Retitled: Rhtyhms & Blues

[Matthew]

For those who are at the very least partially hip to the idea that's the most common remark. That's why I created this thread to suggest the idea of create a "split" album with half devoted to rhythms and the other half devoted to blues.

A big trend here in NYC bars is to bring in percussionists to play with the DJ. I'm not talking club music, they play over rock, RnB, disco, blues etc. For the most part, it sounds pretty cool and the patrons really get into it.

Just wanted to let you know that your idea is not too far-fetched and there is definitely an audience for it.

As far as Journey doing it, I think it's up to them as to what they feel like doing, but someone needs to tap into this market.
It's hot right now.

It's hot rght now in London too....much as it pains me to admit it

[junky]

For those who are at the very least partially hip to the idea that's the most common remark. That's why I created this thread to suggest the idea of create a "split" album with half devoted to rhythms and the other half devoted to blues.

A big trend here in NYC bars is to bring in percussionists to play with the DJ. I'm not talking club music, they play over rock, RnB, disco, blues etc. For the most part, it sounds pretty cool and the patrons really get into it.

Just wanted to let you know that your idea is not too far-fetched and there is definitely an audience for it.

As far as Journey doing it, I think it's up to them as to what they feel like doing, but someone needs to tap into this market.
It's hot right now.

It's hot rght now in London too....much as it pains me to admit it

London is great. People are so opened-minded about music.

I DJed there a few years ago, we did a 80's new wave night and brought in a guitar player, percussionist and a full drum kit. I even threw in Once You Love Somebody. A great time was had by all.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

For those who are at the very least partially hip to the idea that's the most common remark. That's why I created this thread to suggest the idea of create a "split" album with half devoted to rhythms and the other half devoted to blues.

A big trend here in NYC bars is to bring in percussionists to play with the DJ. I'm not talking club music, they play over rock, RnB, disco, blues etc. For the most part, it sounds pretty cool and the patrons really get into it.

Just wanted to let you know that your idea is not too far-fetched and there is definitely an audience for it.

As far as Journey doing it, I think it's up to them as to what they feel like doing, but someone needs to tap into this market.
It's hot right now.

It's hot rght now in London too....much as it pains me to admit it

Matthew - you punk! You're demanding reasons from me and you know that it's hot, too!

[Matthew]

Matthew - you punk!

Ah - but there's a big soft rock revival here as well. Will the two mix? That's the question...

As far as I'm aware 'Latin rock' is most unhot right now.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

For those who are at the very least partially hip to the idea that's the most common remark. That's why I created this thread to suggest the idea of create a "split" album with half devoted to rhythms and the other half devoted to blues.

A big trend here in NYC bars is to bring in percussionists to play with the DJ. I'm not talking club music, they play over rock, RnB, disco, blues etc. For the most part, it sounds pretty cool and the patrons really get into it.

Just wanted to let you know that your idea is not too far-fetched and there is definitely an audience for it.

As far as Journey doing it, I think it's up to them as to what they feel like doing, but someone needs to tap into this market.
It's hot right now.

It's hot rght now in London too....much as it pains me to admit it

London is great. People are so opened-minded about music.

I DJed there a few years ago, we did a 80's new wave night and brought in a guitar player, percussionist and a full drum kit. I even threw in Once You Love Somebody. A great time was had by all.

That's awesome! I think Americans are becoming more open-minded. I know American Idol isn't a favorite on this board BUT the diversity of music that they use is an indication of broad tastes. Also, "So You Think You Can Dance" is doing a lot to revive certain dance AND music.

BTW: I actually picked Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Taylor Hicks to win from their FIRST auditions. Believe it or not! I saw each of these artists and KNEW they were going to win. My wife and co-workers can back that up! I know Clay came in 2nd BUT as far as I'm concerned he won that season and he's certainly been more productive than Ruben.

Regarding "Rhythm & Blues" maybe a more apporpirate title could be "Rhythms & Blues" to help distinguish the concept from the actual music genre of R&B.

[Matthew]

For those who are at the very least partially hip to the idea that's the most common remark. That's why I created this thread to suggest the idea of create a "split" album with half devoted to rhythms and the other half devoted to blues.

A big trend here in NYC bars is to bring in percussionists to play with the DJ. I'm not talking club music, they play over rock, RnB, disco, blues etc. For the most part, it sounds pretty cool and the patrons really get into it.

Just wanted to let you know that your idea is not too far-fetched and there is definitely an audience for it.

As far as Journey doing it, I think it's up to them as to what they feel like doing, but someone needs to tap into this market.
It's hot right now.

It's hot rght now in London too....much as it pains me to admit it

London is great. People are so opened-minded about music.

I DJed there a few years ago, we did a 80's new wave night and brought in a guitar player, percussionist and a full drum kit. I even threw in Once You Love Somebody. A great time was had by all.

Wish I'd been there! How did "Once You Somebody" go down?

By the way...it still baffles me why Journey didn't play in London on their recent UK tour. Perhaps someone needs to tell Neal that London is the CAPITAL CITY?

[junky]

For those who are at the very least partially hip to the idea that's the most common remark. That's why I created this thread to suggest the idea of create a "split" album with half devoted to rhythms and the other half devoted to blues.

A big trend here in NYC bars is to bring in percussionists to play with the DJ. I'm not talking club music, they play over rock, RnB, disco, blues etc. For the most part, it sounds pretty cool and the patrons really get into it.

Just wanted to let you know that your idea is not too far-fetched and there is definitely an audience for it.

As far as Journey doing it, I think it's up to them as to what they feel like doing, but someone needs to tap into this market.
It's hot right now.

It's hot rght now in London too....much as it pains me to admit it

London is great. People are so opened-minded about music.

I DJed there a few years ago, we did a 80's new wave night and brought in a guitar player, percussionist and a full drum kit. I even threw in Once You Love Somebody. A great time was had by all.

Wish I'd been there! How did "Once You Somebody" go down?

Well, I had to speed it up a bit and the percussionist did a cool double time beat and it was 6am, the crowd was pretty wasted, but a few local DJs asked me what it was which is always a good sign. The crowd liked it. Great morning record.

By the way...it still baffles me why Journey didn't play in London on their recent UK tour. Perhaps someone needs to tell Neal that London is the CAPITAL CITY?

Tell me about it. I lived in London 85-88, so I missed the ROR tour. SP did'nt want to go overseas for ROR.
I think I read somewhere Neal said there wasn't enough interest with the promoters in England with the last line up.

[Monker]

Why not a JOURNEY Rhythm and Blues album with one side an exploration into rhythms and the other side an exploration into blues?

They shouldn't do it because CD's shouldn't have "Sides".

Journey should simply take three to six months off and spend it together writing and recording an album...whatever the best 12 or so songs are should be on the album. If it happens to be R&B, fine...If it happens to be Latin, fine. If it happens to be Rap, fine.

You have to write what is on your heart...if you don't, it doesn't sound genuine. I think Jonathan once said something like that.

Funny, I just replied to someone's blog, who I felt wrote a heart-felt message. What I said applies here too. A while back I read someone say (maybe Jonathan) that the best story a person can tell is the one they don't want to. Maybe because it's too personal and they do not want to reveal it publicly. Maybe it hurts too much to write. That is the story they SHOULD write because if it means that much to the writer, it will mean just a bit more to the reader as well.

I think the same thing can be said about songwriting. It's the difference between writing a love song, and writing a song about someone you love. It's the difference between writing about someone dying, and writing a song about death with your father who is dying of cancer. It's the difference between writing a song about a love gone wrong and writing a song about catching your girl lovin' touchin' squeezin' someone else.

THOSE are the types of songs I want bands to write...not adhering to some theme or boxing themselves into some style. I want to hear songs that mean something.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

Why not a JOURNEY Rhythm and Blues album with one side an exploration into rhythms and the other side an exploration into blues?

They shouldn't do it because CD's shouldn't have "Sides".

Journey should simply take three to six months off and spend it together writing and recording an album...whatever the best 12 or so songs are should be on the album. If it happens to be R&B, fine...If it happens to be Latin, fine. If it happens to be Rap, fine.

You have to write what is on your heart...if you don't, it doesn't sound genuine. I think Jonathan once said something like that.

Funny, I just replied to someone's blog, who I felt wrote a heart-felt message. What I said applies here too. A while back I read someone say (maybe Jonathan) that the best story a person can tell is the one they don't want to. Maybe because it's too personal and they do not want to reveal it publicly. Maybe it hurts too much to write. That is the story they SHOULD write because if it means that much to the writer, it will mean just a bit more to the reader as well.

I think the same thing can be said about songwriting. It's the difference between writing a love song, and writing a song about someone you love. It's the difference between writing about someone dying, and writing a song about death with your father who is dying of cancer. It's the difference between writing a song about a love gone wrong and writing a song about catching your girl lovin' touchin' squeezin' someone else.

THOSE are the types of songs I want bands to write...not adhering to some theme or boxing themselves into some style. I want to hear songs that mean something.

Cassettes still have sides don't they? Wait a minute...does produce cassettes anymore? What year is this? Where am I?

You know what I meant by sides. Why be a smart-ass? I know: because nobody likes a dumbass.

I agree with your points. The Latin thing is JOURNEY's idea - not mine. I've just been supporting it for 3 years now.

[Monker]

Cassettes still have sides don't they? Wait a minute...does produce cassettes anymore? What year is this? Where am I?

You know what I meant by sides. Why be a smart-ass? I know: because nobody likes a dumbass.

I guess I said it cuz *I* thought it was funny. Also, lots of people like dumbass's...I mean, Bush still has a few people who like him.

I agree with your points.

Good, cuz if you didn't I'd complain to Andrew and have you banned for insulting me.

[Moon Beam]

Cassettes still have sides don't they? Wait a minute...does produce cassettes anymore? What year is this? Where am I?

You know what I meant by sides. Why be a smart-ass? I know: because nobody likes a dumbass.

I guess I said it cuz *I* thought it was funny. Also, lots of people like dumbass's...I mean, Bush still has a few people who like him.

I agree with your points.

Good, cuz if you didn't I'd complain to Andrew and have you banned for insulting me.

That last one was a funny butt scratch wasn't it Monker?

Enjoyable

[Matthew]

Why not a JOURNEY Rhythm and Blues album with one side an exploration into rhythms and the other side an exploration into blues?

They shouldn't do it because CD's shouldn't have "Sides".

Journey should simply take three to six months off and spend it together writing and recording an album...whatever the best 12 or so songs are should be on the album. If it happens to be R&B, fine...If it happens to be Latin, fine. If it happens to be Rap, fine.

You have to write what is on your heart...if you don't, it doesn't sound genuine. I think Jonathan once said something like that.

Funny, I just replied to someone's blog, who I felt wrote a heart-felt message. What I said applies here too. A while back I read someone say (maybe Jonathan) that the best story a person can tell is the one they don't want to. Maybe because it's too personal and they do not want to reveal it publicly. Maybe it hurts too much to write. That is the story they SHOULD write because if it means that much to the writer, it will mean just a bit more to the reader as well.

I think the same thing can be said about songwriting. It's the difference between writing a love song, and writing a song about someone you love. It's the difference between writing about someone dying, and writing a song about death with your father who is dying of cancer. It's the difference between writing a song about a love gone wrong and writing a song about catching your girl lovin' touchin' squeezin' someone else.

THOSE are the types of songs I want bands to write...not adhering to some theme or boxing themselves into some style. I want to hear songs that mean something.

Great post. Yes - you're absolutely right.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

...not adhering to some theme or boxing themselves into some style. I want to hear songs that mean something.

Great post. Yes - you're absolutely right.

What you're not recognizing is:
1. Neal and JOURNEY are very STRONG when it comes to writing thematically.
2. Some of JOURNEY's greatest work has come from sticking to thematic writing.
3. There's nothing wrong with a theme. It makes for a strong, highly recognizable and memorable effort.

Example: Every JOURNEY album with the exception of TBF. [EDIT] I neglected to include GENERATIONS. While the title is a tribute to the generations of JOURNEY fans the album only has one song that captures that theme.

The 3 most outstanding albums:
E5C4P3: A very acoustic production with inspiring songs about escaping - if you never picked up on the lyrical content then shame on you!

FRONTIERS: Neal said "Let's rock!" and they did. A very loud, rough, and aggressive production with inspiring songs about exploring new horizons.

ROR: A dance album with signature JOURNEY vocal harmonies and Schon riffs. Includes one of the all-time greatest slow dance songs WCTNGOF.

Shall I go on? Look at the use of the word "theme" in JOURNEY's Dream After Dream album. That comes from Neal as he also uses it in his solo work.

Themes make for an overall powerful and memorable effort.