B to the Max!

By Jeremiah Ginn

So, I had a lot of random B artists in my library.

• Band of Skulls "I know what I am": Once again, one of those wonderful free iTunes downloads. Its an alternative sound...very refreshing.
• Beyonce: What can be said about Beyonce? She's incredible. I used to not like her as much when she formed part of Destiny's Child, but she has since proved herself to be a very strong singer, not only in the pop world, but in the musical theater world, having starred in the movie version of "Dreamgirls" and also having sung a Barbara Streisand hit in her honor when she received the Kennedy Award Honors. She is great! A true star.
• Bare: A Pop Opera: This show only made it to off broadway. Story wise...pretty lame. Kind of a teenage gay soap opera...takes place in a catholic school. But music wise, I love it! I actually discovered the music in high school, and was one of those few fans who knew about the show. The music is creative, catchy, and definitely worth a listening to. Not to mention Jennifer Leigh Green, who played Libby on the TV series "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" (the cheerleader) is the leading lady. She has a FIERCE voice! If anything listen to it to hear her.
• Diane Birch "Rise up": Once again, another great iTunes download. She has a very chill sound...guitar, piano, drums...almost sounds like a more poppy version of Norah Jones.
• Jason Robert Brown: JRB is a pretty famous musical theater composer that has come into more prominence in the last 14 years or so. His music, though definitely in the musical theater styling, lends itself more to a pop, folk rock sound. His album, Wearing Someone Else's Clothes is definitely worth a listen to, especially since he mostly sings on it himself. Any of his shows are wonderful. We'll get to those soon enough. You will never be dissapointed with Jason Robert Brown.
• Michael Buble: I want to marry his voice. The end.
• Sara Bareilles: Her music is amazing. Her voice is so unique, and her sound is her own. I love everything she does.
• Bounce: A New Musical: This is one version of the failed attempt that musical theater composer Stephen Sondheim made at writing a musical about the Mizner brothers, their relationships, their failed business attempts, and how it shaped American History. I personally really enjoy the soundtrack. Especially the voices of Howard McGillin and Gavin Creel. It has since been revamped and re-recorded under the name of Roadshow. A friend of mine, Claybourne Elder, actually in on that CD.
• A Brand New Year: This is a compilation of religious music written by Ross Boothe for a youth New Years celebration for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I actually had the privilege of recording the background vocals to about half of the tracks. It really was a special experience recording this music. And the music is truly inspiring, whether or not you are a member of the Mormon church. It always inspires me just to be the best person I can be.