Muscially celebrating the holidays in Milwaukee

The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means the return of many Milwaukee traditions, such as the Milwaukee Ballet’s Nutcracker, the Milwaukee Rep’s A Christmas Carol, and the annual visit by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Bradley Center. And don’t forget the annual Sleighriders benefit show at Shank Hall, December 21, which benefits SafeZone Community Arts Center. But there are plenty more musical treats awaiting you around town during the holidays. Here are some personal recommendations.

A Nod To Bob, Linneman’s, November 25, 7pm
What better way to get your Thanksgiving weekend started than an evening filled with songs from the Bard of Hibbing, performed by some of the area’s best musicians? All proceeds will be donated to the Hunger Task Force. In fact, donations of non-perishable food items are strongly encouraged. Five cans of food gets you a $5 discount off the cover. Info: linnemans.com.

Festive Soiree with Robin Pluer & Friends, December 3-5, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Well, it might not be December on the Champs d’Elysées, but darned if Robin Pluer doesn’t have a way of making you feel like you’re there. Once again, Robin and friends, including Connie & Kim of Mrs. Fun, bayan master Stas Venglevski, and guitarist Peter Roller, will present an evening of French chansons along with select holiday favorites to make your spirits bright. So popular are Robin’s holiday shows that the WCM has three performances scheduled.  But hurry, all performances will sell out. Info: (414) 276-5760 or wcmusic.org.

Christmas Choral Concert, December 4-6, Schwan Concert Hall, 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Perhaps not as publicized as other holiday musical events, this concert featuring the three choral groups of Wisconsin Lutheran College is always one of the highlights of the season. Traditional carols and classical selections are on the program, performed a cappella and with orchestra. And the cost is less than a ticket for a first-run movie! Come hear why these talented singers wowed audiences on their recent European tour. Info and tickets, (414) 443-8802.

Milwaukee Symphony Holiday Pops, December 4-6, Marcus Center for Performing Arts
For years former MSO Pops Director Doc Severinsen led holiday pops programs to sellout audiences. This year marks new Pops Director Marvin Hamlisch’s first turn at the helm for this traditional favorite, and he promises lots of seasonal favorites along with many surprises, including a special visit from a certain Mr. Claus. The great Milwaukee Symphony Chorus will also be on hand. Just try to resist singing along. There will also be a special family matinee performance on the 5^th (St. Nick’s Eve) at 2 pm. Info: (414) 291-7605 or mso.org.

Handel’s Messiah with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, December 17 & 20 at the Basilica of St. Josaphat, and December 18 & 19 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
After an absence of several years, Handel’s great oratorio Messiah returns for the holidays in Milwaukee. Did you know that Christmastime performances of this work did not become a tradition until it came to this country? It’s hard to imagine an American Christmas without it, especially when performed in two of our city’s most beautiful buildings. Please note the performance on December 20 is a matinee. Info: (414) 291-7605 or mso.org.

Next month we’ll have a peek at the musical goodies in Santa’s sleigh.

NOW HEAR THESE!

Various Artists, Abbey Road Now!

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Beatles’ legendary Abbey Road album, many of the best current British artists have “come together” to re-record the album in its entirety. And what a pleasant treat it is. Among my favorite tracks are Robyn Hitchcock’s killer remake of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” Glenn (Squeeze) Tilbrook’s take on “You Never Give Me Your Money,” an interesting revision of “Sun King” from Gomez, Cornershop’s romp through “Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene Pam” and Charlie Dore’s Hawaiian reggae treatment of “Here Comes the Sun.” The catch here is that the CD is only available with the October 2009 issue of Mojo magazine. If the bookstores are sold out, consult greatmagazines.co.uk/mojobackissue to order by mail.

Guitar Summit, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, November 6th

Another great guitar showcase at a marvelous venue was just announced.  Three fine musicians:  Matt Schroeder (fingerstyle), Matt Warnock (jazz), and Brad deRoche (classical) will be featuring original compositions, as well as their takes on songs made famous by other guitar masters. And the cover is only $10!  Info: (414) 355-6442.

Paul Cebar/Robin Pluer, Shank Hall, November 21

The 20th anniversary celebration continues at the venerable Shank Hall on the east side. The festivities have included reunions of some great Milwaukee bands, including E*I*E*I*O and Blue In The Face. On November 21st, Milwaukee music icon Paul Cebar and his great band Tomorrow Sound will be headlining a smoke-free show that will also feature his longtime musical cohort Robin Pluer and her band as opening act. Rest assured they will join forces during the evening to reprise some of their great songs from R&B Cadets and Milwaukeeans days. Not to be missed…and don’t forget to bring your dancin’ shoes! Info: shankhall.com.

Pezzetino, Lion

Weird Al Yankovic, The Essential Weird Al Yankovic

Be wary of any rock band that sports members totin’ accordions! Submitted for your approval…

Margaret Stutt is one of the hardest-working musicians on the local scene, featuring pop songs with an edge that evokes memories of Pretenders and the Cranberries, but with her own unique stamp. Pezzettino’s latest CD Lion is one of my favorite releases of 2009. Info: pezzettino.net. The CD is available at Rush-Mor or CDbaby.com.

And then there’s Weird Al Yankovic. Yes, it’s been 30 years since his first parody hit “My Bologna” caused a sensation on Dr. Demento’s national radio show. Little could we have imagined then that Weird Al would go on to become arguably the greatest music parodist ever, alongside comedy icon Stan Freberg. To celebrate, here’s a great new 38 song, double CD set that covers his entire career with the inexplicable omission of “My Bologna!”. From “Another One Rides the Bus” to “Eat It” to “Amish Paradise” to “Smells Like Nirvana” to “Canadian Idiot” to “White & Nerdy,” they’re all here.

Recommended in small amounts; huge doses of this stuff could be lethal!

Drivin ‘n cryin’, The Great American Bubble Factory

Once upon a time, there was a guy named kevn kinney (yes, the lower case spelling is correct!), who was a mainstay of the Milwaukee music scene during the 70’s and early 80’s, especially with his band the Prosecutors. Taking note of the burgeoning music scene in Georgia during the 80’s, kevn left to seek his fame and fortune (and get away from those Milwaukee winters!) in Atlanta. He formed the band drivin ‘n cryin, and, thanks in large part to their memorable hit “Fly Me Courageous,” went on to become one of the best New Wave bands of the era. While kinney has since made a nice solo career for himself in New York (like former Violent Femme Gordon Gano), the exciting news is the band has reunited with an album of brand-new songs that is a great addition to the band’s legacy. Not bad for a kid from Milwaukee.

Original Soundtrack, The Boat That Rocked

Various Artists, 101 Original Pirate Radio Hits

Various Artists, Rockin’ With The Pirates

While American Top 40 radio brought the British Invasion to America’s teenagers in the 60’s, Brit kids had no such radio access, unless they listened to Radio Luxembourg, where the Beatles heard their music on the radio for the first time. The staunch BBC had no time for this drivel, limiting pop music airplay to only several hours a week. So the offshore pirate radio stations were born, becoming the legend recalled in the movie Pirate Radio, finally reaching U.S. theaters this month after being out in the U.K. since last spring. The movie’s release spawned a number of fine compilations in the U.K., including the double CD soundtrack under the movie’s U.K. title. All three collections boast a great selection of pop classics, both from the U.S.A and U.K. The three disc, 75 song Rockin’ With The Pirates is a special treat, since many of the set’s tracks are being released on CD for the first time ever. Info about these collections: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

Various Artists, Theme Time Radio Hour Season 2, With Your Host Bob Dylan

From Ace Records in the U.K. comes this second collection of songs featured on Dylan’s satellite radio show, sans his intros and commentary. Like the collection for Season 1, this set compensates by featuring 50 songs from all genres on two discs, along with a great booklet featuring backstories on every single song. Please be aware there are many “Theme Time” comps floating around out there. The sets on Ace are the only ones authorized by Dylan’s manager Jeff Rosen and show producer Eddie Gorodetsky (alias show announcer Pierre Mancini). Both sets are superb collections, and I’m sure Ol’ Bob would certainly approve as well.

Various Artists, Later Live with Jools Holland, Volume 2

Squeeze founding member Holland is probably now better known in the U.K. for hosting the late night “chat show” Later with Jools Holland on BBC TV. His music cred has enabled him to lure many great music stars to appear on the show, and this is the second two-CD compilation totally comprised of performances from the show. It is sequenced so that one song goes directly to the next, giving the listener the impression he’s hearing one gigantic concert. Many current stars are on hand, but two of my personal favorites are from a couple of music veterans. Glen Campbell does a great version of his classic “Wichita Lineman” and Al Green offers a scorching take on “Let’s Stay Together.” Those tracks alone are worth the price of the set.

Various Artists, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Live DVD

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and until recently, the induction ceremonies were never televised. The best you could hope for was a photo spread and story in Rolling Stone magazine. Until now. To celebrate this milestone, the Hall has just released a three-DVD set of highlights from induction ceremonies, much of which has never before been seen by the general public. The speeches are here, of course, but more importantly, the once-in-a-lifetime jam sessions that are part of the annual ceremonies are also well represented here. Space doesn’t permit name-dropping here, but suffice it to say if you’re a rock music fan, this is a must-have.

Rod Stewart, Soulbook

About ten years ago, the rumblings began surfacing that it was over for Rod Stewart. He had been dropped by his label, and talk was he had become a parody of himself. Enter legendary music mogul Clive Davis, who persuaded Rod to record an album of pop standards, and the rest, as they say, is history. Three platinum albums of pop evergreens followed by another hit album of Stewart interpretations of classic rock staples, now followed by the album Rod the Mod was born to make. Soulbook features the classic R&B songs young Rod cut his teeth with, and he gets help from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Mary J Blige, and Jennifer Hudson. Great songs like “Rainy Night in Georgia,” “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” “Just My Imagination” and many more get the best of care in Stewart’s hands. One of the best albums in a legendary career.

Rolling Stones, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! 40th Anniversary Edition

Speaking of great albums, this album, recorded on the band’s legendary 1969 U.S. tour, ranks among the great live albums of all time. And it just got even better. For its 40th anniversary, the original album is now joined by a second CD with additional five Stones tracks, including great acoustic takes on “Prodigal Son” and “You Gotta Move,” featuring Mick & Keith. Plus, there’s another CD featuring sets from tour openers B.B. King and Ike & Tina Turner, a DVD featuring performance footage of selected tracks, and other goodies. A Thanksgiving feast for Stones fans.

Nellie McKay, Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day

Now here’s a real head-scratcher. Is that really outspoken English singer/songwriter Nellie McKay performing songs associated with 50’s icon Doris Day? You bet, and McKay’s renditions gave proper due to the legend in a very enjoyable lounge jazz session. I’m particularly keen on “Sentimental Journey,” “Wonderful Guy”, “Do Do Do,” and a really fabulous reworking of “Black Hills of Dakota.” And the McKay connection to Doris Day becomes quite evident in the album liner notes. You didn’t think I’d give it away here, did you?

Various Artists, This Is Soul

Back in the 60’s Atlantic Records in the U.K. released This Is Soul, a budget-priced sampler featuring a dozen classic tracks by the label’s greats, including Aretha, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett. The album served to introduce scores of Brit kids to this great music, and it nestled comfortably alongside their Stones, Beatles and Kinks albums. Recently, Rhino U.K. reissued this classic sampler, now featuring a whopping 29 tracks! And the good news is that it’s still an incredible bargain, as copies can be found for around $10. It’s well worth seeking out this instant party starter.

Various Artists, The Sherman Brothers Songbook

The names Bob & Dick Sherman may not be household names. But if you’re a baby boomer, the songs they wrote are likely a big part of your life. You see, the Sherman Brothers were Walt Disney’s go-to guys for songs for many of his 60’s films. In fact, they are two-time Oscar winners for the songs “Chim Chim Cheree” and “The Bare Necessities.” They also wrote the songs for the Winnie-the-Pooh series, as well as the theme song for Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. They even wrote the theme song for the comedy The Monkey’s Uncle, performed by Annette Funicello backed by the Beach Boys! And lest we forget, they also wrote the music for the classic Disney ride “It’s A Small World.” All these and many, many more Sherman songs are collected on this two-CD set. There’s also a nifty booklet that provides a colorful tour of the Shermans’ career. It’s a great album for Disney fans of all ages. By the way, if you listen closely, you’ll hear Uncle Walt himself crooning with the boys on one of the tracks.

Cool TV, digital channel 4.3 and Time Warner channel 994

Now if all these recommendations weren’t enough, perhaps you might be longing for the days when MTV and VH1 really meant music television. If so, check out Cool TV, a new local music channel presented in conjunction with Lake 94.5 FM. The station mostly features videos from the 80’s and 90’s, presented the way they were seen in the heyday of MTV. If you’re in the mood to step into a musical time machine, check out Cool TV.