Original music scene & not so original...

Another review of the latest CD, "Something 4 Everyone" by one of the smartest guys I know. If you have a need for a video project for your company, training, marketing, promotional, documentary, John is your guy. Contact him at

j-bradley@earthlink.net

 With a title that can be a blessing or a curse for the listener The Rich Hand Band's new CD "Something for Everyone" delivers on its promise in terms of contemporary pop music. If you thought you might also hear jazz, classical and polka mixed in, well, you're not. So there. But you will get well-crafted rock and country songs, songs that sound familiar but are fresh and new, songs that show influences but are not derivative. Lyrically if he's not singing about love many of the tracks strive to impress upon the listener that life is precious, don't waste it and when you're down and out, or not, look to God for strength and inspiration.

The CD opens with a rousing number, "Everyone Has a Story." It's a tale of dreams deferred but not forgotten. "Pack your bags baby we're leavin' tonight," a husband calls to his wife of many years. It's time. A rolling piano line opens the song complimented by tasty guitar licks and a propulsive back beat of bass and drums. The song is an introduction to a crack band made up of friends of Mr. Hand. The lead guitarist Pete Cassani has been playing with Mr. Hand since college. They were part of the almost-legendary band Shot whose 1984 appearance at The Pub on the campus of SUNY Binghamton though rarely talked about today still resonates in this reviewer's mind. It's still ringing in my ears too.

While you may think an eponymously named band would be autocratic in execution it turns out that many of the songs highlight the other members talents. Pete Cassani wrote and sings a heartbreakingly beautiful song about heartbreak in "Miss You Less." On "Ugly," which he co-wrote, his ripping lead let's you know this is no silly love song. The ethereal voice of Jen McClure is heard on a number of tracks and on "Tell Someone" he's enlisted his children and their friends to sing along. Dan Tyndale had the unenviable job of recording his drum tracks last but he pulls it off masterfully. Bill Stein had a lot to do with shaping the structure of the songs and his keyboard work adds depth and fullness.

And what about this Rich Hand guy? Well, he took some ideas and made this happen. You want a country duet worthy of the Opry? Or a fun, playful song like "Boys and Girls?" How about the contenders for rock anthemhood "What I Have to Do" and "Everyone Has a Story?" Christian themed songs are sprinkled throughout the CD. There's no preaching just the singer telling his story; how the power of faith and the grace of God can bring comfort and strength to one's life. The production for all its challenges: modest recording equipment, separate band member recording schedules, parenting, working full time, is fine. It's great to hear all the instruments and not some mush of over-produced sound. While a more accomplished singer would make the CD more commercial Mr. Hand makes the most out of what he's got and with every song he sings we get to see some of his soul. Everyone has a story and this is his.

Common sense?

Don't you think you would have an agenda BEFORE you run for president?

Fact, fiction, or funny

The 2 former stand-up comedians, "The Hippies", Joe Lockhart, and Rich Hand back at it again. This time on opposite sides of the joke.

 News from the campaign trail:

Joe Lockhart, Communications Director to the former Clinton Administration, has been brought into the Kerry campaign to try salvage it from its spiral into oblivion. He is also at the center of the CBS forged documents controversy.  I actually went to school with him in Suffern NY. We did a comedy skit together called the "Hippies". It was a long time ago and I don't remember the jokes ( I think it was 3rd or 4th grade). It is amazing how 2 former school mates can go in such different directions. There he is working in the Kerry Campaign creating scandals, and me covering the campaign through my soon to be Pulitzer prize publication, SoundCheck. So much clout from a couple of former stand up comedians. I'll be keeping a real close eye on Lockhart's impact in this race. Stay tuned it could get personal!

Funny Files

"The Tonight Show With Jay Leno":

"President Bush still continuing to lead in the polls. In fact, when John Kerry was told the latest poll numbers, he called President Clinton again. Not for advice — just to make sure he had his vote. 'You're still with me, right?'"

"Did you know John Kerry is going to be appearing on 'Dr. Phil' next week? Is that how bad his campaign is going? He needs grief counseling now?"

"What happened to John Edwards? You know, I thought you weren't supposed to go into your secret location until after you're vice president!"

"In a fiery speech at New York University, John Kerry lashed out at President Bush. Kerry said, 'By one count, the president offered 23 different rationales for this war.' And Kerry was furious; he's got twice as many as that!"

"Bush and Kerry are still arguing over the details of the debates. Here's what I'd like to see: Can they get the orchestra from the Emmy Awards for the debates? So when a candidate starts going on and on ... just play that song until they shut up."

"At his big press conference, John Kerry introduced his four-point plan for Iraq. That was one point for each of his positions."

"Even though President Bush is leading in the polls, they say John Kerry's greatest strength is that, when he's under pressure, he can turn things around. No kidding. Sometimes he does it in the same sentence!"

"John Kerry is also going to appear on Dr. Phil's show this week, and, not to be outdone, John Edwards is taping an episode of 'Where Are They Now?'"

You have to check out this link to JibJab.com! A great suggestion from my Uncle Richie! Cooking with Clinton!!! They have some hysterical cartoons!