Award-winning keyboardist Knechtel dead at 69

Larry Knechtel, a Grammy award-winning keyboardist who accompanied big-name musicians such as Elvis Presley, Ray Charles and the Dixie Chicks, is dead at 69.

1

0

5Top: Singers who wouldn’t have made it on ‘Idol’

Plenty of other iconic singer/songwriters would have problems convincing the judges to advance them far enough to reach the voting rounds. Bob Dylan is an obvious example, of course, along with Tom Waits, Neil Young, Elvis Costello and probably even Billy Joel and Carole King. But Diamond stands out by virtue of two facts. One, he managed (against all odds, really) to transform himself in the 1970s into an honest-to-goodness sex-symbol pop star. And two, last season featured an episode devoted to his songs, with the man himself serving as a mentor. Obviously, “Idol” thinks that he’s got something to teach the contestants about singing, which is surprising considering the strained baritone that Diamond seems like he’s pushing out of his stomach rather than his chest. It’s gotten him exceptionally far in his career. On “Idol,” it wouldn’t take him past the audition round.

4

13

Twins for Elvis Costello & Diana Krall

Elvis Costello and wife Diana Krall are the parents of twin boys. The new arrivals — named Dexter Henry Lorcan and Frank Harlan James — were born on Wednesday, according to a statement from the couple. "We are ecstatic!" the statement continued, going on to add that "mother and sons are doing splendidly."

4

2

Montreal Jazz Festival Unveils Lineup

Paul Simon, B.B King, Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello and Etta James are among the stars slated to perform at the 27th Annual Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.

5

1

10 Random Songs -- Weekend Playlist #2

1. "Black Milk" by Massive Attack on the album Mezzanine: Massive Attack's third album was a success internationally, but peaked at only number 60 in the US. You'll know these guys as the group which created the opening music to the TV show House.

5

4

On Elvis Costello's newest album, "Secret, Profane & Sugarcane," the prolific singer-songwriter-composer returns to acoustic American roots music for the first time since his 1986 album "King of America."

1

1

The idea, Elvis Costello said, was to create a television series that celebrates great music in a setting that allows for discussion and demonstration.

2

1

During an interview with Elton John for the debut of his new Sundance Channel show "Spectacle," Elvis Costello didn't ask about stage costumes, boyfriends or "Island Girl." Instead, the conversation turned to Laura Nyro, Leon Russell and David Ackles.

2

1

Is Elvis the best English songwriter since the 60's? I can't think of one better.

0

1

When Musicians Become Weenies

Listening to an early, mid-70s song by The Police today made me start thinking about music.

13

10

Elvis Costello is teaming up with Sir Elton John to host his own TV show. Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... will see Costello play host to musicians and other personalities and will feature performances and discussions.

1

1

The ailing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation puts on its show Monday night with John Mellencamp performing and Madonna preening in the audience as a rare non-performing inductee.

4

9

As I do at every event I cover I quickly found my way to the open bar, they were serving several different types of beer, mostly imported, I helped myself to a Stella.

2

1

Elvis Costello has morphed from Angry Young Man to Serious Musician...and he thus controls his destiny....

3

0

New Draper's Thursday Night Lyrics 9/6/07

I decided to post a weekly lyric. I love reading them and talking about them. Here's one by Elvis Costello from his CD "Delivery Man". The song alludes to an old tune called "The Monkey Speaks His Mind" that Costello performed on Austin City Limits. Monkey To Man

3

1

Elvis Costello is to release his first 11 albums digitally. They will be released exclusively on iTunes on May1. All the albums will be available on other digital music stores 30 days later.

5

0

Diana Krall's life is about to change. Sometime in early December, this Canadian jazz singer and pianist, who turns 42 on Nov. 16, is expecting to give birth to twins. "I never thought I would have this," she said.

4

1

The popular Britt Festival, founded by Peter Britt, in Historic Jacksonville, Oregon announced the line up for the 44th season of the festival. Headliners include Linda Ronstadt, Hootie and the Blowfish, Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, Marty Stuart, The Temptations and many others.

2

0