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 →
Go Fund Me! It’s An “Emergency”! Follow The Musical’s Steps To The Stage
“Un-Block The Music” has been very tardy getting this story up, but life has been getting in my way. I have so much great stuff coming. However, on top of the list, is my continuing coverage of “Emergency,” the musical. A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of seeing “The Music of The... Continue Reading →
Everclear To Take The Stage At Pleasantville Music Festival
Everclear will take the New York Pleasantville Music Festival stage at 8:05 pm this Saturday, July 13. The performance will be the culmination of a day of mini concerts from world-class headliners, breakout stars and local artists you need to know. “Un-Block The Music” posted a preview yesterday at https://unblockthemusic.blog/2019/07/11/the-pleasantville-music-festival-this-weekend-brings-much-needed-music-to-nyc-suburbs/ Everclear has been around since... Continue Reading →
The Pleasantville Music Festival This Weekend Brings Much Needed Music To NYC Suburbs
Back from vacation, and ready to listen to new music!!!Living in the suburbs of New York City, “Un-Block The Music” is always on a train heading south to see shows! When I was in college, it was different the drinking age was 18, and there were so many bars and clubs playing live music, we... Continue Reading →
Guitarist Andrew Synowiec Releases Debut Solo Album, But You May Be Surprised At How Well You Know Him
“Un-Block The Music’s” obsession with guitar heroes continues with Andrew Synowiec. That name might not ring a bell right away, but he has been a sought-after guitarist for years having been part of 25 Grammy-nominated recordings. He won a Grammy of his own in 2015 as part of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. And….he has... Continue Reading →
Stuart Ross’ “Enter Laughing” Pays Homage To Screwball Comedies & Classic Musicals
On May 15th, in the midst of Chinese trade wars and the death of one of America’s favorite comedians, Tim Conway, “Un-Block The Music” had the pleasure of going to the theater to experience the lighter side of life with Stuart Ross’ “Enter Laughing.” Of course, I have written about the York Theatre and its... Continue Reading →
Summer Outlook: “Enter Laughing,” “Emergency,” Andrew Synowiec, Pleasantville Music Festival & More
So much happening this summer in music! “Un-Block The Music” has a great line up of stories coming. Here is a tease. Admittedly, I am a little late posting info on “Enter Laughing”. The musical, based on the original novel by Carl Reiner is a hilarious musical in the same vein as “The Rivals” and... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: Nadia DiGiallonardo PART 2: How “Waitress” Changed Musical Orchestration
Last week, “Un-Block The Music” had the good fortune to see “Waitress” on Broadway with music supervisor and arranger Nadia DiGiallonardo at the helm on the piano right on the stage The show’s current stars are Shoshana Bean and Jeremy Jordan. So fabulous! (That cover shot is Nadia, me and my two daughters backstage.) As... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: Musical Arranger, Nadia DiGiallonardo Talks Career, Sara Bareilles & How “Waitress” Changed Theater
Nadia DiGiallonardo broke into musical theater through the theater building’s back door. “Un-Block The Music” is trying hard to create a pun here because Nadia, the musical supervisor and arranger for Waitress, was an urban planner creating housing (obviously with doors) before she left that career to follow her musical “hobby”. Anyway, my cleverness (or... Continue Reading →
“The Voice’s” Amanda Ayala Debuts Pop Single Tomorrow!
“Un-Block The Music” is so very happy to share this link to Amanda Ayala’s debut pop single, “Lost You.” The track is currently available for pre-order and will be released to all music platforms tomorrow, Friday, May 24, 2019. You may recognize Amanda from Season 9 of The Voice or more recently, TopGolf's television show Who Will... Continue Reading →