RIP Len Dobin

You may be thinking “Who?” Here’s a news report.

The loss is very sad, but it’s also fortunate for him. It’s like the death of an SF author at Worldcon in the UK years ago: he died doing what he loved, surrounded by others who also loved jazz.

So what?

I haven’t yet posted about American Idol 2009. I wasn’t terribly impressed with Lil Rounds, who just imitated whoever she sang. At first I cheered for Scott MacIntyre, but he really never changed his performing style at all. He became comfort food for the ears.

I do however have to speak up about the recent kerfuffle about front runner Adam Lambert. Much ink has been devoted to the fact that he’s gay.

To quote judge Randy Jackson: “This is a singing competition!” What does Adam’s sexuality have to do with that? If you didn’t answer, “Nothing.” you’re reading the wrong blog.

I graduated from the Fine Arts in University. We quickly learned that all that mattered about anyone was their talent.

American Idol 2009 weeks 1 and 2

I’m way late for commentary in full on week one, but I have to say I was really surprised at Michael Sarver winning over Anoop Desai, who I thought was much better.

At least the most annoying contestant yet, Tatiana Del Toro, didn’t advance! Man…. I’ve never yelled, “Shut up!” at my TV before like I have at her antics. Simon pegged her right as the Drama Queen!

Week 2 was actually disappointing. Most of the performances were dull, or the singers were too sharp. Two of the three winners really stood out as great singers: Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert. They both blew me away. Kris Allen winning over Megan Joy Corkrey was a surprise though. She seemed much stronger.

This week’s nutjob, Nick Mitchell / Norman Gentle didn’t advance either, fortunately. He never seemed willing to drop his dumb act in favor of, I don’t know… actually competing?

One interesting thing was the revelation this week that the wildcard group will be composed of people from the three groups that didn’t make it the first time. There have been a few each week so far that seemed deserving of another shot. I do wish they went outside of the Top 36 though. I actually hoped David Osmond would get another try. Us PWMS stick together!

Now for week 3. Scott Macintyre is the one I’m rooting for already!

American Idol Top 36

The 36 folks for live YV were picked an hour ago. Some were a sure thing: I like Danny Gokey; he reminds me of Joe Cocker without the body tics. Also Scott MacIntyre, who I’d pick as the eventual winner.

A few puzzled me until I guessed they would be cannon fodder: “Nick Gentle” / Norman Whatever is not in any way talented. Tatiana Del Oro… I just kept yelling “Shut up!” at my TV every time she opened her mouth. She’s just been irritating from the moment she was first introduced.

She’ll be in the first group of 12 next week. I have 6 days to steel myself!

American Idol in Salt Lake City, UT

Wow, they had so many tragic stories on this show! They seemed to have more than 12 great singers though, yet that’s how many tickets they gave out.

I’m surprised they gave the girl who sounded like Amy Winehouse a ticket though. She had a great voice, but she really imitated someone else.

I took great interest in the Osmond guy to start. Like his father Alan he has MS. Anyone who has read this blog for years knows that I do too. My case is progressive, unlike the remitting form he has. I lost my singing voice many years ago.

I’m proud of this guy, but I know how stress can make things flare up for us — and Hollywood Week is nothing but sheer stress. I’m concerned what it’ll do to him, and if he’ll make it.

American Idol 2009 auditions – Week 3

The show deviated slightly from its developing formula Tuesday. After Scott MacIntyre in week 1 (the performer I’m most rooting for) the show has targetted a “tragic life story but great voice” for every show. They didn’t focus on it as such last night, but they did go into how one auditioner and her mom could have died from thalasemia.

There were some real standout singers in Jacksonville; some were incredible, some truly awful. What always amazes me is how some of the awful ones think that they’re great anyway.

My favorite Canadian Idol Has a Record!

Carlie Rae Jepsen has had a lot of airplay lately, at least here in Montreal lately. They call the song Tug of War.

I’m hoping it has great sales. I thought she deserved to be the winner her year (not that Brian Melo is bad) instead of only top 3.

American Idol 2008 began!

Tonight was the start of this year’s show. A fourth judge, but it still only takes two votes to move on.

You can tell by auditioners just seeming bizarre that they’ll be bad. What I wonder though is how they then get them to return to shoot a montage.

One contestant really stood out, even though he was already hyped to be: Scott Macintyre. He has almost no sight, but he has the best voice that I heard in Arizona. I’m glad he got through, but I worry that the group performances may prove a huge challenge to him.

Mind you, he seemed the kind of person who tackles and beats challenges.

When was the name change?

Because I can’t get a good radio signal for Couleur Jazz, I sometimes listen to it through the signal on my TV… and saw that it’s now called Planete Jazz (that’s French for ‘Planet Jazz’). When did it change?

This bad economy will hurt this blog as well.

Both of my reasons to post here will be harmed, one in a year, one right away:

Jazz will be hurt in 2010; General Motors has been a major sponsor of the Montreal Jazz Fest for over a decade. Due to that company’s major crisis and potential bankruptcy, it has announced that GM will stop this deal at the end of its contract in 2010. The festival will now have to find a new major partner. GM came in when the government forbid cigarette producers from being sponsors (a good thing for sure, and one I hope continues)… I wonder if XM satellite radio is doing well enough to come in? If so, they could be a good fit.

The other thing: while Canadian Idol gets high ratings, the show is too expensive to produce. It will be on hiatus for a year. That will cut down months of posts for me.