Music Notes with Jess

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 Paris France's historical caba...

Weeks after his farewell performances at Birmingham England's Back to the Beginning Festival , rocker Ozzy Osbourne died 7/22 at 76 . Rocking 60 years as a solo artist and his band Black Sabbath , he innovated heavy metal's imagery, concert entertainment, and media. Based on the songs I heard working classic rock radio, and favorites from fans, I countdown in this top 10.  Theme Song: "Dance Track...

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 ). Brought up 40 years later of its extravagent gathering, learn how this telethon was covered back then, and acknowledged recently...

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 Support the show Follow the podcast at: Facebook , X , Instag...

The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson died 6/11 from ailing  illnesses . This is the first summer without him, and there's countless music to remember him by. Countdown and learn about these 10 fan favorite songs.  Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Playlist: 10. “Barbara Ann” (1965); The Regents (1961);  Home Improvement 9. “Surfin’ USA” (1963) 8. “Do It Again” (1968) 7. “Wou...

Most of 2025's pop scene has been dominated by LGTBQ+ females. Joining that list are Cuban folk singer Gigi Perez , and New Zealand's alternative artist Lorde . Expressing self-identity in different genres, I review each of their new albums:  At the Beach, In Real Life , and  Virgin . Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena  Gigi Perez's website; d iscography "Celine" - Soundclou...

Sly & The Family Stone 's frontman Sly Stone ( Sylvester Stewart ), died 6/9 from COPD. Hulu premiered his Sly Lives documentary in February for Black History Month. Going from church, radio, producing, fame, and downfall, he innovated multiple genre's future sounds. I discuss Sly's bio and created a playlist for you to hear his influential sounds by other artists.  Theme Song: "Dance Track",...

Billy Joel 's been entertaining classic rock and easy listening fans over 50 years. Getting ready to premiere HBO documentary And So It Goes , he sadly has to lie low for health reasons. For Fathers Day weekend, I countdown 10 fan favorite hits honoring his piano playing and songwriting skills.  Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Support the show Playlist: 10. “Piano Man” (1...

Folk music has surged an unexpected comeback in rock, country, and crossed over even more now in pop! Young modern singers Alex Warren and Myles Smith are making headlines with their catchy and powerful music. Learn how similar their songs, family backgrounds, and recent success are trending part of 2025's music scene.  Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Alex Warren's websit...

It's prom season, and our listeners have gone back hearing Episode 35 's Prom 2020 Playlist I made during lockdown. That episode revolutionized this podcast's listenership, and still a favorite I've made to share with you all. In the mood for a sequel, here's what I came up with for 2025's featuring new tunes, recent throwbacks, and themes reflecting a prom's themes. Theme Song: "Dance Track", com...

Recognized highly in modern country and various media, Blake Shelton and Morgan Wallen have returned with new albums this month. Both got a boost earning #1 country radio hits on Post Malone 's crossover country album  F-1 Trillion   last summer. Multi-tasking on other big projects, I give my critiques of  Blake's For Recreational Use Only , and Morgan's  I'm the Problem . Theme Song: "Dance Track...

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: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Ca...

Lauren Alaina auditioned for American Idol in 2010 , and ranked runner-up to Scotty McCreery in 2011. Both of them are the youngest top 2 in the show's history, and represented country after Carrie Underwood won in 2005! 15 years later, Lauren is happily married and expecting her first baby girl just in time for Mother's Day. Living a lot of tough moments in her family, I discuss through 4 of her...

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, and check my ballot results on...

Preparing for her 8th album CiCi   coming out this summer, Ciara Harris is having a 6-year comeback with her new single "Ecstasy." She's been happily married to football player Russell Wilson since 2016, and expanding their family since then. "Ecstasy" is a sexy smooth R&B track that's also getting attention from its music video choreography . Ciara challenged fans to try is to try one of the...

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 epic movie and soundtra...

Since 2008 , Record Store Day   is an annual indie holiday to support record store sales and artists' albums. This year it fell on 4/12 , and Post Malone is 2025's ambassador ! I created this playlist to do with playing "records", and citing certain influences the artists sang about.  Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena Pick a Disc, Album Nerds, Polyphonic Press, Astrovert Podcast “Old...

Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum ) have been together almost 20 years as a group. Members 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 while I was working in country radio . Reminiscing their diverse country/pop songs,...

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's inspirations behing the lyrics and the songs they sam...

Chappell Roan 's the Grammys and MTV's reigning Best New Artist . Wearing her status proud in the music and queer community, her latest single has wearing various types of "hats." "The Giver" is a hard hitting anthem in love and a crossover country sound. Not departing from alternative/pop, learn the origins behind this hit single, and influences on 2025's first quarter trends.  Theme Song: "Dance...

At 79 years old, Dolly Parton 's had a strong 2025 start to her 60 year epic career! She's got 2 new singles trending in both country and pop. She was invited on Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please" remix , and "If You Hadn't Been There" , mourns her husband Carl Dean who died 3/3/25 . Staying her authentic self on both tracks, she's showing no signs of slowing down and welcoming the support...

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 Send us a text / Support the show Interviews:  Rolling Stone...

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 Support the show / Send us a text Wic...

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 Text the show / Support the show Lollapalooza 2024  The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: Lola Young...

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 Text the podcast / Support the show Favorite Team Ad...