General Gregory N. Pigott: Late Night Music Welcome Back for the Spring Semester Edition Part 26.............."Girl Power"

I have to give the ladies their props. I always love the female who can bring mad vocals, rock a guitar or a piano, and write the song all while being mothers, wives, and the powerful women that keep men straight in every sense of the word. Obviously, I can never know what it is like to put forth feminine greatness, but the talent these ladies drip with is truly something to behold. Unfortunately, some females don't get the credit they deserve in being musical starlets. Our category tonight focuses on female artists who perform solo and write their own music. You have to do both to be considered for tonight's list. Enjoy, this one is for you ladies!

Also receiving votes in the category were- "Say It Again" by Marie Digby, "Building a Mystery" by Sara McLachlan, "I Wish I Wasn't" by Heather Headley, and "Hands" by Jewel.

Sheryl Crow- "If It Makes You Happy". This has got to be the best Sheryl Crow ever looked in a video. (If not I would have chosen the "All I Wanna Do" video which was actually filmed right here in Clarksville. Oh well, maybe another day.) I love this song, and I love the way she mixes the sexy look with the hard rock song. However, what in the world is she doing in a museum? Is she supposed to be an exhibit or is she beating Ben Stiller to his part in his movie?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyihQtBes1I

Sara Bareilles- "Gravity". I would like everyone to know that I was into Sara Bareilles long before she was on the radio with "Love Song". This has long been my favorite song by her and it really shows her songwriting and piano playing skills. Sara Bareilles, to me in alot of ways, seems like the new Nora Jones. Speaking of Nora Jones................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLHQ4H93P2Q

Laura Izibor- "Shine". Definitely one of my favorite new female artists. Laura Izibor (who most people don't know is Irish) This song is awesome on so many levels as well as the video. Another talented piano player, look for Laura Izibor to become HUGE very soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=equvoqUT1VM

Jill Scott- "A Long Walk". I bought her debut CD "This Is Jill Scott" my freshman year of college and have never stopped loving Jill Scott. I love the tangibility of this video and its almost believable that you are walking with her. I think Jill Scott has a great personality and her nerdiness adds so much to her music and this video. I do also like the end of the video being very underwhelming. It almost kept you waiting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSYMKUtNuw8

India Arie- "I Am Not My Hair". Simply unreal. I really want to see India Arie live. She KILLS this song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZH6lKxA_q0

Tori Amos- "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". I realize Tori Amos is strange and that she can't sit straight at a piano bench, but I am never short of amazed of how she can add such diverse style to songs of any genre (see "did they just cover THAT?"), including this Judy Garland classic. But, I will say she is still STRANGE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB2I5refJec

Madonna- "Secret". This was always one of my favorite Madonna songs because it wasn't her typical "pop song". Not to mention, the video has a about on a scale of 1-10, an 11 on the "slutty" scale. However, Madonna shows her diversity with this song and if you ask me, this was a turning point in her career, as this ushered in an overall change in her sound that is still felt today. By the way, for all of you Austin Peay people, is it just me, or does the guitar player look just like Carl Moseley?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmE8kifaXD0

Nora Jones- "Shoot The Moon". I told you we would come back to her! This song, from her debut award winning album, has always been and will always be my favorite NJ song. I couldn't find a "video" for it, but I really like this video. It really makes you think about the real meaning of the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StbH6yIAGak

Colbie Caillat- "Oxygen". One of the forgotten songs on her debut album "Coco". This song is a perfect example of how great female singer/songwriters don't just write "I hate men" songs. Beautiful song here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YG39SJZ_ns

Vivian Green- "Emotional Rollercoaster". Vivian Green is a beautiful woman, but can she please wear something that isn't "advertising" herself? I got into Vivian Green in 2004 and she is one of the main driving forces into my headfirst dive into jazz music. Her jazz chords and smooth jazz voice is pretty addictive. Enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63TudFk9-u8

Brittini Black- "Good Happens". Ok,I had to add this up and coming artist who I have seen perform here in Nashville. I really love this song, and if you click her myspace page below, you can hear some of her other songs including "I'm So There"- my personal favorite. Plus, she is DROPDEAD gorgeous and her band is incredible. Give Brittini Black a serious listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXFgy4xaA1o

http://www.myspace.com/brittiniblack

BONUS VIDEO-

India Arie and Musiq Soulchild- "Chocolate High". Another India Arie collaboration with her ex-boyfriend Musiq Soulchild. What a great music combo! Yes, I realize I am white and might be lacking the "Chocolate High", and any ability to have rhythm- sorry guys, life doesn't come with a menu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F8R-vBB4O4