Forgotten Journal

Jools Holland: surely won’t be long before the fourth plinth on Trafalgar Square is occupied with his statue. His vision to enjoy himself, act as a tasteful musical arbiter and share his influences with the general public has now given him a glittering 30 year career. To tie in with the publication of his autobiography, Barefaced Lies & Boogie-Woogie Boasts comes this CD/DVD package of him, his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and the best selections from his well-thumbed Rolodex of stellar chums.

Some of this is fairly standard boogie fare, but there are moments of beauty. Possibly the most unfashionable pairing of all time, Holland and the Stereophonics, deliver a truly beautiful version of Ewan McColl’s “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. The song may indeed be unbreakable, but this version really is something else. Shane MacGowan sounds on the verge of collapse on “Just To Be Home With You”, and long-time collaborator Sam Brown delivers the genuinely warm “Valentine Moon”. Edwin Starr sings a rambunctious “Snowflake Boogie” and Joe Strummer plays himself perfectly on “The Return Of The Blues Cowboy” – to hear them again sounding so relaxed in the freewheeling company is heart-warming.

However, there are some troublespots – Tom Jones’ “Think” and the Orchestra alone blazing through “Tuxedo Junction” are enough to make any reasonable soul feel queasy. If you like him, you’ll love this. If you don’t, go back to Joan As Policewoman. An accompanying DVD of the making of album and a Gilson Lavis (surely the world’s greatest drummer) interview further add to the fun.

Category : Compilation, Entertainment, Jools Holland, Life, Music, Music Artist, Music Legends, New LP, News, Oldies music, Patti LaBelle, Records Sale, Review, Selebs, Singers, Song, Soul Music

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What is it with fans and wanting to get way too close with their idols? And what is it with the artists with wanting to scold their fans in front of thousands? But then again, when you disrespect legendary diva Patti LaBelle, there’s a lot you have to answer for.

Patti did a Faith Hill when she verbally stomped all over a fan who was invited to share the stage with her during her performance. The young man stood very close to Patti which prompted her to move away and the singer jokingly told the Kansas City audience that “He was dancing too close to me!” The fan then retorted with “I think you wanted it more than I did!” Oh no he didn’t!

The audience then roared with laughter but the look on Ms. LaBelle’s face pretty much said for everyone to shut up. Let the verbal bashing begin.

Category : Divas, Entertainment, Music, Music Legends, Patti LaBelle, Performance, Scandal, Singers

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What is with everyone and their mother getting wigs? First was Britney after she went wacko and shaved her head. Then it was Meat Loaf trying to relive his glory days and now, Patti LaBelle.

In Patti LaBelle’s defense though, there’s only one Patti and we all love her regardless of her hair piece. The legendary singer showed off her powerhouse voice on Good Morning America on Friday.

I guess we can overlook her ugly ass hair piece. She looks great with or without it. And she’s a diva. And she’s a legend. And she’s Patti LaBelle! What can you say against that?

Category : Divas, Music, Music Legends, News, Oldies music, Patti LaBelle, Rumor, Soul Music

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