a young man could want from Mick, Ron, Keith, Bill and Charlie.

Peace & Disco Beats

Prince and the Big 5-0

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to Prince Rogers Nelson who turns 50 today!
(And Happy Birthday to the twins: Peter and Juliana. I love you, much)

Can it be? How did Prince go from the 18 year old prodigy in a trench-coat and speedos to a Rock And Roll Hall of Famer (with 25 years of recording experience required) in a blink of an eye!? I've spent many blogs rhapsodizing about the Artist formerly known as the Artist formerly known as Prince, so I'll keep this one brief.

I can still remember the first time I heard When Doves Cry. It was music from another world and the first Prince single I purchased at Coconuts on the Arlington Expressway. And the flip side? 17 Days had a similar effect on my brain and music appreciation skills. Then came Purple Rain, the movie and LP. A paradigm shift with repercussions I couldn't escape if I wanted to. As I get older, there are songs of Prince's that make less sense to me, but they are still slamming recordings.

Of course, my guiltiest pleasure is the black & white carnival that is Under The Cherry Moon. Don't know if I'll have time to watch it today. But a day doesn't go by that I refer to it... And most people would never know. Unless, they're part of the old GU Posse du Cinammon. And you know who you are. The movie is silly and sublime and Prince at his celluloid best.

[It's pretty amazing that the big 3 of 80s Pop, Prince, Madonna and Michael Jackson all hit half a century this year. I will admit I'm not a Madonna fan (I like some of her music), but I'll cop to her cultural impact. But, Mike and Prince, hands down the best writers & performers of the past 30 years.]

Thanks for all the wonderful and strange rides, Mr. Nelson. Happy Birthday!!

A few favorite Prince highlights that I will cue up:
1999 (LP)
Purple Rain (LP)
Pop Life (single)
Parade (LP)
All My Dreams (unreleased track)
Sign 'O' The Times (LP)
Gold (album track)
3121 (LP) now playing!

Elephants and Flowers, Peace & Disco Beats

Remembering D-Day

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:27:00 +0000

After visiting the coast of Normandy and touring the beaches last month, I have a renewed appreciation for the undertaking of June 6, 1944. There was lots to learn about Operation Overlord while we were there. And I feel I only scratched the surface. Many monuments along the road from WWI & WWII.

It was very moving to see the last of the Mulberry Harbor. And incredibly heavy visiting the American Cemetery in low clouds and rain. God bless the men who sacrificed themselves for the victory in second World War. Here are a few snaps from our drive around Omaha and Gold beaches. I will post details tonight.

Peace

Mulberry Harbor, Gold Beach. British landing site. Brainchild of Winston Churchill.

Road signs along the Normandy Coast.

Omaha Beach from the American Cemetery.

The ceiling of the chapel at the American Cemetery.

A sculpted table-top displaying Operation Overlord's landing sites.

Me at Omaha Beach.

Patty and the statue for the American Spirit.

Long view of the cemetery.

Vintage heavy armored vehicle in front of the American Museum.

Goodbye, Mr. Kong

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:17:00 +0000

Sad day at work yesterday. I wasn't there, but I sure watched the news. One of my favorite pastimes at the studio was to walk around the New York Street sets and Courthouse Square. Especially on Saturdays. Like strolling through a Twilight Zone-esque deserted town. Solitude, mysteriously empty buildings and singing birds. Walking up New England St.; Georgetown St. and arriving at Courthouse Square. Always being careful to dodge any production that might be filming. There was one wedge of Brownstones that I particularly enjoyed.

Alas, most of it is gone now. But I'm happy to report that the courthouse (made famous in "To Kill A Mockingbird" & "Back To The Future") still stands. Bravo and 3 cheers for the fire fighters and Sheriff's deputies who responded to the blaze on the backlot. Just last Thursday I was tramming on the backlot and got to spend some quality time with King Kong. It's a shame that future generations will not see his likes again. But, I'm sure the studio's creative types will come up with sets and fun things to see on Kong's spot in no time.

I'm off to work in a new supervisory position today. Well, on-the-job training anyway.

I finally got all of the pictures from the tour loaded up into the computer. There will be a special page on my main website to view many of them. In the meantime, access my myspace page and you'll get a really good taste of my experience in France and Britain this past month.

I'm also happy to report that we are green for Go on the upcoming Summertime shows here in Southern California. Astro and Sterke, thanks for being there.

Have a safe and blessed day, y'all!

Peace & Disco Beats

Back In The Arms Of L.A. (Cavern Club Recaps)

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:21:00 +0000

From David Bash's introduction of me at IPO Liverpool: "If this music doesn't get you to dance, then you're a cadaver!"

It was a triumphant Saturday matinee on the Cavern Club's Main Stage. Once again, the sound was amazing (thanks, Ricky). That has to be one of the best stages on planet Earth for performers. I'm very thankful I've had two opportunities to play it. There were plenty of ladies dancing and the fellas were down with the sound, too. And the Set List says:
Fall Out
Roosevelt's Revue
U Had The $
Everything My Heart Desires
Sucka
A Talent For Loving

The tour ended on a high as we stormed the iconic, brick front stage at the Cavern Club for the first time on Sunday. It was high energy considering how late the slot was.
Set List:
U Had The $
Fall Out
Hold On, I'm Coming
Everything My Heart Desires
Coming Up
Sucka
A Talent For Loving

Thanks again to David Bash and IPO for having me. I'll be performing at the Los Angeles version of IPO in August. Check the dates on my US show schedule. Hot fun in the summertime!

I'm back in L.A. after all of that left hand side of the road driving. Thanks to the band: Astro & Sterke were amazing and I couldn't have done it without them. We had a good time hoofing around the UK. Leeds Castle; Christ Church College in Oxford; the tour of the Lennon & McCartney childhood homes. We rounded out the weekend with a visit to Strawberry Field in Liverpool. And we stopped briefly in Wrexham, Wales on the way back to London's outskirts.

The flight home was fine. Our friends, the SparklejetsUK were on board too. I watched plenty of good movies, including "There Will Be Blood." Which I thought was mesmerizing.

Before I sign off, I gotta thank a few more people for making the tour a success.Thank you to Anne & Andrew for your support, The Foxes for the gear and camaraderie, and especially Patty for the navigation, photography and support.

I'll get more pictures posted shortly.

Peace & Disco Beats

Bringing Heat To The Cavern Pub

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sat, 24 May 2008 07:29:00 +0000

Hey Y'all,
I'm chilling at the Dock with some Twinings Everyday Tea and Lotus Biscuits (thanks, Anne).

The Cavern Pub was like the center of the sun. Hot! The set was full-tilt boogie. The Liverpuddlians were grooving to the tunes, for sure. I know I left everything on the stage. Astro went all rock and roll on us with his bloody knuckle. Sterke was blazing, too.

The band before me, the Palominos were very good. They warmed things up nicely. The crowd at the Cavern Pub got into my songs immediately; that's my kind of audience. Well over 100 people in a very small, subterranean venue. Place was packed and here's what the people rocked out, too:
Fall Out
U Had The $
Everyone's Ingenue
Sucka
Everything My Heart Desires
A Talent For Loving

Don't forget, there are two big shows remaining at the Cavern Club Saturday.
4.30 PM in the Back Stage.
2.45 AM in the iconic Front Stage. Technically this show is Sunday Morning.
Both shows are FREE.

Tomorrow during the day, we are doing the National Trust's tour of the Lennon & McCartney childhood homes. Should be fascinating.
Peace & Disco Beats

Less Lost In Liverpool

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Hey Everyone,

we are safely in Liverpool. I only took proper turns today in Liverpool. Directly to the hotel. Which was good. I made several errant turns in Oxford this afternoon, where we stopped to visit Christ Church College (a part of the University).

CCC is where several scenes for the first two Harry Potter movies were shot (specifically in the great hall and it's staircase). The school property and it's inhabitants also inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice In Wonderland. Also, the college's cathedral was used as a place of worship by John Wesley, who formed the Methodists. The church is also the resting place of John Locke; the actual John Locke, not the character from Lost. Time did not permit a visit to Magdalene College where Tolkien & CS Lewis wrote most of their land mark works.

Upon our rainy arrival, Astro and I walked over to the Cavern Club to check out the scene. The place was packed. That's a great sign for the International Pop Overthrow Fest. Ran into the SparklejetsUK before their set. They sounded really good. We also went across the street to visit the Cavern Pub, my venue tomorrow night: more intimate and very warm (temperature-wise).

Gotta get some sleep. It was a long day of driving through the Midlands. My hand is cramping and I'm falling asleep as I type. Hope to see some of you tomorrow. The shows at the Cavern Pub and the Cavern Club are FREE! And make sure to follow us back to the Cavern Club to check out the Foxes (Friday).

Peace and Discobeats

Maidstone's A Hit

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Thu, 22 May 2008 06:56:00 +0000

Hey Y'all,
thanks to everyone who came to the Zebra for our show tonight. And thanks to the Foxes who lent us gear. Foxes, you rock. The Zebra is a nice large venue and I had fun time playing there. No matter what the circumstances (like a huge football match), I'm bringing it. Special thanks to those who bought CDs. Enjoy the music! Also, thanks to Sue, James and the staff of the Zebra. What a gift to be able to come here to perform. And Sterke and Astro really brought their A Game. A beautiful night.

For those of you coming to the Liverpool shows, spoiler alert.

Here's tonight's set list:

Fall Out
U Had The $
Everyone's Ingenue
Sucka
I Can't Cry For You
Everything My Heart Desires
Coming Up
A Talent For Loving

I plan on inserting a few different songs in the set the next few shows.

Prior to the show, we visited Leeds Castle a few miles up the road. It was serene and amazing. A thousand year old piece of property with some of the most beautiful landscape ever. The falconry demonstration has me rethinking my career choices. Ha ha.

Tomorrow I'm heading north. See you in Liverpool. And I highly recommend that you check out the Foxes while you are Merseyside. They will also be playing IPO.

Peace & Love

Dispatch From The Road: Paris, FR

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:25:00 +0000

Hey Everyone. I know it's been several days since my last post, but my trip has been jam-packed with activity.

First of all, we arrived safely on Thursday. Thanks to everyone praying for a safe trip. It was like a season's worth of Amazing Race boiled into one day on Thursday: navigate the 405 during rush hour; bear a 10 hour transatlantic flight in a crackerjack box; take 3 trains in London; sleep underwater; speak French to a cabbie; and find Mike Tyson in less than 24 hours.

It's true. I met Mike as we disembarked, he was on his way to the Cannes film festival. Naturally.

Now I will warn you. This blog contains few references to music. Although we heard plenty today at the churches we visited in Honfleur (a very sharp organist) and Rouen.

Friday was a whirlwind of site seeing in Paris. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, and it was actually hot. OK. Top of the Eiffel Tower. Notre Dame Cathedral. Louvre in the early evening. In between, lots of good eats at Cojean, Bleu Canard and Juveniles. This is my fourth trip to Paris and there are always the obvious places to visit, but they can't be missed.

My favorites at the Louvre are Raphael's La Belle Jardiniere (it's Mary with Jesus and John the Baptist as children) and Veronese's Wedding At Cana. No matter where you stand in the room, Jesus's eyes follow you from Veronese's wall sized canvas. Very moving. Especially considering this painting is across the room from the Mona Lisa. And seeing the Raphael up close is stunning.

Then yesterday, Patty and I hopped in a car and literally drove the Normandy coast checking out D Day monuments and memorials. It's lush countryside. Farmland dotted with churches and countless tiny towns. The rain rolled in at Arromanches where the British landed and brought in the Mulberry Harbor. We actually walked out onto the beach and got pretty close to the remaining hulk of landing gear.

Storm clouds and intermittent showers made our visit to the American Cemetery particularly moody. That is a moving experience. Seeing Omaha beach and the 9000 grave markers is breathtaking. They have a small non-denominational chapel, so I gave thanks for all those fighting men and those who survived. We're almost on the D Day anniversary. I have seen several famous battlegrounds, including Waterloo and Gettysburg and it always amazes me how serene and peaceful they are. Hard to picture the destruction and carnage.

I have no idea how many miles (or km's) we logged, but it was a plenty. A lot of long and winding roads through Normandy to get to Mont St. Michel. The abbey was closing, but we still hoofed it up the hillside to take in the setting and the view. France is so far North that it didn't really get dark until after 9 PM. As a result we didn't wait to see the Mont lit up. From there we zipped back East to Honfleur.

Today, we strolled the old harbor town of Honfleur. Charming, in a word. Today the local post office was celebrating Champlain's arrival at Quebec, Canada 400 years ago. Champlain's ship set off from Honfleur, so that was a logical location for a first day stamp cancellation. This little fishing village has a lot of ateliers (or studios) and I wondered how can the community support all of those artists or vice versa, but it does. Oh, by the way, driving in France easier than in the UK, 'cause you're on the right, tougher because those streets are narrow! The harbor actually looks like New Orleans Square and parts of Pirates Of The Caribbean (the ride). I mean that in a good way.

Our last stop before Paris was the Cathedral in Rouen. That place is a mess. The Church, begun in 1190, caught fire in 1200. Took them 400 years to lay the last stone. Then was bombed out in 1944, reopening in the '50s. Then in 1999, day after Christmas, a tornado ripped it up. And they still haven't finished repairing it. Can you imagine your family being members of that parish over 800 years and practically no one saw it as designed?

And don't get me started about the blight upon blight that surrounds the Cathedral. Yeah, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake there, but the citizens must have martyred taste and civility too. Rouen's heart and soul looks like a sad outlet mall & smells like used wine. Oh and we saw battling street accordionists. I don't know how you land a punch with that thing around your neck. Am I being too harsh? Maybe. But if I had paid money to stay in Rouen, I'd be shaking a fist.

That being said: I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to see the Cathedral at Rouen that so inspired Monet's famous series of paintings.

From the hotel room, I can see the Eiffel Tower and it's all lit up. Like the Rouen panhandler waving his big, empty green bottle at the daytrippers. Seriously. The Tower is incredible and just another reminder that there is a lot of beauty out there among the steel and concrete. And FYI, I drove through the roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe tonight. Yes, I did. Like a local!

Tomorrow, we'll check out Sacre Coeur and view Paris from the north. Pictures to come. Check out myspace and you'll see one of Mike Tyson and me. That man has BIG hands. And apparently larger opinions about the cinema.

Bon soir, mes amis.

Peace & Disco Beats

Pop Matters Reviews "TALENT" 8 Out Of 10!

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Hey Y'all, here's the latest review for the hottest newest. You know who! First the BBC, now this. Lord have mercy: Literarily!

Review starts here:

Norman Kelsey's A Talent for Loving is a non-stop, dusk 'til dawn party. From the opening beat of the title track, which is both boastful and believable, to the closing command of "Love Someone", Kelsey takes you from the bar to the dance floor to the bedroom and back again several sweat-soaked times. He's a soulful R&B powerhouse vocalist, and he's somehow managed to combine perfectly some of the best elements of '60s-era soul and Motown with a sense of style and command not seen since Prince was at his funkiest. Tracks like "Done Lost My Mind" highlight Kelsey's slow, seductive, soul skills, while songs such as "Fall Out" will, as the chorus says, "Rock you so hard / We falling out of your bed." No worries if you're all alone, either. A Talent for Loving will have you dancing your ass off all night, flying on a rhythm-induced endorphin high.

Rating 8 out of 10.

By Christel Loar
13 May 2008

Visit the Pop Matters website
A TALENT FOR LOVING

BBC Radio Debuts "Everything My Heart Desires"

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:47:00 +0000

Hey All, big news!
Mr. Craig Charles, one of the UK's biggest funk and soul DJs (and star of the cult sci-fi comedy show "Red Dwarf" & "Coronation Street"), played "Everything My Heart Desires" on his show Saturday night on BBC Radio's 6 Music. Be sure to send in your request to hear the song again. Follow the link to get to his playlist from Saturday. Follow the links from there to check out more info about Mr. Charles' funky tastemaking programme. You can even listen to a stream of the show and hear the song!
The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show

What a blessing on the eve of my tour.
Big ups to Mr. Charles and his listeners.
More updates to come, gotta run.
Have a great week everybody. See you in Britain!

Peace & Funky Beats!

"Beyond The Norm" By Kara Pound For Folio Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:31:00 +0000

Hey y'all, here is my interview with Folio Weekly. In its entirety. Check it out! The article appeared in the April 29, 2008 issue of the Jacksonville, FL based magazine. Also, for friends and fans on Myspace, U Had The $ was added as a new streaming single!

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Filed under Pop Funk

BEYOND THE NORM – By Kara Pound, Folio Weekly

Dashing, debonair Norman Kelsey is an old soul with a funky new sound.

Norman Kelsey’s debut solo album, released at the beginning of this year, is described in the press material as “sexy dance floor fillers, heart-stopping slow jams and a stadium anthem about universal love.” Unlike the glad-handing drivel issued by most record label PR departments, this description is surprisingly accurate. “I really enjoy writing songs that are poppy, that people will want to dance to and smile when they hear the lyrics,” says Kelsey of the songs on “A Talent For Loving.”

The dashing 39-year old Jacksonville native and graduate of Terry Parker High School says he never realized his vocal abilities as a youngster. “I was kicked out of church choirs and removed from school choirs, so I didn’t really thing I could sing,” he says. “I liked singing, but nobody ever said ‘Hey, you’re a good singer,’ until my friends from high school [commented on my voice].

Kelsey is referring to a talent show during his senior year when his friends put a band together and asked him to sing. What seemed at first to be a novelty grew into a passion. “That was really where the bug bit me, and from that point on, all other aspirations kinda went to the side.”

After the talent show, the band, called The Flaming Yogurt, made its public debut at long-since-defunct alt-rock club Einstein a Go-Go in Jacksonville Beach. “One of the great memories of my musical career was playing there and knowing that that was the place to play at the time and that it has obtained legendary status,” says Kelsey. But the West Coast called, and soon Kelsey left his bandmates for LA.

For the past 15 years, Kelsey has been living and working on his solo career in Tinseltown while touring the UK as lead singer of Rush Hour Soul. He says that places like Liverpool dig his pop sound, which he considers thematically universal. “I try to take inspiration from just about everything,” says Kelsey. “People I meet, experiences that I have, books I read, if I see a movie that I think has a really great title.”

Kelsey is also heavily influenced by his Jacksonville childhood. Back in the ‘80s, Northeast Florida was a great place to see music, Kelsey says; he counts Duran Duran, Hall & Oates and Tom Petty among the bands he enjoyed seeing.

His friends back home still regard his career choice as strange, he imagines. “I think everyone thought I was going to be a politician or run for some sort of office,” says Kelsey. “But, actually, music is a better way to reach people, I think, and effect change in society.”

Purple Rain at 24

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Last night, I went to see PURPLE RAIN on the big screen for what I believe to be only the second time. The first being in East Lansing back in 1984 with brother Nate and his best friend Craig. Back in the days when no one cared who walked into an R rated musical. First things, the event was sponsored by AFI (American Film Institute) and the print was shitty and the sound was OK. That out of the way, what a trip to see Prince and Co. 20 feet tall. The musical numbers are still groundbreaking. My favorites are The Beautiful Ones and I Would Die 4 U. The Time's cuts Jungle Love and The Bird brought back fond memories, too. Our crowd was a little sedate until the vamp of Let's Go Crazy. By the end of each number there was hearty applause from yours truly and the real diehards in the audience.

Apollonia looked young and fresh and Prince was even more beautiful on camera. I was amazed at the way shots lingered on members of the "audience:" Apollonia, waitress Jill Jones and club owner Billy Sparks. They really telegraph how moved, pissed off or ecstatic they were about a particular tune. The film is not subtle, lots of mistreatment of women and minstrelsy (it was the Reagan 80's) and some unintentional laughs result. But overall, it was a fun experience to be transported back to middle school for 90 minutes. Granted you could do just as well watching the recently rereleased DVD with extras, but it's a concert film that requires being with other 30-somethings singing along to Computer Blue. Time to watch Under The Cherry Moon.

On the NK front, dates in Los Angeles are coming in. I've been tabbed to play the Defy Music Group premiere event on Weds. July 30 in downtown L.A. details to follow. But check out the DMG splash page on myspace! I'm also booked to play on the Universal Citywalk in August as part of their outdoor concert series. Check my updated website normankelsey.com for show details.

Peace & Disco Beats

Major Upgrade To NK.com

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:23:00 +0000

Hey All,
I spent the wee hours of the morning upgrading normankelsey.com. Please be sure to check it out and try out all of the new pages. There's lots of cool stuff up and more coming. Lots of shopping opportunities. I am able to track the amount of traffic and sales from digital downloads as well as physical CD sales, so it's really helpful to know who I still need to get my music to. Probably you! :)

Have a great weekend everyone. I'll be at the Avengers' game as they take on the Cleveland Gladiators (or something like that). Always have to represent Cleveland. LOL.

Peace Be With You!

Soul Serenade Playlist From April 7

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:50:00 +0000

Last night was pretty exciting and I'm not talking about the NCAA title game.

I hope you had a chance to tune into Soul Serenade on WICN, Mass for the FM debuts of "Everything My Heart Desires" and "A Talent For Loving." Check out DJ Tom Shaker's playlist. My sides were spun in between classics by Aretha, Bobby Womack and The J5. Help the cause and drop Mr. Shaker an e-mail or a request for next week. And it's perfectly fine to request either of the songs he played. In fact, those are the two songs I'm promoting to radio, blogs, etc as the singles.

Rehearsals for the tour continue. The numbers are starting to gel nicely. We even had a discussion about some surprise cover versions. More on that later.

Have a great Tuesday.
Peace Be With You

Tune In Tu-Night: 90.5 FM WICN

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Hey y'all.
Just a reminder, in between jump shots and free throws, tune in to 90.5 FM tonight in the Boston area for the Soul Serenade. DJ Tom Shaker will be spinning the latest platter from yours truly. The show airs between 7-11 PM EST. You can also stream it online. The beauty of National Public Radio.

Peace and Love!

p.s. Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Shining A Light

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:42:00 +0000

Hey all,
sorry I haven't checked in with a blog in a few weeks. Easter was a very happy and busy time. I spent almost all day at church from sunrise service on. The choir sang lots of great music and it was a real blessing having my Mom in town for it.

OK, here's the music news!

I was interviewed yesterday by Folio Weekly from Jacksonville, FL. The article should be in print by the end of the month. The interview was short but sweet. It gave me a chance to talk about the place where my music career really began. For those of you from Northeast Florida, I even played at the legendary Einstein A-Go-Go, a CBGBs-type club out at the beach back in the day. So it was nice to reminisce about concert-going in high school and talk about making music today.

Last night, I saw the new Martin Scorsese IMAX movie "Shine A Light" starring the Rolling Stones (thanks, Jen). It was mighty impressive. Not to mention huge. The Stones looked and sounded great. Charlie Watts, of course, steals the movie with simple glances at the camera and with vintage interview footage. It's no wonder Ringo is the most beloved Beatle and Charlie is the most beloved Stone. There's something unassuming, yet hysterically funny about those drummers. You really feel like you are in the front row and on stage with the band; getting glimpses of non-verbal communication between the Stones is a treat. The older material that Scorsese intersperses between songs is wonderful. Were the Stones ever that young? And then, the guest stars are superb too. Jack White is having the time of his life duetting on Loving Cup. And Buddy Guy owns Champagne and Reefer, making Mick and Co. look like fresh young things trying to keep up. This is a must see if it comes to an IMAX screen near you.

Back to news about yours truly. I learned that Soul Serenade on WICN, NPR outta Worcester, Mass, will be spinning a selection from A Talent For Loving. So tune in on-line worldwide or at 90.5 on your FM dial in the Boston area on Monday night, April 7 at 8 PM EST. Thanks to DJ Tom Shaker for digging my album.

All right. I'm done for now. Y'all have a blessed Friday!

Peace & Disco Beats

John & Yoko and UK Tour Update

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:20:00 +0000

The atrocities on American Idol aside, there's lots to celebrate about the Beatles. For instance, today is John & Yoko's wedding anniversary. A very auspicious day. Congratulations are always in order and welcome on March 20th.

As many of you know, I'm heading back to the home of the Beatles in May to represent! Bringing the sunshine funk back to the UK. I'll be playing three shows during Memorial Day weekend (or Bank Holiday, as the Brits say). First stop will be Wednesday the 21st at Maidstone in Kent, playing Sounds @ Zebra. I'll be support for my good friends, the Foxes. Tickets are on-sale now! Only £5. Then I'll be hitting Liverpool. Yeah, yeah, yeah. International Pop Overthrow has the audacity to present yours truly on Friday, May 23 & Saturday, May 24. These are my only schedule UK appearances this Spring. So if you want to get your dose of the T.A.L.E.N.T. make your plans now to be there.

Here's how the line up shakes out in an easy to read manner.
The Norman Invasion 2008:
8 PM, Wednesday May 21 at Sounds @ Zebra; Maidstone, Kent.
8 PM, Friday May 23 at the Cavern Pub; Liverpool.
4:30 PM, Saturday May 24 at the Cavern Club (Main Stage); Liverpool.

That's right, two separate shows in two different venues in Liverpool.

And for you fans here in the States: Please lift up my career in your prayers, there may be several high profile opportunities for me in April. Details to follow, God willing.

Finally. If you need a place to celebrate Easter, drop by Noho FUMC. I'll be singing with the choir and getting my church on at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Plus, I'm reading from the Gospel of John at 10:30 service. But, it's not like you needed me as a reason to get your Easter on.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Reminder: regardless of whether you purchase my CD via iTunes or not, you can still leave a great comment if you are signed up. Every bit helps and I'm not to proud to ask you all to spread the word about my music. Thank you, ever so much!

Peace & Disco Beats

Thank You Falletine It (Be Sly's Birthday)!

noreply@blogger.com (Norman K) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:08:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to Sylvester Stewart. Of course, Sylvester became a musical legend in the late 1960's as Sly Stone fronting the Family Stone. They had a string of era defining hits and made 45s that you could spin for days.

OK, so Sly Stone has become a recluse of J.D. Salinger proportions, but like Salinger, the art endures. Time to put on Sly & The Family Stone's Greatest Hits and remember why. "Everybody Is A Star" may be one of my favorite records of all time. But, it's worth listening to Sly's very positive message in that song and tunes like "Hot Fun In The Summertime" and "Stand!" I like to let my music speak to the listener without any interference from me. But check out "Sucka" & "Roosevelt's Revue" from my new record. They are rump-shaking, high-fiving nods to the man himself. So I'm going to recognize Sly's genius and "Dance To The Music" today!

Remember: all of us are "Everyday People!"

Peace & Disco Beats!