HIROMI - VOICE

Pianist and composer Hiromi Uehara, whose passionate and incendiary keyboard work has been a shining light on the jazz landscape since her 2003 debut, believes that the voice that never speaks can sometimes be the most powerful of all. Her newest release, a nine-song trio recording simply titled Voice, expresses a range of human emotions without the aid of a single lyric. “When I play music, I realize that it really filters emotions,” says Hiromi. “I called this album Voice because I believe that people’s real voices are expressed in their emotions. It’s not something that you really say. It’s more something that you have in your heart. Maybe it’s something you haven’t said yet. Maybe you’re never going to say it. But it’s your true voice. Instrumental music is very similar. We don’t have any words or any lyrics to go with it. It’s the true voice that we don’t really put into words, but we feel it when it’s real.” Although a mesmerizing instrumentalist in her own right, Hiromi enlists the aid of two equally formidable players for this project – bassist Anthony Jackson (Paul Simon, The O’Jays, Steely Dan, Chick Corea) and drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who, Judas Priest, David Gilmour, Jack Bruce). Jackson had previously played on a couple tracks from each of Hiromi’s first two albums – Another Mind in 2003 and Brain in 2004 – but they had never recorded an entire album together. “I’ve always been a huge fan of his bass playing,” she says. “I’ve always liked playing with him, and I was very happy that we finally had the chance to make an entire album together.” She hadn’t crossed paths with Phillips prior to this project, but he came highly recommended by not only Jackson but also Stanley Clarke, the legendary jazz fusion bassist who gave her a prime spot on his two most recent projects, Jazz in the Garden in 2009 and The Stanley Clarke Band in 2010. “The more music I wrote for this album, the more clearly I heard the sound of Simon on drums,” says Hiromi. “When I told Anthony and Stanley that I was thinking of Simon to play drums for this project, they both encouraged me to ask him, so I did, and I’m so happy with how it turned out. From the first note of the first rehearsal, I was very excited about where we could go with this recording.”

Further in, “Temptation” is relatively understated in comparison to the preceding tracks, but with a solid piano melody that keeps beckoning. The song invites the listener to ponder what happens when we finally give in to that thing we find so seductive and alluring. Hiromi asks: “Is the result of that temptation sweet or bitter?” “Haze,” the one solo piano track in the entire recording, is just what the title suggests – a shimmering piece whose melodic edges are sometimes sharp and other times undefined. The song suggests “unclear vision, focused then blurry again,” says Hiromi. “There was so much excitement among all three of us when we were recording this record. Even when I was tracking this solo piece, Anthony and Simon were giving me a lot of encouragement about the different takes, what was working and what wasn’t.” Taken as a whole, the individual tracks on Voice do tell a story, says Hiromi, but she’s quick to note that the story is open-ended and subject to interpretations. “I’m not talking about a story in the sense of a novel,” she says. “People can just listen to it and decide how it reflects their own lives. They can just imagine whatever the music makes them imagine. That’s the beautiful thing about music without words. It’s just a matter of using your imagination, finding your own voice within the music, and traveling with it wherever it takes you.”

Voice Track Listing:

1. Voice 9:13

2. Flashback 8:39

3. Now or Never 6:14

4. Temptation 7:49

5. Labyrinth 7:40

6. Desire 7:16

7. Haze 5:49

8. Delusion 7:43

9. Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8, Pathetique 5:13

ELIANE ELIAS - LIGHT MY FIRE

Since the mid-1980s, pianist/vocalist Eliane Elias has grafted various elements of jazz, pop, soul and other styles to her deep Brazilian roots to create a hybrid groove that exists comfortably on any hemisphere. Borrowing from an array of sources and singing in a variety of languages, Elias consistently forges a sound that appeals to listeners of every geographic locale and cultural persuasion. Her newest release, Light My Fire, wields this universal sound to explore the various corners of the human heart – from romance and passion to the shared joy of being alive and embracing everyone into the dance of life. Along with four compositions written or co-written by Elias herself, the album also includes covers of familiar works by songwriters as diverse as Jim Morrison and the Doors, pop icon Stevie Wonder and jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond. Elias weaves it all together into a cohesive whole by injecting each of the twelve songs with distinctly Brazilian grooves that alternate effortlessly between the fiery and passionate to the cool and sophisticated. “Some of the tunes are cool and laid back, but others are quite rhythmic and joyful,” says Elias. “And they have some different grooves. I tend to gravitate toward romance – beautiful melodies, beautiful harmonies and rhythms with a great feel. But more than anything else, I’m singing about love on this record in its different aspects and dimensions.” Backing Elias on Light My Fire are twelve high-caliber musians, including special guests guitarist/vocalist Gilberto Gil and trumpeter Randy Brecker. The rhythm section – which has accompanied Elias on several of her most recent recordings – includes guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Paulo Braga. Also on hand to sing with Elias and Gil on “Toda Menina Baiana” is Elias’ daughter, singer-songwriter Amanda Brecker. New to Elias’ team is percussionist Marivaldo dos Santos, drummer Rafael Barata, guitarists Romero Lubambo and Ross Traut, and flutist Lawrence Feldman. I’ve made more than 20 records in my career,” says Elias. “I’m proud of all of them, but I’m especially excited about this one,” says Elias. “It feels like it has a life and an energy all its own. With very few exceptions, nearly all of the songs were first takes. Everybody in the studio was so focused, and it was such a fun record to make. The music was really flowing, and we all felt very relaxed. From the very first day, not a note was wasted by anyone. It was an amazing experience.” Says Elias, “I’m very excited about the music on this album. I think it’s cool, sexy and fun. This recording is the truest expression of what I’m doing right now, and it represents very closely what people hear me doing live in concert. I hope this music brings some romantic, joyful and heartfelt moments to those who hear it.”

Light My Fire Track Listing:1. Rosa Morena 4:18

2. Stay Cool 4:03

3. Aquele Abraço 5:18

4. Light My Fire 5:38

5. Isto Aqui O Que É (Silver Sandal) 4:00

6. My Cherie Amour 4:31

7. Toda Menina Baiana 4:23

8. Bananeira 3:28

9. Made in Moonlight 5:12

10. Turn To Me (Samba Maracatú) 3:39

11. Take Five 5:13

12. What About the Heart (Bate Bate) 4:46

WARREN HAYNES - MAN IN MOTION

Warren Hayne's latest release, Man In Motion,  is a snapshot of a creatively restless musician who is constantly in artistic motion. "Musicians are students for life. We have to continually take new approaches," affirms Haynes. It's not Haynes' first foray as a soul man, however. "Soul music was my first love," says Haynes. "The first LPs I had growing up in Asheville, NC were greatest hits compilations from Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, James Brown, Junior Walker, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Wilson Pickett and The Supremes." Man in Motion contains all original Haynes songs with the addition of original Stax recording artist William Bell's hit "Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday." Kicking off with Warren Haynes' unmistakable and masterful guitar over gospel-soaked piano, the title track to the dynamic new album Man In Motion functions as a mission statement for the legendary musician and his signature brand of rock, blues and soul. Driving horn blasts and powerful organ punctuate some of the most soulful guitar playing and singing that Haynes has ever recorded.

The album harks back to another theme of his young life: Haynes started out as a singer before he began playing guitar. "The vocal is more of a centerpiece on Man In Motion," he says. Haynes' singing shines on the album, with a bold and emotive delivery that shimmers with his smoky vibrato. Man In Motion clocks in at over an hour, allowing for its ten tracks to breathe and develop, punctuated by a stellar rhythm section and sophisticated, moving solo guitar work from Haynes. The studio band includes Ivan Neville on background vocals and organ, Ian McLagan on piano, Ruthie Foster on background vocals, George Porter, Jr. on bass and Ron Holloway on saxophone. Haynes recorded the album at Willie Nelson's Pedernales Studios to two-inch tape with vintage tube microphones and everyone playing together in the same room. "We recorded it live to capture the emotion, passion and spontaneity."

Man in Motion Track Listing:

1. Man In Motion 7:51

2. River's Gonna Rise 6:51

3. Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday 5:29

4. Sick Of My Shadow 6:56

5. Your Wildest Dreams 7:18

6. On A Real Lonely Night 7:38

7. Hattiesburg Hustle 6:33

8. A Friend To You 5:44

9. Take A Bullet 5:24

10. Save Me 6:15

AN EVENING WITH DAVE GRUSIN

Jazz recording artist, pianist, composer, arranger, and winner of 10 Grammys, and Oscar - has a new album entitled An Evening With Dave Grusin. Grusin steps out from behind the various machinations of film and television production to take center stage on An Evening with Dave Grusin, a groundbreaking live recording that captures him conducting and performing with a host of stars, and backed by the 75-piece Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida, in December 2009. The album is a collection of 12 songs by Grusin, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin and Henry Mancini. Guest performers on the date include Jon Secada, Patti Austin, Monica Mancini, Gary Burton, Arturo Sandoval, Nestor Torres and Sammy Figueroa. “This recording was a great opportunity to revisit some of my previous film work,” says Grusin, “as well as performing music by George Gershwin, and some material from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, two giants among American composers. And I’m especially fond of the Henry Mancini songs. Hank was a friend of mine, and a mentor who helped so many of us get into the business of film scoring.” The word “orchestration” can have more than one meaning in a project that involves 75 musicians and a series of high-caliber guest performers, Grusin admits. “Recordings like this can be challenging,” he says. “There are a lot of pieces that have to come together in the right place and at the right time – both in the planning stage and during the actual performance. But everyone was a professional at every step of the process. I’m grateful for the longtime association I’ve had with Larry Rosen, and for the contributions so many other great people who helped make this happen. I think this recording captures some of the work I’m most proud of, along with the work of people whom I’ve admired for many years.” This groundbreaking project, which is the first music performance to be simultaneously released on CD, Blu-ray, and iPad App brings together a team of world class experts. The team includes award winning producers Larry Rosen and the legendary Phil Ramone; multi-Grammy winning recording engineers Eric Shilling and Frank Filipetti; and the cutting edge iPad App development team from ROBA Interactive.

An Evening With Dave Grusin Track Listing
1. Fratelli Chase 1:55

2. Cool 4:30
3. Maria 5:42
4. Makin' Whoopee 5:25
5. I Feel Pretty 7:25
6. Bess You Is My Woman Now/I Loves You Porgy 6:22
7. It Might Be You 6:16
8. On Golden Pond/New Hampshire Hornpipe 6:04
9. Somewhere 4:54
10. Moon River 4:38
11. America 7:40
12. Memphis Stomp 1:05

NICOLE HENRY - EMBRACEABLE

After releasing a trio of critically-acclaimed albums and amassing reams of rave reviews and accolades about her live performances, Nicole Henry could have simply continued singing the Great American Songbook to blissfully satiate discerning music listeners. But like the truly gifted artist that she is, Henry deemed the time right to change, grow and expand her artistic muse. Audacious and undaunted in the face of uncertainty and risk, the highly rewarding result is Embraceable, an exquisite and elegantly performed twelve-song collection that adeptly delivers material certain to please those familiar with Henry's soul-stirring artistry while garnering ardent admirers beyond jazz. Grammy nominated producer Matt Pierson (Kirk Whalum, Jane Monheit, Joshua Redman) produced the gorgeous record that will be released August 23rd through ArtistShare, a unique platform that invites fans to help finance and follow the creative process of their favorite artist's recording project through exclusive behind-the-scenes video clips, photos and updates. While jazz standards are timeless, Henry is a young, radiant, contemporary woman and an innate story-teller who desired to pour her passion into newer songs about experiences and emotions related to love and romance that she could establish as her own "modern standards." Henry and Pierson elected to record four original songs for Embraceable, including a pair of soulful ballads from gospel/R&B artist John Stoddart ("Anything For You" and "Even While You're Gone"), the triumphant affirmation "Hush Now" penned by Oli Rockberger, and collaborated with Stoddart and Doug Emery to compose the rousing "A Little Time Alone," featuring Kirk Whalum's soaring sax and a celestial, Sunday morning churchlike Henry vocal. Whether it be a Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil tune ("Just A Little Lovin'"), a signature song from Bob Marley ("Waiting In Vain"), or a Gershwin classic ("Embraceable You"), each song emerges from the core of her being. Although Henry possesses the vocal power capable of lighting up her hometown of Philadelphia, instead she skillfully lets her voice caress, emoting with the same kind of iconic grace, class and control from which legends are made. And when she does release her full command, it's genuine, poignant and stunning. Pierson was savvy to maintain the sense of warmth and intimacy that Henry's alluring voice fosters naturally by using only live instrumentation, including horn and string sections. Recorded in New York City, he summoned world-class musicians to contribute to Embraceable including Whalum, guitarists Julian Lage, Jef Lee Johnson and Larry Campbell, Gerald Clayton (piano), Shedrick Mitchell (organ), Gregoire Maret (harmonica), Larry Grenadier (bass), Eric Harland (drums), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), and Gil Goldstein (piano), the latter of who splendidly arranged "Waiting In Vain" and "Embraceable You." On August 22nd, Henry will celebrate the album release with a show at Dizzy's at Lincoln Center featuring many of the musicians who played on the disc including Lage, Grenadier and Harland.

Embraceable Track Listing
"Just a Little Lovin'"
"Like Someone in Love"
"Anything for You"
"Since I Fell for You"
"Trouble in Mind"
"Hush Now"
"Waiting in Vain"
"Embraceable You"
"A Day in the Life of a Fool"
"Even While You're Gone"
"A Little Time Alone"
"Save Me From Myself"

http://www.nicolehenry.com/

BEN WILLIAMS - STATE OF ART

State Of Art is a result of Williams’ first prize in the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Competition for double-bass. The album marks Williams’ first album as a leader, however it is not the bassist’s first time working with the Concord Jazz family. For the past two years, Williams has been a working member of two Concord Jazz artists’ working bands: vibraphonist Stefon Harris & Blackout, a R&B and hip-hop-tinged group, which calls on Williams’ unique connection with go-go, from his native Washington, DC to inform its sound and pianist Jacky Terrasson’s Trio. Williams was featured on Harris’ 2009 Concord Jazz debut, Urbanus and Terrasson’s 2010 Concord Jazz debut, Push. So it is particularly fitting that he now joins the Concord Jazz roster as a leader in his own right.The title of Williams’ debut stops modestly short of such a bold argument, but does sum up the young bassist’s of-the-moment approach. “I’m trying to interpret the times,” Williams says, “to represent what’s going on today.” To that end, State of Art is a wholly contemporary amalgam of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and even classical influences which fully acknowledge the past while maintaining an urgency born of the here and now. The variety of flavors that comprise this musical stew, Williams explains, are drawn from his full 26 years of experience – with perhaps an extra nine months besides.

“I always feel like you start your musical training maybe even before you’re born,” he says. “Consciously or subconsciously you soak in all the music you hear around you, so when you do get to the point where you’re expressing your own music that stuff is all mixed in there whether you like it or not. So I just try to be honest and represent all that influence.” Williams cites his mother’s tastes as defining his earliest listening experiences. At home he was surrounded by the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, the Jackson 5; his formative years coincided with the heyday of Michael Jackson and Prince. Those inspirations are deeply imprinted on State of Art, not only in Williams’ choice of repertoire – which includes Jackson’s relatively obscure “Little Susie” and Wonder’s 1985 hit “Part-Time Lover” – but in his own original compositions, like the infectiously groovy opener, “Home”, and the James Brown tribute “Mr. Dynamite”, which also evokes latter-day Cannonball Adderley. They also surface in the surprising context of the album’s sole standard, an airy reimagining of “Moonlight in Vermont” that sees Williams switching to electric bass. “I like to juxtapose something old with something new,” he says. “Where ‘Part-Time Lover’ is the only song on the record that swings the whole way through, even though it happens to be a Stevie Wonder cover, ‘Moonlight in Vermont’ is the reverse: a very old standard interpreted in a very modern way. It’s probably closer to Prince than Frank Sinatra.” He also ventures boldly into the common ground between jazz and hip-hop on “The Lee Morgan Story”, a tune by emcee John Robinson that he discovered when the two appeared together as part of jazz/hip-hop fusioneers Revive Da Live’s show “Hip-Hop 1942.” He invited not only Robinson to revive his role as Morgan’s rap biographer for the recording, but also recruited trumpeter Christian Scott, himself no stranger to blurring genre boundaries.

Though the Monk Competition has established Williams’ place among the leading bassists of his generation, it wasn’t his first instrument. He began by playing around on a classically-trained cousin’s piano, which he then inherited when she upgraded to a newer instrument. “I still remember that day when my mom made me go into the basement,” Williams recalls. “I heard all this noise, and I came upstairs and there was a piano. Having a piano in the house was the best gift I probably ever could have gotten.” Williams learned the piano by ear, picking out TV theme songs and tunes he heard on the radio. By the time he got to middle school, he’d decided to pursue the guitar, but mistakenly signed up for a string class that taught only violin, viola, cello and bass. “By the time I found out, it was too late to get into the guitar class. So I picked what looked like the coolest instrument, and that was the bass. Needless to say, I stayed in the class.” While he continued to play piano, and has even won piano competitions in his native Washington D.C., he quickly took to the bass and, through that, to jazz. He went on to study with Rodney Whitaker and Jack Budrow at Michigan State University School of Music and earned his Masters at Juilliard. Since leaving academia Williams has relocated to New York and joined vibraphonist Stefon Harris’ like-minded group Blackout and performed with a host of jazz greats, including Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Pat Metheny, Roy Hargrove, Mulgrew Miller, and Cyrus Chestnut. The band Williams assembled for State of Art is a first-time assemblage of his peers, most of whom he’s played with in a variety of different configurations. At its core, the band consists of tenor/soprano saxophonist Marcus Strickland, guitarist Matthew Stevens, keyboardist Gerald Clayton, drummer Jamire Williams (who also appeared with the bassist on Terrasson’s Push) and percussionist Etienne Charles, joined on three tracks by alto/soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Williams mixes a string quartet into his arrangements of Jackson’s “Little Susie” and Bay Area soul singer Goapele’s tender, yearning “Things Don’t Exist.”

State of Art Track Listing
1. Home 4:13
2. Moontrane 6:31
3. The Lee Morgan Story 4:32
4. Dawn Of A New Day 7:38

5. Little Susie Intro 1:24

6. Little Susie 6:46

7. November 7:07

8. Part-Time Lover 7:07

9. Things Don't Exist 6:01

10. Mr. Dynamite 5:32

11. Moonlight In Vermont 4:52

WHAT MATTERS MOST - BARBRA STREISAND SINGS THE LYRICS OF ALAN AND MARILYN BERGMAN

Barbra Streisand's long-cherished desire to release an album of music with lyrics exclusively written by her collaborators and friends, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, will be achieved with her latest release What Matters Most- Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman for Columbia Records. The ten song album, and deluxe edition, will be available August 23, 2011. What Matters Most is Streisand's first new album since the September 2009 release of Love Is The Answer, which debuted at Number One, making her the only artist to achieve number one albums in five consecutive decades. The new album, which Streisand personally produced, is comprised of ten Bergman songs which Streisand has never previously recorded. Included in the set are the Academy Award winning songs "The Windmills of Your Mind" (from the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair); "So Many Stars" (originally a hit song for Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66); "Nice 'n' Easy" (popularized by Frank Sinatra); and "That Face" (first recorded by Fred Astaire) . The CD will be packaged in a jewel box with a 24-page color booklet. The deluxe edition CD will include ten previously released performances of Barbra singing the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman including "The Way We Were", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", "Papa Can You Hear Me?" and "Pieces of Dreams". Reflecting on her long-held desire to devote an entire album to the amazingly varied and consistently inspired music of the Bergmans, Streisand noted, "Alan and Marilyn Bergman have a remarkable gift for expressing affairs of the heart." The affection and respect between lyricists and artist is quite wonderful. "When we write a song, we hear Barbra," said lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman. "She makes the connection from the heart to the mind, and it emerges through her voice."

According to the RIAA, Barbra Streisand is the #1 best selling female recording artist in history and the only woman to make the Top 10 all time best selling artists list, which includes Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Over the course of her career, Streisand has recorded 50 gold, 30 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums, all records for female performers. An artist of unparalleled accomplishments in multiple entertainment fields, Streisand has made her mark as an award winning actress of stage and screen, recording artist, concert performer, movie producer, film director, author and songwriter. (She won an Academy Award for writing the music to "Evergreen" – the theme song from "A Star Is Born") Having earned two Oscars (Best Actress and Best Song), five Emmys, ten Golden Globes, eight Grammys, a special Tony Award (in 1970 as "Star of the Decade"), and two Cable Ace awards, she is the only performer to hold honors from all of those institutions. In addition, Streisand is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Medal, two prestigious Peabody Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy Legend Award. She's also received the Kennedy Center Honors and most recently the MusiCares Person of the Year Award.

During their distinguished career Alan and Marilyn Bergman have been nominated for sixteen Academy Awards, winning three for "The Windmills of Your Mind" (1968) "The Way We Were" (1973) and the score for "Yentl" (1984). "The Way We Were" also earned a Golden Globe and two Grammys.

RETURN TO FOREVER TOUR DATES

24 June - Northhampton, MA, Calvin Theater

25 June - Syracuse, NY, Syracuse Jazz Festival

26 June - Montreal, QB, Montreal Jazz Festival

27 June - Ottawa, ON, Ottawa Jazz Festival

28 June - Toronto, ON, Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival

1 July - Berlin, Germany, Zitadelle

2 July - Hamburg, Germany, Stadtpark

3 July - Neckarsulm, Germany, Audi Forum

4 July - Munich, Germany, Small Tollwood Arena

5 July - Krackow, Poland, Hala Wisly

7 July - Vienne, France,Vienne Jazz Festival

8 July - Rotterdam, Netherlands, Northsea Jazz Festival

9 July - Paris, France, Olympia

10 July - Gent, Belgium, Gent Jazz Festival

11 July - Duisburg, Germany, Piano Festival Ruhr

12 July - Montreux, Switzerland, Jazz Festival

14 July - Sete, France Theatre de la Mer

15 July - Aosta, Italy, Bard Fortress

16 July - Pescara, Italy, Pescara Jazz Festival

17 July - Rovinj, Croatia, Park Forrest

20 July - Patrimontio, France,Theatre de Verdure

22 July - Madrid, Spain, Puerta del Angel

23 July - San Sebastian, Spain, Kursaal Auditorium

26 July - Marseilles, France, Marseille Jazz Festival

28 July - San Deliu, Spain,

29 July - Marciac, France, Marciac Jazz Festival

1 August - Tel Aviv, Israel, Casesaria Amphitheatre

7 August - Pittsburgh, PA, Stage AE Zappa Plays Zappa

8 August - Buffalo, NY, UAB Center for the Arts Zappa Plays Zappa

9 August - Baltimore, MD, Merriweather Post Pavilion Zappa Plays Zappa

10 August - Philadelphia, PA, Mann Center Zappa Plays Zappa

11 August - Boston, MA, Bank of America Pavilion Zappa Plays Zappa

12 August - New York, NY, Beacon Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

13 August - New York, NY, Beacon Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

16 August - Columbus, OH, LC Pavilion Zappa Plays Zappa

17 August - Cleveland, OH, State Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

18 August - Cincinnati, OH, PNC Pavilion Zappa Plays Zappa

19 August - Detroit, MI, Meadowbrook Zappa Plays Zappa

20 August - Hammond, IN, Horseshoe Casino Zappa Plays Zappa

21 August - Indianapolis, IN, The Murat Zappa Plays Zappa

22 August - Nashville, TN, Schermerhorn Symphony Center Zappa Plays Zappa

24 August - Minneapolis, MN, Orpheum Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

25 August - St. Louis, MO, Fox Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

26 August - Kansas City, MO, Midland Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

27 August - Denver, CO, Paramount Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

28 August - Salt Lake City, UT, Red Butte Garden Zappa Plays Zappa

8 September -Atlanta, GA, Fox Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

9 September - Orlando, FL, House of Blues Zappa Plays Zappa

10 September - Boca Raton, FL, Mizner Park Amphitheatre Zappa Plays Zappa

11 September - Clearwater, FL, Ruth Eckerd Hall Zappa Plays Zappa

13 September - Austin, TX, Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

14 September - Grand Prairie, TX, Verizon Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

15 September - Houston, TX, Verizon Wireless Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

17 September - Mesa, AZ, Mesa Arts Center Zappa Plays Zappa

19 September - San Diego, CA, Humphrey's Zappa Plays Zappa

20 September - Los Angeles, CA, Greek Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

21 September - Davis, CA, Mondavi Center Zappa Plays Zappa

22 September - San Francisco, CA, Warfield Theatre, Zappa Plays Zappa

23 September - Eugene, OR, Hult Center Zappa Plays Zappa

24 September - Seattle, WA, Paramount Theatre Zappa Plays Zappa

2-10 October - Japan

ADELE - NEW TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED!

British artist Adele is set to return to North America to resume touring in support of her breakthrough sophomore album 21. The 23 year old singer was forced to cancel her tour in early June due to laryngitis. The rescheduled dates will take place during the months of August and October. The new tour will include stops in six additional cities including Las Vegas, NV, Atlantic City, NJ, Durham, NC, Orlando, FL, Miami, FL and Spring, TX. The first round of rescheduled dates kicks off on August 9 in Vancouver, BC and runs through August 24 in Saint Paul, MN. The second round of dates kicks off on October 7 in Atlantic City, NJ and runs through October 21 in Grand Prairie, TX. Adele's sophomore album 21 has held the #1 position on U.S. album charts for 10 weeks and has been certified double platinum. "Rolling In The Deep," the first single from 21, has also been certified double platinum and has held the #1 single slot in the U.S. for 7 weeks straight. In her native U.K., Adele's 21 has spent more time at #1 than any other female artist in history.

Adele Tour Dates:
August 9 - Vancouver, BC, Orpheum Theatre
August 11 - Troutdale, OR, Edgefield
August 12 - Seattle, WA, Paramount Theatre
August 14 - Berkeley, CA, The Greek Theatre
August 15 - Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
August 17 - Los Angeles, CA, The Palladium
August 18 - San Diego, CA, Open Air Theater
August 20 - Las Vegas, NV, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
August 21 - Salt Lake City, UT, Gallivan Center
August 24 - Saint Paul, MN, Theater at Xcel Energy Center
October 7 - Atlantic City, NJ, Borgata Spa & Resort
October 8 - Durham, NC, Durham Performing Arts Center
October 10 - Nashville, TN, Ryman Auditorium
October 11 - Asheville, NC, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
October 13 - Orlando, FL, Hard Rock Live
October 14 - Miami, FL, Waterfront Theater at American Airlines Arena
October 16 - Atlanta, GA, Fox Theatre
October 18 - Spring, TX, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
October 19 - Austin, TX, Frank Erwin Center
October 21- Grand Prairie, TX, Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie

http://www.adele.tv/
http://www.columbiarecords.com/








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GEORGE BENSON - THE GUITAR MAN & SUMMER TOUR 2011

Guitarist George Benson recently recorded at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA with Harvey Mason on drums, Joe Sample and David Garfield on keys and Ben Williams on bass. The legendary, Grammy Award winning engineer, Al Schmidt, was at the board along with Grammy Award winning Producer, John Burk. A late September release titled The Guitar Man is planned with a tour to follow where you can find George Benson leading a quartet in intimate venues throughout the US. Stay tuned for more details. This summer will also see another historic event. George will be performing the multi-Grammy Award winning recording, Breezin' from start to finish with a full orchestra at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, July 4, 2011.

George Benson Tour Dates:
June 23 - Samois-sur-Seine, France @ Festiva; Django Reinhardt
June 25 - Marbella, Spain @ Puente Romano Hotel Stadium
June 29 - Paris, France @ Olympia
June 30 - Vienne, France @ Vienne Jazz a Vienne
July 1 - Brussels, Belgium @ Viage
July 2 - London, United Kingdom @ Kenwood House
July 4 - Montreaux, Switzerland @ Stravinsky Hall *Breezin Performance.
July 5 - Montreaux, Swizterland @ Stravinsky Hall
July 6 - Strasbourg, France @ Palais De La Musique Et Des Congres
July 8 - Rovinj, Croatia @ Tobacco Factory
July 9 - Graz, Austria @ Graz Jazz Summer
July 11 - Milan, Italy @ Arena Civica
July 13 - Naples, Italy @ Arena Flegrea
July 19 - Beirut, Lebanon @ The Palace of Beiteddine
July 21 - West of Or Akiva, Israel @ Caesaria Amphitheatre
July 23 - Girne, Cyprus @ Mer Rocks Hotel
August 26 - Grande Ronde, OR @ Spirit Mountain Casino
August 27 - Brooks, CA @ Cache Creek Resort
August 30 - Friant, CA @ Table Mountain Casino (Private event)
August 31 - Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
September 3 - Temecula, Thornton Winery

Stay tuned for more details on The Guitar Man and tour!

STANLEY CLARKE TO BE HONORED WITH THE MILES DAVIS AWARD

Stanley Clarke will be the 18th recipient of the Miles Davis Award at the Montreal Jazz Festival June 26, 8:00 p.m., Salle Wilfrid-Peiletier venue. The award will be presented before his festival performance with Return To Forever. The Miles Davis Award was created in 1994 to honor a great international jazz musician for the entire body of his or her work and for that musician’s influence in regenerating the jazz idiom. Awards such as this make me remember and appreciate all the work I’ve done over the past forty-plus years. Personally, I have to thank those who gave me opportunities such as Horace Silver, Stan Getz, Art Blakey and Dexter Gordon,” says Clarke. “I also thank my early collaboration with Chick Corea for laying the foundation to who I am today as a musician. It is an honor to now be included among such an acclaimed group of past winners of the Miles Davis Award.” A polyglot artist, equally fluent in electric and acoustic jazz, with an unparalleled skill, Stanley Clarke had already been proclaimed a legend by the age of 25! Clarke led the “bass revolution” of the ’70s, bringing the instrument to the height of respectability and paving the way for its use by soloists. Among his many accomplishments, Clarke is credited with pioneering the slap technique and inventing two new instruments: the piccolo bass and the tenor bass. His incredible mastery on both electric and acoustic bass and his creativity have been recognized with numerous awards and rankings among the world’s best bassists. This year he won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, The Stanley Clarke Band. The first bassist to headline international tours, he was sought out by the likes of Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards for numerous projects. He is also a composer, arranger, producer, bandleader and performer of over 60 film and television scores including Boys N the Hood, What’s Love Got to Do With It, Romeo Must Die and The Transporter among so many others. Not one to rest on the laurels, Clarke launched the Roxboro Entertainment Group label in 2011, featuring debut albums from guitarist Lloyd Gregory; multi-instrumentalist Kennard Ramsey; keyboardist Sunnie Paxson; and keyboardist Ruslan Sirota. His Stanley Clarke Foundation continues to award scholarships to educate promising young musicians. Clarke is the latest in a series of Miles Davis prizewinners. He follows Sonny Rollins (2010), Ornette Coleman (2009), McCoy Tyner (2008), Mike Stern (2007), Brad Mehldau (2006), Dave Holland (2005), Keith Jarrett (2004), Joe Zawinul (2003), Chick Corea (2002), Michael Brecker (2001), Charlie Haden (2000), Cassandra Wilson (1999), John Scofield (1998), Herbie Hancock (1997), Wayne Shorter (1996), Pat Metheny (1995) and John McLaughlin (1994)

http://stanleyclarke.com/
http://stanleyclarke.org/

SADE - THE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

Sade made their return to U.S. shores when they opened their 54-date North American tour with a jubilant, sold-out performance at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. Their first tour in over a decade, the 120-minute set featured all of Sade's best known songs, including their recent Grammy-winning hit, "Soldier of Love." Directed by longtime collaborator Sophie Muller, and with production and lighting design by Baz Halpin, the tour is groundbreaking from a visual perspective. With a 23' x 52' high resolution LED screen behind the band, and enormous projection screens all around the stage, beautiful, larger than life images accompany the music which has made Sade one of the most adored and enduring live bands in the world. The result is a visually stunning setting in which to hear one of the world's greatest bands on tour for the first time since 2001. John Legend, the acclaimed singer, songwriter and pianist who is opening for Sade on all of the dates, treated fans to a long list of his well known songs. The tour continues with multiple nights in Atlanta, Chicago, Oakland, Los Angeles and Anaheim before finishing in mid-September. Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-seven year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life, in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 55 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won four Grammy Awards – first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love," again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock and most recently in 2011 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "Soldier Of Love." The band also recently released The Ultimate Collection, a 28 track, 2-CD set of their best known songs.

Sade and John Legend Summer Tour Dates:

June 16 - Baltimore, MD, 1st Mariner Arena
June 18 - Pittsburgh, PA, Consol Energy Center
June 19 - Philadelphia, PA, Wells Fargo Center
June 21 - Uniondale, NY, Nassau Coliseum
June 22 - Washington, DC, Verizon Center
June 24 - East Rutherford, NJ, Izod Center
June 25 - Newark, NJ, Prudential Center
June 28 - Toronto, ON, Air Canada Centre
June 30 - Montreal, QC, Bell Centre
July 02 - Atlantic City, NJ, Etess Arena - Trump Taj Mahal *Sade only*
July 03 - Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena
July 06 - Boston, MT, TD Garden
July 08 - Indianapolis, IN, Conseco Fieldhouse
July 09 - Cleveland, OH, Quicken Loans Arena
July 10 - Columbus, OH, Schottenstein Center
July 12 - Atlanta, GA, Philips Arena
July 13 - Atlanta, GA, Philips Arena
July 15 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL, BankAtlantic Center
July 16 - Miami, FL, American Airlines Arena
July 17 - Orlando, FL, Amway Center
July 22 - New Orleans, New Orleans Arena
July 23 - Houston, TX, Toyota Center
July 24 - Dallas, TX, American Airlines Center
July 26 - Kansas City, MO, Sprint Center
July 28 - St. Louis, MO, Scottrade Center
July 29 - Memphis, TN, FedEx Forum
July 31 - Charlotte, NC, Time Warner Cable Arena
August 01 - Nashville, TN, Bridgestone Arena
August 03 - Detroit, MI, The Palace at Auburn Hills
August 05 - Chicago, IL, United Center
August 06 - Chicago, IL, United Center
August 07 - Chicago, IL, United Center
August 09 - Minneapolis, MN, Target Center
August 11 - Denver, CO, Pepsi Center
August 13 - Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena
August 14 - Seattle, WA, Key Arena
August 15 - Portland, OR, Rose Garden Arena
August 17 - Sacramento, CA, Power Balance Pavilion
August 19 - Los Angeles, CA, Staples Center
August 20 - Los Angeles, CA, Staples Center
August 21 - Los Angeles, CA, Staples Center
August 23 - San Diego, CA, Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
August 25 - San Jose, CA, HP Pavilion
August 26 - Oakland, CA, Oracle Arena
August 27 - Oakland, CA, Oracle Arena
August 30 - Anaheim, CA, Honda Center
August 31 - Anaheim, CA, Honda Center
September 02 - Phoenix, AZ, U.S. Airways Center
September 03 - Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Arena
September 04 - Salt Lake City, UT, E-Center*
September 07 - Austin, TX, Frank Erwin Center*
September 09 - Raleigh, NC, RBC Arena*
September 10 - Louisville, KY, KFC Yum Center*
September 11 - Norfolk, VA, Scope Arena*

*Dates, cities and venues are subject to change.

DIVA ITALIANA - A TRIBUTE TO THE LOVELY LADIES OF ITALIAN FILM

Diva Italiana is a tribute to the lovely ladies of Italian film – Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, and others all presented here in a booklet of images backed by a super CD of music as well! The music is pulled both from film soundtracks, and from some of the recent recordings of the Cinedelic scene most of which offer up a contemporary take on mod modes of the 60s as you'll hear on cuts that include "Amarcord" by Mop Mop, "Gran Lusso" by Sam Paglia, "Via Veneto Rumba" by Dolce Vita, "La Diabla" by Magnetic 4, "Gelsomina" by Lavalamp, "Solitary Diva" by Martini Brothers, "Mai" by Mina, "Ballo Di Lidia" by Giorgio Gaslini, "Riempimi Di Baci" by Italian Lounge Trio, "Strano Mercoled" by Piero Piccioni, and "Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo" by Sophia Loren. There's a collection of rare photos of the Italian movie stars, including Anna Magnani, Sofia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Virna Lisi, Claudia Cardinale, Monica Vitti, Sandra Milo, and Elsa Martinelli. Diva Italiana celebrates this beauty and brings with this photographic collectionnever-before-seen pictures, moments of their lives with flashes from the paparazzi in Via Veneto in the epic period of DOLCE VITA to the great backstage moments. The magic flavor of these images, almost private, will bring you back to those moments that the whole world fell in love with.

Diva Italiana Track Listing

Mop Mop – Amarcord

Sophia Loren – Zoo Be Zoo Be Zo
Sam Paglia – Gran Lasso
Domenico Modugno – Piove
Piero Piccioni – Strano Mercoledi
Italian Lounge Trio – Riempimi Di Baci
Lavalamp – Nave Ad Aprile
Dolce Vita Via – Veneto Rumba
Lavalamp – Gelsomina
Magnetic 4 – La Diabla
Martini Bros. – Solitary Diva
Gina Lollobrigida – Roma Roma Roma
Giorgio Gaslini – Ballo Di Lidia
Mina – Mai
Dolce Vita – Vento

THE SOUL OF CAPITOL RECORDS: RARE & WELL-DONE

In honor of Black Music Month, Capitol/EMI has released a new digital compilation, The Soul Of Capitol Records: Rare & Well-Done (Vol. 1). The collection, available now for download purchase from all major digital service providers, features 20 songs that are noteworthy not only for their quality, but also for their rarity. The collection includes "Can't She Tell," a Billy Preston song co-written by Sly Stone, and "Turn Away From Me," an understated collectible by Patti Drew. Other gems include "Lover And A Friend" by the renowned Eddie Bo & Inez Cheatham, and "Evidence," one of many intoxicating singles recorded by Patrice Holloway during her stint at Capitol Records in the late 1960s & early '70s. In addition to the new 'Rare & Well-Done' compilation, several classic albums and collections by legendary soul artists have recently been made available for download purchase for the first time by Capitol/EMI. Timeless albums from Etta James, Ike & Tina Turner, The Ohio Players, Irma Thomas, and Johnny Guitar Watson are just a few of the soul staples that are now digitally available and featured during the month-long celebration.

The Soul Of Capitol Records: Rare and Well Done (Vol. 1) 1. A Lil' Lovin' Sometimes – Alexander Patton

2. Crazy Baby – Ruben Wright

3. Kissin' Her And Cryin' For You – The Checkmates, Ltd.

4. Baby Mine – Thelma Houston

5. Can't She Tell (Feat. Sly Stone) – Billy Preston

6. Queen Of The Go Go – Rex Garvin & The Mighty Cravers

7. Turn Away From Me – Patti Drew

8. Searchin' For My Soul – H.B. Barnum

9. Groovin' At The Go-Go – The Four Larks

10. Reach Out For Me – Willie Tee

11. Lover And A Friend – Eddie Bo & Inez Cheatham

12. So Is The Sun – The World Column

13. Comin' Home – Mosaic Tweed

14. Someone For Everyone – Betty And Charles

15. Uh Huh Yeah – The Salty Peppers

16. Hold On, I'm Comin' – General Crook

17. Three People In Love – Mack Rice

18. Evidence – Patrice Holloway

19. The Writing's On The Wall - Skylark

20. I Believe In Miracles – Mark Capanni

New Digital Soul Releases From EMI (Now Available)

Billy Larkin and the Delegates – Organ Grooves And Soul Brothers: The Best Of Billy Larkin and the Delegates

Baby Washington – I've Got A Feeling…The Best Of Baby Washington

Clydie King – The Imperial & Minit Years

Elmore James – The Best Of The Modern Years

Etta James – The Complete Modern & Kent Recordings (2 CD)

Homer Banks: Hooked By Love – The Best Of Homer Banks

Ike & Tina Turrner – Her Man....His Woman

Inez & Charlie Foxx: The Best Of The Sue Years

Irma Thomas – Wish Someone Would Care

Irma Thomas – Take A Look

Jimmy McGriff – The Best of the Sue Years 1962-1965

Jimmy McCracklin – I Had To Get With It: The Best Of The Imperial & Minit Years

Johnny Guitar Watson – The Best Of The Modern Years

Lost R&B Hits Of The 80's – Various Artists

McFadden & Whitehead – Movin' On

Paul Pena – Paul Pena

Perry & Sanlin – We're The Winners

Tavares – Sky High!

The Aladdin Records Story (Various Artists)

The Fame Gang – Pure Gold From Muscle Shoals (Expanded Edition with Bonus Tracks)

The Five Keys – Best of the Capitol Years

The Five Keys – Best of the Aladdin Years

The Minit Records Story (2 CD) (Various Artists)

The Ohio Players – Observations In Time

The Soul Of Minit Records (Various Artists)

The Sue Records Story: New York City (The Sound of Soul) (4 CD set) (Various Artists)

 

DEANA MARTIN - VOLARE

Internationally acclaimed singer and entertainer, Deana Martin, will be resuming her successful tour, “Deana Sings Dino”, in honor of her legendary father, Dean Martin, .The show marks a return engagement of her many sold-out performances since last summer at Feinstein's. Deana opens her summer tour at Festa Italiano at Zona Rosa in Kansas City, MO. The musical extravaganza highlights Deana performing many of her father’s greatest and most enduring hits, including “Memories Are Made of This”, “That’s Amore”, “Everybody Loves Somebody”, and more. As an added bonus, there’s a video montage with exclusive home movies and photos from the Martin family archive, that takes the audience on a musical journey of intimate moments that include a tribute to her father and other great performers who helped shape American music and popular culture. The show will also feature songs from her latest hit CD, Volare which was the culmination of three years of hard work, and a labor of love. It was recorded at Capitol Records, with a proverbial A-Team of Multi-Grammy™ Award winners as Deana's supporting cast and includes songs such as fan favorite and radio friendly, “Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone”, “Return To Me” as well as the title name, “Volare.” The summer tour is but part of the big picture as Deana continues to record and tour internationally to sold out crowds with The Orlando The tour dates for “Deana Sings Dino” are listed below. Additional dates to be announced as cities and venues are confirmed.



Add caption



2011 “Deana Sings Dino” Summer Tour

June 4 - Fiesta Italiano, Kansas City, MO     (Zona Rosa)          

June 12 - Newark, OH (Midland Theater)

June 14 - Bellafontaine, OH (The Holland Theater)  

June 16 - Wheeling, WV (Capital Theatre)

June 16-19 - Dean Martin Festival    Steubenville, OH

June 19 - Washington, PA (The Meadows Racetrack & Casino)

June 25 - Warren, MI (Andiamo Celebrity Showroom)

http://www.deanamartin.com/ .



PAUL SIMON - THE COLUMBIA/LEGACY RECORDINGS

Columbia/Legacy Recordings announces the first round of releases in the Paul Simon catalog project with definitive editions of four of the artist's essential solo albums -- Paul Simon, There Goes Rhymin' Simon, Paul Simon In Concert: Live Rhymin' and Still Crazy After All These Years -- available everywhere Tuesday, June 7. News of the Paul Simon catalog releases arrives as Simon, the quintessential American singer-songwriter-performer, tours the United States in May and Europe this summer with an eight-piece band in support of his recently-released critically-acclaimed new album, So Beautiful Or So What on Hear Music. The new Columbia/Legacy editions of four classic Paul Simon catalog titles marks the first set of releases since last year's historic licensing agreement between the artist and Sony Music Entertainment brought Simon's entire catalog of recordings together under the one roof for the first time since the 1970s.
Paul Simon, There Goes Rhymin' Simon, Paul Simon In Concert: Live Rhymin' and Still Crazy After All These Years have returned to the Columbia imprint for the first time since their original vinyl releases. While all the titles feature the remastered sound, bonus tracks and expanded packaging from their first CD incarnations, Paul Simon In Concert: Live Rhymin', a Columbia Records release in 1974, has been newly remastered for this Columbia/Legacy edition.  Recorded during Simon's groundbreaking tours with Urubamba and the Jessy Dixon Singers in 1973-74, Live Rhymin' includes two previously unavailable live tracks - "Kodachrome" and "Something So Right" - which have never appeared on the vinyl or CD editions of the album. Originally released on Columbia Records in 1972, Paul Simon, the artist's first solo studio album without Art Garfunkel, peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 while generating the signature hits "Mother and Child Reunion" (#4 Hot 100) and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" (#22) and other classic tracks.  CD bonus cuts include demos of "Duncan" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" and an unreleased "Paranoia Blues." There Goes Rhymin' Simon, a 1973 Columbia Records release, showcased a pair of timeless summer car radio anthems - "Kodachrome" and "Loves Me Like a Rock" - and peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200.  The CD features non-album bonus tracks including work-in-progress "Let Me Live in Your City," acoustic demos of "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" and "Loves Me Like a Rock," topped off by an unfinished demo of "American Tune."  1975's Grammy-winning Album of the Year, Still Crazy After All These Years rocketed to #1 with a hit-packed tracklist that included "My Little Town" (a one-track "reunion" with Art Garfunkel) and the #1 smash "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover."  Bonus cuts on the CD include demos of "Slip Slidin' Away" and "Gone At Last" (with The Jessy Dixon Singers). During his distinguished career Paul Simon has been the recipient of many honors and awards  A recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Simon has won 12 Grammys including three Albums of the Year: Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970), Still Crazy After All These Years (1976) and Graceland (1986).  2011 marks the 40th anniversary of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," a 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee.  Simon has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a member of Simon & Garfunkel and as a solo artist.

SAM COOKE, STAN GETZ, RETURN TO FOREVER - THE COMPLETE ALBUMS COLLECTIONS

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, has announced the first artists to be featured in The Complete Albums Collection, a new product line for serious music fans and enthusiasts, available exclusively through PopMarket.com beginning Tuesday, May 24. Launching with comprehensive boxed sets of original album catalogs by Sam Cooke, Stan Getz and Return To Forever, The Complete Albums Collection series will showcase new releases throughout the year, offering music fans and collectors the chance to own classic discographies on CD (with many out of print and rare titles) in 5x5 minijacket reproductions of the original album cover art, a stand-alone booklet with discographical information and photos, all housed in a beautifully packaged clamshell box. Upcoming artists in The Complete Albums Collection will include some of Sony Music's most notable artists and many their most pivotal recordings.

SAM COOKE
Sam Cooke is widely regarded as the first and greatest soul singer, and as one of the most important figures in modern American music. His good looks, personal charisma and golden voice made him a superstar in the 1950s, winning him an unprecedented crossover appeal. Although he died in 1964 at the age of 33, Sam Cooke produced a remarkably accomplished body of work in his short life. This box set celebrates that rich musical legacy, collecting eight of his greatest albums, six of which have never before been released on CD in the United States. This collection charts Sam Cooke's remarkable musical evolution, and stands as a powerful testament to his timeless talent. The RCA Albums Collection includes the most complete package to date of Sam Cooke's '60s albums: Six of the eight albums in this set have never been released on CD in the U.S. and each individual album is packaged in a replica mini-LP sleeve reproducing that album's original cover art.

Sam Cooke - The RCA Albums Collection (8 CDs)

1. Cooke's Tour
2. Hits of the '50s
3. Swing Low
4. My Kind of Blues
5. Twistin' the Night Away
6. Mr. Soul
7. Night Beat
8. One Night Stand

RETURN TO FOREVER
Founded by jazz keyboardist Chick Corea, Return To Forever was one of the prime movers of the electric fusion that literally rocked the jazz world in the 1970s.  With Corea, who'd played with Miles Davis on In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew, and bassist Stanley Clarke at its core, Return To Forever hit its commercial zenith with Romantic Warrior, the group's Columbia Records debut, and sustained an aesthetic peak through the under-rated Musicmagic and the epic swan song Return To Forever Live.

Return To Forever - The Complete Columbia Albums Collection (5 CDs)

1. Romantic Warrior (1976)
2. Musicmagic (1977)
3-5. Return To Forever Live (1977) [3 CDs]

STAN GETZ
Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz rose to renown in the late 1940s, dubbed "The Sound" for the warmth of his tone and phrasing before blowing up in '64 with his musical championing of the bossa nova, "The Girl From Ipanema."  Getz made some of his most avant-garde fusion recordings for Columbia Records, beginning with Captain Marvel in 1972.

Stan Getz - The Complete Columbia Albums Collection (8 CDs)

1. Captain Marvel (1972) w/ Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Tony Williams
2. Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto: The Best Of Two Worlds (1975)
3. The Master (1975)
4. Stan Getz/ Jimmy Rowles: The Peacocks (1975)
5. Another World JG 35513
6. Children Of The World
7. Forest Eyes (music composed, arranged & conducted by Jurre Haanstra) CBS (Holland)
8. Bonus Disc (U.S. Only): includes selections from Woody Herman Carnegie

For a limited time, The Complete Album Collection line will also be available at the PopMarket Pop-Up retail store, located in Manhattan on the former site of mythic rock club CBGB's at 313 Bowery. The Pop-Up store will feature the same great daily deals as the PopMarket.com website, plus a weekly series of music-related speakers, movie screenings and in-store events throughout the month of June.  Store hours: Wednesday and Friday from 12pm-8pm, Thursday and Saturday from 12pm-7pm; Sunday from 12pm-6pm. PopMarket.com, the online daily deals site exclusively for music fans recently launched by Sony Music Entertainment, offers the hottest daily deals on premium music and rare, collectible albums, boxed sets and memorabilia.  Free PopMarket.com membership gives music fans unprecedented access to the hottest deals on the coolest music on the planet.

http://www.legacyrecordings.com/

THE HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION

The Herb Alpert  Foundation announced  that they have renewed their commitment to help the prestigious Harlem School of the Arts by offering a $350,000 '2 to 1' matching grant program. To match this offering, HSA will be seeking $700,000 in new funding commitments in the next four months from corporations, individuals as well as other foundations to meet the challenge. Musician Herb Alpert, whose foundation has donated millions of dollars over the years to fund arts programs in schools all over the country, previously came to the rescue of HSA last year when they were about to close their doors. The first grant of $500,000 was also a matching gift that brought another $500,000 from other donors. So impressed was Alpert when he visited the school to see the remarkable progress they were making toward sustaining their music, dance and arts programs for the children in the community that he made an additional commitment to the school this year. "During my recent visit to HSA, I got to observe classes in music, arts and dance. The kids along with the teachers showed a tremendous commitment to these programs. It's imperative that their good work continues in the years ahead," commented Alpert. Yvette Campbell, the new President & CEO of The Harlem School of the Arts and a former professional dancer concurred:  "I am inspired and dedicated to see HSA on a path to become the premiere institution for arts education within NYC's cultural landscape as well as continuing to provide young people with the opportunity to take advantage of its quality arts programming with life skills that assure success: discipline, high standards, clear performance goals and high expectations." "The Alperts strongly believe that the arts play a fundamental role in all of our lives, and one of the core areas of their philanthropy is to support arts education for our youth, and particularly for youth in underserved areas and communities. For many decades, The Harlem School of the Arts has played a significant role in providing young people with the opportunities to find their creative voice and spirit, and the Alperts are hopeful that once again, through a new matching grant challenge, others will step up to help strengthen and sustain this important resource for the Harlem community," added Rona Sebastian, President of the Herb Alpert Foundation.

CHICK COREA - THE DEFINITIVE CHICK COREA ON STRETCH AND CONCORD

Since his earliest recordings in the 1960s, pianist, keyboardist, and composer Chick Corea has consistently taken the creative process to a level that transcends conventional musical doctrines. After spending his formative years with artists as diverse as Miles Davis, Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, and Sarah Vaughan, Corea helped redefine the boundaries of jazz as a founding member of the acclaimed Return To Forever, one of the most innovative and daring jazz fusion collectives of the last half-century. In more recent decades, as the leader of numerous projects that have explored various aspects of the musical landscape, he continues to be an influential force in modern jazz. In celebration of Corea’s 70th birthday this summer, Concord Music Group provides a look back at three decades’ worth of brilliant recordings in The Definitive Chick Corea on Stretch and Concord. The sweeping two-disc collection, the latest in CMG’s ongoing Definitive series begins with some of Corea’s best sessions with Stretch in the early 1980s and follows him through the end of the century to his work on Concord up to 2009. The Definitive Chick Corea on Stretch and Concord is set for release on June 7, 2011, just days ahead of the artist’s 70th birthday on June 12.

The collection is being released simultaneously with Forever, a new two-disc electric/acoustic set that Corea recorded live with Return To Forever bandmates Stanley Clarke and Lenny White, along with, on disc two, a few high-profile guests (Chaka Khan, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Bill Connors)  during a world tour in 2009. A previously unreleased version of Corea’s well-known “La Fiesta, ” captured during this tour, is the closing track on The Definitive Chick Corea. Even a quick glance at the range of material in this collection - 21 tracks in all  provides an impressive perspective on the breadth and depth of Corea’s imagination, according to veteran music journalist Don Heckman, who wrote the liner notes for the set. “Start with the all-star collectives of the early ’80s that find him in the company of such jazz stalwarts as Michael Brecker, Joe Henderson, Roy Haynes, Lee Konitz, and Gary Peacock, to name only a few, ” says Heckman. “Add the musical encounters with old friend and frequent collaborator Gary Burton, the first Origin tracks and a glimpse of Chick’s insightful approach to standards. And, in the 2000s, more unusual musical encounters, this time with Bobby McFerrin, Béla Fleck, Hiromi, John McLaughlin, and again Burton, as well as the Elektric and Akoustic Bands.”

As to the divine nature of the creative process, Heckman recalls a quote from Corea himself about the higher channel that every artist eventually dials into: “Your tastes can change from day to day, ” says Corea. “But the whole point of being an artist, with my groups, has always been spirituality, art as spirit. That’s our message, and translated into human rights terms, it’s freedom of expression. Freedom of thought, which is actually broader than freedom of religion . . . Freedom to think as you will. Which means freedom to pray, practice your own religion, play what music you want, say what opinions you have, communicate as you want. And that’s our premise.” The music within The Definitive Chick Corea on Stretch and Concord exemplifies Corea’s unwillingness to be restricted by artificial boundaries, says Nick Phillips, Concord Music Group’s Vice President of Catalog and Jazz A&R and co-producer in collaboration with Corea of this collection. “One of the many amazing things about Chick is just how restlessly creative he is not only as an instrumentalist, but also as a composer, ” says Phillips. “He’s a true artist who’s not driven by fickle trends, or some conventional norm about the way a jazz tune should be written or played. He’s driven purely by his own boundless creativity, and he has demonstrated that throughout his career. That’s what shines through on these tracks and that’s why each one is timeless.”

TRACK LIST:
Disc 1
Tap Step
Quartet No. 1
Folk Song
Duende
Windows
Armando’s Rhumba
Bud Powell
Dreamless
Wigwam
Spain
It Could Happen To You

Disc 2

Blue Monk

Bessie’s Blues

Johnny’s Landing

North Africa

The Fool on the Hill

Señorita

Crystal Silence

The Disguise

La Fiesta [previously unreleased]