Haley and Casey - CityWalkLA - August 10th

[rmd1064]

First of all thanks to Tusk and all the Haliens for the videos and pictures from the CItyWalk concert event. Haley sounded great, looked gorgeous and her smiling, radiant attitude was stunning. A few observations:

• I really liked her song “My Cake” or whatever it is called. A great bluesy fun song that I think points to her new direction—more bluesy rock. I don’t think it is a single, but it will be a great addition to her new CD.
• Her first live performance of “What You Don’t Know” was the highlight for me. This song fits her so well, the swelling chorus line, the beat, the lyrics—right in her wheelhouse. I think this should become a standard for her in concerts going forward.
• I agree with folks that have talked about her accompanying musicians, the sound, etc maybe not being in sync, but Haley made it work, of course, with her amazing voice and charm. But that leads me to my last point.

I was always of the opinion that Haley should really work to separate herself from Idol and all of its accompanying baggage, and I always include Casey in that picture. However, I think Haley should consider Casey as part of her next evolution. It is clear that he understands her so well musically and they work wonderfully together. He also has done the hard work of putting together a band and done a lot of touring on his own since Idol. He IS the guy traveling in the van from gig to gig. Although I am a bit turned off by his over the top bohemian nature, he is a truly talented musician—no doubt. And, as noted, he is good friends with Haley’s family and (I think) just adores her.

I think Haley should consider in the next year or so connecting with Casey, especially if she gets signed and hopefully the label wants her to go on tour. The frustrating thing to me with Haley is that she is not getting together a consistent band to back her up. If she connects with Casey, that band is there—Casey has built it and worked it and they are experienced on the road. Add Haley to the mix, and I am sure the crowds would increase and the venues would become bigger. Especially if Haley hits it out of the park with her new CD, which I am sure she will. As noted, they could tour together with Casey opening up with some instrumental jams, etc, then have Haley come out for a set, in which he joins her, and he comes out for his set, and she joins him. They are kind of magical together and they just seem to have such chemistry.

I have no idea what is next for Haley, but if she does get signed, releases a CD and wants to tour (and I think she needs to tour on a regular basis with a consistent band to get to higher levels), then I think she should look to her friend Casey. It would be a win win for both of them. And a great show for their combined fan base. Sorry for the long post…. My .02….