Have a Little Faith in Me

Hello, my dear readers. I apologize for being a bit lax in terms of updating the blog. I have been muy (that's "very" in Spanish) busy as of late. I've actually been working hard to launch my new business ... my RL friends know all about it (I'm probably driving them a bit crazy) ... its actually Bon Jovi-inspired! There will be much more on that later.

But, in the meantime, that's why I have been missing-in-action for the last couple of weeks and will probably continue to be a bit scattered. But, have no fear ... have a little faith in me ... I will always return to you and to Bon Jovi, of course.

Ahhh, speaking of "Have a Little Faith in Me" ... I can never say that phrase without thinking of this performance. I'm not sure it falls in the "legendary performance" category, but its damn good. The video clip is from the Minneapolis show during the Bounce tour - an absolutely awesome night when they threw an acoustic set into the middle of the show. (Umm..note to JBJ ... feel free to do that again ... like in Vegas in a few weeks. HINT!) I must say, the songs Jon Bon Jovi chooses to cover are always truly great, great songs.

(this is another Julie in South America video ...
I swear the girl has everything ever recorded!)

The man is just ridiculously good -- the part at around 2:25 where he sings the eighth notes and is just slightly behind the beat ... OMG! Perfect. When Jon sings like that, you can just feel it ... and damn, how could you not have faith in him? Lordy, lordy!

Okay ... gotta go for now. Work. Work. Work.

P.S. For those who don't know, the song was written by the amazing John Hiatt. You should check out his work (especially "Feels Like Rain") if you aren't familiar with him.

P.S.2. There was a great article about David's Toxic Avenger in my Google alerts today. My favorite line was about David, "who wrote the music to the show and also moonlights as the keyboard player for a small Jersey band called Bon Jovi." LOL

Remember My Picture Dilemma?

Do you remember back in January one of my New Year's resolutions was to finally organize my Bon Jovi pictures? Well, I'm still working on that project. Most recently, when trying to move things around, my computer responded with this (LOL) ....

Actually, I had forgotten about that little image until someone re-posted it on Backstage.

But, truth of the matter is - I think I just have way too many pictures of Jon Bon Jovi? Is that possible? I mean, seriously, its been 25 years ... and say 1,000 pictures per year, that entitles me to 25,000 images right? That's approximately 3 pictures per day. That seems quite reasonable to me. Wow! I can justify just about anything when it comes to Bon Jovi, can't I?!

So, anyway ... I thought I would just post a few other pics I found recently that I hadn't looked at in a while...

Okay ... I promise to have something with more substance tomorrow ... we're about to get slammed with a storm so I'm gonna go stand out in the rain ... (okay, you can finish singing the rest of the song...) ;-)

Jon Bon Jovi: Naked

NOOOO ... you sick people! I know what you're thinking.

My crazy German girls and I have been a bit obsessed lately with this internet radio station, cleverly named ... theradio.com ... LOL ... not kidding!

Why do we like it so much? Well, first off because you can put in your favorite artist (hmm...wonder who that would be?) and then like every 5 songs or so, they will play something by him/her/THEM. But another reason its so good is that they really play a mix of songs - both live tracks and deep record cuts.

We've heard everything from "Bang a Drum" (which now nobody can listen to without thinking of Starland ... ahhhh) to Richie's "The Answer" to "Save a Prayer." But, then one song stopped me in my tracks ... a song that, for some unknown reason, I don't listen to that often ... Jon's "Naked" from Destination Anywhere.

Well, this time it really hit me - how different it is than really anything I've heard from him - the groove of it and the vocal and instrumental sounds. And sure, its sexy and all that ... but I love the honesty of the chorus...

Naked. Naked.
Just get back to basics.
Naked. Face it.
You can't fake it when you're naked.

I hope y'all know he ain't just talking about physically. When you think about those words, in conjunction with the meaning of "Every Word was a Piece of My Heart," you really get the sense of where he was mentally when he wrote the record.

There is really only one video I know of with this song - live in London in 1997 - posted on YouTube by my friend Julie in South America (hey Jules! How are you?! Its been way too long!) ... take a look ...

JBJ: Naked (live 1997)

Evolution of a Song: KTF

Jungle noises. Maracas. Fireworks. Jon Bon Jovi "dancing." We all know what song I'm referring to, right?

So ... due to unforeseen circumstances (damn financial markets!), I wasn't able to catch the Bon Jovi block on WMMR with Pierre Robert. I was HIGHLY bummed - not only because it was Bon Jovi, but it was Bon Jovi with PIERRE - who I absolutely love - and the guest appearance by Obie just added icing on the cake.

As you probably know, Obie was on to debut the new Jon Bon Jovi gospel version of "Keep the Faith" that comes out next week (which my German friends have already pre-ordered ... LOL ... NOBODY shops like my German girls!)

So I missed the whole thing. But, thank goodness for Hath -- for she totally saved the day! You can visit her site to hear both Obie's comments and the song. All together now, THANK YOU GODDESS!

But, as I was sitting listening to the new version, I began to think about how this song has evolved over the years. I remember when it first came out ... I was in school and going thru some tough times re-thinking whether or not I wanted to stay at Juilliard. It was very personal for me.

As the years have gone by, and we fans have grown up and faced both individual and societal challenges, I see the song in a whole different way. And now it amazes me that Jon and Richie wrote that when they were still actually quite young.

I can't really talk about this song without thinking of this performance - probably the best one I ever experienced. (note to Jon Bon Jovi: I understand about the whole fireworks, bad for the environment thing, but really ... it was very cool ... and we miss them ... maybe just a small little display at the last concert of the tour ...? just a thought.)



P.S. If you missed my little tribute to the ever wondrous Obie O'Brien, here's the link.

Richie ... I need you!

Okay, as a lifelong Jonny girl, you are probably surprised to find that I'm begging for Richie Sambora.

Here's the deal ... I can play bassoon (which admittedly most people can't). I can play flute. I can play piano. Heck, I can play the kazoo (okay, that doesn't require that much talent.) But, I can't for the life of me play the guitar! Yes, that "everyman's instrument" that people play around the campfire and at family picnics...nope, not me.

I have been attempting to teach myself guitar for several months now and have hit a wall (or almost thrown the guitar against it, for that matter.) Its extremely frustrating. I try to justify to myself its simply because I'm a wind player. But, then again, I did play cello in high school for two years ... okay, not particularly well, but nonetheless.

I have come to the conclusion that I need lessons. Its hard for me to admit that I can't do something myself (especially when it comes to music), but I am now convinced that's what its gonna take. And who better to teach me the guitar than a guitar god himself, right? Also, I just simply think Richie would have more patience than Jon Bon Jovi. So, Richie ... whaddya say?

Unfortunately, its probably not going to happen .... so I'll have to settle for this.






















I was in Colony Records the other day (basically NYC's heaven-on-earth for people who love music) and was searching through the zillions of songbooks (yes, I have every Bon Jovi/Jon Bon Jovi songbook ever released I think) and started perusing the guitar section.

Of course, I almost bought it because, well ... its Bon Jovi ... its music ... and the picture is from one of my greatest concert memories. But, I was a good girl and held off - at least for now. (By the way, there is also a book for "The Early Years" ... which I might just need to get because it has In These Arms.)

P.S. A funny side note -- there was a label on the divider that probably was supposed to read "with score" ... but someone had inadvertently reversed it, so the sign simply read "score with Bon Jovi" ... I thought ... hmmmmmmmmm. LOL

My Toxerific Review: Opening Night of Previews

Sorry for the delay ... yesterday got a little crazy. Tell me again, why am I bassoonist working on Wall Street?! Oh right ... rent (and Bon Jovi tickets.) I keep forgetting.

ANYWAY, a little late ... here's a bit about opening night of previews for The Toxic Avenger. I'm generally a traditional musical theatre person - not the big blockbuster shows like Phantom or (god forbid) Cats - hell, I loved Once on This Island (which basically nobody ever heard of!) - so I wondered what I would think of this.

First off, the venue. Heck, I remember when that was the $2 movie theatre - damn, how old does that make me?! For my RL friends who know the story, this is the same theatre that I had my Schindler's List experience. (Speaking of which, deepest condolences to Natasha Richardson's family.) In any case, I didn't think about how far below ground the theatre is, so, sorry for the lack of consistent Twitters.

Upon arriving and getting my ticket, I went down to the theatre lobby and almost literally ran into David Bryan, who admittedly was looking a bit harried. Ahhh..opening night chaos, I know it well.

It was nice to see my friend, a fellow Soul fan, who came in from Jersey for the opening. Took a quick look at the merchandise (I'm a Jovi girl ... we always have to look at the merchandise, right?!) ... next time, definitely getting a t-shirt.

Saw David again just hanging out in the lobby, talked for a few minutes, wished him luck and went in to find my seat.

I ended up sitting next to a couple of young actors who are friends with Nick Cordero, who plays Toxie ... (only a friend could love that face ... LOL) Had a nice conversation with them about life in NY, the drama division at Juilliard and the crazy world of the performing arts.

When the show started, it was pretty obvious that there were a lot of fans in attendance and the energy was fantastic. Its a small theatre, so you really feel a part of what is going on up on stage.

I am not going to give too much of the story away because you should try to see the show yourself - its a good reason to visit NYC (as if you needed another one!)

I do want to say that the cast was terrific (Demond Green who plays "black dude" was absolutely wonderful.) They are definitely working actors -- playing multiple roles with quick changes and much diversity ... and they do it very well.

The script is incredibly funny with some hysterically witty references to certain people, places and events. I definitely need to go back and see the show again because you end up laughing so hard that you miss what comes next. And yes, there is a Bon Jovi (and Bruce, too) reference in the song Jersey Girl (which is brilliantly performed by Nancy Opel, seen in the picture below as the Mayor.)

Of course, I was all excited about hearing the songs ... and I wasn't disappointed. You've got "anthem" songs and love songs, solo numbers, ensemble numbers ... even an incredibly funny folk song moment (actually moments.) The band was small, but mighty - and could totally rock. And, of course, as a musician, I liked that they are on stage ... you have no idea how many creepy crawly things I have almost brought home in my bassoon case after playing a show in the pit ... LOL.

All-in-all, it was a great evening. I hadn't laughed that hard at a performance in a long time ... its the kind of thing where a while later you find yourself still chuckling at a line you just remembered. Its good fun ... I still think, however, Memphis is gonna be the one to absolutely hit it out of the ballpark. Get a shelf ready for a Tony. (Clips from Memphis.)

So, congrats to David and Joe DiPietro and the cast and crew of the show. May you have a good long run!

photo credits: Nick as Toxie (Kelly Ryman); Nancy and Nick as the Mayor and Melvin (Charlie Erickson)

Bon Jovi Slot Machine ... maybe it will make it to AC?

Okay, I'm generally a Texas Hold 'Em poker girl, but I would be willing to play slots if they looked like this!



















Yep, you got that right! In Japan, they just released a new Bon Jovi slot machine (or pachisuro as they are called there.) I wonder if it plays Bon Jovi music while you gamble ....? That could be VERY bad for all us Jovinuts ... then again, maybe we could win enough to pay for more tickets to see our boys in person ... rather than the cartoon version of them on the machine (which, admittedly is adorable)














They seem to have gotten Jon's shoes and mic stand mixed up -- the shoes should be black and the stand, white ... but oh well. And, damn! Doesn't Tico look just yummy there?!?

Addendum: I just found out that it does INDEED play Jovi songs and you can hear messages from the boys. Here are some extra pics from the unveiling... (I really need to learn Japanese!)

Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Will I see David? Tomorrow.

So, I'm a little excited about tomorrow ... can you tell? Why, you ask? Because tomorrow I'm going to the first night of previews of David Bryan's musical "The Toxic Avenger."

So ... I thought I would take this opportunity to maybe spotlight our favorite curly-haired, power-singing, joke-cracking keyboard player.

Though I don't write about him often, I have always had a special connection with David - maybe its the classically-trained musician/Juilliard thing - though in all honesty, I sometimes believe its GOOD that he didn't go to Juilliard. Why? Well, besides the obvious (that he chose to join Jon Bon Jovi and the rock-n-roll circus, etc. etc. etc.) ... but because I would have hated to see his sense of humor get squashed. I love his sense of humor - dry, very intellectual and sometimes downright silly. (Remember those Richie and David moments from the New Jersey videos VHS?!) Now, don't get me wrong - there's a lot of things I liked about Juilliard, but I wouldn't call it one of the most open, laugh-inducing places. On the other hand, he could have really loosened up the joint.

I also have an incredible respect for the time, effort and money he's put into keeping music in the public schools. Like David, I came from the public school system and had an absolutely incredible musical education (Mr. Crews - where are you now? I owe everything to you!) In any case, I applaud David wholeheartedly and hope he inspires more professional musicians to stand up and speak.

But, back to the musical. I have been a big fan of musicals since I was a kid (I can thank my parents for taking me to tons of shows) and so, of course, I couldn't miss tomorrow night. I will be "Twittering" from the show - at least at the beginning and during intermission, so tune in to see what's going on. (You can follow me on Twitter - just look at the upper left side of this blog.)

And what's additionally exciting is that his other show, "Memphis" is coming up right behind. There have been a lot of clips of this floating around. Here's my favorite one so far.



Now, DAMN, that's a song! That show is gonna take Broadway by storm - I truly believe that.

ADDED SHORTLY AFTER ORIGINAL POST

Okay ...okay ... I know I already had submitted this post and now I've updated it ... but I just simply couldn't NOT post this clip too. I mean, seriously, just listen to this ... it kicks a$$.

Legendary Performance #7: Wembley 1995. Period.

Happy Monday to y'all! It's disgusting how quickly the weekend goes, isn't it?!

So, here we are back to the Legendary Performances series. What's on for today? Wembley Stadium ... such a big part of Bon Jovi history.

I am forever grateful that they released the 1995 video from Wembley - Jon Bon Jovi's voice during those shows was just frickin' amazing. I don't know if its just that he was really rested or if it was something (moisture) that they were pumping onto the stage, but I think its hands down the best version of "Always" I've ever heard. Don't you agree?



I mean, seriously ... Richie's solo, David's playing, Tico pounding and Huey grooving. Its flawless. (Hmm...this seems to be exactly what I said about their performance of "This Ain't A Love Song" way back when I started this blog.)

I just wish they had actually released the WHOLE show. You KNOW that the setlist was much, much longer. And, it would have been great if they had included songs from the other nights. But, we all know how Jon is ... LOL.



And what about those classic Jon Bon Jovi moments? Like this one ...



You totally have to love that!

Well, its a shame that Bon Jovi didn't get the chance to open the new Wembley. I think other artists should be grateful for the construction delay because we know that our boys would be a very hard act to follow. :-)

Some Great News for Our Aching Soul

Over the last couple of days, there has been more and more talk about the return of the AFL in 2010. It was announced that an agreement had been made with the players association, which is certainly a big step. There is still a lot of work to do, but, damn this was some good news!

I try to keep in mind that Jaws is ALWAYS positive - he's one of the most optimistic people I have ever met. He can instantly put a smile on your face and has one of the best hugs in the business.

Soul president Jaworski: AFL returning in 2010
by Brian VanOchten The Grand Rapids Press
Saturday March 14, 2009, 1:45 PM

There is a 99.9-percent chance the Arena Football League is returning for the 2010 season, according to comments Philadelphia Soul team president Ron Jaworski made at a public speaking appearance in Portsmouth, Va., this week.

He told the Virginia-Pilot newspaper Web site there is a one-tenth of 1 percent chance the league would not resume play next year.

"We had a board meeting in Chicago a couple weeks ago and we ratified the new collective bargaining agreement," said Jaworski, who also serves as an ESPN "Monday Night Football" commentator. "The players association is going through it now. We have a plan in place, we're going to open up next year again."

Jaworski's comments are the first by any AFL team executive painting such an optimistic future.

"We're very close to getting a deal done," said Grand Rapids Rampage kicker Brian Gowins, the team's AFL Players Association alternate representative.

"I've always been optimistic about the two sides coming to an agreement. I think it is overwhelmingly likely we will come to a finalized agreement soon," he added.

AFL acting commissioner Ed Policy told The Press last month the league would issue an official statement regarding plans for 2010 by the end of March. The league earlier had set a self-imposed March 1 deadline for announcing whether it would return or fold.

It canceled the 2009 season due to deep financial losses.

Jaworski, keynote speaker Wednesday night at the Portsmouth Sports Club Jamboree banquet, said an expansion team is planned for the Pittsburgh market and the New Orleans VooDoo franchise, which folded following the 2008 season, might return to the revamped league.

"There's a lot at stake. I mean, ESPN is a 10-percent partner with us, we've got an expansion team coming in in Pittsburgh. So we left the meeting with incredible excitement. The only question mark is New Orleans right now," he said. "They were going to drop, but under the new business model, they're likely to come back. But I don't want to say definitively yet we're gonna have New Orleans next year."

He said that shutting down for the 2009 season "was disappointing for us, because obviously (the Soul) were Arena League champions last year, our season-ticket sales were through the roof coming into this season, our partnerships were through the roof. We were all excited.

"But the model needed to be fixed. We were doing well, San Jose was doing well, but some teams weren't doing very well. So the business model needed to be fixed."

Between this article and the oh-so-careful comment Jon Bon Jovi made at the Sayreville show, maybe ... just maybe ... this time next year, we will be exactly where we want to be: Screaming and yelling at the referees, cheering for our boys, eating crab fries from C&P and complaining about parking costs at the Wachovia Center.