Tag Archives: Music

Jazz Loves Disney and You Will Love This Album! #JazzLovesDisney



Are you a Disney music lover? Did you know Walt Disney loved Jazz? He did and he paid great attention to the writing of music accompanying his hero’s adventures. Songs were written and played to act as a catalyst of emotions and personalities for his unique characters like, Jiminy Cricket, Baloo, Tinker Bell, Woody and more! Many of these songs went on to be nominated for or won Academy Awards. That served as a true acknowledgement of the quality of these beloved and enchanting future standards, many have been covered by jazz and pop stars at some point in their career.

The Album, Jazz Loves Disney was recorded between Paris, London and Los Angeles by a dream cast. The album is a true tribute to the beautiful and symbolic tunes of Walt Disney’s magical world. You can feel the connection these stars had to the music that must have elicited the sweet childhood memories they had of these classic songs.

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This is the ultimate proof of the impact Disney has had on generations of jazz musicians, including the ones taking part in Jazz Loves Disney.

Album is available to download on iTunes and Amazon.

Track Listing:

1.  Jamie Cullum – “Everybody Wants To Be A Cat” – from The Aristocats

2.  Melody Gardot – “He’s A Tramp” – from Lady And The Tramp

3.  Stacey Kent – “Bibbidi Bobbodo Boo” (French version) – from Cinderella

4.  Gregory Porter – “When You Wish Upon A Star” – from Pinocchio

5.  China Moses – “Why Don’t You Do Right” – from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

6.  Raphaël Gualazzi – “I Wanna Be Like You” – from The Jungle Book

7.  The Rob Mounsey Orchestra – “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” – from Cinderella

8.  Hugh Coltman – “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” – from Toy Story

9.  Anne Sila – “Let It Go” – from Frozen

10.  Melody Gardot & Raphaël Gualazzi – “The Bare Necessities” – from The Jungle Book

11.  Laika – “Once Upon A Dream” – from Sleeping Beauty

12.  Nikki Yanofsky -“Someday My Prince Will Come” – from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

13. The Hot Sardines – I Wanna Be Like You (French & English version) – from The Jungle Book (US release only)

I fondly remember Disney music in my life since I can remember. I grew up with it and love discovering it all over again through my kids. There is something about the music that just makes me smile. My favorites were track 7, “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” and Track 8 “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” but I really like them all. My kids love the album too and it is something we all like to listen to. I highly recommend it for Disney and jazz music fans.

So what do you think? Are you excited about this album? If you did download it, let me know what you thought. Just write to me in the comments on this post. I can’t wait to read them!

 


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These Are Songs To Uplift, Heal & Empower Children and Families

Growing up in New Jersey, Jennifer Paskow spent hours in her bedroom singing songs from Annie, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Oliver! and other Broadway shows, alternating with sitting at the piano with her clipboard, writing songs in the mode of Carole King.

With admiration for Raffi and his child-honoring philosophy, and inspired by the spirit of her favorite album from childhood, Free to Be … You and Me, Jennifer Paskow’s objective with Make A Circle was to make a recording that would feel like a hug for humanity. Produced by Don Boyette (Michael Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Gary Clark, Jr.) and mixed and mastered by Robert Carranza (Jack Johnson, Beck, The Mars Volta, Los Lobos, Ozomatli), the album achieves and far surpasses Jennifer’s goal.

 

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Make A Circle leads off by showcasing Jennifer Paskow’s rich, honeyed voice on Make A Circle, whose central message is to extend your love to others by learning to love yourself. The “love” theme continues with “The I Love You Song,” a peppy and very danceable straight up ode to affection. “On The Inside,” an anthem to self-esteem, encourages young people to look within to discover their intrinsic value. “Listen to Your Heart” sets its lyrics to a musical heartbeat and encourages a contemplative looking within for answers.

You can watch Jennifer sing Make A Circle HERE.

“I Am A Tree” connects us to one another and Mother Earth by presenting the metaphor of a tree connecting to the earth as an emblem of the oneness of all things, while “Celebrate This Day” urges physical movement to express the sheer joy of life. Continuing the celebration theme, Jennifer Paskow’s version of “This Little Light of Mine” is a manifestation of traditional hand-clapping gospel exuberance.

Celestial bodies receive their due in the wrap-up of this beautiful album. The soothing sounds of “Hello Moon” depict the wonder of being connected to nature and the universe, while “Long Time Sun” is an Irish blessing that Jennifer Paskow often sings at the end of the classes she teaches.

A trained music therapist and children’s music and yoga teacher, Jennifer Paskow has been an exponent of healing since she was a child. When not recording or performing publicly, Jennifer can be found teaching music at preschools and in a variety of “Parent and Me” music class settings, teaching yoga to kids living in shelters, and sharing her music with hospitalized children and their families as a volunteer with the acclaimed organization The Art of Elysium. Says Jennifer, ”Singing for kids in the hospital is a real highlight for me. I always walk away feeling joyfully inspired and rooted in my purpose. I’ve been doing community service since I was nine years old, and the ideas of giving back and supporting my community are deeply ingrained in my being. I believe in the interconnectedness of all life and that, as we give, we are receiving.”

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MAKE A CIRCLE TRACK LIST:
Make A Circle
The I Love You Song
On The Inside
I Am
Listen To Your Heart
I Am A Tree
Celebrate This Day
This Little Light Of Mine
Hello Moon
Long Time Sun
The I Love You Song (acoustic)

Make A Circle will be available on iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby.

 


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How To Light Up Your Music– #Giveaway

When I was younger my mom bought these awesome radios that looked like they had a TV screen in the center. She bought 3 of them and they were all different colors. When you turned the radio on, the “TV screen” would light up with colored lights that flashed in beat with the music. One of my friends loved then so much, she still talks about them till this day.

Technology has surely changed since the late 70’s hasn’t it? It is amazing how far we have come. Those radios my mom bought way back were cool but today I am going to show you something to really blow you away. I had the chance to test out the Havit Lighthouse, outdoor, wireless, Bluetooth, LED Speaker.

Havit speaker

This is so much more than a speaker! It is a lantern, it is a power bank to charge your mobile devices, it’s an FM radio, it can play music from a card, audio cable connection or Bluetooth connection. It has voice prompts and it has awesome colored LED lighting options that are beyond cool! We absolutely love this speaker and I bet you will too. You can buy this right on Amazon-there is a link to the product at the bottom of this post. Check out our video below.

Product Features:

• Driver: 6 ohm
• Bluetooth Version: 2.1
• Color: Army green
• LED Power: 3W
• Output Power : 10W
• USB Output: DC 5V,1A
• Power Supply : DV 5V,Li-on battery,8000mah
• Charging Means: USB
• Bluetooth: Yes
• TF card : Supported
• Speaker:10W
• Power Bank Function:Yes
• FM Function: Yes
• Size: 18.7x12x12cm
• Weight: 1066g

Giveaway:

Havit is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Havit, Lighthouse Bluetooth Speaker just like the one I reviewed.  Thank you to Havit for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Havit LED Bluetooth LED Wireless Speaker Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Save 30% On The Perfect Music Lover’s Gift! #HolidayGiftGuide

You know what they say about dynamite coming in small packages right? You can’t dismiss something small as weak and you certainly cannot dismiss the compact triangular Audiosharp Music Eyes Speaker as anything less than dynamite! This little speaker packs a powerful punch in features and sound. It is portable, has Bluetooth wireless capabilities, allows you to answer calls right from the speaker too! The dual drive unit speakers deliver incredible sound!

Audio Sharp

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The internal rechargeable 650 mA battery is good for up to 5 hours of play time and 300 hours of standby time. The built-in microphone supports hands free calls. The connection range is up to 30 feet. You can also use the 3.5mm AUX cable to connect and it is included with this speaker.

Audio Sharp 3

Audio Sharp Box 1

Audio Sharp box

Audio Sharp out of box

Audio Sharp out of box 1

We were so impressed with this metal speaker, it is drop resistant, dust proof and comes in red and black. It easily paired with both my iPhone 6 and my husband’s Note 4 with ease. The sound is awesome and it has a phenomenal play time. The speaker has big and clear sound that is truly full range. The bass hits low and the treble pops the highs out perfectly. It is hard to believe the awesome sound is coming from this little speaker. It is in pairing mode the first time you turn it on as noted by the LED blinking blue to red. After the initial time you turn it on you need to hold the multifunction (phone handset icon) for over 6 seconds until the blue red blink starts. All functions are announced audibly when engaged. For example, to turn it on or off, simply hold the multifunction button down until it audibly announces it is on…or off then release it.

Be sure to use the supplied charge cord or you may hit the multifunction with the plug as you are inserting it. Some plugs are too large for the small area around the charge port and can press the multifunction button in when inserted causing it to turn on or enter pairing mode, etc. It charges quickly. The speaker is very stable and will not tip over or move at all due to the shape and rubber strips on the bottom. The controls are on one side with the charge and AUX ports in the center under the attached rubber dust cover door. Controls are clearly marked with “+” & “-” for volume and the “|<” & “>|” for changing the track forward or backward, and the one with a phone receiver is a 9 function multifunction button (on-off-pause-continue-answer call-hang up-refuse call-redial last number called-pair).

We think this awesome speaker is the perfect gift for the music lover in your life this holiday season or you might want it for yourself so you can have your favorite Christmas music playing anywhere you are. Audiosharp has graciously provided Mommy Ramblings’ readers with a coupon code for 30% off this unit which you can purchase on Amazon at the link at the bottom of this post. Just use the code 6TE5NWK3 and save 30%  on this awesome speaker!  We like the Audiosharp AS0847 Music Eyes Portable Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker so much, you will find it on Mommy Ramblings 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pm026c7c6e91742de037b84a407076cff0


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Filed under Christmas, Coupon, Gifts, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Music, Review, Special Offers

Enjoy Cocoa, Cookies & Christmas Carols As You Cruise Through The City The Never Sleeps!

classic harbor line

If you are looking for a fun way to take in the sites of New York City and celebrate the holidays, you have to hear this! How does a warm and cozy cruise tailored for friends and family sound? Step inside Manhattan’s toasty solarium which is decked out in holiday decor for a 90 minute cruise to see the lights of New York City! Of course delicious hot cocoa, cookies and treats for all guests are included. Then join in on 20 to 30 minutes of live holiday carols or enjoy 2 live Jazz Trio Sets!

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Aboard the 1920’s style yacht, you can relax on the heated back deck salon to enjoy the gorgeous view of the island. Take in picturesque views from the glassed-in observatory.

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Along the way you will see:

The Yacht Manhattan in Full Holiday Decor!
Cocoa, Cookies & some sing-along Holiday Carols or live Holiday Jazz!
Battery Park, South Street Seaport & the Financial District
Governor’s Island, The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Parts of Brooklyn & Queens & the NYC skyline
The Williamsburg, Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridges of the East River

A complimentary beer, wine, spiked hot cocoa or champagne from the bar is offered on all trips. Mixed drinks are available for purchase. For more information to see cruise schedule please click HERE!  Receive 15% off each ticket purchased at www.sail-nyc.com using ONLINE promo code 15COCOA – Valid for any Cocoa & Carols Cruise aboard Yacht Manhattan II!


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Macy’s Men’s Designer Event! Herald Square, November 5th at 6 pm! Fashion, Food & Music!

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I think it is true what the classic ZZ Top song says, “Every girl’s crazy about a sharp dressed man.” Men’s fashion is hot! When the air turns crisp and the leaves are falling to the ground, a man in a sharp suit can really get heads turning! If you love shopping with your man or for your man, I have great news! Macy’s is kicking off their semi-annual Men’s Style Event with fresh looks, refreshments and great music. You can receive 25% off your purchase of $75 or more when you shop for the newest fall trends.

Oh and how great is this? Old blue eyes, chairman of the board, Mr. Frank Sinatra is celebrating his 100th birthday this year and to honor that, when you spend $100 in men’s fashion, take home the new 5 -Film Collection of his. This collection features five classic movies on Blu-ray, this collection includes newly re-mastered releases of Anchors Aweigh, On the Town and Robin and the 7 Hoods on Blu-ray and Digital HD along with favorites Ocean’s 11 and Guys and Dolls.

So if you need that perfect outfit for your husband, boyfriend, significant other or son  for the Christmas photo, holiday party, Thanksgiving dinner or other event head on down to Macy’s because the  Men’s style and designer event is sure to help your man look better than ever! Alexandra from Mommy Ramblings will be covering this extravaganza of Men’s fashion and live tweeting and Instagraming from the event. Join us Thursday, November 5th at Macy’s Herald Square in the city that doesn’t sleep New York, NY at 6pm. As Frank would say, “I wanna be a part of it!” For more information visit http://bit.ly/MensDesigner15.

Macy's Mens Fashion Event

 

“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.“


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Harry Connick Jr. Departs From His Comfort Zone In “That Would Be Me”

Harry Connick Jr. takes a true departure out of his comfort zone in his new album released today, That Would Be Me. For the first time in 25 years, he worked  in the studio with outside producers on this album which continues to stretch boundaries and embrace the plainspoken instincts that have guided him throughout his life.

 

When talking about the new album, Connick half-jokingly confided: “It’s the only time I’ve violently thrown myself out of my own comfort zone,’ enthusiastically agreeing to work in the studio with two ‘external’ producers.  The noted collaborators he’s chosen are acclaimed musical craftsman in their own right –  Producers Eg White (Sam Smith, Adele, Florence And The Machine), and Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pink, Weezer, Fall Out Boy). The result is a riveting album full of surprises and stirring musical conjurations, delivering great songs and new insights into a prolific artist who Butch Walker, himself, has called ‘an American musical treasure.’

TRACK LISTING:

1.       (I Like It When You) Smile
2.       (I Do) Like We Do
3.       Tryin’ To Matter
4.       Songwriter
5.       Do You Really Need Her
6.       You Don’t Need A Man
7.       You Have No Idea
8.       Where Prisoners Drown
9.       (I Think I) Love You A Little Bit
10.    Every Time I Fall In Love
11.    Right Where It Hurtsharry connick

I actually liked the second half of this album this best. I think it is because I am a sucker for love ballads.  So not hard not to believe that Every Time I Fall In LoveYou Have No Idea followed by Love You A Little Bit were my favorite tracks. Yes, this album was a departure from Harry’s usual style but not a derailment by any means. It is true reaching and stretching out of our comfort zone we can discover the best things await us there.

Are these the best things for Mr. Connick Jr. I highly doubt that he has reached his peak. He may say he is one year closer to dead in I Like It When You Smile but I think it is safe to say, “Harry there’s a lot of life in you yet and a lot of music in your soul!” 

You can find this album on iTunes and Amazon. Check out the official Harry Connick Jr. Website and Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

 

I participated in the That Would Be Me album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

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Kinivo ZX100 Mini Portable Speaker With Enhanced Bass Resonator-Valentine’s Day Gift Pick

KinivoValentine’s Day is fast approaching, if you are looking for a gift for the the sweetie or all the little sweeties  in your life, I have a great idea. I love listening to music, podcasts, watching Netflix  and online tutorials when I’m cooking, taking a bath, sewing, crafting or doing some mundane task.  However, I find that if I’m not very quiet or  the water is running, it’s hard to hear, even with the volume on max.

 

kinivo-speaker

Enter the Kinivo ZX100 Mini, a litte speaker that is big on sound!  The speaker is small and lightweight,  great for travel.  It comes in great color combos so you can personalize them to the person you are giving ti to or yourself.  Enhanced bass resonator and rechargeable battery are just some of the awesome features of this mini speaker. The speaker is compatible with iPods, iPhones, MP3 Players, CD Players, Laptops with 3.5 mm audio socket.  You can even connect multiple speakers for maximum sound.

Kinivo speaker my pic

kinivo speaker with phone mine

 

 

Product Features

  • ERCD – Expansive Resonator Construction Design to give the best low frequency output
  • Compatibility: all iPods, iPhones, MP3 players, CD players, laptops with 3.5-mm audio socket. (Does not support Bluetooth)
  • Full-bodied, 360-degree sound
  • Ultra-portable compact size with long-lasting internal chargeable battery
  • Modular design: connect Multiple Speakers for Maximum Sound

 

kinivo speaker in handKinivo speaker blue travelkinivo speaker greenkinivo speaker bottomkinivo speaker phone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kinivo is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Kinivo ZX100 Mini. Thank you to Kinivo for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!Open to US residents.

Kinivo ZX100 Mini Portable Speaker Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

 

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Pre-Order Train’s “Bulletproof Picasso” Album Now & Watch Them Live Today!!!

Train is back on the music scene with a new album Bulletproof Picasso!  If you’ve missed the band that had you cranking up the volume and singing along to Drops of Jupiter and Hey Soul Sister, you won’t need to wait much longer.  Grammy Winning San Francisco Band, Train will release their 7th studio album on September 16th!!!  I had the opportunity to review the album recently my favorite song was Don’t Grow Up So Fast because as a mom I totally relate to the message of the song.  Angel In Blue Jeans the first single released can be heard now on the radio and you can view the official video below.  You can pre-order the album on iTunes and Amazon for $7.99.  Be sure to watch Train’s hour-long live performance on the QVC channel on Friday, September 5th at 5pm ET.

 

Train, Bulletproof Picasso

1. Cadillac, Cadillac
2. Bulletproof Picasso
3. Angel In Blue Jeans
4. Give It All
5. Wonder What You’re Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
6. Son Of A Prison Guard
7. Just A Memory
8. I’m Drinkin’ Tonight
9. I Will Remember
10. The Bridge
11. Baby, Happy Birthday
12. Don’t Grow Up So Fast

Official Angel In Blue Jeans Video is below:

 

I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.


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Schoola Helps Schools In Need & Now You Can Save Even More!!! #Clothes4Schools

schoola logo

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about a great way to help schools in need while shopping for name brand clothes for your kids at huge savings or donating clothing they have outgrown. Schoola is an online shop dedicated to recycling brand-name children’s clothes, with 40% of the proceeds going to schools in need. The innovative new program – which saves parents money and gives back at the same time – has been heralded by Fox News, the LA Times, Forbes and Parenting Magazine.

In our last post we shared the story of  a wonderful school in the Bronx called KIPP Academy that is trying to raise $25,000 to fund their music program.  If you want to refresh your memory, you can watch the video below.

 


About KIPP Academy:

A small school in the Bronx, KIPP Academy works hard to support kids who need all the help they can get. Ninety-five percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. More than one in seven receives special education services. Music helps KIPP Academy reach and engage every child who enters its doors. The slogan on the Music Room wall sets the stage—All of Us Will Learn Music.  No matter what backgrounds they come from or what challenges they face, they learn lessons together that will serve them the rest of their lives.

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I think this whole idea is so great and helping schools in need, helps our future!  My older children were so lucky to go to a school that had great curriculum and extra curricula activities as well as extensive sports programs.  The benefit of being able to choose activities, courses and extras that appealed to them enriched their lives so much.  I am so grateful that my youngest are entering the same school and that it still has those options available to the students.
Save 20% now through August 2oth:

Right now, Schoola is extending a 20% discount to Mommy Ramblings’ readers when they shop Schoola donates $1 to help KIPP Academy.  The code to get 20% off your order is BacktoSchoola20 and it is good through August 20, 2014.  This code has a limit of one use per customer.

You can help KIPP Academy and your own school:

You can shop on Schoola for back-to-school clothing, even clothing new with tags and for every transaction that is processed by going through this link, Schoola will donate $1 to KIPP Academy.  That’s not all, everyone that requests a donation bag through the same link will help too because Schoola will donate $1 for every requested bag to Kipp Academy. Perhaps the best part is, if you send in a donation bag of clothing, you can fill out the name of a school you support and for every $5 in sales, Schoola will donate $2 to the school you selected!!! That’s a real win-win for Kipp Academy and the school of your choice!!!   You can follow Schoola on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on all the latest happenings.

 

This post is brought to you by Schoola, the best place to buy discounted kids clothes all while give back to schools in need.Click here to learn more about Schoola.Click here to see what people are saying.

 


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