Rod Stewart Sings: Legendary Lyrics on 'Soulbook'

Following an enormously successful album series in which he covered classics from the 'Great American Songbook,' Rod Stewart is digging even deeper into his pockets for a new collection of soul tunes entitled, appropriately, 'Soulbook.' The album's 13 tracks include covers of timeless gems from Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations and the like. But as with all of Stewart's new recordings these days, he's the singer, not the songwriter. Granted, he's covering some of the greatest songs ever written, but one could argue that Stewart's originals belong right there in that lineage. Surprisingly, the man himself disagrees."Songwriting was never something that came naturally to me," Stewart tells Spinner. "I can't imagine that I'll ever put pen to paper ever again. I'm having too much fun doing these."Indeed, taken a respectfully playful approach to these revered classics, sprucing some of them up with additional vocals by modern artists like Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson. And he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon. "I've been enjoying recording these albums, these 'concept' albums, for wont of a better word," he says. "I could go on and on and on. I want to do a blues album, a country album. I've got 50 'American Songbook' songs already recorded."'Soulbook' is in stores now, and if it gets a reception anything like its 'Songbook' predecessors, expect sales in the tens of millions. Yes, even in 2009.

Rod Stewart shoots and scores

Rod Stewart, who realized a life long goal when he finally recorded an album of soul music classics (Soulbook, out Oct. 27), scored in another way this past weekend when he potted his first soccer goal in six long years. "Grown men were seen to be weeping," the forever young football fanatic told the Globe and Mail. "My wife ran on the field to congratulate me."

Rod Steward 'Tonight's the night'

When Jason Blake declared “tonight’s the night," he wasn’t talking about a Rod Stewart song.
The Maple Leafs’ left winger hopes a new assignment some might call it a demotion will snap him and the team out of a scoring funk. Blake, who has just one assist in three games, will be with physical centre John Mitchell and winger Jamal Mayers when Toronto takes on the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at the Air Canada Centre.
“I’m feeling good, but I haven’t played as well as I could,” Blake said this morning. “We haven’t done as good a job as forwards as we can do. We need more. Tonight’s the night.”
Regular centre Matt Stajan Blake has been split, who enters the game with three of Toronto’s eight goals.
“What Jason hasn’t done is shoot the puck as much as in the past,” coach Ron Wilson said. “He had (302) shots last year and he’s got seven. He should be leading our team. Hopefully, he gets a little more room tonight.”
But Wilson pointed out the double dangers when playing the Pens, getting into a run-and-gun game with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin or carried away in a physical match that could look Pittsburgh’s power play in full operation.
“This team will pick you apart,” Wilson warned. “First and foremost, try and stay out of the penalty box. I don’t want to see that group of five stepping out there and lashing the puck around against the best penalty killing team, which obviously to this point we’re not.
“We have to be aware of who we are playing against. We can’t have all our eyes on Crosby and Malkin. Their defence likes to jump in.”
Vesa Toskala gets the start in goal for Toronto, with a opportunity to redeem himself in the eyes of fans after an overtime loss to Montreal and poor start versus the Capitals led to Jonas Gustavsson playing ahead of him. Gustavsson is now on short term IR with a groin injury.
The Leafs were 3-1 against the Penguins last year, which led Wilson to recount a humourous tale from encountering Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero at the Team USA Olympic development camp meeting last summer.
“I kidded Ray whether Brian (Burke) and I get rings, too. By beating the Penguins, it was the last straw bychancely for (fired coach Michel Therrien). They made their coaching change and everything turned around. So I’m still waiting for my ring.”

Superstars Harbor Beach hosts Salute

HARBOR BEACH —In three years for the seventh time , a Salute to the Superstars concert was conducted in Harbor Beach. The concert gave tribute to three of this country’s legendary performers Shania Twain, Cher, and Rod Stewart.
Bringing life to Shania Twain, Kelly Smith gave an brillent tribute to the county singer. When one reads Smith’s credentials, it is no wonder that she is able to portray Twain. Her credits include working with Roy Clark, Wayne Newton, Jim Stafford and others.

The second outstanding performance was given by Mr. Art Reed. He performed a stellar tribute to the great Rod Stewart. Whether singing or talking to the audience, Reed never fell out of character. His voice and accent was remarkably close to the legendary Stewart.
Last, but certainly not least, was a tribute to Cher. The salute to her was specially noteworthy because it was also performed by Kelly Smith. Totally changed in character and vocal pattern, Smith sang several of Cher’s hits from the 1970s to present day. From the long black hair to the gravel voice, Kelly Smith was ‘right on’ in this spectacular impersonation of this renown story.
Cher/Kelly took time out after the concert to mingle with the audience. She shook hands, posed for individual footages and talked to anyone who stayed afterward. She was an obvious hit with Steve McHugh (above right), one of several people to stay after the show to have a photograph taken with her.
According to Al Kleinknecht, this concert series began 3-4 years ago.
“It started by daydreaming,” he said.
While attending a local wedding, he was highly impressed by a Frank Sinatra impersonator. Kleinknecht, head of the Harbor Beach Maritime Festival Committee, thought the use of impersonators may be a good way to generate funds for the summer festival.
After researching tribute performers, Kleinknecht gathered a pair of volunteers. And, as they say on television, “the rest is history.”
Of course, it wasn’t quite that simple. But after a lot of hard work, it did turn out to be remunerative.
Five concerts have been held to benefit the Maritime Festival.
Two were conducted to benefit American soldiers who have ties with the Harbor Beach area.
And, according to Kleinknecht, over $10,000 has been raised.

Treat for Rod Stewart fans

ROD STEWART is a top lad.
The Scottish lord has given Biz readers the opportunity to listen to a selection of previously unreleased and exclusive tracks this weekend.
New versions of hits You Wear It Well, The First Cut Is The Deepest and Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright) all feature on his new Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998 album.