LISTEN UP!

Hooray For Captain Spaulding!

2009-11-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Animal Crackers / Goodman Theatre

Runs Through November 1st

It’s pretty rare that a stage production can be described as both “brilliant” and “stupid.” Theatre quite often views itself as an intellectual pursuit (or at least it would like to), leaving the silly, ridiculous, and trivial to blockbuster movies. The Goodman’s mounting of the Marx Brother’s classic musical Animal Crackers, though, seems to be going for that idiocy much of today’s theatre is afraid to touch. It succeeds brilliantly. With an intensely committed cast Animal Crackers is remarkably, and refreshingly just that.

A few coincidences also help make Animal Crackers oddly connected to our current world. Now Animal Crackers doesn’t trouble itself with Darwin, biology, or the scientific method; instead, it lambastes the scientific community and high society with a keen sense of farce that could only come from the Marx Brothers. There is a silent The Professor (Molly Brennan in the role created by Harpo), whose subject of study is never revealed, besides his penchant for chasing every woman in the room. Then there is the wise-cracking African explorer Captain Spaulding (Joey Slotnick with Groucho’s signature mustache and cigar), who claims that his retirement would be his greatest contribution to science. Along with the scheming musician Emanuel Ravelli (Jonathan Brody in Chico’s role), the group wrecks havoc among a group of painters, newspaper columnists, debutants, art collectors, and a few lovers. The musical wasn’t produced for over 50 years after the Marx Brothers’ Broadway original and is still a very rare sight for theatre audiences. Animal Crackers still has spirit, even though Groucho died 32 years ago.

The big question I had was if Brennan, Slotnick, and Brody would just be doing a simple imitation or inventing the characters anew. The end result is a hefty portion of both. Harpo, Groucho, and Chico are reproduced on stage, but the performers find plenty of new material within the script. At one point, Spaulding performs (the strange interlude bit), a sarcastic homage to last season’s O’Neill festival. At another point, The Professor whips out a rifle from his coat and shoots wildly at the orchestra and the ceiling, causing several plush ducks to fall onto the stage. Brennan, Slotnick, and Brody never miss a comic beat, and they will not hesitate to chastise the audience if there’s not enough laughter (These are the jokes folks, The Addam’s Family isn’t in town till November”). There are hilarious comic bits with hats, playing cards, tables, stuff shoved into The Professor’s jacket, paintings, ladders, the list goes on and on.

All of the parts are played by nine actors, bringing the madness of the script to another level. There are 32 characters featured in the play so you do the math. The lovers, devious debutants, and other members of high society that are constantly insulted and/or hit on by Brennan, Slotnick, and Brody are all tightly performed. However, the play’s plot, which serves as more of a frame for the Marxs’ antics than a real storyline, becomes a bit tiring by the second act. Shaving the run time down would definitely help the show pop a bit more.

Animal Crackers can be much more than just a device for the original performers. With their spirited vitality, they thoroughly push the musical’s farce, ridiculousness, and, yes it comes highly recommended. "Three cheers for Captain Spaulding."

Honk-Honk!
Brian Pearson
Deacon Grooves Media

Buffett's new Chicago digs provide another great party for his loyal faithful.

2009-05-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2008

Jimmy Buffett’s classic hit, “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” took on a new meaning Saturday evening at Toyota Park. Loyal Parrotheads used to roost in Tinley Park but last years shows presented a very disorganized set of gigs that resulted in parking lot problems and various fan issues. The fairly new Bridgeview soccer stadium served as a perfect host for the two-night stand. I had my doubts at 1st but when I saw Eric Clapton's Guitar Festival the year before I knew Jimmy and his faithful flock would embrace the new digs.

Seeming to sense the shift for the better, the singer-songwriter and his Coral Reefer Band delivered a energized 31 song performance which left fans standing the entire show.

Buffett’s opening rendition of "Why Don't We Get Drunk" set the tone for a night full of surprises. Longtime, and original Coral Reefer band member Greg "Fingers" Taylor was a part of the show with his 6 song appearance with the "Juke Joint duo" as well as performed 3 classic staples with Jimmy, "Fins, Son Of A Sailor & Pirate Looks At 40." Not sure if Fingers is back in the fold but it was a great treat. It was nice to see Buffett and crew add a personal Chicago based tribute to it's rich blues heritage. Doing what he always does best, Jimmy held court before a margarita-sipping throng of aspiring beach bums, the barefooted leader, in a yellow T-shirt and surfer shorts, also played up area culture, dropping names of local landmarks into lyrics and, on “Fruitcakes,” improvising verses to taunt Chicago customs. Fittingly, the perfect summer weather was also on Buffett’s side. The tropical feel of “One Particular Harbour,” the Marley' esque “Jamaica Mistaica” and the caribbean tinged “Miss You So Badly” all evoked images of far-away paradises and corresponded to Jimmy's, always entertaining global adventures.

With each passing summer I ponder how long will he keep doing this. And as every Chicago visit passes he continues to turn it up another notch. He entertained over 60,000 faithful, over 2 shows and this writer is confident he still has a good amount of gas left in the tank.

-Brian Pearson

Graydon & Goodrum ='s a big "JaR" of success!

2008-11-23T18:36:00.001-08:00

Well this continues to be a great year for some very solid records (yeah I still call em' that). Just when I thought you can't touch Lukather or Champlin this year out comes a fantastic new project from session ace's Jay Graydon & Randy Goodrum. The new project has them combining their talents to form a project simply titled "JaR." The recording, titled "Scene 29," is a 11 track gem of top notch musicianship, with crafty songwriting, featuring stellar vocals from both. That is the one thing I always "dug" about the both of them. Always known as great producers, songwriters and session players, Graydon and Goodrum really shine when they are out front. They step out front in a big way on this project. Some are saying it sounds like an homage to Donald & Walter but I think it is 110% Jay & Randy. If anything I think Fagen & Becker might be jealous after listening to this project! All the cuts are great, but "GPS" has to be one of the coolest songs ever written.

Besides the great vocal harmonies, there are so many infectious grooves on this recording that you will need to phone a Dr! Graydon's guitar solo's only get better. He is such a clean and tasty player and Goodrum's keyboard parts are both funky yet layered with a heavy dose of jazz chord structures that are very pleasing to any set of ears.

You really can't put a label on this record, nor would I want to. It is flavored with Pop, Jazz, what they call AOR and even R&B. I call it a superb record by two guys who really deserve high props for what is just a big "JaR" of success. Do yourself a favor and find this record. You can thank me later.

Find it at:

http://www.jarzone.com

Brian Pearson

Deacon Grooves Media

Chicago, IL

Bill Champlin's New Album Hits 9/23

2008-09-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Yep, the baddest blue eyed soul cat on the planet, Mr. Bill Champlin drops his new solo release on us in a digital way, Tuesday, September 23rd via iTunes and Amazon.com. "Funky as a 3 day old band-aid," is nothing more than an understatement when describing this new project. The well-versed Champlin truly is a gift to the music biz and is someone who has always risen above the industry's bland, predictable and repetitive scene.

If you dig soulful singing from the gut, fat B3 grooves, intricate harmonies, arrangements that are off the hook and top rate musicianship it is classic Champlin, and then some. You won't find a more talented guy in the biz (or nicer one for that matter). Do yourself a favor and follow this blog to Bill's website where you will find the motherload of all things Champlin.

http://www.billchamplin.net

As I was needing a Champlin fix over the past few years this was well worth the wait. Look for a special retail CD & DVD package coming soon! Also look for a "feature piece" review once I get the full length project.

Brian Pearson
Deacon Grooves Media

Steve Lukather's "Ever Changing Times"

2008-07-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I was bummed out when it was announced that Toto is no more but if this is what I have to look forward to then this writer is one very happy fan. Anyone who really listens to and appreciates not only great music but top notch musicanship should already know about TOTO's lead guitarist, vocalist and session ace Steve Lukather. His new CD "Ever Changing Times" is about to drop here in the US and all I can say is "buckle up" because you are in for one heck of a ride. There are 11 cuts in all, each of them showing Luke's versatility and overall strength in not only being one of the best players in the biz but also showcasing his already strong vocal talents and songwriting skills. He was the driving force in TOTO for years and with this new solo offering LUKE is really given the green light to do what he does best and that is rock out. Of course he surrounds himself with some pretty bad cats too. Added to the mix is former Toto lead vocalist, Joseph Williams, bassist Lee Sklar, drummer Abe Laboriel Jr and the always soulful Bill Champlin who all lend their talents to this project. From the rockin' title cut to the Donald & Walter inspired "Stab In The Back," this CD will NOT be one you skip from track to track. It is by far the best CD of 2008. Do yourself a favor and check it out and catch Steve on tour this summer in the USA.

One of my fave' video's on YouTube. Luke, meeting one of his guitar heroes. Like a little kid in a candy store..

Find all that info and more at: http://www.stevelukather.net

Brian Pearson
Deacon Grooves Media
Chicago

Journey Is Back !

2008-06-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow marks the day of Journey's return to the music world. Though I was never a huge fan I always appreciated Steve Perry's legendary voice as well as Neal Schon's passion to keep the band going. He had a vision starting his own band while he was a member of Carlos Santana's band in the early 70's. Through many changes, as most bands go through the true magic of this band happened in the late 70's when Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain & Steve Smith joined the band. Millions of records sold, followed by sold out tours and several hit records made this band one of the biggest selling acts in music history. Then came the fall out. As many know Steve Perry announced that he needed hip replacement surgery. Not knowing who to side with the band waited it out for Perry's return yet he never had the surgery. This led to a split as well as Journey continuing on with 2 new lead singers that really never recaptured the true sound of Journey. By doing this their loyal fan base was also split, some siding with the band while the other sided with Perry, waiting for him to return to where he belonged.

Fast forward to 2007 and Neal Schon is surfing the web and comes across this video clip on YouTube.

As you can see and hear, an amazing voice with a remarkable story to go with it. If this story does not move you then there is something wrong with you.

It's such a great story proving to all that you never know what can happen during life's "journey." The new album which is a special 2 CD and DVD package hits all Wal Mart retail locations tomorrow.

I couldn't think of a better title than "Revelation."

BP
Deacon Grooves Media
6.2.2008