When I attended the Brooklyn Blogfest, there were three local actors who acted out “Brooklyn blog posts.” I thought it was so creative and interesting, I wanted to share with you… Enjoy…

Invitation is an appropriate name for the new Keith Chagall album.  With a mix of 10 songs in a light dance, Latin beat mixed with jazz-fusion, this album can really get you moving!

The album is certainly not for everyone.  It could have a distinct following of those who listen to light radio stations like Satellite’s “The Blend” or “Love.” If you are into grunge, hard rock, punk or disco, this is not for you.

I found Invitation interesting to listen to.  I like the way Chagall uses picking techniques on the guitar.  I also like that he brings in various untraditional instruments into the mix like in his first song, She’s Incredible, he incorporates a flutist who livens up the piece.

Chagall also likes the use of harmony in his melodies.  In the song, Invitation, which is also the album’s title, he has a sax solo and trumpet solo that feels as if it were right out of a jazz club from New Orleans.

According to the press material, Keith Chagall is a Colombian born American who currently lives in Los Angeles, CA. In 2001, he was in a severe car accident and needed repair on his neck and vertebrae.  A titanium plate was placed behind his Adam’s Apple making it difficult for him to sing.  But he persevered.  He went through years of physical therapy and worked hard to get back and now apparently, “he’s better than ever.”

For the most part, his songs are very romantic and enticing.  The song, Summer of My Life puts you in a happy mood.  It’s a true love song, “you are the summer of my life,” he sings, “if I had my way, I would feel you always with me.”  It’s just a sweet love song that makes you smile.

The song, Bolero de Chagall starts off with a strong Latin sound using the guitar with finger picking every note.  When listening to this, it puts you in a relaxed trance. As the song progresses, the beat picks up and the song becomes more danceable. Whenever I listened to it, I wanted to get up and Tango!  It’s the only song on the album that has no vocals.  This actually makes it the most interesting song on the album.

If you go the Keith Chagall web site (www.keithchagall.com), you can hear the entire album.  You can also view photos and upcoming shows.  When interviewed by a local LA based radio talk show, Chagall said, “I am influenced by artists that last like Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and Sting.  Those who write wonderful music that are timeless.”

I don’t know if Keith Chagall will ever be in the league of these top performers but I can say that this album is one that is timeless.  It can be listed to and enjoyed for years to come.

—————————This post, written by Hilary Topper, also appeared in Blogcritics.org.

Lately, I’ve been thinking that overhead is a waste of money.  I mean, we spend so much on rent and after the day is done, how much is really left in the “pot?”

I have three offices at HJMT — one in Westbury, one in Manhattan and one in Rochester.  Together with rent, staff and overhead, it costs a fortune.

Lately, I’ve been out on the road a lot and I’ve been finding myself using my iPad,  iPhone and even my iPod.

When I’m working outside of my offices, I sit at a  Starbucks, a diner or sometimes, I even work from my car!  I realized that I can be anywhere and work.  So do I really need an office or are “virtual” offices the way to go?

It’s an interesting thought.  But, where would you have your meetings?

Remember when you were a little kid?  You had all your toys around and the world was a place for play and fantasy?

Toy Story 3, brings that all back!  The movie starts off with Andy packing up for college and the whole theme revolves around where the toys should go — to a daycare, to the attic or with Andy to College.

Flashback 10, 20, 30 maybe even 40 years, and you are in the same predicament. What did you do with your toys?

I had tons of Barbie dolls.  I loved Barbie!  My favorite Barbie dolls I kept in a case and I stored them for many years thinking that one day, I would have a girl and I would be able to share with her the joy I received from my dolls.

When I did have a daughter, I was so excited that I gave her my dolls a little too early and she treated them like the children at Sunnyside Day Care treated their toys. (You have to see the movie to know what I mean here.)

But, that was okay.  It still put a smile on my face knowing that my dolls survived one generation and was handed down to another to enjoy for years to come…

Tell me your toy story?