Audio Excellence: The ProDJpc Console

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The ProDJpc Console:
The massive digital music library and the brain of D.J. Mr. Ed’ s sound system. It is a totally self-contained, super-powerful, touch screen-based computer. With much more power than any laptop or 50 times more DJ functions than a consumer iPod, it is a flexible and intuitive control interface and a professional grade, compact form factor.

The ProDJpc ALL – n – 1 DJ Computer simply has no equal.
For more information, see www.ProDJpc.com

Eva Cassidy : MusicNotes-EdMullen

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1963 – Eva Cassidy. Born: Feb.2 1963. Died Nov 2. 1996 at age 33.
Born In Oxon Hill, Maryland. Grew up in Bowie, Maryland

1980 – Her father, Hugh Cassidy, created a family folk music act, with
Eva and her brother Danny. Eva also sang for a high school
band called “Stonehenge”.

1986 – Lifelong friend Dave Lourim asked Cassidy to record
some vocals at a recording session for his soft rock group,
Method Actor. (The results were eventually reissued in 2002.)
At the studio, Cassidy met D.C.-area producer Chris Biondo,
who agreed to help her put together a demo tape.

1988 – The versatile Cassidy sings back-up on E.U.’s 1988
album, “Livin’ Large”, including the hit single, “Da Butt”. The
massive “go-go” dance single was featured in Spike Lee’s
movie, “School Daze”. Written by bassist and producer,
Marcus Miller. The legendary Miller produced, wrote and was
that funky bass player for Luther Vandross, as well as,
hundreds of other sessions for artists such as Miles Davis,
Herbie Hancock Whitney Houston, George Benson, David
Sanborn and Frank Sinatra (1984). Miller played bass on Tom
Browne’s landmark anthem, “Funkin’ For Jamaica” from
Browne’s 1980 Love Approach album.

1992 – “The Other Side” CD released. Chuck Brown, a Washington
D.C.-area record funk producer, recorded a CD of blues and
jazz standards. The set called “The Other Side” was released
in 1992 and it includes her stunning version of “Somewhere
Over The Rainbow”, with Eva on guitar, keyboards and
vocals. A tour followed, with Chuck’s showmanship shielding
the spotlight from the shy Cassidy.

1993 – A cancerous mole was discovered and removed from her neck.
She broke up with boyfriend, Chris Biondo.

1994 – The Blue Note label paired Cassidy with a jazz-pop outfit from
Philadelphia called Pieces of a Dream; they recorded the
single “Goodbye Manhattan” together, and Cassidy toured with
them that summer. She returned to D.C. and began playing
more gigs on her own, though she still made the occasional
appearance with Chuck Brown. Cassidy won a Washington
Area Music Award for traditional jazz vocals, that year. Later,
her diverse song selections on her audition tapes caused
executives to pass on signing her to a major label.

1996 – “Live At Blues Alley” recorded. 13 songs from her January,
two-night appearance. Songwriters of her choice were Irving
Berlin, Paul Simon, Sting, Johnny Mercer, Fats Waller, Pete
Seeger and Al Green. Eva also included classics like (they call
it…) “Stormy Monday” and “What A Wonderful World”.
-This was her only solo CD released during her lifetime.
-At her July CD release performance, she needed a cane.

1996 – While working as an artist, painting murals at an elementary
school, Eva took her bothersome hip to the doctor’s office to
be examined. It was not only broken but, it revealed that
cancer had spread throughout her body.

1996 – A September benefit show, in her honor, was staged and
Cassidy found the strength to give her last performance,
singing a show-stopping version of “What A Wonderful World”
accompanied by her acoustic guitar.

1996 – Eva Cassidy died on November 2, 1996. Age 33.

1996 – Cassidy virtually swept the 1996 Washington Area Music
Awards. Eva was honored her as Best Female Vocalist in four
separate categories! Blues, Jazz-contemporary,
Jazz-traditional and Roots Rock – traditional R&B,
in addition to naming her Artist of the Year.

1997 – “Eva By Heart” CD released. Including “Time Is A Healer” and
Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird”.

1998 – “Songbird” CD released. Washington D.C.-based, Celtic folk
singer Grace Griffith finally found someone interested in
releasing Cassidy’s music at the label she recorded for, BLIX
Street Records. 1998’s Songbird was a compilation from
Cassidy’s three previous releases, and when BBC Radio 2 Disc
Jockey, Terry Wogan started playing her version
of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” then “Songbird” started to
sell in the U.K.
-Then, the British music-TV show, “Top of the Pops” aired an
amateur video recording of a breath-taking Cassidy
performance of the Judy Garland classic, at the Blues Alley,
and were deluged with requests.
-“Songbird” became Number One in the U.K. and sold over a
million copies.

2000 – “Time After Time” CD released. Profiles of Cassidy began to
appear in American media, including segments on NPR’s
Morning Edition and ABC’s NightLine.
-“No Boundaries” CD was released despite family objections.

2002 – “Imagine” CD released. {10 songs} Includes John Lennon’s
classic title track, “Danny Boy”, Peggy Lee’s “Fever”, Gordon
Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” -and the “Tennessee Waltz”.

2011 – “Simply Eva” CD released. New versions of her repertoire for
her devoted fans. Many versions with her guitar only.
So missed! Add a comment, if you like.

Eva – Recommendation by DJ MR.ED
Start with “Songbird”, but I know you will want more….
then…“Live From Blues Alley”

Music Notes compiled by D.J. Ed Mullen.
Eva’s CD liner notes, Steve Huey, William Cooper, James Gavin-Songbird liner notes, Bill Straw-Blix Street Records.

“At Last” by Etta James: MusicNotes-EdMullen

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Etta James : Born in Los Angeles CA. (b.Jan 1938- d.2012, at age 73)
“At Last” by Etta James :
-Peak Top 40 Billboard Chart Position: # 47 in 1961
-Peak Billboard R+B Position: # 2 in 1961

-Etta James. 4-time Grammy winner.
-Inducted into 3 Halls Of Fame; Blues (Foundation), Grammy & Rock ‘n’ Roll.
-“CADILLAC RECORDS” (2008), the Etta James bio-pic, starring Beyonce Knowles.
-The hit song by Flo Rida, “Good Feeling” uses the beginning of Etta James’ “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” (1962). “Sometimes, I get a good feeling… that i never never never….
Her gospel “call and response” introduction is a R&B classic.
Flo Rida’s real name is Tramar Dillard from Florida (see his stage name spells…)

AT LAST …
-Glenn Miller “1938-1942, The Popular Recordings” 3-CD set
(1989). Recommended.
-Ray Anthony (1952)
-Nat King Cole (1956)
-Around 1990, “At Last” becomes one of the most requested wedding songs of all-time. Disc Jockey Mr. Ed Mullen.
-Phoebe Snow. See CD: “New York Rock and Soul Revue” (1991).
Comprised of Donald Fagan (of Steely Dan) w/ Boz Scaggs /
Michael McDonald. It is a rocking live CD. Recommended.
-Eva Cassidy (2000) Time After Time. Recommended.
-Cyndi Lauper, Kenny G, Lou Rawls, etc. Stevie Nicks ’98 AT+T CD

-On January 20th, 2009 Beyonce Knowles sings “At Last” at
President Obama’s Inaugural Ball.
-“At Last” recently heard on Jaguar commercials (c.2002)
-In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Etta James # 62 on their
list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time

-Movies where “At Last” appears (recently).
“Rain Man” (1988),
“How to Make An American Quilt” (1995),
“Father Of The Bride II” (1995),
“Pleasantville” (1998),
“American Pie” (1999)
“It Had To Be You” (2000),
“Reindeer Games” (2000),
“See Spot Run” (2001),
“The Tuxedo” (2002),
“Phat Girlz” (2006),
“Little Manhattan” (2006),
“My Best Friend’s Girl” (2008).
Many TV shows, too.

Written by : Harry Warren and Mack Gordon
Harry Warren wrote hundreds of popular songs and show tunes, including three for which he received Oscars: “Lullaby of Broadway,” “On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe,” and “You’ll Never Know,” which was also his biggest seller in sheet music. Other well-known tunes penned by Warren include “I Only Have Eyes for You” (1934), “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby” (1938), “Chattanooga Choo Choo” (1941), “That’s Amore,” His last chart hit came in 1957, “An Affair to Remember”.

Lyrics:

At Last, My Love Has Come Along
My Lonely Days Are Over, And Life Is Like A Song
Oh Yeah, Yeah. At Last, The Skies Above Are Blue
My Heart Was Wrapped Up In Clover, The Night I Looked At You
I Found A Dream That I Could Speak To, A Dream That I Can Call My Own
I Found A Thrill To Press My Cheek To, A Thrill That I Have Never Known
Oh Yeah . You Smiled, You Smiled, And Then The Spell Was Cast
And Here We Are In Heaven, For You Are Mine, At Last

Music Notes by DJ Mr Ed Mullen (2009)

www.cnn.com (Etta james obituary Jan20, 2012) http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/20/showbiz/etta-james-obit/index.html?npt=NP1

An iPod Weddings? Are You Kidding? Also known as, the “cold hard facts” for the DIY Groom.

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“ iPod Weddings”  by Ed Mullen

Getting married, mister? Congratulations.                                               

Are you handling the details with your fiancée? Great.                         

Your job is to arrange the music? Brilliant.                                               

You are doing it yourself? How so?  

Your iPod! You’re kidding, right?    

How much are you spending on your wedding?            

Oh, it’s a control issue? You want your favorites played?                                                         

Have you really thought this through? Didn’t think so.

Although an iPod is a very efficient personal music system, there are several problems that arise when depending on your iPod to handle your wedding reception. Your risk vs. reward is not as clear cut as you might think. So, here comes the “tough love.” I’ve been a mobile disc jockey since 1979. I have some frank advice for you, since you get only one chance to handle this wedding music issue…

To put it as simply as possible: Get a pro. A experienced professional disc jockey solves many reception issues in the planning. Your preferences and song list should be completely explored months before the ceremony and delivered by someone who has been there before. The well-prepared DJ also has professional grade sound equipment and back-up gear that is dependable.

Technical Difficulties

Got some home speakers? What are you using for your amplifier? Briefly, my professional DJ speakers are better than your home speakers. I use powered JBL EON-15 G2 speakers, some of the best portable speakers available. A mobile disc jockey depends on durable, high-performance equipment gig after gig after gig.

Thinking of renting PA gear? Rental equipment costs money. Rental equipment also costs time. Pick-up and drop-off does not include your shopping time spent finding the right sound rental company. Got time? In the week prior to your wedding, time is your most precious commodity. Does the money-back guarantee give you any comfort if it fails at your wedding reception?

Risky business. You will not get a chance to test rental equipment. You can’t even do a venue sound check. Are all the connecting wires included? Are your XLR cables matched with 1/4″ speaker inputs? Too technical? This is just chapter one. Do you plan on any toasts or blessings to be delivered? Did you forget about the microphone? Would you say that all microphones the same?

When you are listening to your iPod, you involuntarily adjust the volume to your comfort. You’ll soon find out that all songs are not recorded at the same volume. Since you are pumping raw iPod sound, you have no volume control or equalizer (bass vs. treble) control. Your iPod is smaller than your keys. Have you ever misplaced your keys? Doesn’t it turn your stomach if your drop your digital camera on the floor or your cell phone on the parking lot? How durable is your iPod? Any back-up plan? What could possibly go wrong?

Musical Magic – or Mayhem?

What about your song selections? With an iPod wedding, you’ll get your songs and your random mix, but, you won’t get pacing, such as breaking up a lengthy, fast-paced set with one or two ballads. This is especially vital for a reception including a variety of ages. Are guests of all age groups attending?

“Got my favorite song?” Who will be asked this question? You will. It seems you forgot about audience requests or what tendencies are occurring on the dance floor. Observation is one of the most important skills of disc jockeying.

A pro disc jockey takes the bride’s and groom’s song preferences and presents them in such a way as to provide the guests with the couple’s very own musical signature. “Reading the crowd” is the disc jockey’s primary skill. Do you really think that “the crowd will dance to anything” anyway? Are you willing to bet your special day on that idea?

Time Keeps on Slippin’…

Should your wedding day responsibilities include troubleshooting power needs like batteries or chargers? Your attention will be directed to many different people during the ceremony and reception. Every person in attendance would like some of your time. Not to mention, your new partner. Your priorities need to be re-examined if your iPod gets as much attention as your new wedding ring. This statement will also be posed to you, by your new spouse. Guaranteed. Remember the difficulty that you two had selecting the names on your guest list? Your time spent with selected family and selected friends is such a memorable part of the wedding reception, so hold it as a gift with great value. Is your attention going to be diverted by sound equipment during the most important day of your life?

Maybe you had the breakthrough idea to ask a wedding party attendant to watch your iPod. So it seems that this friend is no longer a guest, but is now working for you. Maybe you’ll trust a non-guest who will baby sit the iPod. And maybe you’ll want a first-time chef baking your wedding cake too. Speaking of other vendors, are you aware that experienced vendors like the disc jockey, caterer, photographer, venue manager, video-grapher and wedding coordinator together work out the final details and fine-tune the timing…during the event!

Money Well Spent

Is it cheaper? Sure, hiring a professional costs more than a do-it-yourself project. But, is your wedding really a do-it-yourself project? This may not be the best time to show how frugal you are. You are planning the biggest party in your life and you have the opportunity to select experienced, professional vendors-so do the right thing. Although your input and your needs are essential in the planning stage, you must transition to the “guest of honor” stage to fully enjoy your wedding day. Don’t you want to experience it together with your new bride as the happy couple?

You will get a fair representation of what the modern disc jockey does during your personal meeting, months before your event. That’s why I like meeting the wedding couple to get both bride and groom perspectives on what to do and what not to do. The clients supply me with a song list and wedding preference timeline, just like they will tell their needs to the caterer, florist and so on. Your mix of traditional and modern choices makes your wedding unique. The DJ is the one who will weave your choices into a musical tapestry worthy of your most special occasion.

Get Real

You should know, by now, that the modern disc jockey is not so anxious to play line dances. This optional choice is covered in part of the couple’s song-list and is called the “do not play list”. We understand and appreciate that kind of instruction. You should know that the modern disc jockey uses judgment concerning objectionable lyrics. Your iPod does not have that kind of filter. The glut of sunny wedding music advice on the web does not give you the real life pros and cons about the modern disc jockey. There are some major practical limitations when you pre-program the music event, days before your guests see you walk down the aisle.

Every vendor wants a well-planned wedding, just like every client. So, let the chefs cook. Let the florist bring the flowers. Let the photographers shoot. Let the limousine driver drive. Let the professional disc jockey provide the soundtrack for your once-in-a-lifetime reception. Did you ever hear the old line about “making or breaking the reception”? What do you think they were talking about? A smart bride once said, “Good entertainment isn’t cheap and cheap entertainment isn’t good”. So, you want to have an iPod wedding? Are you kidding?

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