Beyond Top 40
If you are a child of the 80s, you may understand why “Un-Block The Music” lost it when I saw that Midge Ure is playing in my area this weekend. The name Midge Ure might not ring a bell immediately to Americans, but what if I say he co-wrote Do They Know It’s Christmas? with... Continue Reading →
How do you break into songwriting and producing? “Un-Block The Music” has been fortunate enough to hear a lot of amazing stories over the last two years. Songwriter/Producer, Joe Solo is the latest to share his journey and advice. What I love about Joe is his honesty. He won’t promise to make you a star,... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year from “Un-Block the Music”! Thanks to all of you who have made and continue to make this blog fun, exciting, hopefully informational and different from any thing that is out there! In the crazy world we live in, music helps keep out sanity. That is why, my first interview of 2020 is... Continue Reading →
“Un-Block The Music” meant to run this story the week of September 11th, but unforeseen circumstances slowed down my writing. However, I had the great pleasure of seeing Come From Away on September 11th on Broadway. Eighteen years after this tragic day, emotions are still raw, but seeing this show was such a positive experience,... Continue Reading →
Perhaps what I love best about writing “Un-Block The Music,” is meeting people! Not just any people, but amazingly talented people. Musical Director/Orchestrator, Will Van Dyke (Pretty Woman, Kinky Boots) is one of those talented people, and what I love about actually speaking to people instead of emailing and texting them is…I find all of... Continue Reading →
Today, while we honor those we lost on September 11, 2001, we also celebrate our American spirit. On September 12, 2001, we all forgot that we were Democrats or Republications, we just became Americans. One of the people who helped us deal with our grief and feel stronger again was “The Voice That Healed A... Continue Reading →
I don’t know about you, but “Un-Block The Music” has always felt left-out of the “cool” group being too young to really remember much of the 1960s. How can I be a music writer and not have experienced the Woodstock Festival in 1969 in upstate New York? I watched the documentary and I’ve listened to... Continue Reading →
“Un-Block The Music” remembers the first time Reggae was on Top 40 radio, or at the least the first time I heard it. It was the song, “Roxanne” by the Police. I was instantly in love. Rock music was king at the time, with punk on the rise in the U.S., but I was curious.... Continue Reading →
The Highland Divas! Not the type of music you are accustomed to reading about on “Un-Block The Music.” However, as you know, my mantra is…listen to every kind of music at least once in your life. I listened to the Highland Divas…and I want more! The trio of Georgia, Margaret and Marla have diverse musical... Continue Reading →
So, if you’d like to experience music that is good and unexpected, then “Un-Block The Music” suggests you check out the band, International Orange. They play jazz with a twist. Drummer/percussionist Todd Isler, one of the founding members, spent some time with me to explain. Guitarist, David Phelps and Todd met in the later 1980s... Continue Reading →
