Music Review

John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey at the historic Venetian Room of Fairmont San Francisco

As part of the Bay Area Cabaret series, husband and wife John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey brought their show "Children and Art" from the Cafe Carlyle in NYC to San Francisco. New to their band are pianist Konrad Paszkudzki and drummer Kevin Kanner.  John's younger brother Martin Pizzarelli remains on bass.

The darling couple of the cabaret world, John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey banter so playfully you feel as though they're hosting you at an intimate cocktail party in their home. Their personal chemistry certainly shines through. Musically, they're an interesting pair. Mr. Pizzarelli is a jazz guitarist following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Bucky Pizzarelli. He often scats along with his guitar, blending the tones so perfectly, it leaves you wondering where the guitar ends and the voice begins. He croons his ballads in a way that reminds me a bit of Chet Baker. Ms. Molaskey, on the other hand, comes to us from Broadway and it's clear that is where her strengths lie. She sings out her tunes with the controlled precision of a leading lady. Here's where the pairing gets interesting. I get the feeling when it comes to jazz Ms. Molaskey is like a wife rooting for her husband's favorite football team instead of her own. (Sorry for the football analogy. The show was during the 49ers championship game.)  A clear example of this is their interpretation of "I only have eyes for you" (sung by Mr. Pizzarelli) arranged into the Cy Coleman-Carolyn Leigh classic "It Amazes Me" (sung by Ms. Molaskey.) His half of the piece is swinging jazz. Her half is Broadway Ballad. It works. It's just an interesting pairing. Listen for yourself:



Mr. Pizzarelli's rapid fire guitar playing on "Cloudburst/(I'm Not) Getting Married Today" had me worried that Ms. Molaskey wouldn't be able to get out all the very funny lyrics. Silly me. She kept up beautifully. Although, I'll admit I wish he hadn't rushed the tune so much:



My wish for their next show would be for Mr. Pizzarelli to sit out for just a tune or two and have his wife perform with just piano, bass, and drums. Speaking of drums...Kevin Kanner deserves special mention. He's quite a young talent!

How I Spent My Winter VACATION

I took my kid to The Fillmore in San Francisco to see The GoGo's!

Free Apples. A Fillmore Tradition.

Beauty and The Beat came out in 1981 when I was 11 years old. 

In 1978 they were just a bunch of girls that formed a band. But back then there weren't any all-female groups that wrote all their own songs and played all their own instruments that made it onto the Billboard 200 chart. There was no puppet master behind the stage pulling their strings, telling them how to look and what to sing. They were born of the LA punk scene. As their bio says, "How could anyone who loves real music not love The Go-Go’s? They melded the timeless songcraft of The Beatles, a defiant punk attitude, the blitzkrieg bombast of The Ramones, the deceptively dangerous allure of Blondie, the distinct personalities of The Monkees, 60s garage-band grit, good-girl wall-of-sound schmaltz, and a touch of 70s glam, all while creating a canon of work that deftly defined the spirited 80s sound. Even more astonishing is the fact that they merged all of those grand influences into streamlined MTV stardom — without sounding overtly dated. Quite a feat, but then The Go-Go’s are quite a band."

Three decades later The GoGo's still Got The Beat. 

Their sound hasn't changed a bit. They played one crowd pleaser after another.  Each member of the band addressed the audience. Gina Schock even came out from behind her drums to say hi! 

The song "Mad About You" was one of a few songs that were being considered to be on the fourth (unrecorded) Go-Go's album. When The Go-Go's split up, "Mad About You" wound up on Belinda Carlisle's debut solo album, Belinda instead. But...we got to hear them play it live.


 

In a review of Beauty and The Beat for the non-profit organization Common Sense Media Blair Jackson states:

"the Go-Go's' music has a light power-pop quality" 

and

"the content is downright innocent when compared to current pop music."

So, I felt pretty good exposing my 13 year old to the show. She's not exactly new to seeing live music. We've taken her to the The Bridge School Benefit Concert, The San Francisco Symphony, Yoshi's Jazz Club, and ton's of Broadway shows. If the venue is all ages she comes with us! 

And that's how I spent my winter VACATION...

New Romance Audiobook Release!

Beyond Control (Beyond Love Series #1)

ro·mance
rōˈmans,ˈrōˌmans/

noun

1. 1.

   a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.

   "in search of romance"

Karice Bolton got it right! Beyond Control (Beyond Love Series #1) is an artistically crafted romance. You can check out the fantastic reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I loved producing the audiobook version of the story.

Have a listen:

Publisher's Summary

Gabby Sullivan learns in college that some things are impossible to control, and whenever life has spun out of control bad things seem to happen. She promises herself that she'll stay a safe distance from the top three culprits: Sex, Love, Relationships. 

But some things are beyond control…Gabby handles her mom's death and brother's sudden abandonment just about as well as anyone could at the age of twelve. Left feeling alone, she finishes high school, developing a bit of a wild streak, and lives like there's no tomorrow. That is until an illness stops her in her tracks. Learning to control life around her becomes her comfort. With a visible scar that reminds her and the world that she beat the odds, it's impossible for her to put everything behind her, no matter how hard she tries.

The moment she sees Jason, she knows her life will never be the same. But she doesn't know why. He's everything she said she never wanted. He's cocky, arrogant, and infuriating. With his dazzling amber eyes, dark hair and chiseled features she can hardly remember where she's going, let alone where she's been and maybe that's a good thing. She begins to let him show her what life could be, if she really lived it.

Neither wants their past to define their future, but sometimes destiny has something else in store. It's only as their love grows and secrets are revealed that they realize a devastating connection from their past might actually tear them apart.


©2013 Karice Bolton (P)2013 Karice Bolton

Want to hear a little more?

Now Available at Audible.com



Let me know what you think!

Contest Results and An Interview with Author R. Barri Flowers

Meet best selling author R. Barri Flowers.

But first I want to announce the winners of the audiobook downloads of That Ghoul Ava and The Queen of the Zombies by TW Brown. Congratulations and Enjoy!

Chrizette Bayman
Edward A Taylor

R. Barri Flowers is the bestselling author of teen novels, COUNT DRACULA'S TEENAGE DAUGHTER, TEEN GHOST AT DEAD LAKE, GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY, DANGER IN TIME, and CHRISTMAS WISHES: Laura's Story. His novels can be found in print, eBook, and audio.

The author has also written a number of bestselling teen and young adult related nonfiction books as well, including RUNAWAY KIDS AND TEENAGE PROSTITUTION, KIDS WHO COMMIT ADULT CRIMES, and CHILDREN AND CRIMINALITY.

I had the privilege of producing and narrating the audiobook version of Teen Ghost at Dead Lake, newly released on audible.com, iTunes, and Amazon.com.

From the Publisher:

When sixteen-year-old Paige Preston and her mother relocated to Dead Lake, Michigan, they were unaware that a seventeen-year-old previous resident of their house had killed himself by jumping off a cliff into the lake six months earlier. But was it really suicide? Noah Snyder is a ghost. At least he thinks so. Only he's not sure how he died. He recruits the cute Paige to help him get to the bottom of the mystery so he can move on. Before he died, Noah was the captain of the boys swim team and popular at Dead Lake High School. He had also suffered from depression after losing his father when Noah was just a boy. Paige, who had initially believed she was dealing with an imposter Noah, is stunned to find out that he is a real ghost and that there were more than a few people who may have wanted him dead. Being attracted to a cute teen ghost is no small feat as Paige tries to adjust to life in a new town and help unravel the mystery of his death. In the process, she soon finds herself in danger, as someone wants to keep a deadly secret at all costs...

Have a listen:

Sneaking up on a narrator in the booth is funny!

And because I have a rascally dog that likes to hang out in the studio sometimes.

6 Questions for R. Barri Flowers:

1.  Tell us about your process from having an idea for a book, to writing it, and finally letting someone read it?

Great question! Well, when an idea pops into my head, I usually discuss it with my wife and the pros and cons of proceeding forward with.

Once I decide to write the novel, I then work on developing a full blown plot and creating three dimensional characters. Then comes an outline on the story, subplots, scenes, conflict, and a satisfying conclusion.

I then simply follow through and work steadily till wrapping up project.

Beyond the print and eBook versions, it has become increasingly important to me to have all my books in audio as well, given the greater interest these days in audio fiction with readers using their iPods, tablets, cell phones, and computers to listen to books instead of on CD.

Finding the perfect narrator simply comes down to the audition process and connecting with someone who has the right voice, style, and enthusiasm for the job; while possessing the professionalism to do the job in an efficient manner that meets quality standards for an audio book.

2.  Tell us about an entity that supported your writing outside of family members.

My writing ambitions have long been supported by friends and colleagues. I would say that the support of my professors when in college was the key to my development as a successful writer. They fully encouraged me to follow my dreams and learn from any mistakes along the way.

3. What was the biggest surprise to you when you first heard your work professionally narrated?

Another great question. Perhaps the biggest surprise was being able to put myself in the shoes of a listener instead of the author in being able to totally enjoy the presentation. Indeed, it was such fun for me and my wife as big fans of audio fiction to listen to my own creation. It was like an “audio movie,” using my mind’s eye to visualize the narrated book.

4. Do you think about how your work will sound in audiobook form while you're writing?

Actually, I do. With more than 40 titles in audio, I do tend to imagine the book being narrated as I write it. In many instances, I will envision the words in audio of particular scenes or characters.

5. If you didn't have to worry about licensing rights and you could choose one piece of music as a soundtrack for this book, what would it be? 

That is an interesting question. Hmm... I think it would be great if the soundtrack or transitional music for TEEN GHOST AT DEAD LAKE was Robert Cobert’s music score for the Dark Shadows TV series, a gothic soap opera that was one of my favorite shows.

6. What are you working on now?

I am now wrapping up the sequel to my bestselling young adult vampire novel, COUNT DRACULA’S TEENAGE DAUGHTER, entitled, OUT FOR BLOOD. I am excited about this second book in my Transylvanica High Series that should really please my young adult readers.

I am also looking forward to having the audio version of OUT FOR BLOOD assigned, completed, and put on sale.

Thanks to R. Barri Flowers for stopping by Audiobooks by Pamela!

Follow R. Barri Flowers on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, LibraryThing, and www.rbarriflowers.com. And learn more about the author in Wikipedia.

The Day After Halloween

Happy Day After Halloween!

Last night the girl headed out with 4 of her friends for the annual gathering of the candy ritual. I think the part she likes best is the end of the night when the candy brokerage firm opens up on our dining room table. Let the negotiations begin - "I'll trade you 4 fun size Snickers for that $100,000 Bar! Here's what a gaggle of middle schoolers sound like during the process:




The negotiations lasted for about an hour. Does anybody like Mr. Goodbars??

This year we passed out Giant Pixie Sticks! But now it's time for the Halloween decorations to come down. They've been up since October 1st. Next year, if you find yourself with a group of middle school girls trying to decide what to dress up as for Halloween, I suggest Pigs in Blankets. It's easy, it's cheap, and it's comfortable enough for school. And really, who doesn't secretly want to wrap themselves up in a blanket all day?

Don't forget to enter to win an audiobook download of That Ghoul Ava and The Queen of the Zombies from Audible.com

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An Audiobook Giveaway and Interview with Author TW Brown

Meet Author TW Brown author of The Zomblog Series, DEAD Series and That Ghoul Ava Series.

And don't forget to enter the contest below to win a free audiobook download of That Ghoul Ava and The Queen of the Zombies from Audible.com

Welcome to MY world...

A few minutes with author TW Brown.
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest with my wife Denise, a Border Collie named Aoife (I pronounce it EYE-fa as opposed to the proper Irish EE-fa, just because I think it sounds prettier), a guitar collection, and an increasing number of aquariums sporting a variety of fish (cichlids are my new favorites), I live for football season when I can cheer on the Oregon Ducks and be disappointed by my Seattle Seahawks once again. I am a fan of Cookie Monster, KISS, and Dr. Who (along with most things British).

I had the wonderful opportunity to narrate the voice of Ava in That Ghoul Ava and The Queen of the Zombies. Have a listen:

A few questions I had for TW Brown:

1. Tell us about an entity that supported your writing when you started out.

My biggest support comes from my wife. There have been times when I felt like throwing in the towel, but she always makes me see that I am fortunate to do what I love for a living. She was the one who convinced me to walk away from my day job and take it up full time.

2. How did your fascination with Ghouls, Zombies and other assorted undead come about?

I saw the original Dawn of the Dead when I was 14. A girl two rows ahead of me got sick into her popcorn. Vomiting girl plus zombies multiplied by teenage boy equals hooked. Still, as time went on, I just got so sucked into the whole thing. I was a big fan of horror, and the whole apocalypse thing is fascinating. A giant global reset…what would you do if your entire slate was wiped clean and everybody started from scratch? It is an endless supply of material.

3. What was the biggest surprise to you when you first heard your work professionally narrated?

I was terrified. I was taking the story that I had in my mind and letting somebody else put emphasis on words maybe different that I imagined. Just sticking to Ava since that is our baby, I put on my headphones and just closed my eyes. I heard “her” in all her glory. The wit and sarcasm, the somewhat selfish nature…all there. It was like seeing my son take his first steps or reliving a first kiss. As the writer, you sometimes forget little moments after you write them, but when you hear them…it is absolute magic, and that was how I felt listening to Ava.

4. In your That Ghoul Ava series, who is your intended audience and why should they read or listen to your books?

I will openly admit that I am after the female demographic with Ava. The reality is that women read more than men, and they are smart readers as well as fiercely loyal. Hooking the female audience is my goal. I think that I give them somebody with more “realness” than a Sookie or many of the other female characters that dot the crowded paranormal landscape. She is not some wilting rose or the kind of girl that needs a man to save her, but she still has a certain fragility. Plus, I think women have amazing senses of humor that get overlooked way too often.

5. Tell us about the main character in That Ghoul Ava. How would you describe Ava?

Ava is in her mid to late 30s and is still in love with the 80s era. But she is finding out some things about herself and society as a whole. She is seeing the world for the first time in a lot of ways and discovering that she is much more than she gives herself credit. Also, she is very anti-PC. She speaks her mind, and is learning to trust herself more as she goes along.

6. Can you tell us about any upcoming books/projects you’re working on?

I am hoping for a good run with my That Ghoul Ava series. I just finished the 6^th and final book of my Zomblog series (which comes out October 30^th) and just released book 7 of my DEAD series (DEAD: Reborn). I have about a half dozen projects on the table in the upcoming year, including a bleak story that is about a full scale modern day race war in the United States.

7. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

The best ways are my Amazon Author Page (http://www.amazon.com/TW-Brown/e/B00363NQI6) There is a button you can click that supposedly send you an update from Amazon when my stuff comes out. My Author TW Brown page on Facebook is where I run most of my giveaways (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-TW-Brown/). And last but not least, my blog (http://twbrown.blogspot.com) where I host interviews (like the wonderful voice of my Ava series), review books, films, and television, give away SWAG, as well as toss in sneak peeks at my works in progress.

8. And finally, my daughter wants to be an author of young adult fiction when she grows up. Can you offer her any advice?

Write every single day, but do it because you love it. It is a lot like exercise—the more you do it, the better you become. Read, read, read! No writer can live in a vacuum. You have to see what others do, and study the mechanics like punctuation…English is tricky and has a lot of rules. Also, get a thick skin because, no matter how good you are, there will be people who will not like you. (Read reviews of your favorite authors’ books and see how something you love totally missed the mark for somebody else.) 

Thank you TW Brown for stopping by Audiobooks by Pamela!

His blog can be found at:

twbrown.blogspot.com/
You can contact him at:
twbrown.maydecpub@gmail.com
You can follow him on twitter @maydecpub and on Facebook under Todd Brown, Author TW Brown, and also under May December Publications.

Now for your chance to win an audiobook download of That Ghoul Ava and The Queen of the Zombies...

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Audio Diary Saturday

“There's always a parade, Howie. When it's something you can't ever join but only watch, then it's a parade” 
― Dean Koontz, Darkness Under the Sun


My town loves a parade! What's not to love? Every year the town hosts a Pet Parade. Families bring their pets of all kinds to march up and down Broadway. It's a lovely way to spend a sunny Saturday morning. We would go even if we didn't have a pet. Our 2 cavies were ready and willing participants.

Meet Pepper

The High School Marching Band played:

up the street...

 ...and back again

This fabulous community band played:

Our community orchestra played, too:

Pepper made a new friend.

If you're looking for a good book to read your kids about parades, I found this list on Goodreads.