Just saw the latest on Sting’s new winter-themed album due out October 26 of this year, featuring traditional music of the British Isles (whatever that is) along with songs, carols and lullabies. I must say that I’m disappointed for several reasons. First, there will be no new material, just reinterpretations of other’s music as well as a couple of Sting’s old songs from “Mercury Falling”. Second, it’s all about the winter, which is my least favorite season of all! It’s hard to like the winter in central Illinois, although I do understand it would be easier for winter to be Sting’s “favorite” season with homes in Malibu and Tuscany. That would indeed soften the blow of winter for me too. Third, it’s not going to rock, I’m pretty sure about that from the description, although I was quite relieved not to see “lute” anywhere in the description either!

Isn’t anybody else besides me concerned that it’s been nearly six years now since Sting released any new music? “Sacred Love” came out in October of 2003, for goodness sake, and Sting has never had so much time between new rock music album releases before! I’m really ready for Sting to put pen to paper and get back to what he does best - songwriting - with some great new material for that next album that is supposed to be out in 2010 some time.

Here is the info from sting.com on Sting’s upcoming winter album:
Sting set to release new recording ”If On A Winter’s Night”…

To be released October 26, 2009 on Deutsche Grammophon - (Germany: 23 October, USA: 27 October, UK: 2 November)

This fall, Sting will release a new album dedicated to his favorite season - Winter - a season which has inspired countless songwriters over the centuries and produced a wealth of music exploring all of its many guises. If On a Winter’s Night… presents an arc of songs that conjures the season of spirits, resulting in a haunting, spiritual and reflective musical journey.

“The theme of winter is rich in inspiration and material,” comments Sting; “by filtering all of these disparate styles into one album I hope we have created something refreshing and new.” He continues, “Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons.”

In collaboration with esteemed producer and arranger, Robert Sadin, “If On a Winter’s Night…” features traditional music of the British Isles as its starting point. Sting and guest musicians interpret a stirring collection of songs, carols, and lullabies including The Snow it Melts the Soonest (traditional Newcastle ballad), A Soalin’ (traditional English “begging” song) Gabriel’s Message (14th century carol), Balulalow (lullaby by Peter Warlock) and Now Winter Comes Slowly (Henry Purcell).

Two of Sting’s own compositions are also featured on the album, Lullaby for an Anxious Child and The Hounds of Winter, which originally appeared on his previous release Mercury Falling, alongside Hurdy Gurdy Man, - a musical reworking and English translation (by Sting) of Der Leiermann from Schubert’s classic winter song-cycle Winterreise.

For this exploration of the themes and emotions of Winter, Sting is joined by friend and long time colleague, guitarist Dominic Miller. Additional guests include an ensemble of three remarkable musicians from Northern England and Scotland: Kathryn Tickell (fiddle and Northumbrian pipes) Julian Sutton (melodeon) and Mary MacMaster (metal string Scottish harp), along with Daniel Hope (violin), Vincent Ségal (cello), Chris Botti and Ibrahim Maalouf, (trumpet), Cyro Baptista and Bijan Chemirani (percussion), the Webb Sisters (vocals) and Stile Antico (vocal ensemble).

Here is some more interesting information regarding the Sting with Chicago Symphony Orchestra event on May 19, 2009. Thanks so much to Marcy Manley with WPI Event Partners for discussing this special event with me and providing more background information. Marcy works for WPI Event Partners , and she and her company were responsible for procuring Sting for the event. According to Marcy, this event has been in the works since last May 2008, and Sting took several months to agree to commit. He finally did so after the encouragement of Elvis Costello, a mutual friend of Sting and Marcy, who had done a similar gig with the CSO several years before.

Several arrangers, including David Hartley (conductor for the evening), picked the songs with Sting to be played and two worked on the arrangements collectively. The musicians, including Sting’s band and the members of the CSO, received their music in January of 2009 to begin practicing individually. Then Sting, his band and the CSO met for only two practices all together the day prior to and the day of the event, each practice session lasted three hours for a total of six hours total before the performance. I find that absolutely incredible based on what I witnessed, and it just shows the talent of the musicians involved.

The organizers weren’t sure how well the sponsorships for this private corporate event would sell due to the current economic climate and originally considered allotting tickets to Sting’s fan club so that fan club members would be able to attend. But the event was so well received and the tickets sold out, so fan club tickets could not be distributed in the end.

Apparently “Roxanne” was to be performed that night, but Sting did not like the way it sounded during rehearsals and dropped it at the last minute before the show. Marcy said the performance will never be released in any form unfortunately, CD or DVD, and I am so sad to hear that because I would really like to have this one to keep the memory of this special night intact.

Marcy spent a great deal of time with Sting in the week prior to the performance and passed along that he was a really wonderful, down-to-earth and friendly person and the consummate professional. Sting told her afterwards that his performance with the CSO would be one of the highlights of his career and he was extremely pleased with the outcome. So was I!

Photos here are courtesy of Marcy and WPI Event Partners, click on thumbnails to enlarge.

I was one of a very fortunate few able to attend Sting’s performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on May 19, 2009. This private concert was a corporate fundraiser featuring select Sting songs specially interpreted for the orchestra and accompanied by Sting’s vocals and Sting’s band including Dominic Miller on guitar, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Christian McBride on bass and David Sancious on keyboards.

This concert was exceptional from start to finish and a truly unique experience. The arrangements were amazing and the orchestral accompaniment from the world-class musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was awe-inspiring. The sound was huge, complex and completely mesmerizing. It was fun to try and guess what Sting song was beginning based on the extended orchestra intros, and sometimes it simply wasn’t possible to recognize a tune based on the extraordinary interpretations. Sting was very gracious and introduced many of the songs with an explanatory story, and he humbly gave up center stage to the conductor David Hartley while performing slightly to his left. Sting was dressed in a simple and tasteful black suit with extremely fitted pants and blended in well with the orchestra members. It is strange to see Sting on stage without his trademark bass, but for this performance he focused strictly on his vocals.

After an introductory song by the orchestra, Sting joined the musicians on stage and launched into the first of fifteen songs performed over a ninety minute set without any intermission. ‘Sister Moon’ was the first song, and it appeared this was the warm up for the challenge ahead. After that, the performance picked up steam with each additional song, until everything magically clicked midway through with ‘Russians’, which was easily the highlight of the entire evening.

‘Russians’ was divinely inspiring and executed with the utmost skill, showcasing the technical proficiency of all the musicians gracing the stage. Sting’s voice was incredibly strong with his delivery during ‘Russians’, and the orchestra was obviously frenzied with the complex arrangement. ‘Mad About You’ was similarly exceptional when played a few songs later, and the whole group had successfully reached their peak by this point.

There were a few minor glitches in the performance. The massive orchestra drowned out Sting’s vocals on several songs during the choruses, most notable in ‘Englishman in New York’, ‘Fortress Around Your Heart’, and ‘Desert Rose’. Songs with softer instrumentals overall highlighted Sting’s vocals more effectively, including ‘My One And Only Love’ and ‘Lullaby to an Anxious Child’, which was absolutely beautiful and sweet. In a rare vocal mistake, Sting began singing the second verse of ‘Fortress Around Your Heart’ too early, stopped after a few words and then began again at the proper time.

Overall, the evening was a masterpiece of musical achievement and collaboration, and a performance I will never forget and always cherish. Bravo to Sting and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Sting with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Setlist:
Orchestra Intro
Sister Moon
If I Ever Lose My Faith
Fields of Gold
Englishman in New York
A Thousand Years
My One and Only Love
Consider Me Gone
Russians
Lullaby to an Anxious Child
Fortress Around Your Heart
Moon Over Bourbon Street
Mad About You
Desert Rose
Every Breath You Take
Encore: Fragile

Very short and poor video from the event:

Sting Fan Profile: Patti Hinton
Birthday: July 7, 1956
Location: Ontario
Family: a daughter
Profession/Occupation: Audiologist
Profile Date: March 10, 2009

Why are you a fan of Sting?
I am a Sting fan because he challenges me with his music and intellect; he makes me think and doesn’t insult his fans by lowering his standards to the lowest common denominator to sell albums. He has musical integrity and always challenges himself by moving in new directions, by taking risks. His music touches my soul like no others. He is the master of the bridge/middle eighth.

How long have you been a Sting fan?
1979. I loved Roxanne the moment I first heard it on the radio way back when and wanted to find out more about the band that could produce this song.

What makes you different from other Sting fans?
I don’t think there’s anything that sets me apart from the other Sting fans that I call friends. We all love the music and the man who makes it.

Have you ever met Sting? If so, when, where and why?
Yes, I met Sting at Much Music in Toronto in November 2003 when I attended a radio interview he did for CHUM FM prior to performing for the MM Intimate & Interactive concert series. My daughter was doing contract set design at City TV at the time. I had joked that if Sting ever entered that building, she’d better make sure I was there to witness it. When she found out he was going to be there, she used every contact she had to get me in. I am forever grateful for that gift.

How many Sting shows have you attended?
Twenty:
Police Synchronicity Tour: Vancouver, BC July 1983
Sacred Love Tour: Toronto, Massey Hall March 20 & ACC Oct 17, 2004
Sacred Love Tour: Detroit, Palace of Auburn Hills July 16, 2004
Broken Music Tour: London ON, JLC April 23, 2005
Broken Music Tour: Bospop Festival Weert, NL July 7, 2006
Broken Music Tour: Werchter, Belgium July 8, 2007
Police Reunion Tour:
Vancouver, B.C.: dress rehearsal May 27, opening night May 28 and May 31, 2007
Toronto, ON: July 22 and 23, November 8 and 9, 2007
Buffalo, NY: May 3, 2008
Jones Beach, LI: August 4 and 5, 2008
NYC:
Final Police TV appearance: Apollo Theatre Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… August 6, 2008
Police finale, Madison Square Garden Aug 7, 2008
One Night Live: Toronto ACC May 21, 2009

Do you own any Sting memorabilia? If so, what?
Every concert ticket back to 1983 Synchronicity, set list from opening night of the Reunion Tour, autographed Reunion Tour Program, autographed copy of Broken Music, photo with Sting, 1985, LP of Blue Turtles Tour Eppelheim bootleg recording, limited edition Blue Turtles vinyl picture disc, various other limited edition vinyl and concert mementos, and some relatively rare bootleg recordings.

Do you have one special or favorite Sting song?
Island of Souls

How has Sting influenced your life?
Too many ways to count but most recently he is responsible for my developed passion for photography.

Does Sting influence you on a day-to-day basis?
Yes he does in many ways. Here’s an example - my circle of friends I’ve met via his music, concerts and fan club literally encompasses the globe and I’m in contact with at least a few every day. I would never have had friends from all over the world in my life if not for Sting and his music.

Have you done anything crazy as a fan of Sting?
Traveled by myself to Holland because Sting was performing there the night of my 50th birthday. I wanted to mark the occasion in a way I’d never forget. I succeeded.

What are your hobbies, talents and interests?
Music
Photography
Quilt & textile art

Do you play any musical instruments or perform in any way?
Piano lessons as a child

Do you have a favorite or cherished memory regarding Sting?
I have three:
1) My 50th birthday in Weert.
2) Witnessing The Police take the stage for the first time for the tour at the dress rehearsal for the fan club in Vancouver.
3) Witnessing the recording of The Police’s final TV interview at the Apollo for Spectacle.

Anything else you would like to mention regarding Sting?
Sting’s intellect is commonly mistaken for pretentiousness. He’s a very bright, articulate, and inquisitive man.

Sting was interviewed this morning on KFOG-FM in San Francisco, and when questioned about his upcoming plans Sting mentioned a new album to be released around Christmas of this year. Sting went on to say the new release was “difficult to describe” but would not be a traditional Sting pop album, and he said this Christmas release would be about the winter. After that, Sting said he would begin working on what he called a regular Sting record.

I’m left wondering what “about the winter” and “not a Sting album” mean? My first thought is the lute? Will this winter-themed Christmas album be another lute album? And will it be holiday or Christmas songs? Sting was very vague, so I’m left with lots of questions, but can’t wait to find out what this is all about! I think Sting already has a winter album though, isn’t “Mercury Falling” a winter album?

A sincere and heart-felt thanks to Governor Quinn for reopening the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Dana Thomas House in Springfield, Illinois. The Dana Thomas House opens again to the public this Thursday, April 23, 2009 after being forced into closing last November 30, 2009 by the former Governor of Illinois. Here is the article courtesy of the State Journal Register:

Ceremony at Dana-Thomas House to mark historic sites’ reopening

State historic sites that were shut down last fall will reopen Thursday.

Dave Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, confirmed Monday that the 14 sites will reopen with state aid, most of them at 9 a.m. Thursday.

A ceremony at 1:30 p.m. will mark the opening of the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield. Gov. Pat Quinn will speak at the event, which is being held to recognize the reopening of all of the sites, Blanchette said. IHPA Director Jan Grimes and Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin also are expected to speak.

Fourteen sites were slated for closure last fall, but three stayed open without state money. Two remained open with private and local donations, while a third was boosted with extra volunteer help, Blanchette said.

Last week, IHPA and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 reached an agreement to rehire more than 30 workers who had been let go when former Gov. Rod Blagojevich closed the sites in November.

Blanchette said not all of those workers have agreed to come back to their old jobs, and replacements will be found through union contract requirements.

“In the meantime, the historic sites will open Thursday, April 23, with staff that are available and volunteers,” Blanchette wrote in an e-mail.

Blagojevich had cited budget shortfalls for the move. But after Blagojevich’s impeachment and removal from office, Gov. Pat Quinn decided to reopen the sites, and lawmakers provided the money to do that in a spending bill they approved earlier this month.

AFSCME and workers have applauded Quinn’s decision, timed with the start of the busy tourist season.

Sting always works with the very best musicians. Case in point is his upcoming performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on May 19, 2009. The musicians performing with Sting for this corporate-sponsored fundraising event were just announced recently, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the list! It immediately made me start to whimper and panic, because I now desperately want to go to this event! Just take a look at who is performing:

Members of the CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
STING, Vocals
Dominic Miller, Guitar
David Sancious, Keyboards
Vinnie Colaiuta, Drums
Christian McBride, Bass
Dave Hartley, Conductor

Here is the description of Corporate Night from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra website:
In a one-night-only performance on May 19, 2009, Sting will join the world renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a program featuring the artist’s greatest hits arranged for orchestra. On that evening, the CSO will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Corporate Night, an event where corporate executives and guests enjoy pre-concert dinner and cocktails throughout Symphony Center followed by this extraordinary performance.

The prices for corporate packages to this event are astronomical and completely out of the realm of possibility for me. And yet I am now completely distraught that Sting will be performing in my home state of Illinois next month, and I do not currently have a way to see his performance! So I’m putting the word out right now. I NEED TO ATTEND THIS STING PERFORMANCE! Please, please, I’m begging anyone with a heart and an extra ticket to offer it to a huge Sting fan from Illinois! Could there be businesses in Chicago with extra tickets just lying around that won’t be used? I will drive to Chicago with a moment’s notice to see this performance, so please someone offer me a ticket so I can go to this!!!

I want to see Dominic Miller, Sting’s right-hand man guitarist who has been missing in action the last couple of years due to the Police reunion tour! And Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, David Sancious on keywords and Christian McBride on bass? Forget about it, this performance is going to be an amazing collaboration of the absolute best musicians performing together! I’m now going to go curl up in a corner and continue whimpering until I find a way to go to this event! I’m . . . . . . . . . . . . SENDING OUT AN SOS! Somebody help a desperate Sting fan please!

Tonight the contestants will perform songs from the year they were born, and I’m thrilled this is going to turn into an “Awesome Eighties Night on Idol” because 7 of the 8 remaining contestants were born in the 1980’s! So here are some guesses as to which songs the contestants might sing along with what I think would be fun to see them perform. I’m guessing somebody is going to perform a Bryan Adams song. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that someone is brave enough to tackle a Sting song from his first solo album “Dream of the Blue Turtles” in 1985. There are three contestants born in 1985, and two lean towards jazz/blues (Kris and Matt), so it is possible that Sting could be performed tonight! Whatever happens, it’s sure to be a fun night! Any other guesses out there on great 80s songs and who should perform them?

1980 Danny Gokey
It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me, Billy Joel
Rock With You, Michael Jackson
She’s Out Of My Life, Michael Jackson
Off The Wall, Michael Jackson

It’ll be a heartbreaker if Danny sings “She’s Out Of My Life”, because everyone will be thinking about his wife who died recently, but he is a fan of Michael Jackson, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him tackle a Michael Jackson song from 1980, and Off The Wall was an absolutely fantastic album.

1982 Adam Lambert
Don’t You Want Me, Human League
Shake It Up, Cars
I Love Rock N Roll, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
867-5309 (Jenny), Tommy Tutone

I can totally see Adam singing “Don’t you want me, baby?”, but also think Adam could pull off a fabulous rendition of I love Rock N Roll! He kinda looks like Joan Jett too, so what the heck?

1984 Lil Rounds
What’s Love Got To Do With It, Tina Turner
Let’s Hear It For The Boy, Deniece Williams
Love Is A Battlefield, Pat Benatar

Lil could do a great job belting out a Tina Turner song, and I’d place some money on her singing this song tonight, but we’ll see. I have to put Benatar on her list though, because she was my idol in the 80’s!

1985 Kris Allen
Summer of ‘69 – Bryan Adams
Fortress Around Your Heart, Sting
Take On Me, A-Ha

I’m digging Kris Allen these days, and I really hope he does Bryan Adams (or Sting), but I totally can see him singing Take On Me too.

1985 Matt Giraud
If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free, Sting
Run To You, Bryan Adams
Suddenly, Billy Ocean

Okay, it’s wishful thinking but I can always hope for a Sting song, right?

1985 Scott MacIntyre
Every Time You Go Away, Paul Young
Can’t Fight This Feeling, REO Speedwagon
You’re The Inspiration, Chicago
Heaven, Bryan Adams

I had a hard time with Scott, but whatever he performs is gonna be sappy guaranteed.

1986 Anoop Desai
Walk This Way, Run-D.M.C.
Addicted To Love, Robert Palmer
You Give Love A Bad Name, Bon Jovi
We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off, Jermaine Stewart

I see Anoop trying to appear “cool” tonight, but it would be really funny to see him sing “We don’t have to take our clothes off, to have a good time . . . “

1992 Allison Iraheta
Free Your Mind, En Vogue
Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana
2 Legit 2 Quit, Hammer

I would love to see Allison totally rock out “Free Your Mind”, but maybe she’ll go grunge and tackle Nirvana? If she does, she’ll be the hero of her decade. And a Hammer song? Well, that’s just fun to think about!

Music saved my soul as a youth and has been my inspiration, happiness and constant companion ever since, so I was thrilled and proud to see my daughters perform so well in a music program last night. I’m confident that music will serve them well their entire lives also. Here are my talented daughters playing piano and performing “Pachelbel’s Canon” and “Feather in the Breeze” last night at the Blessed Sacrament School music recital.

Name: Christopher Cole
Birthday: February 28, 1969
Location: Chicago, IL
Profession/Occupation: Musician. Intellectual. Technologist.
Profile Date: March 9, 2009

Why are you a fan of Sting?
Because he rocks! Seriously, though. Sting is a consummate musician, and one I’ve admired for years. His ability to spin a lyric over a beautiful and haunting melody is a gift few possess, and his skills as a bassist and singer are singular.

How long have you been a Sting fan?
1981

What makes you different from other Sting fans?
The snarkiness, I think. Unlike most Sting fans, I’m in it for the music. And the chicks who follow him.

Have you ever met Sting? If so, when, where and why?
Only in secret.

How many Sting shows have you attended?
My first was The Palace at Auburn Hills in 1989 or 1990, then not again until 2003 for the Sacred Love tour (three shows there), and the Broken Music tour in 2005. And three Police Reunion shows as well.

Do you own any Sting memorabilia? If so, what?
T-shirts and a couple of tour programs. Nothing like most people’s collections.

Do you have one special or favorite Sting song?
Ask me tomorrow and it’ll be different. Today, however, it’s Stolen Car.

How has Sting influenced your life?
I became a musician because of Sting. I’ve always been into music, and participated in choirs and bands. But discovering the Police in sixth grade made me want to be a musician and write music.

Does Sting influence you on a day-to-day basis?
Yes. I utter the phrase “God rewards the risk takers” a dozen times a day (taken from the documentary …All This Time).

Have you done anything crazy as a fan of Sting?
Unless you count flying to NYC to hang with the fan club as crazy, no.

What are your hobbies, talents and interests?
Music, technology, running, yoga, reading, self-improvement. A lot of what Sting likes, surprisingly.

Do you play any musical instruments or perform in any way?
I sing and play bass, piano, guitar, percussion, and computer.

Do you have a favorite or cherished memory regarding Sting?
I was fortunate enough to have met Christine (bedilla on the Sting.com forums) before JB1 last summer. She had an extra ticket in the third row, and offered it to me for free. I can never repay her for that gift.

Anything else you would like to mention regarding Sting?
If you don’t like Sting, you must have something wrong with you.