Can Don Imus's Remarks Influence Musical Trends? Urban Music Group recording artist Rachel Brown thinks so. So much so that in light of the scrutiny of hip hop music and the lingering fallout from the Don Imus controversy, South Florida-based singer/songwriter Rachel Brown is making her own effort to "take back the music," by recording a song addressing the misogynistic lyrics found in much of today's music. The song entitled "Where Did We Go Wrong," ponders why artists have transitioned from crooning songs of admiration and adoration to songs laced with negative connotations, specifically aimed at women.
"I really want to inspire my listeners," says Rachel, who prefers to refer to her debut disc entitled "Love, Life & Relationships," as "medication for the mind." "I would really like both women and men to embrace this song, because it's about more than just taking a stand against being called a bitch, or whore, but it is equally as important for us as ladies to understand not to accept it as cool or acceptable cultural vernacular."
But Rachel does not stop there. On her highly acclaimed 14-song independent disc the singer/songwriter introduces a new and exciting R&B sound. With powerful vocals and insightful lyrics, Rachel delicately blends the smoothness of Anita Baker, the sensitivity and consciousness of Oprah, and the soul of Aretha Franklin, as she explores the deepest emotions within our heart and soul.
Signed to Urban Music Group in 2006, Rachel's early notoriety came about because of the success of her debut single "Let's Fall In Love Again," which reached #1 on the Billboard R&B Single Sales Chart in the spring of 2007. The single has generated airplay on over 30 radio stations in the U.S., which landed it on the Mediabase Top 100 R&B songs chart.
Rachel's vocal timbres grab you and lead you on a personal journey of rediscovery on songs such as the empowering "Rise Again," or "Learn To Love Me." Other songs such as "My Child?" challenge us to re-examine our role and effectiveness as parents. "Make It Official" examines the complex issue of relationships without commitment.
Rachel's debut CD delivers a powerful melodic and lyrical punch that has apparently struck a chord with the Adult Contemporary crowd. Email testimonials are pouring in at Rachel's website and MySpace where listeners are sharing stories of how the expressive power of Rachel's music has uplifted, empowered, and encouraged them to overcome the emotional heart ache they are experiencing.
One fan wrote: "I was in a relationship for 2 years and he left me for someone else... for the past month I have been stressed out but I continue to listen to your CD and it's making me stronger every day. Thank GOD your music is so special and your voice is a blessing. I WILL RISE AGAIN I DO KNOW THAT."
Pam "Diamond Princess" Wynn of Live 365 Internet Radio says of Rachel's debut CD, "If you love R&B you have to add this CD to your collection. The songs are great and Rachel has one of the most powerful female voices out now, right up there with the R&B legends!"
Rachel Brown is currently planning to embark on a 15-city promotional tour that includes stops in Chicago, Orlando, Tampa, Houston and Dallas.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
GATO BARBIERI TO PERFORM AT S.O.B.S
Gato Barbieri will headline a show on October 14th at New York’s famed S.O.B.’s. Barbieri will be celebrating his 75th birthday, along with S.O.B’s 25th Anniversary. The performance will be a spirited one, as Gato and his fans eagerly await the 2008 release of Intimate Portrait: Gato Barbieri, the first comprehensive compilation of his work, who’s release has been delayed until now due to conflicting record companies owning the recordings. Over the years, Barbieri has collaborated with American contemporaries Coleman Hawkins, Herbie Mann, and Dizzy Gillespie and Brazilian bossa innovator Joao Gilberto. In 2003, his most recent and 50th album, Shadow Of The Cat, won Billboard’s prestigious Latin Jazz Album of the Year in 2003 and since, he has headlined the Ozawa Concert Hall at the Boston symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Jazz Festival, which was broadcast over eight National Public Radio stations, and The Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Long Island University’s WLIU. A mainstay at S.O.B.s for many years, the October 14 performance will be his first in New York in over a year.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
DIONNE WARWICK: CHRISTMAS CD
Warner Brothers will release “My Favorite Time Of The Year” from singer Dionne Warwick on October 30. No details as of yet as to whether or not this is a brand new release or a rerelease from yesteryear.
YOUR FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS – NEW FREE MP3 MUSIC DOWN LOAD SERVICE
Your Free Music Downloads.com today added an additional 25,000 new free MP3 downloads to their award winning free music download service. With over 18,500 registered users and over 200,000 free MP3s downloaded so far, the free MP3 downloads service is bringing free music downloads to the masses.
With an additional 25,000 new songs available for downloading, Your Free Music Downloads.com is one of the fastest growing free music downloads services on the web. Every song in the Your Free Music Downloads.com catalogue are in MP3 format and are 100% portable from device to device as they contain no DRM (digital rights management) restrictions. Without the DRM restrictions, registered users can listen to any downloaded song where and when they want and on whatever consumer electronic device they choose. For example, free music downloads can be played on an iPod, iPhone, computer or any other MP3 playing device.
Your Free Music Downloads.com is an ad-supported free music download site that has built a catalogue of over 1,025,000 legal MP3 songs that continues to grow by 500 new songs a day. Unlike other ad-supported free music download websites, Your Free Music Downloads.com refuses to embed ads within the music or before or after each selection. Instead, all registered users are simply asked to complete a free offer that generates ad revenue for Your Free Music Downloads.com.
Unlike other free music download services, there are no daily, weekly or monthly download limits. Nor is there any special software required to play the free music downloads. Instead, registered users are allowed to download as many MP3 songs as they want, whenever they want, and play them on whatever device they choose.
Your Free Music Downloads.com is a Silicon Valley-based start-up with over $1 million in venture capital funding that is changing the online music distribution business. Your Free Music Downloads.com is an ad-supported free music download website with a catalogue of over 1,000,000 legal MP3 songs that grows by 500 songs a day.
CHRIS JASPER - INVINCIBLE
Former "Isley Brother" Chris Jasper debuts at #1 on Yahoo! Music's Soul Revival Music Chart with his new CD "Invincible" ." Chris Jasper is a legend in the soul music community, so we're always excited when he releases new music," said SoulTracks.com publisher Chris Rizik, "and our readers agreed, making Chris's artist page one of our most popular for August and helping to make his album the top seller for the month. Chris continues to write and sing compelling new music with real meaning."
"Chris Jasper, of course, was an integral part of the classic Isley Brothers' sound. Now with this new 10 tracker we have the full-on gospel album - but if you're a non-believer - don't despair. This isn't traditional, in-your-face gospel music. Rather, 'Invincible' is a collection of personal, reflective songs whose messages can be interpreted both spiritually and secularly. Musically, I'd describe the sound as Bobby Womack meets the Isleys - and that's a heady cocktail, isn't it? A real, mature soul album, this - and well-worth investigation." - Bill Buckley, Reviewer
"I nearly fell over with excitement when Chris Jasper contacted Christian Mix Inet about playing his new CD 'Invincible.' As a die hard 60's and 70's music freak, I actually recognized his name ... it was him! The very same Chris Jasper that was a part of the original Isley Brother's ... Chris Jasper has released another Gospel CD, which carries the same superb harmonies and soulful spirit that was so much a part of the original Isley's. 'Invincible' is like a trip back to the 70's only with a twist. The timeless message of Christ and God's love for us. I can't say enough about the project. You need to hear it yourself. We are playing the title cut 'Invincible' in the Christian Mix Inet 'Power Rotation' category. We are also airing all the other cuts on the CD in rotation in the 'Album' category ... we love it, and love you for preserving the dignity of great music. - Michael Hughes, Christian Mix Inet
DAVID SANCHEZ OPENS 5TH CARNEGIE HALL THE SHAPE OF JAZZ SERIES
On Wednesday, October 17 at 8:30 p.m. in Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, saxophonist/composer David Sánchez and his sextet give the New York premiere of La Leyenda del Cañaveral. This new multi-movement work--written by Mr. Sánchez and made possible by a grant from Chamber Music America--traces the migration of African people to the Caribbean through musical folklore, jazz, and the music of Tanzania and the Baca forest people of East Cameroon. This performance opens Carnegie Hall's 2007-2008 The Shape of Jazz series, which is currently in its fifth season. The Shape of Jazz series is presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with Absolutely Live Entertainment, LLC.
Set to a poem written by David Sánchez's sister, Margarita, La Leyenda del Cañaveral includes spoken word and music compositional styles that weave together Afro-Caribbean, Jazz, and East African elements. The poem refers to the travels of African people from Africa to the Caribbean, with its central theme being the history and anecdotes of people who worked on sugar cane plantations. The inclusion of spoken word reflects their rich and colorful heritage and oral traditions. La Leyenda del Cañaveral received its premiere on March 24, 2007, at the prestigious and historical Centro de Bellas Artes in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Latin Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer David Sánchez has forged a critically acclaimed career incorporating the bomba and plena rhythms of Puerto Rico as well as the musical traditions of Cuba and Brazil into his jazz compositions and interpretations. Born in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, David Sánchez began playing percussion and drums at the age of eight before migrating to tenor saxophone. While a student at Rutgers University in New Jersey, Sánchez took advantage of his close proximity to New York City and quickly became a member of its jazz scene, performing with the likes of Eddie Palmieri and Claudio Roditi, who brought Sánchez to the attention of Dizzy Gillespie.
Whether with Gillespie, Palmieri, and other jazz greats--including Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes, and Charlie Haden--or on his own, Sánchez tours and records extensively, bringing his mix of mainstream jazz with Afro-Latin influences to audiences around the world. His debut album for Columbia Records, The Departure, garnered a great deal of praise as did his subsequent recordings, Sketches of Dreams, Street Scenes, and Travesía. Sánchez followed these recordings with Obsesión and Melaza, both of which received Grammy Award nominations. His most recent recording, Coral, earned the saxophonist his fourth Grammy Award nomination and a Latin Grammy Award for "Best Instrumental Album." Sánchez recently signed to Concord Records and plans to record a new album this fall.
Now in its fifth season, The Shape of Jazz series featuring artists from a wide spectrum of styles. In addition to David Sánchez, this season's lineup includes The Bad Plus (December 12), the SFJAZZ Collective (March 5), and Manhattan Trinity (April 2).
THE DAVID SÁNCHEZ GROUP consists of David Sánchez, Saxophone; Lage Lund, Guitar;
Robert Rodriguez, Piano; Pernell Saturnino, Percussion; Henry Cole, Drums; and Hans Glawischnig, Bass.
BARRY MANILOW - THE GREATEST HITS OF THE '70'S
Could it be Magic? Arista recording artist Barry Manilow enters the Billboard charts at #4 with a Nielsen Sound Scan debut of 113,149 copies sold. THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SEVENTIES is his 18-song tribute to #1 hit songs of the decade that launched his career, which arrived in stores September 18th and is the third CD in his decade series which kicked off last year with The Greatest Songs of the Fifties and The Greatest Songs of the Sixties. The Greatest Songs of the Fifties, released January 31, 2006 entered the chart at #1 and is certified RIAA platinum and Greatest Songs of the Sixties, released October 31st, 2006 at #2. THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SEVENTIES is Manilow's 33rd charting album, his 11th Top 10 and his 10th Top 10 debut, and he is the only artist to have three Top 5 debuts on the Billboard 200 chart since 2006.
These three musical tributes to the Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies mark the winning reunion in the studio for co-producers Manilow and Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG Label Group Chairman and CEO. Davis has been Manilow's hit making collaborator on virtually all his recordings, since they first worked together on "Mandy," his debut #1 single as the first artist signed to Arista by Davis in 1974, the first year of the label's existence. The two co- produced The Greatest Songs Of The Fifties and The Greatest Songs Of The Sixties, and that magic has carried over to the new album, as well. The decade series, whose cumulative sales with Ultimate Manilow, has surpassed 5 million units within the last two years.
THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SEVENTIES is a fan's dream wish-list of favorite #1 hit singles, from The Beatles' "The Long And Winding Road," to Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word," as well as a duet with Melissa Manchester on Carole King's "You've Got A Friend." Other selections include Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," the Hollies' "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," The Carpenters' "(They Long To Be) Close To You," and Albert Hammond's "It Never Rains In Southern California," the first single from the album. Manilow's tributes are flawlessly performed and arranged, with an homage to the Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were," Frankie Valli's "My Eyes Adored You," the Bee Gees' "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart," and the seminal decade hit Christopher Cross "Sailing, among others.
With worldwide record sales exceeding 75 million, his work as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer over the course of more than 40 albums has earned Barry Manilow the highest honors. He sits on the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Jazz, and in June 2002, he was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music's Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Ashford & Simpson, Michael Jackson, Randy Newman, and Sting. In addition to his own foundation, the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, other involvements include The Prince's Trust, United Way, the Starlight Foundation, numerous organizations fighting the battle against AIDS, and many others. He is the national spokesperson for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Honorary Chairman of the Palm Springs Art Museum and a Founder of the Music Center of Los Angeles.
These three musical tributes to the Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies mark the winning reunion in the studio for co-producers Manilow and Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG Label Group Chairman and CEO. Davis has been Manilow's hit making collaborator on virtually all his recordings, since they first worked together on "Mandy," his debut #1 single as the first artist signed to Arista by Davis in 1974, the first year of the label's existence. The two co- produced The Greatest Songs Of The Fifties and The Greatest Songs Of The Sixties, and that magic has carried over to the new album, as well. The decade series, whose cumulative sales with Ultimate Manilow, has surpassed 5 million units within the last two years.
THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SEVENTIES is a fan's dream wish-list of favorite #1 hit singles, from The Beatles' "The Long And Winding Road," to Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word," as well as a duet with Melissa Manchester on Carole King's "You've Got A Friend." Other selections include Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," the Hollies' "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," The Carpenters' "(They Long To Be) Close To You," and Albert Hammond's "It Never Rains In Southern California," the first single from the album. Manilow's tributes are flawlessly performed and arranged, with an homage to the Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were," Frankie Valli's "My Eyes Adored You," the Bee Gees' "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart," and the seminal decade hit Christopher Cross "Sailing, among others.
With worldwide record sales exceeding 75 million, his work as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer over the course of more than 40 albums has earned Barry Manilow the highest honors. He sits on the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Jazz, and in June 2002, he was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music's Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Ashford & Simpson, Michael Jackson, Randy Newman, and Sting. In addition to his own foundation, the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, other involvements include The Prince's Trust, United Way, the Starlight Foundation, numerous organizations fighting the battle against AIDS, and many others. He is the national spokesperson for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Honorary Chairman of the Palm Springs Art Museum and a Founder of the Music Center of Los Angeles.
RACHEL BROWN – LOVE, LIFE & RELATIONSHIPS
On her highly acclaimed 14-song independent disc, "Love, Life & Relationships," (just released by Urban Music Group), the singer/songwriter introduces a new and exciting R&B sound. With powerful vocals and insightful lyrics, Rachel delicately blends the smoothness of Anita Baker, the sensitivity and consciousness of Oprah, and the soul of Aretha Franklin, as she explores the deepest emotions within our heart and soul.
"I really would like to inspire my listeners," says Rachel, who prefers to refer to her debut disc as "medication for the mind." Rachel's vocal timbres grab you and lead you on a personal journey of rediscovery on songs such as the empowering "Rise Again," or "Learn To Love Me." Other songs such as "Where Did We Go Wrong?" challenge us to examine the lyrics of today's music, while "Make It Official" examines the complex issue of relationships without commitment. "I really wanted to record a CD filled with messages that will uplift, encourage and empower," Rachel concludes.
Signed to Urban Music Group in 2006, Rachel's early notoriety came about because of the success of her debut single "Let's Fall In Love Again," which reached #1 on the Billboard R&B Single Sales Chart in the spring of 2007. The single soon gained the attention of television shows such as WSVN's "Deco Drive," as well as landing feature stories in the Miami Herald and Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. The single has generated airplay on over 30 radio stations in the U.S., which landed it on the Mediabase Top 100 R&B songs chart.
Rachel's debut CD delivers a powerful melodic and lyrical punch that has apparently struck a chord with the Adult Contemporary crowd. The disc also features the beautifully done wedding song "Promise Of Love," which introduces the amazing vocals of Reno Walker, the standout track "Spend The Night," the sultry "Do What You Do," the perky "Weekend," and the sassy "Just A Girl." Rachel also breathes new life into the '70s classic "Don't Ask My Neighbor," as the riveting "My Child" rounds out "Love, Life & Relationships."
Pam "Diamond Princess" Wynn of Live 365 Radio says of Rachel's debut CD, "If you love R&B you have to add this CD to your collection. The songs are great and Rachel has one of the most powerful female voices out now, right up there with the R&B legends!"
Rachel Brown is currently planning to embark on 15-city promotional tour that includes stops in Chicago, Orlando, Tampa, Houston and Dallas.
SUSAN TEDESCHI TOUR DATES
Susan Tedeschi is back out on the road and will perform the following concerts:
November 9 - Westhampton Beach PAC, Westhampton Beach NY
November 10 - Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon NH
November 13 - Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME
Novenber 14 - Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME
November 16 - Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville CT
November 17 - Paramount Center, Peekskill NY
November 18 - Music Hall, Portsmouth NH
December 27 - Florida Theatre, Jacksonville FL
December 28 - Mizner Park Amphitheatre, Boca Raton FL
December 29 - House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista FL.
November 9 - Westhampton Beach PAC, Westhampton Beach NY
November 10 - Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon NH
November 13 - Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME
Novenber 14 - Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME
November 16 - Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville CT
November 17 - Paramount Center, Peekskill NY
November 18 - Music Hall, Portsmouth NH
December 27 - Florida Theatre, Jacksonville FL
December 28 - Mizner Park Amphitheatre, Boca Raton FL
December 29 - House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista FL.
AMY WINEHOUSE: LIVE FROM LONDON
Universal Republic is set to release a DVD on November 13 from Amy Winehouse. It’s titled “I Told You I Was In Trouble: Amy Winehouse Live From London.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF MARVIN GAYE & MOTOWN
Bobby Caldwell has been added to “A Tribute to Marvin Gaye and Motown” at the Autumn Jazz Festival in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on Saturday, October 13th. He joins Maysa, James “D-Train” Williams, Walter Beasley, Nick Colionne, and Jason Miles. The event is being produced by Jason Miles and also features Sherrod Barnes, Jerry Brooks, and Brian Dunne.
HERBIE HANCOCK FEATURED IN TV & RADO ADS FOR 6th ANNUAL DANIEL PEARL WORLD DAYS
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock is featured in 30- and 60-second television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) to promote Daniel Pearl World Music Days - an international network of concerts scheduled from October 1-15, 2007. Since World Music Days' inception in 2002, over 1500 concerts in more than 67 countries have been dedicated to its theme of "Harmony for Humanity.” The PSA messages invite professional and amateur musicians around the world to "use the universal language of music to diminish hatred, respect differences, and reach out in friendship by dedicating performances for Harmony for Humanity." Herbie Hancock will be dedicating live performances in Japan. The television PSAs will be included on the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) monthly satellite feed on September 21 at 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Satellite coordinates are: C-Band, Galaxy 26 (also known as Intelsat A6), Transponder C09, 93 degrees West, Downlink Frequency 3880 - Vertical, Audio: 6.2/6.8. Stations can contact the NAB to order a copy of the PSAs. In addition, both 30- and 60-second Radio PSAs are available for download at any time at the Daniel Pearl World Music Days
"This is an awareness raiser, not a fundraiser. There are no financial obligations to participate," said Ruth Pearl, Daniel's mother and co-founder of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. "All musicians – professional and amateur - are invited to dedicate performances held from October 1st through 15th in honor of Danny's October 10th birthday. All they need to do is register their performance at the World Music Days website and then simply say a few words from the stage or in the program in affirmation of Danny's belief that music is the universal language that unite people of different cultures, faiths and talents."
Nowhere is the World Music Days message better exemplified than in the commitment of its Honorary Committee; spanning the spectrum of music genres from classical to hip hop. In addition to Herbie Hancock, the Committee for 2007 includes Sir Elton Jhn, Ida Haendel, Salman Ahmad, Theodore Bikel, Yefim Bronfman, Tania Libertad, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, Mark O'Connor, George Pehlivanian, Itzhak Perlman, R.E.M., A.J. Racy, Steve Reich, Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Ravi Shankar, Russell Simmons, Barbra Streisand, and John Williams.
"This is an awareness raiser, not a fundraiser. There are no financial obligations to participate," said Ruth Pearl, Daniel's mother and co-founder of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. "All musicians – professional and amateur - are invited to dedicate performances held from October 1st through 15th in honor of Danny's October 10th birthday. All they need to do is register their performance at the World Music Days website and then simply say a few words from the stage or in the program in affirmation of Danny's belief that music is the universal language that unite people of different cultures, faiths and talents."
Nowhere is the World Music Days message better exemplified than in the commitment of its Honorary Committee; spanning the spectrum of music genres from classical to hip hop. In addition to Herbie Hancock, the Committee for 2007 includes Sir Elton Jhn, Ida Haendel, Salman Ahmad, Theodore Bikel, Yefim Bronfman, Tania Libertad, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, Mark O'Connor, George Pehlivanian, Itzhak Perlman, R.E.M., A.J. Racy, Steve Reich, Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Ravi Shankar, Russell Simmons, Barbra Streisand, and John Williams.
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO – THE WORLD HAS MADE ME THE MAN OF MY DREAMS
"Like Miles Davis or Joni Mitchell, Ndegeocello challenges musical convention with an ample supply of curveballs." -- The Boston Herald
Bassist Meshell Ndegeocello has released her 7th album, The World Has Made Me The Man Of My Dreams . Guest musicians on this outing include Jazzmen Pat Metheny, Jason Lindner, and Robert Glasper add spice to the tracks. She has earned critical acclaim, the unfailing respect of fellow players, songwriters and composers, and the dedication of her diverse, unclassifiable fans. For the sake of setting the record straight, a few brass tacks remain: Meshell was born in Germany, raised in DC, signed at 23, and nominated for 9 Grammy awards. Meshell's found some tremendous new territory for herself -- and has reminded us that she's still got some much sharper edges than her contemporaries. A host of great guests really help Meshell find her groove here -- including Sy Smith on vocals, Oliver Lake on saxophone, James Newton on flute, Robert Glasper on piano, and Graham Haynes on cornet. Titles include "Haditha", "Evolution", "Virgo", "Lovely Lady", "The Sloganeer Paradise", "Elliptical", "Shirk", "Article 3", "Headline", "Michell Johnson", and "Solomon". (Limited edition version features the bonus track "Soul Spaceship".) You can catch Meshell supporting her new album this fall with a tour that kicks off at Hiro Ballroom, NYC Wednesday (9/26).
VHI & VIRGIN AMERICA PARTNER FOR ON-DEMAND MUSIC VIDEOS
Virgin America and VH1 have partnered to offer the first domestic, on-demand music video library on the next generation carrier's New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC and Las Vegas routes. The Virgin America-VH1 music video library, available on the state-of-the- art Red(TM) inflight entertainment system, includes videos from the most popular artists and genres featured on VH1 networks, including Maroon 5, Shakira, John Legend, Lily Allen, Kelly Clarkson, Nelly Furtado, Mika and many more. The inflight music library is expected to expand to up to 50 music videos, including the "can't be missed" performances featured on VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul networks. Soon guests will also be able to make music video playlists and preferences inflight through Virgin America's Red(TM) inflight entertainment system."
Virgin America is all about bringing a little fun back to flying and music is a key component of this -- from the soundtrack in our bathrooms to the 3,000 free MP3 tracks featured on our in-seat entertainment system," said Charles Ogilvie, Director of Entertainment and Partnerships at Virgin America. "VH1's incredible catalog of music videos will take this to the next level, by offering our guests a totally unique and fun onboard music and entertainment experience." All music videos are free of charge to every guest on every Virgin America flight."
VH1 connects adult music lovers to the artists they love as well as to acts new to the scene," said Nigel Cox-Hagan, Senior Vice President, Creative Group and Consumer Marketing, VH1. "Partnering with Virgin America to offer our most popular videos and artists on-demand on Red(TM) is an excellent way to extend our music mission and provide fans with the opportunity to check out new artists and to hear and see music even at 35,000 feet."
Virgin America is all about bringing a little fun back to flying and music is a key component of this -- from the soundtrack in our bathrooms to the 3,000 free MP3 tracks featured on our in-seat entertainment system," said Charles Ogilvie, Director of Entertainment and Partnerships at Virgin America. "VH1's incredible catalog of music videos will take this to the next level, by offering our guests a totally unique and fun onboard music and entertainment experience." All music videos are free of charge to every guest on every Virgin America flight."
VH1 connects adult music lovers to the artists they love as well as to acts new to the scene," said Nigel Cox-Hagan, Senior Vice President, Creative Group and Consumer Marketing, VH1. "Partnering with Virgin America to offer our most popular videos and artists on-demand on Red(TM) is an excellent way to extend our music mission and provide fans with the opportunity to check out new artists and to hear and see music even at 35,000 feet."
QUINCY JONES FEATURED ON PBS’ THE HISTORYMAKERS
On Thursday, September 27, 2007, the life and career of music impresario Quincy Jones will be honored during The HistoryMakers' An Evening With Quincy Jones at Jack Morton Auditorium at George Washington University. During the one-on-one interview, PBS journalist Gwen Ifill will guide Jones through a discussion of his life and career. The program will feature live performances by vocalists Lesley Gore ("It's My Party"), Bebe Winans ("Feel Like Heaven With You"), and James Ingram ("Everything Must Change"). Noted musical producer Dallas Austin and ten-time Grammy Award winner Herbie Hancock will serve as musical director and master of ceremonies.
The Honorary Co-Chairs of An Evening With Quincy Jones include Patti Austin, Clarence Avant, the Honorable William Coleman, Jermaine Dupri, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, the Honorable Adrian M. Fenty, the Honorable Harold Ford, Barbara Harrison, the Honorable Alphonso Jackson, Vernon Jordan, Anthony A. Lewis, Colin Powell, Chris Tucker, the Honorable Anthony Williams, and Bebe Winans, among others. The Benefit Chair is Joseph E. Roberts, Jr., Founder and CEO of J.E. Robert Companies. The Event Co-Chair is Patricia Harris, Global Chief Diversity Officer of McDonald's Corporation. McDonald's is the title sponsor; other sponsors include XM Satellite Radio, J.E. Robert Companies, the Coca-Cola Company, FedEx Corporation, Verizon Wireless, Urban Trust Bank, Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, the Washington Post, American Airlines, and others.
Over a span of six decades, Jones has encompassed the roles of composer, producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, executive, magazine founder, and multi-media entrepreneur. He has won twenty-seven Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, N.A.R.A.S.' prestigious Trustees' Award, and The Grammy Living Legend Award. He is also the recipient of the French Ministry of Culture's Distinguished Arts and Letters Award, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music's Polar Music Prize, and the Republic of Italy's Rudolph Valentino Award. Jones has been honored by the United States and the Republic of France as a Kennedy Center Honoree and Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur. In 2001, "Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones" entered the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Wall Street Journal's Best-Seller lists. Jones is currently collaborating with composer Leslie Bricusse on the book and lyrics for a Broadway play based on the life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Interviewer Gwen Ifill is the managing editor of "Washington Week" and senior correspondent for "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer." She has been honored by the National Press Foundation, Ebony Magazine, the Radio Television News Directors Association, and American Women in Radio and Television.
An Evening With... is the hallmark celebrity interview program and fundraising event of The HistoryMakers. Previous celebrity honorees include Harry Belafonte, Dionne Warwick, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, BB King, Della Reese, Russell Simmons, Diahann Carroll, Denyce Graves, Nikki Giovanni, Andrew Young, Colin Powell, and Earl Graves.
The HistoryMakers is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution founded in 1999, committed to preserving, developing, and providing easy access to an internationally recognized archival collection of thousands of African American video oral histories. Designed to promote and celebrate the successes and to document movements, events and organizations that are important to the African American community and to American Society. The HistoryMakers is sharing its interactive website (www.thehistorymakers.com). Plans are underway for the establishment of a unique digital archive that will provide easy access to more than 30,000 hours of content in a format that is searchable by image and text. The purpose of this archive is to educate and to show the breadth and depth of this important American history as told in the first person; to highlight the accomplishments of individual African Americans across a variety of disciplines; to showcase those who have played a role in African American-led movements and/or organizations; and to preserve these video oral histories for years and generations to come, creating a priceless collection and helping to refashion a more inclusive record of American history.
The Honorary Co-Chairs of An Evening With Quincy Jones include Patti Austin, Clarence Avant, the Honorable William Coleman, Jermaine Dupri, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, the Honorable Adrian M. Fenty, the Honorable Harold Ford, Barbara Harrison, the Honorable Alphonso Jackson, Vernon Jordan, Anthony A. Lewis, Colin Powell, Chris Tucker, the Honorable Anthony Williams, and Bebe Winans, among others. The Benefit Chair is Joseph E. Roberts, Jr., Founder and CEO of J.E. Robert Companies. The Event Co-Chair is Patricia Harris, Global Chief Diversity Officer of McDonald's Corporation. McDonald's is the title sponsor; other sponsors include XM Satellite Radio, J.E. Robert Companies, the Coca-Cola Company, FedEx Corporation, Verizon Wireless, Urban Trust Bank, Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, the Washington Post, American Airlines, and others.
Over a span of six decades, Jones has encompassed the roles of composer, producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, executive, magazine founder, and multi-media entrepreneur. He has won twenty-seven Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, N.A.R.A.S.' prestigious Trustees' Award, and The Grammy Living Legend Award. He is also the recipient of the French Ministry of Culture's Distinguished Arts and Letters Award, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music's Polar Music Prize, and the Republic of Italy's Rudolph Valentino Award. Jones has been honored by the United States and the Republic of France as a Kennedy Center Honoree and Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur. In 2001, "Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones" entered the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Wall Street Journal's Best-Seller lists. Jones is currently collaborating with composer Leslie Bricusse on the book and lyrics for a Broadway play based on the life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Interviewer Gwen Ifill is the managing editor of "Washington Week" and senior correspondent for "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer." She has been honored by the National Press Foundation, Ebony Magazine, the Radio Television News Directors Association, and American Women in Radio and Television.
An Evening With... is the hallmark celebrity interview program and fundraising event of The HistoryMakers. Previous celebrity honorees include Harry Belafonte, Dionne Warwick, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, BB King, Della Reese, Russell Simmons, Diahann Carroll, Denyce Graves, Nikki Giovanni, Andrew Young, Colin Powell, and Earl Graves.
The HistoryMakers is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution founded in 1999, committed to preserving, developing, and providing easy access to an internationally recognized archival collection of thousands of African American video oral histories. Designed to promote and celebrate the successes and to document movements, events and organizations that are important to the African American community and to American Society. The HistoryMakers is sharing its interactive website (www.thehistorymakers.com). Plans are underway for the establishment of a unique digital archive that will provide easy access to more than 30,000 hours of content in a format that is searchable by image and text. The purpose of this archive is to educate and to show the breadth and depth of this important American history as told in the first person; to highlight the accomplishments of individual African Americans across a variety of disciplines; to showcase those who have played a role in African American-led movements and/or organizations; and to preserve these video oral histories for years and generations to come, creating a priceless collection and helping to refashion a more inclusive record of American history.
AMAZON.COM LAUNCHES DRM-FREE MP3 MUSIC DOWNLOAD STORE
Amazon.com hasl launched a digital music store later this year offering millions of songs in the DRM-free MP3 format from more than 12,000 record labels. EMI Music's digital catalog is the latest addition to the store. Every song and album in the Amazon.com digital music store will be available exclusively in the MP3 format without digital rights management (DRM) software. Amazon's DRM-free MP3s will free customers to play their music on virtually any of their personal devices -- including PCs, Macs(TM), iPods(TM), Zunes(TM), Zens(TM) -- and to burn songs to CDs for personal use.
"Our MP3-only strategy means all the music that customers buy on Amazon is always DRM-free and plays on any device," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We're excited to have EMI joining us in this effort and look forward to offering our customers MP3s from amazing artists like Coldplay, Norah Jones and Joss Stone."
"Amazon.com is known around the world for the unique experience it offers music customers through features such as customer reviews and personalized recommendations," said Eric Nicoli, EMI CEO. "They have been an important retail partner of ours, and we are delighted they will be offering consumers EMI's new premium DRM-free downloads in their new digital music store. We think having a trusted destination like Amazon.com offer a high-quality digital music product that will play across a number of devices gives consumers more options and will be a significant boost for the overall digital music market."
"Our MP3-only strategy means all the music that customers buy on Amazon is always DRM-free and plays on any device," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We're excited to have EMI joining us in this effort and look forward to offering our customers MP3s from amazing artists like Coldplay, Norah Jones and Joss Stone."
"Amazon.com is known around the world for the unique experience it offers music customers through features such as customer reviews and personalized recommendations," said Eric Nicoli, EMI CEO. "They have been an important retail partner of ours, and we are delighted they will be offering consumers EMI's new premium DRM-free downloads in their new digital music store. We think having a trusted destination like Amazon.com offer a high-quality digital music product that will play across a number of devices gives consumers more options and will be a significant boost for the overall digital music market."
KNIK-FM SMOOTH JAZZ 105.7
KNIK-FM (Smooth 105.7 The Breeze)/Anchorage, AK, adds The Smooth Jazz Network's Ramsey Lewis & Karen Williams to mornings.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
CHRIS BOTTI NEW CD – ITALIA; TOUR DATES
Columbia Records is proud to announce the release of Italia, the soulful and romantic new album from the contemporary jazz virtuoso trumpeter Chris Botti, on Tuesday, September 25. Botti - a gifted instrumentalist, a talented composer, and a charismatic performer -- has earned both critical acclaim and mainstream appreciation for a succession of best-selling albums including the #1 Top Jazz albums When I Fall In Love and To Love Again: The Duets. Italia is the first new studio album from Chris Botti since the release of To Love Again: The Duets in October 2005.
With his new album, Chris Botti, inspired by the sounds and atmosphere of Italy, has created a vibrant and sensual set of performances drawn from sources ranging from classical opera to the soundtracks of Ennio Morricone. Recorded in the United States, England, and Italy, Italia is a brilliant showcase for Botti's musical versatility as performer, composer and collaborator. The album includes the newly-composed title track featuring the passionate vocals of renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli as well as a new interpretation of "The Very Thought of You" with guest vocalist Paula Cole. In another of the album's duets, Botti adds his touch to a vocal performance originally recorded in 1957 by the "forever cool" Dean Martin on "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face," a song first written for "My Fair Lady."
On Italia, Botti re-imagines two beloved compositions -- "Deborah's Theme" (from "Once Upon A Time In America") and "Gabriel's Oboe" (from "The Mission") -- by the venerated Italian composer Ennio Morricone, recent recipient of an Honorary Academy Award(R) "for his magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music."
Among the many treasures of Italia, Chris Botti creates a breathtaking new rendition of "Nessun dorma" ("Let no one sleep") from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot." The song entered popular consciousness in 1990, when it was adopted as the official theme of the Italia '90 World
Cup.
CHRIS BOTTI TOUR DATES
September
27 USA Evansville, IN Victory Theatre
28 USA Harrisburg, PA Sunoco Performance Theatre
29 USA Wabash, IN Honeywell Center
30 USA Cincinnati, OH Music Hall w/ Symphony
October
05 USA Buffalo, NY Kleinhans Music Hall w/ Symphony
06 USA Louisvlle, KY Kentucky Center for the Arts
07 USA Cincinnati, OH Music Hall w/ Symphony
13 USA Wilmington, DE Grand Opera House
14 USA Englewood, NJ Bergen PAC
17 USA Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
18 USA Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
19 USA Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
20 USA Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
21 USA Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
22 USA Annapolis, MD Ram's Head (2 Shows Per Night)
23 USA Annapolis, MD Ram's Head (2 Shows Per Night)
24 USA Annapolis, MD Ram's Head (2 Shows Per Night)
26 USA Concord, NH The Capitol Center for the Arts
27 USA Tarrytown, NY Tarrytown Music Hall
November
02 USA Carmel, CA Sunset Center
03 USA Yountville, CA Lincoln Theater
04 USA Carmel, CA Sunset Center
14 USA Boise, ID Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
15 USA Lancaster, CA Lancaster PAC
16 USA Henderson, NV Green Valley Ranch Showroom
18 USA Palm Desert, CA McCallum Theatre
23 USA Boston, MA Scullers (2 Shows Nightly)
24 USA Boston, MA Scullers (2 Shows Nightly)
25 USA Boston, MA Scullers (2 Shows Nightly)
26 USA Boston, MA Scullers (2 Shows Nightly)
30 Russia Moscow, RU B1 Maximum Club
December
02 Hungary Debrecen, HU Kolcsey Convention Center
08 USA Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theater
10 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
11 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
12 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
13 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
14 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
15 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
16 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
17 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
18 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
19 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
20 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
21 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
22 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
23 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
24 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
25 USA New York, NY The Blue Note (8pm + 10.30pm)
29 USA Effingham, IL Rosebud Theater
31 USA Omaha, NE Omaha PAC (w/Symphony)
January
03 USA Greenville, SC Peace Center
04 USA Melbourne, FL King Center
08 USA Naples, FL Philharmonic Center for the arts
09 USA Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
11 USA Charleston, WV Clay Center for the arts
14 USA Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
15 USA Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
16 USA Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
18 USA St Louis, MO Touhill Performing Arts Centre
19 USA St Louis, MO Touhill Performing Arts Centre
22 USA San Francisco, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
23 USA San Francisco, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
24 USA San Francisco, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
25 USA San Francisco, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
26 USA San Francisco, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
27 USA San Francisco, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
29 USA Oakland, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
30 USA Oakland, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
31 USA Oakland, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
February
01 USA Oakland, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
02 USA Oakland, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
03 USA Oakland, CA Yoshis (2 Shows Nightly)
06 USA Seattle, WA Jazz Alley (2 Shows Nightly)
07 USA Seattle, WA Jazz Alley (2 Shows Nightly)
08 USA Seattle, WA Jazz Alley (2 Shows Nightly)
09 USA Seattle, WA Jazz Alley (2 Shows Nightly)
10 USA Seattle, WA Jazz Alley (2 Shows Nightly)
12 USA Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre
13 USA Greensboro, NC Carolina Theatre
14 USA Tallahassee, FL Ruby Diamond Auditorium
16 USA St. Thomas, VI Reichhold Center for the Arts
17 USA Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward Center / Aurene Theater
March
08 USA Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
14 Mexico Mexico City, MX Venue Teatro de la Ciudad
15 Mexico Mexico City, MX Venue Teatro de la Ciudad
16 Mexico Mexico City, MX Venue Teatro de la Ciudad
20 USA Houston, TX Jones Hall
21 USA Houston, TX Jones Hall
22 USA Houston, TX Jones Hall
April
10 Canada Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
11 Canada Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
12 Canada Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
May
02 USA Eureka, CA Arkley Center for the Performing Arts
03 USA Campbell, CA Heritage Theater
09 USA Dallas, TX Meyerson Symphony Hall
10 USA Dallas, TX Meyerson Symphony Hall
11 USA Dallas, TX Meyerson Symphony Hall
June
19 USA Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
20 USA Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
21 USA Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
22 USA Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
OLIVER MTUKUDZI – TSIMBA ITSOKA
Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi has been a force in world music since first gaining attention in his native Zimbabwe in the late ‘70’s, and the body of work he’s compiled since is a living tribute to his excellence. Tsimba Itsoka is beautiful music, alive with sublety, eminently listenable and beeming with social commentary, according to Billboard).
JIM BRICKMAN’S HOLIDAY CD – HOMECOMING
The joy of the holidays goes hand in hand with the evocative musical output that has long defined pianist, composer and producer Jim Brickman; and the much-lauded musician has done it again with his new recording for this holiday season. "HOMECOMING" will be available in stores this week in both a deluxe CD set featuring a bonus DVD and single CD set. Brickman, who was recently crowned as the #1 Charting Artist at the Adult Contemporary radio format, has created a multi-format musical confection collaborating with a diverse roster of guest performers such as Lonestar's Richie McDonald who is featured on the single "Coming Home For Christmas," the late Gerald Levert with his last vocal performance on "My Angel" and jazz great Peter White and his distinctive guitar talents are showcased on "Joy." In addition, both Brickman and McDonald will embark on a holiday tour beginning in November. "HOMECOMING" will be released September 25th on SLG Records (a unit of the Savoy Label Group).
"HOMECOMING," his 16th CD overall, differs from previous seasonal albums in that it has a more spiritual tone. The first single captures that feeling thanks to the contribution of Richie McDonald whose warm vocal brings a poignant emotion to "Coming Home For Christmas" (his collaboration with Brickman is his first project post-Lonestar). Brickman, McDonald and Victoria Shaw all collaborated as songwriters on "Coming Home For Christmas." The result is a gorgeous love letter of a song that captures the sentiment of being away from home and those you care about and anticipating a heartfelt reunion. Just as Brickman's past collaborations with vocal stars such as Martina McBride (on the smash hit "Valentine") have resulted in incomparable chart success, "Coming Home For Christmas" looks to be the song of the season for Jim and Richie.
In addition, both Brickman and McDonald will embark on a holiday tour beginning in November. Also, "Coming Home For Christmas" will be featured on NBC TV special "Capital One's Holiday Celebration On Ice" airing nationally on December 25. Olympic skater Yuka Sato will skate to the song.
"HOMECOMING," his 16th CD overall, differs from previous seasonal albums in that it has a more spiritual tone. The first single captures that feeling thanks to the contribution of Richie McDonald whose warm vocal brings a poignant emotion to "Coming Home For Christmas" (his collaboration with Brickman is his first project post-Lonestar). Brickman, McDonald and Victoria Shaw all collaborated as songwriters on "Coming Home For Christmas." The result is a gorgeous love letter of a song that captures the sentiment of being away from home and those you care about and anticipating a heartfelt reunion. Just as Brickman's past collaborations with vocal stars such as Martina McBride (on the smash hit "Valentine") have resulted in incomparable chart success, "Coming Home For Christmas" looks to be the song of the season for Jim and Richie.
In addition, both Brickman and McDonald will embark on a holiday tour beginning in November. Also, "Coming Home For Christmas" will be featured on NBC TV special "Capital One's Holiday Celebration On Ice" airing nationally on December 25. Olympic skater Yuka Sato will skate to the song.
GERARDO FRISINA - NOTEBOOK
Gerardo Frisina returns with a CD chock-full of remixes and rare tracks. This set presents a few previously unreleased tracks, it also offers up some of Gerardo's great remix work for other artists in recent years! Frisina combines a classic Latin vibe -- mixing acoustic percussion, driving rhythms, and jazz-based instrumentation together with incredible sharpness and energy -- a no-nonsense approach to a groove that shows that's almost a distillation of the best older elements. This approach is heard wonderfully on Gerardo's own tracks "Tokyo's Dream (07 version)", "Alborado", "Es Diferente", "Calle De Candela (vibes version)", and "Zanja" -- but it also comes through on remix tracks that include "Swing Low Sweet Cadillac (G Call remix)" by Dizzy Gillespie, "Dis-ka-ndombe" by Jorge Graf, "Black Forrest Stomp" by Hipnosis, "Windly Coast" by Idea 6, "Guarapiranga" by Toco, "Stardust From Tomorrow (dissociated mood version)" by Sun Ra, and "Ghetto Stomp" by Combo Moderna.
MINDI ABAIR NEWS UPDATE
Mindi Abair had just signed with Concord/Peak Records. She's currently in the studio writing and recording for her 4th CD tentatively titled "Stars" to be released on Concord/Peak Records label in April 2008. In the meantime, Mindi new Christmas CD, along with Peter White and Rick Braun is now available. It’s called “Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair and Rick Braun. It's a representation of the Christmas show that all 3 artists have been touring the country performing for the past 5 years. It includes Mindi's original Christmas song "I Can't Wait for Christmas" as well as a brand new original song titled "The Best Part of Christmas". It also features Mindi and Peter White's version of the Joni Mitchell classic "River".
She’s also busy wither her nationally syndicated “Chill With Mindi Abair” show. She’s usually on late night and the show features cutting edge artists and great new music from the worlds of jazz, soul, world music, electronica, etc. She’s getting rave reviews since taking over for Chris Botti in April.
Mindi Abiar Tour Dates
Oct. 7 – Avalon, CA @ Catalina Jazz Festival
Oct. 9 – Clearwater, FL @ Falvor of Jazz Two Ruth Eckered Hall
Oct. 11 – Avalon, CA @ Catalina Jazz Festival
Oct. 27 – Orlando, FL @ Bob James Tribute Concert
Nov. 10 – Miami , FL @ Deering Estate – Jazz Attack w/Rick Braun, Peter White & Mindi Abair
Nov. 13 – Tokyo, Japan, The Cotton Club – with Peter White
Nov. 14 - Tokyo, Japan, The Cotton Club – with Peter White
Nov. 15 – Tokyo, Japan, The Cotton Club – with Peter White
Nov. 16 – Tokyo, Japan, The Cotton Club – with Peter White
A Peter White Christmas 2007 Tour Featuring Mindi Abair & Rick Braun
11/24/07 Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach, CA
11/25/07 Santa Rosa, CA
11/27/07 Ramshead, Annapolis, MD
11/28/07 Allen Theater, Cleveland, OH
11/29/07 Sunoco Performance Theatre, Harrisburg, PA
11/30/07 IMAC , Huntington Station NY
12/1/07 Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
12/2/07 Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
12/3/07 The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
12/4/07 The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
12/5/07 Keswick Theater, Glenside PA
12/6/07 Music Mill, Indianapolis IN
12/7/07 Ferst Center for the Arts, Atlanta, GA
12/9/07 The Mattie Kelly Arts Centre, Destin, FL
12/11/07 Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater FL
12/12/07 The Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL
12/13/07 Lyric Theatre, Stuart, FL
12/15/07 The Palladium, Dallas TX
12/16/07 Verizon Theater, Houston TX
12/18/07 One World Theatre, Austin, TX
12/20/07 Radisson Hotel Ballroom, Sacramento, CA
12/21/07 Tower Theatre, Fresno, CA
12/22/07 Spreckles, San Diego CA
RAIL MIDON - A WORLD WITHIN A WORLD
New Mexico-born, New York-based writer/vocalist/guitarist Raul Midón brings a vibrant sound steeped in classic soul to the pop arena. Midón burst onto the scene in 2005 with his audaciously original debut album State of Mind, which included the summery single "Sunshine." While you can hear traces of Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and Jose Feliciano in his music, Midón is an extraordinary original whose passion is expressed in his indelible songs. "I like to celebrate the possible, the highest, the best of possibilities for human beings," says Midón, who has been blind since birth. The son of an African American mother and an Argentinean father, he continues, "It's easy to be pessimistic given the state of the world. But I'm inspired by people like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi who had the ability to transform. Collectively we create an enormously powerful force that can change the world and overcome any obstacle."
This is not your average pop record - not by a long shot. With A World Within a World, Midón has fashioned an album that is at once audacious and accessible. The opening "Pick Somebody Up," which could serve as Midón's credo, embeds a theme of uplifting social consciousness in an insinuating groove with a lush, uptown soulfulness. "Save My Life" updates the silky '70s soul of the Stylistics and Delfonics, infusing it with the deep funk of the same period courtesy of Midón's wah-wah electric guitar part. Midón focuses on another era altogether in "All The Answers" as he celebrates the ease of access to a vast universe of information thanks to the Internet. This is that rare sort of pop album that could actually make a difference, and as such, it stands right alongside the pivotal works of the artists who inspired it.
HERBIE HANCOCK – RIVER: THE JONI LETTERS
Herbie Hancock’s “River: The Joni Letters” is similar in vein to his pop-meets-jazz "Possibilities," released back in 2005. Hancock again invites an array of vocal guests to contribute to his homage to Joni Mitchell. Standouts include Norah Jones on "Court and Spark" and Corinne Bailey Rae with "River" both score. However; it Mitchell herself who steals the show with an emotive read of her "Tea Leaf Prophecy." Others contributors are Leonard Cohen with "The Jungle Line" , along with four instrumentals starring saxophonist Wayne Shorter.
CHAKA KHAN – FUNK THIS
Celebrating over three decades of milestones, CHAKA KHAN's first new studio album of new material in over 10 years, FUNK THIS, is available in stores and online today. FUNK THIS produced by the Grammy Award winners Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis embodies the funky soul of her musical roots with Rufus and her signature passionately-honest vocal styles that make Chaka Khan timeless. The thoughtful work ranges from original copyrights, collaborations with superstar artists, to adding her signature stamp on important contemporary classics.
The collection includes fresh renditions of Prince's "Sign 'O' the Times"; a duet with Michael McDonald on "You Belong To Me," a song he co-wrote with Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell's "Ladies' Man," Jimi Hendrix's "Castle Made Of Sand," the soul classic "Foolish Fool" and Rufus medley of "Pack'd My Bags," and "You Got The Love."
FUNK THIS original's include "Disrespectful," the tour-de-force duet with powerhouse Mary J. Blige, a poignant poetic ballad, urban radio hit "Angel," the acoustic "One For All Time" penned by Chaka and Terry Lewis, the deeply beautiful and soulful "Will You Love Me?" and self affirming
"Super Life" among others.
"The album may remind people of my early Rufus albums because I'm in a similar 'soul space.' I've been on a little journey in the last few years, finding Yvette again." (Referring to her birth name) "I went through a period of being insecure. I'm walking a different path now. I've changed. This album is different from any other album I've recorded because it reflects what I'm about, who I am now. The album is called, 'Funk This!' because it's funky!" The thoughtful work ranges from original copyrights, collaborations with superstar artists, to adding her signature stamp on important contemporary classics.
The first single "Angel" just entered the Top 10 on the Billboard Urban AC radio chart making this her first top 10 R&B radio hit in over 10 years. Beginning on September 30th Chaka will embark on a 20 date tour to promote her new album.
Track Listing:
1. Back In The Day
2. Foolish Fool
3. One For All Time
4. Angel
5. Will You Love Me?
6. Castles Made Of Sand
7. Disrespectful (Featuring Mary J. Blige)
8. Sign 'O' The Times
9. Pack'd My Bags/You Got The Love (Featuring Tony Maiden)
10. Ladies' Man
11. You Belong To Me (Featuring Michael McDonald)
12. Hail To The Wrong
13. Super Life
Chaka Khan Tour Dates Include - more to come:
September 30 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheatre
October 6 - Mobile, AL @ Bayfest
October 12 - Atlantic City @ Borgata
October 14 - Westbury, NY @ North Fork Theatre
November 1 - Tucson, AZ @ Fox Tucson
November 2 - Phoenix, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre
November 10 - Merrillville, IN @ Star Plaza Theatre
November 11 - Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre
November 30 - Cayman Islands @ Cayman Music Festival
Tune in to see Chaka Khan perform the hit single "Angel" on The Today Show (9/26), Letterman (9/26), Martha Stewart Show (9/28), Jimmy Kimmel (10/4).
Eight-time Grammy Award winner singer, songwriter and community advocate - Chaka Khan has been active in lending her support to the community for many years. The Chaka Khan Foundation, founded in 1999, raised over $1.4 million through its funding raising efforts last year alone. The Foundation assists women and children at risk and benefits Autism research, awareness and therapy. For more information, please go to chakakhanfoundation.org.
EARTHA KITT & QUEEN LATIFAH & THE ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced today all tickets are officially on sale for the 2007/2008 SuperPops and Specials season. The Grammy-winning orchestra's fall SuperPops and Specials line-up includes:
Eartha Kitt
80th Birthday Celebration with the ASO
Friday, October 19 -- 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 20 -- 8 p.m.
Eartha Kitt , presented by Delta Air Lines, will perform for two nights The definitive Catwoman on the original "Batman" television series, Kitt has been performing and purrrforming for decades and is still as sexy and sultry as she was when Orson Wells named her "the most exciting woman in the world." The Tony, Emmy and Grammy award nominee celebrates her 80th birthday this year with a red-hot siren show.
Queen Latifah
Friday, November 2 -- 8 p.m.
As she embarks on a tour in honor of her latest highly anticipated release, Trav'lin' Light (in stores today), the ASO is proud to present Grammy award winning performer Queen Latifah at Symphony Hall. With only six shows set in the entire southeast, don't miss the chance to see the celebrated singer and actress perform a smoldering set of soul and jazz standards in the intimate venue.
Joanna Newsom with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, November 17 -- 8 p.m.
Joanna Newsom's 6-date orchestral tour is stopping in Atlanta – a treat for anyone who has ever heard the music of the classically trained harpist, pianist, harpsichordist and singer-songwriter. As one of today's fastest growing young artists and indie-experimentalist favorite, Newsom combines her unique voice and harp, for a sound that blends Appalachian folk, modernism and African rhythms into an original style that has a spellbinding effect. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will join Newsom on stage for this special performance.
Eartha Kitt
80th Birthday Celebration with the ASO
Friday, October 19 -- 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 20 -- 8 p.m.
Eartha Kitt , presented by Delta Air Lines, will perform for two nights The definitive Catwoman on the original "Batman" television series, Kitt has been performing and purrrforming for decades and is still as sexy and sultry as she was when Orson Wells named her "the most exciting woman in the world." The Tony, Emmy and Grammy award nominee celebrates her 80th birthday this year with a red-hot siren show.
Queen Latifah
Friday, November 2 -- 8 p.m.
As she embarks on a tour in honor of her latest highly anticipated release, Trav'lin' Light (in stores today), the ASO is proud to present Grammy award winning performer Queen Latifah at Symphony Hall. With only six shows set in the entire southeast, don't miss the chance to see the celebrated singer and actress perform a smoldering set of soul and jazz standards in the intimate venue.
Joanna Newsom with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, November 17 -- 8 p.m.
Joanna Newsom's 6-date orchestral tour is stopping in Atlanta – a treat for anyone who has ever heard the music of the classically trained harpist, pianist, harpsichordist and singer-songwriter. As one of today's fastest growing young artists and indie-experimentalist favorite, Newsom combines her unique voice and harp, for a sound that blends Appalachian folk, modernism and African rhythms into an original style that has a spellbinding effect. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will join Newsom on stage for this special performance.
XM SATELLITE’S ORIGINAL JAZZ SERIES DEBUTS SEPTEMBER 28
XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 8.2 million subscribers, announced today that it will expand jazz music programming with two new shows set to premiere this October. "Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola" and "Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center" will feature live performances from a who's who of jazz musicians recorded direct from Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) and XM's New York broadcast studios. In advance of these new shows, JALC Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis will kick off a new season of his critically-acclaimed original XM series "In the Swing Seat with Wynton Marsalis" on September 28.
"Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola" will provide listeners with VIP access to concerts recorded live from the famed New York jazz club Dizzy's Club Coca- Cola, located in Frederick P. Rose Hall. Artistic Manager of Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Todd Barkan, will serve as host for this weekly series, broadcasting a variety of musical performances from the club Tony Bennett called "the best jazz room in this city."
The premiere episode of "Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola" will debut Friday, October 19 at 8 pm ET on XM's traditional jazz channel, "Real Jazz" (XM 70), featuring a performance by jazz pianist Cedar Walton. Future episodes will include performances from Trio Da Paz, Tom Harrell and Charles McPherson and Eric Alexander, among others. "Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center" also will make its XM debut in October. The weekly series takes listeners into the "House of Swing" with Wynton Marsalis leading the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), now in its 21st concert season.
"Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center" will premiere Saturday, October 20 at 8 pm ET on XM 70, kicking off the "Benny Carter Centennial," on what would have been his 100th birthday, as the JLCO performs music and arrangements by the legendary trumpeter/saxophonist. Future performances of the 2007-2008 Jazz at Lincoln Center season on XM will feature Monty Alexander, Dave Brubeck, Paquito D'Rivera, The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir with Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III; Freddy Cole, Carla Cook, Chano Dominguez, Kurt Elling, Frank Foster, Wycliffe Gordon, Scott Hamilton, Allan Harris, Edwin Hawkins, Ivan Lins, Russell Malone, Branford Marsalis, Mulgrew Miller, Lewis Nash, Rosa Passos, Eric Reed, Marcus Roberts, Marlena Shaw and many more.
To kick off the new slate of jazz programming on XM, Wynton Marsalis, America's jazz ambassador, returns with new episodes of his exclusive XM series, "In the Swing Seat with Wynton Marsalis." The hour-long, monthly series takes listeners on a journey through the world of jazz while exploring the genius of artists like John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. Marsalis provides instruction on how to identify artists by their playing styles, discusses the connection between jazz and other art forms, and welcomes other jazz artists who stop by the studio to play and discuss their music.
"In the Swing Seat with Wynton Marsalis" premieres Friday, September 28 at 2 p.m. ET on XM 70. In addition, the season premiere episode will also be available all day Friday on XM's new original series channel, XMX (XM 2).
"Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola" will provide listeners with VIP access to concerts recorded live from the famed New York jazz club Dizzy's Club Coca- Cola, located in Frederick P. Rose Hall. Artistic Manager of Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Todd Barkan, will serve as host for this weekly series, broadcasting a variety of musical performances from the club Tony Bennett called "the best jazz room in this city."
The premiere episode of "Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola" will debut Friday, October 19 at 8 pm ET on XM's traditional jazz channel, "Real Jazz" (XM 70), featuring a performance by jazz pianist Cedar Walton. Future episodes will include performances from Trio Da Paz, Tom Harrell and Charles McPherson and Eric Alexander, among others. "Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center" also will make its XM debut in October. The weekly series takes listeners into the "House of Swing" with Wynton Marsalis leading the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), now in its 21st concert season.
"Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center" will premiere Saturday, October 20 at 8 pm ET on XM 70, kicking off the "Benny Carter Centennial," on what would have been his 100th birthday, as the JLCO performs music and arrangements by the legendary trumpeter/saxophonist. Future performances of the 2007-2008 Jazz at Lincoln Center season on XM will feature Monty Alexander, Dave Brubeck, Paquito D'Rivera, The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir with Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III; Freddy Cole, Carla Cook, Chano Dominguez, Kurt Elling, Frank Foster, Wycliffe Gordon, Scott Hamilton, Allan Harris, Edwin Hawkins, Ivan Lins, Russell Malone, Branford Marsalis, Mulgrew Miller, Lewis Nash, Rosa Passos, Eric Reed, Marcus Roberts, Marlena Shaw and many more.
To kick off the new slate of jazz programming on XM, Wynton Marsalis, America's jazz ambassador, returns with new episodes of his exclusive XM series, "In the Swing Seat with Wynton Marsalis." The hour-long, monthly series takes listeners on a journey through the world of jazz while exploring the genius of artists like John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. Marsalis provides instruction on how to identify artists by their playing styles, discusses the connection between jazz and other art forms, and welcomes other jazz artists who stop by the studio to play and discuss their music.
"In the Swing Seat with Wynton Marsalis" premieres Friday, September 28 at 2 p.m. ET on XM 70. In addition, the season premiere episode will also be available all day Friday on XM's new original series channel, XMX (XM 2).
NEW YORK TRI-STATE CONCERTS EVENT LISTINGS
Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola & Jean-Luc Ponty @ Bergen PAC; Sept. 28
Johnny Mathis @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 4
Aretha Franklin @ Count Basie Theatre; Oct. 11
Aretha Franklin @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 13
Patti LaBelle @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 13
Liza Minnelli @ Tilles Center for the Performing Arts; Oct. 13
Chris Botti @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 14
Pat Metheny Trio w/Christian McBride @ Antonio Sanchez @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 23
Dionne Warwick @ B.B. King’s Bar & Grill; Oct. 24
Paquito D’Rivera @ NJPAC; Oct. 27
A Peter White Christmas featuring Peter White, Mindi Abair & Rick Braun @ IMAC Theater; Nov. 30
CeCe Winans @ NJPAC; Dec. 13
Johnny Mathis @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 4
Aretha Franklin @ Count Basie Theatre; Oct. 11
Aretha Franklin @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 13
Patti LaBelle @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 13
Liza Minnelli @ Tilles Center for the Performing Arts; Oct. 13
Chris Botti @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 14
Pat Metheny Trio w/Christian McBride @ Antonio Sanchez @ Bergen PAC; Oct. 23
Dionne Warwick @ B.B. King’s Bar & Grill; Oct. 24
Paquito D’Rivera @ NJPAC; Oct. 27
A Peter White Christmas featuring Peter White, Mindi Abair & Rick Braun @ IMAC Theater; Nov. 30
CeCe Winans @ NJPAC; Dec. 13
Sunday, September 23, 2007
GREATEST HITS COMPILATIONS OUT OCT. 23
Gerald Albirhgt – The Very Best of Gerald Albright (Atlantic)
Grover Washington, Jr. – Anthology of Grover Washington, Jr. (Elektra)
Mikki Howard – The Very Best of Mikki Howard (Atlantic)
Patrice Rushen – Haven’t You Heard: The Very Best of Patrice Rushen (Elektra)
Take 6 – Greatest Hits (Rhino)
Grover Washington, Jr. – Anthology of Grover Washington, Jr. (Elektra)
Mikki Howard – The Very Best of Mikki Howard (Atlantic)
Patrice Rushen – Haven’t You Heard: The Very Best of Patrice Rushen (Elektra)
Take 6 – Greatest Hits (Rhino)
SANTANA – ULTIMATE SANTANA DUE OCT. 6
Jennifer Lopez and Baby Bash have just laid down their vocals for a smoking new track entitled "This Boy's Fire," on ULTIMATE SANTANA, in stores October 16th on Arista Records. Written by Steve Morales, Sean Garrett and Baby Bash and produced by Steve Morales, Sean Garrett, Cory Rooney and Dr. Luke, the track adds a hot new flavor to this collection which features milestone tracks from Santana's hitmaking years on Columbia Records alongside the groundbreaking collaborations that highlighted three consecutive blockbuster Arista albums: Supernatural (1999), Shaman (2002), and All That I Am (2005).
ULTIMATE SANTANA, a career-spanning celebration of an artist and music, is highlighted by three previously - unreleased separate collaborations with Chad Kroeger, Tina Turner, and now Jennifer Lopez with Baby Bash. The first single and previously unreleased track "Into The Night" featuring Chad Kroeger was #1 Most added at the Hot AC radio format and Most Added at Top 40 radio first week out. The video, directed by Jessy Terrero and starring actors Freddy Rodriguez and Dania Ramirez, premiered last week on AOL.
ULTIMATE SANTANA track listing:
"Into The Night" (featuring Chad Kroeger) - previously unreleased
"This Boy's Fire" (feat. Jennifer Lopez and Baby Bash) – previously unreleased
"Smooth" (w/Rob Thomas) - from Supernatural (released June 15, 1999)
"Maria Maria" (w/Product G&B) - from Supernatural (released June 15, 1999)
"Oye Como Va" - from Abraxas (released Sept. 1970)
"Black Magic Woman" - from Abraxas (released Sept. 1970)
"Evil Ways" - from Santana (released Aug. 19, 1969)
"Corazon Espinado" (w/Mana) - from Supernatural (released June 15, 1999)
"Europa" - from album Amigos (released March 1976)
"The Game of Love" (w/Tina Turner) - previously unreleased
"Put Your Lights On" (w/Everlast) - from Supernatural (released June 15,
1999)
"Why Don't You and I" (w/Chad Kroeger) - from Shaman (released Oct. 22,
2002)
"Everybody's Everything" - from Santana III (released Sept. 1971)
"Just Feel Better" (w/Steven Tyler) - from All That I Am (released Nov. 1,
2005)
"SambaPaTi" - from Abraxas (released Sept. 1970)
"No One To Depend On" - from Santana III (released Sept. 1971)
"The Game of Love" (w/Michelle Branch) - from Shaman (released Oct. 22,
2002)
"Interplanetary Party" - previously unreleased
ULTIMATE SANTANA, a career-spanning celebration of an artist and music, is highlighted by three previously - unreleased separate collaborations with Chad Kroeger, Tina Turner, and now Jennifer Lopez with Baby Bash. The first single and previously unreleased track "Into The Night" featuring Chad Kroeger was #1 Most added at the Hot AC radio format and Most Added at Top 40 radio first week out. The video, directed by Jessy Terrero and starring actors Freddy Rodriguez and Dania Ramirez, premiered last week on AOL.
ULTIMATE SANTANA track listing:
"Into The Night" (featuring Chad Kroeger) - previously unreleased
"This Boy's Fire" (feat. Jennifer Lopez and Baby Bash) – previously unreleased
"Smooth" (w/Rob Thomas) - from Supernatural (released June 15, 1999)
"Maria Maria" (w/Product G&B) - from Supernatural (released June 15, 1999)
"Oye Como Va" - from Abraxas (released Sept. 1970)
"Black Magic Woman" - from Abraxas (released Sept. 1970)
"Evil Ways" - from Santana (released Aug. 19, 1969)
"Corazon Espinado" (w/Mana) - from Supernatural (released June 15, 1999)
"Europa" - from album Amigos (released March 1976)
"The Game of Love" (w/Tina Turner) - previously unreleased
"Put Your Lights On" (w/Everlast) - from Supernatural (released June 15,
1999)
"Why Don't You and I" (w/Chad Kroeger) - from Shaman (released Oct. 22,
2002)
"Everybody's Everything" - from Santana III (released Sept. 1971)
"Just Feel Better" (w/Steven Tyler) - from All That I Am (released Nov. 1,
2005)
"SambaPaTi" - from Abraxas (released Sept. 1970)
"No One To Depend On" - from Santana III (released Sept. 1971)
"The Game of Love" (w/Michelle Branch) - from Shaman (released Oct. 22,
2002)
"Interplanetary Party" - previously unreleased
ALICIA KEYS – I AM
Alicia Keys latest song, “No One” is currently climbing the charts and her new album, I Am, is set for release on November 13 on the J Records label. "No One," was written and produced by Keys, longtime collaborator Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, and Dirty Harry. The video for the single, which was shot in Los Angeles, will premiere September 17th on video outlets. On I Am, Keys collaborated with a new group of songwriters, including Linda Perry, John Mayer, Harold Lilly, Sean Garrett and producers Mark Batson, Dirty Harry, Swizz Beatz and Jack Splash. Keys is the first female R&B artist to have three consecutive Number One debuts on the Billboard 200 album chart in as many releases. She debuted in 2001 with Songs In A Minor, which has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, according to her label. She followed up with 2004's The Diary of Alicia Keys, which was certified seven-times platinum, and 2005's double-platinum live Unplugged set.
WILL DOWNING – AFTER TONIGHT
Smooth jazz singer Will Downing has a new CD, entitled After Tonight, due out on October 30th via Peak Records It’s his first for Peak Records and also his first since being diagnosed with polymyocitis. It’s a follow-up to his back-to-back smash CDs, 2003's Emotions and 2005's Soul Symphony. Downing also released his first holiday set, Christmas, Love, And You, in 2004.
STANLEY JORDAN SIGNS WITH PEAK RECORDS
Guitarist Stanley Jordan has signed with Mack Avenue Records. His latest CD was recorded at producer Narada Michael Walden's Tarpan Studios in San Rafael, California, and is scheduled for release on February 12th, 2008. The new set will also feature bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer David Haynes.
NORAH JONES BUSIER THAN EVER
Norah Jones has been lined up for a flurry of activity these past few months. Jones does a version of the song "My Blue Heaven" on the September 25th release of Goin' Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino. She'll also be heard Herbie Hancock's new album, River: The Joni Letters, which features songs written by Joni Mitchell. That on is out on September 25th. Jones also contributes a song called "American Anthem" to director Ken Burns' new series on World War II, scheduled to premiere on PBS on September 23. Then on October 6 she’ll perform on the season premiere of Austin City Limits on PBS. She also acts in and contributes music to the film My Blueberry Nights, which stars Jude Law, Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman. The song, titled "The Story," will be included on the film's soundtrack.
RAY PARKER JR – LICENSE TO FUNK
Ray Parker Jr. is featured on License To Funk, the new album by Swedish trombonist Nils Landgren and his Funk Unit band. Due October 9th on the ACT Music label, the set explores the funk genre with some great covers of material by Fred Wesley and the Crusaders. Parker released his solo project, I'm Free, last summer. The CD featured the smooth jazz single "Mismaloya Beach."
Thursday, September 20, 2007
iTUNES TAGGING FOR HD RADIO BROADCASTING ANNOUNCED
Responding to the desire of millions of people who discover music via their favorite local radio broadcasts, Apple, iBiquity Digital, and major radio broadcasting groups unveiled today the result of an industry-wide initiative to create a new, free service called "iTunes Tagging." iTunes Tagging is designed to make music discovery, purchase and listening even more fun and simple for all. iTunes Tagging enables consumers using HD Radio receivers that have been equipped with a special Tag button, to "tag" songs that they hear on the FM dial for subsequent purchase via iTunes.
"iTunes tagging takes music discovery on the radio to the next level," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPod Product Marketing. "When a song plays on your HD Radio that you like, a simple push of a button will tag it and later give you the chance to preview, purchase, and enjoy it with iTunes and your iPod." Bob Struble, CEO of iBiquity Digital, the developer of HD Radio technology, said, "Research consistently shows that radio is the predominant source of music discovery. Now, with iTunes Tagging, HD Radio technology provides a cool new way to capture the songs listeners discover, buy them on iTunes and then enjoy them. We are especially pleased that so many broadcasters came together so quickly for the initial launch." Several major broadcasters will implement iTunes Tagging, initially across hundreds of stations. Additional stations and broadcast groups are expected to join soon, with a formal announcement of participating groups planned for later this year at the NAB Radio convention, September 26 - 28.
Struble continued, "We are delighted that JBL and Polk will have the first available products that enable iTunes Tagging. The new Polk I-Sonic(R) Entertainment System 2 and the JBL iHD will both include the Tag button. These products will go on sale during the holiday shopping season and we anticipate several additional products that include the Tag button for both the home and the car to follow in early 2008."
Peter Ferrara, CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance, the coalition of radio broadcasters formed to promote HD Radio technology commented on the broadcasters' promotional plan for iTunes Tagging, saying, "The HD Digital Radio Alliance is tremendously excited about this great new HD Radio feature and will broadly promote iTunes Tagging. We plan a multi-million dollar advertising campaign focusing on the JBL and Polk products, as well as participating retailers."
Mark Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. commented, "Clear Channel Radio remains committed to being the leader in HD Digital Radio content on both primary and multicast channels, and our embrace of iTunes Tagging is just the latest step in that leadership. We believe that HD Digital Radio innovations such as this will continue to open up additional and new services for consumers and revenue opportunities for broadcasters."
"iTunes tagging takes music discovery on the radio to the next level," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPod Product Marketing. "When a song plays on your HD Radio that you like, a simple push of a button will tag it and later give you the chance to preview, purchase, and enjoy it with iTunes and your iPod." Bob Struble, CEO of iBiquity Digital, the developer of HD Radio technology, said, "Research consistently shows that radio is the predominant source of music discovery. Now, with iTunes Tagging, HD Radio technology provides a cool new way to capture the songs listeners discover, buy them on iTunes and then enjoy them. We are especially pleased that so many broadcasters came together so quickly for the initial launch." Several major broadcasters will implement iTunes Tagging, initially across hundreds of stations. Additional stations and broadcast groups are expected to join soon, with a formal announcement of participating groups planned for later this year at the NAB Radio convention, September 26 - 28.
Struble continued, "We are delighted that JBL and Polk will have the first available products that enable iTunes Tagging. The new Polk I-Sonic(R) Entertainment System 2 and the JBL iHD will both include the Tag button. These products will go on sale during the holiday shopping season and we anticipate several additional products that include the Tag button for both the home and the car to follow in early 2008."
Peter Ferrara, CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance, the coalition of radio broadcasters formed to promote HD Radio technology commented on the broadcasters' promotional plan for iTunes Tagging, saying, "The HD Digital Radio Alliance is tremendously excited about this great new HD Radio feature and will broadly promote iTunes Tagging. We plan a multi-million dollar advertising campaign focusing on the JBL and Polk products, as well as participating retailers."
Mark Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. commented, "Clear Channel Radio remains committed to being the leader in HD Digital Radio content on both primary and multicast channels, and our embrace of iTunes Tagging is just the latest step in that leadership. We believe that HD Digital Radio innovations such as this will continue to open up additional and new services for consumers and revenue opportunities for broadcasters."
ANNIE LENNOX – SONGS OF MASS DESTRUCTION & TOUR DATES
Iconic artist Annie Lennox will begin a North American headlining tour on October 8th in San Diego, California in support of her new album, Songs Of Mass Destruction, set for release October 2nd on Arista Records. The tour, 'Annie Lennox Sings' will continue through November 11th with only fifteen intimate performances in as many cities. Performing in smaller venues, this tour, the 3rd of her solo career, will give fans the opportunity to enjoy her new material and beloved classics in a special and extraordinarily rare environment. Annie's exquisite voice and mesmerizing stage presence will be illuminated in this once in a lifetime concert experience.
In the fifteen years since the release of her debut solo album, Diva, in 1992, Annie Lennox has built the most successful career of any British female artist in pop music history. She has sold over 78 million records worldwide, scored numerous Top Ten hits around the world, and earned four Grammy Awards. Annie co-wrote and performed "Into the West," from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2004.
Annie Lennox's appearance with Sting on 2004's 'The Sacred Love Tour' drew packed houses and rave reviews all across North America. The Seattle Post Intelligencer declared, "Lennox's voice was spectacular," and the Chicago Tribune called her "one of the great blue-eyed soul singers."
Here is Annie Lennox's current itinerary, with additional dates and details to follow:
October
8 San Diego CA Civic Theatre
10 San Francisco CA Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium
11 Los Angeles CA Wilshire Theater
14 Dallas TX McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
16 Boulder CO Macky Auditorium
18 Minneapolis MN State Theater
19 Chicago IL Cadillac Palace
22 Detroit MI Music Hall
23 Toronto ONT Massey Hall
25 Washington DC Lisner Auditorium
28 Nashville TN The Ryman
29 Atlanta GA Cobb Energy PAC
31 Miami FL Carnival Center
November
3 New York NY United Palace
6 UNICEF Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street [series subscribers only]
10 Philadelphia PA Merriam Theater
11 Boston MA Symphony Hall
ARETHA FRANKLIN – JEWELS IN THE CROWN: ALL-STAR DUETS WITH THE QUEEN
Arista recording artist Aretha Franklin, the incomparable Queen Of Soul and 17-time Grammy winner, adds another jewel to her crown with the release of a must have collection of show- stopping duets from her new album, JEWELS IN THE CROWN: ALL-STAR DUETS WITH THE QUEEN. Franklin, a Grammy Living Legend, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will release this stellar collection on November 13, 2007.
Franklin duets with a combination of music icons and some of the hottest voices in music today including Whitney Houston ("It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be"), John Legend ("What Y'All Came To Do"), Luther Vandross ("Doctor's Orders"), Annie Lennox ("Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves"), Keith Richards ("Jumping Jack Flash"), Elton John ("Through The Storm"), Frank Sinatra ("What Now My Love"), George Michael ("I Knew You Were Waiting"), Michael McDonald ("Ever Changing Times"), George Benson ("Love All The Hurt Away"), and good friend Mary J. Blige ("Don't Waste My Time"). Aretha and Mary J. also join on a second tune, "Never Gonna Break My Faith" (with the Harlem Boys Choir). Rounding out the collection are two thrilling performances, both tributes to Aretha on her classics, "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)" with Bonnie Raitt and Gloria Estefan; and "Chain Of Fools" with Mariah Carey.
"Put You Up On Game" with Fantasia, is the lead single from JEWELS IN THE CROWN: ALL-STAR DUETS WITH THE QUEEN, impacting radio on October 1st. The album concludes on a historic note with Franklin's performance of "Nessum Dorma," the heroic aria from Act III of Puccini's final opera Turandot, with an all-star orchestra. Aretha originally agreed to step in at the last minute and perform the aria in place of ailing tenor Luciano Pavarotti at the Grammy awards world wide telecast in February 1998. With just eight minutes of preparation backstage, she sang it with the 72-piece orchestra in Pavarotti's key (three steps lower than her own) and stole the show.
Franklin, a true music legend, was signed in 1980 by Clive Davis, Arista founder and Chairman & CEO, BMG Label Group
DAVE KOZ – MEMORIES OF A WINTER’S NIGHT & TOUR DATES
Dave Koz is putting the finishing touches on a new holiday CD and the 10th anniversary edition of the Dave Koz and Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas tour! The Capitol Music Group will release Memories Of A Winter's Night, Koz's third holiday CD, on September 18th.
Memories Of A Winter's Night- features the Koz interpreting 12 holiday standards. Dave is joined by 20-year old Razor & Tie recording artist Kelly Sweet on the album's first single, "White Christmas." Sweet, who scored a Top Ten hit at both Adult Contemporary and Smooth Jazz radio with "Raincoat," the first single from her 2007 debut album, was a guest on the Dave Koz and Friends At The Movies Summer 2007 tour, which recently wrapped up at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA. Koz also teams up with another tour mate - Kimberley Locke, who will be one of the special guests on the Dave Koz and Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2007 tour - for a soulful rendition of "Please Come Home for Christmas." Locke has had numerous Top 10 hits, and topped the Adult Contemporary charts the past two holiday seasons with singles "Up on the Housetop" and "Jingle Bells."
Other album highlights include "Deck The Halls," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (all previously unreleased also) plus a few chestnuts from Dave's two earlier holiday records, 1997's December Makes Me Feel This Way and 2001's A Smooth Jazz Christmas. Brenda Russell pairs up with Koz for “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus," which was written by Leon Russell, and smooth jazz stars Rick Braun, Peter White and David Benoit for a rendition of "Little Drummer Boy."
You can be certain that Dave and his special guests Jonathan Butler,Wayman Tisdale and Kimberley Locke will be playing many of the songs from the album on the Dave Koz and Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2007 tour, which launches on November 23rd. In addition to holiday standards, they'll perform hits from their respective catalogues, including Koz's recent chart-topping homage to classic film music, At The Movies.
The track listing for Memories Of A Winter's Night is as follows:
1. Deck The Halls
2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town -- from December Makes Me Feel This Way
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
4. White Christmas (featuring Kelly Sweet)
5. Winter Wonderland
6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
7. Please Come Home For Christmas (featuring Kimberley Locke)
8. Memories Of A Winter's Night (A Song For Hanukkah)
9. Little Drummer Boy (featuring Rick Braun, Peter White and David
Benoit) -- from A Smooth Jazz Christmas
10. Silver Bells -- from December Makes Me Feel This Way
11. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (featuring Brenda Russell) -- from A Smooth
Jazz Christmas
12. O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) -- from December Makes Me Feel This
Way
NEW RELEASES
Achili Funkn – Gypsy Soul 1969 to 1979 (Various Artists)
Antonio Adolfo, Brazil & Brazuca - Destiny
Barry Manilow – The Greatest Songs Of The ‘70’s
Beau Williams – No More Tears
Bee Gees – The Bee Gees Greatest
Baron Zen – At The Mall Remixes
Black Feeling (Various Artists)
Bo Diddley – Black Gladiator
Boney James – Christmas Present
Brazil 70: After Tropicalia (Various Artists)
Burton Greene – On Tour
Caetano Veloso – Caetano Veloso
Candy Dulfer – Candy Store
Clutch Player – Atlantic Connection All Stars
Coke – Na Na A Funk Anthology
Dells – Standing Ovation – The Very Best Of The Dells 1966 to 1981
Diana Krall – The Very Best Of Diana Krall
Earth, Wind & Fire – Last Days & Time/Head To The Sky
East Of Underground – East Of Underground
Eddie Ray – Wait A Minute
Eddy Meets Yannah – In A While
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella In Hamburg (Remastered)
Ella Fitzgerald – Live At Mister Kelly’s
Eugene Blacknell – We Can’t Take Life For Granted
Fernando Cunha & Ze Carlos - Zingaro
Francis Hime – Ao Vivo Biscoito Fino
Fredrik Kronkvist Quartet - Ignition
Gato Barbieri – Ruby, Ruby (Remastered)
George Benson – Shape Of Things To Come (Remastered)
Gerardo Frisina – Notebook: A Journey In Sound – The Remixes
Giallos Flame – Live From Dunwich EP
Glenn Jones – Take It From Me
Heikki Sarmanto - Moonflower
Hunter Muskett – Every Time You Move
Idea 6 – Steppin’ Out
Ike Quebec – It Might As Well be Spring
Jimmy Smith – Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf? (Remastered)
Jiva – Day Into Night
Joe Cain – Latin Au Go-Go (Latin Explosion)
John Coltrane – Interplay (5-CD Collection)
John Patton – Let ‘Em Roll
John Scofield – This Meets That
Jorge Ben – Forca Bruta
Juicy – Spread The Love
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – Playlist
Lou Donaldson – Alligator Boogaloo
Kira Neris – Behind Closed Doors
Kokolo - Heaven
Konono No 1 – Live At Couleur Cafe
Ledisi – Lost & Found
Louis Vega – Defected In The House
Ludvig Berghe Trio – Unplayed Venue Volume 3
Lowell Fulson – Hung Down Head
Luiz Eca – Piana E Cordes
Manu Dibango – Africavision Vol. 3 – Le Cinema De Manu Dibango
Maria Rita – Samba Meu
Mark Knopfler – Kill To Get Crimson
Max Grunhard Quintet – Vortex EP
Mayha – Inner Explosion
Miles Davis – Ascenseur Pour L’echafaud
Monday Michiru & Others – Co-Collaborator Works Of Monday Michiru
Moussa Doumbia – Keleya – Raw Malian Funk Of the 1970’s
Oscar Peterson – Oscar Peterson Trio + One: Clark Terrt (Remastered)
Percee P - Perseverence
Peven Everett – Studio Confessions – The Lost Remixes
Quarteto Em Cy – Quarteto Em Cy
Quasimode – Land Of Freedom
Randolph – Lonely Eden
Robert Strauss – Mr. Feelings
Rozetta Johnson – Personal Woman
Sarah Vaughan & Her Trio – Sarah Vaughan Live At Mister Kelly’s (Remastered)
Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin
Sly & The Family Stone – Greatest Hits
Soul Source Production - Standard
Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto – Getz Au Go-Go (Remastered)
Stan Selections From Avanti-Verde (Various Artists)
Staple Singers – The 25th Of December
Stardust International & Tayfun – Stardust International & Tayfun
Sven Libaek – Inner Space Original Soundtrack
Tobjorn Zetterberg – Skildrar Kvinnans Kamps Moserobie
Tom Jobim – Ao Vivo Em Montreal
Toninho Horta – Solo Ao Vivo
Tony Bennett – MTV Unplugged (CD/DVD)
Traffic Sound - Lux
Yosuke Tominaga – Room Weekender – 15th Anniversary Special Edition
Wes Montgomery – Goin’ Out Of My Head (Remastered)
Antonio Adolfo, Brazil & Brazuca - Destiny
Barry Manilow – The Greatest Songs Of The ‘70’s
Beau Williams – No More Tears
Bee Gees – The Bee Gees Greatest
Baron Zen – At The Mall Remixes
Black Feeling (Various Artists)
Bo Diddley – Black Gladiator
Boney James – Christmas Present
Brazil 70: After Tropicalia (Various Artists)
Burton Greene – On Tour
Caetano Veloso – Caetano Veloso
Candy Dulfer – Candy Store
Clutch Player – Atlantic Connection All Stars
Coke – Na Na A Funk Anthology
Dells – Standing Ovation – The Very Best Of The Dells 1966 to 1981
Diana Krall – The Very Best Of Diana Krall
Earth, Wind & Fire – Last Days & Time/Head To The Sky
East Of Underground – East Of Underground
Eddie Ray – Wait A Minute
Eddy Meets Yannah – In A While
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella In Hamburg (Remastered)
Ella Fitzgerald – Live At Mister Kelly’s
Eugene Blacknell – We Can’t Take Life For Granted
Fernando Cunha & Ze Carlos - Zingaro
Francis Hime – Ao Vivo Biscoito Fino
Fredrik Kronkvist Quartet - Ignition
Gato Barbieri – Ruby, Ruby (Remastered)
George Benson – Shape Of Things To Come (Remastered)
Gerardo Frisina – Notebook: A Journey In Sound – The Remixes
Giallos Flame – Live From Dunwich EP
Glenn Jones – Take It From Me
Heikki Sarmanto - Moonflower
Hunter Muskett – Every Time You Move
Idea 6 – Steppin’ Out
Ike Quebec – It Might As Well be Spring
Jimmy Smith – Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf? (Remastered)
Jiva – Day Into Night
Joe Cain – Latin Au Go-Go (Latin Explosion)
John Coltrane – Interplay (5-CD Collection)
John Patton – Let ‘Em Roll
John Scofield – This Meets That
Jorge Ben – Forca Bruta
Juicy – Spread The Love
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – Playlist
Lou Donaldson – Alligator Boogaloo
Kira Neris – Behind Closed Doors
Kokolo - Heaven
Konono No 1 – Live At Couleur Cafe
Ledisi – Lost & Found
Louis Vega – Defected In The House
Ludvig Berghe Trio – Unplayed Venue Volume 3
Lowell Fulson – Hung Down Head
Luiz Eca – Piana E Cordes
Manu Dibango – Africavision Vol. 3 – Le Cinema De Manu Dibango
Maria Rita – Samba Meu
Mark Knopfler – Kill To Get Crimson
Max Grunhard Quintet – Vortex EP
Mayha – Inner Explosion
Miles Davis – Ascenseur Pour L’echafaud
Monday Michiru & Others – Co-Collaborator Works Of Monday Michiru
Moussa Doumbia – Keleya – Raw Malian Funk Of the 1970’s
Oscar Peterson – Oscar Peterson Trio + One: Clark Terrt (Remastered)
Percee P - Perseverence
Peven Everett – Studio Confessions – The Lost Remixes
Quarteto Em Cy – Quarteto Em Cy
Quasimode – Land Of Freedom
Randolph – Lonely Eden
Robert Strauss – Mr. Feelings
Rozetta Johnson – Personal Woman
Sarah Vaughan & Her Trio – Sarah Vaughan Live At Mister Kelly’s (Remastered)
Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin
Sly & The Family Stone – Greatest Hits
Soul Source Production - Standard
Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto – Getz Au Go-Go (Remastered)
Stan Selections From Avanti-Verde (Various Artists)
Staple Singers – The 25th Of December
Stardust International & Tayfun – Stardust International & Tayfun
Sven Libaek – Inner Space Original Soundtrack
Tobjorn Zetterberg – Skildrar Kvinnans Kamps Moserobie
Tom Jobim – Ao Vivo Em Montreal
Toninho Horta – Solo Ao Vivo
Tony Bennett – MTV Unplugged (CD/DVD)
Traffic Sound - Lux
Yosuke Tominaga – Room Weekender – 15th Anniversary Special Edition
Wes Montgomery – Goin’ Out Of My Head (Remastered)
BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – ANOTHER DANCE – RARITIES FROM STUDIO 1
More music from Bob Marley and the Wailers is on the way as Rounder/Heartbeat is preparing “Another Dance – Rarities From Studio 1”. It’s a collection of 18 tracks recorded between 1964 and 1966 and includes originals and alternate takes. Most of the songs here were released as singles in Jamaica and are collected here for the first CD appearance. This set is scheduled for release on October 16.
AYO - JOYFUL
European sensation Ayo is getting a U.S. release for her debut, Joyful, which by the way has already sold over 550,000 copies in Europe. Her sound is a bit like Sade, Stevie Wonder, Carole King and Joni Mitchell. It’s set for release on October 9 via Interscope Records. Click to www.ayomusic.com for more information.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
FEDERICO AUBELE - PANAMERICANA
Panamericana - the brand-new album from Federico Aubele is now available. Recently, California radio station KCRW has selected the track 'En Cada Lugar' from Federico's new album as their Top Tune of the day! California-based fans have two chances this week to catch Federico as he begins to wrap up his current DJ tour. He'll be at the AC Supperclub in Venice Beach this Thursday evening (9/20), and at a just-announced gig at the Dark Room, Club Six in San Francisco this Friday (9/21). Further details for both nights are listed under "Upcoming Shows". These DJ dates will also give fans a chance to hear tracks from Panamericana for the first time! A further daytime DJ set at THEhotel's outdoor Moorea Pool will follow on 9/22 (poolside unworshippers deserve great music too!) with an evening set to follow at the fantastic MIX lounge, perched atop the 64th floor of THEhotel with a truly awe-inspiring view of the Las Vegas strip.
Federico will also be putting in several appearances, both live and DJ, during the ESL Music/Mandalay Bay TAKEOVER weekend, October 26 - 28, which co-incides with the Vegoose Music Festival. To celebrate, the Mandalay Bay Resort has announced a special ESL Music package. Federico is preparing to hit the road in October and November with his live band for a run of US and Canada tour dates, to be followed by a European acoustic tour in November and December. Dates will be announced shortly - so keep watching this space!
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Federico will also be putting in several appearances, both live and DJ, during the ESL Music/Mandalay Bay TAKEOVER weekend, October 26 - 28, which co-incides with the Vegoose Music Festival. To celebrate, the Mandalay Bay Resort has announced a special ESL Music package. Federico is preparing to hit the road in October and November with his live band for a run of US and Canada tour dates, to be followed by a European acoustic tour in November and December. Dates will be announced shortly - so keep watching this space!
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Saturday, September 15, 2007
THE BEE GEES – BEE GEES GREATEST
The Bee Gees were already established hit makers in the U.S. and the U.K. when the group became an unstoppable musical force in 1975. In four short years, Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb rose to international superstardom as they recorded a string of worldwide hits, sold 180 million records worldwide and helped define an era with the Grammy-winning Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. The Brothers Gibb capped their amazing run in 1979 with the multi-platinum Bee Gees Greatest, a double album spotlighting the group’s meteoric run of R&B dance hits between 1975 and 1979.
Out-of-print for five years, and in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Fever, Reprise will reissue the monumental collection as a two-CD deluxe edition that contains two previously unreleased tracks - “Warm Ride” and an extended version of “Stayin’ Alive,” originally a 12″ promo vinyl-along with four contemporary dance remixes of classic Bee Gees songs by some of today’s hot club DJs. Bee Gees Greatest will be available on October 1st, 2007 at all physical retail outlets and in digital form.
The double-disc contains selections from three of the Bee Gees’ studio albums: 1975’s Main Course (certified gold), 1976’s Children Of The World (certified platinum) and 1979’s Spirits Having Flown (certified platinum), as well as the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (1977), which has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.
The collection assembles essential listening including “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Too Much Heaven,” “Tragedy” and “Love You Inside Out” - a run of six consecutive #1 hits within a year and a half. Bee Gees Greatest also features the #1 hits “You Should Be Dancing” and “Jive Talkin’” plus the Top 10 singles “Nights On Broadway” and “Love So Right.”
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Fever, the film that launched the career of John Travolta, the dance craze of the late ’70s, and the massive resurgence of the Bee Gees - one of the greatest R&B acts of the ’60s and early ’70s. The arrival of the CD coincides with Paramount Home Entertainment’s October 1st release of the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Special Collector’s Edition DVD, which features new interviews with cast members and Barry and Robin Gibb, as well as all-new featurettes on the making of the film and its cultural impact. Reprise and Paramount Home Entertainment are planning a massive celebration to mark the anniversary of this landmark film.
Full track listing:
Disc: 1
1. Jive Talkin’
2. Night Fever
3. Tragedy
4. You Should Be Dancing
5. Stayin’ Alive
6. How Deep Is Your Love
7. Love So Right
8. Too Much Heaven
9. Our Love Don’t Throw It All Away
10. Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)
11. Warm Ride (bonus track)
12. Stayin’ Alive (Original 12″ Promo) (remix)
Disc 2
1. If I Can t Have You
2. You Stepped Into My Life
3. Love Me
4. More Than A Woman
5. Rest Your Love On Me
6. Nights On Broadway
7. Spirits (Having Flown)
8. Love You Inside Out
9. Wind Of Change
10. Children Of The World
11. You Should Be Dancing Remix
12. If I Can’t Have You Remix
13. Night Fever Remix
14. How Deep Is Your Love
JOE COCKER – HYMN FOR MY SOUL
Fanstasy Records has scheduled a new Joe Cocker CD titled Hymn For My Soul. It’s out January 2008.
RACHEL Z’S TOUR DATES
Jazz pianist Rachel Z and her new band Department of Good and Evil are on the road and we’ve got the updated schedule:
September 17 2007 8:00P JALC Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club NY, New York
September 20 2007 8:00P The VIC in Santa Monica Santa Monica, California
September 21 2007 8:00P Steamers Fullerton, California
September 22 2007 8:00P Anna’s Jazz Island Berkeley, California
September 23 2007 8:00P Savannah at the Red Lion Inn Sacramento, California
September 24 2007 8:00P Columbia College Auditorium Sonora, California
September 30 2007 8:00P Iridium Jazz Club NY, New York
October 26 2007 8:00P Chorus Lausanne, Lausanne
October 28 2007 8:00P Cafe Stern, Muri
October 31 2007 8:00P Panic Jazz Veneto, Italia Veneto
November 4 2007 8:00P Birdseye in Basel, Switzerland NOV 4 and 5th Basel
November 8 2007 8:00P ROMA to be announced Roma
November 9 2007 8:00P Blue Note Milano, Milano
November 10 2007 8:00P Williamsburg Studio Brooklyn, New York
November 29 2007 8:00P Jazzbase with Tim Price Reading, Pennsylvania
December 18 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
December 19 2007 8:00P Kuumbwa Jazz Santa Cruz, Arkansas
December 20 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
January 13 2008 8:00P Dept of Good and Evil Showcase at APAP NY, New York
September 17 2007 8:00P JALC Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club NY, New York
September 20 2007 8:00P The VIC in Santa Monica Santa Monica, California
September 21 2007 8:00P Steamers Fullerton, California
September 22 2007 8:00P Anna’s Jazz Island Berkeley, California
September 23 2007 8:00P Savannah at the Red Lion Inn Sacramento, California
September 24 2007 8:00P Columbia College Auditorium Sonora, California
September 30 2007 8:00P Iridium Jazz Club NY, New York
October 26 2007 8:00P Chorus Lausanne, Lausanne
October 28 2007 8:00P Cafe Stern, Muri
October 31 2007 8:00P Panic Jazz Veneto, Italia Veneto
November 4 2007 8:00P Birdseye in Basel, Switzerland NOV 4 and 5th Basel
November 8 2007 8:00P ROMA to be announced Roma
November 9 2007 8:00P Blue Note Milano, Milano
November 10 2007 8:00P Williamsburg Studio Brooklyn, New York
November 29 2007 8:00P Jazzbase with Tim Price Reading, Pennsylvania
December 18 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
December 19 2007 8:00P Kuumbwa Jazz Santa Cruz, Arkansas
December 20 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
January 13 2008 8:00P Dept of Good and Evil Showcase at APAP NY, New York
Friday, September 14, 2007
BARRY MANILOW – THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SEVENTIES
Legendary songwriter, performer and internationally renowned superstar Barry Manilow, who to date has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, is back with his third volume of decade-driven covers albums. Following on from the successful Fifties and Sixties albums, Barry returns to the decade which launched his golden career, the 70s.
The 18-song single CD package of ‘The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies’ set for release on the 17th September 2007, presents Manilow’s versions of 10 timeless cover songs from the ’70s, plus for the first time ever, 8 stripped-down acoustic versions of his own classic titles including “Mandy”, “I Write The Songs”, “Could It Be Magic?” and the unforgettable “Copacabana”.
The deluxe version contains a special dual disc (CD & DVD) with new versions of 14 classic non-Manilow songs from the ’70s as well as ‘The Making Of The Album’ video with Barry reflecting on the great music and decade. Also included is a bonus CD containing stripped down acoustic versions of 9 original Manilow titles.
This album is a fan’s dream wish-list of favourites covering both sides of the Atlantic, from The Beatles’ “The Long And Winding Road”, to Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word”, as well as duets on Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend” with Melissa Manchester, and on Elton John’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Rosie O’Donnell.
Manilow’s tributes are flawlessly performed and arranged, starting with an homage to Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were”, and Frankie Valli’s “My Eyes Adored You”, to the seminal hits of The Carpenters’ “(They Long To Be) Close To You” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.
‘The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies’ continues the productive and successful reunion between Barry Manilow and Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG U.S. Chairman & CEO. Davis has been Barry Manilow’s hitmaking collaborator on virtually all his recordings, since they first worked together on “Mandy”, his debut No. 1 single as the first artist signed to Arista by Clive Davis in 1974, the first year of the label’s existence.
“No one can reinvent the great classics better than Barry Manilow”, comments Clive Davis. “He breathes new life and vitality into these truly wonderful songs and they sound fresh and timeless. We continue on the mission to bring to a new generation the great songs of a different era”.
On the tracklisting, Manilow says, “I sent a list of every No. 1 record in the ’70s to everybody I knew, and asked them to pick their 13 favourites.” The results, he reports, were very similar to the selections that he and label boss Clive Davis had in mind.
Manilow also commented on the inclusion of the new stripped back versions of his own hits, “There was this idea of, how could I possibly leave them out? So I’m redoing them with a small, intimate band.”
Barry Manilow’s ‘The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies’ tracklisting:
“The Way We Were” (1974)
“It Never Rains in Southern California” (1972)
“My Eyes Adored You” (1975)
“You’ve Got a Friend” (duet with Melissa Manchester) (1971)
“The Long and Winding Road” (1970)
“How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” (1971)
“Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word,” (1977)
“(They Long To Be) Close to You”(1970)
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (duet with Rosie O’Donnell) (1976)
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970)
“Sailing” (1979)
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (1970)
“Could It Be Magic?” (1975)
Acoustic songs:
“Mandy” (1974)
“Looks Like We Made It” (1978)
“Even Now” (1978)
“Weekend in New England” (1976-1977)
“Somewhere in the Night” (1978-1979)
“Can’t Smile Without You”(1978)
“Copacabana” (1978)
“This One’s for You” (1976)
“I Write the Songs” (1975)
ARETHA FRANKLIN – JEWELS IN THE CROWN: ALL-STAR DUETS WITH THE QUEEN
Aretha Franklin’s upcoming release "Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets With the Queen," wuil include some previously released duets. The CD is due Nov. 13 via Arista and is led by the single "Put You Up on Game" with Fantasia," which hits radio Oct. 1.The other new track is "What Y'All Came To Do" with John Legend. Among the gems from Franklin's back catalog appearing on the album are duets with Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Annie Lennox, Frank Sinatra, George Michael and the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards. In addition, "Jewels" includes Franklin and Bonnie Raitt's take on "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)" and the Queen of Soul's pairing with Mariah Carey on "Chain of Fools," plus Franklin's performance of Puccini's "Nessum Dorma" from the 1998 Grammys.
UPCOMING CONCORD RECORDS RELEAESES
Jazz label Concord is prepping a live CD from the 1994 Monteray Jazz Festival featuring Grover Washington, Jr. It’s set for January 15, 2008. Also for release on the same day is a CD featuring Joe Henderson’s live performances from the 1994 and 1996 Monteray Jazz Festival. Both CD’s will be titled Monteray Jazz Festival Live.
CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA TOUR DATES
The Cinematic Orchestra are touring the US in support of their latest release, Ma Fleur.
Tour Dates
9/14 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
9/15 San Francisco, CA @ Bimbos 365 Club
9/16 Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater
9/17 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
9/18 Vancouver, BC @ Richards on Richards
9/21 Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe
9/22 Chicago, IL @ The Abbey Pub
9/23 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
9/24 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
9/25 Boston, MA @ Paradise
9/26 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
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