NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country star Blake Shelton interrupted the lovefest on the CMT Artists of the Year show with a slightly profane mini-roast of his good friend Luke Bryan. Both Shelton and Bryan picked up honors at the awards show aired live on CMT on Wednesday night in Nashville, Tennessee. But when it was … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Cynthia Robinson, a trumpeter and vocalist whose bold and brassy style made her a key member of Sly and the Family Stone, has died at age 71. Jerry Martini, her longtime friend and fellow horn player in the band, said Wednesday that he was among those with her when she died of … Continue reading
LAS VEGAS (AP) — 100 is turning out to be a very good year for Frank Sinatra. What would have been the musical icon’s centennial birthday on Dec. 12 has been celebrated with an HBO documentary about his life, a Grammy museum exhibit, even dinner specials at an old Las Vegas steakhouse. A star-studded, Grammy-produced … Continue reading
BOSTON (AP) — In an elegant church in one of Boston’s most chic shopping districts, homeless people from across the city gather once a week to express themselves in ways not possible when living on the streets. As winter approaches, attendance at Common Art increases, and as many as 100 homeless and low-income people paint, … Continue reading
LONDON (AP) — Adele has announced her first tour since 2011, with a string of European dates in support of her record-breaking new album, “25.” The British singer announced Thursday that she will play venues in Britain and Europe starting Feb. 29 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Adele has previously said she finds touring lonely. But … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — On tour this winter is a Broadway musical about the one that got away, in more ways than one. “The Bridges of Madison County,” with a superb score by Jason Robert Brown, starts an eight-month U.S. tour on Saturday that features both a story about a lost soul mate and a … Continue reading
The Wainwright Sisters, “Songs in the Dark” (PIAS) There can be something magical about the voices of siblings singing together, as a listen to the Beach Boys or the Everly Brothers shows. More proof comes in this subtly haunting album by Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche, for whom music has always been a … Continue reading
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over” (RCA Nashville) Chris Young ends his fifth album with “What If I Stay,” a sparse, tenderly swaying ballad that shows off the Tennessee-born country singer’s rich baritone, wide range and seductive phrasing. For most of “I’m Comin’ Over,” 30-year-old Young hitches his truck to rhythm-driven contemporary country music. He clips … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Coldplay and Gwen Stefani have been added to the list of performers for the 2015 American Music Awards. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will also hit the stage at the Nov. 22 show at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The rap duo will debut a new song. Coldplay will sing the … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Mick Jagger and Robbie Robertson are paying tribute to the late Allen Toussaint, the New Orleans musician who wrote “Southern Nights,” ”Lady Marmalade” and many other hits. “He was such an influential songwriter and performer,” Jagger tweeted Wednesday. Early in their career, the Rolling Stones covered Toussaint’s “Pain in My Heart” … Continue reading
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The songs of New Orleans musical legend Allen Toussaint have been described as beautiful stories set to music or a handcrafted suit tailored for a specific person. He often wrote them with a particular person and personality in mind, such as singer Lee Dorsey and his smile. “He had a joy … Continue reading
VIENNA (AP) — Austrian painter Ernst Fuchs, whose works combined a love of color and texture with clear lines, mysticism and religious themes, died Monday at 85. Primarily known for his vivid paintings, Fuchs was also an internationally recognized sculptor, stage designer and print maker, composer and poet. Tillmann Fuchs, the artist’s son, confirmed his … Continue reading
CHICAGO (AP) — The force — of Chicago’s City Council, at least — is with George Lucas, as aldermen voted Wednesday to allow the “Star Wars’ filmmaker to build his $400 million museum along the shores of Lake Michigan. With no discussion, the council cast the widely expected vote in favor of allowing Lucas to … Continue reading
Trey Anastasio, “Paper Wheels” (Rubber Jungle/ATO Records) When Phish frontman Trey Anastasio settles into a groove, his latest solo record “Paper Wheels” shines. Anastasio, on his first solo record in three years and 10th of his career, produces a tune, aptly titled “The Song,” that is not only the best track on “Paper Wheels” but … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — There’s even more excitement in store for Game 3 of the World Series. A spokesman for Billy Joel tells Newsday (http://nwsdy.li/1k9ibRX ) the “Piano Man” will lead Citi Field in the national anthem prior to the game Friday night between the Mets and the Kansas City Royals. The Mets have a … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 