Trailer for ‘Tucumcari’

A few days ago, we reported on a new stage play called "Tucumcari" at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Here's the trailer for Riley Steiner's play: https://vimeo.com/19284119 The play's website is here. The play starts its run tonight, through Feb. 27.

Taking a flute route

I don't think I've ever heard a version of "Route 66" where a flute is one of the main instruments. Manny and Debbie Cortez's sound is novel enough that I can almost overlook his flubbed lyrics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNba4DfOysg

Hello from England

We've put sound clips of British singer Charlese performing "Route 66" in a studio. Here she is, doing the same song at a recent show in Chester, England. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex9FA95bZ9c

Hello from Oregon

The Mixers Band, based in Oregon, says its sound is a bit hard to define, although I hear jazz, blues and soul. This arrangement of "Route 66" owes a bit to the arrangement of the Brian Setzer Orchestra's version. But The Mixer Band's piano player is pretty special. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPIE2E2zsDg

New stage production: “Tucumcari”

In the LA Weekly newspaper, I found this little item in the stage listings: TUCUMCARI Riley Steiner's story of "love, choices, tough times, and Western music on Route 66.". Theatre 40 at the Reuben Cordova Theater, 241 Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills; opens Feb. 2; Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; thru Feb. 27. (310) 364-0535. … Continue reading New stage production: “Tucumcari”

Hello from Bali

This is Bob N Friends, performing Bobby Troup's best-known song at a studio in the Indonesian island of Bali. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWaHsINVOJE

Swing time

Here's a swinging version of "Route 66" by 83-year-old pianist Eddie Tigner. Tigner is an artist with the Music Maker Relief Foundation, which "helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day to day needs." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1CLvc0vR4Y

Billy Vaughn’s take on “Route 66”

The "Route 66" instrumental for the 1960s television drama of the same name was originally written and arranged by Nelson Riddle. This version by Billy Vaughn contains subtle differences -- especially the backing vocals -- but is largely the same. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSnoI0IFqoY

Take a rhythmic trip

Here's a version of "Route 66" by Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. Wyman is formerly the bass player of The Rolling Stones; he's the one playing the red bass guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_b6q_1ajhg

Hello from Argentina

This one's an oldie. It's Argentine blues-rocker Pappo (real name Norberto Napolitano) who covers Bobby Troup's "Route 66." Not sure on the date of the video, but I'm betting late 1980s to early '90s. Pappo's music career dated to the 1960s. Tragically, he died in an automobile accident in 2005.