Billie Davies: On Hollywood Boulevard - Live at The Mint in New Orleans

The original recording of On Hollywood Boulevard took place in 2016. The inspiration comes from drummer Billie Davies personal experience of living at the historic Hillview Apartments on Hollywood Boulevard in 2009. Hillview Apartments, a hotspot during the silent film era, were considered Hollywood's first artist high-rise. Davies remembers witnessing it all, the tourist traps, the Hollywood legends and heroes' reverence, the young artist communities from painters to musicians to photographers, videographers and writers aspiring to become accomplished and successful.

In January 2025, six wildfires erupted in the Los Angeles area, forcing the evacuation of Hollywood Boulevard. One hundred thousand people were ordered to flee the area. When asked what her thoughts about the fires that were ravaging the Los Angeles area, did Davies think that it was somehow karma?

Davies replied: "I do not know what to think. It is just horrible for all the people living there, losing their homes in this natural disaster. Maybe it is Karma? It has been flooded with people forever from all walks of life for mostly the wrong reason, money and financial wealth and is mostly in the hands of the very wealthy developers now."

"The Girl In The Window" opens with narrations by vocalist Iris P reflecting on the many fantasies portrayed on Hollywood Boulevard. "Jacaranda" begins with a slow serene intro on keys and synthesizer, setting the tone for a soothing ballad. Congas, bass, and piano create a gentle rhythm while Iris P's vocals weave a compelling story. The arrangement is smooth and well-balanced. "Yellow Sunshine" captures the glow of Hollywood Boulevard in the early morning. Iris P serenades listeners with melodies bathed in golden light. A steady eclectic beat carries the song forward. "Palm Trees" tells a story of making dreams a reality. The trio-bass, vocals, and instrumentation blends beautifully into a rich, evocative arrangement. "Hollywood Boulevard" brings an upbeat hip-hop energy, featuring turntable scratching and an eclectic, high- energy vibe. Iris P delivers fiery lyrics about drugs, sex, rock 'n' roll, and the delusional pursuit of the American Dream. The electric organ syncs perfectly with the vocals, enhancing the dynamic storyline. "On Hollywood Boulevard 2" starts softly, capturing the band in a warm-up type setting, improvising synthesized organ, drum snares, and a bass melody that creates an intimate atmosphere. Iris P's vocals enter smoothly, followed by the piano and rhythm section, building into a funky groove. The tempo rises, leading to a lively and satisfying conclusion.

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