Kristy Lee Cook--"Airborne Infantry Ranger"

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)

A few weeks ago, Oregon native, and "American Idol" alumnus, Kristy Lee Cook performed in the Bing Lounge.  As part of that performance, Cook performed her current single, "Airborne Infantry Ranger". 

When I wrote a post about Cook's show, I included video of her singing this song.  Since that time, the video has had more views than any other I've put on YouTube.  I also checked KUPL's video from the same show, and they've had even more views than mine.  

 I know KUPL has been playing this song during it's overnights; however, with so many people viewing, and commenting on the song, maybe "Airborne Infantry Ranger" will start being played in other time slots as well.  It's definitely a song worthy of being a hit.

Kristy Lee Cook @ the Bing Lounge-9-10-12

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)


On Monday, September 10, 2012, Oregon native, Kristy Lee Cook took to the stage of the Bing Lounge; most probably remember Cook from her stint on "American Idol".

Listening to Cook sing, it's clear why she made it onto the show; she's personable, with an excellent voice capable of singing all types of music.  While some may shudder at covering classic country, Cook tackled Patsy Cline's "Crazy"; doing a fabulous job of keeping true to the song, yet making it her own at the same time.

At the end of her short set, Cook told the story behind her current radio single, "Airborne Ranger Infantry", before launching into the song.  It's a beautiful tune, which hopefully will catch on with listeners and become the hit it deserves to be.

If you have a chance to see Kristy Lee Cook in concert, don't hesitate to do so; it will be well worth your time.

(A side note here; some may have noticed that I've posted about a show from September 10th, yet, have posted nothing about "Stars & Guitars", which was September 9th.  No worries, that post will be coming soon.  I'll have a full recap of the days events; from local opener, Ben Rue, to headliner, Craig Morgan, and everything in between.)

Gwen Sebastian @ the Bing Lounge-4-23-12

 
To be totally honest, I don't watch any of the shows like "American Idol" or, "The Voice".  Not because I don't like them; simply because I'd get too caught up in them, especially being on more than once a week. I do keep up on music and the like however, so I have heard of Gwen Sebastian and that she'd been on this season of "The Voice".

Since being eliminated, Gwen has been doing the "radio tour", taking her music to radio stations all over the country.  The evening of April 23, 2012, Gwen's stop was the Bing Lounge in Portland, Oregon, for KUPL listeners. 

While listening to Gwen perform, I kept thinking how her voice reminds me of Kellie Pickler, yet is different and distinct enough to also have her own unique style.

At the same time, watching Gwen, I was reminded of Jennifer Nettles, from Sugarland.  Gwen's passion for her music shines through in every movement and gesture she makes.  You can tell music is part of her soul, and flows through her veins. From ballads, to upbeat tunes, Gwen can do it all, and gives it her all when she does.  I especially like her new single, "Met Him In A Motel Room".

If having a beautiful voice, and great personality weren't enough, Gwen is also a genuinely nice person.  She took time to sign autographs, take pictures AND thank each person for coming to the Bing Lounge to see her.

Gwen Sebastian may have been eliminated from "The Voice", however, I truly believe she has a bright future ahead of her in country music.  If you ever get the chance to see Gwen perform live, do it!

REVIEW--Casey James--"Casey James"

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)

It's been nearly two years since Casey James placed third on the ninth season of American Idol. Since then, James' stalwart fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of his debut CD. The wait ended March 20, 2012.

"Let's Don't Call It A Night", is the first single released from James' self-titled debut. It's been getting a lot of airplay on country radio, even with it's heavy blues influence. It's definitely one of the strongest songs on the CD.

Not to say that there are any weak tunes however, quite the contrary. While some of James' songs may sound similar in some aspects; and don't really stand out from the rest of the tracks, they're still decent and worth listening to.

A couple of stand outs, besides the debut single, are "Workin' On It", and "I Miss Your Fire".

"Workin' On It" is a playful, tongue in cheek song telling about all the things the singer doesn't have, but is working on getting. It's one of the most fun, upbeat tracks of the eleven offered on this CD.

"I Miss Your Fire", goes the opposite direction, with James singing soft, slow, and sultry.

The rest of the CD is a mix of tunes who's style fit somewhere between those two songs.

The best part about the CD is that it let's you hear Casey James' voice, and all the amazing ways he uses it in his songs. Sometimes artists are drowned out by the music; that's not the case this time.

If singing and playing weren't enough, James co-wrote nine of the eleven tracks, and also had a hand in co-producing one or two.

If you're looking for hardcore, down home country, you may be disappointed with Casey James' offering. However, if you like your country mixed with blues, and touches of various other genres, you're sure to find something you like on this CD. It's definitely a WINNER.

Review--Scotty McCreery--"Clear As Day"

Eighteen year-old Scotty McCreery is best known as the latest winner on "American Idol". Fans also know he has a voice that belies his age.

Throughout his time on "American Idol", McCreery did songs by country artists, most notably Josh Turner. McCreery did Turner's "Your Man", sounding almost exactly like Turner.

"Clear As Day", McCreery's first CD since winning Idol, has several good songs on it, including the Keith Urban song, "Walk In The Country".

Another standout is "Old King James", the story of a bible that had been carried everywhere by a man; then passed on to his family when he died.

"Dirty Dishes" has a mother saying a prayer about noisy kids, dirty dishes, etc., and being thankful for them.

On songs like these, McCreery truly shines; other tracks though are a bit lackluster in comparison. For instance, the two songs released to radio, "Love You This Big" and "The Trouble With Girls" are both a little too "kiddish". Granted, McCreery *is* a kid at eighteen, however, these songs just seem to be aimed directly at 'tweens and teenage girls.

Having been the winner of "American Idol", it would seem that McCreery would already have a large fan base, of all ages; so why not release some of the better songs from "Clear As Day"?

Scotty McCreery has proven he has what it takes to be a star, and except for a glitch or two song wise, "Clear As Day" showcases his talents very well.

KUPL Holiday Shows

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)


This Saturday, (October 29, 2011), KUPL is hosting it's 3rd Annual KUPL Boo Cruise on the Portland Spirit. The event includes a costume contest, (with the winner receiving an iPad2), food and music.

This year's music will be provided by "American Idol" finalist, Danny Gokey, Kip Moore and new artists, The Farm.

Think this show is a big one? Wait until the Christmas HOLIDAY season!

This year's "2011 KUPL Safeway Honky-Tonk Ho-Ho-Down" will be Friday, December 9, 2011 at the Roseland Theater.
Sunny Sweeney and Steel Magnolia will open for headliners, Montgomery Gentry.

Montgomery Gentry alone is worth the price of a ticket, which is $25 for general admission, and $40 for reserved seating. Throw in the other two acts, and you've definitely got a show worth seeing!

Tickets go on sale, Saturday, October 29, 2011 at all Safeway TicketsWest outlets, and at www.ticketswest.com.

Kellie Pickler @ the Bing Lounge-September 26, 2011

Of all the contestants who've gone on to have musical careers after their time on American Idol, Kellie Pickler is my favorite.

It's not just her singing I like, I think she's a cool, down to earth person who doesn't put on airs; what you see with her is what you get.

At the Bing Lounge September 26th, my thoughts were confirmed. Not only does Kellie have a beautiful voice, she's very personable and will say whatever's on her mind.

Kellie started her set with one of my favorite songs of hers, "Rocks Instead of Rice". She said it was written about an ex-boyfriend of hers.


During the interview segment, Scott Simon and Jolynn Winter, from "Simon in the Morning", asked Kellie several questions and she answered all of them honestly and in detail. The audience was then asked if they had any questions for Kellie. At first not too many people asked anything; so Kellie sang some more and would then ask if the crowd had any questions.

As it turned out, several people asked questions between songs, and Kellie answered every one of them. Because of this, the show ran longer than they usually do at the Bing Lounge, though no one was complaining about that!

At one point, the usual "artist challenge" was put out. For Kellie, it was for her to sing her favorite Loretta Lynn song. Kellie accepted the challenge, doing an awesome job on Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)".


Though I was disappointed that Kellie didn't sing "Best Day of Your Life", or "Didn't I", she did do "Red High Heels" and "I Wonder"; both of which I like also.

Kellie ended her performance that evening with her current single, "Tough", from her upcoming album.


After the show attendees were given the opportunity to get Kellie's autograph and have their photo taken with her.

If I hadn't already liked Kellie Pickler before September 26th, I know I would have come away from the show a new fan. As it is, I've gained even more respect and admiration for her since then.

Casey James @ the Bing Lounge-9-14-11

Just before Casey James performed, TicTak brought out a young man, Ben Rue, who’s a singer from Silverton, Oregon. Ben did a few songs for the audience that night, and let me tell you, the guy definitely has a future in music! Not only does Ben write songs, he has a great voice, and stage presence to back that writing up. I really think he’ll go a long way in the business.

Here's a photo of Ben with Casey James that night.

It was then time to bring Casey James onstage.

To be totally honest, I had no idea who Casey James was before seeing him in the Bing Lounge. Yes, I knew he was from “American Idol”, only because I read that part somewhere; otherwise, not a clue.

What I heard that evening was a young man with a beautiful voice, who’s heavily influenced by the blues. Just watching him play, you could tell he’s passionate about what he does.


Unfortunately, Casey’s voice was often drowned out that evening by the music. While the music was excellent, it just seemed too loud to be able to hear Casey sing. The times when the music was quieter though, his voice definitely shined through.


During the interview period of the show, Casey was asked to describe his type of music. He told the audience it’s a cross of blues, country, and rock. On the spot a new word was created for Casey’s music, “bluetree”, combining blues and country.

Over all, Casey James’ performance was good; I just wish I could have heard more of his voice shine through.