ADAM LAMBERT STEPS INTO AMERICAN IDOL AGAIN
****
THE GLORIOUS CORNER
Story By: G. H. HARDING
****
 |
| Adam Lambert |
HARI’S ON TOUR --- George Harrison wrote the song "Dark Horse" in 1973, and in the following years, the track became something of a theme song for the ex-Beatle: The next year, he gave the same name to his subsequent album, as well as his tour with Ravi Shankar and his new record label, on which Shankar earned the first release.
When the the final version of "Dark Horse" was released in late 1974, it featured a total of 11 vocalists and musicians (including Billy Preston on keys) and reached the Top 20 of the U.S. singles chart. Here, listen to an early, sparser take on the song, one featuring only Harrison on acoustic guitar and a few singers harmonizing on the hook. Harrison's vocals, meanwhile, are noticeably cleaner than they are in the hoarse single.
On September 23rd, the song will be released as part of the George Harrison: The Apple Years 1968-75 box set. The set will also include remastered versions of the artist’s first six solo albums (some of which will contain unreleased bonus tracks), a DVD containing music videos and a short film directed by Harrison's wife Olivia and a book filled with essays and unpublished photos.
Speaking of Harrison, his producer and good friend Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra) headlined a 90-minute concert at London’s Hyde Park last week. I heard a tape of it last night and it was terrific and very well received. According to his manager Craig Fruin, “Jeff had so much fun; a tour may well be in the works.”
LAMBERT GUESTS --- Obviously, this is a very rough week for Keith Urban. His father-in-law -- Nicole Kidman's dad -- died suddenly last week, so he is mourning that loss and putting all of his work-related commitments on hold.
But since the American Idol show must go on, Adam Lambert has stepped in to take over Urban's spot at the judges' table for the New York auditions going on this week.
Lambert’s a good replacement, I think, because he knows exactly what it feels like to be on the other side of that table. He was on the eighth season of American Idol in 2009, coming in second after the winner, Kris Allen. And while he's not a country singer, I remember him doing Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" during Grand Ole Opry week and solidly nailing it.
Idol's Twitter page had the official announcement. "Adam Lambert will be serving as guest judge at the NY auditions. Our thoughts are with Keith and his family during this difficult time," they said, adding later, "Guest judges @adamlambert is helping make our contestants comfortable for their moment in the spotlight!"
Lambert tweeted, too, writing, "What a fun day guest judging on @AmericanIdol! @jlo and @HarryConnickJR r SO fun 2 work w. Def a few potential Stars that auditioned today!"
Auditions are taking place at New York's Nassau Coliseum.
GLEN’S FAREWELL --- It won't be released till October 24th, but we saw a special sneak of the forthcoming documentary on Glen Campbell, titled I’ll be Me this week and it’s devastatingly brilliant. If you're a fan, this is a must see for sure. Heartbreaking, triumphant, and informative …. It’s one of the best docs we've ever seen. Stay tuned!
CLOSING NOTES --- The next Hedwig will be Michael C. Hall, from Dexter and Six Feet Under. Brilliant choice; he’ll be spectacular …
Comedy Is Hard, with Micky Dolenz and Joyce DeWitt, opens Wednesday. We’ll be on site with full details …
Finally getting into F/X's Fargo with Billy Bob Thornton; and, it's excellent. Thornton, who won an Emmy for his role, is sensational. Best thing he's ever been in. Also, Martin Freeman, Colin Hanks and Adam Goldberg spot on excellent. Creator Noah Hawley's vision is spectacular. I cannot recommend it enough
SIGHTINGS --- Henry Winkler walking on West 56th street walking towards Patsy’s; Liam Neeson at Chelsea’s Bow Tie Cinema for the premiere for his new A Walk Among The Tombstones; NY-1's Bill McCuddy at China Grill with Peggy Siegal.
Comments