Playlist For Writing Your New Years Resolutions - Top 5 Van Morrison Songs To Guide The Way

Van Morrison, for all his curmudgeonry (it's a word, I looked it up) has left us a gorgeous body of work, a common theme of which is rebirth and renewal. As I start to reflect on resolutions I'd like to make for the new year, here are the top 5 Van songs that will serve to comfort and guide me as I do.

"Brand New Day" - Moondance (1970)

Like much of Moondance, this one seems to wrap you in a warm blanket - and a palpable sense of hope that something new and whole is on the horizon. "I've been used, abused and so confused... but I stood and looked, and my eyes got hooked, on that beautiful morning sun." You may be sitting down to your pen and paper with some shame and regret on your shoulders - "Brand New Day" will help you shrug it off and begin anew.

"Astral Weeks" - Astral Weeks (1968)

Van finds salvation in newfound love and nature itself in one of his most mystical works. The finale sings of "another time... another place" but you'll find sufficient wonder and peace in this one to inspire action today.

"Starting a New Life" - Tupelo Honey (1971)

From the looks of the album cover, Van's at peace on his farm with his family and some animals, but the reality was far from it. At any rate, Van seems to be aspiring to the pastoral dream of the album's image, in spite of some significant domestic drama, with sweet songs like this one - "I've been shoveling the snow away, working hard for my pay, all I gotta say is we're starting a new life."

"Spirit"- Common One (1980)

In another mystical gem, Van plays benevolent pied piper, directing us inward "to the one." Interpretation of "the one" is up to you, but the affect is unmistakable - "you turn it around, you keep walking on." (On a side note, if you don't feel like shifting between albums as this list suggests, just stick with Common One, one of Van's most spiritual - and underrated - albums.)

"Wasted Years" - Too Long in Exile (1993)

This is a lovely duet with John Lee Hooker, a thought or two from a pair with a few years under the belt. Long time fans of Van's recognize him as a very bitter fellow at times, but here a wizened man makes this heartening conclusion: "The great sadness, oh you've got to let it all go, live in the present, live in the future - John Lee ain't that so?"

For some more great music, much of it appropriate for making New Years resolutions, check out the Van-inspired act prattle on, rick.. You can download a free copy of their latest single at http://prattleonrickmusic.com/

Ulf Raberg With Blue Cats Big Band in Sundsvall Is Celebrating 30 Years of Music

The band, under the leader Ulf Raberg, consists of 16 men including a singer. The band was founded by Erik Vagn Christensen 1982. Eric is both the architect of the band and a band musician. Eric, now living in Denmark, is an open and extremely social person. So it was only natural that he would allow anyone who wanted to join the orchestra to be a part of it. This led to eleven saxophonists in a section that was intended for only five saxophonists. The orchestra was run in cooperation with various educational organizations, where each instrumental section formed their own study group.

Because repeat premises have always been a problem for choirs and orchestras throughout the country, the Blue Cats have often had to change the location of their rehearsal hall. Currently, they are in the Bethlehem Church basement in Sundsvall.

The orchestra's repertoire consisted primarily of classic swing numbers such as Opus One, Shiny Stockins, Moten stomp and Georgia. Thanks to Erik Vagn Christensen's and later Ulf Raberg's proficiency in arranging music, it has been possible to include own numbers for specific soloists in the repertoire, which has been much appreciated. Getting exposure on radio and television broadcasts has been a problem for all of the big bands because these media outlets do not favor big bands very much. Nevertheless, Blue Cats has recorded a couple of CDs.

Since Vagn-Christensen moved from Sundsvall, he was succeeded by Stefan Paulsson and then Carina Hauge-Rouass and today Ulf Raberg is the leader of the orchestra. Only two musicians have left since its inception in 1982, saxophonist Marie Ekenryd and ventilbasunist Bengt-Erik Svensson.

The name Blue Cats comes from the word "blue" which refers to the use of so-called blue notes in jazz and "cats" which is a nickname for jazz musicians and jazz fans. At first they appeared in straw hats and striped vests and on the orchestra's music stands there were a picture of a real "jazzcat" with a straw hat and long whiskers.

Every year there has been a fall party at the Skonsberg School. The big band has also participated in the city's annual Ball-rooms, but it is the summer that is the big band's actual music season in which they have outdoor performances at various events around Sundsvall. Regrowth among jazz musicians is not too great. Sorry to say but as Ulf Raberg tells us "young people today prefer the guitars". But so far, the three major bands in Sundsvall have managed to keep up their orchestras.

Ulf Raberg and the Blue Cats had a well-attended concert that took place Sunday 28th of October at the "Church House" in Sundsvall. All the old musicians who previously participated in the band were invited and the concert became a big success.

Is Hollywood Clubbing An Incredible New Years Eve Party Idea In Los Angeles?

The truth is there are thousands of different adventures on New Years Eve in Los angeles. This ranges from staying at home and watching TV to using a wild experience you won't ever experienced before. If you want for taking a chance and take action you never did ahead of, you might consider Hollywood clubbing like a great alternative.

Why Hollywood Clubbing?

Hollywood clubs have a reputation of offering the best partying experience for those people that are participating in. This is something you do during every day in the year. When organizing a Completely new Years Eve party, all clubs take things further and may do all they can to get clients. After all, this is when people desire to party the hardest and are going to pay even 5 times the expense of a drink on a normal night.

During a Hollywood golf club New Years Eve party, everyone attending will be looked after properly. This is especially true in the event the party is organized by a firm that has a huge experience in creating unique events for many people. Stay focused on such parties as you should be a lot better.

Partying With Friends Without Hassle

This is one of the biggest reasons why you ought to actually consider Hollywood clubbing for New Years Eve. You can take all of your friends and check out a huge party. There is no longer a have to be sure that your guests are taken care of and all you must do is pay your ticket and party. That is quite wonderful since most people end up having their New Years Eve party because they are too stressed on account of organizing them.

The great thing with regards to Hollywood clubbing is that you could buy your ticket before hand at prices that certainly are a lot lower than what on earth is asked of you whenever you are directly to the get together. Contrary to what it might seem, the prices are low since club owners have a guarantee that they may have clients. Since they want the most effective people attending and your clubs full, promotional tickets are sold through various companies that are specialized in promoting situations. If you are thinking about what direction to go on New Years Eve in La, just consider the The show biz industry clubbing experience. You will be in a position to have as much fun because you want, drink and dance with your complete friends in a setting which is unique every time.

Are you currently considering Hollywood Clubbing as a New Years Eve Get together idea? If so, go to the eVita Parties website to see what New Years Eve in Los Angeles continue to be open. Choose based on preferences and have a night you will not ever forget!