Friday, August 28, 2009

MiG Ayesa LIVE in New York - Part 1

I consider myself fortunate to have seen MiG Ayesa perform live many times since his popular days in We Will Rock You and on CBS-TV's Rockstar: INXS, but now MiG Ayesa has completely outdone himself. MiG pulled off a whirlwind week of performances in New York City and New Jersey, and this time left me speechless. Thank goodness blogs don't require speaking! I'll give you some insight into the adventure, and maybe you'll understand what makes MiG's fans count the days until MiG's next performance, video and album.

The first night began with MiG at The Australian, a hotspot at 20 W. 38th St. in New York City. The food was fabulous and the service even better. Matt and the rest of the team went out of their way to make our visit a special one. MiG was testing out a new keyboard, but the headset didn't detract from the performance in any way. MiG was his usual fun and friendly self, and hung out with us between sets. He asked if we had any requests and treated us to songs ranging from Piano Man to Buses and Trains, from Maybe I'm Amazed to Unchained Melody. I'm completely hooked on his original music, so was particularly fond of the beautiful message and imagery of One Sunset at a Time, the irresistible sweetness and vulnerability of Blown Away, and the heart-wrenching She Loved from his debut album. Some fun-loving patrons joined MiG to belt out You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', which proved quite entertaining!

It's a guy thing - singing and dancing to You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'


What's MiG up to? That's one devilish grin!


Next stop on the Big Apple tour - Eight Mile Creek at 240 Mulberry St. A trip to New York wouldn't be complete without a night at Eight Mile Creek. Whether in high heels or flip flops, one feels comfortable and right at home at Eight Mile Creek. The food is fantastic, and the fun never ends. Andrew, Luke and Sarah deserve kudos for going above and beyond with their outstanding service.

MiG surprised us by jammin' with - as he called them - his merry band of men. What a talented group of musicians. MiG's voice is stunning without any music, and when he's backed by a first-rate band, it's out of this world. The incredible jam session set the crowd on fire, and many danced the night away. I marveled at the talent on display. In spite of seeing MiG sing on numerous occasions, I was thoroughly impressed by this side of him. It felt as though I was getting to discover something new and wonderful. MiG has got to be the best kept secret in New York. I can keep a secret, but this one should be shouted from the rooftop of the Empire State Building.

Having a laugh during the jam session



MiG in his element


Keyboard magic


The night flew by, but we could console ourselves knowing the next gig of the weekend was on the horizon. Stay tuned for Part 2 of MiG LIVE in New York - with more pictures and tales of the amazing weekend. Also check out some of our tweets from New York on Twitter (search for #migny).

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Kay
Team MiG Global

Saturday, August 15, 2009

A Review: Handel's Messiah Rocks

Handel's Messiah Rocks, starring MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer, is being shown on PBS stations across the U.S., and viewers are in for a ground-breaking experience. The production infuses a newfound passion and emotion into George Friderich Handel's timeless oratorio, Messiah, that will captivate people of all ages. After having seen Messiah twice, I can attest that the creators and performers pay the utmost respect to the classic work and retain its essence, yet add new layers that enrich it.

Handel's Messiah Rocks is professional in every way. The powerful trio of stars, MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer, deliver in every piece, and make you yearn for more. MiG Ayesa demonstrates an impressive range, a beautiful voice, and a stunning ability to convey emotion. LaChanze combines gorgeous vocals and stage presence, and Spencer displays a strong voice and an edge that adds drama.

Keith Lockhart and members of the Boston Pops are in prime form, and the ultra-talented rock band blends seamlessly with the orchestra and singers. The camera work in the video is artistic and interesting, and the lighting enhances the show's appeal. The adult and children's choirs provide a lovely touch.

Handel's Messiah Rocks features an ideal pairing of artist with mood and musical style. LaChanze radiates a joy in her singing, especially with the triumphant and uplifting He'll Come In Glory, and the smooth as honey How Beautiful. J. Robert Spencer raises the intensity level in He Is Fire, joining the soaring electric guitars to make an impact. He follows it up with a powerful He Was Despised that shakes one to the core.

MiG Ayesa reveals an impressive versatility. In the stellar and emotion-packed Behold the Lamb of God, Ayesa brings forth an exceptional voice and holds notes for lengthy periods as cascading children's voices join in. The piece surrounds and takes one's breath away, and Ayesa's ability to reach deep inside and express that feeling in his performance is amazing. He lets loose in King of Glory, unveiling a license to rock and raising audience participation to a peak before bringing the house down. If I had to choose one favorite in Handel's Messiah Rocks, it's King of Glory. More than any other song, it honors, connects, and celebrates Messiah's message of joy.

The wondrous voices of Ayesa, Spencer and LaChanze stand on their own, and also sound divine together. Their harmony provided an irresistible dimension, particularly with Ayesa and Spencer in Rejoice Reprise, and Ayesa and LaChanze in He Trusted You.

Handel's Messiah Rocks will embark on a U.S. nationwide tour in 2010, and it's well worth the price of admission. For at-home viewers, the Handel's Messiah Rocks DVD provides an excellent value. It features bonus interviews with Keith Lockhart, MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer as well as behind-the-scenes footage. The DVD and CD will be released on Sony Classical and Integrity Music on October 6, 2009. I'm thrilled to have the DVD so I can watch it multiple times before the release date. Some local PBS stations will be scheduling an airdate for Handel's Messiah Rocks if they receive requests.

Handel's Messiah Rocks makes a lasting impression. The gifted creators and artists have given us a tremendous musical work. It has the potential to unite people of all ages, reminding us that even though we hold different viewpoints, our core beliefs may be very much the same.

Kay
Team MiG Global