Ok, many moons since I last posted. Truth is that two years on, the ‘Fingers Crossed’ post (below) continues very popular, and what with its wide sweep and evidence-based predictions, I hesitate to replace it.
We’ll get back to the serious stuff in 2026, but meanwhile here’s something a little lighter.
I recently came across a family band out of the Philippines called ‘Missioned Souls.’ Dad Secan, mom Sheena, and their four kids, Naces (16), Neisha (15), Stacey (14) and Isaiah (‘Ice’ 11) produce stunning, near-flawless covers across an astonishing variety of genres.
‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ featured in the photo above is one such. It sure is a lot of fun, but conveys only a fraction of this family’s talent.
So here’s just a small sample of that massive, joyous talent, culled from the Missioned Souls YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@MissionedSouls)
First up, the whole-family cover of Bon Jovi’s ‘Bad Medicine.’ Tight ensemble performance, Stacey’s vocals sharp, Neisha’s lead guitar ditto, little Ice having a ball on drums.
To give some idea of their vast range, here’s their version of Abba’s ‘Take A Chance On Me.’ The beautiful layered harmonies are testament to dad Secan’s engineering and production mastery. Stacey’s great vocal range evident, much smiling gets done.
Deep Purple were very much the soundtrack to my adolescence, in particular their iconic ‘Machine Head’ album. Here’s the stunning kids-only version of ‘Highway Star.’ Not a weak link in this jaw-dropping performance . . .
Nor are they afraid to tackle even the most difficult material. Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits has an almost unique guitar-picking style, which Neisha seemingly effortlessly reproduces here. Naces doubles on bass and keyboards, Ice fluidly metronomic, while Stacey perfectly captures Knopfler’s laconic vocal style.
Much much more on their channel: Carpenters, Adele, Beatles, Twisted Sister, Bill Haley, Finch, Elvis, just some of the myriad artists covered. And with 100+ studio and onstage performances there, chances are you’ll find something you absolutely love.
Finally here’s something a little different. Story goes a Missioned Souls supporter/benefactor gifted the girls with a ukulele each. Within minutes they’d cooked up this version of ‘Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head).’
It’s a poignant lyric which speaks straight to the heart (see https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/powfu/deathbed.html). 2020 words by ‘Powfu’ over a 2017 song by ‘beabadoobee’ (love these artist names).
I truly love this family, bringers of joy in a troubled world.
Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2026.
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