Archive for September, 2009
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9
Sep
2009
Lynette Brehm
Lynette “Neddy” Brehm easily stands on the shoulders of many of the other musicians in San Antonio. This singer songwriter has accomplished much in her career and has no intention on slowing down anytime soon.
“Neddy’s” grandmother was a professional opera singer for the San Antonio Opera company and was one of the first Hispanic women to sing on the radio in Texas in the 20’s and 30’s. With such a musical background it was no surprise “Neddy” picked up her grandmothers love for music.
Some of her accomplishments include:
- Runner-up of the VH1 Song of the Year Contest, Adult Contemporary Category for “We’re Meant To Be Together”
- Recent production of Neddy’s original song “We’re Meant To Be Together” produced and arranged by Randy Cantor (Grammy award winning producer for Alejandra Guzman and Grammy nominee for his arrangement of “Living La Vida Loca” for Ricky Martin)
- Top 25 in the Clear Channel national Star 98.7 (Los Angeles) Rock Star Contest
- Official Selection of “Alone This Christmas” music video at the Texandance International Film Festival and Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival
- Co-wrote Neddy’s original song “Tentacion Que Me Domina” with Edgar Cortazar (Latin Grammy Award recipient who’s creations have been recorded by Luis Miguel)
With her soulful voice she can sing and write songs in English and also Spanish. Which in turn makes her a multiple threat and sets her apart from a lot of singers. One moment she could be singing a soulful ballad in English, while the next an uptempo musical number in Spanish. She also has love and respect for playing her own instruments, especially the guitar. She says quote “Picking up the guitar was as natural as could be, it compliments the energy within.” We could not agree more.
One of the most fulfilling things she has done in her career was create a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting public school music programs. The “Music In The Schools” program helps assist music programs by creating positive music activities for the youth and bringing financial aid to music programs in public schools. The funding for such musical programs are dwindling and “Music In The Schools” is such an organization that takes pride into providing at least some sort of relief. For more information about Music In The Schools visit www.musicintheschools.net.
Listen To Lynette “Neddy” Brehm HERE!
8
Sep
2009
A Discordant Kind of Harmony
Friday nights have a certain magic to them. It’s the beginning of the weekend; the work week -or most of it- is behind you, and next week seems so far distant from right now. I don’t normally get to go see music on Friday nights. I tend to work Saturday morning and a band has to be especially tempting for me to suffer sleep deprivation going into a 12 hour shift on Saturday.
There are, however, certain exceptions to this. One band in particular has tempted me out of my Friday night stasis on more than one occasion.
So, the game plan, as it were:
dinner at mina & dimis
watch the Sara Monster (aka Sara Martinez) belly dance -haha, dinner and a show
Clicks for drinks, pool and MUSICS!
On the line up:
Thunderosa
Snake Skin Prison
Destruction Evolution.
Now, I’ve seen SSP and Destruction Evolution before, but Thunderosa was new to me. I did not get the pleasure of seeing them in full as the lead guitarist was not present. Despite the obvious disadvantage, they did put on a decent show. I respect the honesty of the band, and the courage that they possessed to go on with one man down and a less skilled musician trying to fill his shoes. I have to admit that I enjoyed their showmanship. True teaxabilly metal. It wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was interesting.
Then there was Snake Skin Prison. I have seen them several times in varying venues, but I must say, this experience was a little different. As with any band that I decide to like, I have chosen a few favorite songs from their cd and from live performances. I always notice when something changes in one of these songs as it marks progress (and a bands ability to grow and change is ranked among my top 5 requirements for favoritism).
Among these favorite songs is an alcoholic’s love song aptly titled Alcohol of Fame. This particular song has a different preface every time I hear it, from the melancholy to the cocky. Today’s experience was a little different.
As you have likely surmised, dear reader, I am always looking for something different to jump out at me. I am a fan of discord, juxtaposition and incongruity. I must say that this song was made better by the particular tone of discord between the singer and back up. Normally they harmonize, which makes it pretty, but a new layer was added to the experience by the wildly off key and out of tune performance by the singer. It very well suited the tone of the song and the way that the song makes me feel. It was different and surprising, and I liked it.
I take pleasure in a band that is able to continually surprise me, and get me hooked again. Let’s face it dear reader: we all have our addictions; mine just happens to be intangible.
Sadly, I had to leave before Destruction Evolution took the stage; I had work early the next morning. Over all though, I would say that it was a positive experience. If I am not mistaken, SSP will be back in town on September 12.
Assuming I’m off work on time, you’ll likely find me hovering in the front of the crowd and waiting for the music to take me somewhere new.
