Mudcat 'Idol'?

Subject: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: Cool Beans
Date: 21 May 09 - 09:28 AM

For what it's worth, Wednesday night's "American Idol" finale featured three distinct Mudcat-worthy moments: Cyndi Lauper playing mountain dulcimer, Steve Martin playing banjo and Rod Stewart's mandolinist playing the familiar riff on "Maggie May."

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: CupOfTea
Date: 21 May 09 - 09:50 AM

I've not been into TV idolatry, and so missed this, but have been intrigued by Steve Martin's banjo playing. A local college radio DJ has been playing cuts from Steve's new album - he does more than "just fine" playing with the big boys and girls in bluegrass. I like the idea of folks who would go out of their way to avoid anything to do with a banjo being sucked in first,by Steve Martin's name, then getting wowed by the musicianship.

Cool Beans indeed! Was just discussing that term at work just yesterday and we wondered what it would be in Latin (I work in a church, it's an occupational hazzard...) you could get dressed up as "Frigidus Favi." just sayin'

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: Genie
Date: 21 May 09 - 10:54 PM

Yeah, Cyndi backed herself (and Allison Iraheta) on dulcimer for her song "Time After Time."   Sounded great.   A welcome change from the sort of backgrounds that dominate pop music.
And Steve M. also wrote the bluegrassy song that he did with Megan Joy (Corkrey) and Michael Sarver.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 May 09 - 11:00 PM

I never watch that show. Had I know they would be on, I certainly would have, though, esp. Steve Martin on banjo. He is REALLY good on it! Would loev to have seen Cyndi, too.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: Anglo
Date: 22 May 09 - 02:17 AM

I did watch it, and we remarked (in house) on it. I thought half America would wonder what that weird thing (the dulcimer) was. Is THAT a hurdy gurdy?

Also cool tonight was David Letterman giving a very nice introduction to Jean Redpath, with Jacqueline Schwab on piano, singing a song Dave had heard her do on Prairie Home Companion.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: alanabit
Date: 22 May 09 - 04:30 AM

Just two small points for a pedant to pick up on... Was not "Time After Time" written by Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman of The Hooters, who were at one time Cyndi Lauper's backing band?
The other point is a question too: Who is meant by "Rod Stewart's mandolinist"? I think that Ray Jackson (of Lindisfarne) played the mandoline riff on the original "Maggie May". Was he the featured musician in this TV show? At any rate, it sounds like a programme worth watching.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 09 - 04:41 AM

"Time After Time" was co-written by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman

J'Anna Jacoby is Rod Stewart's current mandolinist

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: GUEST,Golightly
Date: 22 May 09 - 05:41 AM

The final show, including Steve Martin etc, hasn't been on UK TV yet.
It's on tonight (Friday May 22nd) at 21:00, ITV2.

But America, what were you thinking of in voting for Kris instead of the magnificent Adam?

Am gutted that Adam lost.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: RTim
Date: 22 May 09 - 09:24 AM

It seemed to me that Cyndi was simply strumming open strings with one hand, whilst waving the other hand it the air! I can do that!
Tim Radford (who actually likes her singing.)

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 May 09 - 09:36 AM

Why not have a show featuring the talents of folks like Steve Martin? Forget these wannabees, for for the real.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 22 May 09 - 10:05 AM

I don't watch those types of shows. I thought that they were looking
for people who could sing pop music. I heard about some really good
singers who've auditioned, but didn't make it, because they weren't
"poppy" enough, enough though the judges liked their singing.
And on top of that, they have a "weekly theme" for the contestants who make the show, and they're given a list of songs to choose from.
I think that it should be for anybody who has a good voice, whether or
not they can sound "poppy", and should never have to pick from a list
of songs from a certain genre every week. They should sing any song,
any genre, every week.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: Wesley S
Date: 22 May 09 - 11:31 AM

Well Maple Leaf they must be doing something right if it's the top rated show. It appeals to someone - perhaps not the average Mudcatter. And Lauper did fret the dulcimer - but she waved her arms around a lot too. As far as Adam losing there are reports that the vote wasn't close. He DOES have an amazing set of pipes but he tends to screech a bit in every song. In the long run the result is probably better for both of them. It frees up Adam to do whatever he wants. I think both of them are supposed to be on Larry King tonight.

At least the program promotes live singers. The contestants don't prerecord their songs. However some of the guests perform to backing tracks and I think that's just wrong.

One other thing. It seems as if most of the front runners were level headed modest young kids. Lets see what 10 years in the music business does to them. The movie "A Star is Born" comes to mind.

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 May 09 - 03:58 PM

As a twist on the concept, can we nominate contestants? I'd like to hear Crow Sister duet with my noisy sprog (who has posted here once or twice as guest)

All nominated contestants must have posted here at least once...

And be alive...

Not allowed to nominate self...

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: Ref
Date: 22 May 09 - 07:38 PM

On banjo, Steve Martin IS one of the "Big Boys!"

Subject: RE: Mudcat 'Idol'?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 23 May 09 - 03:18 AM

Golightly: But America, what were you thinking of in voting for Kris instead of the magnificent Adam?
Am gutted that Adam lost. "

I, myself, was shocked...my jaw dropped open!..However, as I pointed out on another thread, I think Adam lost because he was 'too generous' in flaunting his homosexuality, which still is offensive to most the general public.