PODCAST

Music Notes with Jess

Jessica Ann Catena

Learn what"s trending each week in music by listening and taking music notes with Jess.

music music commentary

All Episodes

35:07

Ep. 313 - Bruno Mars Top 10

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/10/11

Happy 40th Bruno Mars! He posted an AI birthday post, and is re-releasing a 15th anniversary vinyl edition of his 2010 debut album: Doo-Wop & Hooligans. Entertaining audiences his whole life, I honor 10 hits with my own personal memories in this top 10 countdown. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaPlaylist: 10. “Treasure” (2012, 2013); Sample9. “That’s What I Like” (2016, 2017)8. “It Will Rain” (2011)7. “Finesse (Remix)” feat. Cardi B (2017); In Living Color6. “Die With A

17:23

Ep. 312 - 'The Life of a Showgirl' (Review)

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/10/04

Fans will be remember 10/3/25 being Taylor Swift's 12th album launch day for The Life of a Showgirl! Recorded secretly a year ago, she was inspired to note personal growth inspired by her then boyfriend / now fiancèe Travis Kelce, and coping a constant spotlight on her career. Metaphorically composing about love, family, scrutiny, and fame, the tracks were co-produced by 2 different pros than her prior albums over a decade! Learn the significance how certain events were expressed, my review, and

17:41

Ep. 311 - 'Buckingham Nicks' & Miley Cyrus' "Secrets"

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/09/27

Bootleg record Buckingham Nicks, got re-issued this month since 1973's original release! Historically a climax for Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks' relationship, and invited to join classic rock band, Fleetwood Mac. They haven't been amicable since then, what gave the go-ahead to finally remaster their duo's debut recordings? Second, Miley Cyrus has involved Fleetwood Mac alumni on her new single "Secrets". It's not her first affiliation with them. Find out who was the first, collaborated now,

31:38

Ep. 310 - Earth, Wind & Fire Top 10

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/09/20

A decade after receiving a Grammys Lifetime Achievement award, R&B/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire are ready to share their celebration. CBS will air this past 4th of July's holiday weekend concert tapings at The Hollywood Bowl; guess when to watch it: The 21st night of September! Praising 55 musical years, I countdown 10 hits I recommend to get you started. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaPlaylist: 10. “Sing A Song” (1975)9. “Fantasy” (1977-1978)8. “Can’t Hide Love”

14:46

Ep. 309 - Laufey's 'A Matter of Time' (Review)

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/09/13

Laufey's a young Icelandic/Asian jazz aficionado. Studying the music from her parents, she's kept the genre alive through self-compositions this decade. Fans are dazzled of her writing, singing, playing piano/guitar/cello! "Third time's the charm" for 3rd album A Matter of Time, topping jazz charts, and just crossed over #4 on Billboard's 200 albums chart. Brilliantly romanticizing a "timely" concept record. I share this young lady's music journey, review the tracks, and evaluate its popularity in

36:16

Ep. 308 - VMAs 2025 Predictions

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/09/06

MTV's going big for their 42nd Video Music Awards! Posting the nominations last month, Paramount enforced 2 big changes: syndicating the show on CBS, and added country to the ballot! How will fans and viewers vote? I "announce" predictions before the show airs in 10 of its categories. Check our podcast's social an hour before showtime (9/7, 7pm), and day after to see my results. Recap: Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAsGetting Down & Wordy: Rose & Bruno Mars' "Apt"Predictions: Best

51:58

Ep. 307 - Summer 1995 Playlist

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/08/30

The '90s are calling like a dial-up modem. Summer 1995 had greats hits holding up 30 years later! While I reflect personal changes I experienced back then, I talk up these classic songs' pivotal messages and artists. Summer 1995 Playlist:“Hold My Hand” - Hootie & The Blowfish (1994-1995); Live- "Bottle Rockets" - Scott McCreery (2025)“I’ll Be There For You” - The Rembrandts (1994-1995)FRIENDS; 10 Seasons Intros; 2021 ReunionPlaylist“This Is How We Do It” - Montell JordanThe Masked Singer (2023);

13:41

Ep. 306 - ROLE MODEL's "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out"

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/08/23

We're used to seeing social media impact modern music, but lately artists have been testing audience reactions at their concerts. Tucker Pilsbury (aka ROLE MODEL) improvised a surprise cameo in February, trending one of his songs to become a viral sensation and growing 2025 indie hit. I discuss the fun 6-month success of "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out", and how his pseudonym's an admirable outlook staying so positive. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaInterviews: MTV

15:23

Ep. 305 - Maroon 5's 'Love Is Like' (Review)

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/08/16

The beginnings of Maroon 5 began 30 years ago as Kara's Flowers, officially formed 2001. Going through a lot of professional and music changes, their 8th album Love Is Like may be entering a new music market sonically. I give my review comparing to Maroon 5's band history, discography, and promotion up to its release date. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaInterviews:TODAY Show Summer Concert Series: Album, HistoryHoward Stern: Billy Joel knows Maroon 5's name origin

13:29

Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAs

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/08/09

Every year, MTV announces their Video Music Awards nominations around their August anniversary. 2025's ballot was delayed, and revealed 2 bombshell changes! Country music got incorporated in the nominees, and CBS will syndicate the show for the first time outside of cable on Sunday, September 7th! Are these business decisions music-related, or a merger experiment with SkyDance Media's on Paramount's assets? I look into both and reveal which country songs' videos will compete on the 42nd VMAs. Theme

18:53

Ep. 303 - Moulin Rouge! Film & Play

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/08/02

I recently saw Moulin Rouge!'s Broadway musical at The Al Hirschfeld Theatre for a special occasion! It debuted there 2019, and I saw 2 guests actors at the end of July's showtime: Wayne Brady, and Taye Diggs! The theatrics left me in awe with set changes, multi-generational cover songs, costumes, and a surprise encore curtain call. Hear my review in comparison to Paris France's historical cabaret, and 2001's film. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaMoulin Rouge - cabaret

29:53

Ep. 302 - Ozzy Osbourne Top 10

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/07/26

Weeks after his farewell performances at Birmingham England's Back to the Beginning Festival, rocker Ozzy Osbourne died 7/22 at 76. Rocking 60 years as a solo artist and his band Black Sabbath, he innovated heavy metal's imagery, concert entertainment, and media. Based on the songs I heard working classic rock radio, and favorites from fans, I countdown in this top 10. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaOzzy Osbourne Top 1010. “Shot in the Dark” (1986)9. “No More Tears”

25:16

Ep. 301 - Live Aid's 40th Coverage

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/07/19

On 7/13/85, the most watched bi-coastal music festival was viewed by 2 billion, 150 countries, and 16 hours long! Without modern technology and for charity, Live Aid took place at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's former JFK Stadium (now Wells Fargo Center). Brought up 40 years later of its extravagent gathering, learn how this telethon was covered back then, and acknowledged recently for its 40th anniversary: 7/13/25. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaBand Aid At 40

78:11

Ep. 300 - Then & Now (Ep. 201-299)

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/07/12

Happy 300th Music Notes with Jess! 6 years later, we've reached 300 episodes! I owe to our growing listeners base, family, friends, co-workers, and podcasting networking. Celebrate recap the topics discussed in the 200s, learning the updates what's occurred with them since then. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport the showFollow the podcast at: Facebook, X, Instagram.Connect with Jess on Linkedin. Podcast friends: Seeing Them Live, Rock Talk Studio, Getting Down &

30:51

Ep. 299 - The Beach Boys Top 10

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/07/04

The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson died 6/11 from ailing illnesses. This is the first summer without him, and there's countless music to remember him by. Countdown and learn about these 10 fan favorite songs. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaPlaylist:10. “Barbara Ann” (1965); The Regents (1961); Home Improvement9. “Surfin’ USA” (1963)8. “Do It Again” (1968)7. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (1966); 50 First Dates6. “Don’t Worry Baby” (1964)5. “California Girls” (1965); David Lee Roth

20:37

Ep. 298 - Gigi Perez & Lorde

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/06/28

Most of 2025's pop scene has been dominated by LGTBQ+ females. Joining that list are Cuban folk singer Gigi Perez, and New Zealand's alternative artist Lorde. Expressing self-identity in different genres, I review each of their new albums: At the Beach, In Real Life, and Virgin.Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Gigi Perez's website; discography"Celine" - Soundcloud"Sailor Song" - video, Tonight Show performanceZach Show podcast interviewMTV Push interview"Closer to Fine" -

27:11

Ep. 297 - Sly Stone's Music Impact

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/06/21

Sly & The Family Stone's frontman Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart), died 6/9 from COPD. Hulu premiered his Sly Lives documentary in February for Black History Month. Going from church, radio, producing, fame, and downfall, he innovated multiple genre's future sounds. I discuss Sly's bio and created a playlist for you to hear his influential sounds by other artists. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaMusic Catalog / YouTube ChannelEpisode PlaylistMedia Mentioned: Uncle Buck

33:51

Ep. 296 - Billy Joel Top 10

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/06/14

Billy Joel's been entertaining classic rock and easy listening fans over 50 years. Getting ready to premiere HBO documentary And So It Goes, he sadly has to lie low for health reasons. For Fathers Day weekend, I countdown 10 fan favorite hits honoring his piano playing and songwriting skills. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport the showPlaylist: 10. “Piano Man” (1973-1974); MSG 100th Performance9. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” (1980)8. “River of Dreams” (1993) -

19:40

Ep. 295 - Modern Folk: Alex Warren & Myles Smith

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/06/07

Folk music has surged an unexpected comeback in rock, country, and crossed over even more now in pop! Young modern singers Alex Warren and Myles Smith are making headlines with their catchy and powerful music. Learn how similar their songs, family backgrounds, and recent success are trending part of 2025's music scene. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaAlex Warren's websiteCurrent singles: "Ordinary", "Ordinary (Wedding Version)", "Bloodline" feat. Jelly RollPerformances: The

30:23

Ep. 294 - Prom 2025 Playlist

Music Notes with Jess ·

2025/05/31

It's prom season, and our listeners have gone back hearing Episode 35's Prom 2020 Playlist I made during lockdown. That episode revolutionized this podcast's listenership, and still a favorite I've made to share with you all. In the mood for a sequel, here's what I came up with for 2025's featuring new tunes, recent throwbacks, and themes reflecting a prom's themes.Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport the show2025 Playlist: “Fancy” - Drake, T.I., Swizz Beatz (2010);

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