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Unofficially, Summer is Over! and Celebri-tea musings

Here in Ontario, it is feeling more like a fall day than a summer one, on this Labour Day. Labour Day - an unofficial end to summer. Tomorrow is a return to routine for many families.

So, on this fallish feeling day, what are you drinking? Still sipping iced tea? Or are you putting the kettle on today?

On another note, if he were still alive, today would be Freddy Mercury's 65th birthday, and the Google doodle is a fun tribute to the flamboyant and versatile lead singer of the legendary (well if you were alive in the 70's and 80's) band Queen. So out of curiosity, I thought I'd try to see if Freddy was a tea drinker. Certainly, it was easy to find out he enjoyed vodka. A little more searching seems to indicate that tea was an ordinary part of his life. Several accounts talk of his visits at his mom's and her preparing tea. The descriptions lead me to believe they are describing the beverage as opposed to the evening meal.

In his last weeks, tea was still part of his routine, as described by his companion Jim Hutton:

Back at Garden Lodge, Freddie set out on the last three weeks of his life. He remained in good spirits, though he took to his bed for long parts of the day. He didn't once talk about work. Some days he'd get up in the morning and come down in his dressing gown for a cup of tea before returning to his room for the rest of the day. And I'd take him a cup of tea, along with his beloved cats for company.

(Excerpted from http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/m/Freddie%20Mercury/freddie_mercury.htm)

In fact, in a song called The Miracle, one of the miracles Queen sings about is Sunday mornings with a cup of tea; this miracle is listed along with other miracles, both man made and created by God and nature, with the song culminating in a chorus describing the great miracle we all want - peace. You can read all the lyrics here. Here's the song, recorded late in Freddy's life, but still sounding good, and featuring some pretty good child look-alikes for much of the song.

 

 

 Whatever you are doing today, whether it's slipping on a fall sweater and  heading out to one of the many fall fairs, staying in and curling up with a book, cranking some tunes, we hope you have a wonderful holiday and that tea is part of your day!

Tea and Music: Strange Cup of Tea

This is a really "up" song by Sister Hazel, an alternative rock band from Gainesville, Florida, whose style also blends elements of folk rock, pop, classic rock 'n' roll and southern rock. Their music is characterized by highly melodic tunes and generally optimistic lyrics.

 

Lyrics can be found here.

Tea in Music: A Decent Cup of Tea

You can look up the lyrics for this song here. As one commenter on Youtube noted, "The whole "never a bad time for a brew, celebration, or commiseration" idea seems to be a big thing for Frank Turner. He's got a few songs that echo that sentiment".

 

Gorgeous Grapefruit!

How gorgeous is this tea?

This is a lovely summer tea, available through your Steeped Tea consultant. You'll find it on the summer flyer.

Beautiful pink rosebuds and tangy citrus peel nestle in the delicate pale green-grey leaves characteristic of white tea.

The first time I tried this tea, it was iced and tasted pucker-up tart and invigorating. Unsweetened, it was a little bold and bracing. Next time, I would add a little agave or honey to sweeten it just a tad.

I was also curious to try it hot. As you draw the cup to your mouth, you are hit with the  fragrant citrussy aroma. Hot, it features the mild straw-like taste of white tea.  When I discarded the spent leaves later (into my rose garden - they love spent tea leaves as a mulch), the delicate fragrance of the roses wafted and reminded me of the gently refreshing cup I had enjoyed earlier. This tea seems light and refreshing for summer, but if you still had some in the winter, try steeping it with a cinnamon stick and some allspice buds and add a touch of honey before serving - I think you'll have a lovely winter warm-up.

Bet you didn't know there was a song called Grapefruit Tea. It's by an artist called Olivia, and you can check it out here.  

The lyrics are posted on the lyrics time website, if you're curious...

Celebrities and Tea - pt 7

British rock legends Led Zeppelin had a reunion concert at the O2 in London in late 2007. According to Earsucker.com, their backstage rider asked for tea, coffee – and an ironing board.  Concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith said: “They are much older now obviously and are very low maintenance." The concert must have gone well, because in June 2008, the band was awarded with  Best Live Act of the last twelve months at the Mojo 'Honours List' ceremony in London.

The band was inspired to write a song about tea called "Tea for One" which appeared on their 1976 album (yes, album) Presence, and was prompted by the homesickness they'd feel when on tour. It has a blues influence and was never performed live in its entirety by the band, though if you scout around Youtube you can find versions of it performed by Page and Plant when they toured Japan about 5-6 years ago.

How come twenty four hours, Baby sometimes seem to slip into days?
Oh twenty-four hours, Baby sometimes seem to slip into days
A minute seems like a lifetime, Oh baby when I feel this way
Sittin, lookin at the clock, time moves so slow
I've been watchin for the hands to move
Until I just can't look no more
How come twenty four hours, Baby sometimes seems to slip into days?
A minute seems like a lifetime, Baby when I feel this way.

To sing a song for you, I recall you used to say
"Oh baby this one's for we two", Which in the end is you anyway

How come twenty four hours, Baby sometimes slip into days?
A minute seems like a lifetime, baby when I feel this way.

There was a time that I stood tall, In the eyes of other men
But by my own choice I left you woman, And now I can't get back again

How come twenty-four hours, sometimes slip into days?
A minute seems like a lifetime, Baby when I feel this way
A minute seems like a lifetime ... Oh Baby
When I feel this way...I feel this way

Here's a tiny peek at the teadrinkin' lads who prove that you are never too old to rock n roll:

Celebrities and Tea - part 4

Kerli, a relative newcomer to the world of the rich and famous. Born in 1987 when Estonia was a part of the Soviet Union, Kerli always knew that she wanted to sing.  Even after being discouraged numerous times, she never let her dreams dwindle. Her hit album, “Love is Dead,” which hit the Billboard 200 chart fast, is proof that anyone can accomplish what they want when they work hard.

Here's her video for the song Tea Party from her 2010 album Almost Alice. The visuals are extravagant and the melody poppy and catchy.

More Alice Inspired Music - Mad Hatter'sTea Party Inspiration #6

You could play it at your Mad Hatter's Tea Party, or allow the colours and fashions inspire your theme! Remember to post your photo/video links in the comments here to enter our contest this month to win tea!

Tea and Music Week

Here's one last tea song for this week, courtesy of The Who (if you/your guy are football fans, you'll hear them on the upcoming Superbowl, but I'm guessing they won't be doing this song then.) Tea and Theatre:

Tea and Music Week

Is it a coincidence that all these songs about tea are from British performers? I'm starting to think not. Tea is a passion, historically, so why wouldn't it come up in their music. Today, none of than, Sir Paul:

Tea and Music Week

Tea and music week continues. This song has been recorded many many times, from Tommy Dorsey to Andre Rieu to Doris Day to this jazz-funk rendition by Sarah Vaughn. Check out Tea for Two: