BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
As Aly discussed her hatred for Taylor with Oliver, Taylor had a serious conversation with Thorne about Aly. Aly opened up to her new love about how hard it has been to get over her mother’s death. Oliver and Aly revealed to one another what has drawn them to the other. Oliver asked Aly to keep a secret. Hope revealed to Wyatt what she agreed to with Liam. Wyatt did his best to convince Hope that it isn’t a problem, but inwardly he’s upset. Brooke and Bill talked business in the bedroom. Having just reunited with Brooke, Bill contemplated how he can be reunited with his company. Brooke silently knew she could make Bill’s dream come true but was still undecided about what to do. Wyatt confided in his mother about Hope’s new terms for their romance. After Brooke left, Quinn arrived and told Bill that Wyatt’s in trouble. Hope remembered big moments in her relationship with both Wyatt and Liam. Even though she’s been sworn to secrecy by Oliver, Aly revealed the truth to Caroline. Quinn brought Bill up to speed on what’s been happening with Liam, Hope and Wyatt and made a hefty demand of him. Oliver asked Aly to take a romantic trip with him. Liam received a visit from Bob Barker who helped prepare him for his animal awareness campaign. Katie and Ridge shared a loving moment in her office. Brooke was still unsure of what to do with the papers she has as she watched Bill play with Will. Brooke arrived at the office to speak to Katie about Bill and caught her kissing Ridge. Later, she pleaded for her sister to allow Bill to have more time with his son. Hope and Liam traveled to the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter where they met Brandon McMillan and animal shelter workers who shared their stories with them. Liam and Hope continued their insightful tour of the animal shelter and met LA City Councilmember Bernard Park, spent more time with Brandon McMillan and continued to interview employees at the shelter. Brooke continued to attempt to get Katie to give Bill more access to his son and his job back. She resorted to desperate measures when she realized Katie wouldn’t give in.
THIS WEEK: Wyatt was distracted thinking about Hope and Liam but remained confident that she would choose him in the end. Brooke shared her true emotions with Bill.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Jennifer was stunned when Liam revealed his true colors – and things took a dangerous turn! Will freaked out when he read a draft of Gabi’s custody agreement for Arianna!  Jordan admitted to Rafe she’s in love with him. Abigail questioned Ben’s intense overreaction. Nicole raced to Smith Island. Daniel made a startling discovery at his apartment. A desperate Theresa made a surprising confession! Sparks flew between Abigail and Ben. After Theresa’s confession, Daniel and Eric took off to find Jennifer. Nicole and Jennifer fought to escape from Liam – and in the process, someone got shot!  EJ received new evidence to help him determine who sent the incriminating photo of him and Abigail. Ciara had a tempting proposition for Aiden. The jeopardy on Smith Island came to a deadly conclusion. Theresa feared her role in Liam’s reign of terror was about to be exposed. Paige confronted JJ when she found him on a date with Bev. EJ confronted the person who took the incriminating photo! Will panicked when he sensed Gabi just might give in to Nick’s outrageous plan.
THIS WEEK: Sami reached out to Abigail for help with Nick. Kate dropped a bomb on Jordan.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Carlos made a staggering confession to the PCPD, even after Ava warned him about the consequences. Michael suggested to Kiki that Ava might be more involved with AJ’s shooting than they suspected. Despite their big blowup, Olivia wanted to try and work things out with Sonny. Anna was suspicious of Britt and encouraged Nathan to watch her closely. Meanwhile, Britt provided an update for Patrick and Sabrina regarding their baby. Despite a new development in AJ’s murder case, Carly and Franco were determined to find out what Ava’s hiding. While Julian and Alexis shared a romantic dinner, Morgan interrupted them and provided suspect news to Julian about Ava. Per Michael’s suggestion, Kiki pumped Ava for information about her involvement with Carlos. Shawn threatened to tell TJ the truth about Jordan’s past.  TJ was thrilled to tell Molly that he got accepted to college but admitted this news makes him miss his father.  Nathan surprised Britt with an astonishing revelation.  The shrewd Obrecht and savvy Madeline were both confident their individual ploys will get them out of jail. Jordan, appearing more intrigued with the Jerome family business, continued to show her loyalty. Luke suggested to Shawn that Ric might still be working with Julian. A mysterious man came to Port Charles with a special delivery.  Patrick had an opportunity to get in touch with a loved one.  Levi met Maxie’s parents, but Mac was not impressed. Madeline dropped a bombshell on Nathan and then told him to keep it to himself. The PCPD found a crucial piece of evidence in AJ’s shooting. Julian informed Luke what Ava has been up to. Luke gave Julian a deadly ultimatum.
THIS WEEK: After several years apart, Ned and Alexis reminisced about their romantic past, as well as their current predicaments. Sam questioned Patrick’s odd behavior toward her. Sabrina learned about Carlos’s confession.

YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Stitch and Victoria went on their first official date. Later, Victoria talked to Dylan about Stitch and felt even more conflicted about her feelings for Billy. Lily and Cane became wary of introducing Colin to Charlie and Mattie and worried that he hasn’t really changed and were concerned that Jill has gotten so close to him again. Meanwhile, Jill stumbled upon shocking news. Cane figured out that Devon has a thing for Hilary and told him to go for it. Meanwhile, Hilary and Neil discussed what their kiss meant and things began to heat up again. Devon decided to tell Hilary how he really feels about her. When Kevin confronted Chelsea about what’s been happening with Chloe, the two decided that something has to be done. Later, Kevin and Chloe discussed how their marriage has fallen apart. Kevin admitted this isn’t how he pictured their marriage turning out, but he’s still there for her. Meanwhile, Billy paid Chelsea and Connor a visit after learning that Connor’s sick. Later, Chloe shocked Billy with her announcement! Jack asked Kelly on a date and told Billy he’s now seeing her. Later, Jack felt torn when Kelly brought up Phyllis. Across town, Stitch lost it with Kelly after she brought up his past. Billy overheard their discussion and asked Stitch to tell him what’s his big secret. Sharon admitted to Nick that she has a secret she’s been keeping from him.  Later, Victor was surprised when Sharon asked for his help in uncovering this secret. Victor revealed to her that Phyllis knew what she’s hiding. Avery and Dylan discovered some unsettling comments about her new show and worried about where they’re coming from. Meanwhile, tensions rose between Dylan and Leslie as she continued to defend Ian.
THIS WEEK: Avery threatened to get a restraining order against Ian Ward. Nick told Sharon they’ll face the secret together and went to make love.

Birmingham, Ala. – The Birmingham Bar Foundation is hosting its Rock the Bar fundraising event, Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 6-10p.m. at the B&A Warehouse, 1531 1st Avenue South, downtown Birmingham.  The event is open to the public, and features music and dancing with Just a Few Cats, and heavy hors d’oeuvres and libations.  Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at www.birminghambar.org, or by contacting the Bar Foundation at bbfound@bellsouth.net or 205-251-2231.

All proceeds will benefit charitable organizations that support and facilitate access to justice in the Birmingham community.  Examples of organizations supported by the Bar Foundation include Prescott House Children’s Advocacy Center, YWCA Domestic Violence Program and the Alabama Center for Law and Civic Education.

The Birmingham Bar Foundation encourages and unifies the philanthropic and educational efforts of the Birmingham Bar Association for the betterment of our community and for the promotion of justice.

Whitney Houston’s nephew releases newest album

NEW YORK CITY – Gary Michael Houston, the nephew of legendary singer Whitney Houston, has release his latest independent album, The Collins LP.  Gary Michael is releasing his third album, which features his great grandmother, Elizabeth Collins, on the cover, an ode to family legacy and greatness.
The Collins LP, which is available via iTunes and Amazon.com, marks a turning point in Houston’s career. An 11-track album that features complex stories, metaphors, and fantastic production value, which is produced by Sym Stagger of Continental Music Group, makes this album worthy of the Houston family legacy. Notable features include collaborations with Jonathan Blair Houston, son of uncle Gary Houston.
“Take this project as a Challenge. A challenge to raise your standards and tolerate less of the nonsense and more of the progress…. I challenge you to be better versions of ‘Yourselves’… I challenge you to WORK. I challenge you to be True.. so without further adieu I give to you Collins LP.”
Accompanying the release of The Collins, Houston debuted a short film on Valentine’s Day 2014, The Trilogy, to pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston, his aunt. The film was shot at her estate in Mendham, New Jersey, and bringing more insight into his upbringing and an insider’s view of what it is like to be a “Houston.” The film comprises of the album’s lead singles titled, “The Original”, “Dreams”, and “Holy Ghost”, which can be viewed exclusively on www.GaryMichaelHouston.com.

By Esther Callens

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the greatest southern rock/blues band of all times – The Allman Brothers. Likewise, new to retail is the life story of one of its founding members. Please Be With Me – A Song For My Father, Duane Allman – features the poignant journal of his daughter (and author) Galadrielle Allman. It offers a wonderful look into the life of a talent taken too soon.
How do you say goodbye before literally saying hello?  This is a question that Galadrielle Allman has asked herself numerous times over as she remembers her father, Duane Allman, who died suddenly when she was a toddler. Although there is no cut and dry answer, one thing is certain – her father’s love and legacy will forever live on, through her and fans alike. This is the exact sentiment that Please Be With Me expresses.
Through countless stories and intimate accounts from family and friends, Galadrielle has written a beautiful story. In doing so, she included never before seen letters, highlights of interviews and photos. Although sometimes painful, this was done in order to accurately depict the son, man, musician and father that Duane was. Please Be With Me is highly emotive as it is a one of a kind biography/memoir.  This is perfectly in sync with Duane Allman – the legendary one of a kind guitarist.

About Duane and Galadrielle:
Howard Duane Allman was a talented musician.  “Midnight Rider” and “Hot’Lanta” are just two of the titles he and the Allman Brothers are famous for. The Skydog (his nickname) possessed an extraordinary expertise on the slide guitar along with phenomenal improvisational skills. Aretha Franklin, Herbie Mann, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett are some of the talents he performed with. Duane Allman died in 1971 as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Galadrielle Allman is the producer of Skydog: The Duane Allman Retrospective (Rounder Records). It is a rare seven disc collection of some of her father’s recordings. Please Be With Me is her first book. She makes Berkeley, Calif. home.

By Esther Callens

New this month on Wavetone Records is the exciting, fantastic release by bassist and composer Mark Egan.  About Now is the seventh album that Mark chairs the leader slot. Composed of a lively trio that includes Egan along with Danny Gottlieb and Mitch Forman, About Now encompasses a totally wonderful experience.
Featured on About Now are nine original, impressive compositions. The defining factor behind About Now is the album temperament that’s clearly exhibited between Mark, Danny and Mitch. It depicts a few fellows playing a few casual arrangements. The set opens with “Sailing” which happens to be a mellow, upbeat groove. Following this is “Slinky”– this one is just down right dirty. These cats really jam on this one. The collection closes with “Puerto Plata”, a piece that’s right at a minute and a half. It is the Latin tinged companion piece to “Cabarete”, a dynamic tune Egan named for the wind surfing town in the Dominican Republic. A serene ballad is what “Graceful Branch” is made of. It is the perfect album contrast. There is definitely a rare chemistry among the trio and it exudes throughout the entire collection.
Egan, Gottlieb and Forman have performed with numerous talents that include Pat Metheny, John McGlaughlin, Wayne Shorter, Sting, Gil Evans and others.

Track listing: Sailing; Slinky; About Now; Cabarete; Graceful Branch; McKenzie Portage, Little Pagoda, Tea In Tiananmen Square; Puerto Plaza. Album personnel: Mark Egan (Bass); Danny Gottlieb (drums); Mitch Forman (keyboard).