(Note: this series was originally published elsewhere.)
Something in music: origin
One evening at a hot, trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had taken more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.
One of the young ladies noted that when a gal is about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those very same terms could be applied to music too: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. The rest is history.
‘Something’ in Music 253
Something Old
Our “something old” in this edition is the classic cut “Spill The Wine” written and recorded by English singer Eric Burdon and the American funk, rock and soul band War. It was the group’s premiere single, first Billboard chart hit, and originally appeared on the 1970 album Eric Burdon Declares “War”.
Something New
Our “something new” this time is the new video and cover of the song “Cherry Bomb.” Originally recorded and released as a single by The Runaways in 1976, the song was co-written by Joan Jett and band manager Kim Fowley. This exceptional audio adaptation is by The New York City-based female-fronted rock group known as Honey Trap.
According to the band’s official website, Honey Trap, founded in 2014, strives to juxtapose “sensual yet edgy vocals over melodic guitar, groovy bass licks and heavy hitting beats. The act includes Jessica Rendon on vocals, Vasilios Bouras on guitar, Angel De Los Santos on bass guitar, and Cody Hager on drums. If you’d like to hear them live and are in the area, Honey Trap will be performing live at Amityville Music Hall on Friday, February 24, 2023 in Amityville, New York.
In an e-missive Rendon said: “This will be our next show with a big Evanescence cover band called Eminescence.” On social media the band concluded: “Join us…we'll be sharing the stage with some of the best bands from Long Island [including For The Birds, Monolith Zero, and Bliss].” The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs to 11:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are $12.00 or $15.00 at the door.
Something Borrowed
Our “something borrowed” this time is the song “Never Never Land” from the 1954 musical Peter Pan. The music is by Jule Styne, and the lyrics are by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. This 2021 cover version is by American theatrical performer Taubert Nadalini. It features Jack Haigh on guitar.
If you’d like to hear more of Nadalini’s music and are in the area, he will be performing on Saturday, February 4th as part of The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble’s popular Music at the Odyssey series. It will be hosted by bassist and music director John Snow. Both performances will focus on the late Stephen Sondheim and popular musical theater.
According to a recent email message, the event will also include such “musical theater performers” as India Carney, Ken Marshall, Malia Civetz, Kenton Chen, Carolyn Mignini, Michael Thomas Grant, Ren Martinez, Carson Higgins, Taubert Nadalini, and Max Sheldon, supported by a four-piece band. Both shows start at 8 p.m. at Los Angeles’ well-known Odyssey Theatre. Tickets are $30.00 with discounts available for seniors and students.
Something Blue
Last but certainly not least, our “something blue” for this edition is the 1948 song “Messin’ Around” recorded by Memphis Slim and His House Rockers. It was written by Slim, who was an American singer-songwriter, composer and blues pianist. The song would go on to become Slim’s sole US R&B chart topper.
Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!