Vocal impressions: Jackson Browne "The Rebel Jesus" as sung by the man of 1000 voices

[CircleDancing]

Our circle dance group in Berkeley has real problems doing dances to traditional Christmas carols; some of our regulars just leave the building. But this will work wonderfully. Thank you for making it available. And, for good measure, we found a charming pagan version of "Lord of the Dance" at the iTunes store, by Coyote Run. Maybe you'll consider that as well.

[CircleDancing]

Our Berkeley circle dance group has more than a few dancers who are not at all happy when we do dances to simple Christmas carols. In fact they leave the building. So now we can happily do a dance to your fine rendition . . . and another to the pagan version of "Lord of the Dance" which we found on iTunes. Yay. --John Bear

[themanof1000voices]

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this song but I can't take credit for anything more than singing it and assembling it together for posting here. Jackson Browne is the lyricist/vocalist who's responsible for this gem. Since my goal is to sound as much like the original artist as possible, you'd probably be better off using his version as the qualtiy would be better while being similar to my post here. It's available on his greatest hits CD. Thanks & best of luck with your dancing!

[SoulQuest7]

Fabulous. I sent this a link to this video to everyone I know on Christmas Day! Jackson Browne is a national treasure, and nice interpretation and video Stew!

[themanof1000voices]

Thanks for the kind words, Soul. I'm a long time fan of Jackson's and hope to do a medley of his songs in a future upload. I noticed you're into YES (a favorite band of mine as well). Jon Anderson is one of the few vocalists I don't cover, despite my utmost love & respect for his heavenly voice. His hard to find Christmas album, 3 Ships, has some great songs, including an amazing version of "Oh Holy Night". Thanks again for the comments & for sharing this video with your friends! Peace. Stew

[SoulQuest7]

Yes, Jon's 3 Ships was re-released last year with bonus tracks-- VERY limited distribution. I always wondered if a vocalist like Jon could be found, but it happened this year with Benoit David who performed with YES this year after Jon got sick. Coincidentally, he's French Canadian, as was Denis Gagne that flawlessly reproduced Peter Gabriel's voice for the Genesis tribute band The Musical Box.

[SoulQuest7]

Voiceprint records was who re-released Jon's 3 Ships.

[SoulQuest7]

Stew, if you are on facebook my name is Nick Kokoshis, hit me up for friendship!

[themanof1000voices]

I've not yet heard Benoit David but was reluctant to buy tickets to the last YES tour when I heard Jon was ill. Not to slight Benoit- I'd be curious to hear his renditions. I've been fortunate enough to hang with Jon on several occasions so it's hard not to be biased in his favor. I'll also have to check out The Musical Box since I'm a longtime fan of both Genesis and Gabriel. (I've got snippets of both in my uploads here if you're curious). I appreciate the info. Best in 2009! Stew

[SoulQuest7]

The Musical Box is no long during Gabriel-era shows. THe singer quit, so the drummer-- a dead ringer for Phil COllins-- is stepping forward and they are currently doing a recreation of the Trick of the Tail tour. It's not a matter of being for or against Jon. Jon is the creator. Benoit is gifted with a pair of vocal chords that can handle his material.

[SoulQuest7]

I want Jon's and YES' music to live on in concert. It's no problem finding musicians that can handle their music, but finding a singer who can do Jon justice has been VERY challenging for all the YES tribute bands. I had given up hope until Benoit came along, and now I'm dreaming of seeing all four sides of TALES live in concert! I'm currently doing TALES ANNIVERSARY cyber-activism on both myspace and facebook. Hey, a boy can always dream....

[themanof1000voices]

Well put, Nick. And, with regard to Genesis, I've seen them with and without Gabriel and have to say I thought "with" was a better live show. Either way, I still love the band and thought "Trick of the Tail" to be an excellent follow up LP despite Peter's departure. Ripples was a favorite I used to cover. Wonder if the Musical Box tours the Boston area(?) Anyway-- thanks again for all the interesting info.

[SoulQuest7]

Musical Box plays the whole world! They definitely hit the web coast, check out their tour schedule just google "The Musical Box Genesis."

[theotherivan]

A beautiful presentation of what is arguably the best modern, secular Christmas song ever written. Thank you for posting this.I've shared it with many. Merry Christmas, Jan.

[themanof1000voices]

Thanks, Jan! Not many people know of this Christmas song so I wasn't sure what the public response would be. I appreciate your comments and thank you for passing it around to your friends. With any luck, I'll be posting another 'carol' before the 25th and hope you'll check it out once it's posted. Thanks and have a wonderful Christmas! Stew

[qawsed4]

very nice.

[themanof1000voices]

Thanks. Nice to see someone is feeling the spirit of Christmas even in the month of June. ;) Stew

[jep3254]

As with all your videos, this one is terrific. When I saw that you had a new clip on youtube, I expected it to be humerous. Instead I was very touched by the song and message. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed New Year.

[themanof1000voices]

You're very kind and I wish you the same warm sentiments in the new year to come. It's comments like yours that keep me going and bring a smile to my face. My sincere thanks. :) Stew

[bplatten]

Great job! Sorry to hear you have not been in the best of health. Have a Happy , Very Healthy New Year!!! Thanks for sharing.

[themanof1000voices]

I really appreciate your best wishes and sincerely hope you have a great 2008! Thanks for listening.

Stew

[loveisrealrealislove]

I never heard this song before but it made me reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and all that we should be thankful for. Once again, you sounded just like the original artist and continue to amaze me with your talent. ;)

[themanof1000voices]

Amen to that! Thank you for the kind words.

Check back again soon-- I'll be doing a whole mess of artists I haven't yet posted here and hope I can continue to 'amaze' you. ;)

Stew

[audaciousauditions]

Thanks for this very nice Christmas video.  You sound just like Jackson Browne and I really liked the background scenes too! Great job!!

[themanof1000voices]

Thanks for saying so. This song never seems to get played on the radio so I thought I'd cover this one instead of, let's say, "Frosty the Snowman" or "Grandma got run over by a reindeer". I'm going to be posting a Jackson Browne medley soon if you're interested.