THE MUSIC LOUNGE PODCAST

Happy summer. So......I'll be 50 on July 17th. LET'S CELEBRATE!!! This episode is all about my original music. I've been composing since I was 16 years old. It was difficult to choose which pieces to feature, but I've chosen both vocal and instrumental pieces that I think represent what I'm all about. I grew up loving jazz piano and listening to Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. I also have been influenced by Pat Metheny, Toto, The Beatles, Billy Joel, and even Ludacris. I'm all over the place, but this is what makes me a well rounded musician. 

At the young age of 4 years old, I started to pick out songs on the piano. I haven't stopped ever since. I was doing gigs before I could drive. My dad would drive me to the gig, wait and take me home. I finished 1st in the New Jersey All State jazz piano competition in 1988. I was privileged to study jazz piano at Manhattan School of Music with world-renowned jazz pianists Harold Danko and Gary Dial. I have performed with such headliners as Natalie Cole, Jimmy Buffet, and John Scofield. I am currently the music director for South Florida’s Heatwave Band. My first CD “Ready Steady Go” was released in 2007 to rave reviews. It's still available. Just send me an email at yhyman@comcast.net

So join me in the milestone birthday. Send me a email. Follow me on Instagram. I hope to hear from all of you. 

It’s JAZZ FUSION WEEK!! Jazz fusion is a music genre that developed in the late 1960's when musicians combined jazz harmony and improvisation with rock music, funk, and rhythm and blues. Electric guitars, amplifiers, and keyboards that were popular in rock and roll started to be used by jazz musicians, particularly those who had grown up listening to rock and roll.

Jazz fusion arrangements vary in complexity. Some employ groove-based vamps fixed to a single key or a single chord with a simple, repeated melody. Others use elaborate chord progressions, unconventional time signatures, or melodies with counter-melodies. These arrangements, whether simple or complex, typically include improvised sections that can vary in length, much like in other forms of jazz.

As with acoustic jazz, jazz fusion also employs brass and woodwind instruments such as trumpet and saxophone, but other instruments often substitute for these. A jazz fusion band is less likely to use an acoustic piano and double bass, and more likely to use electric guitar, synthesizers, and bass guitar.

Here is the music we’ll be exploring in this episode. I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO ANY OF THIS MUSIC. 

Freight Train Shuffle – The Players

Trains – Steps Ahead

Tutu – Miles Davis

Dr. Hee – Tribal Tech feat. Scott Henderson

Tower of Inspiration – Dave Weckl

Growing – John Patitucci

Some Skunk Funk – Brecker Brothers

Minuano (Six Eight)" – The Pat Metheny Group

It's summertime. Let's get out on the ocean and sail away with some Yacht Rock. Yacht Rock (originally known as the West Coast sound) is a broad music style and aesthetic commonly associated with soft rock, which was one of the most commercially successful genres from the mid-1970s to early 1980s. #yachtrock

I love this music! It's the perfect soundtrack for putting your feet up and enjoying a perfect day out on the sea on a boat. It has elements of rock, jazz, classical, and the harmonies are rich and smooth. 

Here's what songs and artists we'll be checking out in this episode. You can click on their names to learn more about them. 

What a Fool Believes - Michael McDonald

Peg - Steely Dan

This is it - Kenny Loggins

Steal Away - Robbie Dupree

Biggest Part of Me - Ambrosia

Brandy (You're a fine girl) - Looking Glass

This week is the Season 1 finale. My guest is Tom Politzer. Tom is the lead tenor saxophone player for the funkiest band around TOWER OF POWER. Their website is https://towerofpower.com/

Tower just celebrated 50 years as a band and just released an incredible live album 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater

This album captures Tower of Power’s storied career with two no-holds-barred victory lap concerts in Oakland, CA on June 1 & 2, 2018, performing their full spectrum of life-affirming funk and soul hits.

This historic concert includes special guests Chester Thompson, Lenny Pickett, Francis ‘Rocco’ Prestia, Bruce Conte and Ray Greene.

Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan the home of Motown and was raise in Palo Alto, Calif.

His parents were opera lovers, so he grew up with a strong background in classical music.

He took up the clarinet when he was ten and became very proficient playing in the school bands and with local youth orchestras.

Half-way through his junior year in high school, the Jazz Band needed someone to fill the baritone sax chair. He was skeptical, but playing Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and especially “Squib Cakes” by Tower of Power convinced him. Had he not made the switch; he probably would have not become the professional musician he is today.

Tom has been a member to Tower of Power for 20 years now. He is part of a fraternity of amazing lead tenor players. Lenny Pickett, Marc Russo, Richard Elliot, Brandon Fields, and Davin Mann to name a few. The lead tenor chair in Tower is one of prestige and honor and Tom has filled that chair with his amazing sound and the hippest licks on every song.

The leader of Tower of Power Emilio Castillo, was instantly impressed with Tom and his professionalism and if you watch their shows, he glows with pride every time Tom plays a solo. 

We're going country in this episode. My guest this week is singer songwriter Samantha Leigh Click her name to go to her website.

With her bluesy-rock vocals and sexy, funky style, Samantha Leigh is a musical force to be reckoned with. Originally from the home of rock and roll, Cleveland, Ohio, Samantha grew up with a heavy rock and country influence.

Her latest single "90 years" is a tribute to her grandmother who is one of the biggest influences in her life.

Her 2019 EP Perfect Ground has a high energy collection of amazing songs that featured the hit singles "Too Scared" and "Devil in Red Shoes"

She made her debut stage appearance at the age of 3 singing "Crazy" by Patsy Cline with her mother's country band Buckshot. From then on, singing continued to be her passion. She entered vocal competitions and talent shows and in 2004, won first place in her city's Tri-School Idol.

Since her move to Tampa, Florida in 2005, Samantha has hit the ground running, expanding her singing career in the Sunshine State. She has been lucky enough to make performing her full time job, working with numerous corporate bands and in shows all over the country. In 2007, Samantha was hand picked to compete in "Hollywood's Best New Talent" in Los Angeles, California where she placed top 10 in both country and contemporary categories.

​Within the last 10 years, Samantha has had the privilege of singing in bands who shared the stage with artists such as Andy Grammar, Josh Turner, REO Speedwagon, Kenny Loggins, Rick Springfield and Brandie Carlile, Paul McCartney, Jonathan Cain of Journey, and sang back up for artists such as Mary J Blige and Josh Groban.

Samantha continues to pursue her goals of becoming a successful artist and is constantly looking for new ways to showcase her talents. With catchy melodies, strong lyrics and a powerhouse voice, you will not be able to resist singing along and joining the rest of us as fans of Samantha Leigh.

My guest this week is singer songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Amanda Gunnels. Her website is https://www.mydearwendy.com/

Born and raised in an Atlanta suburb, Amanda always had a passion for music. She began taking classical piano lessons in elementary school, and quickly evolved into a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter by the end of high school. Though piano is still her main instrument, Amanda is proficient on bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, and vocals.

After moving to Los Angeles and attending Musician's Institute, Amanda decided to upgrade her music and create My Dear Wendy, a songwriting project that continues to be the focus of her musical career. Her latest album, THE APPLE FALLS FAR PART 1, is available on Spotify, Apple Music. Amazon Music, and all other streaming platforms

In 2018, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to continue songwriting and record her next album in Music City. It was there that she landed a sweet endorsement with Warm Audio.

You can also hear her songs "Man Down" and "Enough (Single Version) on a few episodes of The Young and the Restless.

Amanda has followed her dream all around the country, and now has settled back in her favorite state of California. My Dear Wendy continues to release new music, and is starting to perform live again this summer at a venue near you.

You can follow her all over the internet. Just type in My Dear Wendy.

My guest this week is John Massey. His website is http://www.johnmasseyonline.com/about.html

John is a Southern California based actor, singer, and musician.

John’s 25 years of acting credits includes such iconic roles as: Max Bialystock in THE PRODUCERS, John Hancock in the Award winning production of 1776; The Cowardly Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Pseudolus in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM; Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; and the title role in SWEENEY TODD.

John created the role of the Genie in DISNEY'S BELIEVE aboard the cruise ship, the Disney Dream.

He also toured North America as Howard Cunningham in Garry Marshall and Paul Williams' HAPPY DAYS - A New Musical.

John received the 2018 Broadway World San Diego Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his work as Edna Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY for the San Diego Musical Theatre, and LA Ovation Award nominations for his work as Dave Bukatinsky in THE FULL MONTY.

A bit of a theatrical renaissance man, John is also an accomplished director, musical director, pianist, conductor and vocal arranger; having staged and/or conducted over 75 productions. Some of his favorites include productions of : ASSASSINS, A CHORUS LINE, SEUSSICAL, SWEENEY TODD, THE SECRET GARDEN, CHESS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, BEEHIVE and RUTHLESS! John has also composed incidental music for several plays and is researching ideas for a new musical.

John dedicates every performance to the memory of his parents, John & Donna Massey.

We're going down to Arkansas this week and getting a little bit country

Cliff & Susan are a married international touring duo armed with a piano, fiddle, and guitar based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their high energy, all-request, interactive show keeps crowds entertained for 4+ hours in venues worldwide.  With over 1,000 songs in their arsenal, they bring a great mix of Country, Blues, Rock, Pop and Oldies to crowds of all ages.

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Cliff Prowse has been producing his own music and other artists for over a decade and performed and recorded in Nashville, TN.  Singer, songwriter, and pianist, Susan Erwin Prowse has launched a successful music career now for two decades with 2 albums released out of Nashville. Susan has been performing primarily in high-energy international piano bars since 2003. Cliff joined her in 2016 and they tour with over 200 dates a year! A typical tour year includes Arkansas, Santa Barbara, Vegas, Amsterdam, Norway, St. Maarten (Caribbean), cruise ships, and more!

The duo released their debut single, Drivin' Me Crazy on April 11, 2020. It is available on all music platforms

In January 2021, they launched a podcast, the Cliff & Susan Podcast, where they give a glimpse into their lives and educate, entertain and inspire.

They are owners of Big Red Dog Productions, a Music Production and Artist Development company located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Susan is the Entertainment Director for Willy D's Rock & Roll Piano Bar in the Little Rock River Market.  They have launched their own merch store, branded Rainy Ray, where you can find their handmade jewelry, apparel, and artwork.  Their inaugural Yadaloo Music & Arts Festivalin September 2019 was a success and won Arkansas's Best New Festival of the Year, and 2021 Best Virtual Event & Best Promotional Video.

Check them out at https://susanerwin.com/

It's a rock and roll piano show week. My guest this week is international dueling pianist, vocalist, and world traveler Ben Michaels.

Ben is a veteran of the music industry. He has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over 30 years. Originally from Miami, Florida, Ben has performed for international crowds from Las Vegas to Rio de Janeiro, New York City to Barcelona, just to name a few.

Ben brings a unique audience interactive show to the stage, taking requests from all musical genres and getting the crowd involved in every song.

Ben began playing the Dueling Pianos concept in 1993, and since then has worked and lived in half a dozen countries.

He did a 2 year residency at the world famous NY NY Dueling Piano Bar on the famous Las Vegas strip.

He has traveled the globe performing on Norwegian Cruise Lines "Howl at The Moon" Dueling Piano shows for the past 8 years; and most recently has been performing to sold out audiences in Helsinki Finland

Ben is known for his extensive repertoire, which covers all genres and several languages and spans the decades. From classic sing-a-long songs of the 1950’s and 60’s, through classic rock and heavy metal of the 70’s, to pop music from the 80’s through today.

Follow Ben on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rockpianoguy/

My guest this week is the multi-talented Rachel Solomon.

Rachel is a pianist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, studio musician, touring artist, and international piano bar entertainer.

Penned “The female Billy Joel” by her Berklee College of Music songwriting teacher, she released her debut solo record in January of 2013 entitled “Love Ourselves”, and a 2nd EP entitled “Right On Time” in the spring of 2017, which was re-released digitally as “Right On Time DELUXE” with bonus tracks in 2018.

The song “Baltimore” from “Right On Time” was recognized as a Top 5 Winner in the Folk/Americana category of the 17th Annual Great American Song Contest.

Rachel has also performed with notable names such as Laura Bell Bundy, Ruby Amanfu, Love and Theft, Krystal Keith, Heidi Newfield (of the country group Trick Pony), and Texas country/Americana artist Adam Hood.

She has performed on The Today Show, Toby Keith’s “Shut Up and Hold On” tour, and has had a song placed on MTV’s “16 & Pregnant”.

Rachel's website is https://rachelsolo.com/

Her Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/RachelSoloMusic/

Her You Tube is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf8hHnWpOuLGSZ1H2zegnFg

Her Spotify is HERE

Her Apple Music is HERE

My guest today is the international sensation Dana Schiemann. Her website is https://dana-schiemann.squarespace.com/

Dana is an amazing actor, comedian, writer, and National Canadian Air Guitar Champion from Toronto, Ontario.

Graduating from University of Guelph in Theater and Music, Schiemann continued her training at The Second City Toronto, where she completed the Conservatory and Longform Conservatory Programs.

In 2016 Dana was cast in the first ever Second City House Company. She performed on the Second City Mainstage in various other shows.

Dana stars in Season 5 of Letterkenny ( Crave TV) as Cheryl, Darryl's doppelganger from their rival town. Other credits include Miss Elizabeth Ann Hulette in Dark Side of the Ring (VICE), the Mayor of Mega City in Massive Monster Mayhem (Nickelodeon) and Denise Bozarth in Fatal Vows (Discovery ID).

Dana performed in the Caribbean aboard the beautiful MSC Seaside in Beer Prov at Sea, a brilliant improv comedy troupe that has the guesting laughing in the isles.

If you're a fan of rocking out with an air guitar, Schiemann recently returned from Finland after representing Canada and winning bronze in the World Air Guitar Competition! rock star alias: Danasaurus Rex.

You can follow Dana on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/danaschiemann/

My guest this week is the multi talented Yanatha Desouvre.

Yanatha is what you call a modern-day renaissance man. He is a writer, poet, film maker, musician, tech wizard, and activist. He is also a #1 best-selling Amazon.com author, educator and public speaker.

He was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, raised in Brooklyn and Philadelphia and now lives in Miami, Florida.

His latest novella Revelations: Roads to Redemption, pays homage to Hip Hop Legend Wycleff Jean and his amazing discography. Revelations was one of the top downloaded e-books in April 2020 in the African American, mystery thriller and suspense fiction categories on Amazon.com.

Yanatha has co-written the screenplay and produced the 2020 short film, The Sweetest Girl which is a partial adaptation of Revelations: inspired by true events. It’s a compelling a provocative love story, set in Haiti, haunted by human trafficking and gun violence.

Yanatha has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Daily News, Miami Herald, The Miami New Times, Haitian Times, Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, South Florida PBS, NBC and ABC.

Go to his website https://www.yanatha.com/ to see the film trailer and to get all of his information. 

Follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/goodmanchronicles/