With all of these Thursday releases, it got me thinking about my childhood as well as all the memories I've gathered through the years. What sort of things come to mind when you look back on this #tbt?
Share a memory in the comments if you want!
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me).
As we're heading into October shortly (in a few days), I wanted to share a clip from a concert I did in the fall several years ago at my Alma Mater, Berklee College of Music. This particular show was an ambitious undertaking - I wanted to create arrangements of the songs I selected for a mini-orchestra as well as incorporate as many of my musician friends as I could. The concert featured a full rhythm section as well as a mini strings, woodwinds, and brass section, as well as a full group of background singers. I continue aspiring to be able to perform contemporary music - pop, rock, and r&b - with a full (or mini) orchestra, as I love the richness it brings to songs. Someday when I'm playing amphitheaters and arenas, I'll have a tour that does just this!!! Enjoy!
"Rocksteady" - Original Song by Marc Broussard
Re-Arrangement by Débòrah Pierre and Jonny Rostamabadi
"Miles To Go Before I Sleep" Concert. David Friend Recital Hall, Berklee College of Music. Fall 2011.
Lead Vocals: Jonny Rostamabadi
BG Vocals: Elizabeth Scher,
Débòrah Pierre,
Hannah Hershman,
Sarah Grina,
Robert Scott Davis, and
Jeremy Matticks
Violins: Goeun Park and
Chieh Wei Chiu
Cello: Stephanie Dye
Trumpets: Ismael Balderas Wong and
Connor Buckley
Trombone: Ben Al-Mateen
Flute: Leah Washington
Reed 2: Stevan Rexroat
Piano: Casey Kidd
Guitar: Amy Mantis and
Peter Flom
Bass: Will Melones
Drum Set: Aaron Drescher
Percussion: Sarah McDaniel
But really though, where are all the real folks out there? If you have some in your life, make sure to treasure them
And enjoy this cover :)
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me).
Here's a great song that I really enjoyed making a cover of, originally performed by Sinead Harnett. Have a listen this Thursday evening as August days come to an end!
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me).
**Special thanks to Kevin Sariano for helping me with the video recording this time. Follow him on Instagram: @kevin_culhane
Also don't forget to like this video and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @JRostamabadi
This video holds a very special memory. And it has a story. My late grandmother's birthday was August 18th, so it was the right time to share this.
I lost my grandmother in Nov. 2009. She passed while I was a way at Berklee, though I was blessed enough to fly home a month before and spend time with her by her side.
After she passed, I dealt with the grief process by trying to be hyperproductive - if I couldn't have a moment to stop and think about her, I wouldn't have to address it. Eventually it caught up to me. This song was one of the songs that always reminded me of her, and it took years for me to be able to sing it, because I would completely unhinge and be a teary eyed mess every time I tried.
I finally was able to record it, although even that process drained me. But I wanted to share it, in the month of her birth, to celebrate the joy, love, and life she shared with me and so many others.
I hope you enjoy this cover. As always, **I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me).
Also don't forget to like this video and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @JRostamabadi
**Special thanks to Kevin Sariano for helping me with the video recording this time. Follow him on Instagram: @kevin_culhane
Another #tbt for your viewing pleasure. I've been a huge fan of Jamie Cullum's artistry, and when he did a mash-up of an old classic with a Rihanna song, I knew I had to perform it at some point. Here's my take on it, with a group of some of my talented colleagues from the good ol' Berklee days!
"Singin' In The Rain / Umbrella" - Original Arrangement by Jamie Cullum.
Re-arranged for rhythm section by Jonny Rostamabadi
"Back To Basics" Concert. Lawrence and Alma Berk Recital Hall, Berklee College of Music. Spring 2012.
Lead Vocals: Jonny Rostamabadi
BG Vocals: Jeremy Matticks
Piano: Michael Oldham
Guitar: Kevin Dempsey
Bass: Will Melones
Drum Set: Aaron Drescher
Here's a "Simple" song to enjoy this Thursday night. I loved the original song when I first heard it, and I knew I wanted to take a stab at my own version. So here's what I came up with - it's a little less electronic and drum based, but I'm fairly happy with the results!
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me).
Also don't forget to like this video and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @JRostamabadi
Time for another cover! Enjoy the music this Thursday evening!!!
I've been trying out a change of location (okay...across the room haha) and a few different camera angles and techniques. Let me know what you like / don't like in the comments below :)
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me).
**Special thanks to Kevin Sariano for helping me with the video recording this time. Follow him on Instagram: @kevin_culhane
Also don't forget to like this video and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @JRostamabadi
Since I've been releasing things on Thursdays, I figured I'd throw in my own #tbt finally to one of my favorite memories back at Berklee - performing with my dear friend, Débo Ray. Keeping it real with my love of Motown, here's a cover of a well loved classic.
It's been some time, but I definitely hope to work with this extremely talented and bright soul in the future again! Much love to you Débo Ray.
"Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" - Original Arrangement by Ashford and Simpson
*I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.*
"Music, Soul, Dreams: My Inner Voicings" Concert. Recital Hall 1W, Berklee College of Music. Spring 2011.
Lead Vocals: Jonny Rostamabadi and
Débo Ray
BG Vocals: Sarah Grina,
Robert Scott Davis, and
Kelton Washington
Piano: Michael Oldham
Guitar: Kevin Dempsey
Bass: Will Melones
Drum Set: Aaron Drescher
Thursday evening and some music for thought. :)
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me). Additional recording assistance provided by Jeremy Matticks
**Special thanks to Kevin Sariano for helping me with the video recording this time. Follow him on Instagram: @kevin_culhane
Also don't forget to like this video and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @JRostamabadi
All you singles out there - ever feel like you're in this position? Not in a relationship, but not emotionally ready for anyone either?
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
I did however create this arrangement, which is my own personal take on it =)
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me). Additional recording assistance provided by Jeremy Matticks
**Special thanks to Kevin Sariano for helping me with the video recording this time. Follow him on Instagram: @kevin_culhane
Also don't forget to like this video and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @JRostamabadi
I'm back at it (finally) and trying out some different camera angles haha.
**I do not own the song/lyrics/melody.**
I did however create this arrangement, which is my own personal take on it =)
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me). Additional recording help by Jeremy Matticks.
**Special thanks to Kevin Sariano for helping me with the video recording this time. Follow him on Instagram: @kevin_culhane
Also don't forget to like this video and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @JRostamabadi
Enjoy!!!!!
Happy Memorial Day Everyone!
I do not own the song/lyrics/melody. I did however create this arrangement, which is my own personal take on her work =)
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me). Hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it.
I do not own the song/lyrics/melody. I did however create this arrangement =)
Arrangement, vocals, piano, and recording done by Jonny Rostamabadi (me). Hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it.