Kim Roberti's latest series...

As anyone knows who frequents this blog (all four of us), my favorite artist is Kim Roberti, whom I discovered on the wonderful Web site dailypainters.com. In the past several months (if you scroll down), you will see that a relationship has developed, which led to the amazing feat of Ayhan and me having our portraits done in oil by this talented lady (click on the link above to see her blog). She has recently painted a series of nudes, both women and men, and this latest, "A Touch of Blue" is a masterpiece. I've already put in my bid on ebay to own the original, though her art is justifiably competitive to win by auction. The male form... something I give thanks for every day, not just on Thanksgiving. Enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving from CTB!

Here's hoping that you have a warm, wonderful, flavor-filled, laughter-abounding Thanksgiving! Ayhan and I are headed uptown to spend the day with our friends Perry & David at their beautiful apartment in Washington Heights. Mmm mmm good...




This bizarre potion alleges to be my first attempt at homemade cranberry sauce. Is it too late for canned?

Celine's "My Love"

Lord knows it's been far too long since adult contemporary radio has given Celine her due... I am thrilled that "My Love" has reached No. 15 on the Billboard AC chart today... just as the format is flipping nationwide to full-time Christmas music, meaning that this is probably where the song will peak. But given that her previous single "Alone," a cover of Heart's already consummate ballad, never even charted on the format (um, given my review in Billboard that insisted "No, no, no!") I will take what I can get. Truly, I am so proud that this song is getting airplay, with its understated vocal and stunning lyric about love's humility (or so it seems).

Following is my Billboard review that ran in the Oct. 11, 2208 issue:

CELINE DION
My Love (4:09)
Producer: Linda Perry
Writer: L. Perry
Publishers: Stuck in the Throat/Famous, ASCAP
Columbia
“Taking Chances” possesses dubious rights as Celine Dion’s least-successful album from the past 15 years—ever, in fact. Not surprising, given that nearly all of her original Sony proponents have exited the company, leaving few to embrace her command of an everlasting base—i.e., that of labelmate Barbra Streisand—if only properly promoted. Previous single “Alone” was a disaster, failing to even chart at AC. But now, as Dion’s two-year worldwide tour reaches North America, “My Love,” written and produced by Linda Perry, has struck programmers’ fancy—and it is truly an inspired choice from “Chances.” Highly emotive and yet graciously understated, “My Love” oozes ache and uncertainty, as Dion pleads, “My love, can you give me strength, somehow I forgot how to ease my pain/I stand tall to get by, no matter how hard I try to hide.” This splendid composition and Dion’s atypical delivery offer potential to save a career in commercial turmoil. If Sony has any intention of protecting its investment, “My Love” needs a meaningful embrace.—CT

LIVE at MSG, November 24, 2008!

Sunday night din din with folks I adore...

So it was freezing, 30 degrees, and so what if winter arrived in New York before Thanksgiving... I had a great dinner at The Dish in Chelsea with dear Deborah Evans Price, her kid Trey, beloved Michael Paoletta, my husband Ayhan... and several proud Southerners who departed before this picture was taken. My entree: robust salad with Russian dressing, turkey, baked potato, broccoli and enough bread and butter to swell my toes. A mere warm-up for official Thanksgiving, I'd say... great, great night.

A stunning bride... my mom!

Okay, so I was listing some items to sell on craigslist tonight... a bed, a clock and doggy stairs, and as I was running through pics on iPhoto, I was stopped by this beautiful photo that I scanned some time ago of my mother Evelyn as a bride. She and my dad married June 27, 1950... they've been married for more than 58 years and are still healthy, loving and together... it's such a blessing for me. And the best part. They are coming to New York in December as part of a tour group and I will see them and bring them to our home. This is a gift that I never take for granted. As snarky as I pretend to be, when it comes to my parents, they have set the ultimate example for me in so many ways...

Sexiest Man Alive 2008

So cool cats, People magazine named Hugh Jackman the Sexiest Man Alive for 2008... nice choice... but he's no Joey Lawrence. So there. The CTB names Mr. Lawrence—when he had hair—as our choice for the year. Let the angels sing.

Kings Dominion 1980

Kings Dominion with Carlton, Mary, Dino, Donna and Charles... ridiculous.

Chuck & Donna... Then & Now

1978 morphs into 2008... sigh...

2 Pierrepont Place... now & then

One of the things I appreciate most about Brooklyn Heights is its status as the nation’s first nationally recognized historic district. Case in point: 2 Pierrepoint Place, the home of the original patriarchs of the nabe, who parceled the land and humbly named most of the streets after their high-ranking kin. Below is a photo of this stunning property in the early 1900s and today. Very little has changed, including the original observatory, in front to the left. One major shift: There used to be a bridge that connected the property down to the waterfront, which now links to the Brooklyn Heights Esplanade.

GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

Five days and counting for my favorite meal of the year... We're heading uptown to visit with our dear friends Perry & David in Washington Heights. Love their home, love their company, love their food (and wine)! Mmmm mmmm, good.

Times Square's FABULOUS new Duffy Square Stairs

On a clear day you can see forever... love it...

JOSE PROMIS Life Is Grand!!

Jose and Ayhan's great labor of love is out! Promis' fourth CD is now in hand... with all songs written and produced by the two and duets with Karine Hannah, Lina Koutrakos, Emre Yilmaz and Jerri Bocchino. Click on the heading to see Jose's Web site! CONGRATULATIONS, BOYS!

Winter Wedded Bliss

Facebook: The 200 Friends Marker

Today I hit my 200th Friend on Facebook. Surely you know what that means!.... That's right, absolutely nothing. But it's right fun.

Chuck's Billboard reviews for 11/21/08

THE FRAY
You Found Me (4:05)
Producers: Aaron Johnson, Mike Flynn
Writers: I. Slade, J. King
Publisher: not listed
Epic
Most acts look at ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” as a potential launching pad, but introduction of the Fray’s new single during a commercial break promoting the network’s jumped-the-shark’s “Lost” Nov. 20 represents a switcheroo: an event for fans to tune into first exposure of the Grammy-nominated quartet’s sophomore effort (and immediately purchase the song on iTunes). The table was neatly set with 2005 Hot 100 No. 8 “Over My Head (Cable Car),” and follow-up “How To Save A Life,” which saturated pop culture in 2006, reaching No. 3 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 at AC, adult top 40 and Hot Digital Songs. Piano-driven “You Found Me” possesses a heavier rock stamp, moving between verses from ballad to uptempo, with a chorus that is plenty sticky—but the song takes advantage of prophesied airplay with a complex, intelligent melodic design that darts in unexpected directions. A live performance on the American Music Awards Nov. 23 will further lock in interest for one of few absolutes in first quarter 2009. All systems go.—CT

LUNASA November 21, 2008

Thank the dear lord above it's Friday...

Weekend With Betty

Weekend of November 15, my mother's maid of honor and best friend Betty Norman came to NYC and stayed with me while Ayhan is doing his home visit in Turkey...

LUNASA November 14, 2008

Chuck's Billboard Reviews for 11/22/08

IDINA MENZEL
Hope (3:26)
Producer: Steve Lipson
Writer: P. Hampton
Publisher: Paul Hampton/WhoDENE, ASCAP
Reprise
The 2008 Stand Up to Cancer initiative has raised more than $100 million to fight breast cancer. Joining the cause is Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel, who launched her pop career with top 20 AC song “Brave” and top five club hit “Gorgeous.” “Hope,” recently recorded at Abbey Road Studios, is a devastatingly beautiful story song about “a bird with no wings, certain that it can fly” and beating the odds: “Only hope can light the way, can heal the heart, can keep the clouds from hiding the moon and the stars.” Quiet piano-driven production allows Menzel’s stunningly emotional performance to drive the message home—just try and listen without blurring with a tear or two. iTunes sales go directly to Stand Up.—CT

EDDIE MONEY
Build Me Up Buttercup (3:27)
Producers: Eddie Money, Randy Forrester
Writers: T. Macauley, M. D’abo
Publishers: Unichapel/EMI Unart
Warrior Records
sEddie Money hasn’t always been taken seriously as a rocker, but 11 top 40 hits can’t be dismissed—from “Baby Hold On,” “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “I Wanna Go Back” to his biggest, 1986 No. 4 Billboard Hot 100 smash “Take Me Home Tonight.” Eleventh album “Wanna Go Back” includes Money’s take on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Higher and Higher” and “Build Me Up Buttercup,” which pays homage to the Foundations’ 1968 No. 3 hit. Production is joyous and crests neatly between retro and contempo, while the singer’s scratchy vocal is on the money. A fun romp for fans and worthy contender for classic rock stations indulging fresh product from name brands, as well as triple A, the destination for open-minded grown-ups.—C

Barry Writes The Songs, I Write ABout Barry...

MARIAH, JANET, MADONNA &... OOPS, MY CELINE!!

Pricesless...

THIS SATURDAY: The Fight for Equality for All Americans

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15, 1:30 p.m., City Hall, New York City

Chuck & Kirby 11/08

Okay, this blog ain't about posting pics of me... I mean, not really, but I can't resist this one that my pal Donna took. I kind of love it.

AYHAN AND CHUCK IN OIL!

Our beloved artist Kim Roberti has painted a custom portrait of Ayhan called "The Composer" and of myself, "The Journalist." We are humbled and thrilled beyond words...

CENTRAL PARK with Donna Mae & Cecil 11/8/08

Boy, we hit it right, just as the foliage was peaking. My rediscovered high school best friend Donna and hubby Cecil and I had planned to go to Central Park on Saturday, but it just insisted on raining—though not until we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge mid-morning. It all worked out, with lunch in Times Square at Juniors followed by them seeing "Avenue Q" on Broadway. And miraculously, the rain stopped just in time for drinks at Jimmy's Corner (I'm not telling where it is—remains the original dive bar smack in the middle of midtown, oblivious to tourists)... So we hit Central Park Sunday, a crisp day full of sunshine and blue skies... We spent three hours wandering, and it was idyllic... as you can see. Click on any photo for a larger view. Most of these were taken by Donna, who not only has a whiz-bang camera, but the eye of a master.