Last Post Before Christmas!

Hope you are all ready to celebrate Christmas with your families and friends over the next few days.  For us, the season stretches into the New Year, giving us time to spend with everyone.

This year we are taking my folks with us to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  If you have never seen them, I highly recommend the concert.  Great music,and a light and pyrotechnic show that draws ages 8-80 together. 

Merry Christmas!  Joyeux Noel!  Feliz Navidad!  Happy Hanukkah!  And to all, a great day!!!

Inspirational Music

Last week I listed some of the music groups I listen to.  Today, I thought I'd share a few more whose music inspire me, especially the songs that tell a story.

Ed Guy-  The entire family likes this group.  Dear son's favorite song for the longest time was Save Us Now (which he called Alien Drum Bunny because of one of the lines in the song.)


Avantasia- This group was formed by the Tobias, the lead singer of Ed Guy, and features guest appearances with musicians from many well known bands in Europe.

Place Vendome- Fronted by former Helloween singer Michael Kiske, this band's album Streets of Fire is one of my favorites.

Saint Deamon- Their album, In Shadows Lost From the Brave, tells a really great story.


What groups do you find inspiration from?

Awards and Music

Last week, while I was away for work, I received the Versatile Blogger Award from Michelle Pickett and Crystal Collier.  I listed seven things about me here, and am passing it on to any of you who have not received it before.  Take your award and display it proudly.

After listing my songs for the Soundtrack of Your Life post, I had some people asking me who these groups were as they had never heard of them.  So, I thought I'd share with you some of the artists I listen to most often.

Nightwish- This Finnish band has an incredibly talented composer.  My favorite album has an instrumental version I use often when writing.

Christian Kane- An up and comer in the Country Music world, he is also seen weekly on TNT's Leverage.

Steve Carlson- In addition to playing guitar with Christian Kane, Steve has his own band.  I would describe him as a modern day James Taylor.


Trans-Siberian Orchestra-  Formerly the group Savatage, this band takes classical music and mixes them with rock.  Their Christmas show is a must see for my family every year, and Beethoven's Last Night is a springtime favorite.  Two years ago they released Night Castle, and there is talk of new works coming soon.

Within Temptation-  This is a great Dutch group.  Currently Dear Hubby and I are really enjoying their new album- The Unforgiving.

Delain -This group was formed by a former member of Within Temptation, and is also Dutch.  (What can I say-- the overseas groups are really calling to me!)

I am always in the hunt for new music, and my tastes run from Gregorian Chant to Hard Rock/Heavy Metal.  Who are you listening to???