I enjoyed this interview with Crack the Sky's John Palumbo. I've been a longtime fan of both his and the band's music and am thrilled they're playing ProgStock this October. Visit progstock.com for more information. https://youtu.be/ZiBx-phEQCw?si=BfkpnueCIQKHFFtw
Alone at Xmas – Heartracer
C’mon C’mon Rudolf –
Tom Ciurczak
Reiner the Rhinestone Reindeer -- Phoebe Legere
bling bling bling, Reiner was bullied. He loved to dress up. And one year Santa had him and his bling lead the reindeer! EDM. Female vocal. My Mother’s Menorah –
Judy Kaye
Season of Light – John Roy Zat
Today and All the New Year – Dan Berggren
Today and All the New Year | Dan Berggren
Acoustic folk with tambourine, inspired by “Greensleeves.” Updated lyrics for the New Year focusing on harmony, diversity, and good deeds. A tenor vocal with supporting harmonies. hopeful, reflective, traditional, warm.
Ave Maria — Aeone / Stephen Melillo (We have this available, also, as an instrumental)
A timeless sacred piece — depending on the version you’re including, it typically carries classical vocals, orchestral or piano accompaniment, and deep emotional resonance. Ideal for solemn, spiritual, or transcendent holiday scenes.A soft, ethereal alto vocal reminiscent of Clannad or Eva Cassidy, supported by classical orchestra. New‑age serenity meets sacred tradition.
#ForFansOf The Odyssey
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Christopher Nolan and Matt Damon’s epic triumph The
Odyssey resurrects the ancient world that turbocharged Western
civilization — democracy, theater, philosophy, architecture, art.
If that era had a soundtrack, it would sound uncannily like Robin Batteau’s magical, mystical Banned in Sparta: eleven songs mosaic‑ed from the shards of pottery and scraps of parchment left behind by Greece’s great lyric poets. These were the original singer‑songwriters — Archilochus, Sappho, Alcaeus — performing with lyres the way Dylan or Taylor Swift perform with guitars today.
Batteau built these songs like a paleontologist assembling a T. Rex, filling gaps in the ancient fragments with “musical bones” of his own devising. And to bring them fully to life, he chose voices from our own Golden Age of singer‑songwriting: Eric Andersen, Carolyn Hester (who hosted Dylan’s first recorded appearance), Livingston Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tom Paxton, rocker Robin Lane, plus Tony‑winning actor James Naughton and his children Greg and Keira, Batteau himself, and newcomer Matt Nakoa.
Cross (of Gold) Eric Andersen Breathy, resonant male vocal with bright guitar. A deep, introspective piece in which he asks himself, "I still adore her? Is love like this a torture. Why is this crucifixion on a cross of gold?" “I love you / hate you / love you.”
Archilochus Re‑Deemed James Naughton Bold male vocals over soft‑rock instrumentation. A soldier’s declaration of loyalty to the god of war — poetic, grounded, and free of self‑pity. The song states they want caring people in the trenches with them, not belligerent warm mongers, making it ideal for scenes about courage, grit, or moral conflict. “I am a servant of the Lord God of War.”
Thracian Filly Tom Paxton Uptempo, Appalachian‑tinctured folk with Tom Paxton’s unmistakable voice. A playful comparison between a woman and a spirited horse, full of movement and charm. Fun and timeless appeal. A lively, percussive refrain celebrating her dance. Namedropping Olympus, Dionysus, and Dorian. His imagination on what he’d love to experience with the “Thracian Filly.” Shake your hair, shake your hair, shake your hair, you Thracian Filly
Poet and New Friend Tom Cintula on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show. We're both reading with Noel A. Figueroa's Poets With Purpose this Saturday for the NYC Poetry Society on the Blackbird stage at noon at Governors Island!
I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Sage for my Inclusion Interview Show. We cover her creativity and being cancer thrivers (we both had Endometrial Cancer). Rachael is celebrating her label, MPress's 30th Anniversary, and keeps making music, touring, finding syncs including on Netflix and in Dance Moms. She's worked with Judy Collins, Lulu, Ani DiFranco, and Howard Jones with whom she's collaborated on the song "I Made a Case."
Rachael and Cassandra Kubinski are playing DROM, NYC this Saturday Night.
Visit RachaelSage.com for more shows and music!
Here's the interview, and some of my favorite Rachael songs, including a few for the December holidays!
Canopy Acoustic, twangy, slow‑tempo folk with a gentle female vocal. Themes of connection, emotional refuge, and women leading with compassion. Key lines include: “If the world were run by women…” and “you just have to want to heal insanity.” A song about peace‑making and emotional sanctuary.
Tchatchkes & Latkes A festive Gypsy Oom‑Pah‑Pah waltz. Rachael sings the ingredients of a late‑night Hanukkah dish — playful, rhythmic, and full of personality. “Onions, peppers, oy gevalt!”
Joy to the World Gentle soprano reminiscent of Olivia Newton‑John; chamber‑pop textures like Regina Spektor. Cello drives the rhythm; guitar and light accordion add warmth. A joyful, pulsing holiday track with the refrain “Joy! Joy!” uplifting holiday scenes, family moments, community celebrations, feel‑good ads.
I Made a Case Waltz‑tempo ballad with lush instrumentation and horn. A gentle, vulnerable vocal delivering the refrain: “I made a case for you to love me, but you disagreed.” male/female vocal interplay — adds emotional depth and dual perspective.
SisterSong A song of support, companionship, and kindness — a musical embrace. Themes include: keeping someone company, “standards of goodness,” corsets (metaphorically), and the “year of the woman / year of the human.” A deeply compassionate piece about staying with someone through their hardest moments.
I enjoyed this new interview with Congressional Candidate Jose Vega, who is running for the 15th District here in the Bronx in both the Independent and Democratic primary races. We talk about peace, deportation, music, and Edgar Poe, and his Intervention advice with party leaders that don't pay attention to their constituents. #Civics https://youtu.be/WCSLxFzjmGc?si=4wF1kRJ9zGz3WMuK If you have any concerns about comments made in our interview, please express them in the comments under the video, and cite sources. Thanks.
“Thanks” is a gorgeous, uplifting song about
gratitude — the kind that comes from being lifted up by someone who sees the
best in you. It’s tender, universal, and sync‑friendly, with a sweet, slightly
shady electric‑guitar solo that gives it emotional lift.
A key line: “Can’t thank you enough, I’m high from you
lifting me up.”
It’s a natural fit for scenes of reconciliation, reflection,
family moments, personal triumph, or any storyline where gratitude is the
emotional payoff.
About Bob Halligan Jr.
Bob is one of those rare songwriters whose work spans folk,
Christian, pop, Celtic‑rock, and hard rock — and somehow he’s equally
authentic in all of them. His kindness‑centered writing shows up in his solo
work and in his long‑running Irish‑pop‑folk band Ceili Rain, but his
catalog also includes cuts by some of the biggest names in rock and pop.
A few highlights:
Plus songs covered by Cher, Jennifer
Rush, KISS, Michael Bolton, Joan Jett, Rik Emmett (Triumph), Bob Carlisle…..
has had over 140 songs recorded, published over 975 songs, and
his catalog has sold more than 30 million units.
I learned recently that May Pang was his song plugger
during the era when Priest, KIX, Cher, and KISS were cutting his material — a
fun surprise, since May and I bonded at The Cutting Room over our shared love
of discovering new artists.
Bob also taught songwriting as an adjunct professor at Syracuse
University from 2003–2019, and Kathy Mattea recently posted a photo with
him after a show in Homer, NY — she’s covered several of his songs, including
“Love Travels,” “Give It Away,” and “Junkyard.”
It was a joy working with Bob since 2023 in support Ceili
Rain’s album Crash This Gate.
“It’s You I Love About It” — Ceili Rain Mid‑to‑uptempo, Irish instrumentation blended with commercial rock. Male vocals. Think The Strawbs meets The Proclaimers. A nostalgic look at movie memories — but the real hook is that you made the memories meaningful.
“Love Corporation” — Ceili Rain A kindness‑forward
anthem about starting with your own heart and paying it forward — perfect for
scenes about community, generosity, or personal growth.
Recognizable Covers
"Peace Has Broken Out" by Moya Brennan
"Don’t Close Your Eyes" co=written with Crack the Sky's John Palumbo, and recorded by KIX
One of the songs I'm plugging this week: the soulful "Love Corporation" about paying it forward and backward.
"Gonna start with my own heart
And pray for dividends"
Drive Beach Boys harmonies with jazz chords, tenor vocals, summertime pop, guitar, harmonies. the hook is "Drive my baby driving." It's about togetherness and summer nights. Towards the end of the song it lifts the tempo of "California Girls."
Michael's Walk Away Renee cover is an acoustic cover of the Left Banke hit. His thoughtful interpretation is dedicated to Renee Good. The lyrics fit the pain of what we've been going through with ICE's attacks on both immigrants and those born in this country.
Close to the Flame slow-mid tempo, harmonies, flying too close
to the flames "I have to confess, we all tried our best"
One Wish is a male & female duet and wishes peace for Christmas.
It's a pleasure to interview my longtime friend Bill Pezzimenti, who wrote the book "Facing the Monkey's Grin," a delightful and easy read about crazymakers in the work world. Bill's also a working poet and talented salesperson. https://youtu.be/abAWDZ1KBtc?si=qtif8T6ETkJX2IBm via @YouTube
Hot on the heels of Refestramus' "Morri's Rock Boutique" the band has more for you. The official pro-shot, 4K video of their full 30-minute live set from the HRH Prog 15 festival last November.
My interview with singer-songwriter-violinist-public speaker-- and now author Gaelynn Lea is live on YouTube. She's on tour in support of her book, “It wasn’t meant to be Perfect." I'll be hearing her live at Joe's Pub Saturday. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HOPsy8M2r4o&si=sL_UXJwQWOFtN-3h
Noel Figueroa loves poetry and poets, and he created a group "Poets with Purpose." He's curating the Blackbird Stage happening the New York City Poetry Festival on July 18 at Governor's Island. We also talk about his poetry book, "One Man's Journey" in this interview. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qgAjuXYDaB0&si=WMnSxlVRsv0bi9tm
Right Where I Should Be Jenn Cristy dramatic and vulnerable reflection leading to personal triumph over sad and hard times, piano driven band, female vocals. about the climb and "Here I stand more naked...” dramatic build with descant harmony and much orchestral. Grounding.
Jacaranda Trees Erinn Alissa Contemporary folk, electric guitar solo, female voice-a little Joan Baez range, this is a metaphor or memory of losing everything, including her beautiful Jacaranda Trees after the fires. descriptive lyrics. The house slipped away, the sun always stays.
Archilochus Re-Deemed James Naughton Folk rock with bold male vocals, hook: "I am a servant of the Lord God of War" shout out to Greeks gods and a poetic approach to old-fashioned war and supporting those in the trenches not the guy in a high horse manicuring his beard. No self pity.
Drive The Veitch Boys Beach Boys inspired harmonies with jazz chords, tenor vocals, summertime pop pop, guitar, the hook is "Drive my baby driving." It's about togetherness and summer nights. Towards the end of the song, it lifts the tempo of "California Girls"
Walk Away Renee Michael Veitch An acoustic cover of the Left Banke hit. male tenor with falsetto. thoughtful interpretation dedicated to Renee Good. sadness, forced to cry,
Zombie Cornelius Eady Electric guitar and hey yeah vocals, About a zombie rising again, eating the sensitive ones, being judge & jury, we'll never get out of the zombie's way. this song could be taken literally or used as a metaphor,
I Can’t Take it Anymore Arianna D. female, rich harmonies, cold ending, jazzpop/yacht rock, inspired by Taylor Swift. Break up song. It's direct about waiting by the door for the boyfriend that never comes and ultimately she realizes he’s useless when he feels like it, "you're wasting all my time." Teenager.
