JAHEIM JOHNS ATLANTIC RECORDS

R&B singer, Jaheim, is the latest artist to join Atlantic Records' roster. The singer's first piece of business will be to release his highly anticipated next album, but before that, he's already leaked his first single, "Never," which is getting a warm reception at radio. Jaheim's as-yet-untitled new album will see the New Brunswick, New Jersey-born singer joining forces with a variety of artists including KayGee (Naughty By Nature, Zhane), and R. Kelly, among others. Among its expected highlights will be a duet with Keyshia Cole, as well as a tribute to Jaheim’s hero, Luther Vandross, recorded with the dearly departed soulman's former producer, Nat Adderley Jr.In addition to the new album, Jaheim can be heard on Atlantic's soundtrack to the new film, Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" He is featured on "DJ Don’t (Remix)," alongside the late, great R&B legend, Gerald Levert. It's in stores now. Jaheim burst onto the scene with 2001's acclaimed Ghetto Love. Fueled by the breakthrough singles, "Could It Be" and "Just In Case," the album reached the Billboard 200's top 10 on its way to earning RIAA platinum for sales exceeding 1 million.After the album, he was honored with a number of award nominations, including the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single (for "Just In Case"), and the BET Awards for 'Best Male R&B Artist. He went on to release his sophomore album, Still Ghetto, in 2004, which was also a commercial and critical success, then ended this Ghetto trilogy with Ghetto Classics in 2006.

SANTANA - ULTIMATE SANTANA

Multi-million selling, legendary recording artist Carlos Santana's new career-spanning album ULTIMATE SANTANA debuts at #8 on the Billboard chart with 56,475 albums sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. This is Santana's third Top 10 debut and #11th Top 10 album. Having sold over 90 million albums worldwide, the entire scope of Santana's history is presented together on one volume for the first time ever. ULTIMATE SANTANA, a celebration of an artist and his music, is highlighted by three brand new, previously unreleased collaborative tracks with Chad Kroeger, Tina Turner, and Jennifer Lopez featuring rapper Baby Bash.

The first single and previously unreleased new track "Into The Night" featuring Chad Kroeger was the #1 most added at the Hot AC radio format and most added at Top 40 radio first week out and has remained the #1 most added track at Hot AC charts for 4 consecutive weeks with the video in rotation on VH-1. "Into The Night" is # 20 on the Hot Digital Tracks Chart,
up 58% this week, and is Santana's highest ranking track ever on the chart.

Other previously unreleased, brand new tracks include a dynamic pairing with Tina Turner on the track "The Game of Love," and Jennifer Lopez and Baby Bash join Santana on the red hot, brand new track "This Boy's Fire." ULTIMATE SANTANA marks the first anthology to include touchstone tracks from the band's earliest hitmaking years on Columbia Records ("Oye Como
Va," "Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," to name a few), alongside groundbreaking collaborations like "Smooth" with Rob Thomas, "Maria Maria" with Product G&B, and "The Game of Love" with Michelle Branch, among others, that highlighted their three consecutive blockbuster Arista albums: Supernatural (1999), Shaman (2002), and All That I Am (2005).

HOWARD HEWITT - IF ONLY

Billboard Magazine in its current issue ranks Howard Hewett's new single "Can You Feel Me" as one of the hot new singles in R&B. The Single ranks # 25 in Adult R&B airplay. Hewett's signature single is included in his current album "If Only" also charting # 94 on Billboard's top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. This is his first debut in 11 years and 17th as a solo artist since leaving the group Shalamar in 1985, Billboard reported.

With his silky smooth, straight-from-the-heart soulful style, Howard Hewett is gifted with one of the most instantly recognizable voices in contemporary music. With the 2007 release of his Groove Records' debut IF ONLY, his loyal worldwide audiences will be reminded of just why Howard Hewett has endured, sustained and maintained a solid career as a solo artist for over two decades.

IF ONLY also represents a reunion of sorts for Howard who serves as executive producer the album with Ralph Johnson, one of the founding members of super group Earth, Wind & Fire. Michael Reynolds, CEO of The Machine Productions, Groove Record's parent company said, "Howard's many fans will be thrilled that he's taken his time to release a new album. It includes such standout tracks as 'I'll Be Right Here,' 'Enough' and the exceptional title track, IF ONLY, is a further testament to Howard Hewett's enduring artistry and a reminder that when it comes to great music, good things truly do come to those who wait!"

PAUL HARDCASTLE – HARDCASTLE 5

Paul Hardcastle is completing work on his latest CD set for release on February 8, 2008. This one is aptly titled, “Hardcastle 5”, and it is one that is sure t energize the his fan base and continue his long run of dominance on the smooth jazz charts. “Hardcastle 5” is infected with strong hooks and memorable melodies which have become the Hardcastle trademark. From the midtempo thriller and first radio single “Lucky Star”, to the groove laden “Marimba” and the Barry White-influenced “Don’t You Know”, “Hardcastle 5” delivers on all levels. “Hardcastle 5” also introduces vocalist and newcomer Beki Biggins, who puts her unique imprint on four songs.

SAKAI – DREAM BIG

Family Tree Records has joined forces with The Rob Nonies Label Groupand Koch Distributionon the release of Sakai’s Dream Big.  "I Like," the first single from Dream Big is graced with the guitar-playing wizardry of  Dwayne Wiggins of Tony! Tone! Toni!. “I Like,” debuted at the #8 position on Billboard’s "Hot R&B & Hip Hop Singles Sales" chart.

Dream Big is an 18-track collection of songs, most of which were co-written by Sakai and Family Tree Records’ CEO and President, Kevin "Darkside" Smith, which crosses a variety of genres.  Traditional R&B, urban-infused hip-hop, salsa, jazz and straight up soul are all represented. 

This focus is clearly evident on the standout tracks "Friendship To Love", (co-written by Sakai, Darkside and the esteemed Narada Michael Walden), a ballad which charts the progression of a relationship from the friendship stage to a full-blown love affair and the inspiring and life-affirming "Leap of Faith", which is about following your heart, spreading your wings, and calling upon the strength of one’s spirit to overcome any obstacle; and “A Place Between” a sensual ballad overlaid with the patina of a Spanish guitar which explores the metaphorical “space” between lust and love, the sadness and the warmth of a smile, the space between “your heart and mine.”  Finally, this emotionally engaging set closes with the anthemic ”Dream Big,” which encourages listeners to reach for the stars and give yourself over to your greatest hopes and biggest dreams, and despite what it might look like, Sakai promises us that it’s “Gonna Be Fine” because faith will see you through and it’s time to take control of your destiny.

Sakai’s vocal skills and range have been duly noted by such industry luminaries as Celine Dion on whose hit single “A New Day” Sakai’s is the first voice you hear.  She has also worked with a stellar crew of industry notables such as Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Curtis Mayfield, Chaka Khan, Oleta Adams, Steve Winwood and Michael Bolton, among others.  

CHICAGO TOUR DATES

Chicago will perform the following concerts:
October 27 – MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV
October 29 – MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV
October 30 – MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV
October 31 - MGM Grand, Las Vegas NV
November 29 - Omaha Civic Music Hall, Omaha NE
November 30 – Orpheum, Minneapolis, MN
December 1 - Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL
December 2 - Murat Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
December 5 - US Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington, IL
December 6 - Coronado PAC, Rockford, IL

KHUI-FM “THE JEWEL” HITS THE JACKPOT

KHUI-FM 99.5 in Honolulu is celebrating the success of their “Jewel’ format as the station is the No. 4 station and is No. 6 weekday mornings among Oahu radio listeners 12 and older. The station features music from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Ed Ames as well as newer artists including Michael Buble and Celine Dion. The station has leapt from last summer's rankings of No. 19 Mondays through Sundays and No. 20 weekday mornings, to this summer's Top 10. It changed to adult standards from Hawaiian music last year.

NEW RELEASES FROM SANTANA, TIERRA, QUINCY JONES, ROY AYERS & MORE...

Meschell Ndegeocello – World Has Made Me The Man Of My Dreams (Universal)
Michel Legrand – RCA Years (BMG/RCA/Japan)
Mikki Howard – The Very Best Of Mikki Howard (Rhino/Warner)
Ntamrosie – Patience (Appletree/Netherlands)
Patrice Rushen – Haven’t You Heard: The Best Of Patrice Rushen (Rhino/Warner)
Peabo Bryson – Positive (Elektra/Wounded Bird)
Quarteto Em Cy – Single & More (Elenco/Japan)
Quincy Jones – Summer In The City – The Soul Jazz Grooves Of Quincy Jones (A&M/Germany)
Rahsaan Patterson – Wines And Spirits (Artistry)
Ramp – Come Into Knowledge (Blue Thumb)
Randolph – Lonely Eden (Still Music/Germany)
Ray Russell – Turn Circle (CBS/Vocation/UK)
Roy Ayers – Lifeline (Polydor)
Santana – Ultimate Santana (Arista)
Stanley Clarke – Children Of Forever (Polydor)
Stanley Clarke – The Toys Of Men (Heads Up)
Take 6 – Greatest Hits (Rhino/Warner)
Tamba Trio – Tamba Trio (Phillips/Japan)
Tevin Campbell – The Best Of Tevin Campbell (Rhino/Warner)
Tierra – Greatest Love Songs (Thump)
Tommy Potter – Hard Funk In Sweden (East West Jazz Connections/Spain)
Viola Wills – Dare To Dream (Get Disconnected)
Zapp & Roger – All The Greatest Hits (Rhino/Warner)

PAUL CULLEN - DREAMDANCE

Paul Cullen’s resourcefulness reaches fruition on his new release Dreamdance. By combining his love of music, fine food and wine, Paul brings his music to wine related events in several different regions of the country. 

Paul was inspired at 19 years old by jazz-fusion artist Pat Metheny and Weather Report. After hour upon hour of diligent work with his new obsession, life was about to change. The opportunity to perform presented itself he started paying his dues on the road. It all paid off when he had a chance meeting with members of AC/DC in 1989, whom were friends with rock legends Bad Company. As they say, timing is everything in life, as the band needed a bass player. In the early 90’s Paul toured the world with Bad Company, playing in front of millions of people. For Paul, it was a dream come true: “It was the most fun I ever had until now,” he remembers, “To get to the point where I was playing in front of 20,000 people every night…it was incredible.”

In 1992, Paul’s successful run with Bad Company ended and another phase of his career began. At that point he decided to start writing, playing acoustic guitar and singing. Taking his vision and love for fine wine and food then transforming it into music was something he knew was not only possible but also very marketable. Dreamdance is now a reality and it was all done the indie way. The music is all ready in motion currently through the CD and live performances on a worldwide level. Paul is traveling to fine wine and food locations everywhere from Bermuda back to his home turf in Delaware.

Dreamdance offers a cross-section of music ranging from adult contemporary pop to jazz flavored tracks.Paul commented: “I’ve had everyone from their 20’s to their 60’s approach me and passionately convey how much they take pleasure in my music. It’s been even more than what I envisioned.”

Catch Paul Cullen liveUnplugged & Uncorked on Wine Lover’s Wednesday-October 27th @ 6pm at the Casa DiLeo in Rehoboth Beach Delaware. Visit Paul’s website for more information, updates, sound samples and more.

DUKE ELLINGTON & SATHIMA BEA BENJAMIN - A MORNING IN PARIS

The Duke Ellington-produced album A Morning in Paris - recorded in 1963 by South African jazz singer Sathima Bea Benjamin featuring Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Abdullah Ibrahim - will be reissued for download on October 16 in celebration of Sathima's 71st birthday. CDs will be in stores January 22, 2008, but advance copies were be available at Sathima's birthday concert at New York's Sweet Rhythm Jazz Club on Wednesday, October 17.

The story of Sathima Bea Benjamin's A Morning in Paris -- one of the lost and found gems of jazz recording history -- begins in 1963 when a young South African singer named Beattie Benjamin, living in exile in Zurich, catches Duke Ellington's ear after his own performance and convinces him to come directly down to the Club Africana to listen to her boyfriend's trio. Beattie (who would later be given the name "Sathima" by bassist Johnny Dyani) exercised that night a persistence that would dramatically change her life and career, as well as that of her future husband, Dollar Brand (later Abdullah Ibrahim), and perhaps even the history of jazz. Duke not only agreed to hear the trio; he also insisted that Beattie sing for him. Enthralled by what he heard, Duke sent the musicians to Paris, whereupon both Dollar and Beattie would record albums for Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records, for which Duke was in charge of A&R. Dollar's album became in short time a classic that would establish him as one of the most uniquely personal pianists in jazz history.

Sathima's tapes, which feature the pianist work of Abdullah Ibrahim, Billy Strayhorn, and Duke himself, never reached the public, and were ultimately thought to be lost. However, the tapes resurfaced in 1996 when author David Hajdu, in the course of working on a Billy Strayhorn biography, was given a copy of the session that was secretly made by Gerhard Lehner, the recording engineer. For Sathima, the events of that Paris morning were dream-like in more ways than one -- the performances lived on the courage to take a chance, flourished under the unexpected support of a great artist; became dreams of the past when the possibility of ever hearing them again disappeared into thin air, only to resurface for her and the world to hear 33 years later.

Writing about the morning, Sathima Bea Benjamin notes "I know I shall never, ever again have such a positively wonderful and ecstatic musical experience. I have been blessed beyond words, to have Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Abdullah Ibrahim as my accompanists that 'Morning in Paris.' Their input in my musical career empowers me forever."

Since the recording debut, the Grammy-nominated jazz singer Sathima Bea Benjamin has established herself as a master interpreter of American jazz standards, having recorded and collaborated with some of the most legendary figures in jazz. In 2004, President Thabo Mbeki recognized Sathima's work in jazz and support of the exiled ANC during apartheid, and awarded her the Order of Ikhamanga, South Africa's highest honor.

Out-of-print for several years now, A Morning in Paris was made available for download for the first time ever on October 16, 2007. Copies of the CD, distributed exclusively through City Hall Records, will be in stores January 22, 2008.

However, advance copies were made available at Sathima's 71st birthday concert, at New York's Sweet Rhythm Jazz Club, on October 17, 2007. The concert featured Sathima in performance with pianists Stephen Scott and Onaje Allan Gumbs, bassist Marcus McLaurine, and drummer George Gray.

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO - THE WORLD HAS MADE ME THE MAN OF MY DREAMS

Singer/songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello has just launched a 13-city tour behind her new album, "The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams." The trek began Monday night (10/15) in Tucson, AZ, and continues tonight in Los Angeles with a full band that includes Oren Bloedow and Chris Bruce on guitars, Jason Lindner on keyboards, Mark Kelley on bass and Charles Haynes on drums.
      
Released last month, Ndegeocello's latest studio effort features such veteran collaborators as Oliver Lake, Don Byron, Jack DeJohnette, Kenney Garrett and a host of other jazz names.      

"I've always dreamed about being in a group, being surrounded by musicians like in all those big bands I admired when I was a kid," Ndegeocello said in a press release. "When I play solo I'm often out front, and that's not the place I was really looking for."

Here are Meshell Ndegeocello's remaining tour dates:
October 2007
19 - Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex
20 - Monterey, CA - Monterey Music Summit
21 - Sacramento, CA - Harlow's
22 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent
24 - Eugene, OR - WOW Hall
25 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater

November 2007
12 - Detroit, MI - Majestic Theater
13 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
14 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
15 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line Music Café

KOOP – KOOP ISLANDS

Atlantic recording group KOOP has announced details of their upcoming North American tour. The dates celebrate the recent release of "KOOP ISLANDS." KOOP -- aka Oscar Simonsson and Magnus Zingmark -- will kick off their concert schedule on November 2nd at New York City's Hiro Ballroom, with dates continuing through a November 10th show at Los Angeles' Barker Block (see itinerary below). When performing, Simonsson and Zingmark magically transform KOOP from a two-man studio project into a full-scale orchestra, complete with multiple singers and up to nine live instruments. KOOP themselves play piano/accordion (Simonsson) and sampler (Zingmark).

KOOP is a true original, known for their groundbreaking sample-based amalgamation of jazz, dance, and electronica. "KOOP ISLANDS" sees Simonsson and Zingmark absorbing the influence of the classic Big Band sound of the Twenties, Thirties, and Forties to create an inimitable groove they call "SWINGTRONICA." Joining KOOP on their remarkable musical journey are a number of guest vocalists including Hilde Louise Asbjornsen (featured vocalist for the U.S. tour as well as a featured recording artist and co-lyricist of "Strange Love" from "KOOP ISLANDS"), Yukimi Nagano, Mikael Sundin, and ex-Galliano frontman Rob Gallagher (all of whom appeared on "WALTZ FOR KOOP"), as well as the acclaimed Norwegian singer-songwriter Ane Brun.

Among the many highlights of "KOOP ISLANDS" is the syncopated "Come To Me," featured earlier this year on an episode of ABC's blockbuster "Grey's Anatomy." The track -- included on the recently released "GREY'S ANATOMY ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK 3" -- was also used in a series of ABC promos from early April through the May sweeps. In addition, the tracks "Let's Elope" and "Koop Island Blues" can be heard on FX's "Nip/Tuck" and the trailer for the Pandemic Studio's videogame, Saboteur, respectively.

Emerging from Stockholm's inventive jazz scene in the late 1990s, KOOP drew immediate notoriety for their unique and passionate musical fusion. "WALTZ FOR KOOP," the duo's second album, established KOOP as true pioneers, unafraid to blend diverse styles into their own retro groove. The collection received reams of critical praise, with Muzik hailing it as "near-perfect." "Stirring atmospheres are KOOP's true forte... beautifully arranged," noted Q, while The Observer declared the album "highly infectious... a delight." "('WALTZ FOR KOOP') is something special and unprecedented," raved The Independent, "a jazz-meets-electronic-dance-music album that actually sounds like jazz."

In the four years since the initial release of "WALTZ FOR KOOP," it has found its way into the hearts of more than 160,000 record buyers around the globe. A number of world tours followed (including appearances at such renowned festivals as Glastonbury, Montreux Jazz Festival, Pukkelpop, Umbria Jazz, and Roskilde), as well as hundreds of remixes for artists ranging from like-minded British duo Zero 7 to legendary Afro-Peruvian songstress Susana Baca to the one-and-only Yoko Ono.

KOOP North American Tour Dates
November 2 – New York, NY @ Hiro Ballroom
November 3 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
November 5 – Toronto, ONT @ The Mod Club Theatre
November 6 – Chicago, IL @ The Double Door
November 8 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
November 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ Barker Block

HOUSE OF GROOVES RADIO TO FEATURE THEMED SHOWS

House Of Grooves Radio starts airing special Wednesday broadcasts covering funk and soul music genres of the '70s and '80s. Each Wednesday a two hour show will will play every four hours throughout the day, with House Of Grooves own funk impresario, Uncle Buster, treating listeners to lessons in funk history, trivia and personal experience.

Starting Wednesday October 17 with "The DC Go-Go Beat Show" -- the Washington DC Go-Go Beat movement from the early eighties. Covering what was arguably the greatest urban club movement ever. Featuring music by Chuck Brown, Trouble Funk, EU, Rare Essence, Little Benny and The Northeast Groovers. This show includes a "Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers Live At The 9:30 Club" show. Broadcasts start at Noon EST, 9 a.m. PST, 4 p.m. GMT and repeating every four hours throughout the day to accommodate House Of Grooves' fervent international audience. Information and access to the broadcast are available at http://www.HouseOfGroovesRadio.com, where interested parties can see a countdown to the broadcast ticking away, and sign up for e-mail notification just prior to the broadcast as a reminder.

The following Wednesday, October 24, the theme will be "The S.O.L.A.R. Show" -- as Uncle Buster features the music of Dick Griffey's Solar record label, which almost single-handedly brought urban music back to earth from the disco years. The Whispers, Shalamar, Dynasty, Lakeside, Midnight Star, all responsible for enormous R&B hits in the first half of the '80s.

Future shows planned include the "Cincinnati / Dayton Show", with Bootsy Collins, The Ohio Players and more, "The Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Show" featuring music written and produced by the prolific hit making duo and recorded by Janet Jackson, SOS Band, Cherrelle, Klymaxx, Sounds Of Blackness and more. The station also has plans for a "Funk Classics Performed Live" show, with live versions of funk favorites, and "Funk: The New Movement" showcasing the new breed of funk artists, Jacuzzi 500, Gnappy, Papa Grows Funk, ulu and more.

House Of Grooves Radio special shows can be heard tarting Wednesdays at Noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific, and 5 p.m. Greenwich time. The station broadcasts burning funk and jazz music 24 hours a day, and is in the Live365 Top Ten Ranked funk stations.

LIVE NATION ANNOUNCES NEW DIVISION

Live Nation President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rapino has announced the structure behind its Artist Nation division. The new division was formed to partner with artists to manage their diverse rights, grow their fan bases and provide a direct connection to fans through the global distribution platform and marketing proficiencies that have made Live Nation the world's largest live music company. Artist Nation will service the company's 10-year partnership with Madonna.

Comprised of recorded music, merchandise, artist fan site/artist ticketing, broadcast/digital media rights, sponsorship and marketing divisions, Artist Nation is led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Cohl. Mr. Cohl commented, "Artist Nation works for the direct benefit of the artist to better market their music across all their diverse businesses to extend their fan base. Our company can leverage Live Nation's many assets in order to help artists reach their fullest potential and deliver the ultimate experience to the fan. This is really an extension of the work we have already been doing with the Rolling Stones, U2 and many other bands over the years. In order to execute this, Artist Nation has put together a superstar team in every area of the music chain."

At the heart of the Artist Nation model are Live Nation's deep relationships within the industry and its global distribution and marketing platform which provides artists with access to hundreds of seasoned marketing, promotion and production personnel and a team of nearly 200 national and local sponsorship employees. The Company is strategically positioned in more than 80 offices in 18 countries around the world, with over 160 venues, all servicing the 35 million fans that attend Live Nation shows each year.

Through corporate alliances, direct marketing, mobile telephone partnerships, online activities, fan websites and innumerable other powerful tools, such as a growing ticket component and a growing database of over 25 million fans, Artist Nation is well positioned to exploit Live Nation resources and build a better relationship between artists and their fans.

Artist Nation, headquartered in Miami, Florida, has a streamlined infrastructure in place to execute on these additional revenue streams. In total, Artist Nation currently has over 300 employees around the world and relationships with more than 500 artists. As the Artist Nation division continues to grow, its infrastructure will be supplemented to provide artists with the best service possible while maintaining an efficient cost structure.

By itself the new Madonna partnership is expected to generate a financially sound return for Madonna and for Live Nation shareholders, as the partners work together over the next ten years to unlock the value of the "Madonna Music Business." In addition, Live Nation believes the return will be enhanced as it expects the Madonna partnership to attract other artists to Artist Nation and accelerate growth.

Artist Nation's divisions are comprised of:

-- RECORDED MUSIC: Artist Nation's recorded music division serves in the creation, production, marketing, promotion, sales and distribution of artists' recorded rights.

-- MERCHANDISE: Artist Nation's merchandise division includes creative product development, sourcing, licensing, marketing and fulfillment services under three brands:

-- Anthill Trading is a global merchandising company, representing some of the most prestigious icons and trademarked properties in music, entertainment and lifestyle. Anthill has relationships with over 50 artists, including names such as AC/DC, Il Divo, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, John Legend, Pearl Jam, Nelly Furtado, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Run DMC, The Wu Tang Clan, and Frank
Zappa.

-- TRUNK, Ltd. is a specialty merchandise company that acquires licenses primarily from music artists to design, manufacture and sell authentic, limited edition apparel and accessories for men,
women and children through various distribution channels. TRUNK has relationships with over 100 music artists.

-- Musictoday is the official online store for over 500 artists and athletes, including Dave Matthews Band, Elvis Presley, and the Rolling Stones.

-- ARTIST FAN SITES AND ARTIST TICKETING: Artist Nation's online division and provides more than 500 artists with fan club and website services and artist fan ticketing products.

-- Ultrastar is the official artist website and fan club for over 20 artists including the Rolling Stones, The Police, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Genesis. Ultrastar also produces and syndicates
original video content through its Virtual Ticket solutions delivering content to online video and exclusive DVD's. The company also has full service marketing capabilities to integrate and manage an artist's entire online presence through contests, partnerships, affiliate marketing, social networking and grass roots outreach.

-- Musictoday executes fan club ticketing for over 500 artists, festivals and venues and also manages 25 fan websites for artists such as John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, and Celine Dion.

-- BROADCAST/DIGITAL MEDIA RIGHTS: Artist Nation's broadcast/digiital media rights division provides artists means to produce and distribute live music audiovisual products.

-- Studios: Studios provides artists with seamless, integrated means to produce and distribute live music audiovisual products. Studios has produced more than 1,000 recordings, pioneering the delivery of live concerts to 3G mobile phones in the U.S., helping artists sell more than 250,000 CDs and digital downloads to date and producing over 200 shows annually.

-- Media Rights: Media Rights develops and contracts media rights all forms of distribution, including television, home video, internet, mobile, radio, digital cinema and other emerging
channels. Recent projects include DVD's for the Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand, and documentaries for Pete Seeger and Harry Belafonte.

-- SPONSORSHIP AND MARKETING: Artist Nation's alliances group offers music marketing and sponsorship opportunities that provide unparalleled access to the overall music experience through long term partnership programs. Artist Nation also works with Live Nation's local and
national sponsorship groups that employ over 200 sales professionals. In addition, Artist Nation's Tour Design division provides audio and visual production, post production, international design and development, graphic design, and marketing creative services.

Live Nation is the future of the music business – yeah that’s right folks, those music labels are once again being hammered to future obscurity.. The big labels should really focus on their consumers as opposed to suing them. In any event, Live Nation has the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV."

NAPSTER UNVEILS NAPSTER 4.0

Napster has unveiled a major redesign of the industry's leading music subscription service with the launch of Napster 4.0, a feature-rich web-based service that allows subscribers to access and play their music on any internet-connected computer without downloading any software.

"Consumers want their digital music to be available wherever they are," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst with the Enderle Group. "By migrating to the Web and eliminating the need to download any software, Napster has taken a significant leap forward, making it possible for subscribers to access its complete catalog -- and more importantly, their own Napster music library -- whenever and wherever they have access to the internet."

Napster 4.0 gives subscribers the freedom to enjoy on-demand access to its massive music catalog of 5 million tracks anytime, anywhere -- from work, a friend's home, or while on the road. Subscribers just need to sign in to the new cross-platform application available on PC, Mac and Linux from an Internet Explorer or Firefox web browser. Subscribers will also be able to access any saved tracks, albums or playlists.

In addition to a fresh design, easy navigation and intuitive user interface, Napster 4.0 introduces a rich set of features for a dynamic, flexible music discovery and listening experience, including:

-- Napster automix, a new innovative and automated music
recommendation/discovery tool that finds and plays hours of music like the
track you're listening to with a single click, streaming a customized
playlist based on the Napster community's musical preferences.

-- Easy access to music discovery tools, including Billboard charts,
genre pages, new releases, radio stations, staff picks, other subscriber's
music collections and more.

-- Pre-programmed playlists across a variety of genres and themes and the
ability to easily create and view your own playlists.

-- Access to exclusive content available first on Napster, including
today's release of three collector's edition albums from 1970s British rock
band Joy Division; "Oblivion with Bells" from British electronic music duo
Underworld; exclusive tracks from R&B legend Betty Davis and "American
Idol" star Bo Bice; and playlists created for Napster by The Bravery and
Atreyu.

"The launch of Napster 4.0 reflects the spirit of online music innovation that is synonomous with Napster. We are committed to providing our subscribers with cutting-edge ways to find new music, enjoy old favorites, and actively participate in a community of music lovers," said Napster CEO Chris Gorog.

"Napster has a dynamic product roadmap encompassing the online, mobile and home entertainment environments and we are focused on introducing more exciting products and services moving forward," Gorog added. "The development of the web-based architecture allows us to explore opportunities with a variety of other web properties and internet-connected devices. These initiatives are focused on expanding our user base, eliminating barriers and allowing consumers to enjoy music wherever they are." Napster 4.0 also gives Mac and Linux users for the first time the ability to stream music from the industry's leading subscription service, including unlimited, on-demand access to Napster's massive catalog of 5 million songs. The Napster 4.0 client user interface mirrors the web-based service. PC-based subscribers can use the client to manage their music collection, rip and burn CDs and transfer tracks to a compatible portable device.

Napster is the pioneer of digital music, offers the ultimate in interactive music experiences, creating better ways to discover, share, acquire and enjoy music -- anytime, anywhere. The company's offerings include "Napster" (www.Napster.com) -- the most popular on-demand music subscription service in the world; "Freenapster" (www.freenapster.com) -- a unique Web experience offering free on demand music legally; and "Napster Mobile" -- one of the industry's fastest growing mobile music platforms. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Napster's services are available in markets across North America, Europe and Japan.

STACEY KENT - BREAKFAST ON THE MORNING TRAM

Vocalist Stacey Kent delivers a charming mix of standards, pop covers, French chansons, and original songs on her Blue Note debut, Breakfast on the Morning Tram. The album, set for October 2 release in the US, was produced by Kent’s husband, tenor saxophonist Jim Tomlinson, whose latest album, The Lyric, featured Kent’s vocals and won Best Album at the 2006 BBC Jazz Awards.

Breakfast on the Morning Tram marks Kent’s return to the studio after a four-year recording hiatus, and inspired the album’s title, referring to the start of something new; a journey in a new direction. It is also the name of one of four new original songs — the first originals that Kent has ever recorded — written especially for her by Tomlinson and acclaimed author Kazuo Ishiguro, winner of the Booker and Whitbread prizes for such literary works as The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go.

Stacey Kent Tour Dates -
Nov24 - Oyster Bay, Ny @ LI Doubleday Babcock Center
Nov. 27 - New York, NY @ Birdland
Nov. 28 - New York, NY @ Birdland
Nov. 29 - New York, NY @ Birdland
Nov. 30 - New York, NY @ Birdland
Dec. 1 - New York, NY @ Birdland
Dec. 2 - New York, NY @ Birdland
Dec. 4 - Boston, MA @ Ma Schullers
Dec. 6 - Washington, DC @ Blues Alley
Dec. 7 - Washington, DC @ Blues Alley
Dec. 8 - Washington, DC @ Blues Alley
Dec. 9 - Philadelphia. PA @ PA World Cafe

BETTY BUCKLEY 1967

Tony Award (R) Winner and Broadway legend, Betty Buckley, has become the first female artist signed to Playbill Records, a join-venture partnership with SONY BMG Masterworks Broadway. Buckley's first CD as a newly signed artist to Playbill is entitled Betty Buckley 1967 and will be released on October 16th, 2007. This will mark Playbill Records' second studio-album release, following its successful, label-launching record, the self-titled Brian Stokes Mitchell. Buckley's second album for the label, Quintessence, is slated to release on Valentine's Day 2008.

Betty Buckley 1967 features this artist's unique vocal talents at the ripe age of 19, in her very first professional recording and reveals a voice whose beauty is second to none. From the moment the recording begins, one can't help being uplifted by the joyous sounds of a young woman who was primed to become one of the Great White Way's most impressive talents of a generation. This never-before-released recording showcases Buckley in an enormous array and range of songs including a refreshingly upbeat rendition of Bye, Bye Birdie's One Boy, the classic Gershwin number They Can't Take That Away From Me, a free-spirited Call Me, and the simplicity of Buckley and a piano in Where is Love? The album was originally recorded and engineered by T Bone Burnett. "It is truly remarkable to finally see this album be released after forty years. To listen to this recording, I remember a girl who loved to sing for the pure joy of it," said Betty Buckley.

Philip S. Birsh, President and Publisher of Playbill and Playbill Records President, stated "Betty is an astounding talent. I have seen her perform in theatres filled to capacity and in the intimacy of a recording studio. No matter the setting, the reaction is always the same; those present are moved and mesmerized by the sheer beauty of her voice." Richard Jay-Alexander, Executive Producer of Playbill Records, echoes those same sentiments and adds, "I'm so happy we found a queen for our king at Playbill Records."

Buckley herself is overjoyed by the release of this album after four decades. This album proves that the music and talent featured in "1967" is just as timeless and significant as the person who sang them. Because Buckley never got to see her first album actually become a record, Playbill is pressing special, limited-edition 12-inch vinyl LPs of "1967" to commemorate the release. This special collector's item will be available only through PlaybillStore.com. 2007 continues to be a landmark year for Buckley. She recently began filming the highly anticipated film from director M. Night Shyamalan entitled "The Happening." She will make her debut at New York's Town Hall in a special one-night-only performance on October 20th, 2007. Buckley's second release on Playbill Records,

Quintessence, celebrates Buckley's 17-year working relationship with musical director and pianist Kenny Werner. Backed by a quintet of musicians, Buckley offers original renditions of Amelia, I've Grown Accustomed to His Face, Cry Me a River, No One Is Alone and So Many Stars. Before landing her first Broadway role on her very first audition, before Cats made her a household name, before it all, there was 1967. This album is simply the prelude to a brilliant and unmatched career.

NEW RELEASES

Abbey Lincoln – Abbey Lincoln Sings Billie Holiday (Enja/Germany)
Ann-Margret – On The Way Up (RCA/Japan)
Angie Stone – The Art Of Love And War (Stax/Concord)
Aretha Franklin – Rare & Unreleased Recordings From The Golden Reign Of The Queen Of Soul (Rhino)
Arthur Verocai – Encore (Far Out/UK)
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Another Dance: Rarities From Studio One (Heartbeat/Rounder)
Brand New Heavies – Get Used To It Remixes (Delicious Vinyl)
Buddy Greco – Magic Of It All (SSJ/Japan)
Celi Bee & The Buzzy Bunch – Celi Bee & The Buzzy Bunch (Get Disconnected)
David Murray – Lucky Four (Enja/Germany)
Deodato – Do It Again – The Fantastic Jazz Funk Of Eumir Deodato (MCA/Germany)
Elaine Delmar – Sneakin’ Up (CBS/Vocation/UK)
Ennio Morricone – Mussolini Ultimo Atto (Cinevox/Italy)
Ennio Morricone – Indagine Su Un Cittadino Al Di Sopra Di Ogni Sospetto (Cinevox/Italy)
Ergo Sum – Mexico (Musea/Lion)
Eric Marienthal – Just Around The Corner (Peak/Concord)
Gabor Szabo – Macho (Salvation)
Gerald Albright – The Very Best Of Gerald Albright (Rhino/Warner)
Grover Washington, Jr. – Anthology Of Grover Washington, Jr. (Rhino/Warner)
Henri Rene – Music For Bachelors (RCA/Rev-Ola/UK)
Idea 6 – Steppin’ Out (Déjà Vu/Italy)
Ike & Tina Turner – Ike & Tina Turner Story 1960-1975 (Time Life)
Impressions – Finally Got Myself Together (Curtom)
James Moody – Teachers (Perception Castle/UK)
Joe Cuba – We Must Be Doing Something Right (Tico)
Joe Henderson – The Milestone Years (Milestone)
Julio Frade – MusicaEn Serio – Bossa Jazz Roots (Roadrunner/Uruguay)
Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack DeJohnette – My Foolish Heart: Live At Montreux 2001 (ECM)
Latimore – Back ‘Atcha (Henry Stone)
Lee McDonald – I’ll Do Anything For You (Favorite/France)
Leon Spencer – Sneak Preview (Prestige)
Les McCann – Bucket O’ Grease (Limelight)
Lou Donaldson – Mr. Shing-A-Ling (Blue Note)
Luis Quintero – Percussion Madness Revisited (BBE/UK)
Luther Vandross – Love, Luther (Epic/Legacy)
Marlene Dietrich – Marlene Dietrich With The Burt Bacharach Orchestra (Bureau/Germany)
Mass Production – Firecrackers: The Best Of Mass Production (Rhino/Warner)

DRM-FREE TRACKS WITH 256 KBPS AAC ENCODING

On October 17th Apple(R) announced that it has expanded its iTunes(R) Plus offering to over two million tracks and lowered the price of all iTunes Plus tracks to just 99 cents. All iTunes Plus tracks feature DRM-free music with high quality 256 kbps AAC encoding for audio quality virtually indistinguishable from the original recordings. The iTunes Plus catalog is now the largest DRM-free catalog in the world, and includes artists from Sub Pop, Nettwerk, Beggars Group, IODA, The Orchard and many others, along with EMI's digital catalog.

"iTunes Plus has been incredibly popular with our customers and now we're making it available at an even more affordable price," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We're adding over two million tracks from key independent labels in addition to EMI's digital catalog and look forward to even more labels and artists making their music available on iTunes Plus."

EMI began offering their catalog on iTunes Plus earlier this year, and their impressive selection has grown to include singles and albums from the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra and the solo catalogs of all four Beatles.

With the expansion of iTunes Plus, customers can now download tracks from a variety of labels without limitations on the type of music player or number of computers that purchased songs can be played on. iTunes Plus songs purchased from the iTunes Store will play on all iPods, iPhone(TM), Windows or Mac(R) computers, widescreen TVs with Apple TV(TM), as well as many other digital music players.

The iTunes Store is the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store and has become the number three music retailer in the US, surpassing both Amazon and Target. The iTunes Store features the world's largest catalog with over six million songs, 550 television shows and over 500 movies and has sold over three billion songs, 100 million TV shows and over two million movies.

UPCOMING CONCERT & TOUR DATES

The Stylistics, Heatwave, The Emotions, The Chi-lites & Bloodstone appear at the Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA on October 19

Frank McComb is at Geoffrey’s, Oakland, CA on October 19 and 20; the World Live Café, Philadelphia, PA on October 24; XM Satellite Radio, Washington, DC on October 25.

Conya Doss at the Sugarhill Lounge, Atlanta, GA on October 20.

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at Harrahs Casino, Lake Tahoe, NV on October 20.

Les Nubians are at Lake Eden Arts Festival, Black Mountain, North Carolina on October 20. Future appearances include: The Arts Center, Carboro, North Carolina on October 21; Music Hall Center, Detroit, MI on October 24.

Jill Scott is at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, CA on October 20.

Branford Marsalis plays at Laurie Auditorium, San Antonio, TX on October 20.

Boney James stops by the House of Blues, Dallas, TX on October 21.

Raul Midon appears at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angles, CA on October 22; the Café Du Nord, San Francisco, CA on October 23.

Maxi Priest appears at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY on October 22.

Alexander O’Neal & Cherrelle are at the B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill in New York on October 23.

Rachelle Ferrell is at the Blues Alley, Washington, DC on October 23 and 24.

KENDRA ROSS- NEW VOICE

This new release features Kendra Ross’s debut album with guests Eric Robertson, Talib Kewli and a few others This one is a bit more sophisticated in sound with a bit of jazz thrown into the mix. Titles include "Real Deal", "New Voice", "Send Me Somebody To Love", "1st Time", "Has2B", and "Very Well". Let’s hope this one puts her over the top so she could get noticed.

EMMIS DUMPS SMOOTH JAZZ FORMAT

Radio statio group Emmis Commnications has sold the intellectual property rights of "Radio Now," the Contemporary Hits Radio (CHR) format that aired on WNOU-FM/Indianapolis, to Radio One for an undisclosed amount. Included in the deal are the Radio Now brand, trademark and station imaging. The format will launch today on WYJZ-FM (100.9) replacing its Smooth Jazz offering. "The decision to take 'Radio Now' off the air was a difficult one," said VP/Market Manager Tom Severino. "It has been a vibrant, successful format, which is why we're so pleased with this agreement with Radio One. It benefits both companies, and it especially benefits the loyal listeners of Radio Now. We consider this the best-possible ending to this story."
"We are returning 'Radio Now' to Indianapolis listeners, and we intend to preserve the music and spirit that has made it one of the most-listened-to stations in the market," added Radio One President Barry Mayo. "This is a particularly satisfying announcement in view of the wonderful history of friendship and cooperation between Radio One and Emmis." The "Radio Now" format was jettisoned on Monday (10-8) when Emmis announced it would flip WNOU-FM to News/Talk as WIBC-FM in January

For his first album since 2003’s Smile, pianist Jacky Terrasson returns with heightened vitality on a superb solo outing, Mirror. The CD is a wide-ranging collection of re-envisioned standards, a jewel of a new standard, and six song-like originals, all delivered with a spontaneous joie de vivre. His first solo project has been in a germination stage for several years, as he waited for the right time to undertake the daunting challenge of going it alone in the studio.

Jacky Terrasson Tour Dates:
10/11/2007 - New York, NY @ Symphony Space
10/15/2007 - Paris, FRA @ Teatre Champs Elysees
10/18/2007 - Nancy, France @ Epinal
10/20/2007 - Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center
10/20/2007 - Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall
10/25/2007 - Portland, OR @ Jimmy Mak's
10/26/2007 - Seattle, WA @ Earshot Jazz Festival
10/28/2007 - San Francisco, CA @ San Francisco Jazz Festiva
11/10/2007 - Princeton, NJ @ TBA
11/30/2007 - Cambridge, MA @ Regattabar
2/20/2008 - Minneapolis, MN @ Dakota Bar
2/21/2008 - Minneapolis, MN @ Dakota Bar
2/22/2008 - Detroit, MI @ Orchestra Hall

STARBUCK'S FREE SONG OF THE DAY LIST

Beginning on October 2 through November 7, Starbuck's is distributing 1.5 million music cards each and every day in all of the more than 10,000 domestic U.S. stores. Each music card will allow the customer to download a special Song of the Day at no cost from iTunes. The list of songs scheduled to be distributed by date includes:

10-02-2007 - Bob Dylan - Jokerman
10-03-2007 - TK Tunstall - One Day
10-04-2007 - Joni Mitchell - Night of the Iguana
10-05-2007 - Keith Urban - I Told You So
10-06-2007 - Emily King - Moon
10-07-2007 - Mavis Staples - We Shall Not Be Moved
10-08-2007 - CéU - Roda (Bombay Dub Orchestra Grateful Dub Radio Mix)
10-09-2007 - Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You
10-10-2007 - Gloria Estefan, 90 Millas
10-11-2007 - Fine Frenzy, You Picked Me
10-12-2007 - John Legend, Show Me
10-13-2007 - John Fogerty, Gunslinger
10-14-2007 - Patti Scialfa, Looking for Elvis
10-15-2007 - Herbie Hancock, Maiden Voyage
10-16-2007 - Angie Stone, Happy Being Me
10-17-2007 - Annie Lennox, Dark Road
10-18-2007 - Brandi Carlile, Turpentine
10-19-2007 - Alice Smith, New Religion
10-20-2007 - Rogue Wave, Lake Michigan
10-21-2007 - Alice Russell, Hurry On Now (Featuring TM Juke)
10-22-2007 - Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Grace is Gone
10-23-2007 - Sonya Kitchell, I'm In Love With You
10-24-2007 - Bitter:Sweet, Heaven (Nicola Conte Remix)
10-25-2007 - Greyboy w/ Sharon Jones, Got To Be A Love
10-26-2007 - Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Sacala Bailar
10-27-2007 - Rissi Palmer, Country Girl
10-28-2007 - Raul Midon, Pick Somebody Up
10-29-2007 - Joss Stone, Tell Me 'Bout It (Live from the Bowery Ballroom)
10-30-2007 - Federico Aubele, Maria Jose
10-31-2007 - Sara Bareilles, Love Song
11-01-2007 - Hilary McRae, Consider Me Gone
11-02-2007 - John Mayer, Dreaming With A Broken Heart
11-03-2007 - Galactic, I Got It (What You Need)
11-04-2007 - Bebel Gilberto, Um Segundo
11-05-2007 - Suzanne Vega, Frank & Ava
11-06-2007 - Sia, Day Too Soon
11-07-2007 - Paul McCartney, Only Mama Knows

BOB SINCLAR - MEU CARNAVAL

Bob Sinclar's latest 12" release is a Brazilian-inspired dance track, "Meu Carnaval(1)," Sinclar inserts multiple crowd moving techniques: Batucada percussion, Dubsided-lite zip sounds and horns, a guitar breakdown, crowd noise, and Seu Jorge type vocals (actually it's Rolando Faria). The B-side features an effective Dub Version(2) that replaces the vocals with anthemic horns.

FEDERICO AUBELE TOUR DATES

Federico Aubele is promoting the the release of Panamericana featuring 13 brand-new tracks with US, Canada and European dates as follows:

10/24: @ Stubbs Jr - Austin, TX (late show)
10/26: @ Mix Lounge, Las Vegas, NV
10/27: @ Vegoose Music Festival, Las Vegas, NV
10/29: @ Brick by Brick, San Diego, CA
10/30: @ Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
10/31: @ The Independent, SF, CA (supporting Benevento Russo Duo)
11/01: @ The Independent, SF, CA (supporting Benevento Russo Duo)
11/02: @ Berbatis, Portland, OR (supporting Benevento Russo Duo)
11/03: @ Media Club, Vancouver, BC
11/04: @ Chop Suey, Seattle, WA (supporting Benevento Russo Duo)
11/06: @ Walnut Room, Denver, CO
11/07: @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO
11/10: @ Schubas, Chicago, IL
11/11: @ Live @ Courhouse, Toronto, ON
11/12: @ La Tulipe, Montreal, Que
11/14: @ Joe's Pub, NYC (two shows - 9.30pm & 11.30pm) 
11/15: @ Eigtheenth Street Lounge, Washington, DC
11/18: @ The Social, London
11/20: @ Club 103, Berlin
11/21: @ Prinzenbar, Hamburg
11/23: @ Vega Small Hall, Copenhagen
11/24: @ Bitterzoet, Amsterdam
11/26: @ Aula Magna, Lisbon
11/27: @ Theatro Circo, Braga
11/29: @ Spain, Venue to be confirmed
11/30: @ Spain, Venue to be confirmed
12/02: @ Scene Bastille, Paris
12/03: @ AB Club, Brussels
12/05: @ Kaufleuten Club, Zurich
12/06: @ Blue Note, Milan
12/08: @ Mylos Club, Thessaloniki
12/09: @ Tiki Club, Athens

CD SALES ON EBAY HIT $24 MILLION

Consumer research firm Packaged Facts has unveiled a groundbreaking report, CDs: Online Industry Insights powered by eBay Data: Annual Industry Overview 2006, that catalogs the $23.8 million in compact disc (CD) sales that took place on eBay.com in 2006. Based exclusively on primary eBay data, this report offers consumer goods marketers an unprecedented look at compact disc trends-including new and used CDs-and buying and selling insights provided by eBay, the world's largest global online marketplace with more than 241 million users worldwide. The report tunes marketers into the 3.8 million music CDs sold and examines sales based on multiple variables and brands. It also provides a play list of market opportunities, demand, and dynamics, enabling marketers to develop targeted promotion plans and explore possible
partnerships.

"The 20 terabytes of data that we draw our results from is a whole new level of market research," said Don Montuori, Vice President of Publishing at Packaged Facts. "Marketers can examine CD activity on eBay and extrapolate it to the whole industry in no time."

Produced in conjunction with DataUnison, the authorized and exclusive reseller of eBay's market data, reports in the Online Market Insights powered by eBay Data series provide annual overviews and quarterly profiles of eBay activity for consumer product categories and individual brands, with in-depth analysis and extensive tabular and graphic data on multinational sales generated through eBay.

TRANS-SIBERION ORCHESTRA CONFIRMS 130 CONCERT TOUR

One of the biggest arena attractions in rock music, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), will once again take to the road for what will be its largest-ever tour, more than 80 cities in the U.S. and Canada over a ten-week period beginning November 1st.

Established in 1996 by producer/composer/lyricist Paul O'Neill, who immediately brought onboard long time friends Jon Oliva and Robert Kinkel, TSO's unique brand of symphonic rock has been a true mega-success, both on record and the concert stage, with fans ages 7 to 70. The band's four CD releases, including the holiday-themed "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" (1996), "The Christmas Attic" (1998), "The Lost Christmas Eve" (2004) and "Beethoven's Last Night" (2000) have sold more than 5,000,000 units, over 900,000 in 2006 alone. Proving their longevity and growing appeal, three of TSO's disc offerings placed in Billboard's Top Ten Catalog Album Charts in 2006. TSO's 2001 DVD release, "The Ghost of Christmas Eve," also achieved platinum status.

Since its first tour in 1999, TSO has been one of the most successful acts in the concert business, consistently rating in the Top 10 for both gross revenues and audience attendance. In that time, TSO's annual tours have become a must-see tradition for rock-centric revelers, attracting a uniquely all-ages audience captivated by their cross-genre blending of metal and progressive rock, classical themes and great storytelling, with unequalled staging and pyrotechnics. TSO's 2006 Winter Tour was its most successful to date, playing to over 1,000,000 fans, generating revenues in excess of $40 million, and earning the most attendance on Billboard's Top 25 Tours chart.

"TSO continues to grow because we put the fans first, providing an affordably priced ticket to the biggest and boldest show in rock," states founder Paul O'Neill. "To create a band that could tackle any kind of music, we merged the primal power of a full-on hard rock band with a complete orchestra and a big ensemble of lead vocalists, who suit pieces reflecting classical, metal, gospel, jazz and more, literally everything under the sun. I think it's the daring and variety of the music, the fact that we'll travel anywhere musically to tell a story, which makes TSO a band with such a unique cross-generational appeal.

"We also work to make sure there's no second class seat in the house," adds O'Neill. "The impact is as powerful in the back of the house at a TSO show as it is in the orchestra section, due to the tremendous efforts we put into staying ahead of the pack with our staging and pyrotechnics, and, of course, the passion of our players.

"For me, the ultimate critic is time," concludes O'Neill. "It's rewarding for all of us in TSO that our concert audience continues to grow and that our albums sell more today than when they were first released."

Tour Dates for TSO's 2007 North American Winter Tour are as follows:

01 Nov. 2007 Youngstown, OH (Chevrolet Center) 7:30pm
02 Nov. 2007 Youngstown, OH (Chevrolet Center) 8:00pm
02 Nov. 2007 Lakeland, FL (Lakeland Civic Center) 8:00pm
03 Nov. 2007 Youngstown, OH (Chevrolet Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
03 Nov. 2007 Lakeland, FL (Lakeland Civic Center) 8:00pm
04 Nov. 2007 Hershey, PA (Giant Center @ Hershey Park) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
04 Nov. 2007 Sunrise, FL (BankAtlantic Center) 7:30pm
05 Nov. 2007 Jacksonville, FL (Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena)
7:30pm
07 Nov. 2007 Manchester, NH (Verizon Wireless Arena) 7:30pm
07 Nov. 2007 Knoxville, TN (Thompson-Boling Arena) 7:30pm
08 Nov. 2007 Manchester, NH (Verizon Wireless Arena) 7:30pm
08 Nov. 2007 Atlanta, GA (Phillips Arena) 7:30pm
09 Nov. 2007 Portland, ME (Cumberland County Civic Center) 8:00pm
09 Nov. 2007 Biloxi, MS (Mississippi Coast Coliseum) 8:00pm
10 Nov. 2007 Worcester, MA (DCU Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
10 Nov. 2007 New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Arena) 8:00pm
11 Nov. 2007 Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena) 2:30pm & 7:30pm
11 Nov. 2007 Jackson, MS (Mississippi Coliseum) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
14 Nov. 2007 Dayton, OH (EJ Nutter Center) 7:30pm
14 Nov. 2007 Lubbock, TX (United Spirit Arena) 7:30pm
15 Nov. 2007 Dayton, OH (EJ Nutter Center) 7:30pm
16 Nov. 2007 Ft. Wayne, IN (Allen County War Memorial Coliseum)
8:00pm
16 Nov. 2007 El Paso, TX (Don Haskins Center) 7:30pm
17 Nov. 2007 Lexington, KY (Rupp Arena) 7:30pm
17 Nov. 2007 Phoenix, AZ (US Airways Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
18 Nov. 2007 Pittsburgh, PA (Mellon Arena) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
18 Nov. 2007 Las Vegas, NV (Mandalay Bay Events Center) 7:30pm
19 Nov. 2007 San Diego, CA (Cox Arena) 7:30pm
20 Nov. 2007 Providence, RI (Dunkin Donuts Center) 7:30pm
20 Nov. 2007 Anaheim, CA (The Pond) 8:00pm
21 Nov. 2007 San Jose, CA (HP Pavilion) 8:00pm
22 Nov. 2007 Montreal, QC (Bell Centre) 7:30pm
23 Nov. 2007 Ottawa, ON (Scotiabank Place) 8:00pm
23 Nov. 2007 Fresno, CA (Save Mart Center) 8:00pm
24 Nov. 2007 Hamilton, ON (Copps Coliseum) 8:00pm
24 Nov. 2007 Reno, NV (Lawlor Events Center) 8:00pm
25 Nov. 2007 Buffalo, NY (HSBC Arena) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
25 Nov. 2007 Sacramento, CA (Arco Arena) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
26 Nov. 2007 Toronto, ON (Air Canada Centre) 7:30pm
27 Nov. 2007 Salt Lake City, UT (EnergySolutions Arena) 7:30pm
28 Nov. 2007 Toledo, OH (Seagate Center) 7:30pm
28 Nov. 2007 Boise, ID (Idaho Center) 7:30pm
29 Nov. 2007 Toledo, OH (Seagate Center) 7:30pm
30 Nov. 2007 Lansing, MI (Jack Breslin Student Events Center) 8:00pm
30 Nov. 2007 Vancouver, BC (GM Place) 8:00pm
01 Dec. 2007 Grand Rapids, MI (Van Andel Arena) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
01 Dec. 2007 Seattle, WA (Key Arena) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
02 Dec. 2007 Chicago, IL (Allstate Arena) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
02 Dec. 2007 Portland, OR (Rose Garden Arena) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
05 Dec. 2007 Albany, NY (Times Union Center) 7:30pm
05 Dec. 2007 Colorado Springs, CO (World Arena) 8:00pm
06 Dec. 2007 Albany, NY (Times Union Center) 7:30pm
06 Dec. 2007 Denver, CO (Pepsi Center) 7:30pm
07 Dec. 2007 Atlantic City, NJ (Boardwalk Hall) 8:00pm
07 Dec. 2007 Wichita, KS (Kansas Coliseum) 8:00pm
08 Dec. 2007 Philadelphia, PA (Wachovia Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
08 Dec. 2007 Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
09 Dec. 2007 Hartford, CT (Hartford Civic Center Coliseum) 2:30pm
& 7:30pm
09 Dec. 2007 St. Louis, MO (Scottrade Center) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
12 Dec. 2007 Greenville, SC (Bi-Lo Center) 7:30pm
12 Dec. 2007 Omaha, NE (Qwest Center Omaha) 7:30pm
13 Dec. 2007 Hampton, VA (Hampton Coliseum) 7:30pm
13 Dec. 2007 Des Moines, IA (Wells Fargo Arena) 7:30pm
14 Dec. 2007 Uniondale, NY (Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum) 8:00pm
14 Dec. 2007 Grand Forks, ND (Alerus Center) 8:00pm
15 Dec. 2007 East Rutherford, NJ (Continental Airlines Arena) 3:00pm
& 8:00pm
15 Dec. 2007 Minneapolis, MN (Target Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
16 Dec. 2007 Washington, DC (Verizon Center) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
16 Dec. 2007 Milwaukee, WI (Bradley Center) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
17 Dec. 2007 Indianapolis, IN (Conseco Field House) 7:30pm
19 Dec. 2007 Greensboro, NC (Greensboro Coliseum Complex) 7:30pm
20 Dec. 2007 Raleigh, NC (RBC Center) 7:30pm
20 Dec. 2007 Memphis, TN (Fed Ex Forum) 7:30pm
21 Dec. 2007 Charlotte, NC (Crickett Arena) 8:00pm
21 Dec. 2007 Bossier City, LA (Century Tel Center) 8:00pm
22 Dec. 2007 Richmond, VA (Richmond Coliseum) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
22 Dec. 2007 Oklahoma City, OK (Ford Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
23 Dec. 2007 Columbia, SC (Colonial Center) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
23 Dec. 2007 San Antonio, TX (AT&T Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
26 Dec. 2007 Detroit, MI (The Palace of Auburn Hills) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
26 Dec. 2007 Austin, TX (Frank Erwin Center) 7:30pm
27 Dec. 2007 Columbus, OH (Nationwide Arena) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
27 Dec. 2007 Houston, TX (Toyota Center) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
28 Dec. 2007 Cincinnati, OH (US Bank Arena) 8:00pm
28 Dec. 2007 Dallas, TX (American Airlines Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
29 Dec. 2007 Rochester, NY (Blue Cross Arena) 8:00pm
29 Dec. 2007 Little Rock, AR (Alltel Arena) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
30 Dec. 2007 Cleveland, OH (Quicken Loans Arena) 3:00pm & 7:30pm
30 Dec. 2007 Nashville, TN (Gaylord Entertainment Center) 7:30pm
31 Dec. 2007 Cleveland, OH (Quicken Loans Arena) 3:00pm & 9:30pm
31 Dec. 2007 Birmingham, AL (BJCC) 3:00pm & 9:30pm
03 Jan. 2008 Erie, PA (Erie Civic Center) 7:30pm
03 Jan. 2008 Peoria, IL (Peoria Civic Center) 7:30pm
04 Jan. 2008 Syracuse, NY (OnCenter) 8:00pm
04 Jan. 2008 Moline, IL (The Mark of the Quad Cities) 8:00pm
05 Jan. 2008 Wilkes-Barre, PA (Wachovia Arena) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
05 Jan. 2008 Madison, WI (Alliant Energy Center) 3:00pm & 8:00pm
06 Jan. 2008 Baltimore, MD (1st Mariner Arena) 7:30pm
06 Jan. 2008 Green Bay, WI (Resch Center) 3:00pm & 7:30pm)

MICROSOFT MUSIC STORE GOES DRM-FREE

Sending shockwaves through the industry and the crowd of the Digital Music Conference in Los Angeles yesterday, Microsoft became the latest and largest music retailer to offer DRM-free digital music. Yesterday's announcement comes less than two weeks after Amazon.com launched its own DRM-free digital music store. The Microsoft Music Store will offer consumers more than one million DRM-free songs.

"The industry standard has shifted in the past six months and the tide has turned in favor of consumers," Maura Corbett, a spokesperson for the Digital Freedom Campaign said. "The number of digital music retailers offering DRM-free music will soon outnumber those that do not, and consumers will soon live in a world where they can listen to legally purchased music when, how, and where they want. We congratulate Microsoft for joining the growing number of retailers and labels that have realized the best way to increase the sales of digital music, is to listen to their customers."

Digital technology enables literally anyone and everyone to be a creator, an innovator or an artist -- to produce music, to create cutting-edge videos and photos, and to share their creative work. Digital technology empowers individuals to enjoy these new works when, where, and how they want, and to participate in the artistic process. These are basic freedoms that must be protected and nurtured. The Digital Freedom campaign is dedicated to defending the rights of students, artists, innovators, and consumers to create and make lawful use of new technologies free of unreasonable government restrictions and without fear of costly and abusive lawsuits. www.digitalfreedom.org

BETTYE LAVETTE DEBUTS AT #1 ON BILLBOARD'S BLUES CHART

BETTYE LaVETTE's second CD on Anti-, "The Scene of the Crime," has debuted at the #1 spot on Billboard's "Top Blues Album" Chart in the first week of release. Fans and critics alike are captivated by LaVETTE's remarkable interpretation of songs on the new disc.

Critics continue to heap accolades upon LaVETTE's "The Scene of the Crime," including The Washington Post: "LaVette joins forces with the Drive-By Truckers (Patterson Hood produces, along with David Barbe and LaVette herself) on the brilliant follow-up to her 2005 cover album, 'I've Got My Own Hell to Raise.' 'The Scene of the Crime,' which is a little bit country and a little bit Southern soul... it's fantastic. LaVette is miles ahead of most working singers when performing the songs of Ray Charles ('They Call It Love'), and George Jones ('Choices') in her uniquely wrenching, scab-picking way."

Elsewhere, the Village Voice notes: "LaVette sings 'Scene' as if she's been backed into a corner and relishes the sensation." Meanwhile, the Boston Globe declares: "...an album as lean, mean, and gritty as the cover image of someone behind a steering wheel, peering into the rearview mirror with windshield wipers in motion. LaVette, in case you hadn't heard, was the comeback story of 2005. A mainstay on the club circuit but unknown to the masses, LaVette released 'I've Got My Own Hell to Raise' on Anti-. It turns out she was just clearing her throat with that celebrated album; on 'Scene,' she delivers on the promise that her best work lies ahead of her."

In harmony with the other outlets, The Detroit Free Press states: "LaVette digs into the material in her gritty, fiery way, delivering blistering versions of Eddie Hinton's 'Still Want to Be Your Baby (Take Me as I Am)' and 'You Don't Know Me At All,' co-written by the Eagles' Don Henley. Topping this collection is LaVette's showstopping rendition of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's heartrending ballad 'Talking Old Soldiers,' which obviously has deep personal meaning to her." Perhaps, the most succinct statement came from Blogcritics.org when they called BETTYE LaVETTE and "The Scene of the Crime": "The real deal."

Current tour dates are as follows:
DATE CITY/STATE VENUE
Wed, 10/31 - Vienna, VA The Barns at Wolf Trap
Thurs, 11/1 - Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
Sat, 11/10 - Fallon, NV Barkley Theatre
Sun, 11/11 - Sacramento, CA Sacramento Horseman's Club
Mon, 11/12 - San Francisco, CA The Independent

SUCCESS FOR THE SAVOY LABEL GROUP

The Savoy Label Group hit an unprecedented milestone in the label group's history when not one but two albums charted at Number One last week. Jim
Brickman's "Homecoming" on the SLG label took a scant week to top the chart since its street date on September 25. Andre Rieu's "Radio City Music Hall Live in New York" on Denon topped the Classical charts this week as well.

Jim Brickman is no stranger to chart-topping success. He has had consistent No. 1 debuts on Billboard Magazine's New Age Albums chart with "Homecoming" marking his 10th appearance atop the chart. Since his 1994 debut album, "No Words," Brickman's signature romantic style has made him a marquis name among contemporary instrumental hit makers, selling six Gold and Platinum albums, and delivering three No. 1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, making him the #1 Top Charting Artist of all time at the radio format. "Homecoming" features a diverse roster of guest performers including Lonestar's Richie McDonald, who is featured on the first single, "Coming Home for Christmas." Other musical collaborators include the late Gerald Levert, who contributed one of his last vocal performances on "My Angel," as well as jazz luminary Peter White, whose guitar talents are showcased on the track, "Joy."

His first-ever concert spectacular filmed in the U.S., "Radio City Music Hall Live in New York" captures the blockbuster performance at the iconic landmark theatre, Radio City Music Hall. Special guest stars include the world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir, The Platinum Tenors, and child-prodigy Akim Camara. Andre Rieu has always been an artist who has generated unparalleled excitement within (and beyond) the realm of classical music. His spectacular specials produced around the world have consistently been the #1 performing pledge drive programs for PBS, his last twelve CD's have landed within the top of Billboard's Classical chart with several achieving the #1 spot, he's won multi-platinum video sales awards for his DVD sets "The Ultimate Andre Rieu Collection" and "The Ultimate Andre Rieu Christmas Collection" and his tours have grown bigger each year regularly selling out arenas in the US and landing him in the Top 5 of Pollstar Magazine's top touring acts year after year.

The Savoy Label Group (SLG) features not only the historic Savoy Jazz label but also the Denon, Denon Classics, Kin Kou and 429 Records labels. SLG is the North American unit of Columbia Music Entertainment (formerly Nippon Columbia), the oldest music company in Japan. Newly reorganized and now headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, Columbia Music Entertainment has re-emerged as a significant creative force with a stable of newly signed platinum-selling artists. SLG is one of the most successful marketers of adult music in the U.S. and focuses on classical, jazz, new age, world and adult alternative genres.

THE BIRD AND THE BEE TOUR DATES

10/12/2007 San Diego, CA SOMA (opening for Rilo Kiley)
10/13/2007 Las Vegas, NV The Joint at The Hard Rock (opening for Rilo Kiley)
10/15/2007 Santa Monica, CA Civic Auditorium (opening for Rilo Kiley)
10/16/2007 Los Angeles, CA Amoeba (In-Store performance)
10/22/2007 Shibuya, Japan O-East
10/23/2007 Shibuya, Japan O-East
10/24/2007 Nagoya, Japan Club Quattro
10/25/2007 Osaka, JPN Club Quattro
11/4/2007 Portland, OR Doug Fir
11/5/2007 Seattle, WA Crocodile Cafe
11/16/2007 Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel
11/17/2007 Philadelphia, PA North Star
11/18/2007 New York, NY Blender Theater at The Gramercy
11/28/2007 Chicago, IL Schubas
11/29/2007 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater

VAN HUNT - THE POPULAR MACHINE

Blue Note Records has released Grammy-award winning recording artist Van Hunt's The Popular Machine. The digital EP will give fans a preview of Hunt's forthcoming self-produced, full-length album, Popular, which Blue Note will release on January 15, 2008. The four-track EP will include "turn my TV on" and "the lowest 1 of my desires" from the upcoming album plus acoustic versions of hit single "Character" and "The Night is Young;" the latter two are from Hunt's 2006 album, On The Jungle Floor, which debuted at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.

Tour dates are as follows:
10/15/2007 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theater (with Meshell N'degeocello)
10/16/2007 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern (with Meshell N'degeocello)
10/18/2007 Santa Ana, CA Galaxy Theatre (with Meshell N'degeocello)
10/29/2007 New York, NY B.B. King's
12/2/2007 Los Angeles, CA B.B. King's

DOWN TO THE BONE TOUR DATES

10/12/2007 New York, NY Spirit Cruise Ship - Pier 63 - Chelsea Piers
10/14/2007 Baltimore, MD South Pacific Lounge
10/15/2007 Baltimore, MD South Pacific Lounge
10/16/2007 Baltimore, MD South Pacific Lounge
10/17/2007 Baltimore, MD South Pacific Lounge
10/18/2007 Baltimore, MD South Pacific Lounge
10/19/2007 Baltimore, MD South Pacific Lounge

EL DEBARGE RECORDING WITH BABYFACE

Just a couple weeks after being arrested in Los Angeles, El DeBarge is rumored to be working on his first album of new material in nearly 15 years.  DeBarge is said to be working with Babyface on material for the new disc.

ALISON CROCKETT - BARE

We first got to know of Alison Crockett from her On Becoming A Woman album and now here’s another great set from her. She really come into her own here with a batch of original compositions that are filled with jazz and soul.Titles include "So Sweet", "Everything Is Beautiful", "Anything", "We Are", "How Deep Is Your Love", "Baby Smile", "Everytime I'm With You", "Love Is Just A Word", and a great cover of "Love Is Stronger Than Pride". Hopefully U.S. radio programmers will take note of this one just as much as European programmers have (hint, hint!). Oh and by the way, if you truly are interested in the very best of Euro-Radio – check out Radio Nova from France. You will not be disappointed.

ANGELIQUE KIDJO DONATES PROCEEDS FROM HER VIDEO DOWNLOAD

African singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo recently traveled on September 2 to the eastern part of Chad, a highly-insecure part of the country which borders on the war-torn region of Darfur in Sudan. Upon her return, Kidjo announced that proceeds from the video download of her newly-released single "Gimme Shelter" will benefit international relief and development agency Oxfam. The first video, which also features Grammy-nominated Joss Stone, is available for download on iTunes. "Gimme Shelter" appears on Kidjo's latest album, the critically-acclaimed DJIN DJIN.

Oxfam is a feisty campaigning organization", said Kidjo. "I support them not just because of their amazing humanitarian work in countries like Chad but also because they campaign and tackle the root reasons why people are poor. I want to shine a light on the terrible situation in Chad and Darfur and this song which means so much to me, is my way of trying to make a difference not just through the donated sales of the single but by hopefully reminding people that poverty and suffering is not that far away from all of us."

Kidjo has a longstanding relationship with Oxfam and met with its humanitarian workers on her recent trip to Chad. After the trip she called on world leaders to use all diplomatic means to establish an immediate ceasefire in the neighboring Darfur region in Sudan. There are now more than four million people in need of humanitarian aid in Darfur, with two million of them living as virtual prisoners in camps they are too scared to leave. In eastern Chad, there are some 230,000 refugees from Darfur in 12 camps, with another 180,000 'internally displaced' Chadians forced from their homes.

JOSH GROBAN CHRISTMAS CD 'NOEL' TO BE RELEASED FOR HOLIDAYS

Christmas joy arrives early this year for millions of Josh Groban fans as 143/Warner/Reprise Records announces the release of 'NOEL,' the artist's long-anticipated classic recording of holiday songs. Scheduled to arrive in stores on October 9th, Groban is joined on 'Noel' by the London Symphony Orchestra and several guest artists and has once again collaborated with Grammy-winning producer David Foster.

Recorded in LA and the famed Abbey Road Studio in London in between performances of the 26-year-old Groban's "Awake" Tour, the collection of holiday songs on 'Noel' includes such classics as "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" with Josh on acoustic piano, "Silent Night," "Little Drummer Boy," "The Christmas Song," "O Come All Ye Faithful" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and "Ava Maria." Groban duets with Faith Hill on "The First Noel," with a choir under the direction of gospel legend Kirk Franklin. In addition, singer Brian McKnight adds his vocals on "Angels We Have Heard On High" and the haunting version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" features messages from troops stationed overseas.

"I was inspired by all the Christmases I've been fortunate enough to celebrate with my family over the last 26 years," commented Groban. "I was committed to making a classic Christmas album yet one that sounded different than anything that's been heard on a holiday record. David Foster and I were passionate about creating the perfect collection of songs."

Groban, whose collective international CD sales have topped 17 million copies, is currently on the road in Australia where he is continuing his sold out "Awake" concert tour which has been seen by over 800,000 people. He is expected to make promotional TV appearances in November on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," NBC's "Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center" November 28th and "Good Morning America" November 30th.

BRIAN CULBERTSON'S A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS TOUR

Contemporary jazz favorite, Brian Culbertson, will bring his holiday show to audiences across the nation beginning on November 23. Presented by AirTran Airways, BRIAN CULBERTSON'S A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS, features an all-star cast consisting of saxman Gerald Albright, vocalist Howard Hewett, guitarist Nick Colionne, and introducing vocalist Victoria White.

Audiences are guaranteed to be in the holiday spirit after experiencing BRIAN CULBERTSON'S A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS! In typical Brian Culbertson fashion, the show features uplifting and soulful performances of holiday favorites and tunes from Brian's holiday album, A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS (in stores now)! In addition, Brian and his guests will play hits from their respective catalogues.

"I am thrilled to be taking A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS on the road for the second year in a row," said Culbertson. "I can't wait to share the stage with this talented group of musicians to celebrate the Holiday season!"

Tour dates are as follows:
11/23 Indianapolis, IN Music Mill
11/24 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
11/25 New York, NY Town Hall
11/27 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
11/28 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
12/1 New Haven, CT Lyman Center for the Performing Arts
12/2 Collingswood, NJ Scottish-Rite Auditorium
12/8 Sparks, NV Nugget-Celebrity Showroom Casino
12/9 Sacramento, CA Crest Theater
12/11 San Diego, CA Anthology
12/13 Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
12/14 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Casino
12/15 Palm Desert, CA McCallum Theatre
12/16 Anaheim, CA The Grove of Anaheim
12/18 Los Angeles, CA The Wilshire Theatre
12/20 Seattle, WA Paramount Theater
12/21 Portland, WA Crystal Ballroom
12/22 Redwood City, CA Fox Theatre

For the latest news and information, please visit www.asoulfulxmas.com or www.brianculbertson.com.

CHAKA KHAN'S 'FUNK THIS' DEBUTS AT #15 ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 CHART

Celebrating over three decades of milestones, CHAKA KHAN adds another success to her list with the debut of her new CD FUNK THIS. Entering at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, this marks Chaka's highest charting album in over 20 years when "I Feel For You" peaked at #14 in 1984.

FUNK THIS is her highest debuting album ever both on the Billboard Top 200 chart and on the Billboard R&B Album Chart, where she debuted at #5. 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.

Two of the originals on FUNK THIS include "Disrespectful," the tour-de-force duet with powerhouse Mary J. Blige, and a poignant poeticballad, "Angel." Both songs are climbing the charts steadily. "Angel" which just secured the #4 position on the Urban AC Radio Chart is her first top 10 R&B radio hit in over 10 years. The remix of "Disrespectful (feat. Mary J. Blige)" gains heat at the clubs jumping to #11 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

Chaka Khan will join the musical production of "The Color Purple" in January as Sofia, the strong-willed character portrayed by Oprah Winfrey in the film version. Playing opposite her will be the gospel and R&B singer BeBe Winans.

Chaka Khan embarked on her FUNK THIS tour starting October 6th.

Tour Dates Include -- more to come:
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 25 - Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheatre
November 30 - Cayman Islands @ Cayman Music Festival

HELP JAMMIE THOMAS FIGHT THE RIAA!

If you’ve been following the news lately, then you must be aware that Jammie Thomas, age 30, a Native American woman from Brainerd, Minnesota, was sued by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for alleged music pirating by illegal sharing of songs via Kazaa. Thomas is a single mother of two who makes $36,000 at her job, has denied being the owner of the Kazaa file sharing account. Her case went to trial last week and on October October 4, 2007, U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Davis and the jury charged her with $222,000 worth of damages, which came to $9,250 per song.

At the trial, jurors decided that Thomas willfully violated the copyright of 24 music files consisting of such bands as Aerosmith, Green Day, and Guns 'N' Roses on Kazaa, under the username of tereastarr@KaZaA. The hard drive containing the alleged copyrighted song was never presented at the trial. There was no evidence showing that the Kazaa account had allowed others to effectively download the files. Jammie Thomas continues to claim her innocence and has vowed to fight the RIAA for the rest of her life,.

Thomas has vowed to appeal her case and is asking the public to support her in this effort. If you are interested in donating funds towards her attorney fees, you may do so by visiting her website at www.freejammie.com. Jammie has set up a Paypal account where you can contribute towards her case. You can also send donations to her lawyer Brian Toder, at Chestnut & Cambronne. Please include her case number 06cv1497 Capital Records vs. Jammie Thomas, and send to:

Chestnut & Cambronne
Attn: Brian Toder
3700 Campbell Mithun Tower
222 South Ninth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402

UPCOMING RELEASES FROM AL GREEN, ALICIA KEYS, MAXWELL, ROBERTA FLACK, LENNY KRAVITZ & OTHERS…

Al Green (TBA)
Algebra – Purpose (TBA)
Alicia Keys – As I Am (Nov.)
Aretha Franklin – Duets Album (Oct.)
Aretha Franklin – A Woman Falling Out Of Love (TBA)
Gerald Alston – Sam Cooke Tribute Album (TBA)
Jennifer Johns – Painting On Wax (TBA)
Kimberley Locke – Based On A True Story (TBA)
Lenny Kravitz – Is It Time For A Love Revolution (Feb. ’08)
Lorenzo Owens – Better Days (Oct.)
Luther Vandross – Love Luther Boxed Set (Oct.)
Marlon Saunders – Birth Of Revelation (TBA)
Maxwell – Black Summer’s Night (TBA)
Monet (Jan. ’08)
N’dambi (TBA ’08)
Ola Onabule – The Devoured Man (TBA)
Raheem De Vaughn – Love Behind The Melody (Nov.)
Roberta Flack – Covers of Beatles songs (TBA)
Skip Bauchman – Soul Menu On Back (Nov.)
Temptations – Back To Front (Oct.)
Whitney Houston (TBA)
Will Downing – After Tonight (Oct. 30)

RAGAN WHITESIDE – CLASS AXE

Smooth jazz with a funky soul groove is what Ragan Whiteside is all about. She could very well be the 21st Century heir to the 70s grooves of Bobbi Humphrey. Most of the tunes are recorded with enough warm tones and classic elements that reminds me of 70s style fusion. Favorite tracks on here include "Options", "Call Me", "Funktuation", "Gonna Fly", "So Glad", "3AM", the Latin-Samba "Meu Amigo Meu Amante", and "How Do You Know". She’s smooth, sexy, and radio-friendly throughout and overall its an awesome collection of Smooth Jazz, Urban, and Neo-Soul songs that will totally convince you this woman has a huge future ahead of her. It’s produced by Bob Baldwin and Dennis Johnson.

MARIA RITA – SAMBA MEU

The looks of the cover alone made me go out and seek out this CD! It’s done mostly in an acoustic mode with live percussion, acoustic guitar, and other Brazilian instrumentation – all resulting in a breezy samba-style beat. If you like Bebel Gilberto or Ceu you’ll like this one as well. Titles include "Corpitcho", "Novo Amor", "Trajetoria", "O Que E O Amor", "Samba Meu", "O Homem Falou", "Ta Perdoado", "Num Corpo So","Maltratar Nao E Direito", and "Maria Do Socorro".

BEBEL GILBERTO INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES

Oct. 5 – Sydney, Australia @ Sydney Opera House
Oct. 7 – Melbourne, Australia @ Hammer Hall
Oct. 19 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Teatro De La Cuidad
Oct. 20 – Monterrey, Mexico @ United Nation Forum Monterrey
Oct. 21 - Monterrey, Mexico @ United Nation Forum Monterrey
Oct. 25 – Edo. Mexico-Mexico Explanada Municipal @
San Cristobal Ecatepec
Oct. 28 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Zocato
Nov. 18 – London, UK @ Shepherds Bush Empire

LOW-COST TRANSPORTABLE HD RADIOS

JVC Mobile Entertainment announced today that it is offering the industry's first plug-and-play HD Radio receiver. The new transportable for car and home, KT-HDP1, is currently shipping to Best Buy stores across the country. "It is with great enthusiasm that we launch this new HD Radio product that is both low priced and easy for consumers to install in their cars and at home," said JVC Mobile Entertainment, Chad Vogelsong, General Manager, Marketing. "Following the overwhelming sales of our HD Radio head unit, the KD-HDR1, this transportable is the first of several new JVC HD Radio products that will be coming to market over the next 18 months."

An AM/FM/HD Radio multicast tuner, the KT-HDP1 adapts to most vehicles and has three installation options: a do-it-yourself car install kit that does not require removing the radio; a simple home kit; and, a professional car kit that does require removing existing radios. HD Radio data is showcased on a full dot matrix LCD display. Other features include white backlight and blue key illumination, 5-way navigation keys, 18FM and 6 AM preset channels HD Radio station scan and seek and 3.5 mini plug audio out. Suggested retail price is $129 for the tuner itself plus $49 for the home and do-it-yourself car kits or $39 for the provision car installation kit.

HD Radio(TM) broadcasting is crystal-clear, subscription-free digital AM and FM radio. It's your local radio stations, gone digital. More than 1,500 stations across the country are now broadcasting with HD Radio technology, offering over 700 new HD2 Multicasting channels to their local communities with unique new content devoted to everything from classic to new country, blues to the BBC, tropical to eclectic chill-out. HD Radio receivers offer valuable information across their display screens, such as song title, artist, traffic, weather, news, school closings and other emergency alerts. HD Radio broadcasting offers vastly superior sound: AM sounds like FM stereo; FM is CD- like quality. With an HD Radio receiver, all of this new programming and more is free, no monthly subscription fees.

DEODATO – DO IT AGAIN: THE FANTASTIC JAZZ FUNK OF EUMIR DEODATO- JAZZ CLUB

He may not be recording these days, but that does not mean that you can revisit the great music that Eumir Deodato recorded way back in the day. This new release features his mid 70s sides for MCA, recorded right after his better-known records for CTI! The set list here is totally great -- and features most of the best tracks from Deodato's four albums for MCA – and includes a 14 track collection that's filled with wonderful keyboard grooves. Titles include "Amani", "Do It Again", "Moonlight Serenade", "Havana Strut", "Whirlwinds", "Juanita", "Funk Yourself", "Adam's Hotel", "Black Widow", and "Super Strut".

MANU DIBANGO – AFRICAVISION VOL. 3 – LE CINEMA DE MANU DIBANGO

Here’s a set that features a wide range of soundtrack material by Dibango-- recorded over the space of a few decades, and showing a much fuller side of his music. The CD features 19 tracks recorded in the years 1976 through 2003 -- with full notes in English and French -- and titles that include "Les Promesses", "La Peur", "Jesu Christo", "Ceddo", "La Colere Des Dieux", "Montreal Jazz Festival", "Wild Man In The City", "Generique Du Fin", "Le Chef", "Mouvement Ewondo", "Medley", and "Sabal Dance". Great stuff if you enjoy Afro-Jazz-Pop.

NEW RELEASES FROM ANGIE STONE, JIMMY SOMMERS, PEABO BRYSON, SOUL BALLET, BONEY JAMES & OTHERS…

Angela Johnson – A Woman’s Touch
Angie Stone – The Art Of Love And War
Ann Nesby – This Is Love
Bill Bergman – Universe Soul
Boney James – Christmas Presents
Diana Krall – The Very Best Of Diana Krall
Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo – The Other Road
Eric Marienthal – Just Around The Corner
Evelyn Champagne King – Open Book
Herbie Hancock – River: The Joni Letter
Jagged Edge – Baby Making Project
Jill Scott – The Real Thing
Jimmy Sommers – Sunset Collective
Keith Andrew - Contemplation
Keyshia Cole – Just Like You
Lake Effect – Brighter Moments
Marvin Winans – Alone But Not Alone
Michael Ross - Reloaded
N-Groove – It’s Who We Are
Peabo Bryson – Missing You
Rahsaan Patterson – Wine And Spirits
Raul Midon – A World Within A World
Sharon ones & The Dap Kings – 100 Days And 100 Nights
Soul Ballet – Lavish
Tony Adamo – Straight Up Deal
Ty Causey - Expressions
Vickie Winans – Happy Holidays
Wk. End Band – How ‘Bout Us
Will Preston - Live

JILL SCOTT – THE REAL THING

Jill Scott once again proves that she is one of the greatest soul singers around these days.There's a sense of flow throughout the album with fantastic instrumentation that adds to the overall feel of the CD. Titles include "The Real Thing", "Hate On Me", "Come See Me", "Crown Royal", "Epiphany", "My Love", "Insomnia", "How It Makes You Feel", "Only You", "Celibacy Blues", and "All I". CD features 2 bonus tracks -- "Imagination/Crown Royal Suite" and "Rightness" -- and DVD features videos from "A Long Walk", "Golden", "Cross on My Mind", "My Love", and "Hate On Me" - plus "The Reel From The Real Jill Scott", an interview featurette! (Limited edition.) The CD is available in two different covers.