Music Notes with Jess

Send us Fan Mail I recently saw Moulin Rouge!'s Broadway musical at The Al Hirschfeld Theatre for a special occasion! It debuted there 2019, and I saw 2 guests actors at the end of July's showtime: Wayne Brady , and Taye Diggs ! The theatrics left me in awe with set changes, multi-generational cover songs, costumes, and a surprise encore curtain call. Hear my review in comparison to Pari...

Send us Fan Mail Weeks after Back to the Beginning Festival , Ozzy Osbourne died. 60 years as a solo artist and his band Black Sabbath , he innovated heavy metal, concerts, and media. Based on the songs I heard working classic rock radio, and fans, I countdown this top 10. Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena Ozzy Osbourne Top 10 ; 10. “Shot in the Dark” (1986); 9. “No More Tea...

Send us Fan Mail On 7/13/85 , the most watched bi-coastal music festival was viewed by 2 billion, 150 countries, and 16 hours long! Without modern technology and for charity, Live Aid took place at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's former JFK Stadium (now Wells Fargo Center ). 40 years late, learn how this telethon was covered back then, and acknowledged 7/13/25. Theme Song: &q...

Send us Fan Mail Happy 300th Music Notes with Jess! 6 years later, we've reached 300 episodes! I owe to our growing listeners base, family, friends, co-workers, and podcasting networking. Celebrate recap the topics discussed in the 200s, learning the updates what's occurred with them since then. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Follow the podcast at: Fa...

Send us Fan Mail The Beach Boys ' Brian Wilson died 6/11 from illnesses . There's countless music to remember him, learn about these 10.  Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena Playlist: 10. “Barbara Ann” (1965); The Regents (1961); Home Improvement 9. “Surfin’ USA” (1963); 8. “Do It Again” (1968) 7. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (1966); 50 First Dates ; 6. “Don’t Worry Baby” (...

Send us Fan Mail I review new albums At the Beach, In Real Life   by Gigi Perez , and Lorde 's Virgin . Gigi Perez's website ; discography ; "Celine" "Sailor Song" - video , Tonight Show ; Zach Show "Closer to Fine" - Indigo Girls (1989); Lollapallooz Lorde's website;   discography                                                                        ...

Send us Fan Mail Sly & The Family Stone 's frontman Sly Stone ( Sylvester Stewart ), died 6/9 from COPD. Hulu premiered Sly Lives doc in February for Black History Month. I discuss his bio and created a playlist for you to hear his influential sounds by other artists. Theme Song: "Dance Track"- Jessica Ann Catena Catalog YouTube Playlist Media: Uncle Buck , Summer of Soul , SNL...

Send us Fan Mail As And So It Goes previews, Billy Joel has to rest. I rank 10 fan fav hits. Playlist: 10. “Piano Man” (1973); MSG 100th ; 9. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” (1980); 8. “River of Dreams” (1993) - "Gloria" - The Cadillacs (1954); CT ; 7. “Vienna” (1978) - 13 Going On 30 ; 6 . “Uptown Girl” (1983) - Vacation ; 5. “Just the Way You Are” (1978) - The 4 Seasons' "Ra...

Send us Fan Mail Alex Warren and Myles Smith are trending with their powerful folk music. Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena Alex's website ; Wedding Singles: "Ordinary" , "Ordinary (Wedding Version)" , "Bloodline" feat. Jelly Roll Live: The Tonight Show , American Music Awards Charting: UK's Official Charts , Billboard Myles's web...

Send us Fan Mail Listeners have steamed back Ep. 35 ' s Prom 2020 playlist , here's 2025's.                                                                                                                                     2025 Playlist: “Fancy” - Drake, T.I., Swizz Beatz (2010); VMAs “Suit & Tie” - Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z (2013); Grammys “Love In Real Life” - Lizzo (2025...

Send us Fan Mail I critique Blake Shelton 's For Recreational Use Only , and Morgan Wallen 's I'm the Problem new albums. Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena "Texas" (2024-2025) - video Live: Jimmy Kimmel, New Year's , ACMs, Tonight Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Voice Interviews: CMT Hot Twenty , Tonight Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show   CBS&ap...

Send us Fan Mail British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced his next album and title theme for his next music era. Play is scheduled to come out 9/12 , same week as MTV's VMAs ! Until then, he's released two promo singles that we can expect through pop and acoustic compositions. Learn the music styles and stories behind "Azizam" & "Old Phone" .  Theme Song...

Send us Fan Mail Lauren Alaina auditioned for American Idol and ranked runner-up to Scotty McCreery in 2011. Both are the youngest top 2 in the show's history, and represented country after Carrie Underwood won in 2005! 15 years later, Lauren is married and expecting a baby girl just in time for Mother's Day. I discuss 4 of her songs in this maternity playlist. Playlist: "Like My Mo...

Send us Fan Mail The first Academy of Country Music Awards was 4/2/66 . 60 years later, the genre's having its finest decade honoring popular trending artists today. Before the ceremony's livestream airs 5/8 on Amazon Prime Video , I share my predictions who'd win 9 of its popular music categories : Music Event, Single, Song, Duo, Group, Male, Female, Album, and Entertainer . Listen...

Send us Fan Mail 20 yrs in R&B/pop , Ciara 's "Ecstasy" video challenge is motivating senior citizens to try! I flashback 4 of her sexy hits . "Love Sex Magic" ft. Justin Timberlake (2009); studio ; "Ride" ft. Ludacris (2010) "Body Party" (2013); "Ecstasy" (2025), on-set Celebs: Sherri Shepherd , Megan Thee Stallion , Victoria Monet , Cara...

Send us Fan Mail Finishing Passover and Easter this month, I reminisced the first movie I heard of Val Kilmer as he passed away 4/1. Dreamworks released animated religious film The Prince of Egypt in 1998, based on the Bible's Book of Exodus - 40 Chapters , and 1956 movie The Ten Commandments . Along with an all-star cast, Val Kilmer starred as Moses and the voice of God . I summarize the epi...

Send us Fan Mail Record Store Day is 4/12 , and Post Malone is ambassador ! I made my own playlist :  “Old Time Rock & Roll” - Bob Seger (1978) ; Risky Business ; The Nanny ; "Like a Rock" Chevy ads ; (single) “Music” - Madonna (2000); “Put Your Records On” - Corrine Bailey Rae (2006) / Ritt Momney (2020); "Breathless" , "Green Aphrodisiac" (2016) “I Love Rock &am...

Send us Fan Mail Jess Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum ) have been together almost 20 years. Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley both announced they're expecting a new baby with their spouses! Dave Hayward also welcomed his third child last summer. This trio is one of my top 5 favorites bands, and I saw them 10 years ago working in country radio . I countdown 10 songs you're probably famili...

Send us Fan Mail Doechii just won Best Rap Album at the Grammys for Alligator Bites Never Heal . Finding strength with her unique personal life, her music's appealing to many fans and R&B's Janet Jackson ! Doechii quoted "Someone to Call My Lover" 's chorus on her X account, and Janet replied! Along with current single "Anxiety" , I'll discuss both women...

Send us Fan Mail Chappell Roan 's the Grammys & MTV's reigning Best New Artist . Her single "The Giver" sounds country, not departing from alternative.  Theme: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena "Pink Pony Club" ; SNL ; Grammys ; The Late Show: "Red Wine Supernova" "Good Luck, Babe!": The Tonight Show ; VMAs ; SNL: The Giver" ; G...

Send us Fan Mail At 79, Dolly Parton 's on Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please" remix , and just wrote "If You Hadn't Been There" , mourning her husband Carl Dean . ( lyrics ) Short n' Sweet (Deluxe) (2025); "Espresso", "Taste", "Please Please Please" (2024); Remix's studio shoot , music video , l yrics Thelma and Lou...

Send us Fan Mail Lady Gaga 's new album Mayhem is a bold return to her dance/pop theatrics. Almost a year in the making, she's handled diverse music in between and with a special partner in its production. I provide my critique, and recap 6 months back how the music played into what's out now. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Interviews: Rolling St...

Send us Fan Mail In 2025's movie awards season, 2 music films have been nominated: Broadway musical Wicked , and Bob Dylan ' s biopic A Complete Unknown . Based on books and 5 years in the making, both films have been well received and worth the wait by fans. I share my personal reviews and backstories in this episode. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena W...

Send us Fan Mail Lola Young 's been into music her whole life, and making a young debut crossover from the UK! "Messy" got some pickup on TikTok and has expanded into lot of opportunities over the last month! Learn how and Lola's background in this episode. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Lollapalooza 2024 The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon:...

Send us Fan Mail Six years after suddenly quitting The Voice , Maroon 5 's frontman Adam Levine is back to do vocal coaching! Fans begged his return on social media, but why is it so significant now? Learn about Adam's highlights first time around, the real reason he was persuaded, and how it's resulting. Theme Song: "Dance Track", compose by Jessica Ann Catena Favorite Te...