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Remembering Brenton Wood, A Soul Pioneer Who Gave Us RnB Hits And A Pioneering Indie Label

Eric Alper
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Remembering Brenton Wood, A Soul Pioneer Who Gave Us RnB Hits And A Pioneering Indie Label

Did you know Brenton Wood almost walked away from “The Oogum Boogum Song”? He didn’t like it at first, but after six weeks of reworking, it became a soulful anthem that defined an era. Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith, was a musical innovator who gave us timeless hits like “Gimme Little Sign” and “Baby You Got It.” He passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of smooth grooves and unforgettable melodies. Let’s celebrate the man who made us sway, smile, and fall in love with soul music all over again.

  1. Track Star Before Soul Star: Before music claimed his heart, Brenton was a standout athlete on Compton High School’s track team, earning accolades for his speed and dedication.
  2. The Name Behind the Fame: He chose the stage name Brenton Wood, possibly inspired by the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood—a name that symbolized his ambition and dreams.
  3. Soulful Independence: In 1972, Brenton Wood launched Prophesy Records, becoming an early example of an artist owning his creative journey and entrepreneurial future.
  4. The Reluctant Classic: Brenton didn’t initially love “The Oogum Boogum Song” when it was presented to him, but his persistence turned it into a hit that’s been featured in films like Almost Famous and Don’t Worry Darling.
  5. A Farewell with Heart: In 2024, he embarked on his final tour, Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour, named after his 1967 classic. His heartfelt message to fans? “Catch you on the rebound.”

Brenton Wood was a musical magician who cast a spell with every note. From his chart-topping hits to his entrepreneurial spirit, Brenton Wood showed us that soul music isn’t just heard—it’s felt. As we say goodbye to this legend, let’s remember his legacy not with sadness but with the joy his music continues to bring. Rest easy, Brenton. We’ll always hear your little signs.

Photo Gallery 2024 Recap: Some of my favourite photos of 2024

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery 2024 Recap: Some of my favourite photos of 2024

Here is a look back at my 2024, featuring some of my favourite bands and the unforgettable moments I captured across the Greater Toronto Area. From epic live performances to the images that tell the story behind them. This year has been filled with amazing music and powerful visuals. I’m thrilled to share the bands that left a lasting impression and the locations that provided the perfect setting for it all.

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Facebook.

Don Toliver
Halestorm
Imagine Dragons
Korn
Hollywood Undead
Pink
One Ok Rock
Shawn Desman
Skillet
Styx
Usher
Thirty Seconds To Mars
Snoop Dogg
Limp Bizkit
Stone Temple Pilots
Jelly Roll
W.A.S.P.
Slash
Protest The Hero
Theory Of A Deadman
Slash
Orville Peck
Simple Plan
Gary Numan

 

Choose the right jewelry to wear with your wedding dress

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Choosing the right jewelry for your dress is key for your wedding. It will make it look even more beautiful somehow. Be careful because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Jewelry highlights your style and adds sparkle. The pieces will accentuate the bridal look, whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or earrings. You can even explore stunning options at https://www.vrai.com/jewelry/earrings to find a pair that perfectly matches your look.Jewelry has a big impact on the day. The right pieces will elevate your dress and finish you off. Don’t forget the dress you’re wearing, the neckline, and your style when choosing the jewelry. It is appropriate to wear subtle embellishments with elegant gowns, and bold jewelry with more minimalistic outfits.

Your wedding day is the day you want everybody to notice you and the right jewelry will surely help achieve that purpose. For instance, a nice set of Pearl necklace that go nicely with your gown, think of wearing pearl necklaces. Because they are perfect for a lot of brides, pearls add a bit of classic glamour. Pearls won’t let you down on your big day regardless of whether you prefer a classically styled bride or a bride who prefers to wear something different.

Choose Your Dress First

Jewelry can be picked after you’ve settled on a wedding dress style. In case you wear a lace-covered dress, consider a necklace or earrings but on a simple dress leave the neck bare. Adding a necklace can completely change the look a dress has so keep that in consideration as well.

Jewelry selection is also based on the design of your wedding dress. For example, A pearl choker can be suitable if the wedding dress is a bustier or sweetheart neckline as it softens and feminizes the outfit. For higher-cut dresses or long-sleeved dresses, the focus can be put on the face and the design of the dress by adding long earrings or a simple bracelet instead of a necklace. Ensuring that the jewelry complements the dress design aids in perfecting the overall look.

Pearl Necklaces: A Classic Choice for Brides

If there is one adornment that would perfectly blend in with your wedding gown without looking out of place, it would be wearing pearl necklaces, immensely recommend them. Be it a gown or a dress, wedding pearls go well with all of them and lend that beautifully polished look. Akoya pearls are the best for a wedding day since they reflect light beautifully and have a smooth finish. They can be worn with both simple and intricate wedding gowns without any issues.

Why Choose Akoya Pearls for Your Wedding Day?

With their perfect luster and sleek texture, Akoya pearls are the ideal option for your wedding day. These pearls enhance any wedding dress, be it plain or elaborate. Their lack of pattern fits perfectly, which enhances the wedding gown.

 

HELAS Jewelry: Adding A Sense Of Class And Luxury To Your Demeanor

HELAS Jewelry effortlessly enhances the aesthetics of any attire with its timeless designs. Each of these pieces is made with great care with the use of quality materials to ensure their worth over time. Ranging from light neckpieces to hefty bangles, Helas Jewelry is made to Godstyle your aura and emphasize its importance.

It is ideal for any event whether it is a formal one or an ordinary one. Helas Jewelry provides a variety of options. The amalgamation of the classic with charm adds sophistication to the pieces which will be worn for years. Helas jewelry makes you feel classy and effortlessly enjoy wearing it.

FAQ

Am I supposed to don a necklace alongside a wedding dress?

That depends on the design of your dress. If the design is a high neck then opt for earrings and a bracelet instead of a necklace. For fitting gowns that have a deep neckline, a simple necklace is a great addition.

With what kind of choker should I pair a dress?

When picking a necklace for your wedding dress, always factor in your dress’s neckline. During strapless events, a choker or pendant necklace may be needed, but a longer necklace works better with sweetheart dresses instead.

Conclusion

It is evident that almost every detail counts when dressing up for a wedding or wearing a wedding dress, and so doing any of those two tasks wrong can affect one’s splendid bridal look and feel. Consider the pattern, cut, and all features of your gown, including your preferences, if you want to achieve that balance. The accessories that you selected, whether they be bold pieces or delicate details, as well as the way they are worn, can complete the overall look and add elegance to the momentous occasion. Women in Akoya pearls can give an impression of elegance.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Joe Satriani’s Epic 2006 Show, “Satriani Live!”, Now on YouTube

Eric Alper
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Joe Satriani’s Epic 2006 Show, “Satriani Live!”, Now on YouTube

Guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani’s unforgettable 2006 performance at The Grove in Anaheim, CA, is now available for fans to relive in its full glory. Thanks to Front Row Music, Satriani Live! has been shared on YouTube, offering a front-row experience for anyone who missed it or wishes to dive back into this legendary night.

This electrifying live DVD captures Satriani at his best, with a setlist that’s a dream come true for fans. The show kicks off with the iconic “Flying in a Blue Dream” and takes listeners on a sonic journey through classics like “Satch Boogie”, “The Extremist”, and “Surfing with the Alien.” It also showcases tracks from his Super Colossal album, such as “Just Like Lightnin” and “Ten Words.”

Here’s the full setlist for your enjoyment:

“Flying in a Blue Dream”
“The Extremist”
“Redshift Riders”
“Cool #9”
“A Cool New Way”
“Satch Boogie”
“Super Colossal”
“Just Like Lightnin”
“Ice 9”
“One Robot’s Dream”
“Ten Words”
“The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing”
“The Meaning of Love”
“Made of Tears”
“Circles”
“Always With Me, Always With You”
“Surfing with the Alien”
“Summer Song”

Paul Stanley shows Mark Agnesi his “Cracked Mirror” & PS-10 guitars

Eric Alper
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Paul Stanley shows Mark Agnesi his “Cracked Mirror” & PS-10 guitars

Watch Paul Stanley talk about the history of his Ibanez PS-10 prototypes and the iconic “Cracked Mirror” Ibanez he used in KISS.

Paul Stanley is a Gibson icon, with his name forever etched in rock history with a Gibson guitar in his hands. But while he’s been known to play Gibson guitars on stage and in the studio, he’s also famous for playing one of the most unique instruments in rock: the Ibanez “Cracked Mirror” guitar, aka the Iceman. A real showstopper, this glass-covered guitar with its cracked mirror design was the visual and sonic centerpiece of KISS shows, reflecting the spotlight and the energy of the band’s legendary performances.

In this episode of The Collection, Paul Stanley of KISS sits down with Mark Agnesi to talk about some of the most famous guitars of his career, including the legendary Ibanez PS-10 prototypes, which would eventually give way to the design of the “Cracked Mirror” guitar–his most used stage guitar.

Paul gets into the details of the Ibanez PS-10 prototypes made for him in 1977, from knob placement to the toggle switch design. He even tells the story of the poker chip in his design, which was misinterpreted and resulted in a recessed toggle. He also talks about the brass-and-bone nut and the theory behind its brightness and warmth.

Of course, Mark had to ask about the “Cracked Mirror” guitar, a real showstopper that’s part of his stage persona. From the beveled edges to the abalone trim, Paul talks about how this heavy, glass-covered guitar became one of the most iconic instruments in rock. With years of road use, the mirror guitar has blood, sweat, and DNA on it–so much so that Paul jokes it could be used to clone him.

Whether talking about the evolution of the Ibanez Iceman or the wear and tear of guitars that have seen hundreds of shows, Paul’s love for his instruments is reflected in their use. This clip is a behind-the-scenes look at the guitars that KISS fans will instantly recognize.

Neil Young to Release Unheard Album ‘Oceanside Countryside’ on February 14

Eric Alper
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Neil Young to Release Unheard Album ‘Oceanside Countryside’ on February 14

Oceanside Countryside is the latest of Neil Young’s great “lost” albums to be released as part of his Analog Original Series (AOS). The album was recorded from May to December 1977, preceding the release of Comes A Time in 1978. The two albums share the same country/folk sound, and three songs (“Goin’ Back,” “Human Highway” and “Field of Opportunity”) appear on both albums.

The vinyl release of Oceanside Countryside includes some tracks that are on the CD of the same name in Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III. However, this track list is how Oceanside Countryside was originally planned to be released and finally will be made available on vinyl for the first time ever. Recorded on tape, these are the original mixes done at the time of recording. Click HERE to pre-order.

As Young states, “This analog original album, recorded in 1977, was unreleased at the time. These songs are the original mixes done at the time of the recordings. I sang the vocals and played the instruments on Oceanside, in Florida at Triad studios and Malibu, at Indigo studio. I sang the vocals and recorded with my great band of friends at Crazy Mama’s in Nashville on Countryside. I hope you enjoy this treasure of an Analog Original recording as much as I do.”

– Neil

Side One: Oceanside
1 Sail Away
2 Lost In Space*
3 Captain Kennedy*
4 Goin’ Back
5 Human Highway
Side Two: Countryside
1 Field Of Opportunity**
2 Dance Dance Dance**
3 The Old Homestead*
4 It Might Have Been**
5 Pocahontas***

Produced by: Neil Young
*Produced by: David Briggs, Tim Mulligan & Neil Young
**Produced by: Neil Young & Ben Keith
***Produced by: David Briggs, Overdubs Produced by Neil Young

Mastered by: Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering

Please note that while the songs on Oceanside Countryside appear on Archives Vol.III, the versions are not always the same and the track list is the running order for the original Oceanside Countryside album. On this analog original vinyl release, the versions of “Lost in Space,” “Captain Kennedy” and “The Old Homestead” are from Hawks & Doves in 1980. “Sail Away”, “Goin’ Back”, “Human Highway”, “It Might Have Been”, and “Pocahontas” are the same versions as on Archives Vol. III in digital. “Field of Opportunity” and “Dance Dance Dance” are original versions that have Young on backing vocals instead of Nicolette Larson as they appeared on Archives Vol.III.

All the songs on the Oceanside are performed solo by Neil Young. On Countryside Young is joined by a band of his friends: Ben Keith (Steel Guitar), Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle), Karl T. Himmel (drums), Joe Osborne (bass). On “The Old Homestead” Tim Drummond plays bass and Levon Helm plays drums. “Pocahontas” is Young solo.

Oceanside Countryside will be available on black vinyl, limited edition clear vinyl via the Greedy Hand Store at NYA and indie retail stores and digitally including in Atmos via the NYA Download Store and most digital retailers. All Greedy Hand Store purchases cme with free hi-res digital audio downloads from the NYA Download Store.

Side One: Oceanside credits:
1. Sail Away
Produced by Neil Young
Recorded at Triad Studios, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, September 12, 1977 with Michael Laskow and Paul Kaminsky.
Neil Young: Guitar, Vocals
2. Lost In Space
Produced by Neil Young
Recorded at Triad Recording Studios, Ft. Lauderdale with Michael Laskow and Paul Kaminsky.
Neil Young: Guitar, Vocals
3. Captain Kennedy
Produced by David Briggs, Tim Mulligan & Neil Young
Recorded at Indigo Ranch Studios, Malibu with Richard Kaplan
Neil Young: Guitar, Harmonica, Piano, Vocals
Greg Thomas: Drums
Dennis Belfield: Bass
Ben Keith: Steel Guitar & Dobro
Rufus Thibodeaux: Fiddle
4. Goin’ Back
Produced by Neil Young
Recorded at Triad Studios, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, September 16, 1977 with Michael Laskow and Paul Kaminsky
Neil Young: Guitar, Stringman, Vocals
5 Human Highway
Produced by Neil Young
Recorded at Triad Studios, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, September 14, 1977 with Michael Laskow and Paul Kaminsky
Neil Young: Guitar, Vocals
Side Two: Countryside credits:
1. Field Of Opportunity
Produced by: Neil Young & Ben Keith
Recorded at: Crazy Mama’s, Nashville, TN, May 3, 1977
Neil Young: Guitar, Vocals
Ben Keith: Pedal Steel Guitar
Rufus Thibodeaux: Fiddle
Joe Osborn: Bass
Karl T. Himmel: Drums
2. Dance Dance Dance
Produced by: Neil Young & Ben Keith
Recorded at: Crazy Mama’s, Nashville, TN, May 3, 1977
Neil Young: Guitar, Vocals
Ben Keith: Dobro
Rufus Thibodeaux: Fiddle
Joe Osborn: Bass
Karl T. Himmel: Drums
3. The Old Homestead
Produced by: David Briggs, Elliot Mazer, Tim Mulligan & Neil Young
Recorded at: Quadrafonic Sound Studio, Nashville and Broken Arrow Studio, Redwood City, CA with Elliot Mazer
Neil Young: Guitar, Harmonica, Piano
Levon Helm: Drums
Tim Drummond: Bass
Ben Keith: Steel Guitar, Dobro
Rufus Thibodeaux: Fiddle
Tom Scribner: Saw Player
Levon Helm appears courtesy of MCA Records Inc.
4. It Might Have Been
Produced by: Neil Young & Ben Keith
Recorded at: Crazy Mama’s, Nashville, TN, May 3, 1977
Neil Young: Guitar, Vocal
Ben Keith: Pedal Steel Guitar
Rufus Thibodeaux: Fiddle
Joe Osborn: Bass
Karl T. Himmel: Drums
5. Pocahontas
Produced by: David Briggs and Neil Young
Recorded at: Indigo/Triad, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, September 4, 1977 with Michael Laskow and Paul Kaminsky.
Neil Young: Guitars, Vocals

5 Surprising Facts About Van Morrison’s ‘Moondance’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Van Morrison’s ‘Moondance’

Van Morrison’s Moondance, released on January 27, 1970, is one of those rare albums that transcends time, seamlessly blending jazz, soul, pop, and Irish folk into something truly magical. But even the most loyal fans might not know these intriguing facts about the record that cemented Morrison as a musical legend.

  1. A Move to the Mountains Sparked Inspiration
    After the commercial failure of Astral Weeks, Morrison retreated to a mountaintop home in the Catskills with his wife, Janet Planet. Surrounded by nature and artistic neighbors (including Bob Dylan), Morrison wrote the majority of Moondance’s tracks, blending his love for nature with a yearning for redemption.
  2. Goodbye, Jazz Band – Hello, Horn Section
    Unlike Astral Weeks, which featured jazz musicians, Morrison handpicked a new set of collaborators from Woodstock for Moondance. This included guitarist John Platania, saxophonist Jack Schroer, and keyboardist Jef Labes. The addition of a horn section brought a fresh and lively rhythm-and-blues vibe to the album.
  3. Recording Without Musical Charts
    Morrison recorded Moondance at New York’s A & R Studios with only the basic song structures in his head. He relied on the spontaneity of his band to develop the compositions, creating an atmosphere that allowed for “tasteful frills” to emerge organically.
  4. An Accidental Cover Shoot
    The album’s cover photo, captured by Elliot Landy at Morrison’s home, was carefully framed to hide a large pimple on the singer’s forehead. The result is an intimate portrait that perfectly mirrors the album’s personal and introspective nature.
  5. “Into the Mystic” Almost Had a Different Name
    One of the album’s most beloved tracks, “Into the Mystic,” was originally untitled during its development. It wasn’t until Morrison heard the final mix that he realized the name needed to evoke the spiritual journey at the heart of the song.

Moondance is a mood, a moment, and a masterpiece that continues to resonate over five decades later. Whether you’re losing yourself in the haunting beauty of “Into the Mystic” or dancing to the upbeat joy of “Caravan,” Moondance proves that Van Morrison’s genius lies in his ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

5 Surprising Facts About Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs”

Eric Clapton’s Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, released on November 9, 1970, is one of rock’s most celebrated albums. Known for its iconic title track, “Layla,” the album showcases Clapton’s passion, heartbreak, and artistry at a peak moment in his career. But beyond the music lies a treasure trove of untold stories. Here are five lesser-known facts about this legendary album.

  1. A Band Born from Frustration
    Derek and the Dominos emerged from Eric Clapton’s desire to escape the spotlight. Frustrated by the fame associated with Cream and Blind Faith, Clapton sought to create a band that prioritized music over celebrity. Even the name “Derek and the Dominos” was chosen to avoid his name overshadowing the group.
  2. Duane Allman’s Slide into History
    Guitarist Duane Allman’s contributions to the album are monumental. Allman and Clapton first met during an Allman Brothers concert, bonding immediately. Allman’s slide guitar brilliance defined tracks like “Layla,” cementing the song’s iconic status.
  3. A Spontaneous Recording Moment
    The recording of “Key to the Highway” wasn’t planned. The band overheard another artist playing the song in a neighboring studio and began jamming on it. Producer Tom Dowd rushed to capture the moment, which begins with the song’s signature fade-in.
  4. The Hidden Inspiration for “Layla”
    The album’s centerpiece was inspired by Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was then married to his friend George Harrison. Clapton found further inspiration in the Persian love story Layla and Majnun, a tale of unattainable love that mirrored his own feelings.
  5. An Album Cover with a Story
    The cover art features a painting by French artist Émile-Théodore Frandsen de Schomberg, chosen by Clapton for its resemblance to Boyd. The painting, titled La Fille au Bouquet, was later sold at auction in 2024 for nearly £2 million

Though initially met with lukewarm reception, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs has stood the test of time, evolving into a revered classic. It’s more than an album—it’s a raw, emotional journey of love, loss, and redemption. Every riff, lyric, and note is a testament to the power of music to transcend personal pain and connect with the universal human experience.

5 Surprising Facts About John Lennon’s “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band” Debut Album

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About John Lennon’s “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band” Debut Album

When John Lennon released his debut solo studio album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, on December 11, 1970, it was met with mixed reviews. Over time, it has come to be celebrated as his most powerful solo work—a raw, soul-baring album shaped by primal scream therapy and a reflection of Lennon’s turbulent life. But even the most devoted fans might not know these five fascinating facts about this iconic album.

  1. A Therapy Session Turned Soundtrack
    The album’s emotionally charged lyrics were deeply influenced by John Lennon’s primal scream therapy sessions with Arthur Janov. This psychological process pushed Lennon to confront his childhood traumas, which led to songs like “Mother” and “God” that bristle with vulnerability and self-discovery.
  2. The Beatles Were Still a Shadow
    While Lennon declared in the song “God” that he no longer believed in the Beatles, their legacy was palpable. Tracks like “Look at Me” reused fingerpicking techniques he learned during the band’s White Album sessions, and his former bandmate Ringo Starr played drums on the record.
  3. A Call to Phil Spector—Via Billboard Ad
    When Lennon wanted Phil Spector to co-produce the album, he couldn’t reach him directly. Instead, his manager placed an ad in Billboard magazine that read, “Phil! John is ready this weekend.” Spector eventually joined the project, though he wasn’t present for much of the recording process.
  4. A Birthday Gift from George Harrison
    On Lennon’s 30th birthday, during the recording of Plastic Ono Band, George Harrison brought a tape of a playful tune titled “It’s Johnny’s Birthday” to the studio. This moment of camaraderie showcased a rare moment of joy during the otherwise intense recording sessions.
  5. An Album That Echoed Childhood Rhymes
    The closing track, “My Mummy’s Dead,” borrows its melody from the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice.” This haunting choice underscored the album’s themes of childhood abandonment and emotional scars.

    John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band stripped away the veneer of stardom to reveal raw humanity, inspiring countless artists to do the same. From its stark production to its unfiltered emotion, it remains a milestone in rock history—a work that connects with listeners on the deepest level.

Cheech & Chong’s Hilarious Story of How They First Met

Eric Alper
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Cheech & Chong’s Hilarious Story of How They First Met

Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong talk about how they were working odd jobs when they first met in Canada. They tell Tom Green about how Cheech was working in pottery and resisting the draft while Chong was running an improve strip club. The rest is history…

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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