Inside MusiCast

29/07/2025

IMC Lookback Disc(s) Of The Day: "Home Grown" by VENICE (2008)
Growing up in Venice, CA, the Lennons were raised on the SoCal sound of the Eagles, Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills & Nash, etc., and that influence became the foundation of their music. The cousins would go on to form a group called VENICE which was comprised of two sets of brothers, Michael Lennon & Mark Lennon + Kipp Lennon & Pat Lennon, who come from a very large musical family - One from a family of eleven siblings and the other from thirteen children. They are the younger relatives of the famous Lennon Sisters who used to appear on the Lawrence Welk Show.
The album HOME GROWN is a compilation of songs from the six initial albums released between 1990 and 2006 and is the perfect starter kit for someone just discovering this fantastic band. The VENICE discography cuts an amazing path when all the music is taken in... But ya gotta start somewhere, right?
The other thing that makes this album a great place to start is the outstanding concert DVD "Live at the Royal Carre Theater" that is included as the other part of this two disc set. Recorded in October of 2003, this fantastic show was mixed in Dolby digital 5.1 surround and shot with 7 cameras. It also includes a Documentary, Family Feature & Photo Gallery and gives those who have not yet discovered this band the best introduction possible. I give this my strongest recommendation.
This solid two disc has been out of print for awhile, but is finally available once again and can be ordered directly from the group website at this link: https://www.venicestore.macwebsitebuilder.com/catalog/item/4260962/7920492.htm

-SG-

29/07/2025

File this one under 110% certifiable brilliance.
A must listen…
BP

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28/07/2025

IMC Lost Album Of The Day: Grooving Up Slowly by Eric Eden (1992)
Really interesting story here...
In 1991 Eric Eden was signed to a major label recording contract by the “M” of A&M Records, Jerry Moss. Eric recorded and mixed the basic tracks for the 12 songs he’d co-written in studios located in London, New York and Los Angeles. The album, titled GROOVING UP SLOWLY, was engineered by Hugh Padgham (Peter Gabriel, The Police, Phil Collins) and included stellar talents such as guitarist Carlos Alomar (David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger) percussionist Ray Cooper (George Harrison, Elton John, Eric Clapton) & saxophonist Gerald Albright (Whitney Houston, Earth Wind & Fire, Quincy Jones.) The 12 compositions feature beautiful orchestration and lush production. His songs display incredible range. All of this occurred when Eric was just 23 years old.
Unfortunately, A&M Records had been sold to another corporation just before Eric’s album was to be released and the new regime decided to put the album out with as little support as possible, essentially “talking a write-off” on the entire project.
Those fortunate enough to locate a compact disc or cassette of GROOVING UP SLOWLY can clearly hear & feel what a great project this album is. I was able to secure a CD and was very impressed. The album isn't available on any streaming platforms. Has anyone else ever heard this rare gem? Click the link below to hear one of the singles titled "I'd Make You Happy (If I Could)".

-SG-

I don't own this, but it's nowhere to be found on youtube or anywhere and it's brilliant! Originally released on A & M records, it's a gorgeously over the top Todd Rundgren-esque ballad & one of the t

25/07/2025

Inside MusiCast Pick of The Day: “Old Devil Moon” by Bobby Caldwell from his 1999 album ‘Come Rain Or Come Shine”

Hosting a house concert tonight with music from the Rat Pack era has me thinking about Bobby and his crooner side. His version of "Old Devil Moon" always gets me. It’s so smooth and classy, with just the right amount of swing. What is amazing about this is, Bobby had that way of making a standard feel fresh while keeping all the charm and nostalgia intact.

Like Linda Ronstadt, who could sing just about anything and make it her own, Bobby was at home no matter what style he was singing. Soul, pop, jazz, big band, he did it all and made it sound natural. With Mark McMillen (who played piano on this album) and his lovely wife Ann coming to perform as their duo Pricey Diggs in my backyard next month, on what happens to be Bobby’s birthday, no less, it just felt right to spotlight this gem.

The list of players on this album is immense, so it’s hard to say exactly who’s on what track, but I’d like to think Mark is playing piano on this one. Who knows. What is clear is this track is lush and cinematic, but never takes away from Bobby’s voice. He didn’t need much, his voice carried the whole thing.

Boy, do miss this man! So amazing!!

Loretta

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesOld Devil Moon · Bobby Caldwell · Burton Lane · E Y HarburgCome Rain or Come Shine℗ 2005 Big Deal RecordsReleas...

24/07/2025

Inside MusiCast Pick of the Day: "Feels So Good" by Chuck Mangione from the album "Feels So Good"

One of the greats has left us.

It almost seems like the legends of different genres are leaving us these days. The latest is the incomparable Chuck Mangione.

Chuck had a style of jazz that was so cool and sophisticated, and yet his song "Feels So Good" went far beyond that genre. It broke through to pop radio and reached people of all musical tastes.

As a tribute, I’m reposting my Pick from a while back. My dad and I loved his music and I imagine he’s just hearing the news of Chuck’s passing.

Being in high school at the time of it's release, I wouldn’t have called myself a huge jazz fan, mostly because growing up in Palm Springs, CA back in the 1970s, we only had one AM Pop / Rock station and I don't recall a jazz station being there. But this song completely changed my perspective because it was played on our Pop / Rock station. This was also Chuck Mangione’s big breakthrough tune, and for good reason, as it was both a creative and a commercial high point in his career. His smooth flugelhorn playing, and his easygoing rhythm and flow of the melody drew the listener, making it unforgettable.

This song and the whole album, really, features some of the best musicians in the business. Charles Meeks lays down a rich, steady bass line that wraps around the guitar and flugelhorn just right. Grant Geissman’s guitar floats through the mix with that smooth, airy stereo feel. Add in Chris Vadala’s soulful woodwinds and James Bradley Jr.’s tight, tasteful drumming, and it all comes together perfectly with Chuck’s unmistakable flugelhorn and keys.

"Feels So Good" remains Mangione’s most famous song and album, and is considered one of his finest works. His exquisite flugelhorn playing, outstanding leadership, and brilliant songwriting made it a true masterpiece. Mangione knew how to write music with feeling. And wow, could he play! I attribute a lot of that to the great training he received in his early years playing with Art Blakey’s band. That kind of start gave him a solid foundation, and it showed.

Even after all these years, "Feels So Good" is still loved by both jazz and pop fans alike. Oh and as I said earlier, this is one of my dad's favorites. He still has the 8-track!

Rest in peace, Chuck. You truly made us feel so good.

Loretta

LP Remastered in highest sound quality 48.000 kHz / 32 bit Float,,, very good quality treble,,,,,I hope you enjoy this classic song of this excellent artist...

24/07/2025

I’ll need to break this one out today.
Rough week, RIP, Chuck…

Chuck Mangione, the jazz flugelhorn and trumpet player whose catchy instrumental 'Feels So Good' made the pop top 10, has died at 84.

23/07/2025

42 years ago today, and yes, I was there.
What a crazy, cool, and hot day that was…
BP

23/07/2025

Inside MusiCast Pick of The Day - “Cry On My Shoulder” by Bonnie Raitt

I’ve been revisiting “Nick of Time” which was released in 1989, and one track that still grabs me is “Cry on My Shoulder.” Written by Michael Ruff, who also lends his gorgeous touch on keyboards is one of my favorite people. This song is a sentimental, soul-influenced tune that showcases Michael’s style, artistry and sensitive writing talents.

“Cry On My Shoulder,” as well as this whole this entire album is so well produced by the legendary; Don Was. You can really feel the care that was taken with this project. The personnel is dynamic! Chuck Domanico on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums, Paulinho da Costa on percussion, and then there’s David Crosby and Graham Nash on background vocals.

Bonnie sings these tender lyrics with a kind of power that is honest and real and her slide guitar work is pure icing.

If you’ve never really spent time with “Cry on My Shoulder,” or the whole album or maybe it’s been a while, then go back and soak yourself in this. It’s one of those songs that meets you right where you are.

Loretta

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupCry On My Shoulder · Bonnie RaittNick Of Time℗ 1989 Capitol Records, LLCReleased on: 2005-01-01Vocalist: Bonnie R...

23/07/2025

George Kooymans, legendary guitarist and founding member of Golden Earring, has lost his battle with ALS. Rest in peace, George.

23/07/2025

Inside MusiCast Pick of The Day - "Gravity" from Brenda Russell's 1988 album "Get Here."

I was recently reminded of just how much I love this lady's voice! Had to feature her today. This track has that smooth, soulful pull that still hits just right. Produced by the man himself, Stanley Clarke, the whole album is a perfect example of that classic West Coast-style smooth jazz.

It features a stellar personnel; Gardner Cole, Paul Jackson, Wayne Linsey with backup vocals by Howard Smith, Joe Turano, Joe Esposito and Donny Gerrard.

Just listening to this song, I’m taken right back to my South Bay days where I got to see Brenda live at a cool little club called The Strand in Redondo Beach, CA during her "Piano in the Dark" tour. If I remember correctly, Michael Ruff was on keys, James Harrah might’ve been on guitar, and Jimmy Haslip was definitely holding it down on bass.

The funniest thing happened. . . during the set break, I had to call our babysitter, and who’s waiting in line at the payphone right next to me? Jimmy Haslip, doing the same thing. He told me that he was also calling home to say goodnight to his kids. HAHA! That was back when we all still used payphones.

This song is so funky! I love Brenda's vocals here. “Gravity” is one of those songs that just pulls you in and holds you there. The groove is steady and mellow, with that late '80s West Coast feel all over it. She doesn’t belt it out, she just lays it down with that quiet kind of confidence that hits even harder.

Such a great song!!
Loretta

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupGravity · Brenda RussellGet Here℗ 1988 A&M RecordsReleased on: 1988-01-01Composer Lyricist, Producer: Brenda Russ...

22/07/2025

Rest in peace, Ozzy.

22/07/2025

Inside MusiCast Album of the Day - "52nd Street" by Billy Joel

With the recent documentary on the incomparable Billy Joel, I couldn’t help but go back and revisit this great man’s music.

I became a fan when I first heard "Just The Way You Are." Growing up in Palm Springs in the 1970s, we only had one AM Pop / Rock station, not a Pop / Rock FM station mind you, just AM. Whenever our family left the desert for different occasions, listening to any FM station was priority. After a time though, we’d all be fighting over the stations because we were like fish out of water and listening to a song all the way through was rare.

But once I did know about him, I wanted more.

It’s hard to pick a favorite album because I love them all, but if I had to choose just one, it would be "52nd Street," released in 1978. While "The Stranger" brought Billy huge success with songs like these aforementioned and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," "52nd Street" felt to me like a return to his roots, reminiscent of "Streetlife Serenade" or "Piano Man" with a raw, homegrown sound that I really love.

If you haven’t listened to this album in a while, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Loretta