CONCERT REVIEW: Keb' Mo' - 6.7.14 (Guest Post)

KEB’ MO’

The Plaza Live

Orlando, FL - 6.7.14

______________________

Michelle Wilson returns

with another amazing

live concert review. She

could have submitted 
this one to any of a

number of publications,

hence, I'm thrilled and

honored that she gave

me first dibs. Enjoy!

______________________

Once in a while, there comes a show that encompasses everything that’s right in the world of today’s music. Keb’ Mo’ offered such a blessed gift to me on my birthday, so happy birthday to me indeed! Hot on the heels of his first sold-out stance at the intimate, 1000-seat Plaza Live the evening before, this masterful storyteller combined a mix of humorous anecdotes, rich, gritty, soulful vocals and incredible guitar work, offering the nearly sold-out crowd two fluid hours of nonstop folksy, roots rock and blues that left me wanting four more hours of it.

Beginning promptly at 8pm, Keb’ graced the stage in his signature all black ensemble including suit vest and trademark hat. Alternating among acoustic, electric and resonating Dobro slide guitar, Keb’ was accompanied by keyboardist Kevin So, drummer Casey Wasner (who also co-produced Keb’s latest release, Blues Americana, along with Keb’) and multi-instrumentalist, Tom Shinness. An accomplished player in his own right, Shinness deftly enthralled the audience with his skillful artistry on electric guitar, mandolin, cello (which he played with bow and strummed in guitar fashion) and harpguitar. Shinness was captivating as he played this last fascinating instrument, which, as Keb’ explained to us, is a vintage 16 string Gibson made in 1913 and has ten bass strings.

Performing 15 songs and three additional encores spanning eight different records, Keb’ kicked it all off with “Everything I Need” from 1998’s Grammy-winning Slow Down, also performing “Henry” off this album. Keep It Simple, also a Grammy-garnering collection from 2004, was spotlighted with the vocally seductive “Closer,” as well as the humorous “Shave Yo’ Legs” and the cello-featured “France."

Touching upon his newest record, the 2014 release, Blues Americana, the seasoned blues singer delighted the crowd with “Somebody Hurt You” and the honest, poignant “The Old Me Better.” As great as his new material is, I was pleased that he didn’t dedicate the night mainly to that music as some artists are prone to do, but offered a perfect mix of older and newer sounds.

With another beautifully inspired acoustic performance including mandolin accompaniment, Keb’ crooned out “Life Is Beautiful” off 2006’s Suitcase as well as the fun “Rita,” switching to electric guitar on “The Itch” from the same album and featuring Shinness strumming the cello. Still focusing on this album and shifting to Dobro slide and harmonica, Keb’ performed the title cut “Suitcase.”

About halfway through the show, Keb’ kept it going in typical hilarious fashion with “Government Cheese” from 2009’s Live & Mo’. Ever the raconteur, he explained that he wrote it while visiting his sister-in-law in Minneapolis. Apparently, this was the cue for Keb’s wife, Robbie Brooks Moore, to come on stage at the song’s conclusion and “surprise” him with a cake to commemorate his 20-year anniversary in the music business. This was a real show-stopping highlight. I felt honored to be a part of that celebration, and the feel-good moment brought the crowd to its feet in ebullient applause.

It’s difficult to pinpoint favorites from the show since everything was stellar, but here are a few of the pieces that may have stepped it up a notch, if that’s even possible. “Every Morning” from the self-titled record, Keb’ Mo’, the one that got it all started back in 1994 under the “Keb’ Mo’” moniker, showcased incomparable vocals and killer Dobro. “The Whole Enchilada,” a super-fun, energized tune that graces the Grammy-nominated “The Reflection” from 2011 and the uber-bluesy, jazz-infused “Dangerous Mood” off Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Keb’ Mo' also had the crowd reeled in.

But it was the three encores, and in particular, the last song of the night, that finished this show off in highest form. All three hailed from the first record, including “Angelina,” “She Just Wants to Dance” and finally, an absolutely off the chain version of “City Boy” with gorgeous vocals and doleful, haunting cello that sent chills up my spine and left an otherwise interactive audience enraptured and soundless.

Admittedly, this was my first Keb’ Mo’ live experience. I know for certain that it will not be my last. Witty, talented, engaging, and all-around entertaining, this event was phenomenal from beginning to end. If you have the opportunity and Keb’ Mo’ is playing a venue in your area, GO! You will not be disappointed.

Look for my review of Blues Americana in the coming weeks at www.ink19.com.

 -Michelle Wilson
(June 2014)

_____________________________

BE MY "GUEST"

Do you have something to say, something to get off your chest or an amazing story to share? From pop culture views and reviews to political commentary to messages of faith, my blog is a great platform for writers to showcase their work. There are very limited criteria for submitting a post. Your views don't even have to be in line with mine — just create and contribute a compelling, well-written story. Interested? Send me and email.

-Chris

AuthorChristopherLong@yahoo.com

_____________________________

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THE DREAM POLICE (PART. III): Hotline to Heaven

'Cause they're

waiting for me,
 looking for me.
Every single night,
they're driving

me insane.
Those men in-

side my brain.
-Rick Nielsen

________________________________________________________________________

As the lyrics of this 1979 Cheap Trick classic suggest, I'm visited — often tormented at night by "those men inside my brain." Fortunately, I'm not always placed in starring roles of nightmares — running for my life from a host of villains, monsters and Liberals. Occasionally these cinematic-type sleeptime stories are quite wonderful. My mother often visits me from Heaven to offer words of advice and guidance. And after 35 years, Pat Benatar also continues to be a frequent co-star.

I never quite know what to make of these horrifying, mysterious and (often) downright ridiculous nocturnal visions. But typically, I can recall them all in vivid, living color. As a result, I find sharing details of my dreams with others to be cathartic for me, and apparently entertaining for others. Simply put, I can't make this stuff up, folks. 

In this mini-series, I've recounted three of my wildest, yet strikingly different recent visions. This one is perhaps the most profound. Enjoy!

Hotline to Heaven  

Sometimes, Google is
like a box of chocolates.

I'm a writer. How ya doin'? I live online — 18/7. And through developing various fiction and non-fiction books, short stories and entertainment reviews, I'm in constant research mode. Hence, my life often seems like one long, never-ending Google search. So, it makes perfect sense that I was sitting (as always) at the desk located in my home office when this dream opened. I apparently was working on some sort of faith-based feature and I had typed the word "Heaven" into the ol' Google search. But rather than the link to a related Wiki page, movie listing, book review or ministry website, the first item to pop up on my computer screen was a toll-free phone number — the "Heaven Hotline." Hmm, intriguing. I couldn't resist dialing the number, and in short order, a friendly guy with a familiar-sounding voice answered. "Thanks for calling Heaven. This is Greg. How can I help you?"

Greg had been one of my dearest friends for more than 25 years — I would have recognized his voice anywhere. We came from the same small town and we were almost exactly the same age. We'd both gotten married at nearly the same time back in 1985 and we both had raised teenaged kids. Greg and I knew the same people, we hung out at the same places and we shared the same passion for rock and roll. In fact, with the exception of his crappy taste in NFL teams, I can't recall  anything that we didn't have in common.

I've never actually been kicked in the ribs by an angry mule. But I can't imagine that it would be any more painful than what I experienced when I received a call during the spring of 2012, apprising me that Greg had died suddenly the night before from a massive heart attack. It remains a shock and loss that I've yet to get over. However, two years later, Greg now was revisiting me in this dream. My knee-jerk reaction was a bit awkward.

"Dude, you're answering the phone — in Heaven?"

"Well, yeah," Greg replied with a certain sense of "DUH!" "Where else would I be?"

"Uh, right. Of course," I quickly began to backpedal. "I mean, you're answering the phone in Heaven."

"Sure. It's a busy day, and it's my turn to man the switchboard." DUH!

"So what's it like?" I had to ask.

"Dude, it's amazing," he shot back, with rapid-fire reflexes. "It's everything you've heard about — and better. Just wait 'til you get here!"

"Ah, so you already know that I'm coming?" I had to ask that one too.

"Well, yeah. The Book of Life is sitting right here on the table — I'm looking straight at your name. Heck, I know everybody who's coming."

Then, for some random reason, I felt compelled to ask Greg about our friend, "Terrence," who I had bumped into recently at a club — a guy who seemed to be dealing with some "stuff."

"Yep," Greg confirmed instantly, and with tremendous joy. "Terrence IS gonna be here!"

I was relieved. But then our conversation took on a more serious tone.

"Listen," Greg chimed in — his voice now suddenly became uncharacteristically soft and calm. "You might be surprised by who's here and who's not here."

The insights continued.

"A lot of people — a lot of our friends are listening to, and believing, a lot of bogus nonsense about Heaven — that it's no big deal or that everybody's gonna just walk right in. Trust me, it's more amazing than you can imagine. But be sure, there's only ONE All-Access stage pass, and that's Jesus Christ. It's as simple and true as John 3:16."

"You're preaching to the choir, man," I assured my friend.

"I know that you know," Greg clarified. "I'm just begging you — please get that word out to everyone else. We can always add more names to 'the book.' Hey, it's been great talking to you, but like I said, it's busy here today and I need to get jammin'. See ya soon!"

"Uh, right. Thanks, Greg. Nice talking to..." CLICK.

Like I said, I can't make this stuff up.

-Christopher Long

(June 2014)

____________________________________________________________

THE DREAM POLICE SERIES:

Part I - Sixx, Sixx, Sixx

Part II - The "Little Guy" Daze

Part III - Hotline to Heaven

 ____________________________________________________________

The latest from author Christopher Long

- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -

is available NOW on Amazon.

Also from Christopher Long...

Get it on Amazon.

Read More

THE DREAM POLICE (PART II): The "Little Guy" Daze

'Cause they're

waiting for me,
 looking for me.
Every single night,
they're driving

me insane.
Those men in-

side my brain.

-Rick Nielsen

________________________________________________________________________

As the lyrics of this 1979 Cheap Trick classic suggest, I'm visited — often tormented at night by "those men inside my brain." Fortunately, I'm not always placed in starring roles of nightmares — running for my life from a host of villains, monsters and Liberals. Occasionally these cinematic-type sleeptime stories are quite wonderful. My mother often visits me from Heaven to offer words of advice and guidance. And after 35 years, Pat Benatar also continues to be a frequent co-star.

I never quite know what to make of these horrifying, mysterious and (often) downright ridiculous nocturnal visions. But typically, I can recall them in vivid, living color. As a result, I find sharing details of my dreams with others to be cathartic for me, and apparently entertaining for others. Simply put, I can't make this stuff up, folks. 

In this mini-series I will recount three of my wildest, yet strikingly different recent visions. In today's  second installment, I'll reveal the intimate details of a dream to which I think most parents with grown children can relate. Enjoy!

The "Little Guy" Daze  

Jesse at age 12 in 2006.
(Photo: Kevin Roberts)

Through my books, blog posts and other stories, I've written extensively over the years about the close relationship that I've enjoyed with my son.

At age 20, 2013 was the year in which Jesse finally left the nest — moving a million miles away from the warm Florida beaches to the frigid Colorado mountains. And as my only child, his relocation has proven to be a difficult adjustment for me — despite our almost daily phone conversations.

Jesse appeared to me just last week in a dream  that has played out in my mind repeatedly over the last several days. In  the dream, I was my current age — 51. But Jesse appeared as he was at age 12, during the summer of 2006.

It was a beautiful day outside, however, for some reason we were inside, sitting and talking in one of the venues located on my church's property in Merritt Island, FL. With all of the wide-eyed enthusiasm of a typical 12-year-old boy, Jesse began describing to me in great detail many of the amazing places he'd been and the cool things he'd experienced that summer while traveling cross-country with his grandpa in his RV.

Jesse (on the drums) during his high school days in 2010.
(Photo: Kevin Roberts)

Incidentally, the summer of 2006 was when I was away from home, on tour with a famous arena rock band — the summer when I was almost completely unavailable to him — the summer that I missed and can never get back.

After sharing several lively accounts,  Jesse and I  began goofing around. "I bet you can't catch me, Dad," he shouted as he ran through the church building — his excited young voice ricocheting off the cold terrazzo floors. And he was right. As a 50-pluser, I no longer could "catch" my young son like I once could — in the summer of 2006.

I thought that those days would last forever — those innocent and wonderful "little guy" days. But in a flash, they were over.

Jesse at 21 in 2014. Living his life in Colorado.

My house now has become quiet these days. There's no more slamming doors, blasting TVs or passionate pleas for us to go outside and play football together.

I don't think that this dream requires a licensed therapist to analyze. Clearly, coming to grips with my son growing up and moving on with his life con- tinues to be difficult for me. And the loss of those precious days that I so carelessly frittered away remains a  heartbreaking memory.

But despite making my fair share of parenting mistakes along the way, overall, I think that I was a pretty good dad to my son — especially con- sidering what a total screw-up I'd been for most of my life. And in hindsight, that should probably be a primary focus.

I want to conclude this tale by offering a valuable piece of personal advice to younger parents — don't take a day of your children's lives for granted. Each one is precious and fleeting. There's nothing that I wouldn't give now to recapture and experience just one last "little guy" day with my son — enjoy yours while you still can.

-Christopher Long

(June 2014)

____________________________________________________________

THE DREAM POLICE SERIES

Part I - Sixx, Sixx, Sixx

Part II - The "Little Guy" Daze

Part III - Hotline to Heaven

 ____________________________________________________________

The latest from author Christopher Long

- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -

is available NOW on Amazon.

Also from Christopher Long...

Get it on Amazon.

Read More

THE DREAM POLICE (PART I): Sixx, Sixx, Sixx

'Cause they're

waiting for me,
 looking for me.
Every single night,
they're driving

me insane.
Those men in-

side my brain.
-Rick Nielsen

________________________________________________________________________

As the lyrics of this 1979 Cheap Trick classic suggest, I'm visited — often tormented at night by "those men inside my brain." Fortunately, I'm not always placed in starring roles of nightmares — running for my life from a host of villains, monsters and Liberals. Occasionally these cinematic-type sleeptime stories are quite wonderful. My mother often visits me from Heaven to offer words of advice and guidance. And after 35 years, Pat Benatar also continues to be a frequent co-star.

I never quite know what to make of these horrifying, mysterious and (often) downright ridiculous nocturnal visions. But typically, I can recall them in vivid, living color. As a result, I find sharing details of my dreams with others to be cathartic for me, and apparently entertaining for others. Simply put, I can't make this stuff up, folks. 

In this mini-series I will recount three of my wildest, yet strikingly different recent visions. DISCLAIMER: Today's first installment can get a bit sketchy. Hence, I've done by best to sanitize the story for our protection. Enjoy!

Sixx, Sixx, Sixx

"You've been under a lot of stress lately, Chris. Those writing deadlines sure can be overwhelming. So, I just thought that I'd stop by and help you get a little better organized around here."

At first, I couldn't imagine why Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx had popped up in my dream. I was further perplexed by why he was so interested in helping me tidy up my office, or why he was so eager for me to take a sip from the bottle that he removed from inside his floor-length, black leather trench coat.

"Here, take a drink of this," he urged thoughtfully, handing me a plastic container of Dasani. "You look really parched."

"Uh, yeah, I am. Gee thanks, Nikki Sixx," I replied unsuspectingly. Wow, what a nice guy!

I took a huge gulp of the room-temperature water, and in short order, I began feeling woozie — kinda like that time at the Blue Öyster Cult concert back in '81 — but this time, I hadn't smoked any laced dope. Then things started to get weird.

The next thing I knew, a voluptuous brunette walked into my house. What the heck? In my real life world, I was quite familiar with "Trista" and her husband, "Preston," from the local nightclub scene. They'd been two of my favorite people for some time, but why was she now suddenly here, at my house, and dressed in such a provocative manner.

BAM! We instantly were transported to the privacy of a back room in my house where Trista began immediately attempting to engage me in rather "inappropriate" dialogue. I was looped, to be sure. But I was still in enough control of my faculties to realize that I was being duped — set up for some unknown reason by an arena rock kingpin and the wife of a close friend. Then, it got really weird.

As I stood there, explaining with great passion why I couldn't and wouldn't accept her seductive proposition, Preston came crashing through the door — with a loaded gun pointed straight at my head!

Apparently, while I'd been in the back of my house, spelling out my honorable intentions, Nikki Sixx was still trolling about in my office — texting Trista's jealous husband. "You better get over here quick," he messaged Preston. "There's some sketchy stuff going down at Chris Long's house — and you're NOT gonna like it!"

How on earth could Nikki Sixx be
involved in plotting my murder?
(He seems like such a good guy.)

Clearly, Nikki and Trista were in cahoots — co-conspirators in plotting my murder. They wanted me dead, yet they went to great lengths to ensure that they didn't get any of my blood on their hands. But why? Had I unknowingly com- mitted some grüesome offense — one for which I had to pay the ultimate penalty, and poor ol' Preston was simply the most logical fall guy? Or, had the hair band heartthrob secretly become involved romantically with the nightclub cutie and Preston needed to be removed from the equation — with me playing the pawn?

Unfortunately, we'll never know. Before I could offer the clichéd "it's not what you think" defense, Preston pulled the trigger on his nickel-plated revolver — and as the blast from the gun went off in my head, I awoke instantly, in cold sweat.

Like I said, I can't make this stuff up!

-Christopher Long

(June 2014)

____________________________________________________________

THE DREAM POLICE SERIES

Part I - Sixx, Sixx, Sixx

Part II - The "Little Guy" Daze

Part III - Hotline to Heaven

 ____________________________________________________________

The latest from author Christopher Long

- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -

is available NOW on Amazon.

Also from Christopher Long...

Get it on Amazon.

Read More

MOVIE REVIEW: Maleficent (Guest Post)

MOVIE REVIEW:

Maleficent

(Guest Post)

  

13-year-old Casey

Wilson kicks off

the summer movie

season with her

latest "guest post."

Hmm, I'm intrigued!

___________________________

 

What better way is there to start summer vacation than a trip to the movies to see Disney’s Maleficent on opening day? Well, that’s just what I did, and here is my review.

The story is loosely based on the popular fairytale Sleeping Beauty, and stars Angelina Jolie (you might know of her) as Maleficent. Other actors in the film include Elle Fanning as Aurora, Brenton Thwaites as Prince Philip, Sharlto Copley as King Stefan, Sam Riley as Diaval and an appearance by Jolie’s own daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, as the young Aurora.

The cast of Maleficent.

I thought that the movie was amazing, putting a great twist on the original story and delivering the message that true love comes in many different forms. This is far different from the traditional true love stories by Disney.

I loved Angelina’s outfit in the flick. She said in an interview that she loved the horns, and that she wishes she could wear them all the time because they’re so fabulous. However, Vivienne thought quite the contrary. Jolie’s daughter was afraid of her mother in the costume, making it difficult to film the scene where they interact.

There is a little something for everyone packed into this 1 hour, 37 minute gem directed by Robert Stromberg. Action, intrigue, fantasy, adventure and sharp wit all combine to make this a truly enjoyable visual experience for kids of all ages. I give it Five Stars and completely recommend that you see it soon!

-Casey Wilson
(June 2014)

__________________________________________________________

BECOME A GUEST BLOGGER!

Do you have something to say, something to get off your chest or an amazing story to share? From pop culture views and reviews to political commentary to messages of faith, my blog is a great platform for writers to showcase their work. There are very limited criteria for submitting a post. Your views don't even have to be in line with mine — just create and contribute a compelling, well-written story. Interested? Send me and email.

-Chris

AuthorChristopherLong@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________________

 

Read More