MATTI KLEIN SOUL TRIO – FIRST EVER UK TOUR BY BERLIN-BASED JAZZ KEYBOARD WHIZZ AND COHORTS STARTS 31.01.24
photography by Rob Stirner
MATTI KLEIN SOUL TRIO
UK TOUR 2024
FIRST EVER UK SHOWS IN JAN/FEB
The German soulful jazz outfit Matti Klein Soul Trio have today announced their very first UK tour, which consists of the following five dates:
31.01.24 LONDON Bulls Head, Barnes
01.02.24 EDINBURGH Voodoo Rooms
02.02.24 NOTTINGHAM Peggy’s Skylight
03.02.24 NORTHAMPTON The Garibaldi
04.02.24 BATH Komedia
Berlin-born pianist and composer Matti Klein is a wizard behind his Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric piano. After completing music studies in his home city, he led the successful funky jazz quartet Mo’ Blow for a decade, issuing three albums on the renowned ACT label, while also acting as musical director and/or arranger for domestic superstars such as Herbert Grönemeyer and Sarah Connor, international pop artists like Jimmy Somerville, plus latter-day jazz greats Ed Motta, Torsten Goods and Nils Landgren.
Klein has to date performed over 1000 international concerts in legendary venues such as Ronnie Scott’s (London), Blue Note (Tokyo), Highline Ballroom (New York) and New Morning (Paris), as well as at numerous major festivals.
Klein can now be heard alongside the bass clarinet, tenor saxophone plus effects of Lars Zander and the tight grooves of ex-Mo‘ Blow drummer André Seidel in the Matti Klein Soul Trio, which was formed after the dissolution of Mo’ Blow in 2017 and who have released two well received soul/jazz albums to date in ‘Soul Trio’ (2020) and ’Soul Trio Live On Tape’ (2021). Both have often been compared to classic gems released on the Impulse label in the ‘60s.
“A smokin' hot series of sessions featuring Klein and his superb band. Lars Zander on tenor is just sensational, and his forays on bass clarinet add even more grit to the hard-swinging proceedings ****”
JAZZWISE
“An authentic album drawing on vintage instruments with a 21st century attitude”
JAZZ JOURNAL
“A varied and intriguing musical menu. Not too many albums take you from '60s smoky New York jazz clubs to the tundra of Finland in less than an hour!”
SOUL&JAZZ&FUNK
“I live out my love of instrumental groove jazz in this trio, which is an exciting format for my compositions with the Wurlitzer as the main instrument,” states Klein. "Instead of a traditional line-up with bass, the three of us can play pretty fat grooves. The soul in the band name is also very important to me, as it emphasises that this is an absolute affair of the heart."
MATTI KLEIN
Soul Trio buy/stream | Soul Trio Live On Tape buy/stream
[both Shuffle Shack Records/Membran]
‘Soul Trio’ was recorded, mixed and co-produced by Axel Reinemer of Jazzanova and spanned a wide stylistic arc that encapsulated everything from ‘African Taxitrip’ - which paid tribute to Dollar Brand, Klein’s own history with the Afrobeat band Kabu Kabu, and was also a big favourite of DJ Robert Elms at BBC London - to the dreamy downtempo hip-hop flow of ‘Windy Move’ and the ambitious 8+ minute suite ‘River Journey’, a video for which can be seen HERE.
‘Soul Trio Live On Tape’ was actually recorded before the debut, when the trio laid down a set of live sessions with producer/engineer Jochen Ströh (Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, Jimi Tenor) comprised of ‘deep-fried contemporary soul jazz’ arrangements of songs primarily written for Mo' Blow. Alongside their new leader, Zander proved his reputation as the most soulful tenor saxophonist in town and just why he had earned kudos for a bass clarinet sound enhanced with FX, while Seidel also displayed his chops, incorporating elements of rock, hip-hop, odd meter fusion and the sound of New Orleans into a unique style.
As for its contents, ‘Rocket Swing’ had a hip-hop vibe with a jazzy fifth fall, ‘Ray’ was a Meters-inspired shuffle, while ‘Sunsqueezed’ had a wider compositional arc, evoking sunshine peeking through the clouds during a long, grey ten month Berlin winter to offer hope for the other two months. Its video can be seen HERE.
The Matti Klein Soul Trio are now set to provide further rays of light at venues around the UK to help melt away those post-New Year blues
MATTI KLEIN SOUL TRIO
Matti Klein - Wurlitzer piano, Fender Bass Rhodes
Lars Zander - bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, FX
André Seidel – drums
Official Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
NATHALIE MESKENS, JAN SCHEPENS, MUSICALDEBUUT VOOR ELS DOTTERMANS EN TERUGKEER DORIAN LIVEYNS IN 'MAMMA MIA!'
Vanaf 22 maart 2025 - Antwerpen, Gent, Hasselt
Vanaf 22 maart 2025 keert de felgesmaakte Vlaamse versie van musicalsensatie 'MAMMA MIA!' terug en kan het dak er weer meermaals feestelijk af in opeenvolgend Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Regisseur Stany Crets, die opnieuw de rol van Bill zal vertolken in de musical, wist met zijn Angeleyes eerder al Ann Van den Broeck (Donna) en Helle Vanderheyden (Sophie) te overtuigen om terug te keren naar het warme Griekse bad van 'MAMMA MIA'. Beide nachtegalen zeiden meteen I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, maar daarmee was de honger van Super Trouper Stany natuurlijk allerminst gestild.
Knowing Me, Knowing You dacht hij en dus klopte Stany ook terug aan bij Dorian Liveyns. De sympathieke en getalenteerde musicalacteur zei in 2022 nog Take A Chance On Me en pakte die zomer bij 'MAMMA MIA' zijn eerste hoofdrol in een grote hitmusical als Sky. Dat deze rol allerminst zijn Waterloo betekende, bewijst zijn succesvolle vervolgparcours en het feit dat Stany hem er voor deze herneming absoluut terug bij wilde. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme zei Dorian, die maar wat graag terug in de huid van Sky kruipt in 2025.
Ook aan vers bloed geen gebrek in de hoofdcast, want Stany trok met The Winner Takes It All in het achterhoofd zijn stoute schoenen aan en wist uiteindelijk met een simpele Voulez-Vous drie absolute toppers te strikken...
Nathalie Meskens, Jan Schepens en musicaldebutante Els Dottermans
Actrice, presentatrice en zangeres Nathalie Meskens kan zich in 'MAMMA MIA' ook helemaal uitleven als Dancing Queen. Nathalie zal de rol van de flamboyante Tanya vertolken en treedt daarmee in de voetsporen van Evi Hanssen die dit in 2022 met verve deed.
"Wie kan er nu nee zeggen tegen 'MAMMA MIA!'? Al die heerlijke ABBA-hits, pure nostalgie en feelgood. Exact waar we allemaal een stevige portie van kunnen gebruiken. Laat maar komen!"
- Nathalie Meskens -
Was de rol van de onstuimige architect Sam vorige keer nog weggelegd voor musicaldebutant Johan Terryn, dan wordt er nu uitgepakt met een doorwinterde musicaltopper. Niemand minder dan Jan Schepens kreeg een Ring Ring van Stany Crets en zal de rol van deze zelfverzekerde, beheerste, maar stiekem met veel spijt worstelende mogelijke vader van Sophie op zich nemen. Bekend terrein op verschillende vlakken overigens voor Jan. Hij speelde in 2006 al de rol van Sam in MAMMA MIA! en vormde in 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Assepoester' en 'The Last Five Years' ook al een koppel met Ann Van den Broeck.
“Een ontzettend fijn verhaal en ge-wel-di-ge muziek! 'MAMMA MIA!' is een feest en ik ben zo blij dat ik een uitnodiging kreeg om mee te feesten!”
- Jan Schepens -
Wat Jan Schepens is voor de Belgische musicalwereld, is Els Dottermans voor onze theater-, tv- en filmwereld. Haar cv is eindeloos en puilt uit van de mooie rollen, maar toch gaapt er nog één gaatje...musical. "I Have A Dream", zei Stany bij Deep Bridge. "Ik wil Els Dottermans als Rosie in 'MAMMA MIA!'. Voor Els bleek een positief antwoord op haar vraag "Lay All Your Love On Me" voldoende om toe te happen.
"'MAMMA MIA!' wordt voor mij toch wel een beetje een stap in het onbekende. Een 'once in a lifetime', maar wel een uitdaging die ik ten volle aanga."
- Els Dottermans -
Het succes van ‘MAMMA MIA!’
‘MAMMA MIA!’ ging op 6 april 1999 in wereldpremière op de Londonse West End. De show loopt er nog steeds en is wereldwijd nog altijd een ongezien succes. De nieuwe versie van Deep Bridge ging in maart 2020 in première en speelde in de zomer van 2021 en 2022 voor uitverkochte zalen. ‘MAMMA MIA!’ was ontegensprekelijk één van de meest succesvolle shows van de laatste jaren. And here we go again, 5 jaar na de première laten we Vlaanderen in 2025 opnieuw meezingen en dansen op Dancing Queen en Voulez-Vous.
Oude liefdes en geweldige nummers
‘MAMMA MIA!’ combineert de grootste hits van ABBA met een humoristisch liefdesverhaal over alleenstaande moeder Donna en haar dochter Sophie, die op het punt staat om te trouwen. Sophie wil dolgraag worden weggegeven door haar echte vader, maar het blijkt niet eenvoudig om te ontdekken wie dat is… Ze wil een antwoord krijgen op haar vraag en nodigt daarom drie voormalige liefdes van haar moeder uit op het Griekse eiland waar ze wonen. Donna wordt compleet verrast door het weerzien met de mannen en staat plots oog in oog met haar bruisende verleden. Samen met haar vriendinnen haalt Donna herinneringen op aan vroeger, aan oude liefdes en aan hun tijd als het zangtrio Donna and the Dynamo’s. Alle bekende ABBA hits passeren de revue, waaronder ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’, ‘Super Trouper’ en uiteraard ‘Mamma Mia’.
'MAMMA MIA!' speelt vanaf 22 maart 2025 in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
!! Spaar wat Money, Money, Money met de RANG-UPGRADE !!
Boek tot 31/12/23 je tickets voor 'MAMMA MIA' en krijg een gratis rang-upgrade cadeau.
Voor Golden Seats betaal je de prijs van Categorie 1, voor Categorie 1 betaal je de prijs van Categorie 2, enzovoort.
JAY VEGAS – ‘FEEL THE BEAT’
Mark Knight welcomes one of his favourite producers, Jay Vegas, to his Fool’s Paradise label with a hugely funky NuDisco stomper, ‘Feel The Beat’. Primed to rock the festive party season and beyond, Jay brings his signature twisted Disco sound of playfully chopped up loops that twizzle around a sumptuous platter of Jazzy brass hooks, discofied strings, classy keys and a catchy femme vocal, all underpinned by an irresistible funky groove. If you like your music funky, fresh and exciting, then Jay’s got you covered!
Jay Vegs is one of the leaders of the contemporary Disco House school, gaining global recognition for his instantly recognisable and in demand grooves with support from David Morales, Mark Knight, Mousse T, Norman Cook, Danny Rampling and Grant Nelson, to name a few. Through the 90’s under the guises Soundscapers and Nu Graduates alongside James Ryan, Jay appeared on labels such as Subliminal, Ministry of Sound and Cream. Since then, Jay has gone on to release solo productions and remixes for labels such as Toolroom, Guesthouse Music, Salted Music, Space Disco, Good For You and more. Jay has remixed for an array of artists: Todd Terry, Mark Knight, DJ Chus, Harry Romero, Gene Farris & Joeski. As well as holding down a busy DJ schedule, Jay also runs his own imprint Hot Stuff Records, which is now celebrating its 10th Anniversary.
Track Listing
1 Feel The Beat
2 Feel The Beat (Extended Mix)
‘Feel The Beat’ will be released on December 22nd 2023 on Fool’s Paradise.
Jay Vegas
‘Feel The Beat’
Fool’s Paradise / FP009
https://www.facebook.com/dj.jayvegas
http://www.facebook.com/foolsparadiserecs
http://www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs
http://www.tiktok.com/@foolsparadiserecs
FABRIC MAGIC LEIDT ZOEKTOCHT NAAR VLAAMSE HOOFDCAST VOOR HITMUSICAL ‘GREASE’
!! Inschrijven voor audities nog steeds mogelijk !!
In september 2024 brengt Albert Verlinde ism Senf Theaterpartners, Jaco Kaasschieter en House of Entertainment een nieuwe, frisse musicalversie van de geliefde feelgood klassieker ‘Grease’ op de planken in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Hiervoor wordt momenteel gezocht naar een Vlaamse hoofdcast. Om deze zoektocht in goede banen te leiden, wordt een beroep gedaan op FABRIC MAGIC, het productiehuis achter de Ketnet-hitreeks #LikeMe. Als je weet dat zij de ontdekkers waren van toptalenten als o.a. Pommelien Thijs, Camille Dhont, Francisco Schuster en Maksim Stojanac, dan weet je nu al een beetje wat te verwachten van de Vlaamse Sandy, Danny, Rizzo en Kenickie. Tickets voor 'Grease' zijn te koop via greasemusical.be en aanmelden voor de audities, die starten begin 2024, kan nog steeds op dezelfde website.
"Met FABRIC MAGIC proberen we al jaren onze producties te voorzien van onze magische touch. Voorheen deden we dit al voor events, show, televisie en film, maar dat we Albert Verlinde nu ook mogen ondersteunen in de creatie van een musicalklassieker van formaat, is natuurlijk éxtra magisch. We kijken er enorm naar uit om op zoek te gaan naar een straffe Vlaamse cast, om zo het publiek weldra te laten genieten van een heerlijk avondje uit!"
- Thomas Van Goethem, CEO FABRIC MAGIC -
Over Grease
‘Grease’, de musical van Jim Jacobs (tekst) en Warren Casey (muziek) uit 1972, is een fenomeen. Het is één van de langstlopende musicals ooit op Broadway en werd een wereldwijd begrip door de film uit 1978 met John Travolta en Olivia Newton-John in de hoofdrollen. 'Grease' nog altijd een absolute publiekslieveling. Het romantische verhaal van Sandy en Danny, en natuurlijk onsterfelijke hitsingles als You’re The One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Summer Nights en Sandy, doen het publiek nog steeds dromen.
Volgend seizoen strijkt een nieuwe, frisse versie van deze musical, mét Vlaamse hoofdcast, neer in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt. Het wordt een feest voor jong en oud, met een live orkest en natuurlijk alle hits!
Audities Vlaamse hoofdcast
Voor de hoofdcast van deze nieuwe, eigentijdse versie van de musical ‘Grease’ wordt op zoek gegaan naar Vlaamse meisjes en jongens, met het nodige zang- en danstalent, die in de huid kunnen kruipen van jongvolwassenen die in de voorstelling in het laatste jaar van hun middelbare school zitten. Met als voornaamste vraag natuurlijk: wie worden Danny en Sandy? Daarnaast zijn er ook nog de heerlijke rollen van o.a. Kenickie, Rizzo, Miss Lynch en Vince Fontaine te verdelen. De audities vinden begin 2024 plaats. Geïnteresseerden kunnen zich inschrijven voor deze audities via www.greasemusical.be
Het verhaal
‘Grease’ vertelt het verhaal over de tieners Danny en Sandy die na een wervelende zomerromance onverwachts worden herenigd wanneer Sandy voor haar laatste schooljaar naar Rydell High overstapt. Danny blijkt al snel niet de lieve jongen van tijdens de zomer te zijn, maar een lid van de T-Birds die vooral stoer wil overkomen op zijn vrienden. De brave Sandy probeert te veranderen en sluit zich aan bij de Pink Ladies. Een danswedstrijd moet de twee geliefden weer samen brengen, maar voor hoe lang? Overleven ze de beproevingen van het tienerleven en vinden ze opnieuw de ware liefde?
Grease staat garant voor een avond topamusement vol humor, sprankelende dans en heerlijke muziek. Deze show wil je niet missen, dus Let’s go together en beleef deze meeslepende feelgood klassieker live in het theater!
De hitmusical ‘Grease’ is vanaf 12 september 2024 te zien in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt.
Tickets & info: www.greasemusical.be.
ANN VAN DEN BROECK, STEVE DE SCHEPPER EN LIV VAN AELST MAKEN HEERLIJKE CAST ‘HAIRSPRAY’ COMPLEET
Vanaf 14 maart 2024 in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt.
Vanaf 14 maart tot en met 14 april 2024 brengt Deep Bridge de fantastische feelgood musical 'Hairspray' op de planken in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Door thema's als bodyshaming en racisme te verwerken in een meeslepend verhaal vol swingende muziek, dans en pure fun, werd 'Hairspray' een generatie-overschrijdend fenomeen in de film- en musicalwereld.
Generatie-overschrijdende fenomenen zijn ook exact wat we in de cast aantreffen. Met de 10-jarige Nayah Bertels, de 12-jarige Jillia Amadala en de 13-jarige Charlize Fobe, die afwisselend de rol van Little Inez zullen vertolken, alvast een mooie dosis aan zeer jong tienertalent. Lotte De Clerck, Francisco Schuster, Jérémie Vrielynck, hoofdrolspeelster Jozefien Grossen (Tracy Turnblad) en musicaldebutante Amy Courtens, brengen hun brandend ambitieuze twintiger-vuur mee on stage. Musicaltoppers Sandrine Van Handenhoven (Motormouth Maybelle), Helle Vanderheyden, Florian Avoux en Laurenz Hoorelbeke, bundelen hun onmiskenbare talent dan weer met de nodige ervaring.
Om heel dit energieke, bonte gezelschap wat onder controle te houden, vervolledigt Deep Bridge de heerlijke 'Hairspray'-cast met regelrechte musical royalty!
Ann Van den Broeck - Steve De Schepper - Liv Van Aelst
Zo kruipt Ann Van den Broeck in de huid van de valse Velma Von Tussle, een rol die in de film van 1988 gespeeld werd door Debbie Harry (Blondie) en in die van 2007 door Michelle Pfeiffer. Velma is de snobistische en racistische producer van de 'Corny Collins Show' en moeder van Amber Von Tussle (Amy Courtens). Ze is tegen de integratie van zwaarlijvige en gekleurde mensen in de show.
Steve De Schepper mag zich dan weer opmaken voor de rol van Wilbur Von Turnblad. Wilbur is de vader van hoofdpersonage Tracy Turnblad (Jozefien Grossen) en de echtgenoot van Edna Turnblad (Florian Avoux). In tegenstelling tot zijn vrouw, moedigt hij Tracy wel aan om haar dromen na te jagen. Met deze rol treedt Steve in de voetsporen van o.a. Christopher Walken, die Wilbur Von Turnblad speelde in de film van 2007.
Liv Van Aelst mag zich uitleven als Prudence 'Prudy' Pingleton, de gespannen en onverdraagzame moeder van Penny Pingleton (Lotte De Clerck). Prudy is controlerend, overheersend en ronduit grof tegenover haar dochter. Ze zorgt ervoor dat Penny zeer conservatief gekleed gaat, ontmoedigt haar om te dansen en verbiedt haar naar bepaalde muziek te luisteren. Prudy straft Penny, vaak voor onbekende vergrijpen, door haar te vernederen, vast te binden, uit te hongeren of psychologisch te manipuleren.
Deep Bridge maakt een eigen, Vlaamse versie van deze feelgood musical. Zoals steeds in de gekende stijl van het huis: met de nodige creatieve krullen, lak aan platgetreden paden, maar met respect voor het originele verhaal én de muziek. Geef toe, is er iemand die kan blijven stilzitten op floorfillers als 'Welcome To The 60's', 'Good Morning Baltimore' en uiteraard ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’?
‘Hairspray’, de hilarische, vrolijke en steengoede feelgood musical waar iedereen nood aan heeft, is van 14 maart tot 14 april 2024 opeenvolgend te zien in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be.
EXTRA SHOWS VOOR ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL' MET LUCAS VAN DEN EYNDE
Extra shows voor ‘A Christmas Carol’ met Lucas Van den Eynde in Gent, Hasselt en Antwerpen!
Première op 16 december 2023 in Capitole Gent.
In aanloop naar de feestelijke première van 'A Christmas Carol' nu zaterdag 16 december 2023 in Capitole Gent, mag producent Deep Bridge al uitpakken met zeer leuk nieuws. Gezien de aanhoudende vraag naar tickets, worden er extra shows voorzien in Gent (2 januari 2024), Hasselt (5 januari) en tijdens de krokusvakantie in Antwerpen (17 en 18 februari).
Deep Bridge maakte een hedendaagse en, afgaande op de reacties na de try-outs in Antwerpen, duidelijk felgesmaakte voorstelling voor de hele familie, gebaseerd op en met respect voor het oorspronkelijke verhaal van Charles Dickens. Stany Crets schreef een nieuw script, doorspekt met de nodige humor en een vleugje romantiek, en er werd nieuwe muziek gecomponeerd. In een verder ook uitmuntende cast, schitterde Lucas Van den Eynde tijdens de try-outs reeds als verbitterde vrek Ebenezer Scrooge.
‘A Christmas Carol’, vanaf 16 december in Capitole Gent, Trixxo Theater Hasselt en vanaf 17 februari 2024 extra shows in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen.
Tickets & info: www.deepbridge.be
URBANUS EN DE FANFAAR VIEREN MEERVOUDIG JUBILEUM MET FESTIVALTOURNEE
Gisteren nodigden Urbanus & De Fanfaar de verzamelde pers uit om hun nieuwe zomertournee voor te stellen. Er wordt maar liefst een drievoudig jubileum gevierd volgend jaar: Urbanus wordt 75, De Fanfaar 20 en het is tien jaar geleden dat Urbanus & De Fanfaar op tournee gingen. In het feestjaar 2024 maken ze dus opnieuw de zomerfestivals onveilig.
Oorspronkelijk was Urbanus & De Fanfaar bedoeld voor een eenmalige tournee. Uiteindelijk werden dat destijds drie seizoenen. In 2024 komt er dus na tien jaar een reünie aan. “We hielden altijd contact met mekaar gedurende onze speelstilte, maar deze zomer konden we de agenda’s nog eens doen matchen. Ook het idee van een reünie klonk ons leuk in de oren” aldus gitarist Camerlynck en Urbanus . Welke festivals er op de planning zullen staan, is momenteel nog geheim. “Die primeurs zijn voor de festivals zelf, als ze hun programma bekend maken” vertelt Urbanus. De Fanfaar begon ooit met een cover in een rock ’n roll-jasje van Gigippeke, van Urbanus. “Die mannen waren bekend in heel Halle” grapt Urbanus. Volgend jaar bestaat De Fanfaar twintig jaar en schuimt samen met Urbanus de zomerfestivals af. Er wordt gemikt op zo’n twee festivals per provincie, maar ook in Nederland zijn er plannen in potlood opgetekend. De Fanfaar heeft met toetsenist Mathieu Vanherpe bovendien een nieuw bandlid.
Volgend jaar wordt Urbanus 75 en deze zomertournee is één van de speciallekes die er te gebeuren staat in dat feestjaar. De tournee werd aangekondigd in CC Westrand in Dilbeek, en dat was niet toevallig. De solocarrière van Urbanus begon in namelijk in het cultureel centrum van Dilbeek, in de toenmalige Jeugdclub. “Ik trad hier op voor 20 man, waarvan de helft familie. De week nadien waren dat er 40, en nog eens later 80. Zo was de trein vertrokken”.
Urbanus en De Fanfaar is 2024 te zien op diverse zomerfestivals.
Voor info en updates: www.urbanus.be.
Bandleden – Urbanus en De Fanfaar
- Urbanus
- Jeroen Camerlynck
- Sybren Camerlynck
- Tim Toegaert
- Laurens De Schutter
- Mathieu Vanherpe
TOM HEYMAN – 24TH STREET BLUES' - LP & CD FORMATS OF NEW ALBUM BY SAN FRANCISCO BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 08.12.23
TOM HEYMAN | 2023 photo by Lauren Tabak
TOM HEYMAN
24TH STREET BLUES
new album
out 08.12.23 [LP & CD] | out now [digital]
(Bohemian Neglect Recording Works)
A concept record about the endangered culture and living ghosts of the Mission District in San Francisco.
Bandcamp Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music | Deezer
“Heyman lays out the issues with tight melodies, striking lyrics and an ever-vivid voice”
AMERICANA HIGHWAYS
“Layers a folk singer’s lyrical observance of life over a roots rock soundtrack with a Petty groove. It’s a captivating album”
TWANGVILLE
“A knowing and nuanced work that boasts a craftsman’s touch and intuitive insight. A road well-traveled, its Blues infused with many different hues”
THE ALTERNATE ROOT
“Quality Americana/West Coast Country Music that sjows he is many steps up the ladder of success than his self-deprecation as a ‘journeyman musician’ would have us believe”
ROCKING MAGPIE
includes the singles
24TH STREET BLUES
+ THE MISSION IS ON FIRE
UK TOUR MARCH 2024
supporting DAN STUART (GREEN ON RED)
13.03.24 BRISTOL Hen & Chicken tickets
14.04.23 HIGH WYCOMBE Kingsmead House Concert tickets
16.03.24 SHEFFIELD Greystones tickets
17.03.24 YORK Rise @ Bluebird tickets [on sale soon]
18.03.24 BIRMINGHAM Kitchen Garden Cafe tickets
19.03.24 DURHAM Old Cinema Launderette tickets [on sale soon]
20.03.24 LONDON What’s Cookin’ @ Leytonstone Social Club tickets
21.03.24 BRIGHTON Prince Albert tickets [on sale soon]
23.03.24 TWYFORD Swiss Cottage tickets
Modern-day San Francisco is stereotypically presented as either a city full of young tech nomads lining up for artisanal coffee, or as a blighted hellscape of fentanyl zombies and street crime. But, on his sixth album, ‘24th Street Blues’, Tom Heyman sings of a more rank-and-file locale, balancing the encroaching darkness of an overdeveloped cityscape with the fragile, abiding beauty of the place he calls home.
“If you stay somewhere long enough, you really start to see it change,” he explains. “Around 2010, the city started to feel like a sped up movie, jerking and lurching forward at a dangerously fast, celluloid-shredding pace with market forces feeling like a locomotive bearing down on anything or anyone in its path.”
Heyman has lived in a sprawling and dilapidated converted-storefront on 24th Street, deep in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, since the turn of the millennium. Detailing observations and interactions from years of struggle living and working in the neighbourhood as it has weathered the storms and aftermath of plutocratic expansion, ‘24th Street Blues’ sounds as much like he has inadvertently followed the Mark Twain credo “Write what you know” as it is a concept piece.
The characters in Heyman’s songs strive to exist (and sometimes perish) under looming cranes that dot the city skyline as he braids timeless narratives with Americana that at times recalls the rusty, boiler-room reverberations of Dylan’s ‘The Basement Tapes’ or the smouldering boogie of JJ Cale, while other moments recall the beautifully sparse melodies of Gordon Lightfoot and the economy of words that were the penchant of John Prine. Over mostly acoustic tapestries, Heyman sings stories of displaced families, endangered bohemians, migrant workers, sidewalk hustlers, surviving musicians, juvenile delinquents, weathered bar workers, junky friends, homeless campers, cannabis farmers and slumlord arsonists.
‘24th Street Blues’ presents a portrait of San Francisco where dues might never be paid in full, but flowers still bloom from the ashes of the digital goldrush. Like any good long-player, its songs work a deep magic on the listener with repeated spins, while Heyman's lyrics take residence in the periphery of the mind like the spectral passages of a Denis Johnson novel. Whether he’s darkening the doors of his district’s many Victorian-styled homes or sharing a drink with a veteran bartender, Heyman has haunted the enduring and evaporating pockets of San Francisco’s heyday long enough to become one of the living ghosts in his own songs.
’24th Street Blues’ also comes packaged with a 60-page songbook comprising lyrics and music charts accompanied by a gorgeous collection of paintings and drawings designed as companion pieces for each song. These have been created by Heyman’s wife Deirdre White, who is an artist and educator acutely tuned into composing images of modern dystopian inequality and the housing/mobility challenges of the American West.
In addition to his solo work, Heyman has spent years as a sought-after journeyman guitarist and pedal steel player recording and touring with a wide array of artists that include Hiss Golden Messenger, Chuck Prophet, Sonny Smith, Kelley Stoltz, Alejandro Escovedo, John Doe, Roy Loney and Penelope Houston. Indeed, his pedal steel playing is one of the distinct sonic threads woven through much of ‘24th Street Blues’. The album has been produced by Mike Coykendall (M. Ward) and mixed by Scott Hirsch (Hiss Golden Messenger).
24TH STREET BLUES
TRACKLISTING
1 24th Street Blues
2 Desperate
3 Barbara Jean
4 Sonny Jim
5 Hidden History
6 The Mission Is On Fire
7 Quit Pretending
8 Like A Lion
9 Searching For The Holy Ghost
10 White Econoline
11 That Tender Touch
12 Desperate (Redux)
THE DELINES - 'CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTIS' – NEW SINGLE BY US ALTERNATIVE AMERICANA/COUNTRY ACT OUT 07.12.23
THE DELINES | 2023 photo by Paolo Brillo
THE DELINES
CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTIS
new single
7” vinyl | digital
out 07.12.23
[Decor]
buy/stream | Bandcamp
Alternative Americana/country act The Delines are thrilled to announce the release of their very first Xmas 7” single, ‘Christmas In Atlantis’. But, listeners beware: this is Christmas Delines-style, not your ordinary Bing Crosby sleigh ride number. The song includes fighting sisters, political knife throwing, possible inappropriate three-way hookups, a despondent grandmother, and - of course - plenty of drinking, disparaging remarks, general family discord and violence...BUT NO SWEARING. The Delines may just have written the most normal Christmas song ever.
‘Christmas In Atlantis’ was recorded at Bocce studio in Vancouver (Washington state) and produced, engineered and mixed by John Morgan Askew. The sleeve was designed by their graphics guru Aaron Draplin, while the 7" vinyl comes in a strictly limited edition of 1000.
2022 saw The Delines release their much heralded third album, ‘The Sea Drift’, which featured in numerous year-end polls in the UK and across mainland Europe. It made no. 1 on Americana UK, was the no. 1 choice of Gideon Coe at BBC 6 Music, only just missed the Top 10 in Uncut magazine and was top 20 in Rolling Stone (France), Volkstrant (Netherlands), El Pais (Spain) and many more.
With over 100,000 records sold in Europe by The Delines and his former band Richmond Fontaine, novelist and songwriter Willy Vlautin will have his seventh novel published in 2024 by Faber & Faber. The Delines are currently in the studio completing their fourth album, with which they will be touring in 2024.
THE DELINES
Amy Boone - vocals
Cory Gray - keyboards, trumpet
Sean Oldham - percussion
Freddy Trujillo - bass
Willy Vlautin - vocals, guitar
Official Site
AND ALSO THE TREES - 'MOTHER-OF-PEARL MOON' – NEW ALBUM BY UK ALTERNATIVE ROCK ACT OUT 23.02.24
and also the trees
Mother-of-pearl Moon
new album
out 23.02.24
[AATT / Cargo]
includes
THIS PATH THROUGH THE MEADOW
and also the trees (AATT) formed during the original post-punk era in rural Worcestershire, an environment that has provided a constant inspiration to a group whose music has often explored the dark underbelly as well as the beauty of the British countryside. They are renowned for their captivating live performances, a unique style of mandolin-like electric guitar, evocative lyrics and dark jazz rhythms - not to mention a creative independence fiercely preserved for over four decades.
AATT immediately caught the attention of Robert Smith of The Cure, who invited them to tour with his group on several occasions. Smith was also involved with their early recordings alongside his bandmate Lol Tolhurst, who produced their first records, a long-term friendship and mutual respect further solidified when AATT were invited to perform at the 2018 edition of the Meltdown festival in London, an event that Smith curated.
Founded by singer Simon Jones and his guitarist brother Justin, AATT have maintained a continuous presence on the post-punk, alternative rock and Gothic scenes worldwide. They have released fifteen studio albums and toured frequently throughout mainland Europe, as well as North America and Japan where they have also built a sizeable following.
The panoramic soundscapes on AATT’s compelling new album, ‘Mother-of-pearl Moon’, were born from a series of extraordinary electric guitar improvisations created in the pre- and post-dawn hours during a month of solitude in 2020. With the artful integration and imagery added by the voice, clarinet, piano, percussion, autoharp and Moog, the listener is taken on a voyage from the depths of the English countryside far out in all directions of the compass.
The music on ‘Mother-of-pearl Moon' is often filmic and reminiscent of various genres from the ‘50s to the ‘70s, perhaps most apparent in ‘This path through the meadow’, a song that explores the intertwining of human nature and nature in its animal and botanic form. A video for it can be seen HERE in which the band appear to be performing to an imaginary screening. Elsewhere, the album title track transports the listener oceans away to the Far East...and to its exotic gardens, still waters and the ‘Mother-of-pearl Moon’.
‘Mother-of-pearl Moon’ will be released in February 2024 and promoted with tours throughout the year.
Mother-of-pearl Moon
TRACKLISTING
1 Intro
2 The Whaler
3 Town Square
4 Mother-of-pearl Moon
5 This Path Through The Meadow
6 Valdrada
7 No Mountains, No Horizon
8 Visions Of A Stray
9 Field After Field
10 Ypsilon
11 Away From Me
and also the trees
Simon Huw Jones - vocals and words
Justin Jones - guitars, zither, autoharp
Paul Hill - drums, percussion
Grant Gordon - bass
Colin Ozanne - clarinet, bass clarinet, piano
Official Site
ALEX FANJUL FT RICH BEGGAR - I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE ME (THE REALM MIX)
I Love The Way You Love Me (ILTWYLM) is the very first of its kind Anglo-Espagnol Collaboration between Gijón's (Asturias, North-western Spain) Celebrated Asturian Guitarist, Musician, Songwriter and Producer of numerous International Neo Soul, Funk and House Music Singles & Remixes... ALEX FANJUL (Alejandro Fanjul) AND Great Britain's Illustrious Four-time Multi-No.1 UK/International Soul R&B Singer-songwriter and Chart-topper... RICH BEGGAR (Prem Sharma).
The song was conceptually born out of Alex Fanjul's truest tribute to two of his all-time admired and most respected Soul/Disco/Funk/Jazz iconic forbearer figures; Guitarist: Nile Rodgers (Chic) & Saxophonist: Grover Washington, Jr.
"Not only does AF & RB’s ILTWYLM draw inspiration from both these icons, but it’s also managed to mutate into a melting pot menagerie of a uniquely identifiable dancy groove laden Spanish-Brit Soul Inferno Stomper... that’d make even the most inanimate objects and sedentary of subjects want to move and groove".
The Production Credits comprises a European ensemble of accomplished musicians, distinguished technicians & lauded lyricist who've all collectively achieved this impressive optimal result.
Here, we proudly present to you all of them as follows:
- Javi de la Torre on Bass Guitar
- Sonsoles Rodriguez on Keyboards
- Alex Fanjul on Lead Guitar, Drums, Programming & Original Production.
- Prem Sharma aka Rich Beggar on Lead & Background Vocals and Chief Lyricist
- Mike "Rustie" Rust - Vocals Engineer
- Manny Rahelu aka The Realm on Additional Production, Arrangement, Programming, Engineering, Mixing & Mastering.
Original Music Concept, Pre-Production, Lead Guitar & Drum Programming all by Alejandro Fanjul (Alex Fanjul) at Mr. Right Studio, Gijón (Asturias), North-western Spain.
Additional Production, Arrangement, Programming, Engineering, Mixing & Mastering of ‘The Realm Mix’ by The Realm (Manny Rahelu) at The Realm Studios, Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom from 13th August 2023 to mid/late September 2023.
Song Title and all Lyrics Written & Performed by Prem Kamal Sharma aka Rich Beggar Courtesy of Punney Records. ℗ 2023 Mr Prem Kamal Sharma.
All Rich Beggar (Prem Sharma) Vocals were Recorded at Soul Wedge Studios, Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom on 7th April 2023 by Studio Engineer Michael David Rust aka Rustie (Founder & Frontman of The Mike Lenson Band).
The Final Art of the song´s cover was created by Digital Artist Joaquin Fanjul, and recreates a futuristic Rich Beggar in a scene that recalls the famous cover of Eumir Deodato´s Love Island Album.
We hope that ILTWYLM brightens up your day and brings you the warmth & sunshine at the start of this cold winter snap season and for all seasons to come.
Seasonal Greetings, Gratitude, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from us all.
Alex Fanjul, Rich Beggar & The Realm.
NEW SINGLE FROM KENNY G – ‘OVER THE RAINBOW’
Kenny G has a way with melody. That’s not necessarily a revelation, but more like a huge understatement, and it really comes into focus at this point in Kenny’s amazing career. This is a musician who has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, owns the best-selling instrumental record of all time with 1992’s 12-times-platinum Breathless, has the number one Christmas record of all time with 1994’s 8-times platinum Miracles, and whose song “Going Home” has, improbably, become the official end-of-work-day anthem in China. At the heart of those achievements is Kenny’s ability to convey deep emotional resonance with his saxophone, a skill never more apparent than on Innocence, his 20th studio album and fifth for Concord Records.
The 12-track project’s theme is lullabies, which have existed for thousands of years not only as a means of soothing babies to sleep but also to impart cultural and familial traditions. “Lullabies are very special to me,” says Kenny, who has been mulling an album with this musical focus for several years and even mentioned the idea in passing in Penny Lane’s acclaimed 2021 HBO documentary on him, Listening to Kenny G. “They hold a special place in my heart. It’s the melodies. They are beautiful and timeless and whenever I hear them, wonderful memories start rushing back to me."
Listeners will likely experience the same sensation while enjoying Kenny’s versions of “Rock-a-Bye Baby,” Harold Arlen’s “Over the Rainbow,” Richard Rodgers’ “Edelweiss,” and Frederic Chopin’s “Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2” and “Berceuse,” which he purposefully rendered without any interpretive twists and turns. “The problem that often happens when artists record songs with traditional melodies is that they put too many twists on things and they end up making them worse,” he says. “With lullabies, you don't necessarily need to put much of a twist on them. You just do your thing and at the same time stay true to the melody. My thing is being able to look at a melody and understand how to play it. I’m very lucky that I have that sensibility when it comes to melody. I think that's also why my Christmas records do so well, and why people tell me they listen to them all year long.”
For example, Kenny says “Edelweiss” may not be considered by some to be a lullaby, but that “it’s in the right tempo for one and has such a great melody. I included it because it’s a song I’ve always enjoyed listening to. And to me it sounds like a lullaby.” As for “Over the Rainbow,” Kenny previously recorded it for his 1999 album Classics in the Key of G, but welcomed the opportunity to give it another shot on Innocence. “I thought I did a pretty good job on the first try, but there was a part missing and it’s something that's been hanging over my head for a long time,” he says. “I was always wanting to re-record that song and finally got a chance to do it, which was really satisfying.”
However, Innocence is hardly limited to the past. Indeed, Kenny co-wrote seven original songs for the album, propelled by the notion that “a lot of my songs already sound like lullabies even though they're not labeled as such. I think my natural writing style works out great for creating new original lullabies” he says, although he’s quick to admit that it’s nearly impossible to define what exactly makes a piece of music a lullaby in the first place.
“I know how to write a melody and I can put myself in the right frame of mind to create what I want to create, but even though they’re simple, lullabies are hard to describe in words,” he says. “I practice every morning for three hours, and in those three hours while I was thinking about this record, I started to fool around with melodies. One would hit me and I’d say to myself as I put it on my phone, okay, that's gonna be a great lullaby.”
Throughout, Kenny’s signature soprano sax uplifts, soothes, and conjures aural nostalgia of the highest order, from the first unaccompanied notes of album opener “Acapella Lullaby” to closer “Studio City Lullaby,” which is a wonderful collaboration with Kenny and close friend, Randy Waldman, and was created in Studio City California. With a meditative piano countermelody underneath, “A Mother’s Lullaby” finds Kenny at his most serene, while “Lullaby Tres” is imbued with a cinematic, bittersweet vibe accented by harp glissandos and an unexpected key modulation.
Kenny also recorded two tenor sax tracks “Tender Lullaby” and “Major Lullaby,” “It’s nice to have the deep rich tones of the tenor sax on this record too. I think these tracks add depth and a slightly darker ‘vibe’ to the record. Even a bit melancholy.”
Helping Kenny flesh out the sound of Innocence were arrangers/composers and longtime collaborators Randy Waldman and William Ross, with several songs eventually being put to tape at the latter’s home studio and others featuring songwriting contributions from both men. Bill Ross’s gorgeous orchestral arrangements were recorded at London’s famed AIR Studios, with Kenny there in person to oversee the recording.
“There was a lot of collaboration on this album, and Randy and Bill were really important,” Kenny says. “Randy is a virtuoso, in addition to being a really good friend. He's got lots of ideas and he's always willing to try things. And Bill is the ultimate orchestrator/arranger/composer and it was a true pleasure to work so closely with him on this project. This project would not exist if not for Bill Ross.” Kenny continues, “On many of my past records, we recorded the orchestra in London at Air Studios and we did it via Zoom, but this time I was there in person, so it was quite a thrill to stand in the room and finally shake hands with people I’ve seen on the screens for years. To watch them perform live made me feel very proud to be one of the musicians playing on this album.”
For the last several years, Kenny has taken to the internet with gusto, as new generations of listeners have discovered his music and contemporary hitmakers such as The Weeknd and Jon Batiste have enlisted him for guest appearances on their albums. His posts have become memes and gone viral, as he continues to have fun with the whole idea of being his iconic self.
And while the material from Innocence may not make much sense as part of Kenny’s live show (“unless I’m playing at a nursery school or a private gig at somebody’s house” he jokes), it’s most definitely not just an album for kids. (Although in Kenny’s words. “I’ve already given you the albums that have made the babies, now I give you the album that puts them to sleep!”)
“You can put it on when you want to get into a peaceful frame of mind,” he offers. “Some people will hear the new tracks without thinking about them as lullabies and say they just sound like my original music, and that’s great too. Also, young parents can enjoy this album. It might help them finally get some sleep.”
NIEUWE SINGLE SERGIO QUISQUATER – ‘SOMEDAY’
Sergio Quisquater brengt de eighties helemaal terug met 'Someday'
De immer schalkse en energieke publieksfavoriet Sergio Quisquater laat terug van zich horen met een nieuw werk. Eerder dit jaar presenteerde Sergio het aanstekelijke 'Supermagnifique' met een opmerkelijke arty videoclip, waarin zijn liefde voor de jaren tachtig duidelijk te horen en te zien was. Het nummer bleek in te slaan als een bom op de talrijke optredens. De nieuwe single 'Someday' gaat verder op het ingeslagen zelfbenoemde 'dancewave'-pad en wordt aanstaande vrijdag 8 december 2023 op de wereld losgelaten.
"Ja, 'Supermagnifique' heeft nogal iets in beweging gebracht. Dat hadden Jan (nvdr: Vervloet, Fiocco) en ik vooraf niet gedacht wanneer we de song samen schreven. Elke keer als ik deze live breng, gebeurt er iets magisch in de zaal. Het is en blijft natuurlijk ook een genre waar ik mij helemaal thuis in voel. De muziek uit de 80's en zeker de New Wave hebben een speciaal plaatsje in mijn hart. Het is des te plezanter om dat gevoel en die geluiden van toen te vertalen naar nu. En dan jong en oud daarop helemaal los te zien gaan. (lacht) 'Someday' is in die zin een perfecte opvolger van 'Supermagnifique', en het nieuwe nummer werd ditmaal geschreven door het beloftevolle productieteam van Wouter Baustein en Nick Martinet. De internationale sound blijft helemaal overeind én met een vette knipoog naar Touch of Joy hebben we ook een vrouwelijke vocal in het nummer gestoken", aldus Sergio.
In de gestileerde videoclip door Cameraworks is inderdaad ook de getalenteerde actrice-danseres Lucie Ropers van haar mooiste kant te bewonderen. Sergio legt uit: "Neenee, Lucie is niet de echte zangeres en 'Someday' is ook geen duet. Het nummer vroeg gewoon om een vrouwelijke stem en dan hebben we dat gedaan hé (lacht). Lucie hebben we gevraagd om te figureren in de clip om de mensen ook iets te geven. Anders moeten ze een hele tijd op mijn kop zitten zien (bulderlacht). Nee serieus, Lucie is écht een talent en ik ben er zeker van dat we nog van haar gaan horen. Ik ben dan ook blij en fier om haar dit podium te kunnen geven."
'Someday' van Sergio Quisquater komt met een waarschuwing in de bijsluiter: wie eenmaal luistert, krijgt het refreintje de komende dag niet meer uit zijn/haar hoofd. U weze gewaarschuwd!
De nieuwe single 'Someday' van Sergio Quisquater verschijnt op het label Fidello en is vanaf vrijdag 8 december 2023 overal digitaal beschikbaar.
BROTHERS BROWN DISCOVERS SOMEWHERE MEANINGFUL TO GO ON THEIR SECOND ALBUM
The bluesy Americana jam band will release “Nowhere Left To Go” on January 12.
NASHVILLE (4 DECEMBER 2023): The cliché “Don’t judge a book by the cover” does and does not apply to the cosmically colorful artwork that adorns the forthcoming sophomore album, “Nowhere Left To Go,” from Brothers Brown. The thirteen songs written and produced by the bluesy Americana jam band are a rainbow of musical styles. Both the cover and the songs on the Woodward Avenue Records collection dropping January 12 are vividly imaginative and vibrant. While the vintage Volkswagen van on the cover symbolizes the carefree era of the psychedelic 1960s, the eclectic blend heard on the album is far from retro. It’s a distinctly modern - perhaps even a futuristic set - reflecting the amalgam of art and culture of the present day.
The cartoonish illustration on the album cover accurately captures the spirited personality and wildly stylish character of Grammy nominee Brother Paul Brown (The Waterboys), the band’s vivacious keyboardist. He co-founded the group with his two-time Grammy-winning namesake, guitarist and singer-songwriter Paul Brown, who has produced more than sixty No. 1 singles for a galaxy of contemporary jazz stars including George Benson, Norman Brown, Boney James and Al Jarreau. The Nashville-based Brother Paul Brown met the Los Angeles-based Paul Brown at the Grammy Awards in 2014. The four-piece band is completed in equal measure by a taut rhythm section comprised of bassist David Santos (Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Elton John) and drummer-percussionist Peter Young (Loretta Lynn, The Burrito Brothers). Both Nashville-based musicians add vocals and guitar parts to Brothers Brown’s first new album since their 2016 debut, “Dusty Road.”
While the members of Brothers Brown are decorated veterans, “Nowhere Left To Go” is only their second outing as a band thus they’re considered newcomers again, which they find invigorating.
“There aren’t that many new artists coming along doing what we’re doing. Playing this music is like putting on your favorite old pair of blue jeans. Perfect fit and feel. We all grew up listening to and playing this type of music. It’s so great to be able to finally let it all hang out and do exactly what we want without all the restraints of the record business and trying to make a living. It’s gonna be a blast playing these songs live. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished and love being a part of Brothers Brown,” said “LA” Paul Brown about their unique mix of soulful blues, rootsy Americana, jam band grooves, edgy rock and twangy country nuances.
The album’s title track features blues legend Bobby Rush, who has been collaborating with Brother Paul Brown for over twenty years. Their fruitful history together spans four albums, three Blues Music Awards, one Grammy nomination for the album “Down in Louisiana,” and many miles traveled during multiple concert tours.
“This song was nearly wrapped up when the grand notion of inviting Bobby Rush to lend his voice came to mind. The more I listened to David Santos' voice and the soulful depth it brings, the more I just knew his and Bobby's voice together would be a timeless soulful treasure. Bobby graciously accepted the invitation to sing on the track and beautiful history followed. Our friendship and musical kinship remain ocean-deep and ever-evolving,” said Brother Paul Brown, who plays Hammond B-3, piano and Moog synthesizer on the album and on Gloria Gaynor’s 2019 Grammy-winning gospel album, “Testimony.”
“Our esteemed guest, Bobby Rush, is a brilliant storyteller and a legendary one-in-a-million artist,” enthused Santos. “Lyrically, ‘Nowhere Left To Go’ is about a guy who has lost everything and is very near the end of his earthly journey. Our seasons change, and new ones, different ones, begin. In a fleeting moment of realization, he has a sense of hope, or even redemption, and perhaps he has found a little meaning to embrace for the remainder of his time here. There actually is ‘Somewhere Left To Go’ for all of us.”
The album opens with “Wrong Side Of Town,” a tale that Santos says, “is about a man who finds himself waking up alone in a strange place and missing the love of his life after having ruined their relationship.”
Brother Paul Brown says the anthemic “Junior’s Back” has special meaning to him.
“I've always been a fan of prog-rock synth solos, especially in groups like Pink Floyd, ELP, and, even more specifically, Foreigner, and the brilliant synth textures, hooks, and solos Al Greenwood brought to those albums. For a good while, I was headed in that direction until my musical journey turned more towards soul and blues. Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought that in 2023, at the age of sixty, that I would find myself conjuring up a bonkers Moog solo for a tune on an American roots/blues/jam band album—and it actually worked! David's verse vocals and Pete’s chorus vocals are legendary on this track as well.”
The album includes several instrumentals, including one of the first songs the quartet ever wrote together, “Chitlin' Pickin',” which they describe as being “country funky.”
“Brand New Day” started as a taut bass and drum groove that evolved as they layered distorted and wah-wah guitar tracks along with an optimistic, chantlike vocal chorus.
“Sitting in the studio, we thought about what a brand-new day represents to all of us as a human race, how it’s always an opportunity for new possibilities and positive change, and how the sun comes up every day for all of us - no matter what. All four of us sang together on the same mic. The original lyric was ‘The sun is shining through my window.’ We changed it at various times to “through OUR window” to be more inclusive,” Santos shared.
The melancholy midtempo “Give Me One Reason” is about the end of a relationship. It had run its course, and no one is to blame, but the partners are no longer in love.
“The protagonist realizes that the relationship is over. He knows they must be wise and strong and leave each other, but he just can’t let go. He’s having a conversation with himself and her at the same time, which I love. He asks himself why he should be in love with her when she obviously no longer wants to be with him. It’s so extremely hard to face the fact that someone has simply fallen out of love with you, and you must let go and move on,” said Santos.
Another bluesy rock tune, “Snakehole Road” travels into darkness and danger.
“There are those horrible hidden places where all forms of debauchery go down. These dens of iniquity are so evil that even the cops are afraid to go there. These are places you sometimes wanna check out for some ungodly reason. It’s a very disturbing song,” admitted Santos.
The edginess continues on the bitter “Black and Blue.”
“It’s an edgy and heavy dark blues joint about a guy who is hurting. He’s in love with a woman who doesn’t appreciate him and has made him feel abused. She cheats on him, takes his money, uses him and leaves him alone at night,” said Santos.
“Nowhere Left To Go” closes with the instrumental “Fifteen Minutes,” a sprawling sojourn on which each player makes a final curtain call. It’s a closing statement capturing the band’s ethos eloquently without a single word.
“Coming from so many different musical genres, dating back to my years of living in a Nashville school for the homeless in the mid-70s, this album is full of so many full-circle moments for me personally, allowing me to incorporate my love for so many of those genres into one album with a group of three absolutely brilliant fellow band members,” Brother Paul Brown concluded.
The “Nowhere Left To Go” album contains the following songs:
“Wrong Side of Town”
“Junior's Back”
“Runnin' Blues”
“Nowhere Left To Go” featuring Bobby Rush
“My Baby”
“High Up On The Mountain”
“Chitlin' Pickin'”
“Brand New Day”
“Whatcha Gonna Do”
“Give Me One Reason”
“Snakehole Road”
“Black and Blue”
“Fifteen Minutes”
For more information, please visit https://woodwardavenuerecords.com.
'KERSTMAGIE' OPENT OP VRIJDAG 8 DECEMBER IN 8 KASTELEN IN BELGIË
Betoverend spektakel 'Kerstmagie' opent op vrijdag 8 december in 8 kastelen in België (6 Vlaanderen - 2 Wallonië)
Nieuw verhaal met live acteurs!
Op vrijdag 8 december 2023 om 18u openen 8 kastelen in België (6 Vlaanderen + 2 Wallonië) de poorten voor de nieuwe editie van het betoverende familiespektakel ‘Kerstmagie’. Tijdens deze leuke, interactieve theaterwandeling met live acteurs kunnen de bezoekers zich in prachtig Belgisch erfgoed helemaal onderdompelen in de kerstsfeer en het gloednieuwe verhaal ‘De Vijf Zintuigen van Kerstmagie’ ontdekken.
Er werd de voorbije weken hard gewerkt door de plaatselijke teams en de vrijwilligers om de kastelen om te toveren tot oogverblindende kerstpaleizen. De acteurs en actrices die t.e.m. 26 december schitteren in deze unieke theaterbeleving, werden per locatie ook gecast uit de lokale/regionale bevolking. De in totaal meer dan 1100 medewerkers, vrijwilligers en acteurs, verspreid over de 8 kastelen, hebben er alles aan gedaan om een ervaring te creëren die meer dan ooit al de zintuigen van de bezoekers zal prikkelen. Als kers op de taart kunnen jong en oud na afloop ook weer op de foto gaan met de enige echte Kerstman!
Wil jij ook graag een prikkelende droomreis van een klein uurtje maken in één van de 8 kastelen? Bestel dan nu je tickets via www.kerstmagie.be
Nieuw verhaal
In de kastelen wordt 'De Vijf Zintuigen van Kerstmagie' gebracht, een meeslepend en spannend verhaal geschreven door regisseur Niels De Valk.
De kasteelheer ontvangt ieder jaar zijn omvangrijke familie om samen op het kasteel Kerst te vieren. De verwachtingen zijn steeds hooggespannen – het is het familiale hoogtepunt van het jaar. Nostalgie en traditie zijn belangrijk, maar de ‘moderne’ wereld moet ook zijn plaats krijgen.
Dit jaar zit de kasteelheer echter zonder inspiratie en besluit de hulp in te roepen van twee wereldberoemde decorateurs. Er wordt een wedstrijd én een thema aan gekoppeld: ‘Wie haalt de geest van Kerst, geïnspireerd op de vijf zintuigen, het beste naar binnen?
Kom jij het mee ontdekken?
Praktische info 'Kerstmagie' / 'Magie de Noël'
Vanaf 8 t.e.m. 26 december 2023
Limburg: Kasteel van Duras (Sint-Truiden)
West-Vlaanderen: Kasteel du Parc (Vlamertinge)
Oost-Vlaanderen: Slot van Laarne
Antwerpen: Kasteel van Cleydael (Aartselaar), Kasteel d'Ursel (Hingene), Kasteel de Merode (Westerlo)
Henegouwen: Château de Louvignies (Soignies, Franstalige versie)
Namen: Corroy-le-Château (Gembloux, Franstalige versie)
Tour: Per kwartier beginnen er, afhankelijk van welk kasteel, max. tussen de 26 en 32 personen aan hun tocht doorheen het kasteel. Een tour duurt ongeveer 50min. Er zijn meerdere trappen te nemen en daardoor is de tour niet toegankelijk voor rolstoelgebruikers en buggy’s.
Prijs: 17,50 euro p.p., kinderen onder de 5 jaar gratis.
Tickets en info via www.kerstmagie.be.
LORI NICELY FT. JUSTIN YOUNG – ‘FAITHFULLY LADONNA’
Lori Nicely is a Washington DC area based composer, arranger, and producer whose lush piano and instrumental music offers a unique experience and escape. Lori's music has been on Top 10 commercial radio including Adult Contemporary / Smooth Jazz, has charted ("Somebody" 2023 - Top 100 10 weeks), has been on TV, and used in TV / media awards shows (The Gracie Awards in New York), and in the Peabody Award winning "American Presidents: Life Portraits" series. Her “Best Climate Change” music video recently got the attention of producers at WaterBear Network, the “Netflix” for environmental videos, who have added her as a composer for potential future projects.
Lori, originally from Virginia, is a natural and taught herself piano at age 9, completely playing by ear. She began composing around age 12. She was formally trained in trumpet at age 12 and performed jazz, concert, and pop/rock music through high school (Alleghany) and college (Radford), playing in concert, jazz, pep, and symphonic bands, and even played in a backup horn section for a local rock band. Throughout high school and college, she was hired frequently to play piano because she could play the latest pop hits, not needing sheet music, and did her own arrangements. She also played piano at churches, pageants, and other local events. Lori also plays guitar.
As Lori started to record her music professionally, she realized her true passion is composing music and songwriting/recording. Lori's music has been compared to pop icon "Hit Man" David Foster, for her strong melodies, lyrical piano, and lush instrumentation, but all for the 21st century. She worked directly with Foster's sax player for movie soundtracks and pop hits, David Boruff, who was a featured soloist on several of her tracks, among them "Our Secret" and "When You Are Here". Lori's music videos, available on her YouTube Channel "Lori Nicely Official", are "mini movies" about modern life, relationships, and love, supported by her uniquely beautiful and moving soundtracks. Her music and videos "tell a story without words" and cross several genres, ages, and demographics, appealing to audiences in pop, Smooth Jazz, contemporary piano instrumental, and film soundtrack.
For Lori’s newest 2023 radio single release “Faithfully Ladonna” (Tribute to Donna Summer), she features fantastic performances by Billboard artists Justin Young on sax, backing vocals by Rachel Oliver-Cobbin (Atlantic Starr); and Billboard supporting artists Mike Reid on drums (Rhianna, Beyonce, Alicia Keys), Vernon Prout bass (Tamar Braxton), and Tim Schilling electric guitar. “Faithfully Ladonna” is Lori’s original music inspired by the life of Donna Summer (HBO documentary “Love to Love You, Donna Summer”). This heartfelt tribute, Lori describes as a “groundbreaking piece”: upbeat, soulful, happy, yet wistful; moving, grooving, yet beautiful; soulful backing vocals with fantastic melodies. “If Donna Summer did Smooth Jazz, this would be it.”
The song builds to a crescendo, akin to the crescendo of Donna Summer’s amazing life. This unique Smooth Jazz/pop instrumental features piano, sax, and beautiful backing vocals. It moves. It’s a calling to all to “feel the beat – where we’ll meet – dancing again – faithfully LaDonna”.
JOHNNY BRITT FT. BLAIR BRYANT – ‘OCEAN WAVES’
J-Jams Records proudly announces the release of "Ocean Waves", the third single from the After We Play album from Johnny Britt. This Quiet Storm gem follows up Britt's star turns with "Butterflies" featuring Will Downing and "Summer Love" featuring Gerald Albright & Kashan.
Soul Jazz vocalist/trumpeter Johnny Britt is excited by the release of "Ocean Waves" which continues the momentum of the diverse album which spawned Britt's first #1 single as a solo artist. "I've been looking forward to releasing this track, it's such a vibe," shares Johnny.
"Ocean Waves" features Kansas City's bass phenom Blair Bryand and was written, arranged and produced by Johnny Britt, mixed by Nils, and mastered by Ron Boustead at Resolution Mastering. The forthcoming companion music video for "Ocean Waves" was filmed in the Caribbean in the British Virgin Islands.
Returning from a busy summer on tour, Britt played in front of 100k+ people, mesmerizing each audience with his crystal clear, soulful vocals and sensual muter trumpet which is displayed on his new single. Britt was featured with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend Little Anthony as part of the "Happy Together" Tour.
"Ocean Waves" ft. Blair Bryant
Written by Johnny Britt
Produced by Johnny Britt
Mixed by Nils
Mastered by Ron Boustead
Johnny Britt – Lead and Background Vocals, Muted Trumpet, Flugelhorn Fender Rhodes, Grand Piano, Programming
Blair Bryant – Bass, Piccolo Bass, Fender Rhodes
Marcus Williams – Drums
Craig T Cooper – Guitar
Sean J Lawson – Percussion
IRELAND’S COUNTRY CROONER DANIEL O’DONNELL TOURS THE U.S. IN SUPPORT OF HIS NEW ALBUM, ‘HOW LUCKY I MUST BE’
BRANSON (30 NOVEMBER 2023): A multinational concert tour that began last August to set up the release of his latest Demon Music Group/TV album, “How Lucky I Must Be,” has helped to cement Irish country singer Daniel O’Donnell’s status as a recording legend when he became the first artist ever to hit the United Kingdom album charts for 36 consecutive years. The extensive concert trek supporting the set produced by David Arkins traversed Ireland, the UK and the United States where it will conclude in mid-December after visiting seven American cities.
Released earlier this month, “How Lucky I Must Be” consists of a dozen songs – originals and several reimagined tunes – capturing O’Donnell’s ethos. There’s a downhome, Americana gentleness to the collection anchored by O’Donnell’s sweet tenor voice singing humble stories of love, hope and faith doused with congenial Irish charm. Arkins surrounds O’Donnell’s voice with twangy guitar, snappy fiddle, warm swatches of accordion, bouncy basslines and shuffling drum rhythms.
“People may think that the album title was selected because I have been very lucky and indeed, I am so fortunate career-wise as well as in life, but ‘How Lucky I Must Be’ was selected because it is such a lovely song. When I first heard the writer, Isla Grant, sing it, I knew immediately that one day I would record it, so finally here it is. I love every song on the album, which is why I picked them all. However, I’m especially fond of the two songs that were written by Patsy Kavanagh, ‘Leading Lady’ and ‘“Mary Drew A Picture In My Mind.’ He wrote the hit ‘Back Home to My Donegal,’ which I’ve been singing for years,” said O’Donnell who is from the Donegal shore located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Since making his 1983 recording debut, O’Donnell has sold more than six million albums bolstered by scoring forty-eight top 75 albums and nineteen top ten albums of which seventeen hit that mark this century, another unprecedented accomplishment. When he launched the tour in August in Ireland where he began introducing songs from “How Lucky I Must Be” to audiences, all thirteen shows sold out. O’Donnell is eager to continue sharing the new songbook when the tour makes stops in the U.S. Northeast and wraps down south in Florida.
“I’m very happy with the album, and while I’ve been happy with all my albums, I’ve been most pleased with my two latest albums in particular (“How Lucky I Must Be” and “I Wish You Well”). There are so many new songs on both of those albums, and I hope listeners feel that I’ve made them my own. For a lot of people, it may be their first-time hearing many of these songs and from that point of view, it’s lovely,” said O’Donnell, who has been hosting a weekly television series for twelve years that airs in Ireland and in the U.S. entitled “Opry Le Daniel,” which showcases Irish country music stars and new artists backed by a ten-piece house band.
After the December run finishes in Sarasota, O’Donnell will return home to Ireland for the holidays. He’ll resume touring in February in New Zealand followed by an Australian jaunt that will include playing at one of the world’s most iconic venues, the Sydney Opera House. O’Donnell will also do another comprehensive tour in Ireland in 2024.
The “How Lucky I Must Be” album, which is now available digitally in addition to the special limited deluxe edition CD and vinyl releases, contains the following songs:
“How Lucky I Must Be”
“Will You Dance With Me Annie”
“After All”
“Count All Your Blessings”
“Leading Lady”
“Mary Drew A Picture In My Mind”
“God Has Angels”
“Someday It Will All Make Sense”
“I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You”
“Only God Knows How Much I Love You”
“The Flowers, The Sunset and The Trees”
“Ring Of Gold And Gift Of Silver”
The final leg of O’Donnell 2023 concert tour plays the following dates, cities and venues:
December 7 Medford, MA Chevalier Theatre
December 8 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
December 9 Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre at Westbury
December 11 Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward Center for the Performing Arts
December 13 Fort Myers, FL Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
December 14 Clearwater, FL Capitol Theatre
December 15 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
For more information, please visit https://danielodonnell.org.
NIEUWE SINGLE TRICKSTER - 'SILENT NIGHT VS SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN'
TRICKSTER GAAT RESOLUUT VOOR #1 OP KERSTMIS MET SWINGENDE MASHUP 'SILENT NIGHT VS SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN'
Kerstmis komt met rasse schreden dichterbij en als je op zoek was naar een frisse, originele soundtrack daarbij, word je dit jaar op je wenken bediend door Trickster. Deze Oostenrijks-Britse zanger en ondernemer brengt een onweerstaanbaar swingende hollywoodmash-up van kerstklassiekers 'Silent Night’ en ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'. Een mix van nostalgie en feestelijke warmte die resulteert in dé ultieme kerstcocktail waarvan je niet wist dat je hem nodig had… Instant happiness gegarandeerd!
Productie
Het fenomenale geluid verraadt het al: Trickster ging voor dit nummer niet over één nacht ijs. De productie was in handen van Richard Flack [Joe Strummer, Florence and the Machine] en Trickster zelf in de Londense studio's Angel en RAK. Ook producer Guy Chambers [Robbie Williams] is mee betrokken bij het project. Het mixen gebeurde in de legendarische Abbey Road. Om het helemaal af te maken hoor je ook het Grammy® Award-winnende zangensemble The Swingles, en een bigband plus strijkerssectie gearrangeerd en georkestreerd door de briljante Callum Au [Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé].
Videoclip
De indrukwekkende video voor 'Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' werd gefilmd in de iconische Pinewood Studios, de thuisbasis van James Bond, en is gedrenkt in de vintage glamourstijl van de jaren '40. Een aantal van 's werelds beste dansers vertolken de oogverblindende energie van een kerstfeest in New Orleans-stijl. Achter de camera stond een team dat heeft gewerkt aan Lord of the Rings, Mission Impossible, Independence Day en meer, en deze clip zal over een tijdje deel uitmaken van een heuse volledige kerstfilm.
Trickster meent het dus, en dat zal u geweten hebben. Begin 2024 presenteert hij zijn veelzijdige debuutalbum. Hij werkte daarvoor samen met de knapste muzikale koppen en talenten om zijn eclectische electro, rock, pop en swingende Big Band-sound op de best mogelijke manier tot leven te brengen. Van genre naar genre en van geluid naar geluid. Tot in je oor en er nooit meer uit!
'Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' wordt bedolven onder de positieve kritieken en is dé kerstsingle to watch in het Verenigd Koninkrijk. Iets zegt ons dat het niet enkel tot daar beperkt zal blijven…
Move over Mariah, wij hebben een nieuwe kerstfavoriet!
VOLG TRICKSTER:
www.trickster.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trickstergroupsmusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trickstergroupsmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trickstergroupsmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@trickstergroup
'Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' van Trickster is beschikbaar via alle bekende muziekplatformen: https://slinky.to/SilentNightSantaClaus
DEBORAH DE RIDDER MAAKT MUSICALCOMEBACK MET HOOFDROL IN ‘HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’
Ruim 3 jaar na laatste musical en 7 jaar na laatste hoofdrol: Deborah De Ridder maakt musicalcomeback met hoofdrol in 'Home for Christmas'
"Carrière moest even wijken voor mijn gezin"
Vanaf 22 december 2023 - Schouwburg Luchtbal
Vanaf 22 december 2023 presenteert The Singing Factory in Schouwburg Luchtbal (Antwerpen) de musical 'Home for Christmas', een moderne en verrassende bewerking van kerstklassieker 'A Christmas Carol' van Charles Dickens. Naast de gebruikelijke karrenvracht aan jong talent (meer dan 30 kinderen tussen 7 en 14 jaar), verwelkomt The Singing Factory in deze productie ook opnieuw een grande dame uit de musicalwereld die na enkele jaren terugkeert op de planken. Maakte Sasha Rosen in maart 2023 na 7 jaar haar comeback in hun aangrijpende musical 'If I Fall', dan wist The Singing Factory nu de onnavolgbare Deborah De Ridder te overtuigen om de hoofdrol (Carol) te vertolken in 'Home for Christmas'. Een terugkeer door de grote poort voor Deborah, ruim 3 jaar na haar laatste musical ('Annie') en 7 jaar na haar laatste hoofdrol ('Evita'). 'Home for Christmas' wordt een hartverwarmende familiemusical, waarin kinderen en volwassenen de helaas brandend actuele daklozenproblematiek niet uit de weg gaan en met bezieling, zij aan zij, deze productie op de planken brengen. Tickets & info: www.singingfactory.be
Het grote publiek leerde Deborah De Ridder kennen in 2009, toen ze als winnares uit de bus kwam bij het vtm-programma 'Op zoek naar Maria', wat haar ook de hoofdrol opleverde in de musical 'The Sound of Music'. Haar carrière kwam hierdoor in een stroomversnelling en rollen in grote producties als 'Oliver', 'My Fair Lady', 'Anatevka', 'Domino' en 'Chaplin' volgden. In 2016 zette ze een verbluffende Eva Perón neer in 'Evita' en dat zou tot op heden haar laatste hoofdrol blijven.
Deborah besliste na de geboorte van haar dochtertje Lotje (december 2018) om haar carrière op een lager pitje te zetten, zodat ze er helemaal kon zijn voor haar gezin. In het seizoen 2019-2020 vertolkte ze nog de rol van Grace Farrell in 'Annie', maar nadien verscheen ze niet meer op de musicalplanken.
Vanaf 22 december 2023 zal Deborah De Ridder eindelijk weer te zien zijn in een musicalproductie. The Singing Factory presenteert dan 'Home for Christmas', een bewerking van de gekende kerstklassieker 'A Christmas Carol' van Charles Dickens, in Schouwburg Luchtbal (Antwerpen). Deborah speelt daarin de hoofdrol als norse en verzuurde Carol. Dat ze nu terugkeert naar de musicalplanken heeft alles met het verhaal, haar rol, timing en het warme bad van The Singing Factory te maken, zo zegt Deborah:
"Ik sta te popelen om nog eens een keer mijn tanden te kunnen vastbijten in een toffe rol zoals Carol. De laatste jaren werkte ik meestal achter de schermen voor nasynchronisaties en de vzw musicalifragilistic. Met een jong gezin de perfecte combinatie, maar het begon stiekem wel weer enorm te kriebelen om terug dat podium op te kruipen.
Blij dat ik rond de kerstperiode dat samen mag doen met de fijne cast en crew van de Singing Factory voor het hartverwarmende verhaal van Home For Christmas!"
Het verhaal
Carol is een vrouw die verzuurd door het leven gaat, en niets moet weten van de kerstperiode en alles wat daarmee te maken heeft. Ze is burgemeester van een klein stadje en door besparingen besluit ze het jaarlijkse kerstfeest in het daklozencentrum van de stad niet te laten doorgaan.
Tot ze op kerstavond bezoek krijgt van drie geesten, die haar meenemen op een reis door haar leven, en haar de kracht van kerst weer willen laten ontdekken.
Een nieuwe musical naar het wereldberoemde verhaal van Charles Dickens.
Jong en oud(er) zij aan zij in hoofdcast
Naar goede gewoonte geeft The Singing Factory ook in 'Home for Christmas' de kans aan jong talent om zich, met de hulp en begeleiding van ervaren musicalacteurs en -actrices naast hen op de scène, te ontwikkelen. Zo zal de 13-jarige Enno Bové uit Heffen in de huid van het dakloze jongetje Tim mogen kruipen en speelt Molly Baeken (12, Antwerpen) de rol van Nina, het meisje waarmee Tim bevriend wordt in het daklozencentrum. De 11-jarige Louis Maes uit Kontich (Louis wordt 12 op 1 december) wist als benjamin van de hoofdcast een rol te strikken als 'Geest van Heden Kerst'. Louis krijgt in de hoofdcast de ervaren geesten Joke De Vos (Barbara, Geest van Verleden Kerst) en Veerle Van Ransbeeck (Vicky, Geest van Toekomstige Kerst) naast zich. Ook Leen De Graeve, die de mama van Tim (Anna) speelt en Bas Bossaerts, die als Liam de rol van assistent van de verzuurde burgemeester Carol vertolkt, zullen het jonge geweld in de hoofdcast bijstaan met raad en daad.
Ook in de rest van de cast een gezonde mix van jongeren en volwassenen. De 11-jarige Elise Lagrou uit Wingene wordt als 'jonge Carol' de mini-me van Deborah De Ridder, Marilou Dierickx (14, Mortsel) speelt dan weer de geestige rol van 'jonge Vicky'. De jongste van de ganse cast, de 10-jarige Rocco Baeken uit Antwerpen, mag als de jongere versie van Len, gespeeld door Zane Garitte, de planken op. An Wuyts zorgt als Mevrouw De Bruyn ook nog voor wat ervaring in 'Home for 'Christmas'.
Ensemble
Alexander Dielen, Aline de Nijs, Arno Goris, Katia Rudneva, Elyn Vansteenkiste, Esse Synnave (US Geest Verleden Kerst), Fauve De Wilde, Fleur Schittecatte, Flo De Wilde, Jack De Wachter-Verrept, Jasmijn Van der Elst, Jente Charlier, Jules Heijlen, Laurien Destuyver, Laurien Onclin, ,Leon Geldof, Liselot Huygelen, Magali Van Zele, Myrha Vansteenkiste, Oskar Dierickx, Otto Mogyoros, Paulien Leemans, Rodi Cicek, Sam Perquy, Yanti Vansteenkiste, Yuna De Vroe
Met liveband onder leiding van Wanne Synnave
Creatives
Muziek: Jens Broes
Script & liedteksten: Wanne Synnave
Regie: Hannes Vandersteene
Choreo: Gregory Langen
Arrangementen: Lucas Heytens
Producent: Diederik Van Durme
Koorleiding: Tinne De Groot & Wanne Synnave
Speelperiode:
Van 22 december 2023 tot en met 7 januari 2024 in Schouwburg Luchtbal (Antwerpen)
Info en tickets:
www.singingfactory.be
KEVIN FLOURNOY’S NEW SINGLE ‘TELL ME IF YOU STILL CARE’ FT. PHIL PERRY & SHANNON PEARSON
An unstoppable behind the scenes force of musical nature since his 1994 breakthrough as a producer with “Sweet Sensual Love,” Big Mountain’s follow-up to their smash “Baby I Love Your Way,” and keyboardist on their Reggae Sunsplash tour, Kevin Flournoy has amassed a dizzyingly prolific all-star resume in the jazz, pop and R&B realms over the past three decades.
Driven by an expansive, panoramic perspective on music, and starting with his subsequent 90s work with The Emotions, Teena Marie and Ronnie Laws (helming the saxophonist’s Blue Note tribute album Harvest for the World – Portrait of the Isley Brothers), Kevin has written, performed or recorded with Chaka Khan, Babyface, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Jeffrey Osborne, The Pointer Sisters, Jennifer Hudson, Howard Hewitt, Jamie Foxx, The Jazz Crusaders and contemporary jazz greats Boney James, Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum and Harvey Mason. In the 2000s, Flournoy toured with Donny Osmond for six years.
Now, marking an extraordinary 30 years as the music industry’s premiere “go-to” guy in a multitude of arenas, Kevin is finally emerging as a recording artist in his own right, writing, recording and producing his independent debut album Vers•a•tility. Much like Quincy Jones did in the 80s and 90s with his epic eclectic albums The Dude, Back on the Block, Q’s Jook Joint and From Q, With Love, the keyboardist/producer features a dynamic array of guest artists, complementing legends he has worked with throughout his career with hand-selected young and vibrant artists on the rise. The collection features eight vocal tracks and four instrumentals spotlighting Kevin’s brilliance as a keyboardist and composer.
“This project is a culmination of everything I know, each style I’ve played, and all I have done and want to do in music,” he says. “It’s special because it reveals all aspects of my artistry and lays a proper foundation for what I intend to write and produce moving forward. I’ve been dreaming about creating this album for many years and I’m delighted that it’s finally come to fruition. I’ve finally been able to emote through my art in such a way that is bringing joy to many people who are hearing my music for the first time.”
“What I like most about these sessions,” Kevin adds, “is that they’ve allowed me to work with some of the most sought-after studio musicians and celebrity vocalists in the industry. The album has always allowed me to develop relationships with some of the top recording studios (Capital, Westlake, East West, Sunset Sound) and studio engineers in the world, including late great 20-time Grammy winner Al Schmitt.”
Released this past year, Vers•a•tility’s first lead single “Tell Me If You Still Care” featuring vocals by Phil Perry and Shannon Pearson, is a lush, sensual re-imagining of the mid-80s Top 5 R&B hit by The S.O.S Band, composed by Jimmy Jam and /Terry Lewis. The YouTube video of a live presentation of the song has 2.5M+ views on YouTube and earned Song of the Year honors from the Orlando Urban Film Festival. The track marks a special reunion between Flournoy and Perry, whom the keyboardist played for years ago at Kimball’s East in Oakland.
The second lead single was the original Kevin-penned R&B/pop vocal track “You’re All I Need” featuring Filipino singer Orion Song, winner of The Voice Australia Anja Nissen and Christine Noel, well known for her tours as a backup singer for Miley Cyrus. The upcoming third single “Smooth It Over” is a special reunion with Ronnie Laws featuring Kevin on piano, while Kevin’s original urban jazz instrumental “Put It There” will be the fourth.
Other tracks include “Caribbean Blue,” which reunites Kevin with Quino, lead singer of Big Mountain; a twist on Al Green’s “Still in Love With You,” featuring Cerissa McQueen; a duet of the Barbra Streisand classic “Evergreen” by guest artists Cerissa McQueen and Adam Aejaye Jackson; an emotional version of Etta James’ iconic “At Last” with vocals by Shannon Pearson; and “A Parting Glance” featuring Native Vibe. In addition to “Put It There” and “Smooth It Over,” Kevin is the composer and main performer on the instrumentals “Secrets,” “Tears Are Gone” and “Move It Over,” which features San Diego guitar great Patrick Yandall and bassist Melvin Lee Davis, who is Chaka Khan’s musical director.
Kevin in part credits his father, a marine who played trombone, for cultivating his love for music early on by taking him and his siblings to a local music store in Barstow, CA to pick out an instrument to play. Kevin played guitar for several years before gravitating to his sister’s original instrument, the organ and ultimately piano. A professor at Kevin’s future alma mater University of California San Diego, Jimmy Cheatham, introduced him to the music of Count Basie when he was 15 and Kevin played in a big band for five years. Kevin earned a B.A. in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Music Science and Technology. Another major influence on Kevin as he made his way in the music industry was Marvin Gaye’s onetime musical director Nolan Shaheed.
In addition to his work with countless artists and working on numerous TV projects including American Idol, Kevin is the creator of an original video music-talk program called The K-Flow Show, a fresh take on the traditional music/talk show featuring organic live performances by celebrity and independent pop artists. Conceived as something of a mix between Hugh Hefner’s classic TV show Playboy After Dark, MTV Unplugged and Daryl Hall’s Live from Daryl’s House, The K Flow Show – which takes place in an intimate, living room type setting – will also spotlight instrumental performers and TV and film actors. Kevin has brought a live version of The K Flow Show to the Miracle Theatre in Inglewood, CA and in January 2024 will bring the special presentation to the Blues and Jazz Festival in Ghana, Africa.
Kevin is also deeply involved in a philanthropic effort as producer of a celebrity recording compilation On a Very Special Note, which will benefit The Art of the Olympians and the World Harmony Run/Peace Run – a project that will ultimately benefit people all over the globe. The original songs for the project have been composed by Kevin for each celebrity participant. A very important strategic promotional alliance with the Peace Run organization was forged when Kevin was honored with the Sri Chinmoy-Torch-Bearer Award, given to individuals who support and contribute to making the world a better place. Previous recipients include Archbishop Kevin Tutu, Russell Simmons, Carl Lewis and Billie Jean King.
SOULZANGERES JEAN KNIGHT OVERLEDEN
Jean Knight, de Afro-Amerikaanse soulzangeres achter de hit 'Mr. Big Stuff' uit 1971, is overleden. Ze was 80.
“New Orleans en de muziekwereld rouwen om het verlies van een van haar meest waardevolle muzikale dochters, Jean Knight”, zei haar familie zondag in een verklaring aan USA TODAY, gedeeld via het Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Knight stierf woensdag, bevestigde haar familie.
Knight, geboren als Jean Caliste, bracht in 1965 haar eerste nummer uit, een cover van Jackie Wilsons nummer ‘Stop Doggin' Me Around’. Haar succes steeg in 1971 met de release van ‘Mr. Big Stuff’, wat haar een deal met Stax opleverde.
‘'Mr. Big Stuff’, dat beroemd werd vanwege het aanstekelijke refrein “Who do you think you are?”, was niet alleen een volkslied, het was tevens het product van soulvolle, gesyncopeerde melodieën die door Crescent City weergalmden, schreef de familie van Knight in het eerbetoon.
Van de hit werden meer dan een miljoen exemplaren verkocht en kreeg ze in 1972 een Grammy Award-nominatie voor de beste vrouwelijke R&B-vocale uitvoering naast Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Freda Payne en categoriewinnaar Aretha Franklin.
JAZZ & R&B SINGER-SONGWRITER ASHLEIGH SMITH CAN’T HELP BEING HERSELF
The new single, “I Can’t Help It,” previews her second album, “In The Rain.”
ARLINGTON (22 NOVEMBER 2023): The title of singer-songwriter Ashleigh Smith’s new single, “I Can’t Help It,” aligns with her identity as an artist. Her recordings are unapologetic and unabashed amalgams of straight-ahead jazz cadences and soulful R&B grooves with sophisticated pop appeal that when knitted together, result in genre-defying tracks best labeled modern vocal jazz. Her newly released TopCat Records single is an act of defiance in itself because there’s no question that it’s a straight-ahead jazz cut yet that radio format doesn’t release singles. That little detail wasn’t going to prevent Smith from issuing her version of the tune penned by Stevie Wonder and Susaye Greene, which she produced and arranged with bassist Nigel Rivers.
Clearly Smith is comfortable in her own skin. She studied classical music on a full scholarship in college, won the 2014 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, which demonstrates her remarkable skills as a jazz singer, and grew up in a musical household where she fell in love with classic R&B and pop as performed on “real instruments.” Each element adds to the distinctive alchemy that converges organically to form her own unique brand.
While “I Can’t Help It” is a song about romantic love, for Smith, the lyrics serve as affirmations, declarations empowering her individuality. Floating her emotive croon atop the brisk straight-ahead jazz rhythms constructed by Rivers’ elastic basslines and Mauricio Barroso’s staccato percussion beats, Smith’s single is illumined by the astute piano and Rhodes keyboards from Daniel Marandure and Pete Clagett’s probing trumpet. Adding melodic touches to the track are Max Townsley (guitar), Chelsea Danielle (vibes) and Jordache Grant (keyboards). Smith has been performing “I Can’t Help It” in her live set for years with many of the musicians on the recording.
“After years of performing it with my band, different sections and parts of the arrangements started to form organically. Honestly, it was only decided that it would be a single because of audience demand. After every show, fans ask where they could purchase that arrangement. So, I decided we would give the people what they wanted. One of the qualities that I’m most proud of when it comes to my music is that everything I do is always organic and natural. Even down to the musicians I choose to record with. The musicians on this record, and on all of my recordings, are musicians I play with regularly. They are people who have been a part of my musical journey from the beginning, so the synergy is a given. I love that everything I put out is made with love with people I genuinely love,” said the Dallas-based Smith who grew up in Augusta, Georgia.
“I Can’t Help It” previews Smith’s sophomore album, “In The Rain,” which is due to arrive next spring. Although this single is a reimagination, all the other songs on the collection are originals that Smith had a hand in writing. She debuted in 2016 with the “Sunkissed” album that was released by Concord Records, which offered a mix of originals and covers.
For more information, please visit https://www.theashleighsmith.com.
A ONE-TAKE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: R&B-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST SHAWN RAIFORD RELEASES ‘SANTA BABY’
The single produced by Grammy winner Derek “DOA” Allen began collecting playlist adds on Monday.
SACRAMENTO (21 November 2023): Mesmerized by Eartha Kitt’s tantalizing and teasing performance of “Santa Baby,” R&B-jazz saxophonist Shawn Raiford has been playing his version of the holiday classic in his set for over twenty years. It’s become a perennial fan favorite, inspiring the Sacramento-based saxman to record and release his rendition. Grammy winner Derek “DOA” Allen (Lionel Richie, Janet Jackson, Tyrese) produced the single that began collecting playlist adds on Monday (November 20).
Raiford is a high-energy, award-winning concert performer and his recording projects are a blend of R&B, jazz, funk and soul. Yet his take on “Santa Baby” exhibits an entirely different sound and style. The track Allen crafted is a slow, deliberate and seductive straight-ahead jazz cut. Whereas Kitt’s voice flirts and seduces playfully, Raiford’s tenor sax warms, charms and comforts. Along with some backing sax sounds from Eddie Minnifield (Prince, Sheila E., Aretha Franklin), Allen decorated the track with bells and strings that add whimsical nuances, enhancing the childlike feelings of wonder at Christmastime.
According to Raiford, some Christmas magic took place in Minnifield’s recording studio while the single was tracked.
“We did it in one take and it’s the only song I’ve ever recorded in one take. We did a second pass but stuck with everything from the first take. I fell in love with that song since Eartha Kitt sang it. The way she acted out the song, it was electric! When we get around the holidays and I start playing ‘Santa Baby’ at our shows, we get so many raves from fans,” said Raiford who leads The Shawn Raiford Experience, a popular band on the NorCal scene that has opened for or performed with Teddy Riley, Yolanda Adams, Freddie Jackson, Pete Escovedo, Eric Darius and Jeff Ryan, and has been playing dates this year with R&B singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Chuckii Booker.
Raiford has been ramping up all year for the release of his second album, “The Next Step,” which Allen is producing. Thus far, he’s issued three singles to preview the set slated to drop in April – “Forever,” “Leave The Door Open” and “Vallejo.”
In addition to spending time with his family during the holidays, Raiford is a thriving entrepreneur who is committed to serving and giving back to his local community, which spans from Sacramento to his hometown, Vallejo.
“Every year, my company gives back. We give food and toys, and we do a lot for the community. We feed nearly two hundred people during Thanksgiving and Christmastime. I’ve always wanted to be able to give back and make sure that people have food and presents to unwrap,” said Raiford who plays at Yoshi’s in Oakland on December 18 and at The Palace Events in Dallas on January 13.
For more information, please visit https://shawnraifordsax.com.
DAVID MARGAM & DIEGO CALCAGNO - FIRST OF THE YEAR FEAT. JORGE PINELO
The fusion of David Margam and Diego Calcagno brought beautiful results in this evocative composition by Diego “First of the Year” (Feat. Jorge Pinelo) that will take you into a landscape of contemporary jazz that will not leave you impassive. This duo is likely to give you good vibes and direct your soul to a state of peace and hope to start the year with good intentions.
DAVID MARGAM David Margam forges a distinguished style in the world of guitar with various avant-garde groups such as Funkdacion and Marhid in addition to frequent engagements as a general artist. Known as a master of Smooth Jazz improvisation with a knack for composition, David Margam recently released his debut album "Immune" charting on major global radio stations.
DIEGO CALCAGNO Diego Calcagno musician and producer with more than 25 years of experience in the industry both live and in the studio. Throughout his career he has had the privilege of collaborating with Italian and international artists, including Dirotta la Cuba, Franco Califano and Mario Biondi and others. His YouTube channel has more than 25,000 subscribers, specializing in creating and sharing Smooth Jazz music. Furthermore, he recently released his own album "Smooth Operator Project.
LUCAS VAN DEN EYNDE SCHITTERT ALS VERBITTERDE VREK EBENEZER SCROOGE TIJDENS TRY-OUTS ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
Première op 16 december 2023 in Capitole Gent
Op zaterdag 16 december 2023 vindt de feestelijke première van de nieuwe, Vlaamse musicalversie van ‘A Christmas Carol’ plaats in Capitole Gent. Afgelopen weekend vonden de try-outs plaats in een telkens tot de nok én met zeer enthousiast publiek gevulde Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen.
Deep Bridge maakte een hedendaagse en duidelijk felgesmaakte voorstelling voor de hele familie, gebaseerd op en met respect voor het oorspronkelijke verhaal van Charles Dickens. Stany Crets schreef een nieuw script, doorspekt met de nodige humor en een vleugje romantiek, en er werd nieuwe muziek gecomponeerd. In een verder ook uitmuntende cast, schitterde Lucas Van den Eynde tijdens de try-outs reeds als verbitterde vrek Ebenezer Scrooge.
We delen graag met u de eerste scènefoto's:
‘A Christmas Carol’, vanaf 16 december in Capitole Gent, Trixxo Theater Hasselt en vanaf 23 februari 2024 extra shows in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen. Tickets & info: www.deepbridge.be.
NIEUWE SINGLE ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR OLD FRIEND’ – YANNICK BOVY
YANNICK BOVY BRENGT MET ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR OLD FRIEND’ EEN ODE AAN DE VRIENDSCHAP
De jonge Antwerpse crooner Yannick Bovy zet met zijn warme stem het aftellen naar Eindejaar in met ‘Happy New Year Old Friend’. Een ode aan een langdurige vriendschap.
‘Mooie herinneringen ophalen bij een goed glas wijn. Daar gaat deze song over”, zegt Yannick.
Kerstmis en Eindejaar zijn sowieso de favoriete feestdagen van het jaar van de crooner. ‘Zelfs in de zomermaanden luister ik al naar kerstnummers”, zegt hij hierover. ‘Dan ben ik al volop bezig met songs kiezen voor de vele kerstconcerten die ik ieder jaar in binnen- en buitenland geef.”
‘Happy New Year Old Friend’ werd geschreven door de Amerikaanse zanger Richard Marx en voorzien van een frisse eigentijdse productie.
VOLG YANNICK BOVY:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bovy.yannick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yannickbovy/
BOLD PARADE - ‘TWO LEAVES FALLING’ ALBUM
Step into the wonderful world of Bold Parade, the stunning music project from Belfast born talented producer and multi-instrumentalist, Paul McMahon (Crashdaddy / Bellcrash). After introducing the project this year with 2 acclaimed EP’s – ‘Flowers In The Dirt ‘and ‘Heat’ (both receiving support from Craig Charles on BBC 6Music), Paul is set to release his highly anticipated Bold Parade album, ‘Two Leaves Falling’. Having pulled together some top-class musical talent from around the globe, ‘Two Leaves Falling’ comes adorned with soothing sunset-ready mellow grooves and hot steppin’ funky flavours, fusing Soul, Funk, Latin and Jazz sensibilities to create an array of beautiful heartfelt songs and outstanding instrumental compositions.
‘Two Leaves Falling’ album features the incredible vocal and song-writing talents of London’s Rose White, up and coming Ukrainian talent Vytaute, London’s Janessa J, America’s Katie Burke, and long-time Irish collaborator, Marti Buchanan. And helping to weave the magical soundtracks are; Canadian guitarist Kevin Dauost; Brazilian musicians Rafael Naine, Bruno Delarosa and Danilo Moura; Polish Jazz musicians Maciej Gizejewski and Patryk Rynkiewicz (Skalpel); Keyboards from Ruslan Gatash; flute heavyweight, Alex Saxon; and regular Bellcrash production partner, Mark Bell.
Bold Parade is the latest project from London based, Belfast born producer Paul McMahon. Paul has been making music for over 20 years under the name Crashdaddy. He has also worked with Mark Bell as part of the group Bellcrash. Together and separately with Mark, Paul has released through Sunshine Recordings, Seventh Sign, Illicit, Island Hopper and Freebooter Lounge, among others. Paul’s signature sound combines cool beats with jazz styled musicians to blend modern production with classic rhythmic jazz overtones. His recent two Bold Parade EP’s ‘Flowers In The Dirt’ and ‘Heat’ have both received wide acclaim from the soulful and jazz fraternity, and both EP’s receiving airplay on Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Show on BBC 6Music.
Track Listing
1 Flowers In The Dirt feat Vytaute
2 Heat feat. Janessa J.
3 Last Day feat. Rose White
4 Cutting Room Floor
5 Blue Arrows feat. Rose White
6 Celebration (Vocal) feat. Katie Burke
7 Broken Song feat. Rose White
8 Half Life feat. Vytaute
9 Always feat. Marti Buchanan
10 Two Leaves Falling feat. Rose White
11 Halcyon Days
12 Teardrops feat. Vytaute
13 Sacrament feat. Rose White
14 Past Tense feat. Marti Buchanan
Bold Parade ‘Two Leaves Falling’ Album will be released on November 27th 2023 on Suzume Recordings.
Bold Parade
‘Two Leaves Falling’ Album
Suzume Recordings / SR004
https://www.instagram.com/boldparade
https://twitter.com/BoldParade
https://www.youtube.com/@boldparade
DEDICATED – R&B & JAZZ KEYBOARDIST VASSAL BENFORD ISSUES AN OFFERING OF LOVE AND THANKSGIVING AHEAD OF THE HOLIDAYS
The most added new single two weeks in a row, “Dedication Song,” offers a sneak peek into the forthcoming “Melody Man” album.
BEVERLY HILLS (20 NOVEMBER 2023): As Thanksgiving approaches, music and entertainment industry mogul Vassal Benford is feeling grateful. The R&B/jazz keyboardist wrote and produced a new single, “Dedication Song,” that captures his feelings of appreciation. The Benford Jazz Label release mixed by Billboard hitmaker Greg Manning is the most added new single on Billboard’s Mediabase chart two weeks running.
Benford has played a role in the creation of more than 58 platinum-selling records as a Grammy nominated producer, songwriter, musician and record executive in pop, R&B, hip hop, rock and dance music. He’s worked with a veritable who’s who list of superstars, yet jazz remains his humble muse and he’s determined to put his distinctive imprint on the genre. Playing piano to foster feelings of intimacy and emotional connection, “Dedication Song” plays like a danceable and sensual R&B groove. Steamy undertones provide contrast to the poetic notes emoted eloquently from Benford’s melodic and agile piano. At its essence, the single is an offering of love reflecting thankfulness.
In the accompanying “Dedication Song” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxrBmkdkdWM) that already has nearly 700,000 views in four days, Benford dedicates the song in loving memory to one of his mentors, the “Godfather of Black Music” Clarence Avant, along with an extended list of family members, friends and several of his longtime clients.
“‘Dedication Song’ is a heartfelt song for all occasions, but this year we’re bringing it out for the holiday season. While composing and tracking it in the studio, it filled me with immense feelings of gratitude, especially for my family and my loved ones. We are in strange times and every moment of love counts. Every act of love counts. I now find myself noticing every smile and recognize that each moment of peace is a blessing. The world needs love, so I dedicate this song to everyone with love,” said Benford about the second single from his forthcoming album, “Melody Man,” which is due to arrive in April.
Benford is a prolific producer of music, film, television, concert events, revolutionary technology and sporting projects that have generated billions of dollars and billions of spins, streams, downloads and views. He got his start as a teenager in Detroit writing songs for jazz legends Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Clarke and Nancy Wilson. His discography now boasts collaborations with DJ Diplo, Toni Braxton, NAS, Flo Rida, Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Rick Ross, Deborah Cox, Sheryl Crow, U2, Jade, Bobby Brown, New Edition, Lil’ Kim, Patti LaBelle, Faith Evans, Chanté Moore, Oleta Adams, Lisa Stansfield, Tramaine Hawkins, and The Fine Young Cannibals among others.
The Benford Company manages boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Benford serves as the chairman of The B.B. King Estate. He is executive producing a documentary film about King and is assembling the accompanying soundtrack that features rapper Quavo of Migos. In movies, Benford is partnered with former studio head and blockbuster producer Mark Canton (“300”) on the “After” film trilogy (“After,” “After We Collided” and “After We Fell”), which has generated over $300 million at the box office, and created the television series “Power.” They currently have two Marvel films in the pipeline.
While making Hollywood megadeals is an everyday occurrence for Benford, at his core, his passion remains jazz and instrumental R&B music. Last year, he tested the waters by releasing the title track to “Melody Man,” which sounds totally unique and unlike anything in the contemporary jazz space. “Dedication Song” provides a second glimpse into what’s to come from what bodes to be an innovative collection that features Benford collaborating with Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown, eight-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright, and singer-songwriters Aloe Blacc and Moore.
For more information, please visit https://benfordjazz.com.
TOCO - 'LEÃO LEONARDO & GUAJIRU' - NEW 7" SINGLE ON SCHEMA RECORDS
Brazilian singer-songwriter Toco shares a new 7'' single, ‘Leão Leonardo/Guajiru’ via Schema Records. The project represent the first two steps in a journey that will lead to the Spring 2024 release of his new album.
As the whole new album, both ‘Leão Leonardo’ and ‘Guajiru’ have been recorded at Schema Records’ Blue Spirit studios and produced by Stefano “S-Tone Inc.” Tirone, who skillfully captured the spirit of these tracks and elaborated the essence and energy of their songwriting. Both of them see Toco’s alluring voice masterfully surrounded by an ensemble of exceptional musicians: Donatinho (keyboards), Tuca Milan (percussion), Ramiro Levy (guitars), Edu Hebling (bass), Mauro Martins (drums), Priscila Ribas (vocals), Gianluca Petrella (trombone), Mirco Rubegni (trumpet) and Marquinho Baboo (percussion).
‘Leão Leonardo’ is a very heartfelt and engaging song that constitutes a homage to
childhood friend, a tribute to a deep and everlasting bond, as well as a return to a place very dear to Toco: the Guarapiranga water reservoir near São Paulo in Brazil; it is mainly inspired by two great samba jazz masters, Jorge Ben and João Donato.
‘Guajiru’, a classic samba-rock track inspired by Orlandivo’s swing and Jorge Ben’s sensuality, explores the more romantic side of Toco’s multifaceted style and tells of a fleeting summer love in northeastern Brazil, where the indigenous fishing village of Guajiru, on the coast of the state of Ceará, is located.
This 45rpm is therefore a tasty appetizer for an album that we expect to be unique, just like Toco’s style.
Credits: Written - Tomaz Di Cunto Toco - guitar, vocals Donatinho - keyboards Tuca Milan - percussion Marquinho Baboo - percussion Ramiro Levy - guitars Edu Hebling - bass Mauro Martins - drums Priscila Ribas - vocals Gianluca Petrella - trombone Mirco Rubegni - trumpet Produced by Stefano “S-Tone Inc.” Tirone Recorded and mixed by Francesco Borrelli at Blue Spirit Studio - Milan Mastering by Giovanni Versari.
RE-TIDE, LUKAS SETTO ‘ME & YOU’ (INCL. DR PACKER REMIX)
Hailing the eighth release for Fool’s Paradise, Italian NuDisco trio Re-Tide join forces with UK vocal talent Lukas Setto on a smooth slice of contemporary dancefloor soul titled, ‘Me & You’. Re-Tide have crafted a groovy hip-swaying soulful jam, armed with an explosive brass hook that exquisitely flows with Lukas’ catchy love song, bringing the block party vibes. Also on the package, Australia’s no.1 NuDisco purveyor Dr Packer brings his signature reboot magic, ramping up the beats and delivering a smooth soulful groove to illuminate the dance floor.
Re-Tide formed in 2009 and is comprised of Italian producers and DJs Patrizio Mattei, Danny Omich and Andrea Prezioso. Melding their love of underground music of the 70’s and 80’s, their sound infuses elements of disco, funk and modern house, establishing them as one of the top House, NuDisco artists on the scene. Lukas Setto is a much-celebrated bastion of the UK Soul scene. The multi-talented musician / writer / producer and singer has worked with the who’s who within the UK music scene. Treading the boards from the Jazz Café to the Shepherds Bush Empire and upwards, Lukas has supported Omar, Timbaland, Floetry, Kenny Thomas and Jools Holland, among others.
Western Australia’s Dr Packer, aka DJ Greg Packer, has a 30 year DJ career under his belt, countless DJ awards, 5 international DJ Tours, 16 years studio experience and a record label Interphase Music. His magical Soul, Funk and Disco reworks and re-edits have featured on top labels such as Z Records, Disco Dat, Salsoul Records, Midnight Riot, Defected, Big Love, Glitterbox, CR2 and more.
Track Listing
1 Me & You
2 Me & You (Extended Mix)
3 Me & You (Dr Packer Remix)
4 Me & You (Dr Packer Extended Mix)
‘Me & You’ (Incl. Dr Packer Remix) will be released on November 17th 2023 on Fool’s Paradise Records.
Re-Tide, Lukas Setto
‘Me & You’ (Incl. Dr Packer Remix)
Fool’s Paradise / FP008
https://www.facebook.com/re.tide.music
https://www.facebook.com/LukasSettoOnline
www.facebook.com/foolsparadiserecs
www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs
www.tiktok.com/@foolsparadiserecs
INAYA DAY, DJ SPEN & SOULFULEDGE ‘UMMAH-YE’ (COFLO REMIXES)
Coflo brings his Afro-Latin magic to Inaya Day, DJ Spen & Soulfuledge’s stunning party groover, ‘Ummah-Ye’, delivering a massive drumcentric re-vibe. Centred around Coflo’s fresh beat wizardry, his bold percussive drums make quite the statement, complimented by a carbonated bassline, Latin melodies, emotive piano and Inaya’s enchanting vocal, instantly connecting with the dancers. Also on the package is a vibrant ‘Beats Fo Ya Feetz Remix’ tool, for those who like to get creative in the mix.
Much loved US singer / songwriter, Inaya Day, is best known for her distinctive vocals on dance classics like ‘Keep Pushing’, ‘Movin Up, and modern dance floor hits like ‘Feelin’ Feelin’, ‘Rise Up’ & ‘Right Now’. Named one of Billboard's Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists, Inaya has released music with Frankie Knuckles & Eric Kipper (Director's Cut), Robin S, Harry ChooChoo Romero, DJ Spen, Tedd Patterson, Ridney, Guy Scheiman and many more.
Coflo brings a true dancer’s touch to house music. As a life long student of the American style of house dance and the Afro-Brazilian martial art Capoeira; Coflo looks to infuse his dance and movement experience into his musical productions. In 2014 he founded Catch The Ghost Records. In addition, his productions and remixes have featured on labels such as MoBlack Records, Player, Merecumbe and Ocha Records, Offering Recordings, among others.
Track listing
1 Ummah-Ye (Coflo Remix)
2 Ummah-Ye (Coflo Beats Fo Ya Feetz Remix)
3 Ummah-Ye (Coflo Remix Radio Edit)
‘Ummah-Ye’ (Coflo Remixes) will be released on Traxsource promo and Spotify November 3rd / Full release November 17th on Quantize Recordings.
Inaya Day, DJ Spen & Soulfuledge
‘Ummah-Ye’ (Coflo Remixes)
Quantize Recordings / QTZ448
https://www.facebook.com/INAYADAYOFFICIALPAGE/
https://www.facebook.com/djspen
https://www.facebook.com/soulfuledge
https://www.facebook.com/QuantizeRecordings/
WINTERLAND HASSELT - “15.000 VIERKANTE METER KERST- EN WINTERPRET OPENT VRIJDAGAVOND AL VOOR DE 15DE KEER DE DEUREN!”
Op dit moment wordt er nog hard gewerkt op het Hasseltse Kolonel Dusartplein, waar je nu vrijdagavond terecht kan voor de 15de feesteditie van Winterland Hasselt. De eerste kerst- en winterhappening van ons land is klaar om de komende zeven weken weer 650.000 bezoekers en meer te ontvangen op de meer dan 15.000 m2 winterpret. Opwarmen doe je in het Grand Café, de Spiegeltent of de authentieke, Oostenrijkse Almhütte die grondig werd vernieuwd en uitgebreid. Tussen de 86 standhouders zijn er dit jaar enkele nieuwkomers, zoals producenten uit de Franse Provence, verse maaltijden voor honden en een complete kerstwinkel. Naast het Reuzenrad en de ‘Hesselse Poepjee’ (draaimolen) vind je er ook een hypermoderne ijspiste van 1000 m2 echt ijs. Vanaf volgende week vrijdag 24 november 2023kan je er tussen 20u en 22u terecht voor ‘Versuz on Ice’ met Versuz-dj’s die je letterlijk opwarmen voor een feestavond die je verder kan zetten in de populaire club. Winterland Hasselt heeft de komende zeven weken een programma met meer dan 30 activiteiten voorzien.
Nu vrijdagavond 17 november 2023 opent Winterland Hasselt al om 18u de deuren met o.a. steltenlopers. Rond 20u opent de burgemeester met DJ Rikky en Virginie Claes de ijspiste. Vanaf 21u kan het publiek ook terecht in het Grand Café voor Duo Sal en een exclusief optreden van Joe Hardy met zijn Joe’ettes (22u).
Meer informatie en het complete programma vind je op www.winterland.be
Simon Cronen (Club Versuz), Rookstopcoach Els Bosch, schepen Rik Dehollogne, schepen Habib El Ouakili, organisator Maurice Schoenmaeckers, DJ Rikky (Brebels) en Bjorn Verhoeven (Regio Radio)
JOBY FOX - 'I ONCE WAS A HAWK NOW I’M A DOVE' – NEW ALBUM BY NORTHERN IRISH MUSICIAN AND HUMANITARIAN OUT 24.11.23
JOBY FOX
I ONCE WAS A HAWK NOW I’M A DOVE
new album
out 24.11.23 [CD] | out now [digital]
(Dimple Discs)
Bandcamp
“Fox has always been an emotional artist, but this is exceptional work. It has a brooding power that’s akin to Christy Moore and Van Morrison”
BELFAST TELEGRAPH
“An after hours vibe straddling folk, pop and jazz. The laid back moods are perfect for Fox’s voice, which is one of the record’s many strengths. An unexpected gem”
REAL GONE
“Fox’s songwriting is incisively deep yet melancholic while painting vivid pictures in your head. A complete and very pleasant surprise from start to finish”
ROCKING MAGPIE
includes the singles
FALLING digital services | NO HOME video
LIVE IN LONDON
19.11.23 COPLESTON CHURCH (3.30pm show) tickets
20.11.23 GREEN NOTE (7.30pm show) tickets
Joby Fox is a Belfast-born songwriter, musician and humanitarian who began his career in his teens as bassist of the post-punk band The Bankrobbers. Releasing their debut single on renowned local label Good Vibrations in 1982, they appeared on the TV show The Tube and were snapped up by EMI, issuing two further singles before splitting. Fox then co-founded Energy Orchard and wrote their first single and biggest hit, ‘Belfast’, which reached no 1 in Ireland and also charted in the UK.
Leaving Energy Orchard in 1991, Fox embarked on a new phase of his career that saw him acquire production and sound design skills and record a number of electronic songs for Sony. He has over the years worked with artists as diverse as Steve Earle and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. He also began dividing his time between Ireland and Denmark for family reasons - albeit with his roots remaining firmly planted in his homeland - and eventually embarked on a solo career in 2011 that has afforded him the opportunity to interpret his culture in new ways via international collaborations.
His first solo album, ‘End Of The War’ [2013] was described by The Irish News as “beautifully wrapped up for mass consumption, like an iron fist in a velvet glove”. Its release was accompanied by a short film entitled ‘Lost Commandos’ that challenged perceptions of identity in Northern Ireland and was chosen to open the inaugural UN Peace Festival in Hong Kong.
Its follow-up, ‘I Once Was A Hawk Now I’m A Dove’, has taken a full decade to appear, but Fox has been more than busy in the meantime. Taking a break from gigging in 2015, he was in Lesbos and witnessed the increasingly hazardous plight of refugees when a vessel capsized that resulted in dozens of unnecessary deaths. Deciding that more had to be done to help, he co-founded the organisation Refugee Rescue, receiving a boat donated by artist Jake Chapman and operated by a voluntary professional crew that has saved almost 20,000 lives in the Mediterranean.
In 2016 he also became involved with the Orchestre des Réfugiés et Amis as its musical director. Providing opportunities for musicians with Refugee or Asylum status in Northern Ireland to collaborate, it created a true global fusion and facilitated workshops and awareness sessions in schools and youth clubs that have challenged pre-conceived perceptions of refugees and migrants.
Fox was visiting family in Denmark when the world closed down in 2020. Trapped among forests and lakes, he wrote a new set of songs including several about coming to terms with his recent experiences, as well as the altered reality of that period. These were later recorded in the city of Aalborg with a young trio of leading emerging talents in the Danish jazz and folk scene before being co-produced by Fox with Søren Mikkelsen in the famed Medley Studios, Copenhagen. The result is ‘I Once Was A Hawk Now I’m A Dove’, a superb amalgamation of two cultures and cross-genres that blends extrovert Irish with Scandinavian cool.
Fox states that the album title “speaks about the emergence of a ‘New Ireland’ and specifically to those who feel trepidation about the future. The message is simple - we have all come a long way together.”
A video for the album’s closing song, ‘I Love You’, was made available to coincide with its initial digital only release and can be seen HERE. A remastered version of a track originally released as a single in 2011, Fox has performed it at weddings, in Irish embassies and also for the late Irish-American actress Maureen O'Hara, who was the original inspiration for the song. O'Hara starred alongside John Wayne in the 1952 film ‘The Quiet Man’, which was filmed in the village of Cong in County Mayo, and visited again six decades later.
The album also includes the singles ‘No Home’ and ‘Falling’. Of the former, Fox had seen a similarity between his work with refugees and his own mid-19th century forebears, stating that “the parallel between current victims of forced migration and Irish population of the 1840s struck me. Having witnessed first-hand the desperation of whole families and communities, and indeed countries, my imagination brought me vicariously to the trauma of my Irish ancestors. There is a line where I sing ‘I curse the English profiteers’, although I want to be careful to make the point that I’m not condemning all English people of that time, because they themselves suffered from the class system, and still do, to this day. In that way we all stand together.”
As for ‘Falling’, Fox reveals that “I started to get an emotional connection to the song as soon as I began singing the title. I wrote it at a time when I was trying to process my involvement in the refugee crisis and the terrible treatment of people who have already suffered untold pain and upheaval in their lives. I had underestimated the profound effect that being in that environment had on my life. The song is about the healing effect of being in a loving and supportive relationship.”
Fox continues to live and work between Ireland and Denmark.
I ONCE WAS A HAWK NOW I’M A DOVE
TRACKLISTING
1 Falling
2 Don’t Come To My Rescue
3 I Took A Walk
4 No Home
5 Angels Fly
6 Dream On
7 I Thought I Knew You
8 This World Is Crazy
9 I Love You
MUSICIANS
Joby Fox - vocals, guitar
Nikolaj Svaneborg - piano
Søren Nissum - guitar
Mark Kuhn - bass
Aske Stubkjaer Madsen - drums
Freja Underbjerg Wurtz - backing vocals
Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
'I WELCOME YOU’- NIEUWE SINGLE, EP EN TOURNEE VOOR PAUL MICHIELS
Foto: DIRK LEUNIS D.
Op zijn 75ste denkt Paul Michiels nog niet aan uitbollen, maar steekt hij eerder nog een tandje bij. Op zijn eigen muzieklabel verscheen ‘I Welcome You’, een gloednieuwe single die ook de titeltrack is van een nieuwe EP met 5 nieuwe nummers. De timing is perfect, want ondertussen trekt Paul met zijn topmuzikanten door Vlaanderen met zijn nieuwe ‘His Body And Soul’-tournee.
Na ‘Sons & Daughters’, waar Paul Michiels hem bij het slapengaan afvraagt hoe het met zijn acht kinderen gaat, krijgen we met de EP en single ‘I Welcome You’ nog meer nieuwe solomuziek van deze levende legende. Naast de titeltrack en ‘Sons & Daughters’ vind je op zijn EP ook ‘Old Man from the Neighborhood’, ‘The Game’ en als bonustrack een Paul Michiels-versie van de Vaya Con Dios-klassieker ‘Just a Friend of Mine’, waar hij zijn eigen twist aan gaf. De singer-songwriter werkte opnieuw samen met zijn goede vriendin BJ Scott, zat in de Brusselse ICP Studio met Steve Willaertachter de knoppen als producer en arrangeur en liet alles mixen door de Amerikaanse Darcy Proper. Paul werkte samen met stergitaristen zoals Milo Meskens en (Little) Chris Van Nauw, The Heavy Horns, aangevuld door de strafste muzikanten en backing vocals. Met dat collectief onder leiding van producer en arrangeur Steve Willaert zorgt Paul voor een verbluffend eindresultaat. “Zolang het kan, breng ik jaarlijks op deze manier een EP uit met eigen nummers. Digitaal, maar via de website en tijdens de optredens kan wie graag iets tastbaars wil een cd aanschaffen en binnenkort ook een vinyl”, zegt Paul Michiels.
Nieuwe single
Met de nieuwe single en titeltrack ‘I Welcome You’ horen we Paul Michiels aan het werk in een traditionele, sterke popsong: “Voor de zanglijn van de strofes gebruikte ik dezelfde, eenvoudige akkoorden als voor het refrein. En de bridge, waarop de meisjes “Leaning up on a rhythm so strong” zingen, vloeit moeiteloos over in een harmonica-solo. Samen met de rijkelijke, orkestrale begeleiding klinkt het nummer daardoor heel old school. Het ademt de sfeer uit van de concerten uit de jaren zestig van de vorige eeuw zoals ze live vanuit Carnegie Hall op de radio’s en de zwart-wit televisies onze huiskamers binnenkwamen.
De lyrics die mijn soulmate Beverly Jo Scott schreef, vallen perfect samen met wat ik met het nummer wilde uitdrukken: dankbaarheid voor de mensen die mij omringen, mijn familie, mijn vrienden, mijn fans. Ik sluit ze allemaal in mijn hart”, klinkt het oprecht.
Tournee
Wie de nieuwe nummers, maar ook klassiekers, solowerk en favoriete songs van Paul Michiels wil horen kan de komende maanden terecht in de Vlaamse theaterzalen voor zijn nieuwe ‘His Body And Soul’-tournee. Onder luid applaus en met een staande ovatie ging die zaterdagavond 11 november 2023 van start in Deinze, in een nagenoeg uitverkocht Leietheater. Meer info over de speeldata van zijn nieuwe tournee en zijn EP ‘I Welcome You’ vind je op www.paulmichiels.be
NEW SINGLE ‘A JOURNEY OF DREAMS’ BY PAUL ADAMS & ELIZABETH GEYER
Imagine a place the other side of this - where you once came from, where you will go back to and you sometimes visit in dreams. A timeless, blissful place where everything makes sense - true home.
Elizabeth Geyer and I have been working on this (sending files back n forth from Australia to the USA) for a while. I think a real test for me is hearing this as much as I have during the compositional process, and still loving it. We both wanted to offer something artistically valid and helpful in these difficult times.
To be released on 12/7/2023.
JOHNNY MURDAUGH JR. – ‘THE WAY BACK’
Johnny Murdaugh, Jr. is a proud native of Orangeburg, SC. Murdaugh's music skills is impeccable on the alto and soprano saxophones, as he creates breathtakingly beautiful and soul-stirring melodies. His rich musical journey spans various genres, including jazz, smooth jazz, instrumental pop, R&B, and contemporary Gospel. He has a wealth of experience as an educator, musician, producer, and songwriter. Immerse yourself in the magic of Murdaugh's first solo project, since his last released back in 1994. Murdaugh has dedicated his life to perfecting his craft, and his passion shines through in every note he plays. Get ready to groove to the funky, soul-stirring, and lyrical sounds that, promises an experience that will leave an everlasting impression on your soul.
He began his musical journey at a young age. He started showcasing his talents in church events, singing and playing the autoharp before even taking up the saxophone. After completing his education at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Orangeburg Wilkinson High School, Johnny pursued his passion for music at South Carolina State University and Northern Illinois University. Additionally, he obtained a doctorate in educational administration from The University of Sarasota. A testament to his remarkable musical career, Johnny was inducted into the South Carolina State University Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. While Johnny has dedicated 30 years to education, taking on various roles such as a middle and high school band director, District Career and Technology Director and a college adjunct applied instructor, he currently serves as a principal at a Career and Technology Center where he helps high school age children prepare themselves to be employable and competitive.
Notable achievements in his musical career include being part of the All-American College Band for the Walt Disney World Company in 1990 and performing at the renowned Piccolo-Spoleto Festival in 1993. Johnny's musical talent extends to his discography, having released three albums: one self-titled album in 1991, "How Do I Say I Love You" in 1992, and a single titled "O Holy Night" in 2013 and a series of singles will be released in August, September, October and November of 2023 to Celebrate 30 years in Music.
"The Way Back"
Johnny Murdaugh, Jr - Saxophonist, Co-Writer
Jeff Canady - Co-Writer and Producer
Jeff Canady - Drums
Derrick Benford - Keys
Anthony Booker - Guitar
Darrell Peanut Smith - Bass Guitar
Carlos Gunn - Recording Engineer
Derrick Holmes - Mix Engineer
Steve Hall - Mastering Engineer
Travis Palmer - Audio Engineer
ANTONIA BENNETT IS ‘RIGHT ON TIME’
The future of Jazz is safe in the hands of Antonia Bennett, daughter of legendary singer Tony Bennett. She is honored to continue the tradition of sharing classics, while simultaneously presenting originals that sound like they have taken a page straight from The Great American Songbook.
Antonia’s love and dedication to the arts started very early. She began performing alongside her father as soon as she could walk and talk and has shared the stage with icons such as Rosemary Clooney, Count Basie, Regis Philbin, and Don Rickles. She grew up with 'mentors' like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Gene Kelly. As if her family life wasn’t enough of an education, Antonia is also an Alumni from the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Antonia Bennett has been honing her craft her entire life, developing her own style, and, according to the man himself, “Antonia's got the gift." She has had the distinct honor of opening for her father for over 25 years at famous venues all over the world, including Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Umbria Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, The Greek Theatre, Royal Albert Hall in London and Caesars Palace. She can be heard singing with her father on the duet, "I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," featured on his album A Swingin’ Christmas.
Antonia’s expansive experience allows her to expertly and effortlessly bridge the gap between the past and present. Her newest collection of songs, Embrace Me, does just that, honors the past and shines a bright light on today, on Antonia Bennett.
ADAM HAWLEY – ‘UPTOP’
Guitarist/Producer Adam Hawley has burst on to the scene as a celebrated and innovative artist, composer and band leader. Handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire), Hawley first debuted on the legend's record label, Kalimba Music.
In all, Adam’s four albums and work as a producer has spawned an incredible 13 Billboard #1 hits. In it's first week, the 3rd album Escape was the #1 selling album in the nation, outselling every other Contemporary Jazz album as per Nielsen Music. The debut single went on to become the Billboard and Smooth Jazz Network #1 Song of the Year for 2020. Adam followed this up with the 4th album Risin' Up whose title track again reached the top of the Billboard charts in late '21.
2022 was particularly successful including four more #1's, culminating with 2022 song of the year. Coupling this with a robust touring schedule throughout the world, the best is yet to come for Adam Hawley!
"Uptop"
Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart : 2*
Mediabase Smooth Jazz Chart : #3
Smooth Jazz Network Chart:: #2
SmoothJazz.com Chart:: 14*
Radio Wave/Groove Jazz Airplay Chart:: #4
Produced and Mixed by Adam Hawley
Written by Adam Hawley and Caleb Middleton
Mastered by Steve Hall
Adam Hawley: Guitars, Programming
Caleb Middleton: Keyboards, Programming
Carnell Harrell: Additional Synths
Donald Hayes: Sax
Mel Brown: Bass
Eric Valentine: Drums
Ramon Yslas: Percussion
NEW SINGLE ‘MY KIND OF BLUE’ – CHRISTOPHE GOZE
Join me on this sonic journey as I weave the soulful essence of blues seamlessly into my lounge sound, creating a tapestry of melodies & leads that resonates deeply with my musical soul. With “My Kind of Blue," we embark on a journey to infuse it with the soulful depths of blues lounge and the smooth sophistication of jazz.
Released on all platforms on 21st November 2023
Genre: Smooth Jazz / NuJazz
Written, performed & produced by Christophe Goze
Guitar & all instruments by Christophe Goze
Recorded & mixed by Christophe Goze at Earth Studio
Published by Goze Limited
2023 Goze Limited
PAIRI DAIZA VOLGT INTERNATIONALE VOORBEELDEN EN KOMT MET EIGEN MONOPOLY
Pairi Daiza, al meermaals verkozen tot beste zoo van Europa, heeft een eigen Monopolyversie. Het park is zo de eerste Belgische zoo met hun eigen Monopoly-variant. In deze versie krijgen spelers uiteraard niet te maken met vastgoed maar met dieren en de verschillende werelden die je in het park kan ontdekken. Het is bovendien de eerste keer dat Pairi Daiza met merchandising buiten de grenzen van het park treedt. Het spel is vanaf vandaag ook verkrijgbaar in de handel.
Afgelopen weekend deed het wereldberoemde spel Monopoly zijn blijde intrede in de beste zoo van Europa, Pairi Daiza. Het spel toont verschillende dieren uit het park. Elk kleur op het bord (bruin, lichtblauw, roze, oranje, rood, geel, groen en donkerblauw) vertegenwoordigt telkens één van de acht werelden uit het park. In totaal zijn er 22 diersoorten te ontdekken. Maar er is in het spel ook plaats voor de verschillende iconische gebouwen uit het park. Denk maar aan de boeddhistische tempel, vuurtoren of oude abdijtoren. Ook de Kans – en Algemeen Fondskaartjes kregen een Pairi Daiza-jasje aangemeten. Zo zal je bijvoorbeeld geld moeten betalen om je peter – of meterschap van Spix’ ara te verlengen.
Groep 24, uitgever van Belgische Monopoly varianten, liet optekenen dat het item alvast een vliegende start kende. Monopoly Pairi Daiza is sinds dit weekend voor het eerst te vinden in de shops van het park en de bezoekers vonden alvast massaal hun weg naar het spel. Op 48u tijd gingen er maar liefst ettelijke honderden exemplaren over de toonbank.
Het spel is bovendien een primeur. Het is de eerste keer dat er merchandise van Pairi Daiza buiten de grenzen van het park te vinden is. Normaal gezien beperkt het park dergelijke producten enkel voor de eigen shops, maar voor het (nog steeds) beroemdste gezelschapsspel ter wereld werd dus een uitzondering gemaakt. Het spel is vanaf vandaag te verkrijgen in de handel.
Meer info via www.monopolystore.be
LEGENDARY SINGER/SONGWRITER BRENDA RUSSELL RELEASES ‘WHAT WILL IT TAKE’ ON NOVEMBER 17TH
BRENDA RUSSELL
“What Will It Take”
In casual conversation reflecting upon Brenda Russell’s epic four-and-a-half- decade career as a multiple Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and Tony nominated and Grammy winning co-composer of The Color Purple musical, one of her songwriter friends casually uttered a phrase that captures the essence of her extraordinary multi-faceted artistry: Songpainter. Gearing up to record her highly anticipated first solo album in 20 years, Brenda knew that would be the perfect title – not only defining the impact her songs have had on the world over the years but forging a creative mission statement for all the dynamic works to come.
The project’s first lead single “What Will It Take,” dropping November 17, is more than just another grand addition to her repertoire of infectious hit singles for herself and other iconic artists. Co-produced with Stephan Oberhoff, whose discography ranges from works with Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Al Jarreau to Brenda’s 2000 release Paris Rain, the song is an uplifting and unifying, globally conscious anthem for our time.
Driven by a sonic fusion of pop, R&B, a rhythmic world music aesthetic and a rousing gospel-flavored backing chorus, “What Will It Take” is a clarion call for humanity to reach a higher consciousness that boldly asks, “What will it take for us to be as one?. . .One human race under a mighty sun/What will it take to let the children grow?. . .Into a world where love is all they know?” In the second chorus, Brenda sings lines that ring like both a universal prayer and demand for concrete action: “Let’s take the hate, the war, the poverty. . .and give it up for all humanity.”
The 2023 release of “What Will It Take” is one of those serendipitous cases of a song truly meeting the perfect moment in this post-pandemic era, where political strife has left people more divided than ever, there is a collective anxiety about our future as a democracy and our news feeds are dominated by two horrifying wars. Ironically, though Brenda’s incisive but hopeful message seems tailor made for our time, she originally wrote the song in the mid-90s, a few years after she hit the Billboard Hot 100’s Top Ten with her breakthrough trademark hit “Piano In the Dark,” which earned Grammy nominations for Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Her album Get Here was also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female; in 1991, Oleta Adams’ 1991 recording of the title track “Get Here” was a massive global hit, reaching #5 in the U.S. and #4 in the UK.
Despite Brenda’s great career momentum at the time – which also included hitting the Top 30 in the UK with her 1993 album Soul Talkin’ – a young publisher who heard her demo for “What Will It Take” failed to appreciate its potential at the time. As she does with many of her songs, the prolific Brenda filed it away but never forgot it. A few years ago, when Brenda began talking about recording again, her astute assistant suggested she revisit some of her older great songs that she had never recorded. When the singer revisited her original home demo of “What Will It Take,” she knew immediately she had to record it - and called Oberhoff to bring his studio magic and develop it with her.
“Stephan’s a genius and heard everything I wanted to do, with the way he added strings and filled out the production with so many amazing details,” Brenda says. “I feel as though I wrote it for the whole world and so the world music vibe fits beautifully. It reminds me of Peter Gabriel’s big, powerful productions that I’ve found so inspiring over the years, just that grand, powerful feeling of hope and positivity. Having enjoyed long careers, when Stephan and I feel something, we don’t doubt ourselves. We just go for what we know and create it first for ourselves and our own joy, with the hope that it will then lift and excite others. I hope ‘What Will It Takes’ inspires and touches people. That’s what I always love to do with my music.”
Almost like an on-cue blessing from the universe, the gospel children’s choir element of the song – which features Brenda’s 11-year-old granddaughter Kailah Walker and kids from Brenda’s neighborhood in the Austin TX area – reached fruition through a seemingly chance meeting. Attending a Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight concert, the singer struck up a conversation with the lady next to her, who told Brenda that she was a local music teacher who worked with kids. Brenda ultimately chose four of them to elevate the session, which was coordinated by Brenda’s daughter, singer Lindsay Walker, who has toured with Smokey Robinson and is a member of the local group The Country Worms.
One of the unique and enduring blessings of Brenda’s professional life has been her Tony and Grammy Award winning collaboration (with fellow hit songwriters Stephen Bray and the late Allee Willis) on the musical The Color Purple. The musical, whose original Broadway production ran from 2005 to 2008 and earned eleven Tony nominations, is based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning 1982 novel and its Steven Spielberg-directed 1985 film adaptation. Brenda earned a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. A critically acclaimed Broadway revival in 2015 earned two Tony Awards – including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical (Cynthia Erivo). Brenda won her first Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album in 2016.
Brenda, Stephen Bray and Grammy winning, twice Oscar nominated songwriter Siedah Garrett (taking over for the departed Willis) recently joined forces to work on updated versions of several songs (including “Shug Avery Coming ToTown”) for the upcoming musical film adaptation of The Color Purple. The film, set for a Christmas 2023 release, is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Spielberg, Quincy Jones and the stage musical producers Scott Sanders and Oprah Winfrey. The film’s stars include Taraji P. Henson, H.E.R. and Fantasia Barrino, who is reprising the role she played on Broadway in 2007-2008.
“Thirty-five years ago, in the middle of me doing my thing as a pop singer and songwriter, my mom suggested I write a Broadway show,” Brenda says. “I said, ‘Sure, mom,’ never thinking the opportunity would arise many years later. What a joy it was to work with Allee and Stephen. The most exciting part of being involved in The Color Purple was watching these young performers rehearse our songs and their dances. It was so amazing and exhilarating to watch them work so hard. It was also a major challenge compared to being a pop songwriter, because artists who want to record your songs don’t usually request constant rewrites and changes – and the art of rewriting is what Broadway composing is all about!”
When people assess Brenda’s overall career, her success as an artist – which began with her self-titled debut and Billboard Top Ten Adult Contemporary Hit “So Good So Right” in 1979 – and with The Color Purple often overshadows the songs she wrote that were hits for other artists. Beyond Oleta Adams’ “Get Here,” Brenda’s songs have been recorded by Luther Vandross (“If Only for One Night”), Donna Summer (“Dinner with Gershwin”), Babyface, The Manhattan Transfer, Patti Austin, Ruben Studdard and Ramsey Lewis. Her tunes have also been sampled by everyone from Janet Jackson and 2Pace to Chance the Rapper and Ariana Grande. In 2000, Brenda was tapped to write an English lyric to tune by Ivan Lins tune that was part of a Jason Miles produced all-star tribute album A Love Affair: The Music of Ivan Lins. The track, “She Walks This Earth,” earned Sting a Best Pop Vocal Grammy in 2001.
“As a singer, songwriter and musical composer, I want to be remembered for being uplifting. People have enough to be depressed about in this life and I just want them to hear my songs, feel good and rise up. I’m excited that ‘What Will It Take’ will now have the opportunity to do just that.”
OUR MAN IN THE FIELD - 'GOLD ON THE HORIZON' – NEW ALBUM OUT 03.11.23 [DIGITAL] 24.11.23 [LP & CD]
OUR MAN IN THE FIELD | Alex Ellis 2023 photo
OUR MAN IN THE FIELD
GOLD ON THE HORIZON
new album
out 03.11.23 [digital] | 24.11.23 [LP & CD]
(In The Field Recordings)
stream | pre-order
includes
FEEL GOOD
Health scares have a habit of changing lives. Almost a decade ago ago, a case of appendicitis sent Alex Ellis aka Our Man In The Field to hospital, where doctors found a tumour that was alarmingly similar to the one that had killed his father a year short of his 50th birthday. A struggling actor at the time, Ellis made it out the other side with renewed purpose. His sporadic forays into songwriting became more consistent, and a new occupation began to take hold when he moved to London.
A friend sent a few of his tunes to Tom Robinson at BBC 6 Music, who debuted them on air. That led to Ellis’ first live shows and his eventual 2020 debut album, 'The Company Of Strangers'. Three years later, he couldn’t be further from London on the brand new 'Gold On The Horizon', which was recorded in Portland, Oregon and produced by Tucker Martine (The National, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Rosanne Cash). Its sonic topography is rugged and windswept, driven by acoustic guitar, pedal steel and Ellis’ voice, which has resulted in a winning combination of indie-folk and Americana with significant soulful country vibes that nods to the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice, Wilco, Ryan Adams and Lambchop.
The album is out digitally today, with a lyric video for its opening song 'Feel Good’ also made available that can be viewed HERE. Ellis reveals that the song “is about an acting agent who had been keen to get me to move from my previous agent and came across as a good guy hungry to build up his company. He was given a desk at a top London agency and began to attract some established actors to his roster.”
Alas, things soon took an ominous turn. “He asked to meet for a coffee, and I had no reason to think anything was wrong. When I arrived, he didn’t hesitate to let me know that he had spent the £10,000 I’d just earned on drugs and prostitutes - and, now that he’d told me, he was following the steps and was going to be alright.” That was the end of the meeting.
“The song came along pretty quickly after I’d developed the opening riff,” he continues. “In the studio, Tucker took what we were doing on the demo and lifted it to a completely new level. The Dimpker Brothers can be heard on the harmonies almost shouting ‘feel good’ at the end of each phrase. The addition of brass in the middle eight reminds me of tunes you might find in an old ’70s cop show - and I love it. When we play ‘Feel Good’ at shows and I tell them about the agent, people ask if I ever got the money. I’m still waiting.”
A launch event for the LP & CD release of ‘Gold On The Horizon' at The Slaughtered Lamb in London takes place on 25th November, with two shows that commence at 6.30pm and 9pm. OMITF will also be touring to promote the album, with other upcoming dates currently as follows:
11.11.23 HOLLYCOMBE Hollycombe Home Farm
08.12.23 GREAT EASTON Village Hall
11.02.24 SHEFFIELD Greystones
12.02.24 BIRMINGHAM Kitchen Garden Cafe
13.02.24 OXFORD The Jericho
15.02.24 MANCHESTER Gullivers
16.02.24 GLASGOW Glad Cafe
17.02.24 NEWCASTLE Cluny
18.02.24 SALTBURN Theatre
19.02.24 HEBDEN BRIDGE Trades Club
tickets
GOLD ON THE HORIZON
TRACKLISTING
1 Feel Good
2 Come Back To Me
3 L’Etranger
4 Silver Linings
5 Great White Hope
6 Go Easy
7 Glad To See You
8 Last Dance
9 How Long
10 The Road Interlude
11 Long Forgotten
12 The Road
“Mellow but with a rebellious edge, Ellis comes across as humble and unassuming but also a curious traveller, a troubadour following the major questions wherever they lead”
NO DEPRESSION
“Atmospheric territory not a million miles away from the likes of Calexico and perhaps even Richmond Fontaine”
ROCKING MAGPIE
“We were lucky enough to tour with Our Man In The Field, and all of us in The Delines became huge fans. Their new album is the best thing they’ve done so far….and that's saying something. It's currently on repeat in our van and is a true beauty of a record”
WILLY VLAUTIN - THE DELINES
album includes the singles
LAST DANCE | HOW LONG
“Atmospheric and cinematic, it takes the intimate and heartfelt indie folk of Iron & Wine and Jose Gonzalez and sits it down on a deserted beach on a wet weekday morning in October”
HOLLER.
WAYNE GUTSHALL FT. ROB ZINN – ‘FOR THE LOVE’
After much success with the release of his last single "Spanish Love", Wayne is poised to release his next single entitiled "For The Love". "For The Love" is a beautiful ballad featuring Wayne's lush tenor sax playing along with guest trumpeter Rob Zinn's expressive trumpet stylings.
Wayne has performed with such artists as Paul Brown, Steve Oliver, Nathan East, Nestor Torres, Arturo Sandoval, Dave Valentin, Brendan Rothwell, and Ed Calle and has appeared in jazz festivals in California and Florida.
Sandy Shore, founder and CEO of SmoothJazz.com Global, calls Wayne "a modern master of saxophone" and Allen Kepler of the Smooth Jazz Network says, "Wayne Gutshall is one of the rising stars in smooth jazz."
"For The Love" ft. Rob Zinn
Written and Produced by Wayne Gutshall
Recording Engineered by Ray Lyon
Mastered by Mike Fuller
Wayne Gutshall - Tenor Saxophone & Percussion
Rob Zinn - Flugelhorn
Brenden Rothwell - Bass
Jackson Bunn - Keyboards
Orlando Hernandez - Drums
VASSAL BENFORD – ‘DEDICATION SONG’
Vassal Benford is a name that resonates with anyone who has ever listened to music. As a mega-producer, Benford has worked with a galaxy of stars in various genres, with more than 57 platinum records to his credit. And now, he is making his way back to his roots, determined to conquer jazz just like everything else he’s conquered throughout his unparalleled multimedia career.
After releasing his debut single, “Melody Man,” Benford released his sophomore single, titled “Dedication Song,” off his upcoming album “Melody Man.” November was the month to watch out for, as Benford dropped a soulful and heartfelt experience that is available on all platforms. Based on his previous work, this current single, you can expect nothing less than a masterpiece that touches your heart and soul.
One of the unique allures of Benford’s music is that it is always invitingly familiar and infectious. He pours layers of cascading piano melodies amidst lavish guitar and keyboard harmonies and intricately textured percussion and rhythms, which blend together to create a magical experience.
The American Producer’s passion for jazz began at a young age when he wrote his first hit song, “Michelle,” for jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis at the age of sixteen. His second hit, with Ramsey Lewis and Nancy Wilson, went 27 weeks on the Jazz Charts. The American Producer continued to write hit after hit, earning him a well-deserved title as the “Melody Man” while topping charts by producing many hits in multiple genres for several superstars such as Toni Braxton, Bobby Brown, Chante Moore, Deborah Cox, Diplo, Major Lazer, Bon Jovi, U2 and Aerosmith.
In recent years, Benford has been drawn back to his roots, jazz and instrumental R&B, sparking collaborations with Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown and eight-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright. Both artists are among some of the luminaries who appear on Benford’s album.
In conclusion, it is safe to say that Vassal Benford’s upcoming album “Melody Man” will be a soulful journey that you wouldn’t want to miss. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for more singles when they drop on all major platforms.
NEW HOLIDAY SINGLE ‘JAZZIN’ UP NOEL’ FROM MIKE MURRAY
Jazzin’ Up Noel (Single)
Introducing "Jazzin’ Up Noel" - Immerse in the enchanting world of 'Jazzin Up Noel,' an entrancing chillout/smooth jazz rendition that breathes life into the timeless classic. A fresh, contemporary vibe. It's not just a song; it's a visceral experience, a rhythmic journey where Christmas finds its heartbeat. In every note, the jazzy bell NOEL resounds, weaving a divine tale that binds the spirit of the season. Our rendition isn't traditional; it's a rebirth, a reinvention of nostalgia.
- Release Date Nov 3, 2023
- Artist: Mike Murray
- Primary Genre: Jazz
- Secondary Genre: Electronic
- Primary Sub-genre: Smooth Jazz
- Secondary Sub-genre: Chill out
- Mood Style: Holiday / Christmas
CREDITS:
- Label: Mike Murray Music
- YouTube vids by #TheOnnaB
- Copyright: 2023 Mike Murray
- Mastering and Mix by Kamen Kolev, @kamenmakesmusic
- Co-Produced by #TheOnnaB
- Art Direction by #TheOnnaB
- Album Art by Liubov Trapeznykova
LINKS:
- HearNow (Purchase Link): mikemurrayxmas.hearnow.com/jazzin-up-noel
- FaceBook Music Page: https://www.facebook.com/mikemurraymuzic
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mikemurraymusicdotcom
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemurraymusicdotcom
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikemurraymusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikemurraymuzic
- Web: www.mikemurraymusic.com
- TicTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikemurraymusic
JAY B MCCAULEY FT SPIRIT-T '(WE ARE) THE TRIBE OF ALL NATIONS (INCL. RUBBER PEOPLE REMIX)'
Australian producer Jay B McCauley returns to Unquantize with his new energetic Afrohouse jaunt on Unquantize, '(We Are) The Tribe Of All Nations', featuring Spirit-T on vocals. Powered by a catchy, positive message that speaks of African unity from Spirit-T, there's a Big Afro Mix from fellow Australians, Rubber People and a groovy Afro Funk Mix. Expect a plethora of joyful party vibes, punchy Afrobeats, uplifting brass hooks and sublime keys that compliment this meaningful song.
Australia’s Jay B McCauley is definitely at home in the Soulful and Afro arena having been involved in dance music for a number of decades and his DJ talents have graced major venues and airwaves across the globe. He is also a renowned music journalist dedicated to house music. After a lifetime of performing, Jay B went into the studio and honed his craft as a producer. And since 2020 he has collaborated with artists such as Eric Kupper, Terri B!, Ron Carroll, Jesse Saunders and more, and has featured on labels such as Broken Records, Karmic Power, Quantize, and Merecumbe Recordings, among many. In 2021 Jay B launched Vagrant Soundz, releasing tracks from Kylie Auldist, Kris Ramea, Dr. Bazil and a host of local talent to establish the brand. His most recent releases include ‘Emiola Sunday’ and ‘Ayo’ ft The Trueheart Choir.
Track Listing
1 (We Are) The Tribe Of All Nations (Rubber People Big Afro Remix)
2 (We Are) The Tribe Of All Nations (Afro Funk Mix)
3 (We Are) The Tribe Of All Nations (Rubber People Radio Edit)
'(We Are) The Tribe Of All Nations (Incl. Rubber People Remix)' will be released on Traxsource promo & Spotify November 3rd/ Full release November 17th 2023 on Unquantize.
Jay B McCauley ft Spirit-T
'(We Are) The Tribe Of All Nations (Incl. Rubber People Remix)'
Unquantize / UNQTZ352
https://www.facebook.com/DJJayBMcCauley
https://www.facebook.com/IamSpiritT
https://www.facebook.com/RubberPeople
https://www.facebook.com/unquantize
MARCIO PHILOMENA – BRAZILIAN GUITARIST LIVE AT LONDON EFG JAZZ FESTIVAL 11.11.23 & DEBUT ALBUM 'TRAILS' OUT NOW
Brazilian guitarist Marcio Philomena has been added to the line-up of the forthcoming EFG London Jazz Festival and will appear at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club situated within the Southbank Centre on 11th November at 9.45pm.
His set is as part of 'Nutcracker Nights', a series of live sessions featuring some of the brightest emerging jazz artists, with admission included in tickets purchased for selected performances of ‘Nutcracker’ taking place at the venue earlier in the evening, while a limited number of standalone tickets will also be made available.
Philomena is a renowned jazz guitarist and composer, Berklee College of Music Performance graduate and Master in Music at The Royal Conservatoire The Hague. Having issued a number of singles over the course of 18 months, his debut album 'Trails' was released in September 2023 to critical acclaim.
MARCIO PHILOMENA
TRAILS
debut album
out now
(Chill Tone)
digital services
“Mixing jazz and world music styles with fresh sounds, his playing throughout is thoughtful and tasteful, strong on melody and variation. It dips into evocative Metheny-esque ballad playing and is also a little reminiscent of Lee Ritenour’s 80s albums, full of atmosphere and chordal richness. 8/10”
GUITAR TECHNIQUES
includes
OAK STREET
digital services
Jazz guitarist and composer Marcio Philomena was born in Porto Alegre in Southern Brazil but is now based in Brooklyn, New York. ‘Trails’ is his debut album and consists of nine instrumental tracks that are a refreshing blend of jazz, Brazilian music, rock and soundscapes that also showcase his love of melody. “One thing I did not want this album to be was too complex,” he explains. “I wanted to write something that I would enjoy both as a listener and a musician.”
’Trails' sees Philomena perform eight pieces with a traditional jazz quartet that includes Julian Shore (piano), Rick Rosato (upright bass), and Roberto Giaquinto (drums), while ‘Vibraçöes' steers towards the Brazilian tradition and features Hélio Alves (piano), Peter Slavov (upright bass) and Rafael Barata (drums).
Opening track ‘Bourbon’ is immersed in melancholic allure, a traditional jazz waltz that weaves tender melodies and reminiscent of 70s-era Jim Hall Trio. “I wanted the album opener to set the mood, like a good glass of bourbon,” states Philomena.
Lead single ‘Oak Street’, which has been streamed over a million times on Spotify, takes us down the tree-lined road in Brooklyn where he now lives. By contrast, ‘Rio Branco’ is named after a neighbourhood in his home city and is “a sort of Baião, a rhythm originated in the northeast of Brazil.” Another single, ‘Nana’, is “a tribute to Brazilian singer Nana Caimmy and her signature style of interpreting Bossa Novas. I wanted to capture her understated interpretation of melodies and the tranquil atmosphere of a Rio de Janeiro based soap-opera soundtrack.”
Philomena first picked up an acoustic guitar at the age of 11 after seeing Green Day perform on MTV. By 13, he had discovered a love of jazz after seeing his music teacher play through a book of Pat Martino transcriptions. “I didn’t know you could sound like that on the guitar, and it looked challenging, so that inspired me to learn jazz.” Receiving a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in 2009 to study guitar and production, he was selected as a semi-finalist in the Montreux Jazz Festival Guitar Competition soon after. After a period in Brazil, he settled in Brooklyn, where he has become a fixture in NYC’s music scene.
TRAILS
TRACKLISTING
1 Bourbon 5:30
2 Rio Branco 6:36
3 Vava 5:10
4 The Last Realm 5:05
5 Nana 4:34
6 Still Frames 6:16
7 Vibraçōes 3:37
8 Oak Street 5:08
9 Trails 7:49
Official Site
NEW SINGLE ‘MOON OVER PRAIRIE’ FROM PAUL ADAMS
Many years ago I had an accident and lost a few fingers from my fretting hand. Adapting that John Fahey "vibe" was important in re building the unique approach I developed. Each brush stroke we make in our life is sculpted by our experiences - good or bad. And sometimes limitation can propel one past perceived barriers.
I love creating vids. I find it therapeutic and meditative when I can create the music and images. It reminds me when I was a guitar maker. There's something about working with your hands. I was able to use a number of photos and videos I've made in my country hikes in the prairie.
‘Moon Over Prairie’ is an acoustic guitar painting of the prairie. A organic spacial finger style piece in the mood of John Fahey, Leo Kottke or Will Ackerman. The single will be released worldwide on 10/23/23.
"...a collection of songs full of “amazing wonder” that any conscious human will appreciate.” AMERICANA RHYTHM MUSIC MAGAZINE Nashville
“Ambitious and accessible, ethereal and familiar wistful and poetic yet brash and bold…causes feelings of dread and glee, lethargy and yes, wonder. THIS CURIOUS WONDER is a little like some satisfying half-asleep musing about the mysteries of love and life….Highly recommended!” BILL KNIGHT Community Word
" A highly personal album with highly universal feelings that might cut too close to the bone for the average mook to handle. Raw, bare knuckle writing throughout, a few spins through this is better and cheaper than therapy” MIDWEST RECORD REVIEW
"With the new album, This Curious Wonder by PD Adams, we are reminded why we still prefer physical media. Lyrics, liner notes, and personal pictures beckon us into the heart and soul behind Adam's powerfully resonant voice, sharing the poignant stories and wisdom of a songwriter who seems both familiar and mysterious. This oft-times new age ambient artist has finally revealed himself as a sage & talented troubadour with this imaginative collection of musical tales." Beth Hilton The B Company Los Angeles
NAYAH (10), JILLIA (12) EN CHARLIZE (13) WORDEN LITTLE INEZ IN 'HAIRSPRAY'
Vanaf 14 maart 2024 (extra show) in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt.
De herfstvakantie kon niet beter starten voor de 10-jarige Nayah Bertels uit Balen, de 12-jarige Jillia Amadala uit Dendermonde en de 13-jarige Charlize Fobe uit Asse. Zij kregen het zeer leuke nieuws dat ze zich mogen opmaken voor de rol van Little Inez in de feelgood musical 'Hairspray', die vanaf 14 maart 2024 opeenvolgend te zien zal zijn in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt.
Little Inez is het jonge zusje van Seaweed, die in deze nieuwe, Vlaamse musicalversie gespeeld wordt door Francisco Schuster, en dochter van Motormouth Maybelle (Sandrine Van Handenhoven). Ze is slim, zelfzeker en een meisje dat heel erg voor zichzelf opkomt. Ze danst en zingt als de allerbeste, en dat weet ze. Nayah, Jillia en Charlize pakten iedereen in bij de audities en zullen afwisselend (wet op de kinderarbeid) deze heerlijke rol spelen.
Met verder ook nog het jonge geweld van musicaldebutante Amy Courtens, Lotte De Clerck, Jérémie Vrielynck en hoofdrolspeelster Jozefien Grossen (Tracy Turnblad), gemixt met musicaltoppers Helle Vanderheyden, Florian Avoux en Laurenz Hoorelbeke, belooft 'Hairspray' een onwaarschijnlijk feestje te worden!
Het fenomeen 'Hairspray’
Hairspray' is een generatie-overschrijdend fenomeen in de film- en musicalwereld omdat het ondanks de heerlijke muziek, dans en dikke fun, ook nu nog brandend actuele thema's als racisme en bodyshaming niet uit de weg gaat.
Bij het grote publiek verwierf 'Hairspray' een echte cultstatus na de release van de musicalverfilming in 2007. In een sterrencast met o.a. Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow en Queen Latifah, schitterde ook John Travolta - in fatsuit - als de extraverte Edna Turnblad.
Deep Bridge maakt een eigen, Vlaamse versie van deze feelgood musical. Zoals steeds in de gekende stijl van het huis: met de nodige creatieve krullen, lak aan platgetreden paden, maar met respect voor het originele verhaal én de muziek. Geef toe, is er iemand die kan blijven stilzitten op floorfillers als 'Welcome To The 60's', 'Good Morning Baltimore' en uiteraard ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’?
‘Hairspray’, de hilarische, vrolijke en steengoede feelgood musical waar iedereen nood aan heeft, is van 14 maart (extra show!) tot 14 april 2024 opeenvolgend te zien in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
NOGA RITTER - 'IMA' | LIVE SHOW + SIGNING AT ROUGH TRADE EAST 08.12.23 TO LAUNCH VINYL FORMAT OF ACCLAIMED JAZZ-WORLD MUSIC BLEDNING DEBUT ALBUM
NOGA RITTER
LIVE SHOW + SIGNING
ROUGH TRADE EAST
THE OLD TRUMAN BREWERY, 150 BRICK LANE, LONDON E1 6QL
08.12.23
tickets
EVENT TO LAUNCH VINYL LP FORMAT OF IMA ACCLAIMED DEBUT ALBUM
OUT NOW
(Galileo Music)
“An immensely promising debut and dizzyingly diverse listen that incorporates textures from all cultures; on this evidence, Ritter is a writer of serious potential ****”
JAZZWISE
“With a sound ranging from delicate to lavish and full, we are treated to a heady mix of jazz, kora, Moroccan gnawa rhythms and Senegalese sabra”
SONGLINES
“Melding elements of Israeli and European jazz, her solo debut showcases both her globally influenced songwriting and winning vocal performances ****”
RNR
Spotify | Apple Music
includes the singles
IMA (feat. Seckou Keita)
OFEK (feat. Tony Kofi)
The London-based Israeli singer-songwriter and band leader Noga Ritter will perform a live show and signing session at Rough Trade East on 8th December to launch the release of a vinyl format of her acclaimed 2023 debut solo album, ‘Ima’.
"In times where fear and war rule and divide us, I think music is more important than ever, to bring people together, connect us to our soul and not lose our sense of humanity,” states Ritter. "This has always been my mission, to bring people together from all walks of life through music. That's the only thing that gives me hope right now. I can't wait to bring my seven-piece mega band to Rough Trade East to celebrate the vinyl release of ‘Ima' for a special live show and signing event. Join us, I'm looking forward to getting together with you all!”
Co-produced by Ritter and the acclaimed composer, band leader and bass player Liran Donin, ‘Ima' brings together more than a dozen international musicians to present her unique fusion of 'Hebrew Jazz' and global grooves. Soaring trumpet solos over Gnawa grooves, Jewish melodies backed with Senegalese sabar drums and blissful kora improvising alongside subtle Israeli jazz piano are just a few of the colours she has used to paint her musical stories in this remarkable body of work.
Since launching her solo project in late 2018, Ritter has performed around the UK, including a sold-out show at the 2022 edition of the EFG London Jazz Festival. She also appeared on BBC1 morning TV [video] to promote ‘Ima’.
Ritter had previously released the 2016 album ‘L’Odyssey’ and toured internationally with her former project Vocal Global, attracting positive notices from publications such as Songlines and fRoots. She has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists, including Grand Union Orchestra, Jyotsna Srikanth, Mike King Collective, Sura Susso, Lambrego and Randolph Matthews, appearing at venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Hackney Empire and Shoreditch Town Hall, plus events like Cambridge Festival and London International Arts Festival.
Ritter's travels have also resulted in collaborations that have seen her record and/or perform in Senegal, Israel and Palestine, Argentina, Brazil, Sierra Leone and mainland Europe, singing in several different languages and styles. Her passion for music is also evident from years of workshop leading and facilitating since graduating with an MA from Guildhall School of Music.
KEVIN CROCKETT FT. REGGIE CODRINGTON – ‘BE LIGHT THERE’
Kevin Crockett has performed and recorded with Marcus Anderson, former saxophonist for Prince. He was a panelist and performer at the Guitar Summit, now known as the International Musician’s Summit.
The Crockett Project sold out its first concert at The Durham Arts Council. The group released its first single, “Your Word”, featuring Kimberly Chanté, which is available on all major music download and streaming sites. The single has also received airplay on gospel station, The Light 103.9, which reaches the Raleigh/Durham metropolitan region.
The Crockett Project is an energetic Gospel/Christian unit blending various musical styles founded by guitarist, songwriter, and producer, Kevin Crockett. Kevin hails from Washington, DC and currently resides in Raleigh, NC. He picked up the guitar at an early age and played with local bands and gospel quartet groups around the DC area, in particular, the Souls of Joy (founded by his father) and the Christian Harmonizers. After graduating from Montgomery Blair High School, Kevin attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering. He currently ministers on guitar at the Raleigh and Durham locations of World Overcomers Christian Church. Kevin's musical style is a fusion of Christian, gospel, jazz, rock, and rhythm & blues.
"Be Light There"
Composed & Recording Engineered by Kevin Crockett & Jairus McNell
Mixing by Derrick Holmes
Mastering by Steve Hall
ALLEN CARMAN PROJECT FT. PHILIPPE SAISSE ENJOY THE ‘SOFT LIFE’
The title “SOFT LIFE” as a general phrase, means “a life without difficulty” and has been used since the mid-1600s. It is akin to “living the good life”, and has evolved into meaning a slower, more deliberate approach to life, focusing on mindfulness, simplicity, and being present in the moment. The “Urban Dictionary” defines it as “setting boundaries, where you make decisions that leave you feeling stress-free and vibrating higher”.
This song evokes the feeling of living the “Soft Life” with its soothing melody and beautiful chord construction, highlighted by the stunning piano artistry of Philippe Saisse who also wrote and co-produced the recording along with Gumbi Ortiz. We hope our listeners will enjoy “SOFT LIFE” and leave them feeling” stress-free and vibrating higher”!
REVELATIE SOPHIE JANSSENS (PETER PAN) EN BEJUBELDE NORDIN DE MOOR (KAPITEIN HAAK) PAKKEN HOOFDROLLEN IN GLOEDNIEUWE FAMILIEMUSICAL
Ondanks traditie: voor het eerst een vrouwelijke Peter Pan in België!
Vanaf 8 december 2024 presenteert Deep Bridge een volledig eigen musicalversie van het tijdloze verhaal van Peter Pan in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt. Met de 23-jarige Sophie Janssens als Peter Pan en Nordin De Moor als Kapitein Haak, wist regisseur-schrijver Stany Crets dé revelatie van het huidige theaterseizoen en haar zowat meest bejubelde mannelijke collega van het moment te strikken voor de hoofdrollen. Hoewel de rol van Peter Pan in de originele theaterversie van J.M. Barrie (1904) door een vrouw werd gespeeld en dit later ook een traditie werd in het buitenland, heeft België met Sophie Janssens nu pas z'n eerste vrouwelijke Peter Pan te pakken. Reis vanaf 8 december 2024 mee met Peter Pan naar het magische Neverland en reserveer nu je tickets via deepbridge.be.
Deep Bridge tekent al enkele jaren voor een grote familiemusical tijdens de eindejaarsperiode. Van ‘The Sound of Music’ (2021) over ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (2022) tot ‘A Christmas Carol’ dat dit seizoen 'the most wonderful time of the year' kleurt. Het productiehuis zet die mooie traditie verder in 2024 en maakt een volledig eigen versie van het tijdloze en tot de verbeelding sprekende verhaal van Peter Pan.
Voor de rol van Peter Pan viel de keuze van regisseur-schrijver Stany Crets op de 23-jarige Sophie Janssens uit Willebroek. Stany zag Sophie de voorbije weken letterlijk vanop de eerste rij ontbolsteren naast Ann Van den Broeck in 'You Are My Sunshine', de prachtige productie die hij samen met Ann schreef en waarvoor hij de regie deed. Ook pers en publiek spaarden hun lofbetuigingen voor de getalenteerde spring-in-'t-veld niet en bestempelden Sophie terecht nu al als dé revelatie van het seizoen.
Met mede-Antwerpenaar Nordin De Moor (38) als de gevreesde Kapitein Haak, krijgt Sophie niet enkel een brok ervaring, maar ook zowat de meest bejubelde, mannelijke Vlaamse musicalartiest van het moment naast zich. Nordin speelt momenteel de pannen van het dak in 'Les Misérables', maar is voor de Vlaamse musicalfan en zeker bij Deep Bridge al lang geen onbekende meer. Hij werkte zich via tal van ensemblerollen gestaag naar de top van de musicalwereld. Zo zette hij o.a. een memorabele Charlie Chaplin neer in 'Chaplin, de musical', schitterde als Brad Majors in 'De Rocky Horror Show' en Patsy in 'Spamalot', en pakte vorig seizoen iedereen in als de knotsgekke Willy Wonka in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. Ook 'Peter Pan' is geen onbekend terrein voor Nordin, want van 2013 tot en met 2017 speelde hij mee in de internationale tour van 'Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story' (Smee en Mr. Darling).
Peter Pan: traditie van vrouwen...behalve in België
Peter Pan is origineel een theaterstuk ('Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up') uit 1904 van J.M. Barrie. Reeds in de originele versie werd de rol van Peter Pan gespeeld door een vrouw, Nina Boucicault. Zij was op dat moment 37 jaar. Een jaar later werd de titelrol op Broadway gespeeld door Maude Adams. Pas in 1911 kwam het boek ('Peter and Wendy') uit.
In de eerste musicalversie uit 1954 werd de rol gespeeld door Mary Martin en daarna nog door Sandy Duncan en Cathy Rigby. NBC bracht deed in 2014 ‘Peter Pan Live!’ en hierin speelde Allison Williams Peter Pan en Christopher Walken de rol van Kapitein Haak
In België werd deze traditie niet verdergezet en werd Peter Pan gespeeld door mannen: Tom Van Landuyt (NTG, 1998), Mark Tijsmans (2000, Music Hall), Aaron Wade (2006, Music Hall) en Sandor Stürbl (2012, Music Hall)
In Nederland houden ze wél iets meer vast aan de traditionele casting, zo speelde bv. Vera Mann in 2001 de titelrol.
“De keuze voor Sophie was na haar knalprestatie in ‘You Are My Sunshine’ eigenlijk een evidente voor ons. Ze bezit een aanstekelijke energie, de nodige speelsheid en vooral een pak talent, alle ingrediënten voor een ijzersterke Peter Pan. Dat ze als meisje een jongen moet spelen, schrikt ons én haar allerminst af.
Ook Nordin De Moor als Kapitaan Haak is een keuze voor onversneden musicaltalent. Wij hebben zijn tocht naar de top van de musicalwereld van zeer nabij mogen meemaken en zijn enorm trots op de erkenning en waardering die hem momenteel zeer terecht te beurt valt.”
- Deep Bridge -
Reis mee met Peter, de jongen die weigert ouder te worden. Van het magische elfenstof tot opwindende avonturen vol zwaardgevechten. Deze productie omarmt de kracht van verbeelding in al zijn glorie. In het magische universum van Peter Pan is alles mogelijk! Prachtige muziek, kleurrijke kostuums en adembenemende decors maken van 'Peter Pan' een onvergetelijke ervaring voor jong en oud.
“Sommigen onder ons blijven (gelukkig) altijd een beetje kind, anderen hebben hulp nodig. En daarom maken we theater. Daarom maken we Peter Pan.”
– Stany Crets -
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
!! RANG UPGRADE !!
Boek tot 12 november 2023 je tickets en krijg een gratis rang-upgrade cadeau.
Voor Golden Seat betaal je de prijs van Categorie 1, voor Categorie 1 betaal je de prijs van Categorie 2, enzovoort.
BETOVEREND SPEKTAKEL 'KERSTMAGIE' STRIJKT OPNIEUW NEER IN 8 BELGISCHE KASTELEN (6 VLAANDEREN - 2 WALLONIË)
Vanaf 8 december 2023 - nieuw verhaal met live acteurs!
Het betoverende kerstspektakel 'Kerstmagie', georganiseerd door productiehuis Historalia van prins Simon de Merode, strijkt in december 2023 opnieuw neer in 6 kastelen in Vlaanderen. In de provincies Antwerpen (Aartselaar, Hingene en Westerlo), Limburg (Sint-Truiden), Oost-Vlaanderen (Laarne) en West-Vlaanderen (Vlamertinge), openen de kastelen vanaf 8 t.e.m. 26 december 2023 de poorten voor deze magische en interactieve theaterwandeling. De kastelen worden omgetoverd tot oogverblindende kerstpaleizen die je onderdompelen in een wondere wereld voorbij jouw verbeelding. Jong en oud kunnen zich tijdens deze editie helemaal laten meeslepen in 'De Vijf Zintuigen van Kerstmagie!', een gloednieuw, spannend verhaal van de hand van schrijver-regisseur Niels De Valk dat meer dan ooit al de zintuigen van de bezoekers zal prikkelen.
Na zeer geslaagde edities in 2021 en 2022 van la 'Magie de Noël', zal de Franstalige versie van dit sprookjesachtige spektakel dit jaar ook opnieuw te zien zijn in de kastelen van Gembloux (Namen) en Soignies (Henegouwen).
Interactief en met live acteurs!
'Kerstmagie’ is een heerlijke combinatie van een theaterwandeling met live acteurs, met een spannende, audiovisuele en interactieve ontdekkingstocht voor het hele gezin. Na deze interactieve en spectaculaire theaterwandeling kan er ook weer op de foto gegaan worden met de enige echte Kerstman!
Tijdens je reis doorheen één van de 8 kastelen, kom je in een spannend avontuur terecht. Fantastische lichteffecten, prachtige muziek en een gloednieuw verhaal zullen jou de weg tonen doorheen een sprookjesachtig kerstkasteel.
'Kerstmagie' is de ideale, ontspannende familie-uitstap om helemaal in de kerstsfeer te komen en bovendien een unieke kans om prachtig Belgisch erfgoed van binnen te bewonderen. Tickets voor deze ultieme en betoverende kerstbeleving kosten €17,50 p.p. en zijn gratis voor kinderen onder de 5 jaar.
Dit jaar staan de kastelen helemaal in het teken van de vijf zintuigen. Van de geurige aroma's van versgebakken koekjes, het betoverende geluid van kerstliederen en het schitterende lichtspektakel, tot de warme aanraking van een knuffel met de Kerstman. Alles wordt met uiterste zorgvuldigheid voorbereid om een onvergetelijke beleving te garanderen.
Wil jij ook graag een prikkelende droomreis van een klein uurtje maken in één van de 8 kastelen? Bestel dan nu je tickets via www.kerstmagie.be.
Nieuw verhaal
In de kastelen wordt 'De Vijf Zintuigen van Kerstmagie' gebracht, een meeslepend en spannend verhaal geschreven door regisseur Niels De Valk.
De kasteelheer ontvangt ieder jaar zijn omvangrijke familie om samen op het kasteel Kerst te vieren. De verwachtingen zijn steeds hooggespannen – het is het familiale hoogtepunt van het jaar. Nostalgie en traditie zijn belangrijk, maar de ‘moderne’ wereld moet ook zijn plaats krijgen.
Dit jaar zit de kasteelheer echter zonder inspiratie en besluit de hulp in te roepen van twee wereldberoemde decorateurs. Er wordt een wedstrijd én een thema aan gekoppeld: ‘Wie haalt de geest van Kerst, geïnspireerd op de vijf zintuigen, het beste naar binnen?
Kom jij het mee ontdekken?
Praktische info 'Kerstmagie' / 'Magie de Noël'
Vanaf 8 t.e.m. 26 december 2023
Limburg: Kasteel van Duras (Sint-Truiden)
West-Vlaanderen: Kasteel du Parc (Vlamertinge)
Oost-Vlaanderen: Slot van Laarne
Antwerpen: Kasteel van Cleydael (Aartselaar), Kasteel d'Ursel (Hingene), Kasteel de Merode (Westerlo)
Henegouwen: Château de Louvignies (Soignies, Franstalige versie)
Namen: Corroy-le-Château (Gembloux, Franstalige versie)
Tour: Per kwartier beginnen er, afhankelijk van welk kasteel, max. tussen de 26 en 32 personen aan hun tocht doorheen het kasteel. Een tour duurt ongeveer 50min. Er zijn meerdere trappen te nemen en daardoor is de tour niet toegankelijk voor rolstoelgebruikers en buggy’s.
Prijs: 17,50 euro p.p., kinderen onder de 5 jaar gratis.
Tickets en info via www.kerstmagie.be
RYON SCHULTZ – ‘FIRE ‘EM UP’
Ryon Schultz started playing the guitar and drums at the age of 11 to figure out which one he would appreciate more. By age 13, he found himself appreciating an entirely different instrument … the saxophone.
He officially started his career at the age of 19, through the opportunity of playing with national recording jazz artist Eric Darius at Seabreeze Jazz Festival — one of the largest and most prestgious Jazz festivals in the world. This landed the attention of many talented professionals in the jazz industry including Brian Culbertson to name a few. His musical influences include Prince, Grover Washington, Boney James, Eric Darius, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Whalum, Brian Culbertson, and Trombone Shorty.
Ryon's new single "Fire 'Em Up" is produced by hitmaker Adam Hawley.
“I want to show the young generation there is more than hip-hop for us. I want to be the crossover appeal to where they can just appreciate good music!” - Ryon Schultz
HITMUSICAL ‘GREASE’ VANAF 12 SEPTEMBER 2024 IN ANTWERPEN, GENT EN HASSELT
!! Vanaf nu inschrijven voor audities Vlaamse hoofdcast !!
In september 2024 brengt Albert Verlinde ism Senf Theaterpartners, Jaco Kaasschieter en House of Entertainment een nieuwe frisse musicalversie van de geliefde feelgood klassieker ‘Grease’ – mét Vlaamse hoofdcast – op de planken in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Hoewel de originele versie al dateert van 1972 en de iconische film met John Travolta en de betreurde Olivia Newton-John uitkwam in 1978, is 'Grease' nog altijd een absolute publiekslieveling. Het romantische verhaal van Sandy en Danny, en natuurlijk onsterfelijke hitsingles als You’re The One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Summer Nights en Sandy, doen het publiek nog steeds dromen. Tickets zijn vanaf nu beschikbaar via greasemusical.be en wie wil meedingen naar een rol in de hoofdcast, mag zich vanaf heden ook aanmelden op dezelfde website voor de audities die begin 2024 plaatsvinden.
Over Grease
‘Grease’, de musical van Jim Jacobs (tekst) en Warren Casey (muziek) uit 1972, is een fenomeen. Het is één van de langstlopende musicals ooit op Broadway en werd een wereldwijd begrip door de film uit 1978 met John Travolta en Olivia Newton-John in de hoofdrollen. Volgend seizoen strijkt een nieuwe frisse versie van deze musical, met Vlaamse hoofdcast, neer in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt. Het wordt een feest voor jong en oud, met een live orkest en natuurlijk alle hits, zoals Summer Nights, You’re The One That I Want, Greased Lightning en Hopelessly Devoted To You.
Audities Vlaamse hoofdcast
Voor de hoofdcast van deze nieuwe, eigentijdse versie van de musical ‘Grease’ wordt op zoek gegaan naar Vlaamse meisjes en jongens, met het nodige zang- en danstalent, die in de huid kunnen kruipen van jongvolwassenen die in de voorstelling in het laatste jaar van hun middelbare school zitten. Met als voornaamste vraag natuurlijk: wie worden Danny en Sandy? Daarnaast zijn er ook nog de heerlijke rollen van o.a. Kenickie, Rizzo, Miss Lynch en Vince Fontaine te verdelen. De audities zullen begin 2024 plaatsvinden. Geïnteresseerden kunnen zich vanaf nu inschrijven voor deze audities via www.greasemusical.be
“Ik kijk enorm uit naar de voorstellingen in Vlaanderen en verheug me nu al op de zoektocht naar het Vlaamse talent. ‘Grease’ is voor een jonge generatie altijd weer een gouden kans om hun talenten aan het publiek te presenteren.”
- Albert Verlinde, producent -
Het verhaal
‘Grease’ vertelt het verhaal over de tieners Danny en Sandy die na een wervelende zomerromance onverwachts worden herenigd wanneer Sandy voor haar laatste schooljaar naar Rydell High overstapt. Danny blijkt al snel niet de lieve jongen van tijdens de zomer te zijn, maar een lid van de T-Birds die vooral stoer wil overkomen op zijn vrienden. De brave Sandy probeert te veranderen en sluit zich aan bij de Pink Ladies. Een danswedstrijd moet de twee geliefden weer samen brengen, maar voor hoe lang? Overleven ze de beproevingen van het tienerleven en vinden ze opnieuw de ware liefde?
Grease staat garant voor een avond topamusement vol humor, sprankelende dans en heerlijke muziek. Deze show wil je niet missen, dus Let’s go together en beleef deze meeslepende feelgood klassieker live in het theater!
De hitmusical ‘Grease’ is vanaf 12 september 2024 te zien in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt.
Tickets & info: www.greasemusical.be
SOULFULEDGE & HANNAH CLARE - 'PURE LOVE'
For the seventh release on Nyte Music, Soulfuledge teams up with the mesmerizing Hannah Clare; a truly special singer/songwriter from Australian shores who’s sweet & playful vocals grabbed us hard when we heard them... we simply had to reach out!
Performing widely across Australia and self-releasing a collection of heart-felt singles, Hannah’s ability to seamlessly shift through genres at remarkable ease is testament to both her impeccable writing skills & rich vocal palette; constantly refusing to be pigeon-holed, her unique blend of dreamy-soul & folk-drenched vocals truly are a thing of exquisite beauty.
Set against a backdrop of warm Rhodes keys & a soulfully tip-toeing bassline, ‘Pure Love’ allows Hannah’s mood setting vocals to rightly take center stage... gently building alongside intricate percussive layers, Hannah’s gear-shifting vocals through delicately spoken & sang sections create a real uplifting vibe throughout – yeah, this girl’s gonna fly!
Traxsource / Streaming Stores: 17th November
General Release: 24th November
MATT WILLARD IS A ‘NIGHTCRAWLER’
Matt Willard, a 24 year old saxophonist, is putting a "different twist" on the genre of Smooth Jazz by adding a unique mix of rock, pop, R&B, and jazz all into one collective sound. His live performances are very energetic, tasteful, as well as full of humor and entertainment. Matt's shows are sure to get an audience out of their seats and movin'!
"The story behind the creation of one of my funkiest songs "Nightcrawler" is quite interesting. Once my mentor/producer Martin Blockson and I got the basic chord progression and arrangement down, we started messing around with the melodies. Once we got the melody solidified, we started messing around with the track. We added a bunch of little subliminal sounds, and if you listen carefully, at the beginning of the track there is the sound of crickets in the background.
There are lots of other little things added into the track as well! We really enjoyed putting this one together and it is one of my favorites off of my debut album Soul Assassin." - Matt Willard
"Nightcrawler"
Written by Martin Blockson and Matt Willard
Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Martin Blockson
Matt Willard - Sax leads & parts
Martin Blockson - Piano, sax parts, and programming
Donnell Smith - Bass guitar
JAMES "PJ" SPRAGGINS – ‘IF IT ISN’T LOVE’
To great acclaim, James "PJ" Spraggins, the extraordinary drummer and producer, reveals "If It Isn't Love" as the latest single from his brand new album Stick It Out which was released independently in June 2023. The album's vibe is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts all over the world as Spraggins' skillfully blends lessons from life events with a rhythmic edge resulting in a layered, indulgent experience.
The new single "If It Isn't Love" is a cover of a song originally released by the '80s R&B boy-band sensation, New Edition. PJ recently performed with one of New Editions' members, Johnny Gill.
Coupled with his albums, tours, and various projects, PJ has written with startling candor about inspiration, faith, and healing, which is without a doubt a compliment to Stick It Out as it exemplifies his determination to overcome personal challenges. "I want to send a positive message to everyone that's going to listen to it. I've gained so much confidence from writing this album and that's what I want people to take away." Now, posied for bigger and better opportunities ahead. James "PJ" Spraggins' tireless energy, positivity, and drive permeates this work with an enduring, immersive quality that refuses to give in or settle for anything less than to Stick It Out.
CHÉÉ AIMEE DORVAL - 'THE CROWNED TOUR' - UK/EUROPEAN TOUR BY CANADIAN MUSICIAN TO PROMOTE NEW ALBUM STARTS 27.10.23
CHÉ AIMEE DORVAL | 2023 photo by Samuel Chadwick
CHÉ AIMEE DORVAL
THE CROWNED TOUR
UK & EUROPE 2023
27.10.23 LONDON St. Pancras Old Church
28.10.23 BIRMINGHAM The Sunflower Lounge ^
29.10.23 BRISTOL The Louisiana
30.10.23 CAMBRIDGE Portland Arms
31.10.23 BARNOLDSWICK Music And Arts Centre
02.11.23 DEN HAAG (NL) Paard *
04.11.23 HAARLEM (NL) Patronaat *
05.11.23 WEERT (NL) De Bosuil *
07.11.23 HAMBURG (DE) Prinzenbar
08.11.23 COLOGNE (DE) Jaki
09.11.23 ZWOLLE (NL) Hedon *
10.11.23 AMERSFOOT (NL) Fluor *
11.11.23 ENSCHEDE (NL) Metropool *
14.11.23 BRADFORD Nightrain
15.11.23 GLASGOW Nice N’ Sleazy
^ supporting Amy Montgomery
* supporting Anneke van Giesbergen
Canadian musician Ché Aimee Dorval begins a solo UK/European tour at the end of next week, with the first show taking place in London at St. Pancras Old Church on 27th October. The tour is to promote ‘The Crowned’, her current album released in early 2023, with a brand new animated video for a song from it entitled ‘Want That Soul’ made available today. “I’ve always loved Halloween and I’ve always loved disco,” says Ché. “The fact that I’ve found some way of bringing those two things together, however loosely, makes me feel unreasonably giddy.” Made by Alan Collins, the video can be seen HERE.
THE CROWNED
new album
out now
(Icons Creating Evil Art UK)
buy | stream
also includes the singles
BLOOD RED SON video | FALLING UNDER video | LOVELESS video | THE CROWNED live video
Ché was raised in Vancouver by her mother, a plethora of hippie aunts, punk rock uncles and a colourful extended family. Think Little House on the Prairie meets The Lost Boys. Her childhood was full of constant creativity and adventure, instilling a strong sense of individualism in her that she subsequently took out into the world. Living the troubadour life, she became embroiled in the indie scenes in both Vancouver and Toronto before venturing further afield, both as a solo artist and as Casualties of Cool, her joint venture with compatriot and prog icon Devin Townsend. She was a featured performer on his most recent studio albums (‘Empath’ and 'Lightwork’) ahead of unveiling ‘The Crowned’, her stunning third solo album.
Ché has always blended genres, but ‘The Crowned’ sees her reach new heights in fusing folktronica, alternative rock, dream pop and trip hop to create a staggering backdrop for a set that is also stacked with dynamic and soulful vocal performances. A confident and determined thread runs through the entire record that has signalled the birth of a new stage in her career. With half of its contents produced by Bob Rock pre-pandemic and the remainder subsequently self-produced, it also serves as a diary of her artistic evolution and growth. Still possessing the same spirit and sensibility instilled in her youth, she now has the drive and vision that make her an artist in the truest sense of the word; a product of passion rather than curation.
2023 has seen Ché make a number of festival appearances in North America and perform shows with acts as diverse as Run the Jewels, Chromeo, Bif Naked and fellow Townsend collaborator Anneke van Giersbergen. She recently announced an autumn UK and mainland European tour to promote ‘The Crowned’, stating that “I’ve been dreaming of performing its songs ever since their inception. They just feel so lush and layered and easy to lose myself in. To me, this album is more of a soundtrack than a collection of songs, taking me through a time in my life that was as chaotic as it was beautiful."
As for the complexity of her new songs, she reveals that “performing them live reminds me of how far I’ve come. They are the most challenging vocally of anything I’ve written and it has kept me present and in the moment on stage, which has sometimes been difficult for me. I’m usually very aware that I’m being watched, distracted by how I’m being perceived. However, it has been beautiful to step out on stage recently and lose myself to the music and that night’s interpretation of it. I’m so excited to bring this more confident version of myself over to the UK and Europe.”
Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
BLACK LEGEND, POWERDRESS & RIDNEY - 'OVER YOU' (INCL. RICHARD EARNSHAW REMIX)
Fool’s Paradise unleash a hot collaboration between Italy's Black Legend, London songbird, Powerdress, and UK producer Ridney on the snappy NuDisco outing titled, 'Over You'. Centred around Powerdress' empowering vocal about getting over heartbreak, 'Over You' comes with an effervescent 80's-tinged soundtrack teased with catchy retro style synth hooks and complemented by gritty room-shaking power bass. Also on the package, Richard Earnshaw ramps up the 80's funky vibes, delivering an uplifting discofied party groove, wrapped in his signature soulful production magic.
Italian producer and DJ Black Legend is the creator of the UK’s singles chart No.1, 'You See The Trouble With Me'. He's been awarded multi gold and platinum discs since he started his career in the late 80s, building an impressive discography and signing productions and remixes to world’s top independent labels. Some of his popular releases include ‘Mr DJ’ (Defected) and ‘Open Your Eyes’ as Love Legend with Alex Gaudino (Positiva), to name a few. Black Legend is usually performing at some the best clubs and festivals around the world, and he also hosts the Legendary Radio Show every Saturday at 2pm CET time on Cafè Mambo Radio.
Known for her signature sound of trademark 80s synths and sultry vocals - PowerDress' sound is simultaneously both nostalgic and truly modern. Her tracks have received radio love from Annie Mac, DJ Target, DJ Cameo, and Pete Tong, among many. She has collaborated with the likes of DJ Q, Roisto, FVHM, Arthur Baker, and Dax On Sax, and has co-written some of the biggest tracks of the last decade including Lana Del Rey's double platinum 'National Anthem’, among others.
Awarded "Essential New Tune" 3 times on Pete Tong's BBCR1 Essential Selection, UK producer and DJ Ridney has released music on Defected, Toolroom, Armada, Newstate, Perfecto, Ministry of Sound, Nervous, Size and Spinnin, to name a few. And his music has featured on ITV's "Love Island", various worldwide Netflix shows, fashion shows and advertising. His remix of Flo-rida ft. David Guetta "Club Can't Handle Me" featured as part of the UK No.1 single package. His music has amassed over 4 million global Shazam’s, with 225k monthly streams.
Track Listing
1 Over You
2 Over You (Extended Mix)
3 Over You (Richard Earnshaw Revision)
4 Over You (Richard Earnshaw Extended Revision)
'Over You' Will be released on October 20th 2023 on Fool's Paradise.
Black Legend, Powerdress & Ridney
'Over You' (Incl. Richard Earnshaw Remix)
Fool's Paradise / FP007
https://www.facebook.com/BlackLegendProject
https://www.facebook.com/IAmPowerdress
https://www.facebook.com/djridney
www.facebook.com/foolsparadiserecs
www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs
'HOPE' ABOUNDS - R&B/JAZZ SAXOPHONIST JEFF RYAN RETEAMS WITH TWO-TIME GRAMMY WINNER PAUL BROWN FOR THE INSPIRING NEW SINGLE NOW COLLECTING PLAYLIST ADDS
SAN FRANCISCO (18 OCTOBER 2023): After the events that unfolded on the world stage last week, we could all use hope. Billboard chart-topping saxophonist Jeff Ryan teams with two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown on “Where There’s Hope,” a soothing and uplifting R&B/jazz single released by Woodward Avenue Records that began collecting playlist adds on Monday (October 16).
“Where There’s Hope” builds on the chemistry created between Ryan and Brown during the recording sessions for the saxman’s 2021 collection, “Duality.” From the opening notes, Ryan’s horns – he plays both tenor and soprano saxes on the single - engages in encouraging banter with Brown’s spirited electric guitar. Loosely tethered to a midtempo groove anchored by Gorden Campbell’s drums and Roberto Vally’s bass and percussion, the optimistic and impassioned sax and guitar dialogue is an equitable exchange unfolding amidst inviting melodies and warm harmonies crafted by Mark Etheredge’s keyboards and Shane Theriot’s rhythm guitar.
“Working with Paul always puts one at ease. His playing brought so much life to this track and I’m very proud of the interaction between my sax and his guitar,” said the San Francisco-based Ryan.
Ryan is a very physical sax player, bringing founts of emotion, passion and urgency to his horn work. Whether he’s belting out empowering affirmations on his tenor or dispensing compassionate caresses through his soprano sax, his play on “Where There’s Hope” is lyrically expressive.
“The title really stands for when challenges come into our lives, to look for the positives that are all around us so that we can make a better future. At this point in my career, my goal is to really show the truest image of myself. No matter all the challenges, the goal is to stay true to the exceptional vision and make that a reality,” said Ryan, who wrote “Where There’s Hope” with Brown, Etheredge and Vally.
Ryan’s 2018 debut album, “Embrace,” which paired him with hitmaking producer-songwriter-keyboardist Greg Manning, earned him JazzTrax’s Breakout Artist honors and Smooth Jazz Network’s Debut Artist of the Year title. The Bay Area musician was named Billboard’s Artist of the Year in 2020 and his 2021 single, “Sentimental Soul,” was Billboard’s Song of the Year. The “Duality” album highlights Ryan collaborating with smooth/contemporary jazz royalty - Brown, Manning, multiple Grammy nominee Darren Rahn and 13-time Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley. In the five years since his debut, Ryan has already notched five Billboard No. 1 singles. “Where There’s Hope” bodes to continue Ryan’s hot streak.
“Here’s to a better life with a strong focus on passion, love, fitness and finesse.”
For more information, please visit https://jeffryansax.com.
NIEUWE SINGLE ‘IN LOVE’ DOOR .FEN
‘In Love’ van .FEN: een ode aan liefde en passie.
De nieuwste single 'In Love' van Vilvoordenaar .Fen is een onvervalst muzikaal juweeltje dat luisteraars meevoert naar een wereld vol liefde en passie. Dit betoverende nummer, doordrenkt met de tijdloze charme van Motown, is veel meer dan een romantisch liedje. Het is een gepassioneerde liefdesverklaring voor iedereen, of je nu alleen bent, een partner hebt of gewoon geniet van de soulmuziek. 'In Love' nodigt je uit om jezelf te verliezen in de liefde, om elke emotie intens te voelen en om de magie van menselijke relaties te vieren. Een gepassioneerd statement over de schoonheid en kracht van ware liefde.
Met zijn strijkers, koperblazers en achtergrondzang biedt 'In Love' dé perfecte setting voor .Fen om zijn soulvolle muzikaliteit helemaal los te laten. 'In Love' is de laatste voorloper van het nieuwe album 'Hero', dat op 20 oktober verschijnt en door .Fen live voorgesteld wordt op zaterdag 21 oktober, in het Auditorium Abel Dubois in Bergen.
Videoclip
De videoclip voor 'In Love' vertelt een ontroerend en inspirerend verhaal. Op de set van een tv-show staat .Fen voor de camera’s vol overgave te zingen. Aan de andere kant van het scherm zien we een kleine jongen uit een doorsnee gezin betoverd kijken, met sprankelende ogen en grote dromen om ooit op die plaats te kunnen staan. De positieve videoclip viert de kracht van muziek en hoe die levens kan veranderen, met een universele boodschap van hoop, doorzettingsvermogen en de verwezenlijking van je stoutste dromen.
Over .Fen
.Fen, woonachtig in Vilvoorde, is een veelzijdige singer-songwriter en muzikant. In zijn muzikale universum komen pop, soul, funk en vele andere invloeden samen. Al op jonge leeftijd werd hij aangetrokken door de groove van Stevie Wonder en de krachtige composities van JJ Goldman, waardoor hij een unieke artistieke identiteit ontwikkelde.
In 2013 maakte hij zijn droom waar door een eerbetoon te brengen aan zijn idool Stevie Wonder met een show die een absoluut succes was in heel Europa.
In 2021 kwam het album 'Life Is So Beautiful' uit, .Fens creatieve uitvlucht uit de corona-lockdown. Met de hedendaagse soularrangementen en beklijvende zang wist het album in geen tijd 6 miljoen streams te halen, waarvan 2 miljoen op Spotify.
Eind 2023 volgt het album 'Hero', geproduceerd in samenwerking met Belgische topproducer Babl Lemmens (Netsky, Laura Tesoro, Natalia). "Het is zonder twijfel het album waarvan ik droomde om te schrijven en te componeren sinds ik muziek begon te maken" aldus .Fen. De titeltrack 'Hero' wist al menig radiostation voor zich te winnen. Niet alleen in België, ook in Frankrijk: .Fen zal centraal te gast zijn in het bekende online muzikale ontdekkingsprogramma 'Du Son Dans Mon Salon' en verschijnt binnenkort ook in het France Télévision programma 'Culture Box' om 'Hero' live te brengen.
Volg .Fen op:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fen.musique
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fenmusique
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fen_music
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/be/artist/fen/1549572934?l=nl
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/16UzGGDTW9EcoqruKMoBo1
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/info-1425
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fenmusique
www.fenmusique.be
'In Love' van .Fen is vanaf nu beschikbaar via alle bekende muziekplatformen.
NEW SINGLE ‘THE TIME IS NOW’ FROM ALEX FANJUL FT. LIA MARCOS & CHARLY BLANCO
‘The time is Now’ is the most recent track composed and performed by Alex Fanjul. Lía Marcos (voice), Charly Blanco (Keys) and Alex Fanjul (Guitar).
‘The Time is Now’, is the new creation of Alex Fanjul, and we are really super happy with the result. It is a mix of Funk, Nu Soul and Latin Jazz music, and all thanks to the incredible voice of Lía Marcos and the unbeatable keyboards of Charly Blanco. It will premiere on Joanne Rae’s Across the Tracks show on London Music Radio today October 17, between 7 and 9 p.m. UK time.
This is a really special song for many reasons, but being surrounded by friends and colleagues from bands that I have played with is a great source of pride.
NEW SINGLE ‘HEARTBEAT’ BY CARO LEE
Belgian pop funk soul diva Caro Lee releases her new single "Heartbeat" as the first single of the album "The Funk City Jam" on October 17th 2023.
This song is a heartfelt funky 80’s pop track, influenced by artists like Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Sheila E., etc… and declares her profound love for pop music. It features a powerful and emotional vocal performance by singer Caroline Clement (Tamira Jay, Echo City Waves, Mydonna) accompanied by typical synth pop grooves, sounds and a driving dance rhythm.
Lyrics & vocal melodies by Caroline Clement
Music by Wagonman (Luc Waegeman)
Recordings by Geert Vanbever & Jan Borré
Synths & drum programming by Jan Borré
Bass by Luc Waegeman
Guitar by Steven Janssens
Produced by Jan Borré
Mixing & mastering by Uwe Teichert
Sleeve & press photo: Ioannis Tsouloulis
"Heartbeat" is the first single of "The Funk City Jam", the artist's first upcoming album planned for 2024. The album and this first song explores Caro Lee’s early influences. (Rick James, Prince, The Pointer Sisters, Marvin Gaye, ...)
ABOUT CARO LEE
In the 90's Caroline Clement was known as Tamira Jay in the Eurodance scene.
Today she's the front lady of Madonna tribute band "Mydonna". She's also the drummer/singer of new wave classics tribute band "Echo City Waves" as well as the lead singer of Blondie tribute band "Parallel Lines".
With Caro Lee and The Funk City Jam she returns to her roots bringing you funky 80's inspired pop music.
Caro Lee is eager to share her new songs with the world and ready to hit the stage, together with her live band “The Funk City Jam”.
Live performance of her new single @ Don Vitalski's Legendarische DinsdagClub, Thursday! October 26th @ Minard Schouwburg, Gent.
Tickets here:
https://minard.be/voorstelling/don-vitalskis-legendarische-dinsdagclub-2/
FOLLOW CARO LEE:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CaroLeeofficial
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/caroleeofficial/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@caroleeofficial
Twitter/X
https://twitter.com/CaroLeeofficial
Bandcamp
https://carolee1.bandcamp.com/track/heartbeat
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@CaroLeeMusic
Website
https://www.carolee.be
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ GUITARIST SLIM GAMBILL RETEAMS WITH HITMAKER ADAM HAWLEY ON THE SINGLE ‘LIGHT THIS CANDLE’
Ready to launch: Contemporary jazz guitarist Slim Gambill reteams with hitmaker Adam Hawley on the single “Light This Candle”
NASHVILLE (13 OCTOBER 2023): Guitarist Slim Gambill’s solo recording career is about to blow up. Twenty years into his professional career that includes a long tenured sideman feature with multi-platinum, 7-time Grammy winners Lady A, the fretman’s own turn in the spotlight bodes to takeoff to another stratosphere when his new single, “Light This Candle,” begins collecting playlist adds on Monday (October 16). He wrote the Ludlow St. Records release with 12-time Billboard chart-topper Adam Hawley who produced the track.
“Light This Candle” is a slick and sleek Chic-styled, Nile Rodgers-riffing, dancefloor filling, disco and contemporary jazz mashup. Rocking his trademark twin braids, Gambill works out on a cool electric jazz guitar, playing dexterous lead and rhythm licks. Hawley decorates the energizing vibe and funky groove with rhythm guitar, Rhodes keyboards, synths and programming. Carnell Harrell enhances the instrumental bed with additional synth shading while the rhythm section comprised of Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown and percussionist Ramon Yslas (David Sanborn, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera) is locked.
“The Daft Punk-y groove and the hook remind me of a rocket taking off in some crazy 1970s sci-fi disco fantasy,” laughed the Nashville-based Gambill, who then explained the true meaning of the song title.
“This single is coming out at a pivotal juncture for me. It’s my fifth release and I think my sound is unique to contemporary jazz. It’s been a gradual process, and every single has done better and better. It’s time to ‘Light This Candle!” Let’s get this done! I feel like this track is the one that’s gonna take my music over the top, and everything is pointing in that direction, so it’s all systems go,” said Gambill who lensed a video accompanying the single that can be viewed at https://youtu.be/BEN1ui7YTF4.
“Light This Candle” is the second consecutive single from the Gambill-Hawley team. Although both are graduates of the guitar program at the USC Thornton School of Music, saxophone sensation Mindi Abair introduced them. Earlier this year, Gambill hit the charts hard with the Hawley produced “Heavyweight,” resulting in a top 20 hit on the Billboard and Mediabase charts.
On his collaborative chemistry with Hawley, Gambill said, “You really realize why Adam is who he is. His ideas never, ever hit me as, ‘Yeah, I would have done the same thing.’ It’s really quite the opposite. His ideas add a spark that I never would have thought of and that’s what makes for such a killer musical and co-writing relationship.”
Born in Nebraska and raised in Colorado as Jason Gambill, Slim’s first passion was rock and roll and blues guitar, idolizing Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. At fifteen, he became mesmerized by George Benson’s music along with seminal jazz figures Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis and Mahavishnu Orchestra and his path was set…until he deviated by joining Lady A in their formative stages. Gambill became an integral part of the wild ride that rocketed them to global superstardom.
Gambill started his solo catalogue four years ago with the release of the flippantly titled “Fake Jazz & Theme Songs” followed a year later by his sophomore set, “LCD.” Over the last two years, he’s released a few jazz-R&B singles. Previewing his forthcoming album, “A Fine Vintage,” which is slated to arrive next spring, Gambill hopes “Light This Candle” will propel his career trajectory into another galaxy.
For more information, please visit https://www.slimgambill.com.
EMILY WOLFE - 'SILENCER' – NEW SINGLE BY US SINGER-SONGWRITER AND GUITARIST OUT 13.10.23
EMILY WOLFE | 2023 photo by Jackie Lee Young
EMILY WOLFE
SILENCER
new single
out 13.10.23
(Crows Feet Records)
digital services
included on the album
THE BLOWBACK
out 20.10.23
pre-save/add | Bandcamp
also includes the singles
WALK IN MY SHOES digital services
DEAD END LUCK digital services
The third single to be released in advance of ‘The Blowback’, her self-produced new album out next week, ‘Silencer’ is described by US singer/songwriter/guitarist Emily Wolfe as “the most intense song on the record.” It also reaffirms the shift in direction she was aiming for with it, as she addresses meaningful, deeply emotional and political topics including abortion rights and sexual assault, with ‘Silencer’ a prime example of her stand on these issues.
Musically, ‘Silencer’ blends hard-hitting alternative and punk rock and is driven by Wolfe’s impassioned vocal and a trademark engaging guitar riff. However, its lyric delves into the fallout for a victim of assault, with Wolfe explaining that “I felt a responsibility to write this song, like the weight of the world was on me to create it. This dude is never going to have any consequences other than his own internal shame, but that isn’t enough, so I was determined to sing it powerfully for the person that it's for - the victim - and all the other people who have been affected by it.”
Wolfe determined spirit also shines on songs such as the previously released singles ‘Walk In My Shoes’ and ‘Dead End Luck’, while she states that the forthright album title “is because a lot of the songs are about not taking bullshit anymore. I guess I could say it more elegantly, but it’s how I feel. From global issues, national problems and interpersonal relationships, it’s a big middle finger to everything. This album is something I needed to do for myself. I’m really proud of it and it's the most connected I’ve ever felt to a body of work.”
‘The Blowback’ will be promoted with a recently announced European tour as special guest of The Gaslight Anthem in March 2024. Confirmed dates are:
06.03.24 STOCKHOLM (SE) The Annex
07.03.24 OSLO (NO) Sentrum Scene
09.03.24 COPENHAGEN (DK) Gray Hall
11.03.24 BERLIN (DE) Columbiahalle
12.03.24 WIESBADEN (DE) Schlachtof
14.03.24 BRUSSELS (BE) Ancienne Belgique
15.03.24 COLOGNE (DE) Palladium
16.03.24 UTRECHT (NL) Tivoli/Vredenburg Ronda
18.03.24 GLASGOW (UK) Academy
21.03.24 SHEFFIELD (UK) Academy
22.03.24 MANCHESTER (UK) O2 Apollo
23.03.24 WOLVERHAMPTON (UK) Civic Hall
25.03.24 LONDON (UK) Roundhouse
26.03.24 LONDON (UK) Roundhouse
29.03.24 DUBLIN (IE) 3Olympia
Wolfe has earned acclaim from US publications that include The Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player and American Songwriter, as well as UK magazines such as Classic Rock, Blues Matters and Total Guitar. Recognised as a tour de force guitarist, she has worked with Epiphone/Gibson Guitars for two signature Sheraton models, including 2023s White Wolfe.
She has been developing and refining her hard-hitting style for almost a decade, with 2014's ‘Roulette’ EP followed by the single ‘Atta Blues’ (2016) and a self-titled 2019 debut album that included early fan favourites such as ‘Holy Roller’. Its follow-up, ‘Outlier’ (2021), was produced by Michael Shuman (Queens of the Stone Age, Mini Mansions) and attracted critical praise and copious airplay for its singles ‘No Man’ and ‘Something Better’.
Inspired by the likes of Hole, Veruca Salt, Nirvana and Alanis Morissette, Wolfe envisaged a specific sound for what would become ‘The Blowback’, opting to self-produce her new album in order to properly realise it. “Producing the record myself is one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve ever had. I have learned so much from past producers like Michael Shuman and I was ready. For me, this whole chapter is about owning your spirit.”
Ultimately, ‘The Blowback’ may also give listeners the strength they need to express themselves, as Wolfe concludes: “When you listen to this, I want you to feel empowered. If something harms or oppresses you, stand up against it. I’ve overcome a lot. I’m not afraid to display my feminine rage anymore - especially on stage. I’ve grown up spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I believe I have a lot to offer, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
THE BLOWBACK
TRACKLISTING
1 Silencer
2 Dead End Luck
3 Walk In My Shoes
4 Predator
5 Road To Ruin
6 High Crime
7 Rock Bottom On A High Wire
8 Hopeless In Panorama
9 Second Of Relief
10 Can I Read Your Mind, Lover
MICHAEL MANSON – ‘ON THE UP AND UP’
Michael Manson is a talented, school-educated, and experienced musician and music educator. His training is inclusive of intensive work in the Classic, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B genres of music. Also, inclusive of his Christian philosophy and training, giving is a crucial part of his lifestyle. In keeping with this, music as a gift is meant that is meant to serve. Therefore, Michael feels that the gift given to him is to be given back to serve others, specifically his community.
With the release of his previous CD, Thumpin’, Michael Manson joined the ranks of today’s premiere jazz artists.
His first singles, "Outer Drive,” “Sundance,” and “Coming Right At Ya," reached the top 10 on the R&R Smooth Jazz. Bass master Michael Manson moved from sideman to center stage on his solo debut, The Bottom Line.
His passion and precision are displayed with both unrelenting power and laid-back grace on the album that, he says, “reflects the deepest expression of all I have felt making music for the last twenty 25 years.”
On Michael Manson’s new CD "A Ray of Hope" (2021), he is credited for writing and production. For this album, Michael has collected the who's who of Smooth Jazz: Najee, Darren Rhan, Jeff Lorber, Nick Colionne, Lin Roundtree, Paul Jackson Jr., Jeff Lorber, and the legendary George Duke, and many more great jazz musicians. This album is an excellent mix of contemporary jazz, R&B, and even a little gospel.
Manson's association with George Duke ultimately led to the gig of a lifetime. George, the musical director and a featured artist on the Montreux Jazz tour, invited Manson onboard, where he shared the stage with his greatest childhood hero, Al Jarreau, along with David Sanborn, Roberta Flack, and Joe Sample. Manson has shared the stage with Warner Bros. Records artists Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Rick Braun, Kenny Garret, George Duke, and Kevin Mahogany. Pal Kirk Whalum said with typical good humor, "After that tour, you could have retired." But Manson is just getting started. Kirk also included him on his "Hymns In The Garden" album, which was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album at the Grammys.
In 2010, after years of working with the best in jazz, Manson and his wife Lana opened a nonprofit music school, the Musical Arts Institute. This endeavor has now served thousands of students and currently has 1200 students enrolled. They serve the far south side of Chicago, where students and families do not have access to or resources to afford high-quality music instruction.
For Michael Manson, love of musical communication, exploration, collaboration, and celebration is clearly what it’s all about. This sophomore release reflects Manson’s unabated passion with joy and inspired artistry: "There are intriguing musical conversations, and I hope the audience shares in that. But it is just great for musicians to communicate in that way. That’s the joy of music. To make great music like that every night, that’s what it’s all about.”
SLIM GAMBILL – ‘LIGHT THIS CANDLE’
Guitarist Slim Gambill’s solo recording career is about to blow up. Twenty years into his professional career that includes a long tenured sideman feature with multi-platinum, 7-time Grammy winners Lady A, the fretman’s own turn in the spotlight bodes to takeoff to another stratosphere with Friday’s (October 6) release of his new single, “Light This Candle.” He wrote the Ludlow St. Records release with 12-time Billboard chart-topper Adam Hawley who produced the track.
“Light This Candle” is a slick and sleek Chic-styled, Nile Rodgers-riffing, dancefloor filling, disco and contemporary jazz mashup. Rocking his trademark twin braids, Gambill works out on a cool electric jazz guitar, playing dexterous lead and rhythm licks. Hawley decorates the energizing vibe and funky groove with rhythm guitar, Rhodes keyboards, synths and programming. Carnell Harrell enhances the instrumental bed with additional synth shading while the rhythm section comprised of Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown and percussionist Ramon Yslas (David Sanborn, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera) is locked.
“The Daft Punk-y groove and the hook remind me of a rocket taking off in some crazy 1970s sci-fi disco fantasy,” laughed the Nashville-based Gambill, who then explained the true meaning of the song title.
“This single is coming out at a pivotal juncture for me. It’s my fifth release and I think my sound is unique to contemporary jazz. It’s been a gradual process and every single has done better and better. It’s time to ‘Light This Candle!” Let’s get this done! I feel like this track is the one that’s gonna take my music over the top, and everything is pointing in that direction, so it’s all systems go,” said Gambill.
“Light This Candle” is the second consecutive single from the Gambill-Hawley team. Although both are graduates of the guitar program at the USC Thornton School of Music, saxophone sensation Mindi Abair introduced them. Earlier this year, Gambill hit the charts hard with the Hawley produced “Heavyweight,” resulting in a top 20 hit on the Billboard and Mediabase charts.
On his collaborative chemistry with Hawley, Gambill said, “You really realize why Adam is who he is. His ideas never, ever hit me as, ‘Yeah, I would have done the same thing.’ It’s really quite the opposite. His ideas add a spark that I never would have thought of and that’s what makes for such a killer musical and co-writing relationship.”
ANDREW NEU GOES TO AN ‘AFTER PARTY’
“Greg and I have are really proud of the music we’ve created together these last few years and we have a brand new track that we’re super excited about!”
“We’re channeling the groovy music from the 1960s with a little bit of Miles Davis from the 1980s. This could be the soundtrack to your next cocktail party or heist (If that’s your thing)!”
Always using all real musicians, “After Party” blends the best elements of the music we all can’t stop listening to. A killer groove, wawa guitar, moody flutes and a jazzy trumpet solo all set the stage for Andrew to tell his story.
Andrew cut his teeth touring the world with Bobby Caldwell, Smokey Robinson and Diane Schuur all while releasing 5 albums and countless radio singles. He also composes and arranges music for big band, leading his own bands on both the east and west coasts.
"After Party"
Produced by Greg Manning
Mixed by Greg Manning
Mastered by Steve Hall
Horns and flutes arranged by Andrew Neu
Andrew Neu – Sax, Flute
Greg Manning – Keys, Programming
Mike Stever – Trumpet Solo and Section
Carlyle Barriteau – Guitar
Mel Brown – Bass
Marcus Finnie – Drums
Nick Lane – Trombone
NEW SINGLE ‘SMOOTHIN’’ FROM CHRISTOPHE GOZE
Smoothin' is the perfect soundtrack to kickstart your day with a delightful breakfast. This enchanting track, crafted by Christophe Goze, seamlessly blends elements of smooth Jazz and lounge to create a sonic experience that's as refreshing as your morning smoothie. As you savour your breakfast, let Smoothin' transport you to a tranquil, dreamy world where soothing melodies and rhythmic beats converge to awaken your senses and set a relaxed tone for the day ahead.
(Smoothin' features a medley of five fruits and vegetables highly recommended by doctors and dietitians around the world).
Released on all platforms on 24th October 2023
Genre: Smooth Jazz / Jazzy Lounge
Written, performed & produced by Christophe Goze
Guitar & all instruments by Christophe Goze
Recorded & mixed by Christophe Goze at Earth Studio
ZOEY JONES - ‘WE HAD A LOVE’ (INNER SPIRIT REMIX)
‘We Had A Love’ by singer / songwriter Zoey Jones, gets a beautiful deep Afrocentric rework courtesy of Richard Earnshaw under his Inner Spirit guise. Set to a spacious afro-groove, drizzled with captivating emotive melodies that beautifully flow around Zoey’s dreamy vocals, Richard injects a punchy afro house vibe that’s equally at home on the dancefloor or poolside. The package also features Zoey’s breathtaking original version - a sunset ready slo-mo melodic house gem, drizzled with lush electronica that flows around Zoey’s stunning vocal performance.
British based singer, songwriter, DJ, producer and Label owner, Zoey Jones, started writing and top lining with DJs and artists in the early noughties. She collaborated on many projects with Rui Da Silva and has since independently released a number a sun kissed, summer friendly, beachy / deep house singles via her label Love Struck Records with remixes by DJs Sebb Junior and Stonebridge. Zoey’s smooth vocals tones and cool beats have led her to travel across the globe to many destinations especially within Asia, which is where she gathered a lot of her musical inspiration from. Zoey’s work has been flaunted across big time music brands including MTV, Cafe Del Mar, Clubbing TV and has performed at top venues such as F1 and Rock In Rio, to name a few.
A classically trained jazz musician, producer, DJ, remixer, songwriter, co-founder of the iCulture brand and Duffnote, One51, Guess Record labels, Richard Earnshaw has been nothing short of prolific when it comes to output. Under his various collaborations and pseudonyms, notably Spiritchaser, One51 and Inner Spirit, Richard has co-written, produced and remixed some of the industry’s great icons.
Track Listing
1 We Had A Love (Inner Spirit Remix)
2 We Had A Love (Inner Spirit Remix Extended)
3 We Had A Love (Original)
4 We Had A Love (Original Extended)
‘We Had A Love (Inner Spirit Remixes) will be released on Traxsource promo October 6th / Full release October 20th 2023 on Love Struck Records.
Zoey Jones
‘We Had A Love’ (Inner Spirit Remix)
Love Struck Records / LoveStruck013E & LoveStruck012
www.zoeyjones.com
https://www.instagram.com/zoeyjonesofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/innerspirit_official/
JEFF “SKUNK” BAXTER FT. MICHAEL MCDONALD – ‘MY PLACE IN THE SUN’
Legendary guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is having a major impact on smooth jazz radio with his powerful new single, “My Place in the Sun.” The haunting, gripping ballad, which features the sublime lead vocals of Baxter’s onetime Doobie Brothers bandmate Michael McDonald, was the fourth most-added song at the format according to Mediabase, and has already closed out one-third of the panel. “My Place in the Sun” is from Baxter’s recent, first-ever solo album, Speed of Heat(BMG/Renew), a stellar 12-song set that features a host of brilliantly crafted originals co-written by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and musical partner CJ Vanston, as well as inspired versions of beloved classics.
Along with fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Michael McDonald, the album features guest vocalists and songwriters such as Clint Black, Jonny Lang and Rick Livingstone. With its arresting groove, McDonald’s transfixing vocals and Baxter’s always impeccable guitar playing (he plays two lyrical and evocative solos that absolutely shine), “My Place in the Sun” is a contemporary sound that also recalls the uniquely brilliant artistry the two musicians shared on multiplatinum hit after hit in the Doobie Brothers. “CJ Vanston and I wrote the song with Michael,” Baxter explains. “It was fun because I knew that Michael always thrived on call and response, so I thought a little bit about how Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck worked together. I wanted to do something in that vein, and it came off great. You can really hear our chemistry on the track. ”The track has earned significant praise from critics. Rock and Blues Muse wrote, “Their call-and-response interplay is sublime, and the mood they create will keep you smooth and groovy all night long.”
IAN WILLIAMS - 'SLOW-MOTION APOCALYPSE’ – NEW ALBUM BY LONDON-BASED ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN OUT 03.11.23
IAN WILLIAMS - SLOW-MOTION APOCALYPSE
new album
out 03.11.23
(Slaughterback)
Bandcamp pre-order [CD & DL]
“Clever, beautiful and inspiring, we could certainly do a lot worse than go out on a high with this playing as the soundtrack *****”
OUTSIDE LEFT
includes
CHRONOPOLIS
stream
also includes the single
THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE WORLD
buy
“Think Vangelis sharing ideas with Tangerine Dream and Jean-Michel Jarre. Cinematic, with spacey, melodramatic vocals, it is proud, mighty and fearless and has a heroic feel”
TURN UP THE VOLUME
“The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence” - Charles Bukowski
The new album by London-based musician/composer Ian Williams marks an abrupt handbrake turn away from the minimalism of his previous release, ‘All Becomes Desert’ [2021]. Rather, 'Slow-Motion Apocalypse' is all about impact; the epic devastation of a civilisation hell-bent on cutting off its own life-support systems and a furious elegy for the headlong rush to exhaust the planet’s precious resources to enrich a handful of unvisionaries whose main preoccupation seems to be going to Mars, or buying footballers...because that will definitely help.
Think of the music itself as a rant, a protest against the beige-ness of the current vogue for music as a tranquilliser for the masses. This is not music to meditate to and it doesn’t provide a safe space for the expression of warm and fuzzy feelings. Instead, it rages. Hybrid electronic-orchestral sculptures carved in the sides of mountains, with gigantic avalanches of rhythm pulled along by an interlocking delirium of melody and noise.
Ah, melody…it is the one ideal held sacrosanct here - imagine Aphex Twin mutating into Carmina Burana via a spaghetti western detour, as heard in ‘After We’re Gone’, or ‘Magenta’ with its spaced-out dub as a spy theme floats by, or ‘Chronopolis’ with its skyscrapers full of colossal piano chords to soundtrack the novel Ballard never got around to filming. After all, we might as well enjoy the dying light at the end of the world - what else can we do?
The album also includes Williams’ current single, ‘The Light At The End Of The World’. An intoxicating mixture of bubbling sequencers, tribal beats and soaring synths, it has a gorgeous ethereal vocal melody and sounds like a Tangerine Vangelis, while it is accompanied by an interdimensional video shot somewhere between the Orion Nebula and Margate.
SLOW-MOTION APOCALYPSE
TRACKLISTING
1 The Long Drift
2 Dragster
3 Chronopolis
4 After We’re Gone
5 Magenta
6 Girl With The Thunderbolt Kick
7 If You Had Only One Bullet
8 The Light At The End Of The World
Ian Williams began his music career in Edinburgh in the mid 1980s as a founder of Beautiful Pea Green Boat, whose ethereal, atmospheric sound pre-dated the vogue for dream pop by at least twenty years. Several collaborations with Lebanese choreographer Joumana Mourad and her contemporary dance company Ijad saw him fuse Arabic/classical/techno/ambient styles, following which he changed tack to work with singer Claudia Barton as Gamine, releasing two albums of dark, piano-led torch songs and lullabies.
Recent discography:
2019: THE DREAM EXTORTIONISTS - debut solo album of dark piano and electronics which balanced melancholia with melody.
2020: LES BLESSURES INVISIBLES (Invisible Wounds) - an eclectic electronic soundtrack to a documentary film by French director Eric Michel that took an unsettling look at the after-effects of the withdrawal of the uranium mining operation in Gabon (which supplied the French nuclear industry) on the local population. Williams has also recently completed the soundtrack to Michel’s new WW2 spy documentary, ‘Le Mystère Lucie’ (Code Name Lucy), due for imminent release.
2021: ALL BECOMES DESERT - an album of minimalist ambiences and warm analogue soundscapes evoking the wide-open, empty spaces of the great deserts. It consists of a series of electronic improvisations made by Williams three decades earlier processed through the wonders of modern technology.
OUR MAN IN THE FIELD - 'HOW LONG' – NEW SINGLE OUT NOW + UK TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT
OUR MAN IN THE FIELD | Alex Ellis 2023 photo
OUR MAN IN THE FIELD - HOW LONG
new single
out now
(In The Field Recordings)
digital services
included on
GOLD ON THE HORIZON
new album
out 24.11.23 (LP & CD) | 03.11.23 (digital)
pre-order
‘How Long’ is the second single to be released from ‘Gold On The Horizon’, the forthcoming new album by Our Man In The Field aka singer/songwriter and actor Alex Ellis, who leads a crack team of musicians plying a winning combination of indie-folk and Americana with significant soulful country vibes that nods to the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice, Wilco, Ryan Adams and Lambchop. The new single finds Ellis lamenting the lack of decorum or respect in the media, politics and in public life, of which he states: “I’m more or less a glass half full kind of person, so I usually feel content that however bad things get or however far away from my preferred position society moves, it’ll pass and at some point we’ll move back towards the middle and it’ll get easier. However, it seems like we’ve been waiting a long time for that now.”
Out in November, ‘Gold On The Horizon’ has been produced by Tucker Martine (The National, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Roseanne Cash) and was recorded in Portland, Oregon. Its twelve songs are a collection of life observations and the urge to explore their universal meanings via Ellis’ fly-on-the-wall alter-persona. He explains: “I think of Our Man In The Field as more of a character and not really even me. I don’t necessarily want the listener to think about the songs as being mine or about me, it’s more about the story and the characters in them. They’re always about real people and hopefully that makes them relatable.”
OMITF issued a well-received debut album, ‘The Company Of Strangers’, in 2020 and wowed audiences promoting it when guesting for the likes of The Delines and touring in their own right. ‘Gold On The Horizon’ sees them move up a level with songs that range from raw and barren in ‘Come Back To Me’, which showcases Ellis’ trademark soulful vocal harmonies via a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar and pedal steel, to the spacious mirror ball slow-dance of ‘Go Easy’, to the full desert noir feel of horns, baritone guitar and backing harmonies running through album opener ‘Feel Good’. It also includes the bright, upbeat teaser single ‘Last Dance’ [LISTEN], which recalls Hiss Golden Messenger (who recently had an album mixed by Martine) and is embellished with a country fiddle melody and oscillating synth line.
A London launch event for ‘Gold On The Horizon' at The Slaughtered Lamb on 25th November has sold out and a second set added. Shows are at 6.30pm and 9pm.
OMITF will also be touring to promote the album, with other current dates and confirmed post-release shows as follows:
14.10.23 MALMESBURY The Kings Arms
21.10.23 NEWBALD Village Hall
11.11.23 HOLLYCOMBE Hollycombe Home Farm
08.12.23 GREAT EASTON Village Hall
11.02.24 SHEFFIELD Greystones
12.02.24 BIRMINGHAM Kitchen Garden Cafe
13.02.24 OXFORD The Jericho
15.02.24 MANCHESTER Gullivers
16.02.24 GLASGOW Glad Cafe
17.02.24 NEWCASTLE Cluny
18.02.24 SALTBURN Theatre
19.02.24 HEBDEN BRIDGE Trades Club
tickets
Our Man In The Field was the result of an epiphany. In 2014, Ellis found himself in hospital under observation for intense abdominal pains. Worryingly, a tumour was discovered, a similar growth having accounted for his father’s death in his 40s. As Ellis awaited treatment, he reflected on his dad’s life - hard work in a job he didn’t like and unable to enjoy the fruits of his labour - and realised he needed to make some changes to avoid the same fate.
Until then, Ellis had been an actor, with TV ads and other gigs keeping him afloat until the next audition, but nothing to catapult him to fame. Having just auditioned for one especially denigrating role, his health scare begged the question: ‘What do I want to do?’ And, what Ellis thought of while bored and anxious in his hospital bed wasn’t acting, but playing his guitar and the freedom and expression that songwriting offered. Upon his discharge and subsequent recovery, he began writing and creating his aesthetic and sonic identity.
Ellis had actually written his first songs as a football mad teen growing up in the north-east, but never took music seriously until moving to London and recording a few efforts that a friend sent to Tom Robinson, who played them on his BBC 6 Music show. This led to Ellis' first live outings, followed by a return to the studio to make what became ‘The Company Of Strangers’.
GOLD ON THE HORIZON
TRACKLISTING
1 Feel Good
2 Come Back To Me
3 L’Etranger
4 Silver Linings
5 Great White Hope
6 Go Easy
7 Glad To See You
8 Last Dance
9 How Long
10 The Road Interlude
11 Long Forgotten
12 The Road
“We were lucky enough to tour with Our Man In The Field, and all of us in The Delines became huge fans. Their new album is the best thing they’ve done so far….and that's saying something. It's currently on repeat in our van and is a true beauty of a record.”
Willy Vlautin - The Delines
TICKETVERKOOP MUSICAL ‘JEANNE D’ARC’ VAN START
Productiehuis Historalia blaast volgend jaar 10 kaarsjes uit! Om deze bijzondere mijlpaal te vieren, vindt er in augustus 2024 rond Kasteel de Merode in Westerlo een spectaculair musicalspektakel over de iconische Jeanne d’Arc plaats.
Het belooft een meeslepende reis door het leven van deze legendarische Franse heldin te worden. Een verhaal geschreven door Jelle Cleymans en Jef Hoogmartens, gecomponeerd door Sam Gevers en geregisseerd door Luc Stevens. Deze spectaculaire musical wordt een absoluut hoogtepunt van het culturele seizoen.
“Jeanne d’Arc, een voorbeeld van moed en vastberadenheid, herinnert ons eraan dat zelfs de meest onwaarschijnlijke helden de loop van de geschiedenis kunnen veranderen.” (Simon de Merode)
De ticketverkoop is vandaag (zondag) officieel van start gegaan. Tickets & info via: https://www.historalia.be/jeanne-darc/
JOBY FOX - 'I ONCE WAS A HAWK NOW I’M A DOVE' – LONG AWAITED SECOND SOLO ALBUM BY NORTHERN IRISH MUSICIAN AND HUMANITARIAN OUT 06.10.23
JOBY FOX
I ONCE WAS A HAWK NOW I’M A DOVE
new album
out 06.10.23 [digital] | 24.11.23 [CD]
(Dimple Discs)
Bandcamp
includes the singles
I LOVE YOU
FALLING digital services | NO HOME video
Joby Fox is a Belfast-born songwriter, musician and humanitarian who began his career in his teens as bassist of the post-punk band The Bankrobbers. Releasing their debut single on renowned local label Good Vibrations in 1982, they appeared on the TV show The Tube and were snapped up by EMI, issuing two further singles before splitting. Fox then co-founded Energy Orchard and wrote their first single and biggest hit, ‘Belfast’, which reached no 1 in Ireland and also charted in the UK.
Leaving Energy Orchard in 1991, Fox embarked on a new phase of his career that saw him acquire production and sound design skills and record a number of electronic songs for Sony. He has over the years worked with artists as diverse as Steve Earle and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. He also began dividing his time between Ireland and Denmark for family reasons - albeit with his roots remaining firmly planted in his homeland - and eventually embarked on a solo career in 2011 that has afforded him the opportunity to interpret his culture in new ways via international collaborations.
His first solo album, ‘End Of The War’ [2013] was described by The Irish News as “beautifully wrapped up for mass consumption, like an iron fist in a velvet glove”. Its release was accompanied by a short film entitled ‘Lost Commandos’ that challenged perceptions of identity in Northern Ireland and was chosen to open the inaugural UN Peace Festival in Hong Kong.
Its follow-up, ‘I Once Was A Hawk Now I’m A Dove’, has taken a full decade to appear, but Fox has been more than busy in the meantime. Taking a break from gigging in 2015, he was in Lesbos and witnessed the increasingly hazardous plight of refugees when a vessel capsized that resulted in dozens of unnecessary deaths. Deciding that more had to be done to help, he co-founded the organisation Refugee Rescue, receiving a boat donated by artist Jake Chapman and operated by a voluntary professional crew that has saved almost 20,000 lives in the Mediterranean.
In 2016 he also became involved with the Orchestre des Réfugiés et Amis as its musical director. Providing opportunities for musicians with Refugee or Asylum status in Northern Ireland to collaborate, it created a true global fusion and facilitated workshops and awareness sessions in schools and youth clubs that have challenged pre-conceived perceptions of refugees and migrants.
Fox was visiting family in Denmark when the world closed down in 2020. Trapped among forests and lakes, he wrote a new set of songs including several about coming to terms with his recent experiences, as well as the altered reality of that period. These were later recorded in the city of Aalborg with a young trio of leading emerging talents in the Danish jazz and folk scene before being co-produced by Fox with Søren Mikkelsen in the famed Medley Studios, Copenhagen. The result is ‘I Once Was A Hawk Now I’m A Dove’, a superb amalgamation of two cultures and cross-genres that blends extrovert Irish with Scandinavian cool. The Belfast Telegraph have already given it the thumbs up, declaring that “he has always been an emotional artist, but this is exceptional work. It has a brooding power that’s akin to Christy Moore and Van Morrison”.
Fox states that the album title “speaks about the emergence of a ‘New Ireland’ and specifically to those who feel trepidation about the future. The message is simple - we have all come a long way together.”
A video for the album’s closing song, ‘I Love You’, has been made available to coincide with its initial digital only release. A remastered version of a track originally released as a single in 2011, Fox has performed it at weddings, in various Irish embassies abroad and, not least, for the late Irish-American actress Maureen O'Hara, who was the original inspiration for the song. O'Hara starred alongside John Wayne in the classic 1952 film ‘The Quiet Man’, which was filmed in the village of Cong in County Mayo, and visited again 60 years later. Fox spent a few days in her company and performed ‘I Love You’ for her at a private session in Ashford Castle. Fox recalls that “it was a very special moment for me as the film is a favourite of mine and I have fond memories of watching it with my family when growing up. Maureen O'Hara was a great actress and a huge star in Ireland.”
The album also includes the singles ‘No Home’ and ‘Falling’. Of the former, Fox had seen a similarity between his work with refugees and his own mid-19th century forebears, stating that “the parallel between current victims of forced migration and Irish population of the 1840s struck me. Having witnessed first-hand the desperation of whole families and communities, and indeed countries, my imagination brought me vicariously to the trauma of my Irish ancestors. There is a line where I sing ‘I curse the English profiteers’, although I want to be careful to make the point that I’m not condemning all English people of that time, because they themselves suffered from the class system, and still do, to this day. In that way we all stand together.”
As for ‘Falling’, Fox reveals that “I started to get an emotional connection to the song as soon as I began singing the title. I wrote it at a time when I was trying to process my involvement in the refugee crisis and the terrible treatment of people who have already suffered untold pain and upheaval in their lives. I had underestimated the profound effect that being in that environment had on my life. The song is about the healing effect of being in a loving and supportive relationship.”
Fox continues to live and work between Ireland and Denmark.
I ONCE WAS A HAWK NOW I’M A DOVE
TRACKLISTING
1 Falling
2 Don’t Come To My Rescue
3 I Took A Walk
4 No Home
5 Angels Fly
6 Dream On
7 I Thought I Knew You
8 This World Is Crazy
9 I Love You
MUSICIANS
Joby Fox - vocals, guitar
Nikolaj Svaneborg - piano
Søren Nissum - guitar
Mark Kuhn - bass
Aske Stubkjaer Madsen - drums
Freja Underbjerg Wurtz - backing vocals
Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
BILL LASWELL & PETE NAMLOOK - 'OUTLAND' - 6CD BOX SET OF BOUNDARY PUSHING ELECTRONIC RECORDINGS OUT 13.10.23
BILL LASWELL &
PETE NAMLOOK
OUTLAND
6xCD box set | digital
out 13.10.23
(Cold Spring | CSR327BX)
DARK AMBIENT | ELECTRONICA | DRONE
pre-order from
Cold Spring | Bandcamp
includes
FROM THE EARTH TO THE CEILING PART 1
The ‘Outland’ album series was a collaborative endeavour by the visionary US bassist-producer Bill Laswell and the late German musician Peter Namlook that pushed the boundaries of ambient and electronic music. Spanning five albums released over a thirteen year period from 1994, this new box set serves as a testament to the creative synergy between the two masterminds.
A lavish matte-finish box opens to the five ‘Outland' albums in separate matte sleeves with all-new designs, while all the audio has been completely remastered. The box also contains a new addition to the series - an album of dense, bass space drone by Laswell entitled ‘Blackland'. The box also contains an exclusive card with an essay about the project written by Laswell.
At the time the duo joined forces, the New York-based Laswell was already a famous producer with a massive client list that included cutting-edge rock, pop, funk, jazz and electronic artists, but he had also founded the Axiom label in 1989 and been responsible for groundbreaking work in genres that included ambient, dub and world music. Namlook was recognised as a pioneering figure in the ambient techno scene, having founded the label FAX +49-69/450464 in his native Frankfurt in 1992.
’Outland’ became a fusion of their individual musical sensibilities that resulted in a unique set of releases. At the heart of the series is an exploration of sound as a vehicle for emotion and contemplation, with Laswell's signature basslines and experimental soundscapes interweaving seamlessly with Namlook's ethereal textures and intricate sonic layering. Each album is characterised by a sense of expansiveness, taking listeners on a voyage through rarely charted sonic dimensions. All have the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and have their own distinctive sonic palette, ranging from ambient tranquility to cosmic intensity.
‘Outland’ has endured as an influential touchstone, its impact felt not only in its captivating soundscapes but also in its invitation to engage in deep introspection and cosmic contemplation. With each album, the duo beckoned listeners to transcend the mundane and embark on a sonic voyage into the extraordinary, where sound becomes a conduit for spiritual and artistic expression.
The collaboration actually began after Namlook discovered that several samples from early Fax releases had been utilised for Laswell’s own projects, prompting an initial forthright exchange that quickly turned into a mutual admiration society. “We started to send music back and forth, Frankfurt to Brooklyn and back again,” explains Laswell. “There were so many recordings and different collaborations that several of them turned into a series. In addition to ‘Outland’, there was ‘Psychonavigation’, ‘The Dark Side Of The Moog’ and more.”
For ‘Outland’, he recalls that “I had done an Asian tour with my friend Akira Sakata where I managed to record a lot of traditional music in Mongolia, which is heavy drone singing and the ultimate ambient. When I was in Europe, I brought these recordings to Pete and we worked on them in Frankfurt. That was the start of ‘Outland’, which then continued for another four releases.”
He also reveals that Namlook told him about the very start of his career. “He was playing guitar and working in a bank. Every day, on his way home with his guitar, he would pass a river and stop and play with the river flowing. I think that’s where his ambient obsession began. I recorded a piece with Bernie Worrell entitled ‘By A River (for Peter)’, which is the first track of the box set compilation ‘Die Welt ist Klang: A Tribute to Pete Namlook’, which was released in 2013, a year after his death.”
THE LAST HURRAH (!!) - 'DUSTY ROAD' – THIRD SINGLE FROM ‘60S INSPIRED NEW ALBUM HELMED BY LEGENDARY NORWEGIAN MUSICIAN & PRODUCER
THE LAST HURRAH (!!) | HP Gundersen 2023 photo
THE LAST HURRAH (!!)
DUSTY ROAD
new single
out 06.10.23
(TBC Records)
digital services
included on the album
MODERN NOSTALGIA
out 27.10.23
pre-order/save/add
‘Dusty Road’ is the third single to be lifted from ‘Modern Nostalgia’, the upcoming new album by The Last Hurrah (!!). Akin to a mini road-movie in song, it sees band founder and leader HP Gundersen again leading a superb group of musicians, while it is sung by musician/actor Foster Timms and also features the pedal steel guitar playing of Marty Rifkin. HP explains the background of the song as follows:
“’I wrote it with Leslie Ahern (lyrics) several years ago and have always been fond of it. It’s like a little film. I always imagined that a man would have to sing it, as it was inspired by artists like Gene Clark, Gram Parsons, Leon Russell, Lowell George, Tom Waits...soulful, musical poets accustomed to being out on a winter's night.
I was producing a record in Los Angeles last winter and took part in a jam session one evening. Foster Timms suddenly appeared, resembling a younger Tom Waits, singing and playing a few songs that completely blew me away. He sang from the heart; honestly, intensely and effortlessly, with a phenomenal flair for storytelling.
I invited him to the studio the next day to perform a duet on the album I was involved with, then couldn't help but ask if he wanted to sing ‘Dusty Road’. He said he would if he was really feeling it, as he had only previously sung his own songs. Fortunately, he told me he loved it and deep-dived wholeheartedly into the song and sang it as if it belonged to him. It was absolutely perfect.”
‘Modern Nostalgia’ is the fifth album by The Last Hurrah (!!) and a perfect title for the group's ongoing evolution, showcasing the musical roots and inspiration of HP and his current chosen cohorts. Where the first two albums were widely acclaimed drone-tuned, meditative journeys, the next two were more traditional song-based affairs that incorporated cosmic Americana, country and jazz. ‘Modern Nostalgia’ can be seen in part as a subtle combination of both approaches.
MODERN NOSTALGIA
TRACKLISTING
1 Civilized Wilderness
2 Bonnie Michelle
3 Time Heals Wounds
4 L’albatross
5 Do Believe
6 Modern Nostalgia
7 Paradise
8 Dusty Road
9 Internet Troll
10 Healing
‘Modern Nostalgia’ takes listeners on a loving yet original Transatlantic journey, with European echoes of Serge Gainsbourg, John Barry and Marianne Faithfull rubbing shoulders with the heart of Laurel Canyon and the equally inspirational likes of Gram Parsons, Gene Clark and The Byrds.
With a career that stretches back to 1973, The Last Hurrah (!!) has been HP's main activity since 2020, when the start of the pandemic saw him leave the city of Bergen and move to a former fishing village in west Norway with his pianist wife Cecilie Leganger. Setting up a studio in their basement, a new era began when, despite the cessation of normal social activity, a close circle of musician friends who suddenly had a lot of free time on their hands visited frequently to jam and write songs.
Energised by their idyllic new location and the unique situation they found themselves in, HP and Leganger, plus Rifkin, Nora Yuyue Zheng (guzheng), Stein Inge Brækhus (drums), Andreas Nausdal (bass) and Mari Persen (violin) created new music primarily influenced by a shared nostalgia for 1960s French pop, film music, baroque pop and psychedelic folk. HP’s handpicked choice of singers include compatriot Maria Due on several tracks, plus Americans Tim Scott McConnell (aka Ledfoot) and Shane Alexander, as well as Timms.
THE LAST HURRAH (!!)
PREVIOUS UK REVIEWS
“Raga, hoedowns, California-breezy folk and Appalachian thrumming on an altogether beguiling and irresistibly trippy trip ****”
MOJO
“A masterclass in cosmic country-folk at its best on an epic centrepiece of cantering acoustic picking, psychedelic reveries, bolts of bouzouki and mournful trumpet. Compulsive listening all around”
PROG
“Sound like folk-blues monk John Fahey jamming with a Van Dyke Parks orchestra, or Fleet Foxes suddenly sprouting massive Scandinavian meatball cojones”
SUNDAY TIMES
“File under the vibrant sub genre that is West Coast Norwegian folk psych”
SHINDIG!
“Wonderful country-folk plus a 30 minute sordid saga that takes so many twists and turns it could be half-a-dozen songs all wrapped up in one lengthy but enthralling track ****”
MAVERICK
“Maddeningly well executed. The Last Hurrah!! have seduced me - the bastards!”
WIRE
DAVE BAKER RECEIVES A ‘MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE’
Dave Baker has had commercial success from the start of his career with 1995's "Dance of the Iguana" and 2000's "Focus" which received plenty of radio airplay. His brand of easy-listening and Smooth Jazz music is full of subtle creativity, strong melodies, and impeccable musicianship. It has proven to be quite popular not only in the United States but in Central and South America, Europe, Australia, and Japan. He has recorded ten albums and eight singles thus far and has had a successful career as an instrumental guitarist, working steadily on the East Coast.
The multi-talented Rich Kurtz is a top-notch bassist, singer, cellist, composer and sound engineer who owns Cadence Music Incorporated. As a bassist, he has worked with such artists as Ray Charles, George Benson, Luciano Pavarotti, Harry Connick Jr., and Michael Feinstein among others.
This inventive arrangement of "Message In A Bottle" along with Baker's attractive guitar playing will certainly appeal to your listeners.
MICHAEL LINGTON – ‘SOUTH BAY’
The highly anticipated follow-up to his Top 5 Billboard, #1 RadioWave single “Moon Goddess,” Michael Lington’s “South Bay” is a playful and free-spirited, spontaneous feeling homage to the casual, lighthearted energy of the coastal region of Los Angeles where the veteran saxophonist used to live and wrote the song before moving to his current home in San Diego County.
Co-written by Lington, Grammy-winning guitarist/producer Paul Brown and guitarist Shane Theriot (and produced by Brown), “South Bay" has a sassy, strutting sax melody over an edgy light funk crunch groove, offering an infectious coolness punctuated by waves of Lington’s trademark soaring emotion. While mixing the track, Brown – whose fiery electric guitar solo is a highlight – told the saxophonist that he felt “South Bay” could become a signature tune for him.
Lington debuted “South Bay” live at Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Getaway – and instantly inspired everyone to get up and dance. It’s yet another example of the saxophonist fulfilling his mission to be relatable, connect with people and leave everyone with a feeling of joy.
"South Bay"
Written by Shane Theriot, Paul Brown and Michael Lington
Produced and Mixed by Paul Brown
Mastered by Steve Hall
Michael Lington - Alto Sax
Shane Theriot – Keyboards & Drum Programming
Paul Prown - Guitar
BONEY JAMES MAKES A ‘DETOUR’
Detour, on Concord Records, is chart-topping jazz/R&B sax player Boney James’ 18th studio album. Appropriately titled, this latest album is a subtle stylistic turn that builds on the commercial success of 2020’s Solid, his highest charting release ever on the pop charts, peaking in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.
Like Solid, Detour provides a welcome respite from an increasingly foreboding world filled with political strife. It’s a trip through James’ distinctive contemporary jazz/R&B landscapes, layered in quicksilver watercolor images and cinematic set pieces. Detour represents the next extension of Boney James’ trademark blend of genres which includes blues, soul, roots, classical, art-pop and hip-hop.
Detour was recorded largely at Boney’s L.A. home studio in his backyard (live drums and percussion were tracked at venerable Sunset Sound), with both regular collaborators like former band guitarist, now an in-demand writer/producer, Jairus “J-Mo” Mozee (Anderson.Paak, Nicki Minaj, Anthony Hamilton) and hot newcomer BeatsMadeByFresh aka Christian Frazier. Among the other musicians on the album are keyboardist Tim Carmon (Eric Clapton), longtime drummer Omari Williams and bassist Alex Al, renowned percussionist Lenny Castro, and guitarists Big Mike Hart and Paul Jackson Jr.
During his 30-year career, Boney has earned four Grammy nominations (“I’m not gonna lie... I’d still love a statue,” he says), two NAACP Image Award nominations and a Soul Train Award, while a dozen of his albums have landed at #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart. His collaborators in the past include a who’s who of R&B and soul: Raheem DeVaughn, Faith Evans, George Benson, George Duke, Dwele, Al Jarreau, Philip Bailey, Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Eric Benét, Dave Hollister, Stokley Williams, Kenny Lattimore and Angie Stone.
“What drives me is my love of making music and my desire for people to hear what I’ve made,” he says. “I still love the communal aspect of playing live. There’s nothing else like it.” - Boney James
SOUL AVENGERZ, ADEVA - ‘MUSICAL FREEDOM’
British peak-time House Music connoisseur, Soul Avengerz (aka Paul Gardner), joins forces with US vocal legend, Adeva, on a potent remake of her 1989 House classic with Paul Simpson, ‘Musical Freedom’, for Fool’s Paradise. Having re-recorded all the vocals, Adeva belts out a dazzling new version of one of house music’s most iconic songs. Retaining a dash of nostalgia, whilst propelling the song onto 2023’s dancefloors with a bang, Soul Avengerz delivers an uplifting piano house soundtrack loaded with brass, string stabs and bumping beats to ramp up the hedonistic vibes on this much loved classic.
Paul Gardner has been an integral part of the London house scene for a number of decades. No one does peak time floor fillers better than Soul Avengerz. He has worked with and remixed some of the best names in the biz including Marshall Jefferson, Queen, Axwell, Inaya Day, Nightcrawlers, George Benson, Kaskade, Beyonce, Blondie, Alison Limerick, Shapeshifters, Joey Negro, Katherine Ellis, Roland Clark, Sterling Void and Krysten Cummings, to name but a few. And his work has graced major and key dance music labels including, CR2, Positiva, Ministry of Sound, Big Love, Black Riot, Manifesto, Sony BMG, Hed Kandi, Trois Garçon, Milk&Sugar, Universal and Strictly Rhythm, among others.
Adeva has one of the most iconic soulful voices in dance. She has been a hugely successful artist since the very beginnings of House Music in the late 80’s and through the 90’s and 2000’s. Her rich musical career boasts an abundance of albums and chart hit singles including, ‘Respect’, ‘I Thank You’, ‘Musical Freedom’ and ‘In and Out of My Life’, along with ‘Too Many Fish’ and ‘Whadda U Want (From Me)’ with Frankie Knuckles, among many more.
Track Listing
1 Musical Freedom
2 Musical Freedom (Extended)
‘Musical Freedom’ will be released on October 6th 2023 on Fool’s Paradise.
Soul Avengerz, Adeva
‘Musical Freedom’
Fool’s Paradise / FP006
https://www.facebook.com/queenofhousemusic/
https://www.facebook.com/SoulAvengerz.paul
www.facebook.com/foolsparadiserecs
www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs
NEW SINGLE ‘LEÃO LEONARDO’ FROM TOCO
Schema Records share 'Leão Leonardo', the first in a series of singles preceding Toco's new album coming up in 2024.
Heartfelt and engaging, the song is a homage to a childhood friend, a tribute to a deep and everlasting bond, as well as a return to a place very dear to Toco: the Guarapiranga water reservoir near São Paulo in Brazil.
'Leão Leonardo' is mainly inspired by two great samba jazz masters, Jorge Ben and João Donato. Recorded at Schema Records’ Blue Spirit studios, the song was produced by Stefano “S-Tone Inc.” Tirone.
'Leão Leonardo', as well as on digital format, will be physically released on a 7-inch record in Autumn 2023, accompanied by a second unreleased track, 'Guajiru'.
CELEBRATE ME HOME - R&B & JAZZ HITMAKER ADAM HAWLEY DROPS HIS FIRST HOLIDAY ALBUM, ‘WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME’, THIS FRIDAY.
RIVERSIDE (5 October 2023): Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, it’s a joyous energy, a feeling, and a time of year permeated with sweet memories, meaning and music. For 13-time Billboard chart-topping guitarist, songwriter and producer Adam Hawley, his Christmases growing up in Portland, Oregon began by dropping an old turntable needle on a vinyl record, filling his family’s home with traditional holiday tunes as they gathered around the fireplace where kids opened presents and dreamed about a white Christmas. He puts his own soulful spin on ten Christmas classics, producing and freshly arranging tracks for “What Christmas Means To Me,” which releases on the MBF Entertainment imprint on Friday (October 6).
Like most people do while celebrating Christmas, Hawley surrounds himself on his fifth album with family and friends. His wife, R&B songstress Kat Hawley, shines radiantly on an emotional acoustic guitar version of “Mary, Did You Know?” Julian Vaughn adds lyrical bass verses to a seriously funky version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Reuniting with vocalist L. Young who appeared on Hawley’s 2016 debut album, “Just The Beginning,” the title track is a high-energy swinger. Marcus Anderson answers “Do You Hear What I Hear?” with a comforting caress on saxophone and flute. Singer Matt Cusson wraps the set with a heartfelt bow on “Celebrate Me Home.”
Throughout the journey, Hawley’s guitar pilots the project as brightly as Rudolph. Whether he’s playing electric or steel-string acoustic guitar, Hawley dispenses deft and dexterous leads, strums deep-pocketed rhythmic grooves, and communicates contemplatively.
Trimming the tracks with festive color and illuminating light, Hawley ornaments the album generously with decorative horns and dramatic strings. Having been a first-call session player before stepping into the spotlight as a soloist equipped him with a robust network of ace musicians who eagerly accepted the invitation to celebrate with the guitarist. The accomplished ensemble includes drummers Eric Valentine and Dan Needham; bassists Mel Brown and Ian Martin; percussionist Ramon Yslas, keyboardist Carnell Harrell, multiple horn player and arranger David Mann; trumpeter/flugelhornist and arranger Michael Stever; saxophonist Andrew Neu, trombonist Nick Lane, and strings by Grammy nominee Tyries Rolfe.
A Hawley trademark is opening his albums big, and he delivers once again with “Jingle Bells,” setting the tempo for what’s to come.
“I am always looking to make a statement with the first track of any album. I am extremely excited to ‘Adam-ize’ ‘Jingle Bells.’ It's upbeat, funky, and a wonderful way to lead off my debut Christmas album,” said Hawley who will perform on Friday at the Gulf Coast Jazz Festival Fall Edition in Pensacola.
Hawley explores the melancholy side of Christmastime on “Christmas Time Is Here,” interpreting Vince Giraldi’s “Charlie Brown” chestnut.
About “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” Hawley said, “I had fun leaning on my jazz roots and performing this as a jazz waltz.”
The sleigh soars over South Africa for an imaginative interpretation of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” performed in a trio setting with guitar, bass and percussion.
Delving into blues territory for the first time in his recording career, Hawley’s “A Child Is Born” is blessed with a crafty Stever horn arrangement.
When Hawley decided to record a Christmas collection, he knew from the start that he wanted to close with Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home,” one of his personal favorites.
“There’s nothing like being home for the holidays. This song captures that spirit perfectly. When people ask what Christmas means to me, this song is my answer. It’s warm, it’s from the heart, and it’s all about family, just like Christmas should be.”
Hawley’s “What Christmas Means To Me” album contains the following songs:
“Jingle Bells”
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” featuring Julian Vaughn
“What Christmas Means To Me” featuring L. Young
“Christmas Time Is Here”
“Mary, Did You Know?” featuring Kat Hawley
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” featuring Marcus Anderson
“A Child Is Born”
“Celebrate Me Home” featuring Matt Cusson
For more information, please visit https://www.adamhawley.com.
JAZZ, GUITAR AND ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI – ART RUPRECHT’S SPIRITED NEW SINGLE, ‘IF NECESSARY, USE WORDS’, IS RECEIVING AIRPLAY ON DOZENS OF RADIO STATIONS ACROSS THE NATION.
ST. LOUIS (4 OCTOBER 2023): In this noisy era of incessant broadcast media coverage and social media clamoring, one may long for communication by action instead of words. And since many experts believe that the larger part of communication is nonverbal, living authentically through action may be a desirable goal. Those are some of the thoughts contemporary jazz guitarist Art Ruprecht contemplated when writing and producing his rousing new Flame Productions single, “If Necessary, Use Words.”
The second single from Ruprecht’s “New Every Day” album is a guitar and saxophone duet featuring Fred Middlekauff on tenor sax. The track was swiftly added to dozens of smooth/contemporary jazz playlists across the country.
Storming out of the gate, Ruprecht issues gregarious electric jazz guitar leads and soulful rhythmic riffs. He volleys playfully with Middlekauff’s fervent horn forays as the duo builds to crescendo while trading impassioned solos. Jeff Tobler’s EVI and Martin Klein’s keyboards thicken the harmonies tethered to the rhythm track constructed by Joshua West’s bass and Andy Summerfield’s drums.
“The title for the single comes from a quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. ‘Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.’ No one knows for sure if he really said it, but nevertheless it is worthy advice. Actions speak louder than words. When we radiate joy and happiness, people notice,” said Ruprecht, a St. Louis native whose fretwork is influenced by Joe Pass, Pat Martino, Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford and George Benson.
Ruprecht says that “If Necessary, Use Words” mirrors the journey of life.
“The first verse takes the listener through some ups and downs as we all experience in life. It leads to a redemptive chorus in the second part of the song. These parts are repeated with experimentation – our improv solos – leading into the wilderness part of the journey heard during the bridge. Finally, we emerge at a higher level, heard via a change in key, and coast from there to the promised land,” explained Ruprecht.
Ruprecht brings a unique and diverse background to his recording artistry. He’s a multi-instrumentalist who started on the drum kit. Falling in love with bluegrass inspired him to learn violin, mandolin and eventually, guitar. He debuted in 2008 with the “At the End of the Day” album, which was heard frequently on the Weather Channel. His "Cast Your Care" ranked No. 22 on the SmoothJazz.com Top 100 albums for 2019. Ruprecht’s first album in three years, “New Every Day” contains fifteen of his original compositions, including the first single, “Peace Meal,” another guitar and sax offering spotlighting Middlekauff that garnered national airplay last spring.
For more information, please visit https://artruprecht.com.
VETERAN WRITER & PRODUCER KEVIN FLOURNOY AND RENOWED R&B & JAZZ SINGER-SONGWRITER GENE-O FORM CLASSIC TWIST AND RELEASE ‘TIME FOR CHANGE’
Gearing up for the release of “Time for Change,” the infectious, insightful and timely debut single from Classic Twist - the fresh, grooving and innovative, multi-genre duo he’s formed with veteran writer/producer Kevin Flournoy - renowned R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-O played the track for some industry movers and shakers in their home base of Southern California. Their response was auspicious - it reminded them of a modern version of “We Are the World.” If ever the planet needed a hopeful and uplifting new anthem to inspire us to look past our differences and come together in a spirit of love, the time is now.
Written by Gene-O and produced by Flournoy, “Time for Change” is an emphatic call to action that pointedly reflects on everything we need to do to come together and achieve a better world. Over a unique musical vibe that, true to the fusion-driven spirit of Classic Twist, incorporates elements of pop, R&B, country and rock, Gene-O passionately sings, “It’s time we leave our comfort zone/It’s time for you and I to rearrange things/Cause everybody knows it’s time for changes/It’s time we see the light/It’s time to do what’s right. . .So much love/That’s what we all should be thinking of...”
“We recorded this song and are releasing it as our first Classic Twist single because globally we desperately need to effect major change,” says Gene-O, whose most recent solo albums were the back-to-back releases of Born to Love and Christmas with Gene-O. Having spent years performing around the world (China, Japan and the EU) and the U.S., the singer started his career recording and performing with such artists as Baby Bash, N2Deep, The Jets, Maserati, and Sheila E to name a few. Once designated as Best New Artist of the Month by Talking Smooth Jazz Radio – more recently he has shared the stage with the likes of Brian O’Neal (The Bus Boys), Howard Hewitt, Eric Darius, Dru Hill, Lenny Williams (Tower of Power), Joe, and his mentors, Phil Perry and the late great Ricky Lawson.
“Our world is so crazy right now on so many levels,” he adds. “I had the message in my mind and I felt it was something we needed to do together. Kevin and I talk about these issues all the time. Every time we turn on the TV or listen to the radio, they’re talking about more division. The song, like all of the music we’re making together as Classic Twist, reflects the way we live, just loving people. Love and unity form the concept of everything we’re going to do on this project.”
“As veteran musicians and live performers, we know the joy that’s possible when thousands of people from all different backgrounds and beliefs come together to hear music and experience an elevation of positivity,” adds Flournoy, who has written, performed or recorded over the years with Chaka Khan, Babyface, Donny Osmond, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Teena Marie, Jeffrey Osborne, The Pointer Sisters, Jennifer Hudson, Howard Hewitt, Jamie Foxx, The Jazz Crusaders and contemporary jazz greats Boney James, Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum and Harvey Mason.
The duo plans to follow “Time for Change” with several other original singles before releasing an EP or full-length album comprised of new compositions and explosive re-imaginings of classic rock tunes. One of these is the whimsical, high-energy country-soul-rocker “Things are Changing,” a lighthearted song along a similar theme about going out and having some fun. The other is “You’re My Hero,” an inspiring, R&B/gospel flavored tribute to the love of hard- working, self-sacrificing women everywhere that was picked up by an international women’s foundation as their new anthem; Gene-O and Flournoy will be shooting a video for this song this fall. As for the covers, down the road, Classic Twist is excited about presenting their dynamic versions of Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years,” Journey’s “Faithfully” and Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind.”
The concept of Classic Twist is rooted in the longtime friendship and musical camaraderie of Gene-O and Flournoy, who first played together informally at jam sessions hosted by smooth jazz bassist Darryl Williams at Simply Sharon’s restaurant in Temecula, CA. Sometime later, when Gene-O was at one of Flournoy’s gigs at Felix’s Barbecue with Soul in San Diego, the two got to talking about their mutual musical passions, became fast friends and began gigging together.
Over the years, while perfecting their chemistry doing regular gigs at San Diego area hotspots like Covo and countless high-end parties, the two began talking about developing a unique hybrid style that incorporated two of Gene-O’s all-time favorite genres – country and classic rock – that he never had a chance to record or perform because of his success in jazz and R&B and the popular demand for him to continue in that vein. Flournoy, a veteran arranger and producer who loves those styles as well, helped develop and bring to life some of Gene-O’s new songs in a way that incorporated such elements as banjo and steel and electric guitar. They plan to bring in some of the top musicians in the business to cut each song live like an old school ensemble, leading to a transcendent, one-of-a-kind sonic aesthetic that will inevitably be Classic Twist.
Having sung at church from the age of seven, Gene-O began his professional career at seventeen with a Bay Area band called Sho-fur. He has written, produced and collaborated with mega- producers Felton Pilate, Preston Glass, and Tank as well as contemporary jazz greats Adam Hawley, Blake Aaron, Darryl Williams, Cal Harris, Jr. and Will Donato. Flournoy, who earned a B.A. from the UCSD in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Music Science and Technology, is the owner and CEO of Kay-Flow Productions, LLC, a division of Flournoy Entertainment, Inc. His first major label success as a producer was Big Mountain’s international hit “Sweet Sensual Love.” As an artist/producer, this past year he released two versions of a cover of the Jam/Lewis SOS Band Top 5 R&B hit “Tell Me If You Still Care” – the first featuring Phil Perry on vocals, the second with saxophonist Richard Elliott.
RANDOM SOUL PRES – FROM THE VAULT 'HYPNOTIZE ME’ (INCL. RANDOM SOUL, KNIGHT HORSE AND JAMES ALEXANDR REMIXES)
Australia’s acclaimed production duo, Random Soul, return with their 2011 smash ‘Hypnotize Me’ as the next release from their popular ‘From The Vault’ series on Random Soul Recordings. Kicking things off is the ‘2023 Rework’, which rolls on with a pulsing bass line, hypnotic piano/synth, Yogi’s smooth vocals and the trademark sax from the original. Accompanying that is the freshly rebooted ‘2023 Classic’, which they have updated the mix and master on. This track has aged gracefully and remains an absolute essential in the uplifting poolside vibe.
2 of Sydney’s favourite producers, Knight Horse and James Alexandr, deliver some fantastic fresh takes on the song. Knight Horse saddles up on a lush NuDisco/Boogie inspired remix, loaded with 80’s throwback chords and lead melodies that bob and weave around Yogi’s captivating vocal. And James Alexandr ramps up the tempo into clubland, playfully cutting up the sax and vocals for a modern dance floor twist.
Track Listing
1 Hypnotize Me (Random Soul 2023 Rework Extended)
2 Hypnotize Me (Random Soul 2023 Rework Remix)
3 Hypnotize Me (Random Soul 2023 Classic Extended)
4 Hypnotize Me (Random Soul 2023 Classic Remix)
5 Hypnotize Me (Knight Horse Extended)
6 Hypnotize Me (Knight Horse Remix)
7 Hypnotize Me (James Alexandr Extended)
8 Hypnotize Me (James Alexandr Remix)
'Hypnotize Me’ (Random Soul Reworks) will be released on Traxsource promo September 22nd / Full release October 6th 2023.
'Hypnotize Me’ (Knight Horse Remix) will be released on Beatport Promo September 29th / Full release October 13th 2023.
'Hypnotize Me’ (James Alexandr Remix) will be released on Beatport Promo October 6th / Full release October 20th 2023.
Random Soul pres: From The Vault
'Hypnotize Me’ (Incl. Random Soul, Knight Horse and James Alexandr Remixes)
Random Soul Recordings / RSR-87A, RSR-87B. RSR-87C
https://randomsoulmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/randomsoulmusic
https://www.facebook.com/knighthorse2000/
https://www.facebook.com/jamesalxndr/
https://randomsoulrecordings.com/
LEGENDARISCHE STRIPREEKS JOMMEKE KRIJGT EIGEN MONOPOLY VARIANT
Het werd eerder dit jaar al aangekondigd, maar vandaag is het zover: Jommeke krijgt zijn eigen Monopoly variant. Deze officiële Monopoly uitgave, gerealiseerd door spellenontwikkelaar Groep 24 en onder erkende licentie van Hasbro, blijft trouw aan het welbekende spelconcept: kopen en verkopen. Alleen doe je dat in deze versie niet met winkelstraten maar wel met de mooiste albums en tekeningen uit de reeks.
Vandaag werd deze officiële Monopoly-versie voorgesteld door Groep 24 en Standaard Uitgeverij. De editie blijft trouw aan het originele spelconcept maar wordt in de wereld van Jommeke gestoken. Voor de doos werden door de Standaard Uitgeverij nieuwe tekeningen gemaakt, speciaal voor dit spel. Ook de middenplaat van het spelbord bevat nieuwe tekeningen. In totaal werden negen nieuwe ontwerpen gemaakt door Jommeke tekenaar Dieter Steenhaut. De tekeningen werden, zoals steeds voor Jommeke, eerst in inkt op papier gemaakt. Nadien werden de tekeningen gescand en digitaal ingekleurd.
Alle locaties van het klassieke Monopoly-spelbord worden aangepast naar locaties uit de strip. Zo zijn er in totaal 22 iconische covers gekozen die telkens gelinkt zijn aan een locatie. Daarnaast kregen de fans de mogelijkheid om mee stemmen over hun favoriete cover. Het kasteel van achterberg uit de klassieker “De koningin van Onderland” haalde het toen ruim. Het is dan ook niet verwondelijk dat dat de duurste locatie op het bord wordt.
Ook de iconische voer-, vaar-, en vliegtuigen zullen een plaatsje krijgen in het spel. Zo zijn de klassieke stations op het Monopolybord vervangen door de Vliegende bol en de Straalvogel.
Bovendien worden ook de kans- en algemeen fondskaartjes ingevuld met verwijzingen naar de immer populaire stripreeks. Zo zal je bijvoorbeeld Monopoly geld moeten betalen omdat je de grasmobiel om zeep hielp samen met Filiberke.
Monopoly Jommeke is vanaf vandaag beschikbaar in de handel en via www.monopolystore.be.
TOM HEYMAN - '24TH STREET BLUES' – NEW ALBUM BY SAN FRANCISCO BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 08.12.23
TOM HEYMAN | 2023 photo by Lauren Tabak
TOM HEYMAN
24TH STREET BLUES
new album
out 08.12.23 [LP & CD] | 06.10.23 [digital]
(Bohemian Neglect Recording Works)
Bandcamp pre-order
includes the single
THE MISSION IS ON FIRE
out now
New album by US singer-songwriter is a concept record about the endangered culture and living ghosts of the Mission District in San Francisco.
Modern-day San Francisco is stereotypically presented as either a city full of young tech nomads lining up for artisanal coffee, or as a blighted hellscape of fentanyl zombies and street crime. But, on his sixth album, ‘24th Street Blues’, Tom Heyman sings of a more rank-and-file locale, balancing the encroaching darkness of an overdeveloped cityscape with the fragile, abiding beauty of the place he calls home.
“If you stay somewhere long enough, you really start to see it change,” he explains. “Around 2010, the city started to feel like a sped up movie, jerking and lurching forward at a dangerously fast, celluloid-shredding pace with market forces feeling like a locomotive bearing down on anything or anyone in its path.”
Heyman has lived in a sprawling and dilapidated converted-storefront on 24th Street, deep in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, since the turn of the millennium. Detailing observations and interactions from years of struggle living and working in the neighbourhood as it has weathered the storms and aftermath of plutocratic expansion, ‘24th Street Blues’ sounds as much like he has inadvertently followed the Mark Twain credo “Write what you know” as it is a concept piece.
The characters in Heyman’s songs strive to exist (and sometimes perish) under looming cranes that dot the city skyline as he braids timeless narratives with Americana that at times recalls the rusty, boiler-room reverberations of Dylan’s ‘The Basement Tapes’ or the smouldering boogie of JJ Cale, while other moments recall the beautifully sparse melodies of Gordon Lightfoot and the economy of words that were the penchant of John Prine. Over mostly acoustic tapestries, Heyman sings stories of displaced families, endangered bohemians, migrant workers, sidewalk hustlers, surviving musicians, juvenile delinquents, weathered bar workers, junky friends, homeless campers, cannabis farmers and slumlord arsonists.
‘24th Street Blues’ presents a portrait of San Francisco where dues might never be paid in full, but flowers still bloom from the ashes of the digital goldrush. Like any good long-player, its songs work a deep magic on the listener with repeated spins, while Heyman's lyrics take residence in the periphery of the mind like the spectral passages of a Denis Johnson novel. Whether he’s darkening the doors of his district’s many Victorian-styled homes or sharing a drink with a veteran bartender, Heyman has haunted the enduring and evaporating pockets of San Francisco’s heyday long enough to become one of the living ghosts in his own songs.
’24th Street Blues’ also comes packaged with a 60-page songbook comprising lyrics and music charts accompanied by a gorgeous collection of paintings and drawings designed as companion pieces for each song. These have been created by Heyman’s wife Deirdre White, who is an artist and educator acutely tuned into composing images of modern dystopian inequality and the housing/mobility challenges of the American West.
In addition to his solo work, Heyman has spent years as a sought-after journeyman guitarist and pedal steel player recording and touring with a wide array of artists that include Hiss Golden Messenger, Chuck Prophet, Sonny Smith, Kelley Stoltz, Alejandro Escovedo, John Doe, Roy Loney and Penelope Houston. Indeed, his pedal steel playing is one of the distinct sonic threads woven through much of ‘24th Street Blues’. The album has been produced by Mike Coykendall (M. Ward) and mixed by Scott Hirsch (Hiss Golden Messenger).
24TH STREET BLUES
TRACKLISTING
1 24th Street Blues
2 Desperate
3 Barbara Jean
4 Sonny Jim
5 Hidden History
6 The Mission Is On Fire
7 Quit Pretending
8 Like A Lion
9 Searching For The Holy Ghost
10 White Econoline
11 That Tender Touch
12 Desperate (Redux)
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ SAXOPHONIST MICHAEL PAULO HONORS HIS LATE FATHER ON THE NEW SINGLE HE PRODUCED WITH TWO-TIME GRAMMY WINNER PAUL BROWN
A legacy of “Happiness”
MURRIETA (For Immediate Release): It was a number one hit for his father in 1962, becoming “Hawaii’s Favorite and Most Famous Pianist” Rene Paulo’s signature tune. Nine months after Rene’s passing, his son, contemporary jazz saxophonist Michael Paulo, makes the song his own, paying homage to his father’s enduring legacy. Producing the track with two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown, the saxman’s second Woodward Avenue Records single begins collecting playlist adds on Monday (October 2).
There’s vibrant joy inherent in “Here is Happiness,” which is evident to the ears on the new version. Brown’s nylon string guitar sets a gleeful tone before Paulo’s warm and welcoming alto sax ushers the listener along an ebullient path fragrant with verdant melody.
“‘Here is Happiness’ is one of the most special songs in my life. It was the number one pop song as an instrumental in Hawaii. Whenever my father would go anywhere that there was a piano, people would always request him to play the song. Then my mother sang it on her first solo recording with my dad and it became a hit song for her, too. I could not do a recording in his memory without recording ‘Here is Happiness.’ I'm sure my dad would be very happy if he was still alive to hear my version. Whether it becomes a hit song for me remains to be seen, but in my heart, it’s already a hit because every time I play it live from here on, I will remember him and the legacy he left in me,” said Michael Paulo.
The family concept behind the emotional single continued in the recording studio. Paulo surrounded himself with his second family, his longtime band members, to play on the track, including three Hawaiians: keyboardist Kimo Cornwell, guitarist Fred Schreuders and bassist David Inamine. Paulo’s drummer Land Richards constructed the gentle rhythmic groove.
Born and raised in Hawaii and a long-established resident of Southern California, Paulo is a first-call sideman and recording session player who has forty-five years of experience accompanying Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Mathis, Bobby Caldwell, Rick Braun and Peter White. He debuted as a solo artist in 1977 and he’s balanced session and touring gigs with his own recordings ever since. Paulo’s production company, Apaulo Productions, has been producing concerts and festivals in Hawaii and California for more than twenty-five years. In the wake of the fires that devastated Maui, Paulo put together a benefit concert featuring more than twenty artists at the South Coast Winery in Temecula earlier this month.
“My mom and dad were kind and giving people. Following in their footsteps, I make it a point to do many charitable events every year. Recently, we raised over $80,000 at our Jam for Maui concert that my wife, Terri, and I produced,” said Paulo, who spent a lot of time in Lahaina while growing up.
“Here is Happiness” follows Paulo’s Woodward Avenue Records debut, “Hang Time,” a funky, Brown-produced single that put the saxophonist back on the charts at the top of the year. It was Paulo’s first new record in nearly a decade.
For more information, please visit https://michaelpaulo.com.
COYLE GIRELLI - 'MUSEUM DAY' – NEW ALBUM BY NYC BASED BRITISH SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 08.12.23
COYLE GIRELLI | 2023 photo by Shervin Lainez
COYLE GIRELLI
MUSEUM DAY
new album
out 08.12.23 [LP & CD] | 27.10.23 [digital]
(Honey Lemon Records)
includes the single
BETWEEN US
out 29.09.23
digital services
‘Between Us’ is lifted from ‘Museum Day’, the upcoming third solo album by the New York City based British singer-songwriter Coyle Girelli, who is originally from Leeds. A pulsating rhythm swiftly opens out into a strident number with an anthemic quality, as Girelli’s confident, soaring voice relates what he explains is “an enduring love story set in New York. An endless love and one worth living for, it is about someone who, once they enter the frame, never leave it.”
Girelli has previously teased the album title song, ‘Jane Tells A Lie’ and ‘So Predictable’ from ‘Museum Day’, all with a distinctly indie ‘80s-‘00s jangly or glam nature that are variously redolent of The Smiths, The Strokes and Suede and that he himself has described as “half New York, half Manchester.” By contrast, ‘Between Us’ leans towards the former city and musically sits midway between the often epic ‘50s/‘60s sound of his 2018 debut album, ‘Love Kills’, and the more contemporary approach of its early 2022 follow-up, ‘Funland’.
As for the new record as a whole, Girelli himself states that “I think it is the logical next step on from ‘Funland’. I really let my instinct lead the way and wrote and recorded it quickly, so it feels fresh. I purposely didn’t overthink the album, almost letting it write itself to tell its stories of moments, people, lovers, and I found it fulfilling to create in the flow. It makes life easier when you’re not overanalysing every little detail and just letting the songs do their thing.”
Previously compared to fellow troubadours such as Roy Orbison and Richard Hawley, the dreamy slo-mo nature of new songs such as the sumptuous ‘Swim’ and louche ‘I Tried To Love You’ demonstrate that this is music with appeal to fans of acts as varied as Cigarettes After Sex and Stephen Sanchez, while the gorgeously atmospheric ‘Nobody’, Americana-vibed ‘Real Love’ and acoustic guitar/vocal only album closer ‘New York Rain’ are simple yet memorable songs that showcase an artist of true depth.
MUSEUM DAY
TRACKLISTING
1 Jane Tells A Lie
2 Museum Day
3 Swim
4 So Predictable
5 Between Us
6 Real Love
7 Nobody
8 The Girl
9 I Tried To Love You
10 New York Rain
As a songwriter, Girelli has written for pop acts that include BTS, Robin Schulz, Westlife and Macklemore, collaborated with celebrated songsmiths such as Mac Davis and Linda Perry, and co-written for the award winning French musicals ‘Robin Des Bois’ (2013) and ‘Les Trois Mousquataries’ (2016). He is currently creating a new musical entitled ‘Choreomania’ with director Kevin Newbury and Up Until Now Collective, while his immersive theatre production ‘True Love Forever’ in collaboration with Third Rail Projects is set to open in early 2024. Girelli released its title track as a single in January 2023.
Girelli’s early career saw him fronting the Leeds-based alt rock/post-punk bands Your Vegas and The Chevin, with a performance by the latter on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ while on tour in the US prompting its host to state: “If I had a voice like that, I’d run for President.” He issued a well received 2018 solo debut album, 'Love Kills’, followed by ‘Funland’ four years later that was described by Louder Than War as “a wonderful collection of rich and atmospheric soundscapes with Girelli emerging as the ultimate balladeer. He has a vocal style which absorbs all that is great about the likes of Roy Orbison and Richard Hawley.” A single from it, ‘Do You Wanna Dance’, gained traction at US radio, while an atmospheric ballad from its predecessor entitled ’Something Strange In The Night’ received belated recognition following its use in a Netflix TV sync.
RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. -‘READY FOR ANYTHING’ (DIGITAL SINGLE)
That UNMISTAKABLE voice…..that STYLISTICALLY beautiful musical ambiance - that can accurately describe RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. and his new single “Ready For Anything”.
This new song and production/arrangement Preston Glass & Christian Belnavis takes us back to a beautiful time when heart-stirring melodies and thought-provoking lyrics were king.
This single is a prelude to an upcoming fantastic album by the former (original) lead singer of the STYLISTICS. CHECK IT OUT! Executive Produced by David Nathan & Preston Glass.
(On Platinum Garage Recordings/SOUL MUSIC RECORDS)…..A Seepin Ventures production.
GREGORY AMOS – ‘GOOSE BUMP’
A North Carolina native, Soul saxophonist Gregory Amos has been on the Richmond, Virginia music scene for the past 21 years. He is a songwriter, producer, multi-talented musician, and entrepreneur. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, after spending nearly 20 years in Corporate America as a Staff Engineer, Amos left a very fruitful and prosperous career in 2016 to dedicate his energy and efforts solely to following his dreams and passions of working fulltime in the music and entertainment industry .
His music is often described as being melodic, soulful, soothing, tranquil, and spirit filled. Amos writes/composes, and produces most of his music. Releasing his EP “I Belong To You” in 2011, “Simply Christmas” EP & “Holiday Cheer” Single 2014, “A Change Is Gonna Come” Single in 2016, “Joyful Christmas“ Album in 2017, “Old Rugged Cross” Single in 2018, and Lover’s Lane 2022, Gregory Amos pours himself into his instrument, captivating your soul. He delivers heartfelt performances that are sure to speak to you.
ARTHUR THOMPSON FT. DAVE KOZ & ERIN STEVENSON – ‘WE CAN BEAT CANCER’
Arthur Thompson – a Tulsa native who now resides in Los Angeles, California – is a drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter, producer, author, designer, entrepreneur, and teacher. He was the drummer for the late Wayman Tisdale. Singer/songwriter Toby Keith recorded the song “Crying for Me” in honor of Wayman. Arthur recorded and performed this song with Toby Keith, along with Dave Koz and Marcus Miller. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2011.
Deeply moved by the realities faced by at-risk children, as well as the drastic reduction of music and arts education in schools today, Arthur created Math & Music©, a curriculum that relates basic mathematical concepts with musical notes and scales incorporating repetitive auditory memorization skills. This rhythmic approach to learning uses engaging characters created by Arthur. Math & Music© helps make learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division fun for all children. This curriculum has been taught in Oklahoma, Texas, and California. Arthur also takes his life-changing curriculum to the children of Uganda, Africa and Nicaragua. As part of a yearly Medical Global Outreach “Power of a Nickel”, Arthur has donated his time and his resources to these children by teaching them his curriculum and training and equipping their teachers.
For over 10 years, he was a co-founder and a director of the Promises for Families© Foundation, which provided summer camps and school programs for children and youth with an incarcerated parent. Arthur has a passion for working with at-risk youth. He has created a way to mix music and education by energizing, engaging, and inspiring children. He uses his gift of music, movement, and storytelling to touch the lives of hundreds of children each and every day. Arthur uses his drums as an instrument for positive change. He has an immense passion for both his music and the children that he works with on a daily basis.
ILYA SEROV – ‘CHAMPAGNE SKY’
Award-winning trumpeter /singer /guitarist /band leader Ilya Serov has a passion for jazz that knows no bounds. A talented young musician with an old soul, Ilya brings an infusion of imagination, vision and energy to the many shades of America’s original musical art form. Possessing both chops and charisma, his live performances and recordings have attracted a solid following among jazz fans and seasoned musicians alike.
Ilya’s experiences on the jazz scene have recently led him to expand his creative interests in a significant new direction that blends smooth jazz with elements of soul and R&B. In November 2021 he released his third studio album, Just Friends, which features platinum-selling saxophonist Dave Koz and other award-winning artists: keyboardist Greg Manning, saxophonist Alex Hahn, vocalist Matt Cusson and guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno. The album is dedicated to one of America’s most iconic jazz trumpet players and singers, Chet Baker, and is titled after Baker’s classic jazz standard of the same name. Baker was the inspiration that pushed Ilya to begin finding his own voice in the jazz world. As his own style matured, Ilya wondered what Baker, with his musical genius, would sound like as a contemporary jazz artist today. With Just Friends, Ilya strives to show the connection between several generations of jazz.
Along with his renditions of Chet Baker’s most recognizable tunes from the Great American Songbook, Ilya’s considerable composition skills are displayed in several original contemporary tunes inspired by those standards. Just Friends features 11 songs, and the first three singles on the album are Serov’s original compositions. “Chillin’,” his first original single, was composed and released in 2020 during the isolation and introspection brought on by the global pandemic. “Heat” (featuring Dave Koz) and “Ironic” were both released in 2021. Both tracks received considerable international airplay, and “Heat” made it on the Billboard Top 30 Smooth Jazz Chart. In November 2021, Ilya was nominated as Breakout Artist of the Year by Smooth Jazz Network.
"Champagne Sky"
Written by Ilya Serov, Paul Brown & Jeffrey Smith
Produced by Paul Brown
Ilya Serov - Trumpet
Paul Brown - Guitar
Roberto Vally - Bass
Jeffrey Smith - Keys & Programming
RAINFOREST BAND – ‘SMOOTH SEXY’
Rainforest Band is a contemporary jazz ensemble hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area. The group features Saxophonist Dave Ellis, Bassist Tony Saunders, Guitarists Vernon “Ice” Black and Lorn Leber, Keyboardist Sylvester Burks and Drummer “Big Thomas” McCree.
Each member has individually recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in music including Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Herbie Hancock, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton and Aretha Franklin. The members have known each other and have collaborated on various projects for over 25 years.
Through the vision of producer Ron Umile, they came together in 2019 as Rainforest Band and recorded their first album, Peace to the Planet for San Francisco records, a tribute to Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders (Tony’s dad), who started the original band in 1990 with the release of Blues for the Rainforest, an iconic World music genre recording of that era.
Their new album Good Medicine features 10 original tracks including the new single, "Smooth Sexy".
SISTER PEARL ‘THE CALLING’ (INCL. OPLOPO, MANNIX, T. MARKAKIS REMIXES)
Sister Pearl
‘The Calling’ (Incl. Opolopo, Mannix, T.Markakis Remixes)
Dafia Records / Dafia033
https://www.facebook.com/SisterPearlUK
https://www.facebook.com/opoloposweden
http://www.facebook.com/mannixvienna
https://www.facebook.com/T.MarkakisOfficial
UK duo Sister Pearl, aka Tasita D’Mour & Joey Silvero, bring their vibrant afro / Caribbean sound to Dafia Records with their new single, ‘The Calling’. Percussive, woody afrobeats, a bumping bass and earthy marimba melodies flow under Tasita’s evocative vocal call. Across the package you will find a variety of different remixes to suit all dance floor vibes; Sweden’s Opolopo injects a smooth jazzy vibe complete with lively brass stabs, funky keys and a discofied bass groove; Mannix brings a deep and hypnotic NuDisco flavour to the song; and Greece’s T.Markakis delivers a feel-good soulful house affair, rounding up yet another super release for camp Dafia.
Track Listing
1 The Calling (OPOLOPO Remix)
2 The Calling (T.Markakis Remix)
3 The Calling (Mannix House Remix)
4 The Calling (Original Extended Mix)
5 The Calling (OPOLOPO Remix Instrumental)
6 The Calling (OPOLOPO Remix Radio Edit)
‘The Calling’ will be released on Traxsource promo October 6th / Full released October 13th 2023 on Dafia Records.
Sister Pearl
‘The Calling’ (Incl. Opolopo, Mannix, T.Markakis Remixes)
Dafia Records / Dafia033
https://www.facebook.com/SisterPearlUK
https://www.facebook.com/opoloposweden
http://www.facebook.com/mannixvienna
https://www.facebook.com/T.MarkakisOfficial
ANDO'S RECORDS SHOP RELEASES AN ANTHEM TO SPARK ‘DRY JANUARY’
The single delves into the personal journey of transformation from a world of overindulgence.
LOS ANGELES (27 SEPTEMBER 2023): It’s doesn’t have to be alcohol, but if we are honest with ourselves, most of us have some kind of a dependence or coping behavior from which we would benefit by taking a break to reset. Facing that demon head on is Ando’s Record Shop, the alter ego of singer-songwriter Andy Goldmark, on the newly released single “Dry January.” Destined to start conversation and provoke thought, Goldmark hopes the indie rock/pop song that he wrote and produced inspires listeners to take a courageous look inward.
A growing trend in recent years has been entering the New Year without alcohol, refraining for one month after a period of overconsumption that typically begins around Halloween, continues through Thanksgiving, peaks at Christmas parties, and culminates New Year’s Eve. That’s the intention of the Dry January practice that has grown in popularity. The pandemic saw a spike in alcohol use, but Dry January and people emerging from isolation has eased alcohol abuse. Ando’s Record Shop’s song is about more than overindulgence. The single is a melodic, multi-genre anthem about the numbing habits we use to escape. And while “Dry January” references a specific month when to reset and get a healthier handle on our excesses, just like every day is a new opportunity to adopt better and healthier habits, every day, week or month can be the beginning of “Dry January.”
“This song certainly embraces anyone who may want or need to take a break from alcohol, but in a broader sense, it's a song about being honest with oneself in order to live a better, healthier life. It’s a song offering the promise of swearing off our excesses, clear the decks, and embrace the challenge to reform our habits, and on a deeper level, our priorities, even if just for one month,” said Goldmark, who is joined on the track by guitarist Ramon Alejandro Palacios, programmer Mario Vasquez, and a gospel-like chorus formed by James Brown, Rose Rochelle, Monique Turner and Richard Turner.
Lyrically, “Dry January” is never preachy or judgmental. The lyrics express doubts yet they challenge, asking “Will a hero rise?” and “How you gonna walk with no crutch or no cane?”
Goldmark explained, “There’s an aspect of competition in the concept of Dry January. How long can you go without a cocktail? Who makes it to the finish line? Who folds early? Place your bets, pick your odds. It becomes an internal battle. For instance, how easy is it to suddenly skate past happy hour while fighting the urge to knock back a couple that help us let the air out with some friends at the bar? Might we sip and slip? We’ve all been there, done that in some form or other. It’s hard to always be honest and disciplined with ourselves. The song ‘Dry January’ is an unvarnished look at what lies beneath the surface, the inner deals and excuses we make along what can be a bumpy road during that month. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But the intentions are what count and get us to a better place.”
Goldmark dropped his debut album as a singer-songwriter on Warner Brothers Records decades ago. He’s created twenty top 10 hits that have generated unit sales of over one hundred million working with the likes of Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Carly Simon, Jeffrey Osborne, Patti LaBelle and Peter Cetera. Ando’s Record Shop marks a return to his singer-songwriter roots.
“The name Ando’s Record Shop represents a place within me where I’m writing, producing and performing my own songs that are once again truly me as a solo artist. The band name is a metaphor for anything goes, where the future meets the past, beats are hammered out and stories bubble up. From a foundation of pop, rhythm and blues, and gospel with unfettered poetic license to launch new wisdom learned from way back come time-tested prescriptions for the heart and mind.”
Accompanying Ando Record Shop’s “Dry January” single release, which is available from major digital retailers including Spotify and Apple Music, is a lyric video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkhNs5P-WhQ).
'SONS & DAUGHTERS’, DE VOORBODE VAN EEN NIEUWE NAJAARS-EP EN THEATERTOURNEE VAN PAUL MICHIELS
Vanaf 11 november 2023 trekt Paul Michiels, die in juni 75 werd, op tournee door Vlaanderen mét zijn vertrouwde muzikanten. Tijdens ‘His Body & Soul’ brengt de gevierde singer-songwriter nummers uit zijn eigen rijkgevulde repertoire, maar ook songs die hem nauw aan het hart liggen en die hem op het lijf zijn geschreven. Er is ook ruimte voor nieuwe muziek, want de energieke en productieve rasartiest brengt in oktober de nieuwe EP ‘I Welcome You’ uit. Deze bestaat uit vier nieuwe singles én de bonustrack ‘Just A Friend Of Mine’, een cover van de Vaya Con Dios-classic. Als voorbode verschijnt aanstaande vrijdag 22 september 2023 de gloednieuwe single ‘Sons & Daughters’. Paul verrast met een heerlijke rocksong, waarin hij het gemis van zijn acht kinderen omschrijft dat hem overvalt bij het slapengaan. “Op zo’n moment vraag ik me dikwijls af: hoe is het met hen? Waar zitten ze? Zijn ze gezond en gelukkig met hun leven en in de liefde?” Alle nieuwe nummers op zijn toekomstige EP ‘I Welcome You’ schreef Paul samen met BJ Scott. Met een resem topmuzikanten werd alles opgenomen in de Brusselse ICP Studio’s, onder leiding van producer Steve Willaert en gemixt door de Amerikaanse Darcy Proper.
EP
Samen met zijn kroost genoot hij de voorbije zomermaanden uitgebreid van zijn 75ste verjaardag. Aan energie geen gebrek, want naast een aantal optredens was Paul Michiels ook intens bezig met de voorbereidingen van zijn goedgevulde najaar. Dat bestaat uit de nieuwe theatertournee ‘His Body & Soul’ die op 11 november 2023 start in het Leietheater in Deinze, vervolgens doorloopt tot begin april en dan overgaat in een nieuwe festivalzomer. Naast spelen met zijn vaste topmuzikanten, brengt Paul Michiels volgende maand de nieuwe EP ‘I Welcome You’ uit. Samen met producer Steve Willaert nam hij in de Brusselse ICP Studio’s vier nieuwe songs op, die op de EP worden aangevuld met zijn versie van de Vaya Con Dios-klassieker ‘Just A Friend Of Mine’. “we brengen volgende maand de EP ook fysiek uit. Zo’n blinkend schijfje heeft wel iets nostalgisch, klinkt nog altijd goed én ik merk dat ik er een deel van mijn trouwe volgers nog steeds een plezier mee doe. De kwaliteit van de songs die we opnamen is eigenlijk zo goed dat elk nummer een potentiële single-kandidaat is geworden”, zegt Paul Michiels.
Sons & Daughters
Met jaren ervaring op de teller, waaronder internationaal succes met Soulsister én ook als soloartiest, voelt Paul Michiels dat er bij jong en oud nog steeds een grote behoefte is aan verbeeldende muziek. Melodieën en woorden die iets losmaken en die echte muziekliefhebbers raken. Dat is helemaal zijn ding en dat is ook te merken aan de nieuwe songs. De eerste single ‘Sons & Daughters’ is daar een mooi voorbeeld van. “Omdat ik het laatste jaar nogal veel op mijn gitaar zat te tokkelen, in plaats van op mijn klavier, ligt daar de basis van mijn nieuwe muziek. Met eenvoudige, goedgekozen akkoorden kwam ik ertoe om een toegankelijk rocknummer te maken. Even uit de comfortzone, met een refrein dat bestaat uit woorden als: ‘And I love my sons & daughters, guess they love me just the same’. Ook de inspiratie voor de strofes kwam als vanzelf. Toen het geheel klaar was, spoedde ik mij naar mijn Amerikaanse soulmate Beverly Jo Scott (BJ Scott), die op 30 kilometer van mijn deur woont. Samen schrijven met haar gaat super vlot, dus een paar uur later stapte ik bij haar buiten met een heel straffe songtekst.”
Voor Paul Michiels is ‘Sons & Daughters’, net als alle andere songs op zijn toekomstige EP ‘I Welcome You’,iets persoonlijks. “De eerste single gaat over hoe ik soms al mijn kinderen mis en dat ik voor het slapengaan mezelf de vragen stel: Hoe gaat het met hen? Waar zitten ze? Zijn ze gezond en gelukkig met hun leven en in de liefde? Op het einde van de song wil ik hen de boodschap meegeven dat ‘Peace, Justice, Love & Rock ’n Roll’ volgens mij het belangrijkste is op de wereld. Ik denk dat velen zich ook wel herkennen in mijn songtekst en het gevoel van oprechte bezorgdheid om je kinderen. Mensen moeten ook eens luisteren naar het overdonderende arrangement van topproducer Steve Willaert. Echt klasse! Het was een zaligheid om met hem en mijn vaste muzikantenvrienden deze EP op te nemen. Als je weet dat de AmerikaanseDarcy Proper het eindresultaat mixte, weet je dat we met straffe dingen gaan uitpakken. Ik kan niet wachten om al die nummers binnenkort te spelen tijdens mijn nieuwe tournee en komende zomer op de festivals”, sluit Paul Michiels enthousiast af.
De nieuwe single ‘Sons & Daughters’ van Paul Michiels verscheen op TTT Records en is digitaal beschikbaar. De EP ‘I Welcome You’ komt uit in oktober, samen met de gelijknamige single. Vanaf 11 november 2023 kan je Paul Michiels met zijn ‘His Body & Soul’-tournee aan het werk zien in Vlaanderen. Meer info vind je op www.paulmichiels.be.
WORLDJAZZ GUITARIST EMAGINARIO RETURNS TO HIS SINGER-SONGWRITER ROOTS
The transcendent album of self-discovery set to acoustic jazz and Americana music with Flamenco nuances, “Songs Of Mind,” drops November 17.
CAMARILLO (26 September 2023): It’s equal parts self-realization, multicultural exploration and multi-genre experimentation. Composer-Guitarist-Vocalist Emaginario aka Ethan Margolis has been creatively crosspollinating acclaimed recording and video projects featuring him in the company of world-class musicians for more than two decades. He wrote seven of the eight songs that comprise “Songs Of Mind,” an intimate and lush collection of acoustic jazz and singer-songwriter Americana tunes with elements of flamenco. Margolis meticulously produced the set that arrives November 17 on the Sir Sultry Music label.
Having fully realized his identity as a prodigious guitar player, “Songs Of Mind” can be described as Margolis stepping into his identity as a singer-songwriter. Emaginario immersed himself in flamenco guitar in Spain where he lived for more than a decade thus his artistic musical “voice” was primarily instrumental. He relished the freedom inherent in jazz, which he took as a visa to become an alchemist mixing in Cuban, Delta blues and Americana music. As the son of acclaimed singer-songwriter Ken Margolis (The Choir), he was born with an innate skillset that couldn’t be ignored or kept dormant.
“I value songwriting immensely because of its unique ability to transmit human stories in a way that's understandable to everyone. The difficulty in getting here was for me to understand my sound as a singer-songwriter. With so many interests in varying genres and with such a long stint in Spain, it's taken a very long time for me to understand myself as a musician. I am a composer-guitarist foremost, but I am also a singer of songs. It was important for me to get that out in a contemporary way with a sound that reflected my life experiences,” said Margolis who now resides in Southern California after establishing lengthy residencies in Spain.
Stylistically and sonically for “Songs Of Mind,” Margolis elected to pair his nylon-string flamenco guitar with a jazz piano, the role masterfully filled by Grammy-winning pianist Ruslan Sirota.
“Instead of playing the flamenco guitar like a flamenco musician, I played it with the mindset of a session player on the recordings - doubling guitars, playing softly with no fingernails, recording with
many mics and planning for a guitar sound that would be unique to me but also sound like Americana,” said Margolis, who will launch the new album with concert dates in Solvang (November 16 at The Last Chord) and Topanga Canyon (November 17 at Corazón Performing Arts).
Margolis’s voice is as unique as his musical amalgams. His gift is telling stories via singing, scatting and crooning cerebral observations, poetic passages, insightful ruminations and graceful vocalese. Oozing passion and emotional depth, his voice rises and falls from tenor to falsetto and back again, adeptly maintaining full control – even when pivoting on a dime. Margolis’s charismatic voice balances zeal, charm and allure with bouts of bite, sarcasm and snark when his subject matter requires it.
Mixed by two-time Grammy winner Dave O’Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Eric Clapton), “Songs Of Mind” opens with an improvised voice and piano sketch, “Mind Search.” It begins as a vocal exercise and piano warmup that kicks up its heels into snappy flamenco forays seamlessly balanced with freeform jazz runs.
“I have such a strong need to improvise and test my reactions and my heart's output in music that structured recording sessions sometimes bog me down. I knew that Ruslan Sirota was a fantastic improviser and that we could have some fun together, but I never imagined that it would come out the way this one did. There’s an entire painting on one track,” said Margolis, who channeled everything from calypso, Soca, flamenco, R&B, beatbox and scat, resulting in a modern jazz adventure in vocalization with a defined message.
Margolis wrote the hauntingly beautiful “Hoping You Will Find Me” fifteen years ago but held off on recording it. Again, Sirota proves to be the perfect counterpart, providing an exquisite backdrop for the divine love song.
“I knew that it was a strong song when I wrote it, but I never pursued it until it finally made sense. The idea of changing the simple voicings of the chords and recording it with a jazz pianist excited me because I knew it would add the poetic depth the song needed. I believe strongly in doing things with a definitive purpose and sometimes that means...just wait, wait until I can see that it's the right time,” shared Margolis.
Whimsical and joyous, “Mugu Beach” adds a full ensemble to the sublime voice and piano pairing. Romaní percussionist Ramón Porrina constructed the percussion arrangement that backbones the track with augmentation from upright bassist Benjamin Shepherd and soprano saxophonist Katisse Buckingham.
Playing guitar on the track, Margolis said, “Composing jazz and Americana melodies over flamenco rhythms is a passionate and unique point of my musicality. It is extremely hard to do authentically so that both the jazz and flamenco schools are satisfied with the result. On this one, I wanted the production to sound like an older jazz standard with burning accents and slow, melodic vocal phrasing in the styles of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday. I added the soprano saxophone afterwards - played by Katisse - to mimic the accompaniment of Lester Young for Billie Holiday. The vocal phrasing is very much in the Romaní school of the flamenco Bulerías. There are a lot of syncopated stops and vocal rhythmic maneuvers in this song and at the same time, there are many older jazz standard influences.”
Margolis’s defends his jazz-Americana-flamenco doctorate thesis on an imaginative bilingual rendition of Leonard Cohen’s classic “Hallelujah” that he blends with the Spanish copla "Compañera del Alma." Freeing his hands to focus on delivering an arresting vocal performance, Margolis leaves the improvisational guitar work to Israeli guitarist Dan Ben Lior. Organist Mitchel Forman (Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin) adds the perfect touch. Recorded in Madrid in 2021, the concept for this recording was seeded at shows Margolis performed at Hotel Café and The Baked Potato in Hollywood nine years ago.
Backed by a premier rhythm section in drummer Gary Novak (George Benson, Chick Corea, David Sanborn) and bassist Reggie Hamilton (George Duke, Seal, Mariah Carey) along with Sirota’s coloring, “How Will You Feel” benefits from illuminating background vocals by Keri Lee (John Legend) whose soulful voice intertwines with Margolis’s dulcet falsetto. It’s another chilled world jazz cocktail, but this one is served with a splash of R&B.
“So many people were suffering during the pandemic and confronting deaths of friends and family. I lost some remarkably close friends to the pandemic and the hopelessness was overpowering. It's
like we could all see it coming, and then it came. This song reflects that, but at the same time, it suggests that our souls - when they output love - have done their job. Maybe that's all we need to do in this life,” speculated Margolis.
“Tantrum Town” is a bizarro and eccentric carnival ride penned shortly after the 2020 election and the subsequent attack on the Capitol. Margolis describes the song like “A Clockwork Orange jazz cirque performance in Las Vegas.” It’s a barbed commentary on the politics of the time featuring bassist Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Sting) and Mike Cottone’s gallant trumpeting in Herb Alpert fashion.
“As if we didn't need more insanity than a pandemic, racially motivated police killings, and then, a president like Donald Trump. I wanted to create a song that sounded like an off-kilter circus - something that grooved with a funky, carousel type repetition. I decided it would add to the song's quirkiness if I sang it in a cabaret 'spoken' voice - like an old show tune,” said Margolis.
Ken Margolis wrote “Seasons” forty years ago, but never recorded it. Ethan, who produced his father’s forthcoming album, “Hope and Courage,” found a way to make the song his own by changing the time signature from 4/4 to 12/8 melded with flamenco ideas of the Soleá style. The scion also changed the lyrical focus - from a man mourning lost love to a love song for our planet.
“I re-wrote the lyrics like mankind issuing an apology for what he had done to Mother Earth when all she has given him was love and resource,” said Ethan on the cut that showcases another sterling appearance by Lee on background vocals and Novak’s deft drumming.
Indulging in what he called “flamenco life” while living in Seville years ago inspired “Walking Back Home,” a breezy and bouncy jaunt that adds calypso into the jazz, Americana and flamenco mélange.
“Arranging it like a calypso song underneath an Americana melody, the result is different and in a strange way, mimics some of the Brazilian songwriters I have heard. Perhaps it's the side sticking and the nylon guitars. The vocalizations under the guitar solo towards the end are very much in a calypso style. The song sounds like pure Americana, but it reminds me of the streets of Spain.”
A Cleveland native, Margolis has already recorded his next Emaginario record, this one tracked in New York City in an acoustic jazz trio setting flanked by bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Eric Harland that was recorded by five-time Grammy winner James Farber. The album is slated to drop next spring. Margolis is also producing a slate of culturally diverse projects from Latin Grammy nominee Yelsy Heredia featuring percussionist Pedrito Martínez; Jamaican dancehall legend Papa Michigan; and poet Cecilia Woloch about the Romaní Holocaust and Pogroms of Europe.
“Songs Of Mind” contains the following songs:
“Mind Search”
“Hoping You Will Find Me”
“Mugu Beach”
“Hallelujah (Compañera Del Alma)”
“How Will You Feel”
“Tantrum Town”
“Seasons”
“Walking Back Home”
For more information, please visit https://www.emaginario.com.
LANGTON - ‘YOUR WOMAN’
Introducing some hot new talent on Fool’s Paradise, ‘Your Woman’ is the uplifting debut release from production trio, Langton. Powered by a four-to-the-floor disco house vibe, ‘Your Woman’ is an uplifting soulful groover. Armed with a catchy piano hook and emotive string stabs that provide a punchy backdrop for a playful vocal sample of Gladys Knight & The Pips, ‘If I Were Your Woman’, Langton propel this classic right on to 2023’s dance floors.
3 friends originally hailing from Cornwall, UK, but now settled in Bristol, Langton (aka Ben, Ben and Jay) are a trio who simply love to have fun and jam with music without any specific agenda. Their fresh, in the moment, creative ethos of making music for music’s sake has already caught the attention of Fool’s Paradise boss Mark Knight, who snapped them up for their first release ‘Your Woman’. With plenty more playful jams in the pipeline, Langton are definitely ones to watch!
Track Listing
1 Your Woman
2 Your Woman (Extended)
‘Your Woman’ will be released on September 22nd on Fool’s Paradise.
Langton
‘Your Woman’
Fool’s Paradise / FP005
https://www.instagram.com/langton.official/
https://soundcloud.com/langtonmusic
https://www.facebook.com/langton.official
AMERIKAANSE ZANGERES KATHERINE ANDERSON OVERLEDEN
Gisteren, 21 september 2023, is de Amerikaanse zangeres Katherine Anderson (Schaffner) op 79-jarige leeftijd overleden. Zij was de medeoprichter van de legendarische Motown act, The Marvelettes. Anderson’s dochter, Keisha Schaffner, bracht het trieste nieuws op Facebook en begon haar bericht met de ontroerende openingszin “Some called her Kat - some called her Sis, Gamma- Momma K but my sister and I called her MOM.” Katherine Anderson werd geboren in Ann Arbor, maar groeide op in Detroit. Al op jonge leeftijd trad zij op als zangeres. In 1961 studeerde Katherine aan de Inkster High School en vormde zij met haar medestudenten Gladys Horton, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart en Georgia Dobbins een zanggroep. Dobbins werd later vervangen door Wanda Young. De oorspronkelijke naam van de dames was The Casinyets (waarin de grap "can't sing yet" was opgenomen), Die naam werd aangepast tot The Marvels ter ere van een auditie voor een talentenjacht bij Motown. Bij Motown was men enthousiast en The Marvels werd gevraagd om een eigen liedje mee te brengen naar een volgende auditie. Dat was de Dobbins compositie ‘Please Mr. Postman’ en hiermee begon het succes. Het ondertussen tot een drietal (Dobbins en Cowart hadden de groep verlaten) gereduceerde gezelschap tekende een contract bij Motown en wijzigde de naam in The Marvelettes. ‘Please Mr. Postman’ bereikte de eerste plaats van de Amerikaans Billboard Hot 100, maar singles als ‘Don’ t Mess With Bill’, ‘The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game’, ‘Too Many Fish In The Sea’, ‘Playboy’ en ‘My baby Must Be A Magician’ werden ook grote hits. In 1970 gingen de groepsleden ieder hun eigen weg. Toen Gladys Horton de groep nieuw leven in wilde blazen, koos Katherine Anderson ervoor om op een verkeerd spoor geraakte tieners in Detroit te helpen om hun leven weer op orde te krijgen. Hiervoor kreeg zij veel waardering, ook vanuit de muziekwereld, Katherine Anderson ruste in vrede!
Dank aan Leo Weijers.
BELGISCHE CROONER YANNICK BOVY ZORGT VOOR 'A SWINGING CHRISTMAS' IN OWLA BRUGGE
14 december 2023
De kerstperiode wordt dit jaar nog wat gezelliger in OWLA Brugge dankzij Yannick Bovy. De Antwerpse crooner zorgt op 14 december voor een vroege, maar warme kerstsfeer op deze unieke locatie met de mooiste kerstklassiekers van The Rat Pack-boegbeelden Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin en Sammy Davis Jr. Samen met zijn fantastische live band serveert Yannick Bovy heerlijke bewerkingen van o.a. ‘Let It Snow,’ ‘White Christmas’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ en vele andere onvergetelijke songs, tijdens het éénmalige concert ‘A Swinging Christmas’. Tickets & info via owlabrugge.be .
Op 14 december 2023 brengt Yannick Bovy, de Belgische crooner met een pak ervaring op buitenlandse jazz- en swingpodia, een éénmalig concert in OWLA Brugge onder de titel 'A Swinging Christmas'. Een heerlijke muzikale mix met de grootste klassiekers uit The Great American Songbook en onsterfelijke nummers uit het swingrepertoire die iedereen kan meezingen.
"Kerstmis is bij uitstek het feest dat gekleurd wordt door de heerlijke muzikale klassiekers uit de jaren '50 en '60', zegt Yannick. "De populairste kerstsongs komen uit die periode en ik bundel die met al mijn liefde voor swing en jazz graag in één feestelijk concert. Kerstmis is sowieso al mijn favoriete tijd van het jaar en er is niets fijner om dit samen met mijn muzikanten te kunnen vieren."
- Yannick Bovy -
‘A Swinging Christmas’ van Yannick Bovy is een uniek live concert dat de sfeer oproept van nostalgie en Hollywood glamour. De bijzondere warme stem van Yannick wordt tot ver over de grenzen geprezen en de voorbije jaren was de Vlaamse crooner dan ook een graag geziene gast in talrijke tv-shows in Duitsland, Oostenrijk en Polen.
Tickets voor het concert 'A Swinging Christmas' van Yannick Bovy op donderdag 14 december 2023 om 20.30u in Owla Brugge, kan je nu bestellen via owlabrugge.be
Dit éénmalige concert van Yannick Bovy in OWLA Brugge wordt gecapteerd door Pickx+, de premium tv-zender van Proximus, voor uitzending tijdens de feestdagen.
MR. HORN FT. NILS & RAGAN WHITESIDE – ‘NAIROBI’
Darren Horn started playing professionally as a teenager in Detroit with singer Cortez Harris, who was a member of popular R&B/funk band Al Hudson & One Way. He and Cortez hit it off after Horn, whose aunt lived across the street from where the band was rehearsing, took the initiative to start jamming with them. After a time playing with Cortez at major clubs like The Twenty Grand, the keyboardist hooked up with The Axe Band, which was renowned as singer Cherelle’s backing band and toured with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
Horn later played keys and acted as road manager for Kiara, which scored a #2 on Billboard R&B chart a duet with Shanice Wilson on Arista Records, and opened for everyone from Gerald Albright to Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross; they also created pop crossover remixes for saxophonist Marion Meadows and worked for a time with Toni Braxton just as she was about to emerge. After some years away from the business, Horn resumed his career in the 2000s writing, producing and performing with gospel singer AnnaMaria and has since made it back to the charts with his Smooth Jazz Dual Horn and Holland. Darren has his single due to be released in September 2023 followed by his EP.
Horn is releasing “Nairobi” and The Horn Connection EP on the heels of his 2022 debut album Summertime, whose popular, vocal-driven title track single was played on smooth jazz and soft rock radio and internet stations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Horn’s recording and release of the song was the fulfillment of a promise to its composer, Reginald Davison, onetime lead singer of the Axe Band who had also worked with major R&B artists, including Cherrelle. Davison was ill at the time. Fortunately, Davison heard “Summertime” over the airwaves before he passed.
“Nairobi,” an infectious and spirited mid-tempo ballad that showcases Mr. Horn’s sparkling piano magic and features dynamic solos by Billboard #1 smooth jazz hit makers, guitarist Nils and flutist Ragan Whiteside.
While the title “Nairobi” may inspire thoughts and images of African-related inspirational vibes, Horn in fact named it after a colorful character nicknamed Nairobi on Netflix’s popular Spanish crime drama Money Heist. “Nairobi’ is intended to be uplifting, like a fight song, the gist of it conveying victory.
The Horn Connection will include four other tracks by Horn featuring collaborations with various artists. These include the whimsical and romantic yet grooved-out original “I’ll Be There for You” and fresh, keyboard-centric re-imaginings of some of his favorite R&B and contemporary jazz songs – the Chuck Mangione classic “Feels So Good,” Stephanie Mills’ “I Feel Good All Over” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s brassy funk jam “In The Stone.”
TONY EXUM JR. ASKS ‘HOLD MY HAND’
National recording artist Tony Exum Jr. is a Contemporary Jazz, R&B and Funk saxophonist, songwriter and performer with a soulful and sultry sound. In 2019 Tony released his single "My Name's Tony" receiving national airplay, charting on the Smooth Jazz Network Top 100 chart for several weeks. He remains a staple in the national Contemporary Jazz circuit with performances across the U.S.
Tony is taking 2023 to new heights musically and professionally with an unrestrained passion and impeccable work ethic that is second to none. Tony's catalog consists of two critically acclaimed albums, "Finally" and "The One" and 5 singles include two Smooth Jazz Network Top 100 charting singles, "Brighter Days" and "Get At You" feat. Desmond 'Motown' Washington, which also reached #1 and #4 on the Billboard/BDS Smooth Jazz Airplay Most Added charts, respectively.
WILLIE BRADLEY FT. RAGAN WHITESIDE – ‘RIDE THE VIBES’
Willie Bradley is a native of Orangeburg, SC and a graduate of South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC where he earned his BS Degree in Music Education and Performance. Over the course of his career, he has become a go –to musician for many of soul music’s greats over the years. His music reach spans worldwide and can be heard on Smooth Jazz Radio Stations to include Sirius XM, Music Choice, Pandora, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
In 2014, Willie released his debut Contemporary Jazz CD “Another Day & Time” produced and co-written by keyboardist/Recording Artist Nicholas Cole.
On his sophomore CD project (2018) “Going With The Flow”, Willie showed the music world that he was not just going with the “average” flow of things. Together with multi-award-winning producer Preston Glass, (Kenny G., George Benson, Earth Wind & Fire and many more) they brought together a fantastic group of songs as well as a cast of stellar musicians. This musical adventure was merely an appetizer of sweet things to come.
His third CD (2021), “It’s My Time” contained two #1 Billboard singles – “It’s On Now” featuring Ragan Whiteside and “It’s My Time featuring James Lloyd. The single “It’s My Time” was also featured on the Top 30 Smooth Jazz Network chart for best songs of 2021.
Willie is currently working on his fourth CD (2023) “Raising The Bar” and is working with several new producers (David Dyson, Jacob Webb, Gino Rosaria, James Lloyd, Nathan Mitchell and Jeff Canady) that will definitely “Raise The Bar” on this project.
Throughout his music career, Willie’s musical productions have been considered for two Grammy Awards and he was selected as Beats Magazine 2021 Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year By The Smooth Jazz Network. He was the Distinguished Alumnus Award winner for 2022 at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC and currently in his second year serving as full time Music Industry Professor/Artist In Residence at the University.
Willie’s stage presence includes performances with jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Frank Foster, Max Roach, Betty Carter. More recently, his live performances and collaborations placed him with world-class artists including Gerald Alston, Ronnie Laws, Marion Meadows, Walter Beasley, Reagan Whiteside, Selina Albright, George Clinton, Gerald Albright, and James Lloyd and Andre 3000.
"It's always fun working with Willie Bradley! He has a great spirit and it comes through in his playing." -Ragan Whiteside
'MARIE-ANTOINETTE' RONDT (EN OVERSCHRIIJDT) KAAP VAN 20.000 TOESCHOUWERS + NIEUW SPEKTAKEL IN TORHOUT IN 2025
Historalia rondt deze week met het (toch wel fenomenale durf ik enigszins bevooroordeeld te stellen ;-) musicalspektakel ‘Marie-Antoinette’ de kaap van 20.000 toeschouwers. Daarmee bereikt het productiehuis het in eerste instantie vooropgestelde objectief. Met nog ruim 2 weken verkoop te gaan, zal dit aantal ook overschreden worden en dat is natuurlijk fantastisch en zeer mooi met hun eerste grote openluchtspektakel in West-Vlaanderen. Het enthousiasme van zowel pers en publiek rond ‘Marie-Antoinette’, als van het lokale team dat aan het prachtige kasteel van Wijnendale deze indrukwekkende productie mogelijk maakt, deden Historalia nu al beslissen om in 2025 terug te keren naar Torhout met een nieuw musicalspektakel. Kasteelheer Jérôme Matthieu de Wynendaele zet maar wat graag de poorten van het domein opnieuw wagenwijd open hiervoor. Welk spektakel van Historalia er te zien zal zijn in 2025, wordt later beslist.
Ook de weergoden lijken ‘Marie-Antoinette’ gunstig gezind, want volgende week kondigt zich een vervolg van de ‘Indian summer’ aan met veel zonneschijn en heerlijke temperaturen!
‘Marie-Antoinette’ speelt nog tot en met 7 oktober aan het kasteel van Wijnendale.
ONZE LANDGENOOT, ZANGER & PRODUCER LOU DEPRIJCK OVERLEDEN
Lou Deprijck is op 77-jarige leeftijd overleden. Deprijck is onder meer bekend van de hits ‘Ça Plane Pour Moi’ (Plastic Bertrand) en ‘Kingston, Kingston’ (Lou & The Hollywood Bananas). “Mijn zonnetje, lieverd, mijn man, mijn alles. Ik heb je tot je laatste adem begeleid zoals je wilde. Je zult mijn enige en laatste liefde zijn”, schrijft de 26-jarige vriendin van Deprijck, met wij hij nog van plan was in het huwelijksbootje te stappen. De twee vormden sinds zowat een jaar een koppel. Deprijck werd geboren op 11 januari 1946 in het Waalse Lessen, maar verhuisde in zijn jeugdjaren naar Brussel. Daar werd hij een bekende naam in de Belgische popmuziek. Zijn eerste productie ‘Je Suis Pop’ werd een flop in 1969. In de jaren zeventig en tachtig vormde hij het trio (hoewel de naam anders deed vermoeden) Two Man Sound met Sylvain Van Holme (de voormalige zanger en gitarist van The Wallace Collection) en Yvan ‘Pipou’ Lacomblez. Two Man Sound combineerde discomuziek met samba en bossa nova en scoorde hits met singles als ‘Disco Samba’ en ‘Charlie Brown’. In 1978 lanceerde hij de ska / reggae-band Lou & The Hollywood Bananas, waarmee hij de grote internationale hit ‘Kingston, Kingston’ scoorde. Een jaar eerder produceerde hij de wereldhit ‘Ça Plane Pour Moi’, die zorgde voor een jarenlange controverse met zanger Roger Jouret alias Plastic Bertrand. Deprijck beweerde immers dat hij het lied ingezongen had, wat volgens kenners ook klopte. De muzikant woonde jarenlang in het Thaise Pattaya, maar werd nog regelmatig gespot in zijn geboortestreek. Zijn leven in Thailand werd in een documentaire getoond als onderdeel van het Belgische nieuwsprogramma ‘Telefacts’. Dat inspireerde hem tot het herschrijven van de tekst van ‘Kingston, Kingston’. Het nummer ‘Pattaya, Pattaya’ werd al heel snel het officieuze ‘volkslied’ van Pattaya. Met ‘Pattaya, Pattaya’ liep Deprijck de bars en nachtclubs af in Thailand en Cambodja. Deprijck verloor eerder twee vrouwen aan een slopende ziekte en een woningbrand. Hij laat één dochter achter, maar liet in het verleden weten dat hij ook niet-erkende kinderen had. Lou Deprijck ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
ROTTERDAMSE ZANGERES MARIA MENDES GENOMINEERD VOOR LATIN GRAMMY
19 september 2023 - Vandaag zijn de nominaties voor de Latin GRAMMYs bekendgemaakt. Onder deze nominaties bevindt zich het album "Saudade Color of Love" van de Rotterdams-Portugese zangeres Maria Mendes, dat zij in 2022 opnam met het Metropole Orkest en John Beasley tijdens een concert in het Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, Amsterdam.
Van haar geboorteland Portugal tot haar huidige thuis in Nederland, heeft de Edison, Grammy- en Latin Grammy Award genomineerde zangeres en componiste Maria Mendes door een wijde wereld van muzikale expressie en brede invloeden gereisd. Geprezen door het tijdschrift DownBeat als "een jazzzangeres van de hoogste orde [wiens] evenwicht net zo indrukwekkend is als haar kracht", werd Mendes' lof gezongen door legendarische figuren als Quincy Jones en Hermeto Pascoal. Met de zegen van Wayne Shorter, bracht Mendes zijn hedendaagse jazzstuk "Gaia" in première in Duitsland, samen met de Bielefeld Philharmonieker, saxofonist Magnus Lindgren en pianist John Beasley. Mendes' nummer "Inverso," met Anat Cohen als gast, was te horen op de soundtrack van de met een International Emmy bekroonde Portugese soapserie Ouro Verde.
Mendes heeft publiek over de hele wereld weten te bekoren, zowel met haar eigen band als met het Metropole Orkest, met optredens in gerenommeerde locaties zoals het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, De Doelen, Tivoli Vredenburg, en op de North Sea en Montreux Jazz Festivals. Ze had de eer om als eerste Portugees-Nederlandse artiest op te treden in het iconische Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, en was tevens de eerste vrouwelijke Portugese artiest die een Grammy-nominatie ontving.
Saudade, Color of Love (uitgebracht in oktober 2022), is haar vierde album en haar eerste live album. Op de plaat verkent de zangeres de combinatie van Jazz met de Fado-wereld door betoverende muzikale arrangementen van fado's en traditionele Portugese muziek zoals "Quando Eu Era Pequenina" en "Verdes Anos" van Carlos Paredes. Het album bevat ook een verrassende bijdrage van de geprezen Braziliaanse componist Hermeto Pascoal, die een nummer aan de vocaliste heeft opgedragen - zijn Braziliaanse versie van een Fado.
Alle nummers op het album werden gearrangeerd door John Beasley en Maria Mendes (en georkestreerd door Beasley). De zangeres neemt een nominatie in ontvangst in de categorie: Best Arrangement. Eerder ontving Mendes al GRAMMY en Latin Grammy nominaties voor haar album Close to Me.
Maria Mendes over de nominatie:
"Het zingen van mijn eigen nummers en mijn zorgvuldig samengestelde selectie van fado's live op het podium met het Metropole Orkest en mijn band is als het beginnen aan een magische reis naar de sterren. En met deze nominatie voor een Latin Grammy wordt onze gezamenlijke vlucht werkelijkheid.
Wat geweldig om te zien dat mijn werk als arrangeur wordt erkend door de leden van de Latin Recording Academy over de hele wereld. Deze vreugde en eer deel ik met de arrangeur/pianist/producer John Beasley, omdat we opnieuw samenwerken aan de arrangementen voor het Metropole Orkest, zoals te horen op mijn nieuwste album Saudade, Color of Love. Het is een inspiratie om in deze categorie naast medecomponisten en collega's te staan die ik zo bewonder"
Metropole Orkest
Denk je aan een orkest, dan denk je aan klassiek. Maar dat speelt het Metropole Orkest (MO) niet. Wel jazz, pop, soul, funk, cabaret, musicals, filmmuziek en wereldmuziek. Van nu en van langer geleden. Metropole Orkest deelde het podium met grootheden als Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Pat Metheny, Brian Eno, Herbie Hancock, The Basement Jaxx en Bono. Het orkest speelt ook met hedendaagse talenten als Caro Emerald, Kovacs, Robert Glasper, Within Temptation, Woodkid, Snarky Puppy, The Opposites en Gregory Porter. Samen met de drie vaste dirigenten Jules Buckley, Vince Mendoza en Miho Hazama zoekt het MO de randen op van de hedendaagse symfonische pop en jazz.
John Beasley
John Beasley, een veelzijdige pianist en componist, is bekroond met een GRAMMY® en genomineerd voor een Emmy Award. Hij heeft opgetreden met muzieklegendes als Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard en Chaka Khan. Beasley's recente releases, MONK'estra Vol. 1 en Vol. 2, ontvingen vier GRAMMY-nominaties binnen 13 maanden na hun release. Hij leidt ook de muzikale regie voor de wereldwijde concerten van International Jazz Day in samenwerking met Herbie Hancock. Beasley is een veelgevraagde componist voor films, waaronder James Bond Spectre en Skyfall.
Jazzwise (UK) “A remarkable live recording (…) Saudade, Colour of Love represents a stunning achievement“
Downbeat (US) “A jazz singer of the highest order. The lush symphonic sound sparks when it meets the interplay of Mendes’s brilliant quartet and the singer’s fervent vocals”
BRITSE ZANGER ROGER WHITTAKER OVERLEDEN
De Britse zanger Roger Whittaker is op 87-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat maakte zijn familie gisteren bekend maar de singer-songwriter stierf al op 13 september. Zijn langjarige platenlabel Sony verspreidde de verklaring van de nabestaanden. Daaruit blijkt dat de zanger omringd door zijn naasten de laatste adem uitblies. De zanger had onlangs een beroerte gekregen. Sony Music laat weten dat het label rouwt om het verlies van ‘een van de meest succesvolle Britse artiesten van zijn generatie.’ Roger Whittaker kwam in 1936 in Kenia ter wereld, als zoon van Engelse ouders. Begin jaren 1960 begon hij een carrière als muzikant. Die kwam pas echt van de grond aan het einde van dat decennium. In 1969 beleefde hij zijn grote doorbraak met ‘Durham Town’. Tot zijn grootste hits behoren ook ‘Albany’ en ‘The Last Farewell’. Met dat laatste nummer boekte hij succes in de Verenigde Staten, waarna hij ook in Europa succesvol werd. Zijn trouwste fans had hij in Duitsland. Hij nam in de jaren tachtig vele liedjes op in het Duits met behulp van fonetische transcripties waarbij hij worstelde met de umlaut. Whittaker verkocht wereldwijd 55 miljoen langspeelplaten. Hij verscheen al jaren niet meer in het openbaar en woonde met zijn vrouw Natalie in het zuiden van Frankrijk. Roger Whittaker scoorde in de periode 1967 t/m 1971 diverse hits met de singles ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Mexican Whistler’, ‘Durham Town’, ‘New World In The Morning’, ‘I Don’t Believe In If Anymore’, ‘Why?’, ‘What Love is’ en ‘Mamy Blue’. In 1975 keerde Roger nog één keer terug in de Nederlandse Top 40 met een juweeltje van een single. ‘The Last Farewell’ wordt Roger’s allergrootste internationale hit. Ron A. Webster is een zilversmid uit Birmingham, die Roger in zijn hoedanigheid van presentator van een radioprogramma een gedicht heeft gestuurd. Dat gedicht heet ‘The Last Farewell’. Roger maakt de muziek erbij, neemt het nummer op en brengt het pas in 1975 als single uit. Van de single worden wereldwijd elf miljoen exemplaren verkocht. De plaat bereikt de tweede plaats van de Britse Top 50, de zevende plaats van de Nederlandse Top 40 en de negentiende plaats van de Amerikaanse Billboard Hot 100. Daarnaast bereikt de single de eerste plaats in de hitlijsten van elf landen. De zilversmid wordt dus een goudsmid! Roger Whittaker ruste in vrede!
Dank aan Leo Weijers.
BOLD PARADE – ‘HEAT’
Following his stunning Bold Parade debut with ‘Flowers In The Dirt EP’ in the spring, acclaimed producer and multi-instrumentalist, Paul McMahon (Crashdaddy / Bellcrash), is back with an enchanting selection of mellow and jazzy grooves on his new release, ‘Heat’. The title track features London’s Janessa J, who delivers a candy-sweet vocal over a bubbly NuSoul groove, and also comes with a funky Trip Hop style remix from up-and-coming Belfast talent, Brién. ‘Sacrament’ is a jazzy laid-back affair with vocals from London’s Rose White that charismatically flow over soothing soundtrack garnished with uplifting brass. Bringing a Latin flavour to the EP is Brazil’s Bianca Amente, whose enchanting voice pirouettes around a sun-drenched percussive soundtrack made up of lush guitars, keys and brass performances on ‘Mar De Afeto’.
Bold Parade is the latest project from London based, Belfast born producer Paul McMahon. Paul has been making music for over 20 years under the name Crashdaddy. He has also worked with Mark Bell as part of the group Bellcrash. Together and separately with Mark, Paul has released through Sunshine Recordings, Seventh Sign, Illicit, Island Hopper and Freebooter Lounge, among others. Paul’s signature sound combines cool beats with jazz styled musicians to blend modern production with classic rhythmic jazz overtones. After winning support from the likes of Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music) along with many jazz heads and sunset sound trackers in ibiza with ‘Flowers In The Dirt EP’, Paul is now getting ready to reveal his first Bold Parade studio album.
Track Listing
1 Bold Parade ft Vanessa J – Heat
2 Bold Parade ft Rose White – Sacrament
3 Bold Parade ft Bianca Amante - Mar De Afeto
4 Bold Parade ft Vanessa J – Heat (Brién Remix)
‘Heat’ will be released on September 19th 2023 on Suzume Recordings.
Bold Parade
‘Heat’
Suzume Recordings / SR003
https://www.instagram.com/boldparade
https://twitter.com/BoldParade
https://www.youtube.com/@boldparade
INAYA DAY, DJ SPEN & SOULFULEDGE ‘UMMAH-YE’
World renowned soulful dance diva, Inaya Day, joins forces with DJ Spen & Soulfuledge on the beautiful afrocentric party groover, ‘Ummah-Ye’. Underpinned by warm afro-percussive groove and atmospheric keys, Inaya delivers an uplifting song about community, unity, and togetherness. Also on the package, DJ Spen & Soulfuledge rework the song, bringing a deeper underground, four-to-the-floor soulful house vibe to spark up the dance floors, along with a dub and sublime afromental tool for the DJs.
Much loved US singer / songwriter, Inaya Day, is best known for her distinctive vocals on dance classics like ‘Keep Pushing’, ‘Movin Up, and modern dance floor hits like ‘Feelin’ Feelin’, ‘Rise Up’ & ‘Right Now’. Named one of Billboard's Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists, Inaya has released music with Frankie Knuckles & Eric Kipper (Director's Cut), Robin S, Harry ChooChoo Romero, DJ Spen, Tedd Patterson, Ridney, Guy Scheiman and many more.
Track listing
1 Ummah-Ye (Original)
2 Ummah-Ye (DJ Spen & Soulfuledge Deep House Remix)
3 Ummah-Ye (DJ Spen & Soulfuledge Deep House Dub)
4 Ummah-Ye (Afromental)
5 Ummah-Ye (Radio Edit)
‘Ummah-Ye’ will be released on Traxsource promo and Spotify September 15th / Full release September 29th on Quantize Recordings.
Inaya Day, DJ Spen & Soulfuledge
‘Ummah-Ye’
Quantize Recordings / QTZ443
https://www.facebook.com/INAYADAYOFFICIALPAGE/
https://www.facebook.com/djspen
https://www.facebook.com/soulfuledge
https://www.facebook.com/QuantizeRecordings/
SEBB JUNIOR - ‘COLORS’
Bringing his magnetic deep touch to Fool’s Paradise is the hugely talented French producer, Sebb Junior, with ‘Colors’. Centered around one of Sebb’s signature cut-up style vocal hooks, ‘Colors’ is a punchy hypnotic groover dressed with warm bubbling synth melodies that flow over a deep effervescent bassline, bringing all the right feels to the dance floor.
French artist based in Spain, Sebb Junior, is one of the most hard-working House music DJs and producers of the moment. He’s released hundreds of singles, EP’s and remixes on widely respected labels like Large Music, Madhouse Records, Nervous Records, Milk & Sugar, Quantize Records, Let There Be House and many more. Into music since the early 90s with his roots into Hip Hop culture, Sebb takes influences from a vast eclectic range of sounds, from Soul, Jazz through to Funk and RnB, carefully and respectfully using these styles to craft a unique and refreshing take on sample based House Music. A versatile and well nuanced artist, Sebb Junior has also produced 2 critically acclaimed albums ‘Rewind’ on Papa Records and ‘Hold On’ on Sub Urban Music. In 2018, feeling the need for more independence and freedom, Sebb launched his own label (vinyl and digital) La Vie D’Artiste Music.
Track Listing
1 Colors
2 Colors (Extended Mix)
‘Colors’ will be released on September 8th 2023 on Fool’s Paradise Records.
Sebb Junior
‘Colors’
Fool’s Paradise / FP004
https://www.facebook.com/sebbjunior/
www.facebook.com/foolsparadiserecs
www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs
www.tiktok.com/@foolsparadiserecs
INTERNATIONAAL GEPREZEN GEORGE MICHAEL-TRIBUTE ‘THE EDGE OF HEAVEN TOUR’ KOMT OP 11 NOVEMBER NAAR OWLA BRUGGE
Met Belgische leadzanger Ivann!
Het overlijden van superster George Michael dompelde de muziekwereld in december 2016 in een diepe rouw, maar gelukkig overleven zijn onsterfelijke hits de tand des tijds. Dit najaar krijgen de vele George Michael-fans in België eindelijk weer waar ze al lang terug recht op hebben. Na eerdere succesvolle en veelgeprezen doortochten in ons land, strijkt de sublieme George Michael tribute show ‘The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ op zaterdag 11 november 2023 neer in Owla Brugge. De Belgische leadzanger Ivann, één van ’s werelds meest fenomenale ‘look-a-like-lead’-stemmen, laat samen met een fenomenale liveband en vergezeld door drie fantastische backing vocals, de hits van George Michael en Wham! één voor één herleven. ‘Faith’, ‘Father Figure’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Outside’, ‘Freedom’, ‘The Edge Of Heaven’,…allemaal komen ze aan bod tijdens deze verbluffende concertavond. Tickets voor ‘A Tribute To George Michael - The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ op zaterdag 11 november 2023 om 20.30u in Owla Brugge, kan je nu bestellen via owlabrugge.be .
“Amazing”, “Incredible” en “Buiten categorie”, waren de meest gehoorde reacties na afloop van de uitverkochte wereldpremière van ‘A Tribute To George Michael – The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ in de Antwerpse Stadsschouwburg in 2018. Met een dubbele biss en drie staande ovaties werden wereldzanger Ivann (Vermeer) en zijn sublieme band uitgezwaaid.
De nationale en internationale George Michael-fanclubs zijn het sindsdien unaniem eens: elke fan en elke muziekliefhebber moet deze totaalbeleving meemaken: “We kwamen voor zijn hits, ‘Faith’, ‘Careless Whisper, ‘Freedom’, ‘The Edge Of Heaven’ en werden bijna letterlijk anderhalf uur weggeblazen door de krachtige stem van leadzanger Ivann, de topmuzikanten en sublieme backingvocals”, “Dit is de ultieme tribute show die zorgt voor nieuwe herinneringen, gebaseerd op de hits en klassiekers van George Michael en Wham!”, “We weten zeker dat George hier heel trots op zou zijn!”, “Een must-see!”, klinkt het bij de Belgische, Nederlandse, Duitse en Engelse fanclubs.
De fenomenale show en Ivann’s ijzersterke interpretatie van George Michael, kregen na deze lof van pers en publiek een nationaal en internationaal vervolg. Ivann mocht zelfs als George Michael het podium delen met de Nederlandse superster Glennis Grace, tijdens haar uitverkochte Whitney-tribute in de Antwerpse Lotto Arena op 26 oktober 2019. Geen onbekend terrein voor hem, want Ivann (Vermeer) deelde ook al het podium met o.a. wereldsterren Lionel Richie en Paul Young.
Tijdens ‘A Tribute To George Michael – The Edge Of Heaven Tour' verlegt hij wederom zijn grenzen met weergaloze versies van ‘Faith’, ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’, ‘Father Figure’, ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Wake Me Up’ en de rest van de onsterfelijke George Michael-klassiekers. Ze komen allemaal even geloofwaardig en met het nodige respect aan bod in de show, met dank ook aan de 3 uitzonderlijke backings en de ijzersterke liveband.
Tickets voor ‘A Tribute To George Michael - ‘The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ op zaterdag 11 november 2023 om 20.30u in Owla Brugge, kan je nu bestellen via owlabrugge.be
MICHAEL FIELDS JR. FT. ADAM HAWLEY – ‘FIELDS GOOD’
National/International Recording Artist/Bassist/Producer Michael Fields Jr. Is impacting the world with his musical gift. Michael burst on the scene in 2016 with his debut album
Mr.Fields, then again in 2018 with On The Move with his two hit songs "Lovette Road" & "Let's Ride". His music can be heard on Smooth Jazz stations worldwide with significant recognition on Sirius XM/Watercolors, The Smooth Jazz Network & America's Music Charts. Michael's back with his newest album Fields Good which produced two singles "I Like That" & "Get Up On It" which peaked at #28 on the Smooth Jazz Network charts.
Michael Fields Jr. is the founder of Water From Rock Productions, Jazz On Green Tulsa and in 2021 he started a nonprofit "Keep Music Alive Foundation" which is doing extensive musical work in Tulsa and surrounding areas. Michael's greatest joy is being a father to his three beautiful children Zion, Michael & Madison. Michael Fields Jr. will definitely be a name you won't forget!
"Fields Good" ft. Adam Hawley
Written by Michael Fields Jr.
Piccolo/Bass - Michael Fields Jr.
Guitar - Adam Hawley
Percussion - Arthur Thompson
Keys - Reginald James
Organ - Jeremy Thomas
Drums Sequence - Jeff Slade
HERB ALPERT ASKS US ‘SLOW DOWN’
"Slow Down" is the latest single from Herb Alpert's new album, Wish Upon A Star. The track was written and produced by Herb and his longtime collaborator, fellow Smooth Jazz artist and keyboardist Jeff Lorber. The upbeat, funky groove is grounded in Lorber's syncopated comping while Herb's trumpet melodies soar high above. Lorber interjects with soulful interludes on both organ and piano. The sound is filled out with Mitchell Long's skillful guitar and Gary Novak's locked-in drums.
Wish Upon A Star is the 88-year-old Alpert's 49th studio album and includes covers of iconic tunes like Jerry Reed's "East Bound And Down", Elvis Presley's "(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame", The Beatles' "And I Love Her", and Cat Stevens' "Father And Son".
PAUL BROWN IS RIGHT ON ‘DA SPOT’
Both as an artist and producer, double Grammy-Award winner Paul Brown is responsible for more than 60 #1 Contemporary Jazz radio hits! PB has produced and shared the stage with a who’s-who of music royalty such as Luther Vandross, George Benson, Patti Austin, Boney James, Norman Brown, and Peter White, just to name a few.
The Los Angeles born and raised guitarist’s R&B driven sound has been a foundational element in Smooth and Urban Jazz since the early 1990s, when he produced saxophonist Boney James’ breakout debut album, Trust. He has since worked with many of the genre’s most influential artists including Larry Carlton, Dave Koz & Friends, Euge Groove, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub, and Al Jarreau!
HANS VAN CAUWENBERGHE KEERT NA 22 JAAR TERUG OP DE MUSICALPLANKEN IN ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
Aanstormend talent Jozefien Grossen vervoegt ensemble.
Dit najaar kan je in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen (extra shows in februari 2024!), Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt gaan genieten van een volledig nieuwe, Vlaamse musical gebaseerd op het legendarische kerstverhaal ‘A Christmas Carol’ van Charles Dickens.
Aan de ijzersterke cast van deze kerstklassieker, aangevoerd door de onnavolgbare Lucas Van den Eynde als de verbitterde Ebenezer Scrooge, wordt met acteur en zanger Hans Van Cauwenberghe als de toegewijde werknemer van Scrooge en vriendelijke familieman Bob Cratchit, een toch wel verrassende naam toegevoegd.
Voor Hans, bij het grote publiek vooral bekend door zijn rollen in tv-series als 'Familie', 'Spoed', De Elfenheuvel', 'Flikken' en 'Stille Waters', betekent deze rol in 'A Christmas Carol', een terugkeer op de musicalplanken na 22 jaar. In 2001 vertolkte hij bij het NTGent de rol van Riff Raff in 'The Rocky Horror Show'. Leuk detail: Regisseur van dienst destijds was Stany Crets, (niet) toevallig ook regisseur en schrijver van deze Vlaamse versie van 'A Christmas Carol'.
Ook aan het ensemble wordt nog een extra laagje glanzende lak toegevoegd. Dat mag je zelfs bijna letterlijk nemen, want aanstormend talent Jozefien Grossen, die vanaf maart 2024 als Tracy Turnblad mag schitteren in 'Hairspray', komt die troepen nog versterken.
Regisseur en schrijver Stany Crets strooide eerder al gulzig met klasse en talent in de cast voor deze kerstklassieker. Zo spelen supertalenten Mauro Degroote (13, Deerlijk) en Matthijs Vochten (13, Antwerpen) afwisselend de allesbehalve kleine rol van Tiny Tim.
Steve De Schepper dwaalt als 'Geest van het verleden' rond, Jervin Weckx is de 'Geest van het heden' en Isabelle Heremans maakt het geestige trio compleet als 'Geest van de toekomst'. Saïn Vantomme kruipt in de huid van de liefdevolle Mrs. Cratchit en Eveline Maes is de lieve Belle, ex-verloofde van Scrooge en het meisje dat zijn jonge hart brak. Jens Broes vindt in joviale koopman Fezziwig dan weer een kolfje naar zijn hand.
Charles Dickens - ‘A Christmas Carol’
Voor bankier en wisselaar Ebenezer Scrooge draait bijna zijn hele leven alleen maar om geld. Liefde, familie en vriendschap lijkt hij te verafschuwen. Op kerstavond stemt Scrooge onwillig in met een vrije dag voor zijn boekhouder Bob Cratchit, zodat Bob Kerstmis kan vieren met zijn gezin. Scrooge krijgt diezelfde avond het bezoek van de geest van zijn vroegere zakenpartner Jacob Marley. Die waarschuwt hem voor zijn lot als rusteloos, ronddwalend spook, indien hij zijn leven niet verandert. Ook de Geesten van Voorbije Kerstmis, Kerstmis Nu en Toekomstig Kerstmis passeren nog de revue bij Scrooge. Zij brengen hem tot nieuwe inzichten en hij verandert zijn leven drastisch. Scrooge wordt weer de zachtaardige en ja, zelfs vrijgevige man die hij was voor de dood van zijn geliefde Belle.
‘A Christmas Carol’, vanaf 16 november 2023 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen (try-outs + extra shows vanaf 23 februari 2024), Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Tickets & info: www.deepbridge.be.
JOSEPHINE ONIYAMA - 'KINDRED (DELUXE)' - EXPANDED CD AND DIGITAL FORMATS OF NEW ALBUM BY SOULFUL BRITISH SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 29.09.23
JOSEPHINE ONIYAMA - KINDRED (Deluxe)
expanded album
out 29.09.23
(Sound Of Solar Records)
pre-order/save
CD | digital
“Its relationship-exploring songs, together with their arrangements and production, are top-notch and enhanced by Oniyama’s strong but subtle and distinctive voice ****”
MOJO
“A modern, spacious production, but there’s a timelessness about her approach with acoustic guitar combining with electronics and synthetic strings, plus her rich voice and finely wrought songs 8/10”
HI-FI NEWS
“With her soulful, complex contralto, she has one of the most distinctive voices in British pop”
GET IN HER EARS
“An engaging exploration of life and love in the world today, delivered in her properly remarkable voice”
NORTHERN SOUL
includes the singles
ACT LIKE YOU’RE IN LOVE
TEARS WILL NEVER BE MINE | HUMAN |
BURN | KINDRED
‘Kindred’ is the current album by the soulful singer-songwriter Josephine Oniyama, who is based in Liverpool but was born and raised in Manchester. Released digitally in late 2022, the album is now being made available in expanded CD and digital formats that contain three bonus songs.
‘Get Into Danger’ is a collaboration with Oniyama’s long-standing live guitarist Steve Marsden, ‘Made For Love’ was written and produced with the Hamburg collective that contributed to much of ‘Kindred’, while ‘Desert Without A Stream’ was included on the German CD format of her ‘Portrait’ album released a decade ago but has never been released in the UK until now.
With five of its songs released as singles and receiving airplay across the BBC and Absolute Radio, ‘Kindred’ reintroduced Oniyama to fans after a period out of the spotlight. While reviewers compared her favourably to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading, she explained that its songs “focus on human connections, friendship, family, love and being strong through adversity. It’s about going on a journey together and sharing life with others and each of us striving to be the best we can be along the way.”
‘Kindred’ appeared a full decade after ‘Portrait’, which itself had been issued to stunning reviews that praised its fusion of folk, soul, Afrobeat and jazz. Songs from it were playlisted at BBC Radio 2, with further support from 6 Music, XFM and Jazz FM, while Oniyama also performed on Later With Jools Holland HERE, The Andrew Marr Show and more. High profile support slots, festival appearances and extensive tours helped solidify her burgeoning reputation and also saw her noticed by a diverse selection of her peers, leading to collaborations with rock band Travis and jazz producer/trumpeter Matthew Halsall.
Oniyama was subsequently commissioned to compose scores for the launch of HOME, the Manchester international contemporary arts centre, which expanded her creative ideas and skills as a songwriter, arranger and sound artist. Some of her thoughts about her writing process appeared in an interview with Songwriting Magazine in 2022 and have just been republished online HERE.
Oniyama also spent time earning an MA degree in English and became a mother while writing and recording ‘Kindred'.
KINDRED (Deluxe)
TRACKLISTING
1 Act Like You’re In Love
2 Tears Will Never Be Mine
3 Kindred
4 ’Til You
5 Superheroes
6 Sanctuary
7 Human
8 Every Second
9 Break Free
10 Burn
11 Get Into Danger
12 Made For Love
13 Desert Without A Stream
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ BASSIST ROBERTO VALLY PILOTS ‘LAST FLIGHT HOME’
Iconic pianist David Benoit and hitmaking saxophonist Jeff Ryan copilot the single that began collecting playlist adds on Monday.
LOS ANGELES (13 September 2023): For a journeyman musician like bassist Roberto Vally, who has been touring for 44 years, there’s nothing like that last flight home as the sun sets at the end of a concert tour. And for Vally, that trip home could be anywhere in the world his family resides: from West Africa to Norway, from France to his Los Angeles residence. The destination really doesn’t matter. What does is re-uniting with loved ones. Vally’s new Woodward Avenue Records single, “Last Flight Home,” which began collecting playlist adds on Monday (September 11), captures the evocative emotional journey through warm melody, rich harmony and a robust groove.
Vally’s traveling companions on “Last Flight Home” are his cowriters: two-time Grammy nominated pianist David Benoit and Jeff Carruthers (Paul Brown, Boney James, Dave Koz). The bass player produced the track that features his pliable and lyrical bass lines along with scatted vocalizations. The flight team is bolstered by lush tenor sax embellishments added to the chorus by Billboard chart-topping tenor saxophonist Jeff Ryan and a nimble acoustic piano solo from Benoit, a seminal contemporary jazz artist who has a long history of collaborating with Vally. Another frequent collaborator, two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown mixed the track.
“Really everyone who plays on this track, I have extensive history of not only recording with them but having shared many chart successes together. The newest would be my labelmate, Jeff Ryan, and I just love the way he plays and knew that Jeff would bring something special to ‘Last Flight Home.’ And he did just that. I have many fond memories of playing and recording with David (Benoit). He wrote his part for this song, which really helped bring the entire thing to life,” said Vally, who will flank Benoit during the piano man’s famed “A Charlie Brown Christmas Tour” this coming holiday season.
Brooklyn-born Vally was classically trained in the bass and music theory. He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (made famous in “Fame”) and The Juilliard School briefly during and after high school. His versatile repertoire spanning classical, jazz, Latin, funk, rock, hip-hop, pop, reggae and soul music was developed and honed through international touring during which he accompanied an array of jazz, R&B and pop greats. After being invited to join Spyro Gyra when he was just 27 years old, Vally then toured the globe with Michael Franks. From there, he served long tenures as musical director for Diane Shuur and Randy Crawford and spent 29 years playing in Bobby Caldwell’s band. Vally has played recording dates with George Benson, Al Jarreau, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Boney James, and many others.
More than a premier sideman and a first-call session player, Vally started writing songs for members of the contemporary jazz royalty who are his contemporaries. He’s penned Billboard number one hits for Brown, Bob James, Kirk Whalum and Richard Elliot. He’s also written tunes for Larry Carlton, Boney James, Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Carol Albert, Marion Meadows and Najee.
For more information, please visit https://robertovally.com.
REBECCA JADE FT. ERIC DARIUS – ‘BOTTLE UP MAGIC’
Get ready to be enchanted by the mesmerizing sounds of Rebecca Jade, as she unveils her latest single, "Bottle Up Magic." With its unique blend of soulful melodies, powerful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, this captivating single is set to leave a lasting impression on listeners worldwide.
Rebecca Jade, a talented singer-songwriter known for her impressive range and ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, once again demonstrates her exceptional artistry in "Bottle Up Magic". This extraordinary track takes listeners on a whimsical journey, inviting them to explore the depths of their imagination and embrace the magic that is love within.
Produced by Rebecca Jade and Carnell Harrell, and co-written by Veronica May, "Bottle Up Magic" showcases Rebecca Jade's incredible vocal prowess, effortlessly weaving together elements of Smooth Jazz, Soul, Pop, and R&B. Her velvety smooth voice, combined with the song's infectious hooks and lush instrumentation, creates an unforgettable sonic experience that will resonate with music lovers of all genres. And adding Eric Darius on saxophone as a featured artist really takes the "magic" to a whole new level. Eric's dynamic musical expression complements Rebecca's vocals so beautifully and there is undeniable synergy happening on this track from start to finish.
Lyrically, "Bottle Up Magic" delves into the universal theme of love in a way that can be considered supernatural. Rebecca Jade's introspective and thought-provoking lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own personal journeys, empowering them to break free from the day-to-day and embrace the fantasy.
This release marks another milestone in Rebecca Jade's already impressive career. With previous successes, including Billboard-charting on her two previous singles, collaborations with industry heavyweights and live performances all over the world, Jade continues to solidify her position as an emerging powerhouse in the music scene.
Join Rebecca Jade on this mystical adventure and unlock the magic within.
'MARIE-ANTOINETTE' BRENGT BROADWAY IN WEST (END)-VLAANDEREN
Fenomenale productie blaast publiek omver!
'Marie-Antoinette' is een uniek musicalspektakel van internationaal niveau, dat is zowat de algemene conclusie van het publiek na het meer dan geslaagde openingsweekend van deze werkelijk fenomenale productie. Het openluchtspektakel, dat op meeslepende wijze het fascinerende verhaal van de miskende, laatste koningin van Frankrijk vertelt, vindt plaats op en rond de slotgracht van het prachtige Kasteel van Wijnendale (Torhout), dat zelf ook mooi geïntegreerd werd in het oogverblindende decor.
De ruim 130 acteurs en figuranten op de scène, aangevoerd door een weergaloze Liesbeth Roose als 'Marie-Antoinette', spelen (soms letterlijk zelfs) met vuur en passie. Dit alles, in combinatie met de majestueuze kostuums, sublieme muziek en een weergaloos lichtspel , maken van 'Marie-Antoinette' een ongezien totaalspektakel.
We laten ook graag de beelden van het spektakel en de commentaren van de eerste bezoekers voor zich spreken:
⭐Verbluffende totaalbeleving ⭐ Fan van musical? Ga dan zeker kijken! ⭐ Uniek voor ons land ⭐ Een verrassende avond ⭐ Broadway in hartje Houtland ⭐ Echt niet te missen ⭐Marie-Antoinette schittert aan het Kasteel van Wijnendale ⭐Magie aan de voet van het Kasteel ⭐ Het was subliem, zowel jong als oud worden aangemoedigd dit te ervaren. Je zult er geen moment spijt van hebben ⭐
Internationale interesse in unieke combinatie erfgoed - spektakels
Met 'Marie-Antoinette' streek er niet alleen een spektakel van internationaal niveau neer in Torhout, de productie brengt Broadway en de West End ook letterlijk naar West-Vlaanderen. Het unieke concept van het Belgische productiehuis Historalia om grote musicalspektakels te brengen op culturele erfgoedsites, wekt concrete aandacht vanuit het buitenland. Zo zullen deze en komende weken vooraanstaande delegaties uit de UK afzakken naar Torhout om te bekijken hoe een samenwerking met Historalia rond een bekende erfgoedsite in het Verenigd Koninkrijk in de toekomst gerealiseerd kan worden. Wordt vervolgd....
Over Marie-Antoinette gaan vele, wilde verhalen rond, maar wie was ze echt?
Deze indrukwekkende productie, met weelderige kostuums, wondermooie muziek en in een verbluffend decor, geeft een verhelderend inzicht in het turbulente, korte leven van deze opmerkelijke dame.
'Marie-Antoinette' speelt nog tot en met 7 oktober 2023 in Torhout. Tickets & info: historalia.be/marie-antoinette
Scenario & regie: Luc Stevens
Componist & liedtkesten: Sam Gevers
Scenografie: Marnik Baert
Assistent regie, resident director & staging: Floris Devooght
Choreografie & staging: Wendy Demeyere
c: Photography Seppe
IGOR GERZINA RELEASES NEW SMOOTH JAZZSINGLE ‘THINGS I’VE NEVER DONE BEFORE’
Award-winning saxophonist and producer Igor Gerzina, celebrated for his unparalleled musical prowess, is back with a scintillating new release that promises to transport listeners to the very heart of smooth jazz.
The artist's latest single, "Things I've Never Done Before" is set to captivate the ears of music enthusiasts worldwide with its soulful melodies and effortless mastery of the saxophone.
Featuring exquisite saxophone solos that effortlessly meld with lush instrumentals, "Things I've Never Done Before" is a masterclass in musical storytelling. With its velvety tones and impeccable production, the single is destined to become a classic in the smooth jazz canon. Whether you're a long-time smooth jazz aficionado or new to the genre, this single promises to delight and enthrall.
Listen, enjoy, and download "Things I've Never Done Before" today to experience the magic for yourself.
Igor Gerzina is a Croatian award-winning saxophonist, composer and Croatian Radiotelevision Jazz Orchestra producer. He won several Porin awards (Croatian most prestigious discography award), as well as several Status awards for the best instrumentalist of the year, awarded by the Croatian Musicians Union.
Igor performed his song 'Dream For The Future' on the Croatian presidential inauguration.
The last three albums garnered airplay in more than 15 countries on 4 continents.
He took part in more than a hundred and thirty discography editions, composed for film, pop artists and opening songs for TV and radio. He has graduated in saxophone from Zagreb Academy of Music and has studied at Berklee College of Music (Boston, USA).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igorgerzinasax
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igorgerzinamusic/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/zgspecial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saxophoneigor
Official Website: www.igorgerzina.com
COYLE GIRELLI - 'SO PREDICTABLE' – NEW SINGLE BY NYC BASED BRITISH SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 08.09.23
COYLE GIRELLI | 2023 photo by Shervin Lainez
COYLE GIRELLI
SO PREDICTABLE
new single
out now
(Honey Lemon Records)
digital services
'So Predictable' is the latest single to be released from a forthcoming third solo album by the New York City based British singer-songwriter Coyle Girelli, who is originally from Leeds.
Girelli explains that “in a lot of ways this song is a kind of ode to Los Angeles. It’s a complicated town, filled with complicated people and I have a complicated relationship with it. I turned the grungy fuzz pedals on and the amplifiers up for it!”
Musically, 'So Predictable’ has an anthemic yet sleazy rock vibe, with a lyric that references Mulholland Drive, the 405 Highway and would-be actresses signing up to the ‘Dream Division’, plus a chorus that oozes glamour, albeit with an empty feeling in the heart of its author.
Girelli will release a new album entitled ‘Museum Day’ in late 2023.
As a songwriter, Girelli has written for pop acts that include BTS, Robin Schulz, Westlife and Macklemore, collaborated with celebrated songsmiths such as Mac Davis and Linda Perry, and co-written for the award winning French musicals ‘Robin Des Bois’ (2013) and ‘Les Trois Mousquataries’ (2016). He is currently creating a new musical entitled ‘Choreomania’ with director Kevin Newbury and Up Until Now Collective, while his immersive theatre production ‘True Love Forever’ in collaboration with Third Rail Projects is set to open in October. Girelli released its title track as a single in early 2023.
Girelli’s early career saw him fronting the Leeds-based alt rock/post-punk bands Your Vegas and The Chevin, with a performance by the latter on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ while on tour in the US prompting its host to state: “If I had a voice like that, I’d run for President.” He issued a well received 2018 solo debut album, 'Love Kills’, followed by ‘Funland’ four years later that was described by Louder Than War as “a wonderful collection of rich and atmospheric soundscapes with Girelli emerging as the ultimate balladeer. He has a vocal style which absorbs all that is great about the likes of Roy Orbison and Richard Hawley.” A single from it, ‘Do You Wanna Dance’, gained traction at US radio, while an atmospheric ballad from its predecessor entitled ’Something Strange In The Night’ received belated recognition following its use in a Netflix TV sync.
Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
DUB FX - 'LIVING INSIDE (FEAT. FRASE)' - FUNK & NEO-SOUL INFUSED NEW SINGLE BY GENRE-BENDING AUSTRALIAN MUSICIAN OU 08.09.23
DUB FX
LIVING INSIDE
(feat. FRASE)
new single
out 08.09.23
(Convoy Unltd/Membran)
stream
included on
INFINITE REFLECTION
new album
out 22.09.23
pre-save/add
Dub FX (aka Benjamin Stanford) is an Australian musician, street performer and social activist who mixes live looping, beatboxing and world-class production into one sonic mind-f**k. Genre-bending hip-hop, dubstep, reggae, dancehall, d’n’b and jungle into something uniquely his own, Dub FX has gained worldwide recognition for promoting positivity, unity and social awareness via his distinct and powerful lyrics, with acclaimed full-length releases such as 'Thinking Clear’ and ‘Roots' adding to his reputation.
His upcoming new album, ‘Infinite Reflection’, is further testament to this. Taking listeners on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries, each of its nine tracks could easily stand alone as singles and are being treated as such, with a song issued every Friday until the full album is released on 22nd September.
For his latest new single, ‘Living Inside’, Dub FX joins forces with Canadian singer, producer and musician FRASE, himself renowned for an eloquent lyrical finesse and a voice that conveys heartfelt emotion. In tandem, they have created a soulful and upbeat hybrid of samba, funk, neo-soul and hip-hop, with Dub FX explaining that "while away on tour a few years ago I started working on a track that fused all these genres and other elements. After coming up with the hook and verse, I sent it to Frase in Montreal, realising that he would be able add to its vibe, but I was simply blown away by what he then sent back. He took the track to a whole new level with heaps of extra harmonies, new sections with half-time drums, guitar and bass. It's always amazing to work with such talented and like-minded musicians!"
FRASE recalls: "when Ben sent me the track, I was vibing to it right away and started singing to it on first listen. I had a melody, but wanted to deliver something poignant for my verse, so I 'deep dived' and went to town. Dub FX has always been one of my inspirations for writing on themes of social change and activism through the power of music. We have known each other for almost ten years, so I am glad we took our time with this first collaboration and produced something special.”
Commencing in Slovenia on the evening prior to album release, Dub FX will embark on ‘The Infinite Reflection Tour’, taking in 36 European dates that climax with five UK shows in November:
21.11.23 BRISTOL Thekla tickets
22.11.23 LONDON Scala tickets
23.11.23 BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute 2 tickets
24.11.23 MANCHESTER Gorilla tickets
25.11.23 MILTON KEYNES MK11 tickets
Fans can look forward to a new live show that promises to set new standards, delivering unforgettable performances throughout the continent. Full tour details are available HERE.
INFINITE REFLECTION
TRACKLISTING
1 Cracks In The Mirror (3:37)
2 No More (3:26)
3 Living Inside (4:15)
4 Woman Rising (3:14)
5 Floating (3:39)
6 Dig This (4:36)
7 Falling (3:21)
8 Supernova Jam (4:18)
9 Infinite Reflection (5:12)
BILL COLLETTI ASKS US ‘TAKE NOTICE’
Bill Colletti is a professional multi-instrumentalist/recording artist and has been performing since 1978. His primary instruments are the flugelhorn, trumpet, valve trombone, piano, guitar and vocals. Bill's horn style is influenced by the likes of Chet Baker, Doc Severinsen, Herb Alpert and Chuck Mangione while his versatility is demonstrated throughout many musical genres such as Jazz, Latin, Big Band, Pop, Orchestral and Broadway musicals.
Bill has performed with Grammy award-winning and top Contempory/Smooth Jazz artists including Dave Koz, Peter White, Marc Antoine and Oli Silk. He was awarded 1st place in the "So You Think You Can Jam" contest aboard the Dave Koz 2013 Mediterranean Jazz Cruise.
The Dave Koz Lounge (SiriusXM ch. 66) has featured three of Bill's singles "Get Into It", "Treble Maker" and "Be on the Light."
Colletti is a full-time musician with a BS Degree in Computer Science, owns and operates Kay L. A. Recording Studio in Naples, FL.
DEE LUCAS IS ‘ON THE VERGE’
Saxophonist Dee Lucas has released a brand new single titled "On The Verge’". In this offering, the soprano saxman delivers both a catchy and infectious hook combined with a story-telling melody spreading inspiration and optimism as the overall message.
"On The Verge" is a ANOTHER smooth but energetic song from Dee’s 10th solo album No Boundaries which is destined to be a favorite among Smooth Jazz listeners.
"On The Verge"
Written by Bob Baldwin
Produced by Bob Baldwin
Mastered by Steve Hall
Dee Lucas - Soprano Saxophone
Melvin Baldwin - Drums
Bob Baldwin - All other instruments
CRYSTAL WATERS 'DANCE DANCE DANCE' (INCL. JOVONN MIX)
The incredible musical force that is Crystal Waters unleashes her dynamite new single, “Dance Dance Dance”, on Quantize Recordings. Driven by one of Crystal's signature power-vocals, complete with the obligatory infectious chorus line, “Dance Dance Dance” is produced by legendary US producer, Jovonn, who provides a perfectly formed soundtrack powered by a heavy bass groove and pumping beats.
Crystal Waters was named by Billboard Magazine as one of the most successful dance music artists in the history of the Billboard Dance Music Chart. She is best known for her giant 1991 release “Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)” and 1994’s “100% Pure Love”. Crystal has continued to notch up no.1 releases with “Le Bump”(Yolanda Be Cool), “Mama Hey” with Chris Cox, “Synergy”, “Believe” and “Testify”, with Hifi Sean. In 2020 she joined forces with DJ Spen and MicFreak on the huge “Party People” single. With over 100 million streams on Spotify, Crystal Waters continues to pen great songs and wow her fans with her performances.
Track Listing
1 Dance Dance Dance (Original Mix)
2 Dance Dance Dance (Jovonn's Raw 90's Mix)
3 Dance Dance Dance (Dancetrumental)
4 Dance Dance Dance (Radio Edit)
'Dance Dance Dance' will be released on Traxsource promo & Spotify on September 8th / Full release September 22nd on Quantize Recordings.
Crystal Waters
'Dance Dance Dance' (Incl. Jovonn Mix)
Quantize Recordings / QTZ442
https://www.facebook.com/IamCrystalWaters/
https://www.facebook.com/JovonnNyc
https://www.facebook.com/QuantizeRecordings/
NEW SINGLE ‘WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR’ FROM DAVE KOZ
In a recording career that spans nearly three decades, saxophonist Dave Koz has racked up an astoundingly impressive array of honors and achievements: nine GRAMMY® nominations, 11 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, 13 sold-out Dave Koz & Friends At Sea cruises, performances for multiple U.S. presidents, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and appearances on a multitude of television shows, including “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “The Tonight Show,” “Entertainment Tonight” and more. A Platinum-selling artist, Koz is also known as a humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host and instrumental music advocate.
Now Dave takes his alto sax stylings to "When You Wish Upon A Star", one of the most-beloved songs from the Disney music catalog. Recorded in the studio with producer Darren Rahn, it's the classic melody delivered with a modern production twist, giving new life to one of Disney's best.
THE JOY FORMIDABLE - 'THE HAT' – NEW SINGLE BY WELSH ALTERNATIVE ROCK TRIO OUT 05.09.23
THE JOY FORMIDABLE | 2023 photo by Joe Singh @snaprockandpop
THE JOY FORMIDABLE
THE HAT
new single
out 05.09.23
(Hassle)
stream
Welsh alternative rock trio The Joy Formidable have today released a brand new single entitled ‘The Hat’, the second of three to appear ahead of a UK tour that commences later this month.
“I feel like your own inner reflections can take on a sensation like being in space, alone in the gravity of your own uncertainty, drifting and off balance but aware of how beautiful and extraordinary life is,” says singer Ritzy Bryan. “This new song has that sensation of being transported but also moving forward, a nod to the new aperiodic tile that never repeats and your own vow to ‘never make the same mistake twice’.”
‘The Hat’ is the follow-up to ‘Cut Your Face’, which was issued in early August and well received:
“Has a chorus for the ages, but never sacrifices power in the name of hooks”
GUITAR WORLD
“This art-grunge attack is an intriguing return”
LOUDER
“Propelled by driving bass and percussion, layered with hypnotic synths and breathy vocals”
STEREOBOARD
“Ethereal vocals and glistening guitar work that transports listeners to a captivating sonic realm”
LAST DAY DEAF
“A superb outing that provides a genuinely uplifting and energising blast with a twist”
OUTSIDE LEFT
CUT YOUR FACE
video | stream
The band’s 'Cradle You Again’ tour commences on 20th September and includes several shows that were originally due to have taken place in the spring. Dates are:
20.09.23 GLASGOW King Tuts
21.09.23 LEEDS Wardrobe
22.09.23 MANCHESTER Academy 3
23.09.23 OXFORD O2 Academy 2
24.09.23 BRISTOL Fleece
26.09.23 CARDIFF The Globe
27.09.23 NORWICH Epic Studios
28.09.23 LONDON Clapham Grand *
30.09.23 PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
01.10.23 NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
*with the Wolf Orchestra
The tour has been preceded with appearances at the recent Beautiful Days Festival in Devon, dates in Taunton and Sheffield with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, plus the Outwith Festival in Dunfermline this coming weekend (9th-10th September). The band have also added pre-tour headlining shows in Wrexham (7th) and Aberdeen (8th). Full details plus ticket info can be found HERE .
Comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Ritzy Bryan, bassist/vocalist Rhydian Dafydd and drummer Matt Thomas, The Joy Formidable are originally from North Wales and currently split their time between there and Utah, “in the middle of nowhere” and the closest thing they could find in the USA to their home turf. Nevertheless, they have remained close to their loyal fanbase and launched TJF Music Club in 2019, with members able to request Backstage access, watch online shows and get exclusive songs and merchandise. It grew and evolved during the subsequent pandemic.
They released their most recent album, ‘Into The Blue’, in 2021, touring it extensively in North America. Commenting on what will be their first full UK tour in four years, Ritzy continues: “We are so looking forward to reconnecting with our UK fans again after a long time away. Our live shows are so special to us and we will be celebrating all our releases across this tour, including a special one night only orchestral show at the beautiful Clapham Grand. The Cradle You Again tour is a collective ‘cwtch’ to all our fans and a thank you for supporting us across the years.”
THE JOY FORMIDABLE
Ritzy Bryan - lead vocals, guitar
Rhydian Dafydd - bass, vocals
Matt Thomas - drums, percussion
Official Site
JOSEPH MALIK – ‘PROXIMA EBONY’ ALBUM
Scotland’s premiere soulful artist, Joseph Malik, reveals his highly anticipated fifth artist album, ‘Proxima Ebony’, on Ramrock Red Records, which hails the beginning of an exciting new era of music from Edinburgh’s internationally acclaimed and inspirational talent.
'Proxima Ebony' was created in Edinburgh by Joseph Malik and Daniel Walls and recorded, produced and arranged by Darren Morris and Jo Wallace at North Street West studio, St Leonards on Sea. The album, which will be released both on vinyl and digitally, comes loaded with an exciting array of brilliantly penned songs with profound, intimate stories and impactful lyrics, all dressed with Joseph’s intoxicating emotive vocals. Journeying between Soul, R&B, Disco, Afro Boogie and old skool Hip Hop, ‘Proxima Ebony’ is fused with a cross pollination of cultures from Joseph’s Nigerian and Scottish heritage. Joining Joseph on the album are an array of homegrown and international artists including; San Francisco rapper, Capitol A; Philadelphia spoken word artist, Kameelah Waheed; Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive); world renowned Jazz harpist, Alina Bzhezhinska; and Edinburgh Hip Hop legend, DJ Nasty P. The album also features world-class musicians such as North Street West, Daniel Walls, Otti Albiez, Digital Liquid, Chris Franck and David Donnelly, who all contribute to a stunning set of genre-crossing productions that perfectly flow with Joseph’s impeccable songs on this must-listen album.
Joseph Malik has crafted a fantastic catalogue of music over the decades and is highly respected for his distinctively soulful voice and on point song writing skills. After his first release, ‘Miles Out Of Time’ In 1994 with Calvin Nuttal as MF Outa National, he launched his award winning Café Graffiti club night ,’Lizard Lounge’, with performers including Gil Scott Heron, Rueben Wilson, The Blackbyrds and the Last Poets. Joseph then signed to Compost Records and together with co-producer, David Donnelly, he released his first album, ‘Diverse Part 1’, in 2002. This was followed by ‘Aquarius Songs’ album (2004), and ‘Diverse Part 2’ album (2018) on Ramrock Records, which was awarded ‘Album of the Month’ on Gilles Peterson’s BBC 6Music show, along with support from Craig Charles’ 6Music Funk and Soul show.
2019 saw the formation of Out Of The Ordinary – a collective of the best Scottish musicians including Malcolm Ross (Orange Juice/Aztec Camera), Steven Christie (The Proclaimers), David Donnelly, and Chris Greive (SNJO), on the album, ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’, the ‘Meadows’ EP and ‘Kind Of Strange’ EP in 2020. Joseph’s ‘Diverse Part 3’ album in 2018 (Craig Charles BBC 6Music ‘Album of the Year’), tackled powerful issues including Joseph’s personal involvement in the #BLM movement. Joseph released ‘Diverse Part 3 Variant Issue’, the remix album (2022) and he received the ‘One to Watch’ award from 2022 Boisdale Awards and performed alongside the Jools Holland Band. He also performed on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Basement Session on Worldwide FM.
To celebrate the launch of his ‘Proxima Ebony’ album, Joseph Malik will be performing live with his band at The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, on September 8th 2023.
Track Listing
1 Introduction
2 Proxima Ebony ft. Capitol A
3 Adjust Like Dat
4 Be A Lion ft. Kameelah Waheed
5 Shuya San ft. Shuya Okino
6 Trouble With A Capital T
7 Only Fans ft. Digital Liquid
8 Adult Contemporary
9 My Whole World (Is Fallin') ft. Kameelah Waheed
10 Hollywood Africans ft. Alina Bzhezhinska
11 High Over Low ft. Chris Franck
‘Proxima Ebony’ album will be released on all digital platforms on September 8th 2023 / Vinyl release January 2024 on Ramrock Red Records.
Joseph Malik
‘Proxima Ebony’ Album
Ramrock Red Records / RRRLP010
https://www.instagram.com/josephmalikofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/JosephMalikOfficial
https://www.facebook.com/RamrockRecords
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - R&B-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST SHAWN RAIFORD TAPS GRAMMY-WINNING PRODUCER DEREK “DOA” ALLEN TO HONOR “VALLEJO.”
The new single going for playlist adds on Monday is from the upcoming album, “The Next Step.”
SACRAMENTO (1 September 2023): Home sweet home. Using his lyrically expressive horn to pay homage to his hometown, R&B-jazz saxophonist Shawn Raiford teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Derek “DOA” Allen (Lionel Richie, Janet Jackson, Tyrese) to create a musical love letter to the Bay Area city located thirty miles north of San Francisco. Written by Raiford, Allen, Ashley Jemison and Eddie Mininfield (Prince, Sheila E., Aretha Franklin), “Vallejo” will begin collecting playlist adds on Monday (September 4).
“Vallejo” is the third single released from Raiford’s forthcoming sophomore album, “The Next Step,” which is slated to drop early next year with Allen manning the producer’s console. And this one is personal.
“The only place that felt like home, the only place I felt like I belonged was in Vallejo,” said Raiford, who bounced around a bit while growing up, having attended four elementary schools, three junior high schools and two high schools.
“I was raised by my grandparents in Vallejo, California and this song is a tribute to a city that I speak of everywhere I go. There’s not a place that I go that I don’t mention that I’m from Vallejo. I’m really proud of that city. There’s just something about it.”
The warm melodies and intimate harmonies evocative of Raiford’s ardor for Vallejo float atop a soulful midtempo groove. His sax deftly balances his passion and intensity with the beauty and grace of his affection for the city. The track has an edge reflective of the signature sounds known to emerge from the Bay Area music scene.
“Me and my producer, DOA, came up with a combination of The Gap Band’s ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ and Brent Jones’s ‘I’m In Your City,’ but giving it the feel that Vallejo should have. It’s one of those songs that I believe that people when they get done listening to it are going to put it on play again. You can put it on in the backyard…people just having fun. It’s one of those joints. It’s really a nice song,” said Raiford, a motivational and genuinely exuberant artist who uses music to preach and teach what is possible when you believe in yourself, take action and follow your passion while being of service to others.
An award-winning entertainer with his band The Shawn Raiford Experience, Raiford has been opening shows this year for R&B singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Chuckii Booker. Over the years, he’s opened for or performed with Teddy Riley, Yolanda Adams, Freddie Jackson, Pete Escovedo, Eric Darius and Jeff Ryan. Tonight, Raiford will open September with a show in Pittsburg, CA and close the month with a performance at the Night of Elegance benefit concert with Jay King (Club Nouveau) in Sacramento on September 30.
The yearlong build up to “The Next Step” began last January when Raiford released the sensual single “Forever.” Momentum continued to grow in May with the release of his version of the four-time Grammy-winning hit, “Leave The Door Open.” But at every show he’s played this year, during every interview he’s given, and over and over again on his social media, Raiford has talked about “Vallejo,” and just how special this song is to him.
“I love going back to Vallejo just to look and see how it’s changed, but one thing never changes. It’s the city I call home and will always love. In an everchanging world, Vallejo is the city I hope will always love me the way that I love it.”
For more information, please visit https://shawnraifordsax.com.
SHAWN RAIFORD – ‘VALLEJO’
Shawn Raiford, is one of the most appreciated musical talents currently rising in the Sacramento area music scene. Either playing alone or with the SRE Band, Shawn Raiford’s engaging ability on the alto saxophone combines his enthusiasm, showmanship, and capacity to entertain with just the right combination of popular hits and original music.
He is equally comfortable commanding an audience’s attention front and center on stage as he is at enhancing any event with background music. Shawn individually tailors his set lists for each occasion. He draws from a wide range of selections from his rapidly growing repertoire of contemporary jazz, R&B, gospel, rock, and popular music selections.
From the outset of his musical career in 1999, when Shawn first picked up the saxophone for his late grandmother’s 75-year church anniversary, he has learned the art of playing before discerning audiences that appreciate live music. Since then he has worked tirelessly to perfect his crystal clear sound and develop the gift of music that lay dormant within him until it was awakened as a young adult.
Mr. Raiford was first inspired and instructed by Claude Roberson, Minister of Music at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield, Calif. During his musical journey, he has benefited from the tutelage of some very capable musicians including keyboardist Reggie Graham and saxophonists Ron Moton, Andrew Beal and Garrett Perkins. Shawn counts David Sanborn, Gerald Albright, Harold Rayford, Jermaine Mondaine, Rosie Haynes, Kenny G., and Grover Washington Jr. as a few of his many musical influences. Not content with simply remaining a one-dimensional musician, Shawn is currently learning to play piano and is studying music theory and composition at American River College in Sacramento.
DUANE PARHAM – ‘MY TURN’
Saxophonist Duane Parham is one of Detroit’s most beloved Jazz artists. He is recognized as an innovator, visionary and top performer in Smooth Jazz, R&B and Gospel Music.
Duane’s new single “My Turn” is a sassy, lively, upbeat tune that makes you tap your fee and shake your head! It’s the first single from the upcoming album Sugar Melts. Parham plays in four genres: Smooth Jazz, R&B, Motown and Gospel, while the listener gets bits of each one in every composition. Why? Parham internalizes his music so that it reaches the listener emotionally.
The genre of "My Turn" is Smooth Jazz, but the message is Soul. The melody has staying power. After the music stops, the melody lingers on. Now…it’s your listeners turn to hear “My Turn”.
Presently, Walter Duane Parham is Founder and CEO of Educational Arts Society, a 501 c 3 nonprofit, that assists young artists in developing a professional music skill-set, coupled with a core value skill-set. The Parham Academy of Performing Arts, one of the “legs” of the organization, focuses on delivering FREE instruments and lessons to under-privileged children in Detroit and surrounding cities.
His book Can You Hear Me Now? which debuted in prose and CD format, was released in 2020 and can be found on Amazon and other book companies around the world. Life lessons learned and underscored in the book, are values and lessons that lead to positive life direction and are showcased by talk show hosts on his worldwide radio station Educational Arts Music & Talk Radio (slogan) “EAMT: The Place 2B!” www.eamtradio.com.
True to his gospel roots, currently, Duane serves as a saxophonist at Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
CHÉ AIMEE DORVAL - 'THE CROWNED TOUR' - GENRE-BLENDING CANADIAN MUSICIAN ANNOUNCES AUTUMN UK/EUROPEAN TOUR TO PROMOTE STUNNING NEW ALBUM
CHÉ AIMEE DORVAL
THE CROWNED TOUR
UK & EUROPE 2023
27.10.23 LONDON St. Pancras Old Church
28.10.23 BIRMINGHAM The Sunflower Lounge ^
29.10.23 BRISTOL The Louisiana
30.10.23 CAMBRIDGE Portland Arms
31.10.23 BARNOLDSWICK Music And Arts Centre
02.11.23 DEN HAAG (NL) Paard *
04.11.23 HAARLEM (NL) Patronaat *
05.11.23 WEERT (NL) De Bosuil *
07.11.23 HAMBURG (DE) Prinzenbar
08.11.23 COLOGNE (DE) Jaki
09.11.23 ZWOLLE (NL) Hedon *
10.11.23 AMERSFOOT (NL) Fluor *
11.11.23 ENSCHEDE (NL) Metropool *
14.11.23 BRADFORD NIghtrain
15.11.23 GLASGOW Nice N’ Sleazy
^ supporting Amy Montgomery
* supporting Anneke van Giesbergen
THE CROWNED
new album
out now
(Icons Creating Evil Art UK)
buy | stream
includes
THE CROWNED
CHÉ AIMEE DORVAL | 2023 photo by Aiota Photography
Canadian musician Ché Aimee Dorval was raised in Vancouver by her mother, a plethora of hippie aunts, punk rock uncles and a colourful extended family. Think Little House on the Prairie meets The Lost Boys. Her childhood was full of constant creativity and adventure, instilling in her a strong sense of individualism that she has subsequently taken out into the world.
Living the troubadour life, she has been embroiled in the indie scenes in both Vancouver and Toronto before venturing further afield, both as a solo artist and as Casualties of Cool, her joint venture with compatriot and prog icon Devin Townsend. She has also been a featured performer on his most recent studio albums (‘Empath’ and 'Lightwork’) ahead of unveiling ‘The Crowned’, her stunning third solo album.
Ché has always blended genres, but ‘The Crowned’ sees her reach new heights in fusing folktronica, alternative rock, dream pop and trip hop to create a staggering backdrop for a set that is also stacked with dynamic and soulful vocal performances. A confident and determined thread runs through the entire record that has signalled the birth of a new stage in her career. With half of its contents produced by Bob Rock pre-pandemic and the remainder subsequently self-produced, it also serves as a diary of her artistic evolution and growth. Still possessing the same spirit and sensibility instilled in her youth, she now has the drive and vision that make her an artist in the truest sense of the word; a product of passion rather than curation.
2023 has seen Ché make a number of festival appearances in North America and perform shows with acts as diverse as Run the Jewels, Chromeo, Bif Naked and fellow Townsend collaborator Anneke van Giersbergen. She has today announced an autumn UK and mainland European tour to promote ‘The Crowned’, stating that “I’ve been dreaming of performing its songs ever since their inception. They just feel so lush and layered and easy to lose myself in. To me, this album is more of a soundtrack than a collection of songs, taking me through a time in my life that was as chaotic as it was beautiful."
As for the complexity of her new songs, she reveals that “performing them live reminds me of how far I’ve come. They are the most challenging vocally of anything I’ve written and it has kept me present and in the moment on stage, which has sometimes been difficult for me. I’m usually very aware that I’m being watched, distracted by how I’m being perceived. However, it has been beautiful to step out on stage recently and lose myself to the music and that night’s interpretation of it. I’m so excited to bring this more confident version of myself over to the UK and Europe.”
THE CROWNED
includes the singles
BLOOD RED SON video | FALLING UNDER video | LOVELESS video
ROBBY LONGO’S NIEUWE SINGLE ‘THE RIDE’
Robby Longo is zonder twijfel Vlaanderens bekendste countryzanger.
Dit jaar viert hij 10 jaar carrière met de nieuwe single ‘The Ride’, een eigentijdse poppy country tune, en een uniek concert met de beste songs uit zijn carrière onder de titel ‘Robby Longo in concert – Music from Nashville’ in CC Zwanenberg in Heist op den Berg.
Sinds zijn finaleplaats in 'The Voice van Vlaanderen', hij werd 2de in 2012, bracht Robby 3 Ultratop Top 10 albums uit en werd hij genomineerd voor talrijke muziekprijzen, waaronder Radio 2 Zomerhit en de MIA’s.
Voor Robby wordt het sowieso een bijzonder najaar, want hij trouwt in september met zijn grote liefde Melissa.
'The Ride', de nieuwe single van Robby Longo, verschijnt op RL Records en kan u vanaf 25/8 beluisteren op alle grote streamingplatformen.
WORLD MUSIC ARTIST ONYEKA NWELUE CELEBRATES FREEDOM DESPITE MENTAL HEALTH RESTRAINTS
The title track to his forthcoming debut album, “Quimbombó,” releases as a single and video.
PUEBLA (29 August 2023): Exultant joy, vibrant color and festive pageantry are the succulent ingredients to the multicultural gumbo served by world music artist Onyeka Nwelue on his newly released single from Walboomers Music and La Cave Musik, “Quimbombó.” While the song knitting together African and Mexican music, dance and culture celebrates freedom, Nwelue himself is confined to a chair in the accompanying video (https://youtu.be/ILRSvmDj6aQ?si=rMQTJ0UJY7YZxw9b), presiding over the festivities from afar, symbolizing the isolation of his mental health challenges.
“Quimbombó” will be the title track to Nwelue’s debut album, which is slated to arrive on January 31, his 36th birthday. Earlier this month, the highly decorated scholar, author, filmmaker and poet released his first musical foray, a single and video titled “Break Your Heart.” The song was inspired by his controversial dismissal from the University of Oxford earlier this year, a much-publicized split that Nwelue characterizes as full of misinformation, manipulation, political and racial bias. He recorded the track in Puebla, Mexico while undergoing treatment, finding that jazz helps calm and focus his mind. Comfortable taking his struggles public, he said that all the songs for the new album are about his mental health and life challenges.
The next chapter previewing the album places Nwelue in a role similar to a classic Quincy Jones joint or in a more present-day context, that of DJ Khaled. He wrote the song with longtime friend Obinna Okoro (aka Achara man), which was produced by Clément Chuks Simon (aka Lugi). Achara man and Lugi have strong vocal presences on “Quimbombó.” The single is a rich and exotic culturally diverse recording combining infectious Africano beats with Mexican Ranchera instrumentation. Splashes of urban groove and experimental jazz are also in evidence.
As Mexican dancers spin, turn and gyrate throughout the video, Nwelue grooves in his chair, an observer of the human condition. The party spills out into the streets, erupting into a joyous sea of humanity, yet Nwelue remains separate and apart. He sets the pulse that moves and touches the world yet he himself is unable to join in. Ironically, he describes the single as “a way of showing how free I am.”
While Nwelue prolifically crafts music for the “Quimbombó” collection – he’s plotting to drop a third single in early September - his next book, “The Nigerian Mafia: Mumbai,” will be published in India on October 1. On that same day, Nwelue begins a new position as the director of Africa Center Mexico in Puebla. He’s had academic affiliations with many of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning that span the globe, including Cambridge, Université Queensland, Harvard University, University of Johannesburg, University of Manipur and University of Hong Kong.
For more information, please visit https://onyekanwelue.com and https://www.walboomers.com/onyekannwelue.
CAROL ALBERT’S NEW SINGLE ‘SOL IPANEMA’
“Sol Ipanema” is inspired by a sandy beach and foam on a sun-drenched Brazilian beach with couples dancing against a sea foam-colored sky backdrop. With a Bossa Nova rhythm, the piece is a a feel-good, upbeat number with positive vibes and a decided blend between smooth and pop jazz with Carol’s trademark piano melodies. Accompanying her are guitarist Dan Baraszu and bassist Roberto Vally.
The breezy and intoxicating/exotic “Sol Ipanema” is one of five tracks from the album Magic Mirror which has already produced three Billboard Top 5 hits: “Paradigm Shift “(#1) “Magic Mirror”(#2) and “Fire & Water”(#4). The new single “Sol Ipanema” was co-produced by Carol and collaborating bassist and genre stalwart Roberto Vally. Carol picked the name “Sol Ipanema” after a hotel named Sol Ipanema (Ipanema Sun) which is located on Ipanema Beach in Brazil.
Since establishing herself as Smooth Jazz mainstay in 2017, the classically trained pianist, composer and producer has released a multitude of recordings whose vibes range from upbeat Contemporary Jazz to solo piano and ambient recordings. She holds the distinction of being one of the top female artist in C-Jazz/Smooth Jazz. RadioWave Jazz published in June, 2023 “not only is she the most successful female artist to hit the chart since its 2003 launch, she also places 6th among all artists for total weeks at #1 (36 weeks).
One of Carol’s unique trademarks has been writing and recording melodic songs that both chronicle and express her own emotions and thoughtfully reflect upon the world around her. You may find yourself resonating with the vibes or simply enveloped by magnificent melodies and verdant harmonies. Albert’s music will stay with you. When you gaze into the metaphorical mirror, you’ll have marvelous music to keep you company. A fan wrote to Carol “Anyone who has your music as the soundtrack to their life is a lucky person”.
EMILY WOLFE - 'DEAD END LUCK' – BRAND NEW SINGLE BY US SINGER-SONGWRITER AND ACCLAIMED GUITARIST OUT 29.08.23.
EMILY WOLFE | 2023 photo by Jackie Lee Young
EMILY WOLFE - DEAD END LUCK
new single
out 29.08.23
(Crows Feet Records)
digital services
included on
THE BLOWBACK
new album
out 20.10.23
US musician Emily Wolfe is a dynamic vocalist, accomplished guitarist and sharp songwriter, delivering a brand of rock ‘n’ roll that is raw and relevant, anchored by emotionally charged lyrics and a powerhouse stage presence. The young and impassioned artist has amassed millions of streams and earned widespread acclaim from publications in her home territory that include The Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player, PASTE and American Songwriter, as well as UK magazines such as Classic Rock, Blues Matters and Total Guitar. Indeed, she has long been recognised as a force on that instrument and has collaborated with Epiphone/Gibson Guitars for two signature Sheraton models, a rarity for an artist that isn't yet selling out stadiums.
Wolfe has released a brand new single entitled ‘Dead End Luck’ today. Taken from her forthcoming self-produced third album, ‘The Blowback’, a palm-muted riff brushes up against casually candid storytelling as she relates an occasion when she “Drove past the bar and saw my ex, she looks so happy with a man instead, I wrecked my car got stuck behind a train, why can’t I handle anything?” as wailing lead guitar accents her emotionally charged refrain. Adding a further dimension, Wolfe taped a microphone to a remote control car, catching feedback from different angles of the room and infusing the song with fuzz in surround sound. Singing with almost resigned humour, she recalls that “the song was born from this really bad day I had when everything felt hopeless. I tried to give myself a little hope in the bridge, where it switches from dark sounding minor chord changes to major."
Physical copies of ‘The Blowback’ will be available to pre-order via Bandcamp from 1st September. “The album title is because a lot of the songs are about not taking bullshit anymore,” she explains. “I guess I could say it more elegantly, but it’s how I felt. From global issues, national problems and interpersonal relationships, it’s a big middle finger to everything. This album is something I needed to do for myself. I’m really proud of it and it is the most connected I’ve ever felt to a body of work.”
Wolfe has been developing her hard-hitting yet hypnotic style steeped in rock grit and uplifted by alternative spirit for almost a decade. An introductory EP, ‘Roulette’ (2014), was followed by the single ‘Atta Blues’ (2016) and a self-titled 2019 debut album that included early fan favourites such as ‘Holy Roller’. Maintaining this momentum, she lived up to the title of 2021’s ‘Outlier’. Produced by Michael Shuman of Queens of the Stone Age and Mini Mansions, it attracted unanimous critical praise and copious amounts of airplay for songs such as ‘No Man’ and ‘Something Better’.
Inspired by the likes of Hole, Veruca Salt, Nirvana and Alanis Morissette, Wolfe envisaged a specific sound for what would become ‘The Blowback’, opting to self-produce the new album in order to fully realise it. “Producing this record myself is one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve ever had,” she states. “I have learned so much from past producers like Michael Shuman and I was ready. For me, this whole chapter is about owning your spirit.”
THE BLOWBACK
TRACKLISTING
1 Silencer
2 Dead End Luck
3 Walk In My Shoes
4 Predator
5 Road To Ruin
6 High Crime
7 Rock Bottom On A High Wire
8 Hopeless In Panorama
9 Second Of Relief
10 Can I Read Your Mind, Lover
Wolfe's spirit shines on the stomping ‘Walk In My Shoes’. Soft released as an initial album teaser, it stomps out of the gate, her high register swooning over a head-nodding groove punctuated by string bends as she beckons “Walk in my shoes…I don’t want to play anymore” in a disco-style strut. “It was born out of protests my wife and I went to against all of these anti-trans and anti-LGBTQIA+ laws being passed in Texas,” she sighs. “I wanted to make a piece of art that combatted all of these ideas about women not having control over their own bodies. The only way I could fight those beliefs was through music. It’s groovy, upbeat and aggressive, since I wanted the fight against oppression to stick in your head.”
‘Second Of Relief’ has lilting verses building towards a soaring chorus as Wolfe ponders “Would it really matter if I wasn’t here, just for a second of relief?” She reveals that “it was the first song I wrote for the album and came out of the pandemic. Touring had stopped, the entertainment industry halted, there was no end in sight. Finally, I went on the road and a few things changed my life in a negative way. Relationships deteriorated, following which I wrote the rest of the record."
Elsewhere, ‘Silencer’ and ‘Predator’ send a message to all survivors, with Wolfe hopeful of her goal “to potentially make any victims of sexual assault or harassment feel less alone and like they’re not at fault,” before the record concludes with ‘Can I Read Your Mind, Lover’, with her leaning into a glassy synth-spiked beat with a wish. “It came out of a place of wanting to be able to read my partner’s mind and wanting to know what they want out of a relationship and life without them telling me, but it’s not possible,” she observes. “It’s a bittersweet, special little song.”
Ultimately, ‘The Blowback’ might just give listeners the strength they need to express themselves as well, as Wolfe concludes: “When you listen to this album, I want you to feel empowered. If something harms or oppresses you, stand up against it. I’ve overcome a lot. I’m not afraid to display my feminine rage anymore - especially on stage. I’ve grown up spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I believe I have a lot to offer, and I’m ready for whatever is next.”
TEDDY DOUGLAS & FRIENDS PRESENT ‘TRIBUTE TO Q’ EP
Back in 2021, Baltimore House legend Teddy Douglas paid homage to his musical heroes, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, with his highly acclaimed album of reworks and remixes titled, ‘Baltimore Philadelphia International’. Now he’s back with another passion project, ‘Tribute To Q’!
Teddy and his musical friends have lovingly recrafted 4 Quincy Jones classics – ‘Burning Up’, ‘Bedtime Story’, ‘Ai No Corida’ and ‘Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me’, on a stunning EP of tastefully re-imagined songs written by Teddy’s idol. Propelling these masterpieces on to today’s dance floors with a feast of Disco, Soul, Latin and Soulful House grooves, ‘Tribute To Q’ is a fantastic homage to one of the true musical masters.
“This is a musical celebration for the man himself, Quincy Jones!!” – Teddy Douglas
Featuring a plethora of talent on the EP, Teddy has worked with some top class musicians and vocalists on the project including; Irvin Madden (bass); Sharon Adams, Navasha Daya, Martin Wilson and Will Jones (vocals); Ollie Wright and Hozay Clowney (keys); Bennie Cowan (Trumpet); Davon McCoy and Victor Williams (Percussion); and Teddy himself on Drums, giving a vibrant live feel to all the tracks.
Teddy Douglas has produced everyone from Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Crystal Waters, Erykah Badu, Martha Wash and Ultra Nate’ and was an important figure in the development of the Baltimore “House” Sound. In 1985 he met Jay Steinhour and Thommy Davis who later went on to form The Basement Boys production company. The Basement Boys have produced countless dance classics like the 1991 Gold single, 'Gypsy Woman' … Fast forward, and 30 years later Teddy is still rocking dance floors with his uplifting DJ sets and producing some of the finest soulful house music around.
Track Listing
1 Burning up
2 Bedtime story
3 Ai No Corida
4 Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me
‘Tribute To Q’ will be released on Traxsource promo September 1st / Full release September 22nd 2023 on Basement Boys Records.
Teddy Douglas & Friends present
‘Tribute To Q’ EP
Basement Boys Records / BBRCD014
https://basementboys.com
https://www.facebook.com/basementboys
CAST VLAAMSE MUSICALVERSIE ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ KRIJGT VORM
Matthijs Vochten (13, Antwerpen) wordt iconische 'Tiny Tim' naast Mauro Degroote (13, Deerlijk).
Dit najaar kan je in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt gaan genieten van een volledig nieuwe, Vlaamse musical gebaseerd op het legendarische kerstverhaal ‘A Christmas Carol’ van Charles Dickens. Met de onnavolgbare Lucas Van den Eynde als verbitterde Ebenezer Scrooge en supertalent Mauro Degroote (13, Deerlijk) in de allesbehalve kleine rol van 'Tiny Tim', werd al een eerste blik pure klasse en uitzonderlijk talent opengetrokken.
Regisseur en schrijver Stany Crets kan nog gulzig verder strooien met klasse en talent in de cast voor deze kerstklassieker. Zo pakt de 13-jarige Matthijs Vochten uit Antwerpen het laatste plekje als 'Tiny Tim'. Matthijs schitterde afgelopen seizoen als Oompa Loompa in de Deep Bridge-productie 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' en zal afwisselend met 'Charlie' Mauro deze iconische kinderhoofdrol vertolken.
Steve De Schepper dwaalt als 'Geest van het verleden' rond, Jervin Weckx is de 'Geest van het heden' en Isabelle Heremans maakt het geestige trio compleet als 'Geest van de toekomst'. Saïn Vantomme kruipt in de huid van de liefdevolle Mrs. Cratchit en Eveline Maes is de mooie Belle, ex-verloofde van Scrooge en het meisje dat zijn jonge hart brak. Jens Broes vindt in joviale koopman Fezziwig dan weer een kolfje naar zijn hand.
Daan Keisse, Rani De Deken, Thomas Servranckx, Indra Van Impe en Pieter Vreys weten zich al verzekerd van een plekje in het ensemble van 'A Christmas Carol'
Voor de rest van de cast is het nog even wachten op verder bericht.
Charles Dickens - ‘A Christmas Carol’
Voor bankier en wisselaar Ebenezer Scrooge draait bijna zijn hele leven alleen maar om geld. Liefde, familie en vriendschap lijkt hij te verafschuwen. Op kerstavond stemt Scrooge onwillig in met een vrije dag voor zijn boekhouder Bob Cratchit, zodat Bob Kerstmis kan vieren met zijn gezin. Scrooge krijgt diezelfde avond het bezoek van de geest van zijn vroegere zakenpartner Jacob Marley. Die waarschuwt hem voor zijn lot als rusteloos, ronddwalend spook, indien hij zijn leven niet verandert. Ook de Geesten van Voorbije Kerstmis, Kerstmis Nu en Toekomstig Kerstmis passeren nog de revue bij Scrooge. Zij brengen hem tot nieuwe inzichten en hij verandert zijn leven drastisch. Scrooge wordt weer de zachtaardige en ja, zelfs vrijgevige man die hij was voor de dood van zijn geliefde Emily.
‘A Christmas Carol’, vanaf 16 november 2023 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen (try-outs), Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Tickets & info: www.deepbridge.be
THE LAST HURRAH (!!) - 'BONNIE MICHELLE' – FIRST SINGLE FROM '60S INSPIRED NEW ALBUM HELMED BY LEGENDARY NORWEGIAN MUSICIAN & PRODUCER
THE LAST HURRAH (!!) | HP Gundersen 2023 photo
THE LAST HURRAH (!!) - BONNIE MICHELLE
new single
out 25.08.23
(TBC Records)
digital services
included on the album
MODERN NOSTALGIA
out 27.10.23
The Last Hurrah (!!) is the brainchild of Norwegian music connoisseur, producer and musician HP Gundersen. ‘Modern Nostalgia’ is the fifth album by the group and a perfect title for its ongoing evolution, showcasing the musical roots and inspiration of its creator and his current chosen cohorts.
‘Modern Nostalgia’ takes listeners on a loving yet original Transatlantic journey, with European echoes of Serge Gainsbourg, John Barry and Marianne Faithfull rubbing shoulders with the heart of Laurel Canyon and the equally inspirational likes of Gram Parsons, Gene Clark and The Byrds.
The first single from the album, ‘Bonnie Michelle’, is reminiscent of the tonal language of Erik Satie's ‘Gymnopédies’ and is coloured with an unusual multicultural soundscape, dominated by the guzheng (Chinese string instrument) playing of Nora Yuyue Zheng in combination with a Pedal steel guitar contribution by the legendary Marty Rifkin (Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Elton John, Glen Campbell). It is beautifully sung by Maria Due, who HP has previously produced two albums for and collaborated with in the group Chinatown Blues.
With a career that stretches back to 1973, The Last Hurrah (!!) has been HP's main activity since 2020, when the start of the pandemic saw him leave the city of Bergen and move to a former fishing village in west Norway with his pianist wife Cecilie Leganger. Setting up a studio in their basement, a new era began when, despite the cessation of normal social activity, a close circle of musician friends who suddenly had a lot of free time on their hands visited frequently to jam and write songs.
Energised by their idyllic new location and the unique situation they found themselves in, HP and Leganger, plus Yuyue Zheng and other guests such as Stein Inge Brækhus (drums), Andreas Nausdal (bass) and Mari Persen (violin) created new music primarily influenced by a shared nostalgia for 1960s French pop, film music, baroque pop and psychedelic folk. HP’s handpicked choice of singers include compatriot Due on several tracks, with Americans Tim Scott McConnell (aka Ledfoot), Foster Timms and Shane Alexander also on vocal duties.
Where the first two albums by The Last Hurrah (!!) had been widely acclaimed drone-tuned, meditative journeys, with the next two taken in a more traditional song-based direction incorporating cosmic Americana, country and jazz, ‘Modern Nostalgia’ can be seen in part as a subtle combination of both approaches.
MODERN NOSTALGIA
TRACKLISTING
1 Civilized Wilderness
2 Bonnie Michelle
3 Time Heals Wounds
4 L’albatross
5 Do Believe
6 Modern Nostalgia
7 Paradise
8 Dusty Road
9 Internet Troll
10 Healing
THE LAST HURRAH (!!)
PREVIOUS UK REVIEWS
“Raga, hoedowns, California-breezy folk and Appalachian thrumming on an altogether beguiling and irresistibly trippy trip ****”
MOJO
“A masterclass in cosmic country-folk at its best on an epic centrepiece of cantering acoustic picking, psychedelic reveries, bolts of bouzouki and mournful trumpet. Compulsive listening all around”
PROG
“Sound like folk-blues monk John Fahey jamming with a Van Dyke Parks orchestra, or Fleet Foxes suddenly sprouting massive Scandinavian meatball cojones”
SUNDAY TIMES
“File under the vibrant sub genre that is West Coast Norwegian folk psych”
SHINDIG!
“Wonderful country-folk plus a 30 minute sordid saga that takes so many twists and turns it could be half-a-dozen songs all wrapped up in one lengthy but enthralling track ****”
MAVERICK
“Maddeningly well executed. The Last Hurrah!! have seduced me - the bastards!”
WIRE
DAVID GARFIELD FT. MICHAEL LINGTON’S NEW SINGLE ‘CLAUDIA’
David Garfield has been driven by the same mission statement since moving from his hometown of St. Louis to Los Angeles as a teenager in the early 70s: “I make music.”
Fully living up to this vision and in more expansive ways over the past few decades, the multi-talented keyboardist, composer, arranger and recording artist has established himself an eclectic force of musical nature. At any given point during his career—and often at the same time—he has been musical director for George Benson, producer, arranger and co-songwriter with Smokey Robinson, keyboardist for Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, Boz Scaggs, and many others, as well as fronting his own bands and releasing many popular smooth jazz recordings on his label Creatchy Records. His version of “Let’s Stay Together” featuring Michael McDonald was a top 10 hit worldwide.
“Claudia” is a gorgeous and passionate new original power ballad that features his longtime collaborator, Michael Lington on sax.
OPOLOPO & JAKI GRAHAM’S NEW SINGLE ‘FIRE’
Hailing the next release from Mark Knight’s recently launched Fool’s Paradise label is the fantastic collaboration between dance music stalwart, Opolopo, and British Soul icon, Jaki Graham, who together bring the dance floor heat with their new single, ‘Fire’. Powered by a potent soulful house groove from Opolopo, loaded with a warm piano hooks, emotive synth melodies and a sublime popping bass hook, ‘Fire’ see’s Jaki flaunt her electrifying vocal talents with a show-stopping performance on this irresistibly catchy song.
Known for his ability to deliver flawless grooves, joining the dots between House, Boogie, Broken Beat, Funk and Soul, Sweden based producer and DJ, Opolopo, has created a magnificent catalogue of productions and remixes over the last two decades. His music has graced labels such as Local Talk, JVC Japan, Z Records, Toolroom, Warner Brothers, Tru Thoughts, Sony/BMG, and Defected, among others. And his collaborations and remixes include Gregory Porter, Omar, Steve Arrington, Lisa Stansfield, Shaun Escoffery, Sandy Barber, The Sunburst Band, Mario Biondi, Azymuth, Jungle, Sylvester, Leroy Burgess, Roland Clark, Dexter Wansel and many more.
British Soul Music legend, Jaki Graham, is largely known for her huge hits throughout the 80’s, including ‘Could it Be I’m Falling In Love?’, ‘Mated’, ‘Round & Round’, ‘Set Me Free, ‘Breaking Away and ‘On My Own’ - all still timeless classics. Her third album, ‘From Now On’ (!987), coincided with Jaki achieving a Guinness World Record for being the first black British female solo artist to have 6 consecutive Top 10 / 20 hits. Since then, Jaki has upheld a vibrant and hugely successful career spanning several decades, wowing fans globally with her incredible performances and stunning albums.
Track Listing
1 Fire
2 Fire (Extended Mix)
‘Fire’ will be released on August 25th 2023 on Fool’s Paradise.
Opolopo & Jaki Graham
‘Fire’
Fool’s Paradise Records / FP003
https://www.instagram.com/opoloposweden/
https://www.instagram.com/jakigrahamofficial/
http://www.facebook.com/foolsparadiserecs
http://www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs
http://www.tiktok.com/@foolsparadiserecs
CANADESE MUZIKANT & SONGWRITER DENIS LEPAGE OVERLEDEN
De Canadese muzikant en songwriter Denis LePage is op 21 augustus op 74-jarige leeftijd overleden. LePage werd in de jaren tachtig bekend met de uit Montreal afkomstige disco-act Lime. De act bestond oorspronkelijk uit Denis en zijn echtgenote Denyse LePage. Lime scoorde in 1981 een wereldhit met de discothekenkraker ’Your Love’. Het tweetal bleef optreden tot 2018. In 1979 schreef en arrangeerde LePage een instrumentaal nummer dat op een 12 inch (disco)single werd uitgebracht, ‘The Break’. Dat gebeurde onder de naam Kat Mandu. De single werd uitgebracht door Unidisc Records en bereikte de derde plaats van de Billboard Disco lijst. Twee jaar later werd het debuutalbum ‘Your Love’ onder de naam Lime uitgebracht. Het titelnummer schopte het tot de gouden status in de Verenigde Staten, maar werd ook in Nederland een flinke hit. In 1982 verscheen het album ‘Lime II’, die werd voorafgegaan door de hitsingle ‘Babe We're Gonna Love Tonight’. Ook singles als ‘Angel Eyes’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Lose You’ en ‘Unexpected Lovers’ deden het goed in de dance-lijsten. Dennis LePage ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ SAXOPHONIST CARL COX USES MUSIC TO CONNECT “IN TIME OF NEED”
Two new songs will be added to the “Universal Language” album, arriving October 13.
TURNERSVILLE (23 August 2023): Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote that “Music is the universal language of mankind,” and during recent Ukrainian bombing raids, a man named Yuri found solace listening to contemporary jazz saxophonist Carl Cox’s music on an old cell phone. Through Facebook, he found and messaged Cox to tell him his story, and how he was introducing the South New Jersey-based musician’s music to others seeking safe shelter with him. The experience moved Cox to write a bonus song for his “Universal Language” album titled “In Time of Need.” The project drops on October 13.
Whereas most of the album – all originals cowritten by Cox – is an up-tempo blend of jazz, R&B and funk, “In Time of Need” reflects its origins. The heartfelt ballad offers a reassuring caress provided by an intimate soprano sax and acoustic guitar melody with soothing string accents that kindle feelings of peace and hope for the future.
Cox spent the last year working on “Universal Language,” his sophomore album. The majority of the project was produced and co-written by two-time Grammy nominee Chris “Big Dog” Davis (Will Downing, Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Gerald Albright) with one cut, the high-energy “Get It,” produced and co-written by twelve-time Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley. Over the last twelve months, Cox dropped three singles from the set that garnered most added status on the Billboard chart and were added to the SiriusXM Watercolors playlist - “Breakin Away,” “Stickwidit” and “Can’t Hurry Love.”
Without fanfare, Cox soft-launched “Universal Language” in April, but he feels that “In Time of Need” makes the album complete. That’s why he added the song to an updated version of the collection, which becomes available on October 13. And since he was adding more music to the bonus version of the album, Cox threw in a second brand new track, “Be Mine.” A recent collab with Davis, this one is a sensual romancer that builds in intensity.
“‘Universal Language’ was a labor of love for me and Yuri showing up in my DMs was really an unexpected gift that confirmed my intensions for this project. From the start, the concept of the album was to connect with anyone in the world. I often tell my music students that music is the universal language that can be spoken immediately through one’s instrument without having to say a spoken word. A variety of standards can be sung or played with about any musician in the world simply by quoting the melody or harmony. I have had the ability to play with a variety of groups from other countries and we always connect when our instruments are played together on stage. That’s the concept that I wanted to bring to my listeners and hopefully have anyone in the world connect through this instrumental music,” said Cox, who has concert dates booked through the end of the year with his own band and as a featured soloist alongside Maysa, Oli Silk and Gerald Veasley.
The album opens powerfully with “Breakin Away,” a tip of the cap to the David Sanborn-Marcus Miller contemporary jazz era while breaking away from the restrictive confines of music genres. Cox rips boundary-bursting sax licks over a funky groove amidst diverse harmonic elements skillfully deployed by Davis.
Sharing the encouragement from one of his teachers, Cox says that the optimistic “Stickwidit” is about never giving up on your chosen path.
“He said, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’ That wisdom instilled in me early on that I should be proactive and take action to create the life I want instead of just reacting to circumstances,” Cox recalled.
The mood takes on exotic Latin qualities on “Can’t Hurry Love,” on which Cox’s sax sambas in a cascading duet of harmonies and melodies to symbolize the interweaving emotions between romantic partners.
Cox teamed up with longtime friend Steve Tirpak (Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, Lana Del Rey) for “Reminisce,” a lush and interestingly textured drums and bass R&B groove not typically heard in contemporary jazz.
“The song title embraces the times Steve (Tirpak) and I shared as young musicians at University of the Arts in Philadelphia trying to learn and share ideas in the music idiom,” explained Cox.
Cox continues to take chances on “Risk,” testing the limits of how contemporary jazz is defined. He wrote the upbeat dance track with multi-instrumentalist Damon Bennett (Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan, Floetry), with whom he previously collaborated on his 2021 debut album, “Thankful.”
Paying homage to British soul-jazz band Incognito with whom Cox toured in the U.S., “Universe of Love” beams radiant light and joyous energy. The band’s leader, Bluey, performed on the title track of Cox’s “Thankful.”
“I was so overwhelmed by Bluey’s caring and nurturing personality on the tour. He would always treat people with respect and love, hence the song title ‘Universe of Love,’” said Cox.
A summer trip with his wife and son inspired Cox to write “Cape May,” named for the popular Jersey seaside resort destination. It’s another joint that he wrote with Bennett which has neo soul nuances.
“Red Light” stops for nothing. While Cox explains its origins as representative of red-light districts, this track also possesses an undeniable Marvin Gaye party vibe.
Symbolic of how our senses can instantly take us back in time, richly evoking cherished memories, Cox and Bennett unite again on “Evanescence.”
The tempo of “Morning Sunrise” sets an empowering mood.
“I wanted to bring energy to get the day started with an upbeat, fresh feeling to take on the world!”
Cox, who has a master’s degree in music education and has shared the stage with Smokey Robinson, hit the Billboard top 30 with the single “Elevation” from “Thankful.” Recently, he hit one million plays on Apple Music and anticipates growing with the bonus edition of “Universal Language.”
The bonus version of “Universal Language” contains the following songs:
“Breakin Away”
“Stickwidit”
“Can’t Hurry Love”
“Reminisce”
“Risk”
“Universe of Love”
“Cape May”
“Get It”
“Red Light”
“Evanescence”
“Morning Sunrise”
NEW BONUS TRACKS:
“In Time of Need”
“Be Mine”
For more information, please visit https://carlcoxsax.com and https://carlcox.hearnow.com/universal-language-2.
ITALIAANSE ZANGER TOTO CUTUGNO OVERLEDEN
De populaire Italiaanse zanger Toto Cutugno is vandaag, 22 augustus, op tachtigjarige leeftijd overleden. Zijn overlijden werd aangekondigd door zijn manager, Danilo Mancuso, die zei dat de zanger de strijd tegen de ziekte die hem de afgelopen jaren teisterde, heeft verloren.
Cutugno is vooral bekend van ‘L’italiano’ uit 1983. In 1980 won hij met ‘Solo Noi’ het San Remo Festival. Met ‘Insieme’ won hij in 1990 het Eurovisiesongfestival.
Hij trad op tijdens een Labour Party-evenement op 1 mei 2007 op Freedom Square in Valletta en er was schaamte op een bepaald moment tijdens het concert toen een klein deel van de menigte hem uitjouwde. Cutugno zei dat hij ‘Insieme’ zong, het lied dat hij naar eigen zeggen voor Europa schreef. Hij wees erop dat het optreden samenviel met de derde verjaardag van de toetreding van Malta tot de EU.
RYAN MONTANO FT. PHIL DENNY – ‘LOVE CRASH’
Albuquerque-native and international trumpeter and recording artist Ryan Montano releases his new single “Love Crash" feat. Phil Denny on August 28th! The new song will be backed by a national radio and marketing campaign impacting terrestrial, internet and satellite radio stations as well as all digital music outlets.
“Love Crash” is a record that is all about collaborations. An extremely talented group of music creators came together in a spirit of uninhibited creativity to create a piece of music that is both modern and adventurous while evoking a “retro-soul jazz” vibe and sound.“Love Crash” features one of the biggest rising stars in Contemporary Jazz, saxophonist Phil Denny. Montano & Denny first collaborated in 2021 with the #7 Billboard song of the year: “Tough Get Goin’”. Denny's sensitive, yet commanding approach to the “Love Crash” sound is an artistic approach exclusive to Phil.
“Love Crash” was produced in conjunction with Grammy-winning percussionist and producer Camilo Quinones aka “CQ the Drummer”. Fresh off his Grammy win for his performance on Los Lobos’ “Native Sons” album, the production and sound palettes take many unexpected and bold directions, yet still maintain a fresh and captivating vibe. The overall sound of “Love Crash” is in large part due to CQ’s editing, sound design, production and vision.
"I consider 'Love Crash' one of the best recordings I've ever released in this format. I am so proud of this song's unique sonic identity and vibe. I love its adventurous spirit, and how lyrics and vocals have been incorporated into this instrumental work. I feel that I've hit a really rewarding and spiritually satisfying creative stride these past few years and I'm truly enjoying this period of music creation. I'm excited for this music to get heard and am passionate about continuing on this path of creating original music that is unabashedly authentic and genuine" -Ryan Montano
MONSTER TAXI – REFLECT
Embark on an extraordinary auditory expedition with "Reflect" by Monster Taxi. This captivating track serves as your musical guide, inviting you to transcend the boundaries of the universe. Through gentle melodies, it creates a mental voyage through deserts, mountains, and beyond, resonating with your soul and sparking introspection. As the music unfolds, you find yourself immersed in a transformative experience, where reflection becomes a mirror to your inner self. Let the enchanting rhythms carry you to unexplored dimensions, as Monster Taxi accompanies you on a captivating journey through the landscapes of your mind.
TOETSENIST & ZANGER LUC SMETS (THE PEBBLES) OVERLEDEN
Toetsenist en zanger Luc Smets van de Belgische popgroep The Pebbles is op 76-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat meldt de Belgische nieuwsorganisatie VRT NWS. Smets was al enige tijd ziek. Hij schreef mee aan het bekendste nummer van de groep, ‘Seven Horses In The Sky’. "Hij had een wereldster moeten worden", vertelt muzikant en producer Jean Blaute. Smets begon als accordeonist. Nadien studeerde hij aan het conservatorium van Mechelen. In 1966 kwam hij bij de Antwerpse groep The Pebbles. Daar schreef hij mee aan hun grootste hit, ‘Seven Horses In The Sky’. Met die groep speelde hij in 1967 het voorprogramma van Jimi Hendrix in de Parijse Olympia. Volgens muzikant en producer Jean Blaute was Smets een enorm belangrijk muzikant voor de Belgische muziekwereld. Hij herinnert zich zijn allereerste optreden bij The Pebbles. "De vier Pebbles kondigden hun nieuwe lid aan en Luc zong toen één nummer, ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ van Bob Dylan. Hij zong fantastisch en doorleefd. Twee weken later werd hij hun toetsenist." Blaute werd meteen fan. "Voor mij was hij de opper-Pebble. Hij was een geleerde muzikant en ik zag met wat voor gemak hij het Hammondorgel bespeelde. Hij was ook een geweldige performer en rockster. Hij had een wereldster moeten worden." Smets stopte in 1972 bij The Pebbles. Het grote internationale succes bleef uit voor de band, en ook voor Smets: "In professionele kringen werd Luc gewaardeerd, maar bij het publiek kregen hij en The Pebbles te weinig erkenning", vertelt Blaute. "Wij hadden in België ook de managers met internationale contacten niet, maar voor mij vervingen ze toch een beetje The Beatles." Na zijn tijd bij The Pebbles richtte Smets, samen met drummer Marcel De Cauwer, Shampoo op waarmee ze een elpee uitbrachten in 1972. De groep werd niet echt succesvol, maar werd uiteindelijk de begeleidingsband van de Nederlandse popgroep Hearts of Soul. In 1975 kwam daar Dream Express uit voort. Ze schopten het tot de zevende plaats op het Eurovisie Songfestival van 1977. Naast zijn werk bij de verschillende bands was hij ook componist en producer. "Hij was een veel gevraagd arrangeur voor vioolpartijen", vertelt Blaute. Hij schreef ook muziek voor de bekende kinderseries ‘Tik Tak’ en ‘Musti’ en voor de ‘Blinker’-films. Maar Blaute zal hem niet alleen als muzikant herinneren. "Hij was ook een groot mens, een bijzonder minzame, bescheiden en vriendelijke mens." Luc Smets ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
ZOTSTE MUSICALFEEST VAN VLAANDEREN OP 25 NOVEMBER VOOR ‘ONE MORE NIGHT’ IN TRIXXO THEATER HASSELT
Rock-'n-roll musicalparty met o.a. Ann Van den Broeck, Michiel De Meyer en Helle Vanderheyden komt op algemeen verzoek naar Limburg
Op 5 augustus 2023 was Middelkerke voor 'One More Night' de musicalhoofdstad van Vlaanderen, maar op 25 november 2023 mag Hasselt die titel claimen. Het zotste musicalfeest van Vlaanderen strijkt die avond op algemeen verzoek neer in het Trixxo Theater en daar gaan voor 'One More Night' letterlijk (een deel van) de stoelen even aan de kant. In een wervelende show brengen musicaltoppers Ann Van den Broeck, Michiel De Meyer, Helle Vanderheyden, Laurenz Hoorelbeke en Isabelle Heremans, samen met een ijzersterk live orkest, een steengoed ensemble én Master of Ceremonies Stany Crets, de bekendste musicalhits aller tijden.
Bereid je dus maar voor om lekker los te gaan op ‘The Time Warp’ en dans een gat in de nacht op ‘Dancing Queen'. Dat dansen kan overigens ongeremd, want op de parterre gaan de stoelen eruit - tribune blijven wel zitplaatsen - en zo vind je de leukste dansvloer van Hasselt en omstreken op 25 november 2023 in het Trixxo Theater. Aarzel vooral niet als je dit onwaarschijnlijke 'One More Night' musical-meezingfeestje wil meemaken en bestel nu je tickets via deepbridge.be.
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST BOBBY ELI DIED
Philly multi-instrumentalist musician, arranger, composer and record producer Eli Tatarsky, better known as Bobby Eli, died on August 17, aged 77. He was a founding member and lead guitarist of Philadelphia International's studio band MFSB.
His contribution to the Sound of Philadelphia cannot be understated as he has almost 1,000 credits for writing, arranging, producing and performing on Discogs (obviously many for the same recording) but has 282 writing credits on BMI. Coincidentally, he co-wrote "Zoom" with Len Barry for Fat Larry's Band whose latest single we posted only yesterday and mentioned their biggest selling song.
His career began in the early 60s as a writer and in the late 60s as a member of The Landslides along with Philly legends B-Y-H (Ron Baker, Earl Young and Norman Harris) on an early Gamble & Huff label Huff Puff in 1968. Produced by Gamble & Huff and arranged by Bobby Martin, it was one of the first sessions at the famed Sigma Sound Studio and was the embryo of what would later become Philadelphia International Records.
The label only released three singles, he played guitar, keys and sang BGVs on a the second by Ruth McFadden (no relation to Gene). Both sides of the third single by The Producers have been popular on the Northern Soul scene for decades with "Lady Lady Lady" being the instrumental of Dee Dee Sharp's "What Kind Of Lady" on Gamble (1968). The first two are dated Oct 1968, so would imagine that this was also which means it was released the month after Dee Dee Sharp's vocal. The vocals on "Love Is Amazing" are shared by Kenny Gamble and Miki Farrow.
He played guitar on The Ambassador's Soul Summit LP in 1969 and then on albums by Barbara Mason, The Intruders, The Sweet Inspirations, Wilson Pickett prior to playing on some now legendary early Philly Int. albums by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The O'Jays and Billy Paul.
His writing credits date back to 1963, some of the better known ones include Ronnie Dyson's "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely" (which was later a big hit for Main Ingredient), "Love Town" (Booker Newberry III), "Love Won't Let Me Wait" and "Loving You Is Mellow" (Major Harris), Mr. Magic Man (Wilson Pickett), "Sideshow" and "Three Ring Circus" (Blue Magic) and "Zoom" (Fat Larry's Band).
In 1977 he released an album as Eli's Second Coming for Silver Blue Records.
On the production/arrangement side he worked on recordings by Major Harris, Blue Magic, Brenda & The Tabulations, Sister Sledge, Keith Barrow, The Joneses, Atlantic Starr, Jackie Moore, Ava Cherry, Jean Knight, Jean Carn amongst so many other, perhaps lesser known, artists.
As far as performing goes, the list of artists is endless, as well as being a member of MFSB, who must have played on most of the Philly Int. recordings, he's played on recordings by Stylistics, Spinners, First Choice, Manhattans, Barbara Mason, Jimmy Ruffin, Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Temprees, Delfonics, Whispers, Blue Magic, Dionne Warwick, Major Harris, Revelation, Modulations, People's Choice, Salsoul Orchestra, Ritchie Family, Eddie Kendricks, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Trammps, Keith Barrow, Joneses, Eddie Holman, Dells, Chi-Lites, Gloria Gaynor, Jerry Butler. It would be fair to say he played on much of the material recorded in Philly.
DUB FX - 'FLOATING' - REGGAE-FUELLED NEW SINGLE BY GENRE-BENDING AUSTRALIAN MUSICIAN OUT 18.08.23
DUB FX - FLOATING
new single
out 18.08.23
(Convoy Unltd/Membran)
included on
INFINITE REFLECTION
new album
out 22.09.23
Dub FX (aka Benjamin Stanford) is an Australian musician, street performer and social activist who mixes live looping, beatboxing and world-class production into one sonic mind-f**k. Genre-bending hip-hop, dubstep, reggae, dancehall, d’n’b and jungle into something uniquely his own, Dub FX has gained worldwide recognition for promoting positivity, unity and social awareness via his distinct and powerful lyrics, with acclaimed full-length releases such as 'Thinking Clear’ and ‘Roots' adding to his reputation.
His upcoming new album, ‘Infinite Reflection’, is further testament to this. Taking listeners on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries, each of its nine tracks could easily stand alone as singles and are being treated as such, with a song issued every Friday until the full album is released on 22nd September.
‘Floating’ is an album highlight with a distinct ‘70s Jamaican reggae vibe. Talents that include Mista Savona (keyboards), Paolo Baldini (bass), Stevie One-Drop (drums) and Woodnote (saxophone) assist Dub FX in creating a bright summer anthem that nevertheless has a bittersweet lyric sure to resonate with anyone required to leave their loved ones for extended periods of time in order to work. A video for the song offers a glimpse into the typical day-to-day existence of a musician on the road, featuring footage shot on one of Dub FX’s frequent tours. It can be seen HERE .
Behind the glamorous façade of a life on tour, there is usually a truth that tells a different story, with seemingly endless hours spent in crowded airports, confined aeroplanes, lengthy bus rides, chain hotels and cramped, uninviting backstage areas. Despite all this, the 90 minutes spent on stage each night are worth it, although for Dub FX not even this can surpass the sheer ecstasy of returning home to his wife and children.
Commencing in Slovenia on the evening prior to album release, Dub FX will embark on a 35+ date European tour that climaxes with five UK shows in November:
21.11.23 BRISTOL Thekla tickets
22.11.23 LONDON Scala tickets
23.11.23 BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute 2 tickets
24.11.23 MANCHESTER Gorilla tickets
25.11.23 MILTON KEYNES MK11 tickets
Fans can look forward to a new live show that promises to set new standards, delivering unforgettable performances throughout the continent. Full tour details are available HERE .
INFINITE REFLECTION
TRACKLISTING
1 Cracks In The Mirror (3:37)
2 No More (3:26)
3 Living Inside (4:15)
4 Woman Rising (3:14)
5 Floating (3:39)
6 Dig This (4:36)
7 Falling (3:21)
8 Supernova Jam (4:18)
9 Infinite Reflection (5:12)
BRYARD HUGGINS – ‘NOHO TALK’
Bryard (bree-yard) Huggins is a composer, record producer, and Contemporary Jazz piano recording artist from Nashville, TN. Stumbling upon his musical gift at the age of 4 on his family piano and writing his first original song at the age of 6, this child prodigy turned smooth jazz sensation was thrust into the recording industry at 16 with his debut album Artistic Touch (2011), followed by 4 more albums in the style of contemporary jazz and 1 in gospel/Christian music.
His latest single, “Noho Talk” debuts everywhere on August 4, 2023. Bryard also owns and operates his own music production company and indie label Muse Entertainment – helping to create and produce music and content for various platforms and clients/artists nationwide. Bryard has attracted the attention of greats like CeCe Winans, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Holliday, and he has toured in the US and the UK with the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight as her featured guest artist. He has graced the stages of renown venues like the Ryman Auditorium and London’s Royal Albert Hall. Behind all of his career accomplishments, he holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music Production from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati (where he studied under jazz pianist/trumpeter Kim Pensyl) and a Masters of Music degree in Music Business from Frost School of Music, University of Miami. Huggins currently resides in the Los Angeles area.
VON STUPART – ‘HARLEM UNDERGROUND’
Music has always been a huge part of Von Stupart’s life. He started formal music lessons at the age of 12, picking up the trumpet initially, then playing the drums. In high school Von started on clarinet and eventually gravitated to the saxophone, and knew he found his instrument. Today Von’s primary instrument is the tenor saxophone, but he also plays soprano, alto, flute and EWI. Von’s style has been described as a smooth and silky sound with a Jazz and R&B feel.
Growing up in New York, specifically The Bronx and Harlem, Von was steeped in the rich multicultural sounds of Jazz, R&B, Latin and Caribbean music. He was also fortunate to be able to study music with trailblazing musicians at Jazzmobile for many years.
In 2020 Von refocused his creative energies to another lifelong passion, recording his own music. Technology made it possible for him to collaborate with awesome musicians from around the country including producer Adam Hawley to create this wonderful music. Von is grateful to be able to pour his passion and experience into creating music to share with the world! He hopes when you listen to his music you can feel the joy, passion, and the love!
MARCUS ANDERSON FT. NICOLAS COLE – ‘CARE FOR YOU’
As a multi-talented musician and passionate coffee enthusiast, Marcus Anderson introduces us to a delightful blend of smooth jazz and contemporary music in his latest radio single, "Care For You," from the new album Reverse. This special track is inspired by and written for his dedicated supporters within the jazz genre, serving a heartfelt thank you and a reaffirmation of his roots. Marcus's sophisticated musical style, paired with exceptional nuances, offers listeners a unique touch in today's music landscape. His emotive performance harmonizes beautifully with his passion for coffee, mirroring the warm, velvety richness of a well-brewed espresso in the song's melody.
In "Care For You," Marcus skillfully navigates the intricate path of blending diverse genres, creating a music bridge that unites smooth jazz lovers and other enthusiasts alike. His authenticity and innovative vision echo throughout the track, resonating with the perfection and distinction found in his love for coffee. The catchy hooks and relatable lyrics of "Care For You" provide a fresh perspective on the RnB genre, subtly infused with the timeless charm of smooth jazz - an experience akin to savoring a perfectly balanced blend of coffee beans.
"Care For You" stands as a testament to Marcus Anderson's evolving sound, forming an immersive soundscape where classic and contemporary styles converge into a transcendently beautiful piece. Just as a perfect cup of coffee sets the right tone for the day, "Care For You" begins with a comforting embrace of familiar jazz harmonies, slowly revealing a heart pulsating of modern rhythms. This unique amalgamation of music and coffee enthusiasm paints a compelling narrative of Marcus's artistic journey, ultimately solidifying his status as a remarkable talent in the industry.
"SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL” TO HEAR A NEW ALBUM IS ON THE WAY FROM SOUL LEGEND JOHN ELLISON
An updated version of his iconic hit will be the first single from the project slated to arrive on November 10 featuring eleven new songs.
TAMPA (15 August 2023): It is one of the most recorded and most played songs in music history and a new version of “Some Kind of Wonderful” will be garnering Grammy consideration for soul, gospel, blues and funk singer-songwriter John Ellison. The classic hit that he wrote and recorded with his band, Soul Brothers Six, in 1967 was issued as a single last Friday (August 11), his 82nd birthday. The single that will be up for a Grammy nod in the American Roots Performance category serves as the title track for an album featuring eleven new songs penned by Ellison and produced by Roger Heijster. The collection is scheduled to drop on November 10 from PopMi Music.
Ellison has already been honored as a songwriting legend many times over, collecting multiple lifetime achievement awards from BMI, West Virginia and Canada, yet he’s not a household name even though his song has been recorded by more than seventy artists – from Rod Stewart and Joss Stone to Grand Funk Railroad, Buddy Guy and Huey Lewis & The News. Ellison has also remained relevant, writing the timely “Wake-Up Call (Black Like Me)” during the peak of civil unrest in 2020, garnering praise from Rolling Stone and Forbes magazines along with the distinction of earning the number one spot on BMI’s “Songs for Change” Spotify playlist.
Energetic, passionate and as creative as ever, Ellison poured his soulful intensity into crafting the new album, which was recorded in PopMi Music’s studio in the Netherlands. With an electric guitar in hand, Ellison’s powerful voice croons stories about spreading love, hope, celebration, romance and reflection. Heijster handles most of the accompanying instrumentation himself (drums, percussion, bass, guitars, keyboards and programming) with augmentation to the rhythm section from bassists Lucien Matheeuwsen and Peter Bergman and drummer Wiktoria Bialic. There’s a lot of soul powered horn section work illuminating the set, which was deftly deployed by the Jay Horns (trumpeter Serge Plume, trombonist Jel Jongen, and baritone and tenor saxophonist Allard Buwalda).
After opening with his iconic cut, the party continues with “Let’s Get This Party Started.” Ellison believes that each day should be “a happy day and celebrated,” which is what the tune is about. A stylistic departure, “If I Had Just One Wish” has a feel-good reggae vibe calling for more love in the world. A retro slice of R&B/pop, “It’s Your Lips” offers a seductive taste of fantasy. “Easy to Remember” is an amorous ballad skillfully enriched with Hammond B3 organ.
Heijster cowrote a couple tunes on the album and it was his idea that sparked “Love Line.”
“‘Love Line’ is simply about spreading love throughout the world. If we could form a human line and each individual in that line was filled only with love, and that line stretched around the world, imagine how beautiful this world would be,” said Ellison.
“Let Me Be the One” is a heartfelt romantic plea. “Quitters Never Win” offers poignant and poetic inspiration, the roots of which are personal to Ellison.
“‘Quitters Never Win’ is a song that is very dear to my heart. The lyrics were written by a young girl who had recently lost her grandfather. She and I became connected through the sale of a gourmet seasoning that I have in grocery stores. Her mother was unable to find it during the pandemic and she reached out to my company. When she found out that the person who wrote ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ also created the seasoning that she loves, she asked if I would listen to some of her daughter’s poetry and see if I could make it into a song. After hearing the story about her grandfather, the lessons he taught her and the encouragement he gave her, my heart went out to the girl. I promised her that I would make her poem into a song,” Ellison revealed.
Inspiration can come randomly and that’s the story behind “Where Do I Go from Here?” It came from a guitar riff and groove that showed up while Ellison was soundchecking prior to a festival performance. “West Virginia State of Mind” recalls his impoverished beginnings growing up in the coal fields of West Virgina.
Ellison shares his faith on “He Watches Over Me,” which he wrote with Heijster.
“‘He Watches Over Me’ was inspired by the teachings of my dearly beloved parents. When I was at the Porretta Festival in Italy, I shared stories of the hardships of my youth with George McCrae and Roger (Heijster), who produces George. When Roger and I decided to work together, he started work on the music and had a basic idea of the storyline, and we finished the song together in his studio. While we were thinking about the vocal line and what the words should be for the chorus, I suddenly sang ‘He watches over me.’ Then Roger pointed out that on top of a rack of CDs, there was an old family statue of Jesus watching over us,” recounted Ellison, who closes the album with a beautiful offering honoring his wife titled “I Simply Love You.”
After his years with Soul Brothers Six, Ellison released a series of solo albums, the most recent being 2013’s “Up From Funk.” Like a lot of vintage soul artists, he found popularity and success abroad, leading to concert tours and performances throughout Europe and Asia as well as North America. He has U.S. concert dates booked in August and September to help launch the single and set up the album release. Although Ellison now splits his time living in Florida and Canada, he started the tour back in West Virginia on August 10.
The “Some Kind of Wonderful” album contains the following songs:
“Some Kind of Wonderful”
“Let’s Get This Party Started”
“If I Had Just One Wish”
“It’s Your Lips”
“Easy to Remember”
“Love Line”
“Let Me Be the One”
“Quitters Never Win”
“Where Do I Go from Here?”
“West Virginia State of Mind”
“He Watches Over Me”
“I Simply Love You”
Catch Ellison on tour in the following cities:
August 31 Lake Side Ohio Sandusky, OH
September 1 Kiesling Tavern Detroit, MI
September 2 Beaver Island Events Beaver Island, MI
September 4 Johnny’s School House Lady Smith, WI
September 5 Pine Arts Centre Curtis, MI
September 8 Up Yonder Grand Marias, MN
September 10 Radio Wave Festival Waves, MN
September 16 Rib Fest Charleston, WV
For more information, please visit https://www.johnellisonmusic.com.
TORSTEN GOODS - 'SOUL SEARCHING' – NEW ALBUM BY GERMAN-IRISH JAZZ GUITARIST & SINGER PROVES THAT OUT OF CHAOS COMES BEAUTY
TORSTEN GOODS
SOUL SEARCHING
new album
out 15.09.23
(Erminal T/Membran)
pre-save/add
includes the singles
WHO’S RIGHT WHO’S WRONG
SPINNING ROUND video
CARNAVAL DE LA GENTE video
+
out 11.08.23
KEEP ON RUNNING feat. Pete York video
all videos from Studio Sessions
Torsten Goods is one of Germany's most successful jazz guitarists and jazz-pop/soul singers. The prodigious skills displayed at an early age by the German/Irish musician (German father/Northern Irish mother) resulted in a scholarship to study jazz guitar in New York while still in his teens, subsequent to which he has won several awards in his home territory for a series of albums released on the ACT label. He was once reviewed by the Evening Standard as having “talent galore. Inspired by George Benson, he sings winningly and plays the guitar superbly”, while he currently sits on the latest Jazz FM playlist with a track from 'Soul Searching', his wonderful and very personal new creation.
Eight long years of soul searching have culminated in what is Goods' seventh full-length record, but also an album that can be seen as a new beginning. Although containing feel-good music influenced by Jazz, Soul, Blues and ‘70s Westcoast/AOR sounds - not to mention a number of star turns by feel-good guest musicians/friends - lyrically it tells the story of his recent visual transformation brought about by the autoimmune disorder Alopecia. Thankfully, the now 42 year-old musician is otherwise healthy, but the disease has been a source of immense emotional stress; becoming accustomed to his hairless appearance is a central theme of the album, as evidenced by songs such as ‘Naked Funk’ and ‘I Had To Learn Not To Care’.
Goods wrote the latter track with the hugely successful German pop singer Sarah Connor, for whom he is also musical director. He will accompany her on several open air German festival dates in late August and September, prior to setting out on his own ‘Soul Searching Tour 2023’, for which Goods will appear with his long-term band: Jan Miserre (keyboards and piano), Felix Lehrmann (drums) and Thomas Stieger (bass). The schedule will include UK and Irish shows.
SOUL SEARCHING
TRACKLISTING
1 Ain’t Gotta Do It
2 Spinning Round (feat. Viktoria Tolstoy)
3 Who’s Right Who’s Wrong
4 I Had To Learn Not To Care
5 Moonlight (feat. Seven)
6 Turn The Lights Down Low (feat. Kim Sanders)
7 Carnaval De La Gente (feat. Bireli Lagrene)
8 Soul Searching (feat. Nils Landgren)
9 Walk Away (feat. Randy Brecker)
10 Naked Funk
11 Keep On Running (feat. Pete York)
12 Wade Groove
13 I’ll Do It Anyway (feat. Ida Sand)
14 Paradox Jam (feat. Magnus Lindgren)
SOULFULEDGE & KERRIE MASTERS - P.Y.T. (PRETTY YOUNG THING)
With their debut release 'Down In Flames' setting the world ablaze (pun definitely intended!) earlier this year, Soulfuledge & Kerrie Masters are rolling up their soulful sleeves once more and diving headfirst into a bold and breathtakingly creative show-stopper – a reimagining of an absolute classic no less!
Originally released in 1987 and featured on the legendary ‘Thriller’ album, Michael Jackson’s ‘P.Y.T’ is one of those songs that leaves no room to hide... their new version sways trying to replicate the original but instead offers a new & vibrant reinterpretation with Kerrie’s delicious vocals bringing a whole new heap of magic to this infectiously good remake!
The Original Mix is pure soulful joy, swimming in live Rhodes & analogue basslines! Vibrant percussive layers, rhythms & rolls are peppered throughout with Kerrie’s sweet & enrichingly effervescent soulful vocals impeccably knitting the whole track together - brace yourself for an irresistible urge to sing, dance, and smile!
The Ugly Old Dub (yes, we went there) moves the clock forward to those late-night hours using snippets of the vocals playfully intertwined with a deep, vibey chord progression. The bassline effortlessly rumbles its way through the core with riffy Arps & FX adding extra flavour to savour - it’s a punchy, no-nonsense, irresistible groove made specifically & unashamedly for the dancers!
The Instrumental version sprinkles extra spice into proceedings with tantalizing guitar solos, igniting the atmosphere with a scintillating flourish. And fear not, for those who crave the essence of the Main Mix in a more compact form, the Radio Mix delivers a concise but perfectly shaped rendition that encapsulates all the elements that make this track shine.
Soulfuledge & Kerrie Masters have beautifully reimagined this classic; brave... no question, expertly executed... absolutely!
NICK STEFANACCI LOOKS IN ‘MIRRORS’
"Mirrors" is the first song that I've written for my twin sisters and the inspiration came from recently spending time with them. I was caught daydreaming while admiring how beautiful they are and even though they are identical and have more similarities than differences they each have intricate details that are unique unto themselves.
That moment sparked the idea behind "Mirrors", a simple opening melody with slight variations as one would find while quickly glancing at a mirror and then a completely different chorus and mood, as one would look deeper into a mirror or one's soul.
- Saxman Nick Stefanacci
Enhanced by and featuring Smooth Jazz veterans Eric Valentine (drums), Mel Brown (bass), and Carnell Harrell (keys/synths) on this cut, Nick Stefanacci's "Mirrors" reflects another new facet of the saxophonist's burgeoning career.
JUSTIN YOUNG IS ‘FOREVER YOURS’
A Top 20 Billboard Smooth Jazz saxophonist and producer, Justin Young travels the world performing at theatres, festivals, cruises and on TV. Justin's unique sound has garnered him appearances with The Temptations and opportunities to share the stage with Earth, Wind & Fire, Lauryn Hill, Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, KC & The Sunshine Band, Peter White, Euge Groove, Gerald Albright and many others.
Justin Young sounds utterly natural when he plays, but those sweet lines of soulful notes come through years of study, training and commitment to his love of music. Born in Detroit, Michigan and now residing in Las Vegas, Young grew up in a musical household and performed in 100+ shows per year. With over 7 albums released, Justin can currently be heard on radio stations around the globe.
As a producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Justin writes and produces for artists around the world and records to the highest standard of analog recording equipment: Trident Analog Console, Otari MTR-90 and audio hardware. Justin has written songs for Kim Scott, Lin Rountree, Dee Lucas, Tony Exum, The 3 Keys, Lori Nicely, Jesse Thompson, Vearl T, Sy Baldwin, Terrie Rimson and many more.
Justin Young has audiences talking with ground breaking stage shows. Presenting the audience with amazing saxophone skills and incredible vocalists, has put this show into a league of its own. From Justin’s original music to hits we all love, you don’t want to miss this show.
BOB BALDWIN FT. ERIC VALENTINE ‘ALL MY LIFE’
Pianist/Composer Bob Baldwin continues his B Positive vibrations with his latest single, "All My Life", with drummer Eric Valentine.
The album was continued collection of thoughts as we all reflect on the happenings of 2020-2021. At the end of the day, we all want to move forward in a positive way. "All My Life" speaks of Baldwin's love for music, and how to use music in an uplifting way.
Baldwin won best Contemporary Jazz album for his "Stay at Home" series, and by year's end, will be re-issuing "Mellowonder" "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Abbey Road" (his tributes to Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and the Beatles)...and as always, is working on a new project in New York and Atlanta. His upcoming disc is #36.
Bob started his musical journey through his dad in New York, and has been influenced in his early years by the great jazz legends, and always feels a need to pay homage to those legends. "All My Life" is a continuance down that road.
IAN WILLIAMS - 'THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE WORLD' – NEW SINGLE BY LONDON-BASED ELETCRONIC MUSICIAN EVOKES TANGERINE DREAM & VANGELIS
IAN WILLIAMS | 2023 photo by Damien de Blinkk
IAN WILLIAMS
THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE WORLD
new single
out 10.08.23
(Slaughterback)
stream | buy
London-based musician/composer Ian Williams has released a new single entitled ‘The Light At The End Of The World’ today. An intoxicating mixture of bubbling sequencers, tribal beats and soaring synths, it has a gorgeous ethereal vocal melody and sounds like a Tangerine Vangelis, while it is accompanied by an interdimensional video shot somewhere between the Orion Nebula and Margate.
The track is taken from 'Slow-Motion Apocalypse’, a full-length album out in October and details of which will be made available shortly.
Ian Williams began his music career in Edinburgh in the mid 1980's as a founder of Beautiful Pea Green Boat, whose ethereal, atmospheric sound pre-dated the vogue for dream pop by at least twenty years. Several collaborations with Lebanese choreographer Joumana Mourad and her contemporary dance company Ijad saw him fuse Arabic/classical/techno/ambient styles, following which he changed tack to work with singer Claudia Barton as Gamine, releasing two albums of dark, piano-led torch songs and lullabies.
Recent discography:
2019: THE DREAM EXTORTIONISTS - debut solo album of dark piano and electronics which balanced melancholia with melody.
2020: LES BLESSURES INVISIBLES (Invisible Wounds) - an eclectic electronic soundtrack to a documentary film by French director Eric Michel that took an unsettling look at the after-effects of the withdrawal of the uranium mining operation in Gabon (which supplied the French nuclear industry) on the local population. Williams has also recently completed the soundtrack to Michel’s new WW2 spy documentary, ‘Le Mystère Lucie’ (Code Name Lucy), due for imminent release.
2021: ALL BECOMES DESERT - an album of minimalist ambiences and warm analogue soundscapes evoking the wide-open, empty spaces of the great deserts. It consists of a series of electronic improvisations made by Williams three decades earlier processed through the wonders of modern technology.
SANDRINE VAN HANDENHOVEN WORDT MOTORMOUTH MAYBELLE IN VLAAMSE ‘HAIRSPRAY’
Na haar glansrol als heks in 'Rapunzel', een rol die ze trouwens herneemt dit najaar, mag Sandrine Van Handenhoven zich al opmaken voor een nieuw musicalavontuur. Sandrine zal vanaf maart 2024 schitteren als Motormouth Maybelle in de Vlaamse versie van feelgood fenomeen 'Hairspray'. Hiermee treedt ze in de voetsporen van o.a. Queen Latifah en Jennifer Hudson, die deze rol speelden in respectievelijk de verfilming uit 2007 en 'Hairspray Live!' uit 2016.
Motormouth Maybelle is een R&B producer en moeder van Little Inez en de zeer getalenteerde danser Seaweed, een rol die in deze Deep Bridge-versie 'Hairspray' vertolkt wordt door Francisco Schuster. Ze is ook de host van 'Negro Day' en weet met haar aanstekelijke liedje 'Big, Blond and Beautiful' Edna Turnblad ervan te overtuigen dat mooi zijn niet noodzakelijk in verband hoeft te staan met slank zijn.
In 'Hairspray' komt Sandrine opnieuw Rapunzel Helle Vanderheyden tegen. Deze dynamische tandem voegt net als musicaltoppers Florian Avoux en Laurenz Hoorelbeke de nodige ervaring toe aan de cast. Ervaring en kennis waarvan de jonge een veelzijdige talenten Lotte De Clerck, Francisco Schuster, Jérémie Vrielynck, musicaldebutante Amy Courtens en Jozefien Grossen, die als Tracy Turnblad de kans van haar leven krijgt in de absolute hoofdrol, gretig zullen kunnen profiteren.
"Ken je die mensen die in je leven komen en het voorgoed veranderen. Dat is Motormouth. Een vrouw die het licht in zich draagt. Een ontmoeting met haar is als een nieuwe adem.
Onbevreesd. Strijden voor het goede. Voor de rechten van de mens. Voor gelijkheid en tegen racisme. Een inspiratie voor velen. Wie gaat aan het voorfront staan...Motormouth."
- Sandrine Van Handenhoven -
Het fenomeen 'Hairspray
Hairspray' is een generatie-overschrijdend fenomeen in de film- en musicalwereld omdat het ondanks de heerlijke muziek, dans en dikke fun, ook nu nog brandend actuele thema's als racisme en bodyshaming niet uit de weg gaat.
Bij het grote publiek verwierf 'Hairspray' een echte cultstatus na de release van de musicalverfilming in 2007. In een sterrencast met o.a. Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow en Queen Latifah, schitterde ook John Travolta - in fatsuit - als de extraverte Edna Turnblad.
Deep Bridge maakt een eigen, Vlaamse versie van deze feelgood musical. Zoals steeds in de gekende stijl van het huis: met de nodige creatieve krullen, lak aan platgetreden paden, maar met respect voor het originele verhaal én de muziek. Geef toe, is er iemand die kan blijven stilzitten op floorfillers als 'Welcome To The 60's', 'Good Morning Baltimore' en uiteraard ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’?
BEKIJK HIER 'You Can't Stop The Beat' uit de film 'Hairspray' (2007)
met o.a. John Travolta als Edna Turnblad
‘Hairspray’, de hilarische, vrolijke en steengoede feelgood musical waar iedereen nood aan heeft, is van 14 maart (extra show!) tot 14 april 2024 opeenvolgend te zien in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
DARKPLACE - 'CARS' – THIRD SINGLE BY MYSTERIOUS SWEDISH DARK POP/POST-PUNK ACT OUT 04.08.23
DARKPLACE
CARS
new single
out 04.08.23
(Icons Creating Evil Art)
stream
included on the album
ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD
out 27.10.23
also available now
ARKEN ÖVER HESSELBY
video | stream
FEARMONGER
video | stream
Darkplace is a mysterious new Swedish dark dream pop/post-punk group whose forthcoming debut album, ‘About The End Of The World’, is a conceptual work inspired by the bleak landscape of the Stockholm suburbs that birthed them.
Centred around an alternative reality - or is it just a grim present and future? - the album is being unveiled gradually via a series of videos based on animated digital paintings for each of its tracks.
Darkplace have previously issued ‘Arken över Hesselby’ (The Ark Over Hesselby), its video showing the outskirts of a city haunted by an unknown aerial presence, followed by ’Fearmonger’, represented by an apocalyptic scenario with sirens wailing and a lone soldier fleeing the prying ‘eye in the sky’ of a mysterious airship.
Their new single, 'Cars’, is the first with vocals, and it sees the story move on to a man who travels north following cryptic messages written on highway signs that only show up in the blast of his headlights. Is he the only person who can see them and follow the trail? Darkplace cryptically state that “trying to escape this psychotic, slow burning apocalypse is not easy. Nowhere is safe. These weird structures and phenomena seem to occur everywhere, all over the world. Nowhere is safe!"
Although rooted in late 80s/early 90s indie styles, Darkplace incorporate a variety of other genres into their sound. However, for the members of this highly secretive group, it is not just about the music. They perceive themselves as more an art project that happens to be exploring and commenting on the state of the world through their chosen mediums of music and video.
The majority of the other tracks on the album are short instrumentals that were written with specific storyboards in mind, with the group revealing that: "We started creating the art before we had the music in most cases, so the tracks were written as soundtracks to the animation.”
The art itself is a multi-layered process that involves photography, sculpting, oil painting, digital editing and animation. Using apps like Nomad Sculpt to create it before exporting scene specific angles and imported into Procreate to be painted, they add: “we use oil paintbrushes and paint over the photo. It is layers upon layers and it gets messy. Exporting gets even messier since we want depth in the scenes and need to export them in layered depths. A few scenes in this project have been animated frame by frame and it has taken almost two years to complete.”
MO LOUIS – STATIC
Saxophonist Mo Louis has done it again with his latest release “Static”!
This feel good tune captures his signature smooth sound showcasing a fusion of jazz and R&B influence, blending refreshing grooves that are nothing short of extraordinary. “Static” is Mo’s most ambitious work to date, and it’s clear that he poured his heart and soul into every note. With its catchy hook and silky smooth saxophone leads, “Static” is a must-listen for any fan of the genre!
"Static"
Written by Jeff Carruthers & Mo Louis
Produced by Jeff Carruthers
Mixed and Mastered by Euge Groove
Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart: 27 - 20*
Mediabase Smooth A/C Chart: 23 - 13*; Most Added (2 adds)
Smooth Jazz Network Top 20 Chart: #20 (512 spins)
SmoothJazz.com Chart: 59 - 48*
Radio Wave Internet Airplay Chart: 27*
TERRIE RIMSON FT. JUSTIN YOUNG – ‘UNDENIABLE’
Terrie Rimson is no stranger to the spotlight, she has been captivating audiences with her smooth soprano vocals since the age of 5. Born in Oakland, California, by age 10 her family moved across the country to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city that has produced artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Phyllis Hyman and Patti Labelle. For several years, Terrie has performed as a backing vocalist with Gospel artists such as the late Daryl Coley, Grammy-award winning Twinkie Clark and Karen Clark Sheard.
In 2016, Terrie toured throughout the United States promoting her Gospel music; but in 2017, she crossed genres to become and record as a R&B/Soul artist. Her first single under her new genre was a cover of the Evelyn Champagne King widely successful 1982 hit, “Love Come Down” which was released in July 2017 with production by CEO of Rhythm Avenue Entertainment, Deryck “D.Rim” Rimson.
Currently, Rimson is the host of the full female cast of "ALL MOTOWN" in Las Vegas, NV. Terrie Rimson is not just another Jazz/R&B/singer, but she is the strength of love in the melody of music.
PETE CALANDRA IS ON ‘BLEECKER STREET’
Peter Calandra is a prolific composer and keyboard player whose solo albums are wonderfully diverse, spanning world music, jazz, contemporary jazz, new age, pop, and neo-classical. The thread throughout his music is the lyrical expressiveness of the compositions and purity and purposefulness of the musicianship. Three of his recent albums of original music -- First Light (2015), The Road Home (2017) and Carpe Noctem (2018) were nominated for ZMR Awards.
As a Film & TV composer, Calandra scored over 100 films and wrote over 2000 compositions for television. He has composed music for every major television network including the FIFA World Cup Theme for FOX Sports, the Special Olympics World Games and Invictus Games Theme for ESPN, as well as writing music for the Kennedy Center Honors on CBS from 2015 thru 2020. He also garnered acclaim for composing the music to Jellysmoke, a film which won the Los Angeles Film Festival and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, and Unknown Soldier, a film which won the Los Angeles and Philadelphia Film Festivals and also was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
Calandra has been immersed in the New York City music scene for most of his life. As a keyboard player he performed in the Broadway productions of Miss Saigon (for 10 years), The Lion King, Les Miserables, The Phantom Of The Opera, and Little Shop Of Horrors. In addition to his Broadway resume -- which includes first chair keyboard player positions for many of those productions -- he has also performed with the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, NY Pops Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Don Cherry, Aretha Franklin, Allen Ginsberg, Annie Golden, Donna McKechnie, Lillianne Montevecchi, and he spent 16 years as the keyboard player in the NYC-based Climax Band, the creative vehicle for artist and musician Larry Rivers.
Calandra's prismatic experience and artistry allows him to inhabit a multitude of genres, conjure up a diverse selection of moods and emotions, and work within a broad array of mediums. "I don't try to define anything because I find that, as a creative person, when you put something in a box, you limit the creative flow," Calandra says. In addition to his keyboard and compositional skills, he is also an accomplished guitarist and multifaceted studio engineer versed in the arts of tracking and mixing.
WORLD MUSIC ARTIST ONYEKA NWELUE FOCUSES ON MUSIC TO MAINTAIN MENTAL HEALTH
His debut single, “Break your Heart,” is inspired by true events amidst the academic elite.
PUEBLA (2 August 2023): International intrigue. Political drama. Heartbreak. The story behind Onyeka Nwelue’s first foray into music has all that and more. His debut world music single, “Break your Heart,” which he wrote and sang while undergoing psychiatric treatment, was produced by Eternal Nnamdi Mbamara (aka Eternal Africa) and released by Walboomers Music accompanied by a video. There’s a lot to unpack here and according to Nwelue, it’s a true story.
A Nigerian scholar who had esteemed positions in academia in African studies at two of the world’s most prestigious universities, University of Oxford and Cambridge, Nwelue authored twenty-five books – novels, nonfiction and poetry, including the award-winning “Hip-Hop is Only for Children.” He’s also a filmmaker and documentarian, talk show host and teacher who served as the dean of the School of Cinematographic Studies at Université Queensland in Haiti. Among his many academic achievements was studying ancient masterpieces of world literature at Harvard University; a research associate at the University of Johannesburg; visiting assistant professor at the University of Manipur; visiting lecturer at the University of Hong Kong; and visiting researcher at Ohio University. So yes, he’s a world-class scholar of the highest repute.
Earlier this year, an incident at the University of Oxford led to Nwelue’s dismissal. He had established the annual James Currey Prize for African Literature and directed the James Currey Literary Festival, which took place at the University of Oxford’s Weston Library. Nwelue said that he was accused of “political incorrectness and slapped with damaging labels owing to the views publicly espoused in my books.”
Nwelue believes that his political affiliations in Nigeria – he openly supports Peter Obi, the leader of Nigeria’s Labour Party - was another reason he was persecuted. Feeling maligned and heartbroken, he sought refuge, using the occasion to address longstanding mental health issues. Nwelue pursued treatment in Mexico where he’s working on a film about Africans in Mexico titled “Dogs of Mexico.” During therapy, he discovered songwriting. “Break your Heart” was inspired by the Oxford incident that damaged his reputation and left him shattered.
“I was diagnosed with a certain kind of mental illness many years ago. It has destroyed many things for me. Recently diagnosed with ADHD, I have been in a psychiatric center in Mexico. Out of a need to heal, I turned to music. I have always wanted to be a musician, but you need courage and confidence to be one. I once read that everyone can sing but you need to learn it over time,” said Nwelue, who studied the business of music at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Prior to undergoing care, Nwelue split his time living in Johannesburg, Oxford and Mexico – three disparate yet rich cultures. He borrowed elements from all three and infused them into “Break your Heart,” an amalgam of African beats, urban soul and jazz nuances. Not surprisingly, his pain is evident in the song’s lyrics and felt in his impassioned vocals.
“You jazzed my soul and threw me away
You left me broken
So
I will break your heart
I will tear your heart
Run far away
And you’ll never find me.”
Nwelue directed the video for “Break your Heart,” which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTXkpeOaTVA. He’s currently working on his first album titled “Quimbombó,” which he plans to release early next year followed by a concert tour. All the songs he’s written for the collection are inspired by his mental health challenges and life struggles.
“I have faced disgrace and embarrassment among all my accomplishments. I think globally, I was the only person attached to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge simultaneously as an Academic Visitor at 35 years old. I attracted envy - from old and young people alike,” said Nwelue who recently completed a biopic about Emeka Ojukwu, a Nigerian military officer and politician who served as president of the Republic of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War.
Nwelue is fully immersing himself into his recording muse and hopes “Break your Heart” will receive Grammy consideration. In earlier years, he managed recording artists and founded a record label in Paris. He’s especially drawn to jazz and used to organize diplomatic jazz nights in Nigeria before leaving the country. Music, especially jazz, helps him focus. And he’s found a way to use music to stabilize his mental health.
“In psychiatry, one’s mental illness can be contained through the use of music and visual arts, especially when it comes to ADHD and concentration. One needs to fully concentrate on something to be able to stay sane. Most mentally ill people have creative ways of handling their condition. I find creative ways to stay sane and that is by listening to jazz music.”
For more information, please visit https://onyekanwelue.com and https://www.walboomers.com/onyekannwelue.
NEW SINGLE ‘UPTOP’ FROM ADAM HAWLEY
Guitarist/Producer Adam Hawley has burst on to the scene as a celebrated and innovative artist, composer and band leader. Handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire), Hawley first debuted on the legend's record label, Kalimba Music.
In all, Adam’s four albums and work as a producer has spawned an incredible 13 Billboard #1 hits. In it's first week, the 3rd album Escape was the #1 selling album in the nation, outselling every other Contemporary Jazz album as per Nielsen Music. The debut single went on to become the Billboard and Smooth Jazz Network #1 Song of the Year for 2020. Adam followed this up with the 4th album Risin' Up whose title track again reached the top of the Billboard charts in late '21.
2022 was particularly successful including four more #1's, culminating with 2022 song of the year. Coupling this with a robust touring schedule throughout the world, the best is yet to come for Adam Hawley!
"Uptop"
Produced and Mixed by Adam Hawley
Written by Adam Hawley and Caleb Middleton
Mastered by Steve Hall
Adam Hawley: Guitars, Programming
Caleb Middleton: Keyboards, Programming
Carnell Harrell: Additional Synths
Donald Hayes: Sax
Mel Brown: Bass
Eric Valentine: Drums
Ramon Yslas: Percussion
WEGENS SUCCES EXTRA SHOWS ZOMERSPEKTAKEL 'OWLA SHOWTIME' OP 22, 23 & 24 SEPTEMBER 2023
Wegens succes verlengd!
Extra shows voor zomerspektakel 'Owla Showtime' met o.a. Johnny Logan, Helmut Lotti en Liliane Saint-Pierre
22, 23 en 24 september 2023 - Owla Brugge
Met het verrassende en indrukwekkende zomerspektakel 'OWLA Showtime', waarin o.a. Helmut Lotti en Liliane Saint-Pierre schitteren naast Mister Eurovisiesongfestival Johnny Logan, bracht de unieke eventlocatie Owla Brugge de revue met overtuigende knal naar de West-Vlaamse provinciehoofdstad. Het publiek is dermate enthousiast over deze spetterende show vol magie, humor, acrobatie, glitter, glamour en uitzonderlijke zang, dat er extra shows voorzien zullen worden om aan de vraag naar tickets te voldoen. Naast de twee resterende speelweekends in augustus, zal het dus ook nog op 22, 23 en 24 september 2023 'Showtime' zijn in Owla Brugge. Tickets voor dit niet te missen variétéspektakel via: owlabrugge.be
Met ‘OWLA Showtime’ serveert de prachtige eventlocatie Owla Brugge het meest verrassende variétéspektakel van deze zomer. In de voormalige Heilige Familiekerk in het hart van Brugge kan je in augustus en september nog gaan genieten van deze show vol ambiance, humor, acrobatie, zang, dans, magie en natuurlijk de nodige glitter & glamour.
Om het vocale geweld in dit spektakel kan je niet heen. Met Helmut Lotti, Liliane Saint-Pierre en Ivann staan drie van Vlaanderens strafste stemmen op het podium. Ze putten uit eigen repertoire en pakken uit met indrukwekkende covers. En dan is er natuurlijk nog Mister Eurovision. Johnny Logan krijgt het publiek meermaals op de banken met zijn onverwoestbare hits en imponeert met enkele verbluffende covers.
Internationaal gelauwerde acrobaten DUO Giurintano doen de monden openvallen van verbazing met hun jongleerkunsten. Illusionist Rafael pakt op zijn beurt uit met een scala aan trucs en slaat het publiek met verstomming. Met Dirk Van Vooren die zorgt voor de humoristische noot en met zijn grappen, grollen en hilarische sketches de tot de verbeelding sprekende acts aan elkaar kleeft, beschikt ‘OWLA Showtime’ dan nog eens over de gedroomde ringmeester voor deze revue.
Voor de muzikale ondersteuning van deze pleiade aan sterren en begeesterende acts zorgt een ijzersterke liveband onder leiding van Lou Roman. Dankzij een enthousiast showballet ontbreken ook de swingende beentjes niet op het podium.
‘Kom dat zien, kom dat zien!’, de revue is gearriveerd in Brugge en dat wil je niet missen!
Tickets & info ‘OWLA Showtime’: owlabrugge.be
QUANTIZE RECORDINGS – SPENCER MORALES FT. PHEBE EDWARDS ‘WHATCHA GONNA DO WITH MY LOVIN’’
World class dance music producers, DJ Spen & John Morales (M+M), reveal their latest collaboration as Spencer Morales featuring the spellbinding vocal talents of Phebe Edwards on a fantastic rendition of Stephanie Mills’ 1979 soul classic, ‘Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin’. Giving a modern take on this soulful club favourite, Spencer Morales, together with the impeccable musical talents of Gary Hudgins, Skip Dorsey and Jimmy Williams & the Brasstaxx Horn Section, deliver a shimmering Disco house affair with all the trimmings, beautifully wrapped in Phebe’s stunning vocals, and perfectly crafted for today’s dance floors.
US house icon DJ Spen (aka Sean Spencer) is largely known for his part of the The Basement Boys, The Jasper Street Co, and his solo productions. In 2004, he split from The Basement Boys, later founding Quantize Recordings, Unquantize and recently Cue, featuring artists such as Crystal Waters, Ann Nesby, Louie Vega, David Morales, Tasha LaRae, Barbara Tucker and Thommy Davis, and many more. DJ Spen has remixed everyone from Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Everything But The Girl, Toni Braxton and more. As a DJ, Spen has been spinning across the globe for the past 30 years, bringing his magic to clubs and festivals and the beat goes on!
New York’s John Morales (of M+M productions fame) is one of the most recognised names in dance music history as a Remixer/Producer/Dj. Mixing and producing some of the biggest dance music tracks of all time, as well as continuing to DJ all over the world. His musical portfolio includes the likes of Barry White, Teena Marie, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Jocelyn Brown, Shakatak, Miami Sound Machine, The Temptations, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Shalamar, Hall & Oates, Candi Staton, Melba Moore, Rose Royce and so many more. John has graced the decks at many events including at Glitterbox, Defected, Suncebeat, Southport Weekender and 51st State to name a few.
Track Listing
1 Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin’
2 Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin’
3 Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin’
4 Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin’
‘Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin’ will be released on Traxsource promo & Spotify August 4th / Full release August 18th 2023 on Quantize Recordings.
Spencer Morales ft. Phebe Edwards
‘Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin’
Quantize Recordings / QTZ436
https://www.facebook.com/QuantizeRecordings/
https://www.facebook.com/djspen
https://johnmoralesmix.com
HIGH PULP – ‘DAYS IN THE DESERT' – NEW ALBUM BY US JAZZ COLLECTIVE OUT 28.07.23 (ANTI-)
HIGH PULP | 2023 photography by London Van Rooy & Jon Christopherson
HIGH PULP - DAYS IN THE DESERT
new album
out 28.07.23
(ANTI-)
FEATURES MONONEON | DAEDELUS | JEFF PARKER | BRANDEE YOUNGER | JAMES BRANDON LEWIS
buy & stream
HERE
“Their quixotic jazz fusion of Miles Davis, Sun Ra and Weather Report crossed with post-rock and kosmische is fluid, cultured, but never wilfully indulgent ****”
MOJO
“Multiple guests adorn this third set of bastard jazz. Tortoise’s Jeff Parker adds distinctive guitar to the David Axelrod-styled ‘Unified Dakotas’, ‘Solanin’, boasts a lush Cinematic Orchestra elegance, while Daedelus lends an irresistibly propulsive energy”
UNCUT
“An alluring synthesis of jazz, electronica and indie rock that defies description ****"
RECORD COLLECTOR
“Fusion has been following its own path, and High Pulp continue to be one of its best exponents, tossing everything from Gil Evans to Stereolab into a multiverse mix"
TIMES
“Imagine Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi Band fused with his ‘Future Shock’- era, then being blasted into the 27th century on a space rocket made of cosmic dust"
ELECTRONIC SOUND
includes the singles
NEVER IN MY SHORT SWEET LIFE
feat. MonoNeon video
(IF YOU DON’T LEAVE) THE CITY WILL KILL YOU
feat. Daedelus video
DIRTMOUTH
feat. James Brandon Lewis visualiser
UNIFIED DAKOTAS
feat. Jeff Parker visualiser
US West Coast experimental jazz collective High Pulp have released their new album ‘Days In The Desert’ today. It can be bought or streamed HERE. During a stint on the road immediately before recording it, the band became especially enamoured of ’TNT’ by Tortoise and ’Dots and Loops’ by Stereolab. “Those albums were a guiding light for our process,” states High Pulp co-founder and drummer Bobby Granfelt. Individual solos gave way to group interplay, with Granfelt explaining that “it became simpler and more accessible, choosing a vibe, an ecosystem to have the listener hang out in.”
Rooted in the jazz tradition while also smitten by indie-rock and electronic music, High Pulp grab from all these genres at once to pursue something truly their own. ‘Days In The Desert' sees them realising their strengths, deepening their own bonds and pushing their skills into a thrilling new sonic vista all but unimaginable just a few years before. Embodying their musical heritage while striving towards the future, this is the album they have striven towards since forming. Drawing on their broad listening tastes, it is a record that will be equally at home in a jazz club setting, an indie rock festival or an underground dance party.
The album also features an array of all-star guests that push the High Pulp sound even further out into the ether. These range from tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, Prince bassist MonoNeon and Chicago guitarist/composer Jeff Parker (a member of Tortoise), to Impulse! harpist Brandee Younger and Madlib collaborator/ Brainfeeder OG Daedelus. Working with the likes of Younger, Parker and Lewis also draw the group closer to the genre-pushing jazz of Chicago’s International Anthem, a label they admire. It also encapsulates their own approach, knowing their musical chops while also favouring the immediacy of a great indie-rock song.
The willingness of High Pulp to follow their musical loves across borders is evident throughout the album, allowing them to take chances they might not have previously. “We completely destroyed things that we had thought were essential to this album, things that we had been thinking about for years,” says Granfelt. “When we picked them back up, we realised we could keep anything or destroy anything.”
High Pulp consists of keyboardist Antoine Martel, a mad scientist with a wall of modular synths and a passion for film scores and abstract soundscapes; keyboardist Rob Homan, whose innate ability to process, deconstruct and reassemble material on the fly borders on the scary; bassist Scott Rixon, a convert from the metal and hardcore world with impeccable pop sensibilities and a selfless ability to serve the song; tenor saxophonist Victory Ngyuen, a Pharoah Sanders acolyte with an ear for urgent, entrancing solos of the highest order; alto saxophonist Andrew Morrill, whose bold tones and fearless harmonic sensibilities have earned him a reputation for dragging the old school into the 21st century; and, last but not least, Granfelt, whose hip-hop and bebop-inspired drumming laid the initial groundwork for the entire group.
“When you put us all together, our sound isn’t so much a fusion as it is a synthesis. There are a lot of personalities coming from very different places in High Pulp. We use it all as fuel to create something that’s totally our own,” he concludes.
UK REVIEWS FOR ‘PURSUIT OF ENDS’ [2022]
“Ethereal and euphoric collide in a heady blend ****”
TIMES
“Vintage futurism, melding Miles’ 70s fusion experiments with rich Ellingtonian orchestrated majesty and non-jazz elements like Aphex Twin and MBV. Simultaneously lush and raw, it’s a keeper”
JAZZWISE
“Marinates fusion, new wave and R&B with spiritual jazz into a quixotic brew ****”
RECORD COLLECTOR
“The epitome of cool modern jazz with depth and complexity”
PROG
DUB FX - 'CRACKS IN THE MIRROR' – FIRST SINGLE FROM FORTHCOMING NEW ALBUM BY GENRE-BENDING AUSTRALIAN MUSICIAN WHO FUSES HIP-HOP, DUBSTEP, DANCEHALL, REGGAE & MORE
DUB FX - CRACKS IN THE MIRROR
new single
out 28.07.23
(Convoy Unltd/Membran)
included on
INFINITE REFLECTION
new album
out 22.09.23
Dub FX (aka Benjamin Stanford) is an Australian musician, street performer and social activist who mixes live looping, beatboxing and world-class production into one sonic mind-f**k. Genre-bending hip-hop, dubstep, reggae, dancehall, d’n’b and jungle into something uniquely his own, Dub FX has gained worldwide recognition for promoting positivity, unity and social awareness via his distinct and powerful lyrics, with acclaimed full-length releases such as 'Thinking Clear’ and ‘Roots' adding to his reputation.
His upcoming new album, ‘Infinite Reflection’, is further testament to this. Taking listeners on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries, each of its nine tracks could easily stand alone as singles and will be treated as such, with a song released every Friday from 28th July until the full album is launched on 22nd September. The campaign kicks off today with ‘Cracks In The Mirror’, which delves into the current state of the world and offers a thought-provoking perspective on society's challenges and the quest for harmony. The song's old-school hip-hop rhythm with a modern twist is both infectious and head-nodding, while the lyrical message is strong and superbly captures the frustrations and aspirations of a generation seeking truth and justice. A live performance of the song was shot on a rooftop in Athens earlier this month and is available to view HERE .
‘Cracks in the Mirror’ is just a glimpse of what fans can expect from the new album, which testifies to Dub FX’s evolution and musical prowess, pushing boundaries and defying genres yet always maintaining its soul.
Commencing in Slovenia on the evening prior to album release, Dub FX will embark on a 35+ date European tour that climaxes with five UK shows in November:
21.11.23 BRISTOL Thekla tickets
22.11.23 LONDON Scala tickets
23.11.23 BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute 2 tickets
24.11.23 MANCHESTER Gorilla tickets
25.11.23 MILTON KEYNES MK11 tickets
Fans can look forward to a new live show that promises to set new standards, delivering unforgettable performances throughout the continent. Full tour details are available HERE .
INFINITE REFLECTION
TRACKLISTING
1 Cracks In The Mirror (3:37)
2 No More (3:26)
3 Living Inside (4:15)
4 Woman Rising (3:14)
5 Floating (3:39)
6 Dig This (4:36)
7 Falling (3:21)
8 Supernova Jam (4:18)
9 Infinite Reflection (5:12)
LEE ROGERS - 'PEACE OF MIND' – BRAND NEW SINGLE BY NORTHERN IRISH SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 28.07.23
LEE ROGERS | photo by Jamie Neish
LEE ROGERS
PEACE OF MIND
new single
out 28.07.23
(Zenith Café)
digital services
Northern Irish singer-songwriter Lee Rogers has today issued a brand new single entitled ‘Peace Of Mind’, his first solo recording since the release of a long-awaited second album of Americana-tinged songs entitled ‘Gameblood’ in mid-2022.
“I wrote ‘Peace Of Mind’ as a positive song about relationships,” states Rogers. “We are always so good at writing and listening to break-up songs. but what if we wrote songs about staying together and letting your partner know that it actually is possible? This is my sunshine song!”
An accompanying video for the track features his young son, with Rogers explaining that “because the song has a kind of summer vibe, it took me back to thinking about my summers as a kid and the things I liked to do. We decided to capture that on camera with the help of Isaac!”
Video director Jamie Neish adds “my take on the song is that it's all about a woman making you feel safe. Lee and I talked about how moments of peace in the chaos remind you of when you were a kid and didn't have a care in the world. We wanted a video that made us feel like that and Lee’s boy became our explorer and surveyor, reminding us of what it's like to find joy in all sorts.”
Hailing from the outskirts of Belfast, Rogers drew his initial inspiration from the classic voices of singers such as Bill Withers, Tom Waits and Marc Cohn, all bright colours from a musical palette far away from the reality of life in Northern Ireland.
He released a debut album entitled ‘Drawing Clocks’ in 2006 that received attention worldwide, with songs from it placed in several films and TV shows, but his record label became ensnared in the (now infamous) HBOS banking scandal, leaving the unassuming Rogers to ponder his next move.
Having subsequently built a successful career as an award-winning tattoo artist while continuing to write songs in his spare time, he eventually recorded a number of them with producer and compatriot Gareth Dunlop and released a handful of darker sounding efforts on an EP entitled ‘Dark Notions’ in late 2021. This was followed in mid-2022 by ‘Gameblood’, a masterclass in open-hearted, lyrical storytelling that also served as a diary of Rogers’ diverse life experiences. A thought-provoking and earthy masterwork, it was reminiscent of artists such as John Martyn, Keb' Mo and Tom Waits. ‘Gameblood' was promoted with tours of the USA, mainland Europe and Ireland with Foy Vance, plus several dates with Dunlop.
Rogers and Dunlop recently released an acclaimed duet entitled ‘The Past Is Never Dead’, the title song of a new documentary about the US author William Faulkner.
GAMEBLOOD
album reviews
“A sensitive, honest collection of songs that cover a range of themes from love to loss”
AMERICANA UK
“Songs that stay with you long after listening to them 9/10”
MAXIMUM VOLUME MUSIC
“His sky-reaching voice is the star. Springsteen-esque”
TURN UP THE VOLUME
MARCIO PHILOMENA - 'VAVA' – NEW SINGLE BY NEW YORK-BASED BRAZILIAN JAZZ GUITARIST OUT 28.07.23
MARCIO PHILOMENA - VAVA
new single
out 28.07.23
(Chill Tone)
digital services
included on
TRAILS
debut album
out 08.09.23
Hailing from Porto Alegre in Southern Brazil but now based in Brooklyn, New York, jazz guitarist and composer Marcio Philomena creates music that reflects his experience as an international troubadour.
Philomena has today released a new single entitled ‘Vava’, disclosing that the track “is heavily influenced by Chamamé, a rhythm shared by Argentines and southern Brazilians. It has the peaceful vibe of a drive around the bucolic flatlands in my home state of Rio Grande do Sul.”
‘Vava’ is included on ‘Trails’, Philomena’s forthcoming debut album and which includes eight further instrumental tracks that are a refreshing blend of jazz, Brazilian music, rock and soundscapes that showcase his love of melody. “One thing I did not want this album to be was too complex,” he states. “What I have learned over the years is that the songs people gravitate towards are the simplest. With this album, I wanted to write something that I would enjoy both as a listener and a musician.”
The album features two groups, the primary of which is a traditional jazz quartet featuring Julian Shore (piano), Rick Rosato (upright bass), and Roberto Giaquinto (drums), while the other appears on the Brazilian flavoured ‘Vibraçöes’ and steers towards that tradition, comprising Helio Alves (piano), Peter Slavov (upright bass) and Rafael Barata (drums).
The album begins with ‘Bourbon’, a traditional jazz waltz immersed in melancholic allure that weaves tender melodies and is reminiscent of 70s-era Jim Hall Trio. “I wanted the opener to set the mood, like a good glass of bourbon,” he explains.
Elsewhere, ‘Oak Street’ - streamed over a million times on Spotify - takes us down the tree-lined road in Brooklyn where he now lives, while by contrast ‘Rio Branco’ is named after a neighbourhood in his home city and is “a sort of Baião, a rhythm originated in the northeast of Brazil.” Another previously issued single, ‘Nana’, is “a tribute to Brazilian singer Nana Caimmy and her signature style of interpreting Bossa Novas. I wanted to capture her understated interpretation of melodies and the tranquil atmosphere of a Rio de Janeiro based soap-opera soundtrack.”
Philomena first picked up an acoustic guitar at the age of 11 after seeing Green Day perform on MTV. By 13, he had discovered a love of jazz after seeing his music teacher play through a book of Pat Martino transcriptions. “I didn’t know you could sound like that on the guitar, and it looked challenging, so that inspired me to learn jazz.” Receiving a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in 2009 to study guitar and production, he was selected as a semi-finalist in the Montreux Jazz Festival Guitar Competition soon after. After a period in Brazil, he settled in Brooklyn, where he has become a fixture in NYC’s music scene.
Having issued several singles over the last year, ‘Trails’ sees Philomena striving to expand his abilities as a composer and performer. “I would like the writing aspect of my career to be just as important as the performing,” he is keen to stress. “I strive to create music that appeals to connoisseurs and newcomers alike. ‘Trails’ sees me stepping in that direction.”
TRAILS
TRACKLISTING
1 Bourbon 5:30
2 Rio Branco 6:36
3 Vava 5:10
4 The Last Realm 5:05
5 Nana 4:34
6 Still Frames 6:16
7 Vibraçöes 3:37
8 Oak Street 5:08
9 Trails 7:49
KEITH ‘KOOL-K’ WILSON - ‘SHE’S LIKE THAT’
Keith (Kool-K) Wilson born and raised in Norfolk Va. attending Norview High School where he was an accomplished Tuba player. Graduating from High School in 1978, went on to college attending Elizabeth City State University on a Band Scholarship. Performing with the Elizabeth City State University Viking Marching Band. As a Self-Taught Saxophonist Over twenty years ago Mr. Wilson has developed a Unique sound around performing the voice of a tune. Improvising over and around the melody, creating wonderful solos his audience loves. Performing in the Washington DC area Mr. Wilson has displayed his talent at well-known venues such as Blues Alley, The Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club, Port Towns Day Festival in Bladensburg MD where his band “Kool-K and the Unit “has been the headlining act for the last seven years.
Mr. Wilson released a new single "Must Be Love" in June 2022 with Gorov Music Marketing, regarded as the top promotion firm in the Smooth Jazz radio format. His new single "She's Like That" goes for adds on July 31.
TAKOSHA SWAN – ‘SENSES’
TAKOSHA SWAN, originally from Sandusky, Ohio, is a Classical and Jazz vocalist. The writer/composer of "The Veteran Anthem", as well as writer and singer of all of her original music, she is an advocate & public official for Veterans, Service-Members and their families.
Takosha travels throughout the country performing "The Veteran Anthem," and performing live events with The Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra. Her current radio releases are "Silent Night" and the new single, "Senses".
HANK BILAL FT. PHIL DENNY ENJOY ‘SUNNY DAYS’
GRAMMY Nominated trombonist, Hank Bilal was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina into a musical family where his uncles on his mother’s side all played instruments and his father played drums professionally. As with many of our southern based musicians Hank Bilal started in church, in the youth choir. And at home there was always the music of gospel greats being heard like The Canton Spirituals, Mississippi Mass Choir, John Pee Kee and The Winans to name a few!
Hank’s formal music education began in middle school. Later Hank went on the earn his Bachelor of Arts in music performance. Before turning in the direction of more contemporary jazz Hank spent many years in listening to classic jazz where he was exposed to the giants of the jazz style.
Hank Bilal has shared a performance platform with many great artists, from performing on the GRAMMY awards with Aretha Franklin to Gerald Albright, Chaka Khan, Christopher William and The Clark Sisters! Beyond being a veteran trombonist, the GRAMMY Nominated artist is also fluent in other performing areas as a pianists, singer and other brass instruments!
You can also add music producer as Hank Bilal has produced multiple albums; to include, The Black Aquarius, Brassential Elements, A Bona Fide Christmas, and Beneath the Covers, which features some of the best in smooth jazz!
Hank Bilal is also an educator and has been teaching elementary grades preK3 through 6th at Martin de Porres Catholic School since 2015. In addition to him being an educator he serves as an active member of community service groups, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Kappa Kappa Psi.
"Sunny Days" ft. Phil Denny
Written by Hank Bilal and Sheldon Ferguson
Trombone: Hank Bilal
Featured Saxophonist: Phil Denny
Keyboards: Isaiah Hill
Drums: Germey Wimbush
Bass: Dook Jones
Guitar: Sheldon Ferguson
MARK KNIGHT, SGT SLICK, BEVERLY KNIGHT - ‘I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER’
Fool’s Paradise is the exciting new label from Toolroom Records’ Mark Knight - that comes straight from the heart, it’s a natural progression from his hugely acclaimed 2021 album release, ‘Untold Business’, which saw Mark go back to his roots, paying homage to the more funky, soulful, and vocal House from the 1990s from where he came . With a focus on real instrumentation and production, coupled with great song writing, this new Toolroom sub label will be a platform for high quality House music that’s designed to stand the test of time.
Launching the new label with a mighty bang, Mark joins forces with Australian Toolroom label mate, Sgt Slick and British Soul sensation, Beverley Knight on a dynamite cover of Prince’s 1979 classic, ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’. Respectfully transporting the song onto today’s dance floors, Mark & Sgt Slick deliver a classy uplifting soulful house production, loaded with funky guitars, warm pads and sublime key performances. Adding the icing on the cake and putting her own stamp on things, Beverley belts out one of her signature spine-tingling vocals, garnished with lush harmonies and BV’s that would indeed make The Purple One proud!
Fool’s Paradise has an exciting line up of releases incoming for 2023, from some of dance music’s finest talent including, Mark Knight, Opolopo, Richard Earnshaw, Hatiras, Mattei & Omich, Per QX, Samo, Re-Tide, Sebb Junior, Jay Vegas, and more, along with the brilliant vocal talents of Katy Alex, Lukas Setto and amazing 80’s Soul legend, Jaki Graham.
Track Listing
1 I Wanna Be Your Lover (Edit)
2 I Wanna Be Your Lover (Extended Mix)
‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’ will be released on all download and streaming platforms on July 28th 2023 on Fool’s Paradise Records.
Mark Knight, Sgt Slick, Beverley Knight
‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’
Fool’s Paradise Records / FP001
http://www.facebook.com/foolsparadiserecs
http://www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs
http://www.tiktok.com/@foolsparadiserecs
http://www.djmarkknight.com
http://www.beverleyknight.com
http://www.soundcloud.com/sgt-slick
IERSE ZANGERES SINEAD O’CONNOR OVERLEDEN
De Ierse zangeres Sinead O’Connor is op slechts 56-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat trieste nieuws meldt het dagblad ‘The Irish Times’ vandaag. Ouders gescheiden, een moeder die haar - naar ze zelf zegt - heeft misbruikt. Als tiener reageert Sinead O’Connor zich af met rebellie en winkeldiefstal. Ze wordt van haar katholieke school gehaald en naar een kostschool voor moeilijk opvoedbare kinderen gestuurd. Haar ‘redding’ komt er op het huwelijksfeest van een familielid. In Tua Nua-drummer Paul Byrne hoort haar tijdens de plechtigheid zingen en is onder de indruk. O’Connor schrijft onder meer mee aan ‘Take My Hand’ voor ze op een solocarrière mikt. Ze neemt piano- en zanglessen, en verdient ondertussen de kost door gezongen telegrammen te bezorgen. In 1985 tekent Sinead O’Connor een contract met Ensign Records. Ze verlaat thuisbasis Dublin en trekt naar Londen. Daar verzorgt ze in 1986 de zang op de soundtrack van ‘The Captive’, die geschreven is door U2-gitarist The Edge. Een jaar later, in 1987, komt ze met haar debuut ‘The Lion And The Cobra’ aanzetten. Ze heeft het album zelf geproduceerd (eerdere opnames had ze weggegooid omdat de productie niet klonk zoals ze het hebben wilde) en het wordt meteen een hit in het Verenigd Koninkrijk. De eerste single van dat album, ‘Troy’, haalt de vijfde plaats van de Nederlandse Top 40. ‘Mandinka’ doet het iets minder goed, maar staat toch vier weken in de Top 40. Sinead O’Connor bevestigt haar talent in 1990 met ‘I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got’. Het album wordt de hitlijsten ingedragen door de hitsingle ‘Nothing Compares 2 You’, geschreven door Prince. De kritieken op het album zijn lovend. In Nederland staat het album 44 weken in de album Top 100 waarvan zes weken op de hoogste stek. ‘Nothing Compares 2 You’ staat 16 weken in de Top 40 en acht weken op de eerste plaats. ‘Am I Not Your Girl? uit 1992 kan niet tegen zijn voorganger op, noch commercieel noch creatief. Toch vertoeft het album 25 weken in de Album Top 100. Na het album trekt O’Connor zich terug. Ze gaat terug naar Dublin, waar ze operalessen volgt en de rol van Ophelia speelt in ‘Hamlet’. In 1994 brengt O’Connor het album ‘Universal Mother’ uit, dat door de critici goed wordt onthaald maar de weg naar het grote publiek niet vindt. Voor een volledig album is het wachten tot 2000, het jaar waarin ‘Faith And Courage’ uitkomt. De titel is logisch gekozen als je weet dat O’Connor het jaar voordien tot katholieke priesteres is gewijd (tijdens een onofficiële ceremonie) in het Franse bedevaartsoord Lourdes. Sinead O’Connor is de nieuwe moeder Bernadette Marie. Wie gelooft dat O’Connor haar wilde haren is kwijtgeraakt, zit goed fout. Al van bij het begin van haar carrière doet de kaalgeschoren zangeres de controverse oplaaien door IRA-aanslagen goed te praten Ook kraakt ze U2 (die zowel voor In Tua Nua als voor haarzelf een grote steun was) af en trekt zich terug uit de Grammy Awards ook al is ze vier keer genomineerd. Verder doet ze stof opwaaien door af te zeggen voor ‘Saturday Night Live’ als ze hoort dat (de als seksistisch bekend staande) Andrez Dice Clay gastpresentator zou worden. Als ze een optreden in New Jersey weigert omdat het Amerikaanse volkslied eerst wordt gespeeld, lusten de Amerikanen (onder wie Frank Sinatra) haar rauw. En nadat ze een foto van de Paus heeft verscheurd met de oproep om ‘het echte kwaad te bevechten’, wordt ze weggefloten van een hommageconcert voor Bob Dylan. ‘Sean-Nos Nua’ verschijnt eind 2002 en bevat Ierse traditionals die in een eigentijds jasje zijn gestoken. Op 3 oktober 2005 verschijnt ‘Throw Down Your Arms’. De plaat bestaat uit een dubbelalbum met klassieke reggaenummers, waarbij het eerste album de composities bevat zoals deze door de oorspronkelijke artiesten zijn geschreven, en het tweede album ‘dub’ versies bevat met de persoonlijke interpretatie van Sinéad. ‘Throw Down Your Arms’ besluit met het nummer 'War' van Bob Marley, hetgeen gebaseerd is op de toespraak die Haile Selassie op 4 oktober 1963 aan de Verenigde Naties gaf. Aangezien CD's in de Verenigde Staten altijd op dinsdag verschijnen, werd het album exact 42 jaar na dato uitgebracht. Tevens valt de datum van verschijning samen met Rosj Hasjana in 2005, het traditionele begin van het nieuwe Joodse jaar. Sinéad O'Connor brengt in 2007 haar achtste volledige studio-album uit. Het is een dubbelalbum, getiteld ‘Theology’, bestaande uit twee CD's: de ‘Dublin Sessions’ en de ‘London Sessions’. De Ierse zangeres treedt op 9 november 2007 op in de Melkweg in Amsterdam. Vijf jaar later maakt zij haar album ‘How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?’ bekend. Presentator Ivo Niehe zoekt haar op voor een interview voor het televisieprogramma ‘De TV Show Op Reis’. In 2014 brengt de zangeres haar album ‘I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss’ uit. 27 jaar na haar hit ‘Nothing Compares 2 U', geeft Sinead een concert in de Amsterdamse Melkweg. Sinead O’Connor ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
BRITSE SINGER-SONGWRITER RAYMOND FROGGATT OVERLEDEN
De Britse singer-songwriter Raymond Froggatt is op 23 juli op 81-jarige leeftijd overleden. Raymond William Froggatt wordt geboren op 13 november 1941 in Bordesley Green, Birmingham. Begin jaren zestig begint ‘Froggy’ rock ‘n roll te zingen en verwerft hij in korte tijd een gedegen reputatie vanwege zijn vakkundige liedjes en opwindende liveoptredens. Zijn begeleidingsgroep heet oorspronkelijk The Buccaneers, later Monopoly en uiteindelijk The Raymond Froggatt Band. Hierin zit onder andere basgitarist Louis Clark (later ELO). In 1964 tekent de groep een platencontract bij Polydor Records. In 1968 scoort The Dave Clark Five een Britse Top 10 hit met Raymond’s compositie ‘Red Balloon’. Met zijn eigen versie van het liedje onder de titel ‘Callow-La-Vita’ bereikt Raymond Froggatt in de zomer van 1968 de derde plaats van de Veronica Top 40. Begin 1969 heeft hij zijn tweede en laatste hit in Nederland met de single ‘Roly’. Datzelfde jaar schrijft hij ook de hitsingle ‘Big Ship’ voor Cliff Richard. In de jaren zeventig trekt The Raymond Froggatt Band manager Don Arden aan in de hoop om door te breken in de Verenigde Staten. Dat lukt niet en de band valt uit elkaar. Raymond gaat verder met een nieuwe groep en een unieke mix van country en rock ’n roll. Na de eeuwwisseling maken gitarist Hartley Cain, bassist Jamie Davey en drummer Rosie Heywood deel uit van zijn groep. Raymond Froggatt ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
COYLE GIRELLI - 'JANE TELLS A LIE' – NEW SINGLE BY NYC BASED BRITISH SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 26.07.23.
COYLE GIRELLI | 2023 photo by Shervin Lainez
COYLE GIRELLI - JANE TELLS A LIE
new single
out 26.07.23
(Honey Lemon Records)
'Jane Tells A Lie' is the second single to be released from a forthcoming third solo album by the New York City based British singer-songwriter Coyle Girelli, who is originally from Leeds.
Described by Girelli as “a song about betrayal, denial, secrets and suffering,” he adds that “it lives in a similar world to my most recent single ['Museum Day', issued in mid-June]. Influences like The Smiths, The Drums and The Strokes are in there. It’s half in Manchester, half in New York City.”
Although musically upbeat, ‘Jane Tells A Lie' is delivered with a melancholic air of resignation, which Girelli attributes to the fact that “I always enjoy writing happy sounding songs with miserable lyrics. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do when you’re from the North of England?” The track ends with the repeated line ‘Oh nothing really matters', which he explains as “a nihilistic mantra of hopelessness, heartbreak and pain.”
Girelli has also revealed that his new album will be entitled ‘Museum Day’ and is scheduled for release in late 2023.
As a songwriter, Girelli has written for pop acts that include BTS, Robin Schulz, Westlife and Macklemore, collaborated with celebrated songsmiths such as Mac Davis and Linda Perry, and co-written for the award winning French musicals ‘Robin Des Bois’ (2013) and ‘Les Trois Mousquataries’ (2016). He is currently creating a new musical entitled ‘Choreomania’ with director Kevin Newbury and Up Until Now Collective, while his immersive theatre production ‘True Love Forever’ in collaboration with Third Rail Projects is set to open in October. Girelli released its title track as a single in early 2023.
Girelli’s early career saw him fronting the Leeds-based alt rock/post-punk bands Your Vegas and The Chevin, with a performance by the latter on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ while on tour in the US prompting its host to state: “If I had a voice like that, I’d run for President.” He issued a well received 2018 solo debut album, 'Love Kills’, followed by ‘Funland’ four years later that was described by Louder Than War as “a wonderful collection of rich and atmospheric soundscapes with Girelli emerging as the ultimate balladeer. He has a vocal style which absorbs all that is great about the likes of Roy Orbison and Richard Hawley.” A single from it, ‘Do You Wanna Dance’, gained traction at US radio, while an atmospheric ballad from its predecessor entitled ’Something Strange In The Night’ received belated recognition following its use in a Netflix TV sync.
KING BEE FT. ANDRE ESPEUT - ‘GOOD TO BE BACK’
‘A revelation!’ - Craig Charles BBC 6 Music
‘You want the definition of modern Jazz-Funk? Listen to this’ - Robbie Vincent
‘Good To Be Back’ is the irresistibly catchy new release from 7 piece Newcastle based Jazz-Funk powerhouse, King Bee, who have enlisted the incredible vocal talents of sensational Soul brotha, Andre Espeut. Offering an authentic Jazz-Funk fusion soundtrack, complete with a vibrant three-piece horn section, funky guitar licks, unstoppable bass grooves and exquisite vibraphones, it’s clear from the first note that King Bee are outstanding musicians. Add to the mix a brilliant heartfelt vocal performance from Andre, who ramps up the feel-good thermostat to boiling point on this perfect Summertime jam.
Live band King Bee were established in 2011 by Dave Wilde and Chris Jelly. Having supported the likes of legendary artists such as Roy Ayers and Lonnie Liston Smith, they have continued to wow audiences with powerful live performances at some of the UK’s leading venues such as Band on the Wall, Hoochie Coochie, Pizza Express (Holborn), Sage Gateshead International Jazz Festival, Lindisfarne Festival and the Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival (Birmingham). Their 2014 debut album ‘King Bee’, was a critical success, scoring a 9/10 in Blues and Soul Magazine. The band’s 2016 debut 7′′ single ‘Money Gone’ topped Juno’s ‘Bestselling Vinyl Funk’ Chart, Craig Charles added it to his ‘Best Funk Bangers’ on BBC 6Music, and it became an instant B-Boy favourite when re-mixed by DJ Smoove. ‘Bee To The Flower’ single was remixed by The Reflex, catching the ear of iconic Jazz Funk DJ and radio presenter, Robbie Vincent, garnering King Bee a place on the prestigious Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show play-list. An updated, supercharged version was released in 2021 on 7” limited vinyl by Italy’s Tesla Groove International Records. The band have been incredibly busy writing new material, and now King Bee are ready to unleash new sounds on Ramrock Red Records. Exciting times ahead!
Track Listing
1 Good To Be Back (Original)
2 Good To Be Back (Reworked Vocal)
3 Good To Be Back (Instrumental)
‘Good To Be Back’ will be released on July 31st 2023 on Ramrock Red Records.
King Bee ft Andre Espeut
‘Good To Be Back’
Ramrock Red Records / RRR046
https://www.facebook.com/kingbeefunk
https://www.facebook.com/andre.espeut.5
https://www.facebook.com/RamrockRecords
CROONER TONY BENNETT OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse zanger Tony Bennett is afgelopen vrijdag op 96-jarige leeftijd in New York City overleden. Frank Sinatra noemde hem ooit “de beste zanger uit de showbizz”. En dat was vast gemeend. Tony Bennett, geboren als Anthony Dominick Benedetto, zong zowel populaire als jazz-nummers. Zijn artistieke carrière liep meer dan 70 jaar. Met 18 Grammy Awards, waaronder een Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, heeft hij een bijzonder respectabel palmares. Hij wordt beschouwd als de laatste grote crooner uit het gouden tijdperk van het genre van bijvoorbeeld Frank Sinatra en Dean Martin, en was een vooraanstaand vertolker van The Great American Songbook. In 2015 stond Tony nog op het podium van Gent Jazz, samen met Lady Gaga, en plaatste hij het begrip ‘eeuwig cool’ in het woordenboek. De twee hadden toen samen net een eerste croonerplaat uitgebracht, en die was zo’n succes dat ze het een paar jaar later nog eens herhaalden. Gaga was niet de enige ster die met hem in zee ging. Op zijn Duet-albums koppelde Bennett zich aan Paul McCartney, soullegende Aretha Franklin, countryster Willie Nelson en U2-frontman Bono. Op zijn negentigste verjaardag hield hij een feestje in New York waarop beroemdheden als Bruce Willis en John Travolta hun entree maakten. Het Empire State Building eerde Bennett toen met een lichtshow. Op aanraden van Danny Bennett, zijn zoon en al jaar en dag zijn manager, reikte hij in 1993 een prijs uit tijdens de MTV Video Music Awards, geflankeerd door twee Red Hot Chili Peppers. Voor de gelegenheid was hij gekleed in een zwart T-shirt en een bermuda, met een grote witte zonnebril op en een hoge hoed. Maar geen heden zonder verleden. Zijn echte succesjaren lagen in de jaren vijftig van de vorige eeuw, met liedjes die tussen pop, crooners en jazz hingen. Bennett werd ontdekt door Bob Hope. In die tijd scoorde hij hits als ‘Because Of you’, ‘Cold, Cold heart’, ‘Blue Velvet’, ‘Stranger In Paradise’, ‘There’ll Be No Teardros Tonight’ en ‘Rags To Riches’. In 1962 had hij met ‘I Left My Heart In San Francisco’ niet meteen een hit te pakken, maar het nummer werd wel zijn handelsmerk. Zijn leven kende niet alleen ups, er waren ook de jaren waarin hij moest worstelen en zoeken naar een plek in het snel evoluerende muzieklandschap. In de jaren zeventig moest hij als vijftiger zien af te rekenen met een afbrokkelend huwelijk, een cocaïneverslaving en een miljoenenschuld aan de belastingen. Het was zijn zoon Danny die hem hielp om weer aansluiting te vinden met jongere generaties. In 2016 kreeg Tony de diagnose Alzheimer. Maar desondanks bleef hij doorwerken en hij stortte zich tegelijk op een andere passie: schilderen. “Life is a gift, even with Alzheimer’s”, tweette hij kort daarna. Tony Bennett ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
MARC STAGGERS ASKS YOU ‘WITH ME’
Marc Staggers—a talented Washington, D.C. native—is about to release his new single “With Me,” on MarReg Music, much to the excitement of many of his supportive fans. This single is expected to continue the soulful , smooth jazz musical journey that started with the release of his debut R&B album “Then and Now” in 2009. His vocal style, often compared to famous soul singers of the past and present, will certainly captivate and continue to generate fan interest across the world.
The development of his unique style is the result of a lifetime of musical influence, including the late Luther Vandross. Marc started singing in the church choir and studied voice as he was growing up. His initial foray into music started with the release of several gospel albums, on which he worked with talented singers such as the late Clifton Dyson. Marc has performed in many venues over the years, and has made numerous radio and television appearances. His music has been embraced by many around the globe, who have written glowing articles and reviews on his soulful singing abilities.
After many years of pursuing gospel music, Marc felt that his true heart’s desire was in producing music that was reminiscent of the type of soul music he listened to while growing up. This led to his debut CD “Then and Now,” which generated significant interest and support among music listeners around the world. In 2011, Marc released a summertime single entitled “Soul Summer Love” that reached #13 on the U.S. jazz charts, and still continues to be played in regular rotation on a number of stations. “Soul Summer Love” is included in Marc’s album “Key to My Heart,” released on Expansion Records (UK,) which features such talented artists as musical composer and arranger John Stoddard; world-renown Saxophonist Kirk Whalum; and versatile Soprano Adoree Johnson, who appeared on the U.S.-version of American Idol; and other very talented people.
Marc’s brother, Reginald Staggers, has been instrumental in the shaping of the musical direction of both CDs. Reginald has worked with notable artists, such as DeVante Swing of Jodeci, Missy Elliot and Timbaland (while they worked with the group Sista), H-Town Boys, Al Johnson, and Harvey Scales. Reginald’s role in composing the music, developing the songs, and collaborating on vocal arrangements has helped to propel Marc’s musical career to a level that has received accolades from many diverse music connoisseurs.
DW3 SAYS ‘LET’S HAVE FUN TONIGHT’
Los Angeles-based Contemporary Jazz/R&B band DW3 and Spaghettini Restaurant in Seal Beach, CA have announced the release of DW3’s new album, Live at Spaghettini which was recorded live in Seal Beach in January 2023. The album features the band's signature sound, blending elements of Jazz, funk, and R&B to create a unique and soulful listening experience.
Live at Spaghettini captures the energy and excitement of DW3's live performances. With standout tracks like "Let's Have Fun Tonight," the album's new radio single is set for playlist adds on July 24. The song is a funky, upbeat jam that showcases the band's infectious grooves and the group’s smooth vocals.
The album also features guest appearances from some of the biggest names in Jazz, including Gerald Albright, Eric Darius, Lindsey Webster, and Brian Culbertson. These collaborations add new dimensions to DW3's sound, creating a dynamic and exciting listening experience.
Live at Spaghettini is a testament to DW3's talent as musicians and performers. The album captures the band's energy and passion, and is a must-listen for fans of Jazz and R&B.
In addition to the live album release, Spaghettini has also just released their Spaghettini At Home cookbook, which features recipes from several Contemporary Jazz artists, including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Michael Lington, Richard Elliot, DW3 and more. The cookbook is a celebration of the restaurant's commitment to great food and great music, and is a must-have for fans of both.
”The quality of the musicianship and star power of the special guests on this live recording, is a direct reflection of where DW3 currently is at in their career, the very top of R&B and contemporary jazz. It is an honor for Spaghettini to be so closely tied to these fantastic artists for the last 20 years.” – Spaghettini co-owner Cary Hardwick
NEW SINGLE ‘YOUR LOVE IS GOOD’ FROM GREG MANNING
Greg Manning's new radio single "Your Love Is Good", with its infectious hook and feel-good vibe, will have you enjoying the summertime even more.
The single was inspired by some of the great songs by Earth, Wind & Fire. In fact, Greg called Morris O'Connor who plays lead guitar for the group, adding his own distinctive presence to the track.
A two-time GRAMMY award nominee and owner of several "Song of the Year" awards, Greg Manning is a Berklee College of Music alum and an amalgam of cultures. He was born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland. Greg moved to Los Angeles in 2002 and has had an incredible career. He is a three-time certified platinum producer for Universal Music Switzerland and has had several Swiss Chart toppers since 1996. He is the former keyboardist and music director for GRAMMY award-nominated artist Jonathan Butler... and keyboardist for Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Richard Elliot, Brian McKnight, Chante Moore, and Kirk Whalum, just to mention a few.
As an artist, his own music is the union of jazz, soul, and funk... and has been described as "Soul-Jazz at its best".
"Your Love Is Good"
Written and Produced by Greg Manning
Mixed by Greg Manning
Mastered by Steve Hall
Greg Manning - Piano, Programming & Background Vocals
Morris O'Connor - Guitars
Beverly Ward - Background Vocals
JESSY J – NEW VIDEO FOR ‘RIGHT ON TIME’
Grammy-nominated saxophonist and recording artist, Jessy J, continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable talent and infectious melodies. Following a sensational year in 2022, which saw her recieving prestigious awards and accolades, Jessy is back with her latest release, "Right On Time," a fusion of funky grooves from the 70s and an eclectic contemporary synth pop sound.
In 2022, Jessy J's album Blue soared to the top, claiming the coveted title of #1 Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year by Jazztrax. Additionally, the album garnered recognition as one of the Top 10 Albums on Jazziz Magazine and achieved chart successes on iTunes Jazz.
With "Right On Time," Jessy effortlessly combines a classic jazz melody, reminiscent of the golden era of 1920s New York City, with the infectious bears and vibrant percussion of a 1970s dance club. The keyboard synth sounds add a fresh and slick element to the composition, culminating in a perfect summer anthem that sets the stage for family, friends, and unforgettable get-togethers. Speaking from her SoCal home, Jessy J describes the track as a harmonious blend of timeless influences and modern production that will resonate with music lovers worldwide.
As a Mexican-American jazzista, Jessy J has emerged as a shining star in the industry, earning critial acclaim and praise for her exceptional musicality and captivating performances. With an impressive discography of 9 solo albums and numerous chart-topping hits, Jessy J made her mark with the release of her 2008 song of the year, "Tequila Moon." Since then, her fan base has grown exponentially, and she has taken on the role of an influential figure in the contemporary jazz world. Establishing her own recording label, Changi Records, LLC, she actively advocates for aspiring female musicians, writers, and engineers, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
"Right On Time" is set to be another milestone in Jessy J's remarkable career, demonstrating her unparalleled musical versatility and undeniable talent. This summer. prepare to groove to the captivating sounds of Jessy J's latest hit as she continues to break boundaries and inspire generations of music enthusiasts worldwide.
"Right On Time" has been added to Spotify's New Smooth Jazz Playlist!
VLAAMS MUSICALTALENT JOZEFIEN GROSSEN KRIJGT KANS VAN HAAR LEVEN EN PAKT ABSOLUTE HOOFDROL IN ‘HAIRSPRAY’
Vlaams musicaltalent Jozefien Grossen krijgt kans van haar leven en pakt absolute hoofdrol als Tracy Turnblad in 'Hairspray'.
Ook musicaltoppers Florian Avoux, Laurenz Hoorelbeke en Helle Vanderheyden vervoegen cast feelgood musical.
“Als je een actrice ziet binnenkomen op de auditie en je ziet ze na twee seconden in je verbeelding al schitteren op de première...wel, dan krijgt ze de rol. De casting van Jozefien was een no-brainer. A star is born!”
- Stany Crets -
Met Lotte De Clerck, Francisco Schuster, Jérémie Vrielynck en musicaldebutante Amy Courtens, kan de Vlaamse musicalversie van 'Hairspray' vanaf maart 2024 alvast uitpakken met jong, veelzijdig en bekend Vlaams talent in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt.
Aan dit sprankelende viertal wordt met musicaltoppers Florian Avoux, die in de voetsporen van John Travolta mag treden als de extraverte Edna Turnblad, Laurenz Hoorelbeke (Corny Collins) en Helle Vanderheyden (Tammy), nog een stevige brok ervaring en pure musicalkwaliteit aan de cast toegevoegd.
Producent Deep Bridge en regisseur Stany Crets hebben de voorbije jaren een bewonderenswaardige reputatie opgebouwd wat betreft het geven van mooie kansen aan voor het grote publiek nog onbekend Vlaams musicaltalent. Dat is in deze 'Hairspray' niet anders, want de 25-jarige Jozefien Grossen uit Tienen zal als Tracy Turnblad zelfs de absolute hoofdrol mogen vertolken. Voor Jozefien, die haar eerste ervaring opdeed in het ensemble van o.a. ‘Daens' en '40-45’, is dit niet enkel de kans van haar leven, maar ook een musicaldroom die in vervulling gaat!
"Tracy mogen spelen in 'Hairspray' is altijd al een droom van mij geweest. Tracy is een jonge vrouw die de kracht vindt om de kritiek over haar uiterlijk naast zich neer te leggen en toch haar allergrootste droom na te jagen. Ze gelooft in zichzelf en laat het oordeel van anderen haar geluk niet in de weg staan. Ik kan niet wachten om eraan te beginnen!”
- Jozefien Grossen –
Jozefien Grossen
Jozefien studeerde in het middelbaar Woordkunst-Drama aan het Lemmensinstituut in Leuven en ging daarna Musical studeren aan het Koninklijk Conservatorium te Brussel. Nadat ze afstudeerde ging ze meteen aan de slag bij Ketnet in de serie 'Gamekeepers'. Daar is ze al enkele seizoenen te zien als de enthousiaste Pepper Camerlynck. Je kon haar ook al bezig zien in het ensemble van '40-45' en 'Daens' van Studio 100. Ze sprak en zong de stem in van de sterke Luisa in de Disneyfilm 'Encanto'. Verder gaf ze nog haar stem aan personages uit 'The Little Mermaid', 'Night At The Museum', 'Disenchanted', 'Swan Princess', 'Find Me In Paris' etc. In maart en april 2024 speelt Jozefien de rol van Tracy Turnblad in de musical 'Hairspray', een rol waar ze vroeger over droomde om te mogen vertolken!
Het fenomeen 'Hairspray
Hairspray' is een generatie-overschrijdend fenomeen in de film- en musicalwereld omdat het ondanks de heerlijke muziek, dans en dikke fun, ook nu nog brandend actuele thema's als racisme en bodyshaming niet uit de weg gaat.
Bij het grote publiek verwierf 'Hairspray' een echte cultstatus na de release van de musicalverfilming in 2007. In een sterrencast met o.a. Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow en Queen Latifah, schitterde ook John Travolta - in fatsuit - als de extraverte Edna Turnblad.
Deep Bridge maakt een eigen, Vlaamse versie van deze feelgood musical. Zoals steeds in de gekende stijl van het huis: met de nodige creatieve krullen, lak aan platgetreden paden, maar met respect voor het originele verhaal én de muziek. Geef toe, is er iemand die kan blijven stilzitten op floorfillers als 'Welcome To The 60's', 'Good Morning Baltimore' en uiteraard ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’?
‘Hairspray’, de hilarische, vrolijke en steengoede feelgood musical waar iedereen nood aan heeft, is van 14 maart (extra show!) tot 14 april 2024 opeenvolgend te zien in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
!! Actie Albert Heijn !!
Tot 23 juli geniet je bij Albert Heijn van een 1+1 gratis actie op een geselecteerd aantal voorstellingen van ‘Hairspray'
POWERED BY SOUL, STARS AND THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH - BT ALC BIG BAND’S "HEARING THE TRUTH"
BT ALC Big Band’s “Hearing The Truth” features G. Love, John Medeski, Alan Evans, Adam Deitch, Karl Denson, Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall and Eric “Benny’ Bloom
BOSTON (18 July 2023): It’s a powerful sight seldom seen on stage anymore and the sound is larger than life. Thirteen horn players and a five-piece rhythm section fill up the bandstand when BT ALC Big Band takes the stage. Stirring up a soul-powered force of get-down-tonight funk, improvisational jazz, deep-fried R&B grooves and a splash of hip-hop, the mighty and muscular outfit rips through their meticulous charts with passion and precision. Capturing that awesome firepower, mesmerizing magic and imaginative vision on their newly released fifth album, “Hearing The Truth,” is a triumphant accomplishment bolstered by a bevy of guest stars that illumined the nine-track set written, produced and arranged by band leaders Brian Thomas (trombone) and Alex Lee-Clark (trumpet).
BT ALC Big Band’s lineup includes Grammy-winning trumpeter Bijon Watson, tenor saxophonist Mike Tucker (Arturo Sandoval), guitarist Jeffrey Lockhart (Berklee College of Music), and drummer Dean Johnston (Neighbor, Club D'elf).
It was a packed house when the Boston-based big band recently played their album release concert at SoundCheck Studios. The crowd was on their feet dancing the entire time to the retro soul sounds of vintage jazz-funk that mimicked the swinging 1940s, sounded like the 1970s, and felt like the present day by confronting the societal and political issues of today head on – from media misinformation to civil unrest, from national division to out-of-control inflation and rising homelessness.
“Hearing The Truth” was several years in the making. The inherent difficulties of gathering a big band during a pandemic should be obvious, what with social distancing mandates and all those wind instruments. Yet Thomas and Lee-Clark found a way to lay tracks, first remotely and then in small groups. Eventually, when restrictions eased and the full big band was permitted to get together to unleash their vim and vigor, guest stars were added to the tracks. G. Love (G. Love & Special Sauce), John Medeski (Medeski Martin & Wood), Alan Evans (Soulive), Adam Deitch (Lettuce), Karl Denson (The Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, The Greyboy Allstars), two-time Grammy winner Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall (Lettuce) and Eric "Benny" Bloom guest on the project.
It is rare to hear a band capable of channeling James Brown & The J.B.’s, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Wu-Tang Clan on one record while infusing their own distinctive brand of jazz-funk. BT ALC Big Band pulls it off with aplomb on “Hearing The Truth.”
Cuts from the collection were quickly added to Spotify and radio playlists at home and abroad – from the BBC Radio 6 Music to Takoma, Maryland’s WOWD. Locally, the Boston Globe selected the track “What Will You Do?,” featuring Medeski’s dazzling keyboard artistry, as one of the 50 standout songs of 2023.
An album like “Hearing The Truth” begs to be released on vinyl and that’s coming in November from Vintage League Music.
BT ALC Big Band consistently maintains a busy concert calendar throughout New England. Audiences are treated to the full throttle, high-voltage experience, a taste of which can be gleaned from these videos from the “Hearing The Truth” album release concert for the songs “Egyptian Secrets” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFe7nzJ-iFo) and “That Sound” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gguIztzGSUc). At over eight minutes per cut, BT ALC Big Band takes full advantage of the opportunity to take their time, improvise and vibe off each other like a seasoned jam band.
The truth is that there’s nothing like experiencing a big band live or on record. They’ll be back at SoundCheck Studios on September 29 to play a show with special guest trombonist Fred Wesley (James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic) sitting in with the band. BT ALC Big Band reignites the grandeur of the artform, making it relevant in the technological age while fostering dynamic new possibilities for its evolution. If you’re ready to hear the truth, visit https://www.btalc.com for more information.
“A nice soul jazz album, big band in a funky jacket, that will certainly appeal to funkateers and other music lovers!” - Cultuurmania
“The BT ALC Big Band swings out the soul on the collection of originals…Dancing shoes are a must for this one.” – Jazz Weekly
“This vibrantly-hued, heartfelt and organically-woven new recording…could so easily have been the soundtrack to Super Fly.” – Exclusive Magazine
ADAM MASTERSON - 'TIME BOMB' ALBUM OUT 04.08.23 (CD) – OUT NOW (DIGITAL)
ADAM MASTERSON photography by Anna Gabriel
ADAM MASTERSON - TIME BOMB
new album
out 04.08.23 CD
out now digital
digital services
“This has the feel of a classic album with a perfect running order. Does not disappoint”
LOUDER THAN WAR (UK)
“A fine, innovative talent and a genuinely interesting record which sounds incredibly coherent for one with so many disparate sounds”
MAXIMUM VOLUME MUSIC (UK)
“Merges all of his soulful, inquisitive and sentimental musical and lyrical edges”
AMERICAN SONGWRITER (US)
“Paints a picture of Masterson as an ultra-vivid, street poet-type of songwriter in the electric Bob Dylan/Lou Reed/Bruce Springsteen tradition”
ROCK AND BLUES MUSE (US)
includes the singles
TIME BOMB
WILD WOLVES
ALBUM LAUNCH EVENTS
LONDON - THE BEDFORD
18.07.23
with full band
tickets
SHEFFIELD - THE ALDER BAR
20.07.23
solo show
free entry
London-born but New York-based Adam Masterson represents the timeless ideal of a rock star - classic guitar, tousled hair, vintage shades - yet he does so for the here and now. Embracing old school influences but with copious amounts of spirit and soul added into the mix, he emerges as an outlier built from his own design, bucking trends while simultaneously emanating stadium-sized charisma. He has shared stages with the likes of Tori Amos, Amy Winehouse and Stereophonics (in actual stadiums), guested with Patti Smith and Mick Jones (The Clash), while publications such as The Guardian, Billboard and American Songwriter have all gushed with praise about his previous output.
Masterson’s diverse sounding new album, ‘Time Bomb’, is just his second, and it comes a full two decades after his debut effort, ‘One Tale Too Many’. Reflecting both the personal and musical journeys that he has been on over the years, it switches gears several times over the course of twelve songs that are the very definition of eclectic. The energetic and rousing Springsteen-style workout ‘Wild Wolves’ is offset by a louche and very British panache on the anthemic and Mott-ish ‘Bring Back The Freaks’, ‘Crazy Rain’ is a confident mid-tempo Americana rocker that contrasts with a dramatic and cinematic title song that opens the album, while the Paul Weller-ish gospel-soul vibe of ‘Take a Little Love’ is counterbalanced with Van Morrison-esque atmospherics in the record closing ‘Leaves Against The Sky’.
A number of guest musicians joined Masterson in the album recording process, including guitarists David Rhodes (Peter Gabriel, Scott Walker) and Leo Abrahams (Paolo Nutini, Regina Spektor), bassists Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Charlie Jones (Goldfrapp, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page) and Brett Bass (Gregg Allman), drummers Charlie Drayton (The Cult, Divinyls), Jeremy Stacey (King Crimson, Ryan Adams) and Omar Hakim (David Bowie, Journey), with Rob Clores (Jesse Malin, Charli XCX) and Ben Stivers (Lyle Lovett, Matchbox Twenty) on piano and Peter Tickell (Sting) contributing mandolin and violin parts.
Masterson produced the album with input from mixers/engineers/co-producers James Hallawell (The Waterboys/Graham Parker), Tchad Blake (The Black Keys, Sheryl Crow), Sean Genocky (The Black Crowes, Richard Ashcroft), Ron Saint Germain (Soundgarden, 311), Dave O’Donnell (James Taylor, Keith Richards), Craig Dreyer (Pete Francis, Dispatch) and Paul Stacey (Oasis, The Black Crowes).
TIME BOMB
TRACKLISTING
1 Time Bomb
2 Bring Back The Freaks
3 Chains
4 Take A Little Love
5 Run Away
6 Avenue Walk
7 The Kiss
8 Wild Wolves
9 Crazy Rain
10 Rusty Cans And Dusty Alleys
11 Cry With No Tears
12 Leaves Against The Sky
GABRIELLA HUNZINGER - 'BODY AWAY' – STUNNING DEBUT SINGLE BY BRITISH ALT-FOLK SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 14.07.23
GABRIELLA HUNZINGER - BODY AWAY
debut single
out 14.07.23
(Ameno Records)
Deeply interested in human behaviour, York-based singer-songwriter Gabriella Hunzinger writes music that explores the connection we foster between ourselves, the earth and the potentiality of what is beyond our immediate conscious experience. Acknowledging the power in the creative process, writing music also enables her to process emotional upheaval and other trying life circumstances.
Influenced as a child by artists such as Tori Amos, Kate Bush and Beth Gibbons, Hunzinger’s music encompasses a wide sonic landscape. Cinematic elements envelop her haunting, expansive vocals, embellishing guitar parts that hark back to her songs’ origins; just one woman expressing herself with an acoustic guitar.
Having already been supported by Jericho Keys at BBC Music Introducing as one half of alt-folk duo The Paper Waits, Hunzinger has today released ‘Body Away’, a stunning debut solo single taken from a clutch of newly recorded material. The song has already been aired twice by Keys in advance of its release.
“‘Body Away’ speaks to the destruction caused by humanity in search for land and for power,” explains Hunzinger. “It questions whether the disregard we have towards nature, and the way we take it for granted, is due to the increasing disconnection we feel from ourselves and each other.”
‘Body Away’ is produced and arranged by Jason Odle, mastered by Grammy Award winning engineer Kevin Tuffy and features cello by Alexandra Marshall.
Hunzinger also works as a Breathwork facilitator and Reiki practitioner, skills that have also aided her personally through periods of anxiety, as well as with stage fright. “In essence, it is the work that I do outside of music that has enabled me to actually record and release my songs,” she acknowledges. “I would not be in this place right now if I didn't have these tools, as they have helped me find a strength that I didn't know existed in myself; the ability of moving through fear. Having helped myself, I felt I had no other choice than to fully learn how to be able to teach others how to experience this.”
D.S. WILSON HAS SEEN ‘NORTHERN LIGHTS’
D.S. Wilson teams up with Artist/Producer Adam Hawley and an all-star cast to produce Wilson’s third solo Contemporary Jazz album entitled Skyline.
The album features a contemporary sound with catchy melodies, along with solid grooves and influences from Wilson’s background in Rock, Pop, Jazz, and Blues.
Wilson set out to capture the vibe of life in the bustling city of Chicago, but also draws on themes from his life experiences over the past few years. Over the past 12 months, advance singles from the album propelled Wilson consistently into the SmoothJazz.com, SmoothJazzNetwork.com, and RadioWave Top 100 charts, as well as features on the Dave Koz Lounge radio show on Sirius XM Watercolors.
“Northern Lights” is the new single from the album, following the charting singles "Leave It to the Gods" and "Nightfall".
"Northern Lights"
Doug Wilson - Saxophones, Piano, Keyboard
Adam Hawley - Guitars, Keyboards
Carnell Harrell - Keyboards
Mel Brown - Bass Guitar
Eric Valentine - Drums
LASHAWN D. GARY FT. WILLIE BRADLEY ASK ‘FOR YOUR LOVE’
Composer/Producer/Arranger/Pianist LaShawn D. Gary, is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Southern University A&M College, and a Master’s of Music Education Degree from the University of Louisville. LaShawn also studied orchestration and arranging with jazz composer/arranger John LaBarbera. He was also a trumpeter, student arranger and Band Captain of the Southern University “Human Jukebox” Marching Band. LaShawn is currently on staff as a composer for the new television mini-series “Terror Lake Drive” featuring Malik Yoba, Shannon Kane and Lamman Rucker.
LaShawn has toured professionally as a pianist with jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield and the late jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste. He is multi-talented and has composed, produced, performed and arranged music for recording artist such as: gospel great, Yolanda Adams, Howard Hewitt, Keith Washington, and L.J. Reynolds. LaShawn’s remarkable musicianship landed him studio time and work with Detroit’s legendary Music Producer Michael J. Powell. He was also the understudy and copyist for one of the world’s most sought-after string arranger and composer, Motown Arranger Paul Riser. Gary also served as Co-Director of Music for the nationally televised funeral of Rosa Parks, Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement, while serving as Director of Music for Oak Grove AME Church. LaShawn also works as a composer/arranger in commercial advertisement with Burrell Communications, Global Hue and Yessian Music. His musical talents were displayed on television in the production of the Toyota Avalon “Son-in-Law” commercial, the introductory advertisement of the Ford Fiesta, Xfinity “Unplug” Commercial and the Happy’s Pizza Jingle featuring the Four Tops. LaShawn was the Choir Director for the McDonald’s 365 Black Awards directing the Southern University Gospel Choir with Erica Campbell and directed the Louisiana Leadership Institute Drumline performance with American Idol winner, singer, and actress Jordan Sparks. In March 2015, LaShawn worked with Grammy Award winning singer Patti Austin, Greg Phillinganes, and Sanchez Harley as the Assistant Choir Director for the Charles H. Wright Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration “Oh Freedom”. In 2015, LaShawn released his debut album, “Love, Peace, and Praise.” Two singles, “Now Is the Time” and “Love, Peace, and Praise” charted on iHeart Radio and SmoothJazz.com in 2019. The decade ended as the Emmy Award winning producer and fellow producing partners, Bill Bowen and Mike Ellison released “Detroit: One Nation Under A Groove”, a YouTube video featuring the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir which received over a million views in the first month.
LaShawn is a music educator and currently teaches music with Southfield Public Schools. He is currently the President/CEO of the Michigan Fine Arts Institute, formerly known as the Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity, The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
NEW SINGLE ‘SWEET SERENITY’ FROM ELDON T. JONES
Side 2 Music is proud to present “Sweet Serenity”, the brand-new single from saxophonist Eldon T Jones. Get ready to be carried away by the soothing, soulful and intoxicating sound of this romantic, groove-based jam from this talented Portland-based instrumental crooner. Jones puts his best foot forward once again with a feel-good tune that will lift your day and calm your soul. It’s smooth like butter baby!
Just sit back, relax and unwind with Eldon T Jones and enjoy some “Sweet Serenity.”
"Sweet Serenity"
Written by Eldon Jones & Darren Rahn
Produced & Mixed by Darren Rahn
Mastered by Joe Yannece at Park Street Mastering
Eldon T Jones - Tenor Sax
Joel Del Rosario- Guitar
Mel Brown - Bass
Darren Rahn - Keys, Synths, Programming
R&B-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST JASON JACKSON CONTINUES HIS REMARKABLE JOURNEY ‘THROUGH THE NIGHT’
Billboard hitmaker Adam Hawley produced and cowrote the second single from the “All In” album.
CHESAPEAKE (12 July 2023): It’s been a whirlwind from the U.S. Navy to the Billboard top twenty for R&B/jazz saxophonist Jason Jackson. When it comes to music, he’s been all in from the go, inspiring the title of his first album, “All In,” which was released last fall. The second single from the set produced by twelve-time Billboard chart-topper Adam Hawley, “Through The Night,” began collecting playlist adds on Monday.
Jackson spent ten years performing all over the world as a member of the Navy’s band, playing prestigious venues in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Australia and Japan. Just prior to completing his service in 2021, he reached out to Hawley, sending him a demo. Upon hearing it, Hawley agreed to produce and write with the sax player who had opened for Brian McKnight, Morris Day and the Time, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Michael McDonald while he was a teenager under the tutelage of longtime James Brown saxophonist Leroy Harper Jr.
Hawley produced Jackson’s 2021 debut EP, “Movin’ On,” that showcased the saxman alongside prominent duet partners Julian Vaughn and Tim Bowman. Last November, Jackson realized a dream when he released his first full-length album, “All In.” “Through The Night” is the latest offering from the Hawley-produced collection.
A soulful midtempo groove written by Jackson, Hawley and keyboardist Caleb Middleton, “Through The Night” is a sophisticated urban-jazz track lit by Jackson’s yearning saxes that portray a fiery sense of urgency and desire.
“When Adam and I set out to write ‘Through The Night,’ we were looking to create something with a sultry R&B groove that would really help the tone of the sax melodies shine. Imagine sitting outside, perhaps by a fire or on the beach, on a warm but crisp summer night. You’ve got a glass of wine in your hand and the love of your life sitting beside you. What would be the perfect soundtrack for that night? How could we put into music what you were feeling in that moment as well as the possibilities of the moments to come? That’s a snapshot of the vibe we were trying to capture,” said Jackson, a Wilmington, NC native who now calls Chesapeake, VA home.
“Through The Night” follows “Workin’ It Out,” the first single from “All In” featuring keyboardist Gino Rosaria that hit Billboard/Mediabase’s top forty. Other noteworthy musicians who play alongside Jackson on the album are Jonathan Fritzén, Chieli Minucci and Mr. Talkbox. However, the sentimental favorite is a special guest appearance by six-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Eric Marienthal, one of Jackson’s mentors.
“I studied with Eric for many years before making my own records. It was so cool to finally get to collaborate with him on ‘On The Move,’ one of the songs from the ‘All In’ project. It was a really cool student-teacher moment,” shared Jackson who is excited about what he’s accomplished in two short years since transitioning from military life to life as a civilian musician.
“My last month in the Navy was May of 2021. I got out of the military and around two months later, I was breaking into the top twenty on the Billboard chart with the single ‘All The Way’ featuring Julian Vaughn, which came out a month before I left the Navy. Pretty cool transition. No looking back since then!”
Catch Jackson on the following concert dates:
July 13 Pittsburgh Black Music Fest Pittsburgh, PA
July 14 BLU Jazz+ Akron, OH
July 27 & 29 MAJACE Durham, NC
Oct. 5 The Tin Pan Richmond, VA
For more information, please visit https://jasonjacksonsax.com.
NIEUWE SONG VAN GEORGE McCRAE IN DUET MET LYNDA LAW
Gerenommeerd R&B/Soul- en Disco sensatie George McCrae staat op het punt om weer op de radio en de tv te worden gehoord en gezien met een nieuw nummer, "Step Into My Heart" een duet met de Britse zangeres Lynda Law, die de song ook schreef.
In 2024 zal het 50 jaar geleden zijn dat zijn grote hit "Rock Your Baby" op de markt verscheen. George gaat nog steeds stevig door met deze nieuwe song met releasedatum 7 juli 2023.
OVER GEORGE McCRAE
Er zijn weinig zangers in de soulmuziek met een uniek kenmerkend stemgeluid. Zijn stijl van "recht uit het hart, rijk aan emotie en knee deep" zingen maakt George McCrae tot een van die artiesten. Zijn vocale bereik is nog steeds even indrukwekkend als toen hij met zijn zangcarrière begon. Na een rijk gevulde carrière met o.a. “Rock Your Baby”, een nummer 1 hit in meer dan 40 landen, verscheidene gouden platen, een Grammy nominatie voor beste mannelijke R&B zanger in 1975 en optredens met legendes als Michael Jackson & the Jackson 5, James Brown, KC & The Sunshine Band, Nile Rodgers en Bernard Edwards van Chic, is George McCrae is nu weer terug met een nieuwe klassieker, het fris klinkend "Step Into My Heart", geschreven door zijn duetpartner Lynda Law.
OVER LYNDA LAW
Lynda Law is Britse en woont al geruime tijd in België. Lynda zit al in de muziek sinds ze 7 jaar oud was. Haar vastberadenheid en wilskracht leidden in 1990 tot een platencontract bij het Perfecto-label (dochteronderneming van RCA-label) onder leiding van Paul Oakenfold. Het jaar ervoor nam Lynda met Gino Vannelli in zijn Blue Moon Studio in Los Angeles 3 nummers op voor zijn album “Inconsolable Man”. Ze zong vrouwelijke lead vocal voor "Moment To Moment" samen met Gino. Bij haar terugkeer naar het Verenigd Koninkrijk begon Lynda te toeren met beroemde artiesten als Edwin Starr, Jimmy James, The Drifters, Jimmy Ruffin, George McCrae en nog veel meer. Deze hereniging met George na al die jaren was alsof je een opnieuw een oude vriend ontmoette die je nooit vergeten was.
OVER STEP INTO MY HEART
Lynda Law begon op een dag met het schrijven van dit nummer met George McCrae in gedachten als haar duetpartner. Ze wist uit het verleden dat George hield van soul muziek met een lekkere beat. Toen ze de ruwe demo aan hem voorstelde, duurde het niet lang voordat George ermee instemde om het nummer samen op te nemen.
SONG CREDITS
Lead en backing vocals: George McCrae
Lead en backing vocals: Lynda Law
Melodie: Lynda Law
Tekst: Lynda Law
Producers : Ferry De Wolf en So For Real
Gemixt en gemastered door Ferry De Wolf
Uitgegeven door Tunecore New York, New York – V.S.
Releasedatum : 07-07-2023
Video release : 28-07-2023
Spotify link : https://open.spotify.com/track/3oBkPrQ19wcMR0T2aYQrh2?si=3d3be4f84b5243c0
YouTube link : https://youtu.be/01MIoNuonOE
Lynda Law https://www.lyndalaw.eu
George McCrae http://www.georgemccrae.com
Hashtags : #StepIntoMyHeart #GeorgeMcCrae #LyndaLaw #Law&Wolf
POSITIVELY SHIMMERING - SOUL-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST MERLON DEVINE TEAMS WITH GRAMMY NOMINATED HITMAKER DARREN RAHN FOR AN INSPIRING NEW SINGLE
WASHINGTON (10 July 2023): After stirring the urban-contemporary jazz scene last fall, saxophonist Merlon Devine is back this summer with the rousing single “Shimmer,” which he wrote with his multiple Grammy nominated producer Darren Rahn (Dave Koz, Najee, Blake Aaron). The newly released single constructed of a glistening melody, an R&B groove, a jazzy soprano sax lead and a mission-driven message from the Devine Music Group has begun collecting playlist adds.
From its celestial opener through to its funky soul-powered conclusion, “Shimmer” is an inspirational soul-jazz instrumental skillfully architected by Rahn, who has crafted twenty-seven number one singles to date. Both Devine and Rahn share the bond of being spiritual, devout men and that inspired and impassioned connection permeates the new recording.
“‘Shimmer’ is about the positive force that lives in each of us to help others. That force acts like a light shining out of us. That light can bring warmth, direction, hope, calm fears and give peace. Hopefully, this song will encourage those who hear it to do and be something positive in the life of someone else,” said Devine, who issued the new single as the follow up to the single “Stirred,” which dropped last October.
The harmonies on “Shimmer” lushly drape the glistening track constructed by Rahn, who layered keyboards, synths, synth bass and programming around Devine’s soprano and tenor saxes. Randy Jacobs adds his nimble and nuanced guitar artistry and drummer Tarell Martin sets the tempo.
A native of Little Rock, Arkansas who grew up in a household filled with gospel music before discovering jazz, Devine now calls the Washington, DC area home. He has worked with Ben Tankard and performed with Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson Jr., Tom Braxton and Michael Manson. Devine will launch “Shimmer” by playing a pair of shows locally at Blues Alley Jazz on Monday night before heading out on the road for a mixed itinerary of jazz and gospel concert dates booked into October.
July 10 Blues Alley Jazz Washington, DC
July 16 Bates Memorial BC Louisville, KY
July 23-26 Gospel Industry Network Norfolk, VA
July 29 Jazz & Gospel Fest Merrillville, IN
July 30 Eastern Star Church Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 6 Mt. Zion Assemblies Fresno, CA
Aug. 31 Johnnie Alberta Scholarship Washington, DC
Sept. 3 Full Counsel Metro N. Little Rock, AR
Sept. 15 New Birth Com. Church Manassas, VA
Sept. 16 Restoration Place Charlotte, NC
Sept. 24 Lighthouse Fam Church Lafayette, LA
Sept. 30 New Covenant WC Ft. Wayne, IN
Oct. 1 New Covenant WC Ft. Wayne, IN
Oct. 5-7 International Gospel Summit London, EN
Oct. 11 Hamstead Jazz Club London, EN
For more information, please visit https://merlondevine.com.
PARIS CESVETTE FT. SCOTT PAYNTER – ‘I LOVE YOU SO’
Following her Spring smash, ‘Better’, ft. Hanna Khemoh, London’s Paris Cesvette unleashes her big summer track, ‘I Love You So’, featuring rude boy vocalist Scott Paynter on Quantize Recordings. Paris has an impressive history of working with respected artists in dance, soul, and jazz music, and this project displays her amazing talents in an exceptional way. ‘I Love You So’ sees Paris bring a fuego vibe to the dancefloor, delivering a hot blend of Latin flavoured brass, piano and guitar hooks that pirouette around Scott’s adorable vocals.
Paris Cesvette is a renowned international DJ, music producer, and artist who has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade. Born and raised in London, Paris's passion for music began at a young age and she was heavily influenced by her Jamaican / Cuban heritage and a love for soul, funk, and Jazz. Paris has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Grammy award-winning artists such as Jean Baylor, Will Downing, Frank McComb, Leee John, and Omar to name a few. She has also produced and remixed tracks for numerous labels, including Universal Records, Sony Music, Quantize, Reel People Music, T’s Box, Groove Odyssey, Soul Heaven and her own label, Our People | Our Music.
Scott Paynter, aka Scotty P. broke on to the House Music radar with the song ‘Queen’ produced with fellow Baltimorean, N'Dinga Gaba, which included remixes from Mr. V, Reelsoul and Louie Vega. His next single, ‘What Is Real?’, was also remixed by Louie Vega, among others. His latest collaborations with David Morales have yielded several House bangers, notably ‘Party In Da Ghetto Remix’ and ‘The Feels’, along with the ‘The Love I Gave’, ‘I'm Stayin’ and ‘Give Me More’ singles.
Track Listing
1 I Love You So (Main Vocal Mix)
2 I Love You So (Original Extended Mix)
3 I Love You So (Instrumental Mix)
4 I Love You So (Radio Edit)
‘I Love You So’ will be released on Traxsource promo & Spotify on July 14th / Full release July 28th 2023 on Quantize Recordings.
Paris Cesvette ft Scott Paynter
‘I Love You So’
Quantize Recordings / QTZ434
https://www.facebook.com/paris.cesvette.1
https://www.facebook.com/QuantizeRecordings/
GLOEDNIEUWE FAMILIEMUSICAL 'PETER PAN' (EINDEJAAR 2024) EN TERUGKEER 'MAMMA MIA!' (LENTE 2025)
Gloednieuwe familiemusical 'Peter Pan' kleurt eindejaar 2024 en terugkeer hitmusical 'MAMMA MIA!' luidt lente 2025 in
Antwerpen - Gent - Hasselt
Met heerlijke producties als 'You Are My Sunshine', 'A Christmas Carol' en 'Hairspray' op het menu, spijst productiehuis Deep Bridge van nu tot en met het einde van komend theaterseizoen overvloedig de hongerige musicalfans. Mooie vooruitzichten dus en wat er daarna zit aan te komen, doet diezelfde fans nu al watertanden. De eindejaarsperiode van 2024 zal namelijk gekleurd worden door een gloednieuwe Vlaamse musicalversie van 'Peter Pan' en de lente van 2025 wordt ingeluid door de terugkeer van de bejubelde hitmusical 'MAMMA MIA!'. Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
Deep Bridge tekent al enkele jaren voor een grote familiemusical tijdens de eindejaarsperiode, van ‘The Sound of Music’ over ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ tot ‘A Christmas Carol’. Het productiehuis zet die traditie verder in 2024 en maakt een volledig eigen versie van het tijdloze verhaal van Peter Pan.
Iedereen kent de iconische boeken, films en musicals over Peter Pan en nu waagt ook Deep Bridge zich aan dit tot de verbeelding sprekende verhaal van J.M. Barrie. Vanaf 8 december 2024 neemt Peter Pan ons terug mee naar Neverland in een gloednieuwe Vlaamse familiemusical.
Reis mee met Peter, de jongen die weigert ouder te worden. Van het magische elfenstof tot opwindende avonturen vol zwaardgevechten. Deze productie omarmt de kracht van verbeelding in al zijn glorie. In het magische universum van Peter Pan is alles mogelijk! Prachtige muziek, kleurrijke kostuums en adembenemende decors maken van 'Peter Pan' een onvergetelijke ervaring voor jong en oud.
“Sommigen onder ons blijven (gelukkig) altijd een beetje kind, anderen hebben hulp nodig. En daarom maken we theater. Daarom maken we Peter Pan.” – Stany Crets
‘MAMMA MIA!’ komt terug! De feelgood musical met de grootste ABBA-hits is vanaf 22 maart 2025 opnieuw te zien in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Trixxo Theater Hasselt en ook voor een allereerste keer in Capitole Gent!
De nieuwe versie van Deep Bridge ging in maart 2020 in première en speelde in de zomer van 2021 en 2022 voor uitverkochte zalen. ‘MAMMA MIA!’ was ontegensprekelijk één van de meest succesvolle shows van de laatste jaren. And here we go again, 5 jaar na de première laten we Vlaanderen in 2025 opnieuw meezingen en dansen op Dancing Queen en Voulez-Vous.
‘MAMMA MIA!’ blijft een fenomeen. Meer dan 65 miljoen bezoekers zagen wereldwijd de voorstelling in 16 verschillende talen en ook beide bioscoopfilms braken record na record. 50 jaar na hun Eurovision overwinning is ABBA populairder dan ooit.
De cast wordt in het najaar van 2023 bekendgemaakt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
!! Geniet nog tot en met 24 juli 2023 van 15% lanceringskorting op tickets voor beide producties !!
GARETH DUNLOP - 'BORN UNCOOL' - CD FORMAT OF 2020 EP OUT 07.07.23
GARETH DUNLOP photo by Laura Maria
GARETH DUNLOP - BORN UNCOOL EP
new CD
out 07.07.23
(Zenith Cafe)
buy CD | stream
includes
IN A HUNDRED YEARS
LIVE IN LONDON
12.07.23 UNION CHAPEL w/Josh Turner
13.07.23 UNION CHAPEL w/Josh Turner
16.11.23 THE LOWER THIRD
Singer-songwriter Gareth Dunlop has today issued his 2020 EP 'Born Uncool' on CD format. A sonic left-turn that melded the sounds of his previous acoustic and roots offerings with electronic soundscapes, it was recorded and self-produced at his home studio in Belfast during the first lockdown. It was also a collection of songs that provided the stepping stone to creating his acclaimed current album, ‘Animal’.
The EP includes the fan favourite ‘In A Hundred Years’, of which Dunlop states: I think of how this song came about almost every time I’m sitting backstage getting ready to go on. Back in 2018 I was getting ready to walk out and play my biggest home show to date. I was feeling the pressure of the moment and trying to get psyched up and battle my nerves, when a friend of mine saw that I was a bit on edge and pulled me in for a few words of Irish wisdom. He said ‘don’t worry too much because in a hundred years nobody’s going to give a f*** about your gig.’ It did the trick… I thought about that weird perspective in the weeks after the show and it set my mind rolling on all the trivial things that keep us from living in the moment. It felt like a good thing to write about and something I personally need to be reminded of every now and then. The hardest part about writing the song was figuring out when to stop, as there was a lot to pull from."
Having just completed a UK tour opening for American legend Bonnie Raitt, Dunlop will play two sold-out London dates with US country music hit-maker Josh Turner at the Union Chapel on 12th-13th July, followed by his own headlining show in the capital at The Lower Third on 16th November. Tickets are available HERE .
OPERA D’AMORE' STRIJKT DIT NAJAAR NEER IN ANTWERPEN, GENT EN BRUSSEL
De meest geliefde aria's & liefdesduetten in één betoverend spektakel!
8 oktober 2023 - Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen
10 oktober 2023 - Capitole Gent
15 oktober 2023 - Vorst Nationaal
In oktober 2023 strijkt het verbluffende spektakel 'Opera d'Amore' neer in België. Ontdek in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen (08/10), Capitole Gent (10/10) en Vorst Nationaal (15/10) de betoverende wereld van deze vernieuwende voorstelling, die 10 iconische operascènes uit 7 van de grootste opera's aller tijden samenbrengt in één onvergetelijk spektakel. 'Opera D'Amore' is een visueel prachtige show die liefde en muziek viert en die iedereen moet ervaren.
Aanschouw de meeslepende liefdesscènes, duetten, aria's en ouvertures van legendarische componisten zoals Verdi, Puccini en Bizet, tot leven gebracht door uitzonderlijke stemmen en baanbrekende podiumtechnologieën. Deze magische reis wordt gepresenteerd met kristalhelder geluid en indrukwekkende visuele technologie, waarbij het podium tot leven komt met vijf enorme LED-schermen die een 4K-resolutie virtuele 3D-omgeving bieden. Podiumkunsten en cinema worden naadloos gecombineerd, waardoor de historische kunst van opera naar de 21e eeuw gebracht wordt!
Enkele van de opgevoerde acts zijn afkomstig uit de volgende opera's:
- Carmen
- Rigoletto
- Tosca
- La Bohème
Verteld door de zeer getalenteerde Keneward Hill, die het publiek met kennis door elke act leidt.
'Opera d'Amore' is een unieke kennismaking met de wereld van de opera. Het publiek, vooral degenen die niet zo bekend zijn met de kunst van opera, wordt door de verteller door de eeuwen heen geleid. De gecodeerde conflicten van liefde in elke scène worden onthuld en er wordt zowel een korte samenvatting van de opera gegeven, als een uitleg over wat er in de volgende scène gebeurt. Geen wonder dus dat de meeste toeschouwers de show als 'pure magie' omschrijven.
Tickets & info 'Opera d'Amore' in oktober 2023 in Antwerpen, Gent en Brussel: ticketmaster.be
Tickets:
Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen en Capitole Gent
39 euro — 52 euro — 64 euro — 76 euro— 88 euro
20 euro (beperkt zicht) enkel voor Capitole Gent
Vorst Nationaal: 42 euro — 64 euro — 76 euro — 88 euro
Voor tickets die je aan de kassa koopt, rekent be•at een extra servicekost van 2 euro aan.
Tickets & info: ticketmaster.be
MARCIA MIGET GOES ’80 WEST’
"Named after the road I traveled to connect with the diverse societal groups in the United States as a performer and teacher with the National Endowment of the Arts' 'Jazz Artists in Schools' program, the majestic view of the mountains was inspiring. The movement of light across the landscape took the form of a musical score that fed my creativity. I hope you enjoy this 'traveling music'!" - Marcia Miget
"80 West" is a fresh contemporary Jazz single written and produced by two-time Grammy nominated musician Chris 'Big Dog' Davis. A recent Jazz Hall of Fame recipient, Miget is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist playing sax and flute on this cut. Davis adds his production brilliance topped off by Celso Alberti's drumming flair.
Her latest original single, "We Return", released on Valentine's Day is an invocation calling for Agape, the love of all living things. Featured in 2022 at Berk's Jazz Festival, Women In Jazz, Marcia received standing ovations for songs from her CD I Vision produced by Chris Davis. Her flute work is heard on Nick Colionne's Billboard Smooth Jazz #4 single "Step To This". Located in the SF Bay, founder/director of Miraflores Music Academié, Marcia recently received Best Music School 2022/2023.
An active "on call" musician, some of her works include her seminal CD project, Discovery, she produced and co-wrote music for Jorge Santana's final CD, Restoration, and recently released her contemporary Jazz CD I Vision with three singles that garnered international recognition.
The Press see her as "a treasure... an artist of uncommon sensibility". Carlos Santana describes her, "Her music reflects a strong, deep and honest commitment to life."
An accomplished performer, composer and educator, a living example of the rich musical heritage, she is 'la Maestra', Marcia Miget.
WALTER KITTLE FT. MARION MEADOWS & NILS ARE ‘SURROUNDED BY LOVE’
Walter Kittle began his musical journey at the age of 5 years old when his parents bought him an accordion with lessons in hopes that he would play polkas at the Polish family gatherings. By age 10, Walter tired of polkas asked his parents for a cool instrument…A BASS GUITAR. In high school Walter continued to play his Bass yet he added the bassoon to his list of instruments and ultimately took 1st place in the state solo and ensemble festival! It was during that time that he was introduced to the sounds of jazz, when his band director hired him to play bass in his professional jazz band. This was a great honor since all of the other members of the band were degreed music teachers. In college, Walter was fortunate to receive a full ride music scholarship to Michigan State University to play bassoon and contrabassoon in the orchestra and his electric bass in the jazz band. During that time, he also played many professional shows and musicals on bass guitar because of his ability to read music.
While Walter loved music, after 2 years Walter changed his primary major from music performance to Biochemistry in order to have a more stable profession. He subsequently graduated with highest honors while achieving his doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine in addition to two post graduate degrees in Sports Medicine and Exercise Rehabilitation. During the following years of medical practice Walter aka 'Dr Bass', as he was known as in his hometown of Lansing, Michigan, continued to perform in local festivals, various musicals, and also for his church.
Upon retirement from his medical practice, Walter decided to return to music and recorded his first national radio album called FULL CIRCLE. The album featured several national artists including Nate Harasim, Phil Denny and Nils Jiptner (known as Nils).
FULL CIRCLE reached #5 on the national new release chart and showed how his life had come FULL CIRCLE, back to his first love of music.
After moving to Tampa Bay, Florida, Walter composed and recorded his second national radio album JAZZ BY THE SEA which reflected his new life living on the Gulf of Mexico. JAZZ BY THE SEA reached #5 on the national new release chart.
Today, Walter follows up his last 2 releases with what he terms " his best composition ever"-- "Surrounded by Love". "Surrounded by Love" was inspired by the birth of his grandson, Felix. Walter and his wife Robin Bleier were so moved that they decided to ‘pull out all of the stops’ and collaborated with some of LA's finest musicians and arrangers. Walter stated that “It was an amazing experience working with Nils” and looks forward to their next collaboration.
"Surrounded By Love"
Walter Kittle: Solo lead bass guitar
Robin Bleier: Flute
Nils Jiptner: Producer and rhythm guitar
Marion Meadows: Saxophone
Jerome Randall: Bass guitar
Clydene Jackson: Keys
Eric Valentine: Drums
JASON JACKSON’S NEW SINGLE ‘THROUGH THE NIGHT’
Saxophonist and Billboard top 20 artist Jason Jackson is All In with the release of his newest project. This eight-track album is packed with ear-catching melodies, grooves that won't quit, and collaborations with veteran contemporary jazz greats as well as the genre's newest rising stars. All In, produced by 14-time #1 artist/producer Adam Hawley, is the follow-up to Jason's debut offering, hit EP Movin' On (also produced by Hawley) and features appearances by Jason's old friend, teacher, and mentor Eric Marienthal as well as new friends: Gino Rosaria, Jonathan Fritzen, Chieli Minucci, and Mr. Talkbox. After just one listen, you'll agree that All In is the perfect blend of "Groove and Smooth".
Featuring a sleep R&B-infused groove and sultry, sax-driven melody, "Through The Night" is an undeniable gem for anyone's summer playlist. After just one listen, you'll agree that this captivating tune is the ultimate companion for those hot summer nights.
Jason, a native of Wilmington, NC proudly served ten years as a musician in the US Navy, where he not only performed for audiences worldwide but met and gained friends from many different cultures and backgrounds. It was from these experiences that he truly realized that music was the universal language and where he adopted his musical mantra of "Groove Supersedes All".
"Through The Night"
Written by Adam Hawley, Jason Jackson, and Caleb Middleton
Produced by Adam Hawley
Saxes: Jason Jackson
Keys, Key Bass, Programming: Caleb Middleton
Programming: Adam Hawley
TOMMY STINSON'S COWBOYS IN THE CAMPFIRE - 'WRONGER' – DEBUT ALBUM BY NEW DUO FEATURING CO-FOUNDER OF THE REPLACEMENTS
TOMMY STINSON | 2023 photo by Vivian Wang
TOMMY STINSON’S COWBOYS IN THE CAMPFIRE
WRONGER
debut album
LP | CD | digital
out 07.07.23
(ICEA UK)
“Country tunes that proudly wear the Stinson punk sneer”
MOJO
“A hefty slice of Americana brought to life via a palette of many colours”
RECORD COLLECTOR
“Stinson’s wearily beautiful voice, and the broken losers he identifies with, inescapably recall his old band”
UNCUT
“Strong in strum and twang, with The Replacements’ songwriting DNA much in evidence”
CLASSIC ROCK
“A svelte ten tracks of authentic roots music, but also a homage to Stinson’s early punk rock roots”
VIVE LE ROCK
“Well-crafted songs delivered with lyrical expert timing”
BLUES MATTERS
pre-order/save/add
includes
THAT’S IT
also includes the single
DREAM
Tommy Stinson is a revered American musician who has enjoyed a significant four decade-plus career. A founding member of The Replacements, he was also a key second-generation ingredient in Guns N' Roses and served a lengthy tenure with Soul Asylum. In addition, he has led Bash & Pop and Perfect, appeared on recordings by the Old 97's, Moth and BT, plus played bass on Puff Daddy's ‘It's All About the Benjamins (Rock Remix)’.
Stinson's latest venture is Cowboys in the Campfire. A duo with Chip Roberts, their debut album ‘Wronger’ is perhaps the most ‘American' album he has ever made, its ten songs riding a giddy trail of twang and grit, melody and (mostly lyrical) mayhem. The very first song, ‘Here We Go Again’, sets the tone; Stinson on ukulele, singing about the ardours of creativity, while horns swell and the only hint of percussion is from the tapping of feet by the musicians in the room. Stark and immediate, it is like sitting smack in the middle of a maelstrom.
A broad and passionate range of feels follow, from the rough 'n' tumble rockabilly of ‘That's It’ to ‘We Ain’t’, a shuffle straight out of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, with the duo taking us on a literally country-wide trip on songs such as ‘Mr. Wrong’ and ‘Fall Apart Together’. Other songs such as ‘Schemes’, ‘Souls’ and lead single ‘Dream’ also prove what an ace pop songwriter Stinson still is. "I'm not one to be pigeonholed, but I'm not putting a lot of thought into it that I DON'T want to be pigeonholed,” he states with a smile. "For me, it's always been that the songs pretty much tell you what they're going to do. I can sit there and work a song into the ground, forcing my will on it, or you can listen to the song and go, 'What does this want?' and do that. I've always done it that way. Ultimately it's more about, 'Let's try and get the best ten and take what we've got and make them the best they can be."
The genesis of Cowboys in the Campfire actually dates back over a decade. Roberts is the uncle of one of Stinson's exes and was previously a gun-for-hire guitar slinger. "We've been really good friends and writing partners pretty much since we met, writing rock tunes to ballads or country or Americana,” explains Stinson. Neither expected their association to become a going musical concern, but the mid-2010s saw a Guns N' Roses hiatus prior to Stinson venturing into Replacements and Bash & Pop reunions, so things got a little more serious. "We thought, 'Let's go play some shows and fuck around.' I took some songs he and I had written together, some of my solo stuff, some covers, some other stuff of mine he plays."
One of their songs subsequently became the title track of Bash & Pop's 2017 album ‘Anything Could Happen’, which Roberts also played on, while they continued to feel that Cowboys in the Campfire - which takes its name from a couple of Roberts' paintings - might have legs. "The running joke was that this is what our band would be called if we had one. Finally we were like, 'We've got 10 songs here. Let's make a record'. It was almost as off the cuff as that. Almost."
‘Wronger’ came about when the duo were on tour. They went into a Texas studio with their friend Christine Smith and recorded five songs, while John Doe of X was also around to play bass and sing harmonies. The remainder of the album was made at Stinson's home studio, with contributions from other musicians added as necessary, including a string quartet on ‘Hey Man’, a song that touches on socio-political topics "just enough to be provocative and open to interpretation.” Others have different inspirations, with ‘Karma's Bitch’ resulting from when a friend of Stinson's pointed out a man who had divorced his alcoholic wife only to start dating her equally addled daughter, both of whom had then died. “As grim as it was, it became the basis of that song." Stinson cheerfully ‘fesses up to "somewhat channeling" an assortment of influences like Conway Twitty and Tanya Tucker, who were adored by his mother.
"I don't think that Chip has ever made a record as experimental as this one,” Stinson muses. “There's always been a country/folky element to what I've done, even early on, but this takes it into a whole other direction. In the grand scheme of things it all goes together in kind of a blur.” The goal now is for the duo to keep Cowboys in the Campfire on the road, even allowing for Stinson's other musical endeavours. “We’re going to make a real run for it with this record," he affirms, “although I'm also feeling like I'm probably about to head back into the studio. I've got some ideas, while I'm in a position now where I can make music on my own terms. It's a nice place to be."
WRONGER
TRACKLISTING
1 Here We Go Again
2 That’s It
3 Mr. Wrong
4 Schemes
5 Fall Apart Together
6 Hey Man
7 We Ain’t
8 Karma’s Bitch
9 Souls
10 Dream
NEW SINGLE ‘TROUBLE’ FROM EMILIA SISCO
Finnish soul singer Emilia Sisco returns on Timmion Records with her 2nd single 'Trouble'.
The song is taken from her forthcoming 7" single and is produced and performed by Cold Diamond & Mink (Bobby Oroza, Pratt & Moody, Jonny Benavidez, etc.)
Despite its title, ‘Trouble’ strolls along with a delicately sweet mid-tempo groove and a nicely abundant arrangement, each of Emilia's lyrical calls getting a response from the background harmonizers and the band steady tightening up while the song builds towards its conclusion.
After her debut Timmion Records single ‘Don't Believe You Like That’, Emilia Sisco is back in the fold with a double sider of the highest order. Emilia seems to feel right at home with the material that she cooks up with Cold Diamond & Mink, filling both songs to the brim with soul.
Despite its title, ‘Trouble’ strolls along with a delicately sweet mid-tempo groove and a nicely abundant arrangement, each of Emilia's lyrical calls getting a response from the background harmonizers and the band steady tightening up while the song builds towards its conclusion.
The upcoming 7" presents a singer who has paid her dues by studying the craft and polishing it for years in front of live audiences. Now it's time for Emilia to push her voice out there on the wings of her own original songs, a feature that we've come to expect from the Timmion stable.
STEFANO DE SANTIS ‘SICK WITH RHYME‘ (NORTH STREET WEST’ REMIX) EP
‘Sick With Rhyme’ is a groovy number taken from Italian Jazz cat, Stefano De Santis’ wildly successful ‘Unreachable Galaxy EP’ released last year on Ramrock Red. The original track was recorded entirely at Re:Fill Studio, Rome with Stefano playing Rhodes, piano, clavinet, Prophet 5, Moog, Solina String Ensemble, Juno 6 and drum programming. Fresh for 2023, Ramrock’s own North Street West trio turn on their remix charms, with Ashley Beedle providing all the drum programming, key wizard Darren Morris firing up the keyboards and instrumentation, and Jo Wallace on arrangement duty, drawing inspiration from Todd Edwards, Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, Bugz in the Attic and MJ Cole.
Rome based, Stefano De Santis is conservatory trained and raised on the music of Weather Report and Azymuth, with his recent musical output being fully supported by UK music legend, Colin Curtis. Stefano has been a go-to session player in many projects across multiple genres - from jazz to funk, reggae, and pop, and in 2017, he launched the ‘Big Beat’ trio who blended pure jazz with new synth sounds and syncopated drum patterns. Later, in 2020, Stefano teamed up with his friend and consummate drummer, Gaetano De Carli to form Re:Fill. Since then, the duo have taken their music to a further level and developed a brace of imaginative and complex grooves. Gaetano provides a rich musical background to combine with Stefano’s soulful synth-work, balancing the old world and the contemporary. Their first record, ‘Cycles’ (Cognitiva Records), was released in June 2022 and features important collaborations with heavy-hitters from the UK’s DJ-producer scene, Ben Hauke and WheelUp. In 2023, Stefano released the brilliant, bossa infused ‘Barra Nova’ on vinyl.
Track Listing
1 Sick With Rhyme (North Street West Remix)
2 Sick With Rhyme (North Street West Dub)
‘Sick With Rhyme‘ (North Street West’ Remix) EP will be released on July 3rd, 2023 on Ramrock Red Records.
Stefano De Santis
‘Sick With Rhyme‘ (North Street West’ Remix) EP
Ramrock Red Records / RRR044
https://linktr.ee/stefanodesantis
https://www.facebook.com/RamrockRecords
KERRIE MASTERS - 'STUBBORN' [SOULFULEDGE REMIX]
Following 'Butterfly' & 'That’s What You Said', 'Stubborn' is the third release on Nyte Music from soulful songstress Kerrie Masters which originally featured on her self-released ‘Better Place’ EP in 2022.
The original was bursting with that bluesy-soul vibe Kerrie is renowned for so needless to say when we heard it, a remix was always on the cards... and boy did Soulfuledge flip this one on its head!
Destined to be the soundtrack of the summer, ‘Stubborn’ takes on a fresh & heady mix of Brazilian samba vibes complete with stunning piano & sax solos all set harmoniously against Kerrie’s insanely sumptuous vocals...
A proper summertime trip!
SESAM OPEN U, ZANDSCULPTURENFESTIVAL 2023 OFFICIEEL VAN START
Foto: Cedric Libbrecht
Van 1 juli tot en met 10 september strijkt het grootste zomerevent aan de Belgische kust neer in Middelkerke, en dat voor het derde jaar op rij: het Zandsculpturenfestival. Dit jaar kozen de organisatoren voor het thema: sprookjes. Het belooft een fabelachtige editie te worden, met maar liefst zes miljoen kilogram zand verwerkt in 30 sprookjes. Maar er is meer dan dat, veel meer…
Cijfers die tot de verbeelding spreken
Het Zandsculpturenfestival heeft dit jaar een fantasierijk thema. Sprookjes in het zand is sinds vandaag gestart en opende zijn deuren voor een zomer vol verbazing. Meer dan 30 sprookjesfiguren verrijzen uit meer dan zes miljoen kilogram zand om zo’n 120.000 bezoekers te lokken naar Middelkerke. In totaal gingen zo’n 26 carvers (of sculpteurs) uit tien verschillende landen aan de slag om de hopen zand om te toveren tot buitengewone sculpturen.
Theater in het zand
Er worden niet alleen sprookjes in het zand opgetrokken, er werd ook een heus in- en outdoor theater gebouwd in het zand. Elke dag gaan er meerdere keren kleine theaterstukjes door voor jong en oud, volledig gehuld in de sprookjeswereld. In samenwerking met theaterproductiehuis De Proefkonijnen komt de sprookjeswereld ook écht tot leven. Op mysterieuze wijze is een aantal sprookjesfiguren vast komen te zitten in het sprookjesboek. Aan de kinderen om dit mysterie te ontrafelen en de toverspreuk te vinden die de sprookjesfiguren kan bevrijden.
Luisterverhalen, ingesproken door bekende Vlamingen
Wie het festivalterrein betreedt krijgt de mogelijkheid om met zijn smartphone een QR-code te scannen die naar verschillende luisterverhalen doorverwijst. Er zullen ook tevens audioguides beschikbaar zijn bij de ingang. De beste comedians vertellen verschillende sprookjes die de bezoeker kan ontdekken in het zand. Onder andere Jens Dendoncker, Lieven Scheire, Guga Baul, Urbanus en Els De Schepper zullen te horen zijn. In totaal spraken maar liefst zeventien bv’s een sprookje in. Bovendien werden er ook drie expliciete (18+) sprookjes ingesproken voor de volwassenen. Zo tracht het festival verschillende lagen aan te brengen en attractief te blijven voor jong en oud.
Wereldrecordpoging
Het festival blijft ook jaar na jaar inzetten op stunts. Vorig jaar haalde de organisatie het Europees kampioenschap Zandsculpturen naar Middelkerke. Dit jaar probeert het Zandsculpturenfestival te gaan voor een wereldrecord: het grootste kasteel ooit gebouwd in Clics bouwstenen. Deze Belgische speelgoed bouwsteentjes, die overigens duurzaam ontwikkeld zijn van 100% gerecycleerd plastic, zullen de basis vormen voor een reusachtig kasteel. De bouwwerken zijn alvast begonnen en de makers hopen midden juli klaar te zijn. Elke dag wordt er verder gebouwd dus bezoekers kunnen de wereldrecordpoging live aanschouwen tot midden juli. Nadien blijft het kasteel staan gedurende het festival tot in september. Bovendien komt er ook een wensput bij het kasteel te staan, gelinkt aan het goede doel Het Feestvarken. Het Feestvarken voorziet kinderen in armoede van verjaardagscadeaus. Elk kind verdient een fijne verjaardag en daar wil Het Feestvarken graag in voorzien. Elke euro die in de wensput terechtkomt gaat integraal naar Het Feestvarken.
Succesformules van afgelopen jaren blijven behouden
Naast een pak nieuwigheden die dit jaar hun introductie doen, zijn er ook verschillende elementen uit voorbije edities die terugkeren. Zo zal er opnieuw een expo zijn met leuke weetjes rond het thema, zullen er klim- en speelzones zijn voor de jongsten en is er opnieuw een zoektocht. Er werden verschillende letters verstopt in de zandsculpturen. Iedereen krijgt de kans om op zoek te gaan naar alle letters en het magische toverwoord te vinden. Bovendien zit er een ultieme tip verscholen in de voorstelling van het zandtheater.
Het Zandsculpturenfestival in Middelkerke loopt tot en met 10 september en is elke dag open van 10u tot 18u. De ingang van het terrein bevindt zich ter hoogte van het Arthur De Greefplein Middelkerke.
Tickets en info via www.zandsculpturenfestival.be.
NEW SINGLE ‘WITCHCRAFT’ FROM KENDRA ERIKA
Rising-star singer Kendra Erika is back with her most ambitious record yet, a modern reimagining of Frank Sinatra's classic "Witchcraft". This song is Kendra's first collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire founder and Grammy winning producer Ralph Johnson (Meghan Trainor, Drake), recorded at the legendary Clear Lake Recording Studios in North Hollywood. Kendra's remake of "Witchcraft" commemorates the anniversary of the original recording. The new track is hot on the heels of Kendra's synth-pop smash hit "Thriller Killer", which has amassed hundreds of thousands of streams and well over one million views on YouTube, along with continuous spins on MTV and iHeartMedia stations nationwide.
Kendra has this to say about "Witchcraft": "Frank Sinatra has been a spirit force for me especially during my formative years singing in nostalgic restaurants, bars, and lounges in South Florida in my teens and early twenties. Before diving into dance music, my roots were watered in Jazz and classical, so by doing 'Witchcraft', it just authenticates who I am artistically. My dad also intuitively grew me up on Sinatra songs, so that memory is well-treasured by me, and one that elevates the creative decision to put this song out in the universe."
Earth, Wind & Fire founder Ralph Johnson has this to add: “A soft and sultry sound has been added to the musical landscape which surrounds us, her name is Kendra Erika. Her first offering is a totally reimagined version of Frank Sinatra's iconic ‘Witchcraft’. A truly refreshing must hear! Welcome to the world of Kendra!”
"Witchcraft" showcases Kendra's powerful vocals and her inimitable style, which is rooted in the classics but undeniably fresh. The official music video for “Witchcraft” adds a compelling visual narrative to the song - transporting listeners into the tune and making them part of Kendra’s musical world.
NEW SINGLE ‘SHIMMER’ FROM MERLON DEVINE
Continuing to break exciting and creatively fresh ground in contemporary urban jazz, veteran gospel influenced saxophonist Merlon Devine follows his acclaimed 2021 album Soul Jazz – and its popular radio singles “Move,” “Stirred” and Vigor” - with his latest track “Shimmer,” set to drop July 3.
It’s a wildly infectious and inspirational, silky, soulful and ultimately soaring tune whose title and uplifting vibe reflect the Light of God – and the Light carried by believers - while also speaking to the faith journeys of both Merlon and the song’s producer and mixer and co-writer Darren Rahn. Rahn, a charting saxophone artist in his own right, is one of the genre’s top producers, having worked on hits by Dave Koz, Eric Darius, Tim Bowman, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber and late greats Wayman Tisdale and Nick Colionne. The production features smooth jazz stalwart Randy Jacobs on guitar and renowned gospel artist Tarell Martin on drums.
Though “Shimmer” marks the first time Merlon has formally collaborated with Rahn, he has been a fan of the producer’s work since the late 2000s. The two have been friends over the past decade, hanging out at the NAMM show several times, talking about their mutual faith and discussing the possibility of working together. When the time was right for both, they got together at Darren’s studio in Denver and enjoyed an instant musical chemistry. They began working together there, then remotely, with Merlon coming up with ideas in his home studio in Maryland. For the song that would evolve into “Shimmer,” Rahn came up with the initial drum track and chords - and the title, which Merlon immediately resonated with. Back at Rahn’s studio, Merlon wrote the stunning melody over those initial elements, with the two later tweaking the song for optimal smooth jazz airplay.
“Shimmer” was the first time he penned one to an existing chord and rhythmic structure – a challenging but rewarding process that has resulted in one of his all-time best songs and the beginning of a fruitful working relationship with Rahn.
“The cool and laid-back way ‘Shimmer’ starts is almost like the dawning of the Light of Creation, reflecting the way God works – often inconspicuously, but always doing a great work in us and through us,” Merlon says. “Then the song gets moving and grooving and you can’t deny the feeling of sharing the joy with everyone, letting the world know how I feel in His Presence.”
Growing up, Merlon and his nine siblings lived in a home filled with gospel music and the influences of his singing mother and guitar playing father. Throughout his multi-faceted career, he has performed regularly at hundreds of churches and mega churches, on many tours, in concert halls and at international jazz festivals. Especially enjoying bringing his original urban jazz songs to church audiences, the multi-talented artist has worked with gospel jazz greats like Ben Tankard and Bruce Allen of the duo Allen and Allen, opened for Kirk Whalum (one of his musical mentors), Donnie McClurkin and Fred Hammond and shared the stage with Paul Jackson, Jr., Tom Braxton and Michael Manson.
JELLE CLEYMANS EN JEF HOOGMARTENS SCHRIJVEN GROOTS MUSICALSPEKTAKEL ROND LEGENDARISCHE JEANNE D’ARC
Jelle Cleymans / Jef Hoogmartens
Zomer 2024 - Kasteel de Merode - Westerlo
Historalia, het productiehuis van prins-ondernemer Simon de Merode dat de voorbije jaren een flinke reputatie opbouwde met hun grote spektakels rond historische figuren en gebeurtenissen (‘Albert I’, ‘Rubens’, ‘1830’), staat voor een heel bijzondere zomer en nazomer 2023. In augustus wordt het enorme openluchtspektakel ‘Damiaan’, rond het leven van de voor velen ‘Grootste Belg’ Jozef De Veuster/pater Damiaan, op de planken gebracht aan de voet van de iconische basiliek van Scherpenheuvel en in september 2023 volgt aansluitend ‘Marie-Antoinette’. Dit indrukwekkende musicalspektakel rond het turbulente leven van de tot de verbeelding sprekende laatste koningin van Frankrijk, speelt op en rond de slotgracht van het prachtige kasteel van Wijnendale (Torhout).
Ondanks dat er dus meer dan genoeg werk op de plank ligt, wordt er bij Historalia ook al uitgekeken naar de zomer van 2024. Dan wordt er met ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ een gloednieuw openluchtspektakel met historische achtergrond gepresenteerd op het domein van kasteel de Merode in Westerlo en daarvoor wordt mede gerekend op de gezamenlijke pen van een (relatief) jong, maar zeer gedreven schrijversduo.
Jelle Cleymans en Jef Hoogmartens doen Jeanne d’Arc herleven
Zanger, acteur, presentator en schrijver Jelle Cleymans (37) slaat maar wat graag de handen in elkaar met collega-acteur en auteur Jef Hoogmartens (39) voor het script en de liedteksten van dit musicalspektakel rond de legendarische Franse oorlogsheldin die op 19-jarige leeftijd stierf op de brandstapel. Jelle en Jef zijn sinds hun tienerjaren zeer goed bevriend en ware compagnons de route. Met Jelle (liedteksten), die gefascineerd is door geschiedenis, en Jef (script), die niets liever doet dan verhalen vertellen en op zoek gaan naar dieperliggende waarheden, heeft Historalia een gedroomde tandem te pakken om het korte, maar boeiende leven van Jeanne d’Arc in musicalvorm neer te schrijven.
“Ik kan niet wachten om hier samen met Jef aan te beginnen. Moest Gert Verhulst mijn pad niet gekruist zijn, zou ik nu waarschijnlijk ergens geschiedenisles geven”
- Jelle Cleymans -
“Hoe Jeanne d’Arc op korte tijd van eenvoudig Frans boerenmeisje wist uit te groeien tot legeraanvoerder in de Honderjarige Oorlog tussen Engeland en Frankrijk, om dan als 19-jarige op de brandstapel aan haar einde te komen, dat verhaal wil ik wel eens ontleden.”
- Jef Hoogmartens -
Reken bij deze gouden pennen ook nog eens het creatieve vernuft van regisseur Luc Stevens en het muzikale genie van componist Sam Gevers, en je weet nu al dat dit musicalspektakel in de zomer van 2024 voor vuurwerk gaat zorgen in de stille Kempen!
(de cast wordt na de audities bekendgemaakt)
Ticketkopers van de spektakels ‘Damiaan’ (augustus 2023 - Scherpenheuvel) en ‘Marie-Antoinette’ (september 2023 - Wijnendale) zullen als eerste de kans krijgen hun plaatsje(s) voor ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ te reserveren. Historalia stuurt hen hier per mail een presave-link voor.
Tickets & info ‘Damiaan’, ‘Marie-Antoinette’ en in later fase ‘Jeanne d’Arc’, via historalia.be
Simon de Merode - Sam Gevers - Luc Stevens - Jef Hoogmartens - Jelle Cleymans
Jeanne d'Arc *
Jeanne d’Arc, bijgenaamd de Maagd van Orléans, is een nationale heldin van Frankrijk en onlosmakelijk verbonden met de Franse geschiedenis. Haar leven vertelt het opvallende verhaal van een Frans boerenmeisje dat op opmerkelijke wijze een cruciale rol speelt tijdens de Honderdjarige Oorlog tussen Engeland en Frankrijk (1337-1453).
Jeanne werd rond 1412 geboren in het Noord-Franse boerenplaatsje Domrémy in de regio Lotharingen. Ze beweerde reeds op jonge leeftijd visioenen te hebben van onder andere de heilige Catharina, Margaretha, en de aartsengel Michaël, die haar vertelden dat ze de Dauphin Karel VII moest helpen en Frankrijk van de Engelsen moest bevrijden. Tijdens haar eerste jaren in het leger had ze successen en schopte het zelfs tot legeraanvoerder. Later werd ze gevangen genomen door de vijand.
Op ongeveer negentienjarige leeftijd werd ze door een partijdige kerkelijke rechtbank tot de doodstraf veroordeeld en stierf ze op de brandstapel in Rouen. Vijfentwintig jaar na haar dood liet paus Calixtus III het proces herzien. Ze werd onschuldig bevonden en kreeg op 7 juli 1456 de titel van martelares. In 1909 werd ze door de Rooms-Katholieke Kerk zalig verklaard en in 1920 volgde de heiligverklaring.
*bron: Wikipedia
BIG BIG TRAIN - 'INGENIOUS DEVICES' – ALBUM BY LEADING UK PROG OUTFIT OUT 30.06.23 (2xLP/CD/DL)
BIG BIG TRAIN | 2023 photo by Massimo Goina
BIG BIG TRAIN - INGENIOUS DEVICES
album out 30.06.23 (2xLP | CD | DL) | 28.07.23 (streaming)
(English Electric Recordings)
pre-order 2xLP | CD UK & Europe / N.America
pre-order DL via Bandcamp
includes
ATLANTIC CABLE (live)
Friday 30th June sees the release of ‘Ingenious Devices’, an album by leading prog outfit Big Big Train that contains new versions of four revered epic songs by the group recorded over the last decade. ‘East Coast Racer’, ‘Brooklands’ and ‘Voyager’ all prominently feature an elite 17-piece string section recorded at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios and have been remixed especially for this release, while ‘Atlantic Cable’ was recorded live on tour at Friars, Aylesbury in September 2022. The album also includes a previously unreleased orchestral piece entitled ‘The Book of Ingenious Devices’.
‘Ingenious Devices’ is being made available on 2xLP (black and limited edition sky blue vinyl), CD and hi-res download, with streaming to follow on 28th July.
Big Big Train will be on tour in the UK and across Europe in August and September 2023, with UK dates as follows:
10.09.23 EDINBURGH Queen’s Hall
11.09.23 BIRMINGHAM Town Hall
12.09.23 LONDON Cadogan Hall
13.09.23 LONDON Cadogan Hall
tickets
Support at all shows (except 13th September) will come from rising Norwegian stars Dim Gray, who also feature BBT keyboardist Oskar Holldorff.
BILLBOARD HITMAKER KENDRA ERIKA CASTS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SPELL
The dance music vixen returns to her jazz roots with a Sinatra remake produced by Earth, Wind & Fire’s Ralph Johnson and Myron McKinley.
BOCA RATON (28 June 2023): It’s been four years since Kendra Erika cast her spell on the dance music world to capture the number one spot on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart with “Self Control.” At her core, the siren’s burning passion is singing jazz and after a prolific three years during which she dropped eleven singles, most of which reached Billboard’s top ten enroute to amassing millions of streams and YouTube views, Erika is following her muse and changing the tempo. Her sultry version of “Witchcraft,” a Grammy nominated Song of the Year and Record of the Year originally released in 1957 as a single by Frank Sinatra, will go for playlist adds at jazz radio on Monday (July 3).
Having become a fixture in the dance music space, Erika sought a new challenge. Just as she did with her club music releases when she tapped Grammy winner Damon Sharpe (Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull) to produce her, she teamed up with seasoned producers to launch her first foray in jazz. In fact, the idea to record “Witchcraft” came over lunch in Los Angeles with Earth, Wind & Fire’s Ralph Johnson, who along with being an original member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band has collaborated with Drake, Meghan Trainor, Nathan East and Howard Hewett.
“We were talking music direction for our collaboration, and I mentioned Frank Sinatra and that instantly perked Ralph's ears and attention. Sinatra has one hell of a classic style and vibe, and that's what made us sift through the songs he did. When I posed ‘Witchcraft,’ you could feel the agreement in the air amongst us. So, the magic started brewing from there,” said Erika who was exposed to Sinatra’s music at an early age, long before she started singing standards from the Great American songbook in South Florida clubs, bars and lounges as a teenager and in her early twenties.
Johnson brought in Earth, Wind & Fire’s longtime keyboardist and musical director Myron McKinley to coproduce “Witchcraft.” The production duo surrounded Erika’s sultry voice with lush instrumentation, including McKinley’s elegant piano and keyboards, swooning strings and a classy trumpet solo by Anne King.
Just like going home, Erika instantly felt comfortable singing jazz in the company of accomplished pros despite it being a dramatic departure from her dance-pop-EDM music recordings.
“Before I went into the studio to record with Ralph and Myron, I thought that I would have to do a barrel of takes and change the way I sing and do things. However, it turned out to be such a smooth recording process. I only had to do a few takes of the song all the way through. That signified to me, especially going back to my roots and having spiritual confirmation from Frank (Sinatra), that I have come to that level now in my career where all it takes is for me to be fluid and stay true to myself as an artist in order to flow in an advanced environment,” said Erika, who shot a sensual video to accompany the single release (https://youtu.be/3jJAxpLepOk).
In addition to maintaining a constant presence on the Billboard dance charts, Erika’s singles and videos have filled dance floors, been added into MTV rotation and climbed the charts in the UK. “Witchcraft” will definitely introduce her vocal talents to a new audience.
“And it might just lead to a jazz album,” said Erika with a bewitching smile.
Please visit https://kendraerika.com for more information.
JESSY J IS ‘RIGHT ON TIME’
Grammy-nominated saxophonist and recording artist, Jessy J, continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable talent and infectious melodies. Following a sensational year in 2022, which saw her recieving prestigious awards and accolades, Jessy is back with her latest release, "Right On Time," a fusion of funky grooves from the 70s and an eclectic contemporary synth pop sound.
In 2022, Jessy J's album Blue soared to the top, claiming the coveted title of #1 Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year by JazzTrax. Additionally, the album garnered recognition as one of the Top 10 Albums on Jazziz Magazine and achieved chart success on iTunes Jazz.
With "Right On Time," Jessy effortlessly combines a classic jazz melody, reminiscent of the golden era of 1920s New York City, with the infectious bears and vibrant percussion of a 1970s dance club. The keyboard synth sounds add a fresh and slick element to the composition, culminating in a perfect summer anthem that sets the stage for family, friends, and unforgettable get-togethers. Speaking from her SoCal home, Jessy J describes the track as a harmonious blend of timeless influences and modern production that will resonate with music lovers worldwide.
As a Mexican-American jazzista, Jessy J has emerged as a shining star in the industry, earning critial acclaim and praise for her exceptional musicality and captivating performances. With an impressive discography of 9 solo albums and numerous chart-topping hits, Jessy J made her mark with the release of her 2008 song of the year, "Tequila Moon." Since then, her fan base has grown exponentially, and she has taken on the role of an influential figure in the contemporary jazz world. Establishing her own recording label, Changi Records, LLC, she actively advocates for aspiring female musicians, writers, and engineers, inspiring them ot pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
"Right On Time" is set to be another milestone in Jessy J's remarkable career, demonstrating her unparalleled musical versatility and undeniable talent. This summer. prepare to groove to the captivating sounds of Jessy J's latest hit as she continues to break boundaries and inspire generations of music enthusiasts worldwide.
JACK SAX DAVIES EXPERIENCES ‘MIDNIGHT MAGIC’
Jack Sax Davies is a Smooth Jazz/R&B saxophonist, composer, producer and recording artist. Having graduated from the prestigious Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, he relocated to continue working on the vibrant UK music scene in his home city of London, England. Showcasing original sounds and authentic instrumentation, Jack draws influence from his many mentors including Jeff Kashiwa, Arturo Tappin, Shannon LeClaire, George Garzone and Ed Tomassi. Jack has garnered the attention of his musical peers and listeners far and wide, as both a session musician and live performer.
His new single "Midnight Magic" is a retro throwback to the 1990s with a modern twist, creating a unique sonic pallet. Sparkly, smooth and truly sexy the track transports you to a new world high up in the magical cosmos. "Midnight Magic" also features some of Jack’s incredibly talented musician friends whom he met while on his academic journey at Berklee College Of Music. To add that final sheen and magic touch the track was mixed and mastered by the Smooth Jazz legend himself, Darren Rahn.
Jack would like to additionally thank his musical mentor and long-time friend, contemporary jazz saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, for his guidance on the track and production tips along the way to make this record truly shine.
MIDDELKERKE OP 5 AUGUSTUS 2023 VOOR 'ONE MORE NIGHT' MUSICALHOOFDSTAD VAN VLAANDEREN
Ann Van den Broeck, Michiel De Meyer, Helle Vanderheyden en andere musicaltoppers blazen dak Proximus Pop-Up Arena er opnieuw volledig af tijdens hét zotste rock-'n-roll musical meezingfeest van de zomer!
‘One Night Only’, het zotste musicalfeest van Vlaanderen, raasde op 30 juli 2022 als een orkaan door de Proximus Pop-Up Arena en deed Middelkerke op z'n grondvesten daveren. Het publiek danste, zong uit volle borst mee, kirde van de pret, ging recht op de stoelen staan én riep na afloop luidkeels om ‘MORE’!!
‘U vraagt, wij draaien!’ dachten ze bij Deep Bridge en dus wordt Middelkerke op 5 augustus 2023 opnieuw gebombardeerd tot musicalhoofdstad van Vlaanderen. ‘One More Night’ belooft more van hetzelfde, maar dan anders en nog vetter: de strafste musicalstemmen van ons land, een ijzersterk live orkest, een steengoed ensemble, een swingend showballet en dat alles verweven in een wervelende show met de bekendste musicalhits aller tijden.
Dit jaar geen Cultuurmarkt, met de ondertussen traditionele musical sing-a-long van Deep Bridge als felgesmaakte afsluiter, in Antwerpen. Deep Bridge geeft dus op 5 augustus de aftrap van hun nieuwe theaterseizoen met dit oversized 'One More Night'-meezingfeestje in Middelkerke. Iedereen kan/mag/moet daar komen meebrullen en uit de bol gaan op de grootste musicalhits. Met puur en onversneden musicaltoppers Ann Van den Broeck, Michiel De Meyer, Helle Vanderheyden, Laurenz Hoorelbeke en Isabelle Heremans, is het feestje alvast helemaal verzekerd. Het publiek krijgt hier ook nog eens nachtegalen Lien Van den Bossche, Jens Sauviller en Justine Maurau als backing vocalisten bovenop!
Aarzel dus niet als je deze onwaarschijnlijke 'One More Night' rock-'n-roll musicalparty wil meemaken op 5 augustus 2023 in Middelkerke en bestel nu je tickets via deepbridge.be
!! Tijdelijke actie: 1 + 1 gratis !!
Reserveer nog tot en met 4 juli 2023 je tickets voor 'One More Night' en ontvang per gereserveerd ticket, gratis en voor niets, 1 extra ticket!
NIEUWE SINGLE .FEN – MAKE IT
Summersoul grooves met ‘Make It’, de nieuwe single van .FEN
De zomer is terug in het land, terrasjes en barbecues lonken en daar hoort een minstens even lekkere soundtrack bij. Enter feelgood soulgrooves hofleverancier .Fen, die met veel trots zijn nieuwe single ‘Make It’ presenteert, een voorsmaakje van het album ‘Hero’, dat later dit najaar gepland staat.
Na de radio-singles ‘Proud’, ‘Give An Answer’, ‘Open Your Eyes’ en recent het zeer gesmaakte ‘Hero’, bevestigt .Fen zijn talent en authenticiteit met zijn nieuwe release. De trouwe fanbase keek al verwachtingsvol uit naar deze ‘Make It’ en wordt meer dan verwend.
‘Make It’ levert een krachtige en actuele boodschap. Het roept op het behoud van biodiversiteit, wat mogelijk is als we ons allemaal samen inzetten voor een betere wereld.
De productie van Babl Lemmens (Netsky, Laura Tesoro, Natalia) combineert de warme zang van .Fen met pakkende melodieën en een onweerstaanbare groove. Met een betoverende dwarsfluit, een hypnotiserend pulserende bas, Prince-riffs echoënde gitaren, en on top nog gospelkoren die het geheel een extra spirituele dimensie geven. De finale brengt een subtiel eerbetoon aan Stevie Wonder, niet toevallig .Fens grote idool, met een zin uit het nummer ‘We Can Work It Out’ (op zijn beurt een verwijzing naar de beroemde titel van The Beatles).
‘Hero’, het nieuwe album, komt in september uit en is een vervolg op .Fens vorige pop-, funk- en soul-opus ‘Life Is So Beautiful’, dat veel bijval kreeg in Franstalig en Nederlandstalig België, maar ook in Frankrijk. Met meer dan 6 miljoen totale streams en weergaven van zijn vorige releases mag het duidelijk zijn dat de verwachtingen hooggespannen zijn.
‘Make It’ laat alvast horen dat .Fen klaar is om deze verwachtingen in te lossen met zijn heel eigen combinatie van kwaliteitssoul en aanstekelijke grooves!
Over .Fen
.Fen heeft er op muzikaal vlak al een heel parcours opzitten. In 2011 behaalde hij een 3de plaats in de Belgische selectie voor het Eurovisie Songfestival met zijn nummer ‘Yes I Know’. Een muzikaal eerbetoon aan zijn grote inspiratie Stevie Wonder bracht hem ook al op tal van Europese festivalpodia (Saint-Moritz Jazz Festival, Roskilde Jazz days, Music Village, The Waterhole, Festival Saint-Martin…).
In 2021 bracht hij het zeer gesmaakte solo-album ‘Life Is So Beautiful’ uit, dat wegens succes in 2022 nog in akoestische versie werd heruitgebracht. Nu lanceert .Fen zijn nieuwe single ‘Make It’ als voorbode van het in september te verschijnen album ‘Hero’.
Volg .Fen op:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fen.musique
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fenmusique
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fen_music
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/be/artist/fen/1549572934?l=nl
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/16UzGGDTW9EcoqruKMoBo1
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/info-1425
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fenmusique
www.fenmusique.be
'Make It' van .Fen is vanaf nu beschikbaar via alle bekende muziekplatformen.
NIEUWE SINGLE DIRK NYBERG – HAVE SOME FAITH
Dirk Nyberg lanceert nieuwe single : “Have Some Faith” met een bijpassende clip. Geen cover deze keer maar een 100% originele Engelstalige pop song met knipoog naar de 80-ies met de nieuwste effecten die je mag verwachten van een moderne sound.
Voor dit nummer kreeg Dirk de hulp van Milo Beyls die de originele lyrics schreef en Lex De Groot van LDG Produkties die de tekst voorzag van het juiste ritme en de aanstekelijke muziek. Muziek die aanzet tot dansen, lachen en feesten: de ideale zomerhit. “Have Some Faith” gaat over vriendschap, vertrouwen en hoop … Alles komt goed als we willen luisteren naar elkaar.
Met LDG Produkties doet Dirk opnieuw beroep op de muzikale duizendpoot en het creatief brein achter zijn vorige nummers.
Never change a winning team, en dus werd ook ditmaal de clip geregisseerd en gestyled door Ilse Adams. Het is een opgewekt geheel geworden met heel veel goede vibes dankzij het enthousiasme van alle betrokkenen en de unieke setting van Transit, de voormalige Permeke garage in Antwerpen.
Met “Have Some Faith” brengt Dirk Nyberg nu een nieuwe stijl en nieuwe look voor deze zomer met een originele song die je goed gezind zal maken!
Volg Dirk Nyberg op:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VFadOB3aBxeNEIeTvk2i8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirk.nyberg
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dirknyberg5432
JOHNNY LOGAN, HELMUT LOTTI EN LILIANE SAINT-PIERRE SCHITTEREN IN ZOMERSPEKTAKEL ‘OWLA SHOWTIME’
Owla Brugge, de historische kerk en unieke eventlocatie in het hart van Brugge, opende op zondag 25 juni 2023 de deuren voor de feestelijke première van het straffe en vooral verrassende zomerspektakel ‘OWLA Showtime’. O.a. Helmut Lotti (niet de metal-versie in deze) en Liliane Saint-Pierre schitteren naast Mister Eurovisiesongfestival Johnny Logan in een spetterende feelgoodshow vol glitter & glamour. De revue is met ‘OWLA Showtime’ met overtuigende knal gearriveerd in Brugge en houdt er nog halt tot eind augustus. Tickets voor dit niet te missen variétéspektakel via: owlabrugge.be
Met ‘OWLA Showtime’ serveert de prachtige eventlocatie Owla Brugge het grootste variétéspektakel van deze zomer. In de voormalige Heilige Familiekerk in het hart van Brugge kan je in juli en augustus nog gaan genieten van deze show vol ambiance, humor, acrobatie, zang, dans, magie en natuurlijk de nodige glitter & glamour.
Om het vocale geweld in dit spektakel kan je niet heen. Met Helmut Lotti, Liliane Saint-Pierre en Ivann staan drie van Vlaanderens strafste stemmen op het podium. Ze putten uit eigen repertoire en pakken uit met indrukwekkende covers. En dan is er natuurlijk nog Mister Eurovision. Johnny Logan krijgt het publiek meermaals op de banken met zijn onverwoestbare hits en imponeert met enkele verbluffende covers.
Internationaal gelauwerde acrobaten DUO Giurintano doen de monden openvallen van verbazing met hun jongleerkunsten. Illusionist Rafael pakt op zijn beurt uit met een scala aan trucs en slaat het publiek met verstomming. Met Dirk Van Vooren die zorgt voor de humoristische noot en met zijn grappen, grollen en hilarische sketches de tot de verbeelding sprekende acts aan elkaar kleeft, beschikt ‘OWLA Showtime’ dan nog eens over de gedroomde ringmeester voor deze revue.
Voor de muzikale ondersteuning van deze pleiade aan sterren en begeesterende acts zorgt een ijzersterke liveband onder leiding van Lou Roman. Dankzij een enthousiast showballet ontbreken ook de swingende beentjes niet op het podium.
‘Kom dat zien, kom dat zien!’, de revue is gearriveerd in Brugge en dat wil je niet missen!
Tickets & info ‘OWLA Showtime’: owlabrugge.be
WAALSE ZANGER CLAUDE BARZOTTI OVERLEDEN
De Franstalige zanger Claude Barzotti, onder meer bekend van het nummer 'Madame', is op 69-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat melden Franstalige media zaterdag. Barzotti stierf thuis in Court-Saint-Etienne, in de provincie Waals-Brabant, aan pancreaskanker.
Barzotti, van Italiaanse afkomst maar wel geboren in België, was vooral in de jaren tachtig erg populair. Dankzij hits als 'Madame' et 'Le Rital' verkocht hij in totaal meer dan 12 miljoen platen. Hij verkocht ook grote concertzalen in Frankrijk, België en andere landen uit.
Hij zette in 2020 wegens gezondheidsproblemen een punt achter zijn carrière.
MAXINE SCOTT - ‘NEW TO THIS’ EP
Having made quite the impression on the NuJazz scene since she landed on Ramrock Blue Records last year, Ramsgate’s young soulful talent Maxine Scott reveals her fantastic new summer single, ‘New To This’. Flipping the script from her gutsy ‘Erykah U Bad’ single, ‘New To This’ sees Maxine display an emotional fragility about embarking on the start of a new relationship, as she delivers a candy-sweet vocal dipped in shyness and uncertainty that glides over her beautifully delicate urban groove,
Maxine’s debut release on Ramrock Blue, 'Erykah U Bad' last year, scored a 10/10 review in Blues and Soul, along with support from Mixmag and DMC, among others. Since her debut Ramrock Blue release, Maxine has gone from strength to strength. Her amazing collaborations with UK Beat Wizard alf.E, took the Future Soul scene by storm with their combined talents creating ‘Ya Energy’, ‘SXC’ and ‘Guard Down’, culminating in a showcase gig in March 2023 at London’s iconic Jazz Café. 2023 is already musically busy for Maxine – a No’West remix on ‘New To This’, a project with the legendary Black Science Orchestra, a House EP with Australian producer, Andrew Sant, and further solo releases. Watch this space – Maxine’s star is on the rise.
Track Listing
1 New To This (Original)
2 New To This (Instrumental)
‘New To This EP (Original Mixes) will be released on June 30th 2023 on Ramrock Blue Records.
Maxine Scott
‘New To This’ EP
Ramrock Blue Records / RRB021
https://www.instagram.com/maxinescottt/7
https://www.facebook.com/RamrockRecords
ERIC EVANS GOES ‘UPCOUNTRY’
"Upcountry" takes you on an Eric Evans musical journey up from golden beaches to the rolling hills and misty mountains of Upcountry Maui. Written and coproduced by Eric Evans and Adam Hawley. Produced in collaboration with David Eugene Ivey Soundtracks to Life the music, media arts publishing company of Eric John Evans and David Eugene Ivey.) The song features Eric Evans on flutes, keys along with Billboard chart-topping hit maker Adam Hawley on guitars, keys, synth bass and Eric Valentine on drums.
Set your heart free and take a trip to jazzy new heights with "Upcountry" and enjoy nature’s reflections on the gifts of life! The Eric Evans project has been a Contemporary and Classic Jazz internet favorite around the world! The flute, alto flute, bass flute and EWI (Electronic Woodwind Instrument) are primary features in the Eric Evans signature sound!
Eric is inspired by diverse musical influences from classical to jazz to rock to new age that help define the diversity and passion in his music.
PHILIPPE SAISSE FT. DAVE VALENTIN PLAY ‘FLUTE AETERNA’
If the robust, high-octane Latin-fired vibe of Philippe Saisse’s latest uniquely titled single “Flute Æterna” fires up your senses with reminders of a classic freewheeling 90s contemporary jazz vibe, it’s because it first took shape in that golden era. In March 1990, flush with the success of his solo debut album Valerian, the keyboardist/composer put together a dynamic NYC session with flutist Dave Valentin and electric guitarist Hiram Bullock, two legendary, boundary pushing late greats of the time, along with percussionist Don Alias. Originally intended for Saisse’s second solo album, the original unnamed track – created as a showcase for Valentin’s melodic and improvisational genius - was set aside when he had a falling out with the label and never released.
Though Saisse has gone on to decades of success since – including a Grammy nomination for his 2009 solo album At World’s Edge and countless #1 hits as a solo artist, trio leader and writer/producer for other artists, he never forgot the song – or the flutist’s powerful performance. Two years ago, he decided to re-record the entire album he was working on, keeping only the live tracks of the great musicians who participated in it, and redoing everything that had been created via the style of programming and artificial synth sounds that was prevalent 30 years ago.
With a title that pays homage to Valentin’s enduring spirit and the clever name of French composer William Sheller’s 1972 debut album Lux Æterna, “Flute Æterna” – the first track the keyboardist has completed so far – includes the original performances by Valentin, Bullock and Alias and features Saisse’s fresh re-arrangement, redone piano parts and added marimba, vibes, horns, drums and bass.
The Los Angeles based 2023 recording features live studio performances Abraham Laboriel (electric bass) and the fresh, sizzling horn section of Jamie Hovorka (trumpet), Rick Braun (trumpet), Brandon Fields (tenor and alto sax), Nick Lane (trombone) and David Mann (baritone sax). Drummer Mauricio Zottarelli recorded remotely from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
One of the challenges in creating the new track was transferring the original 1990 masters – which were recorded on now outdated Akai DR1200 A-DAM system – to modern digital Pro Tools technology. “Once I found the right guy to do that,” Philippe says, “I was able to keep the incredible audio of Dave, Hiram and Don and create a whole new sonic energy around it. At the start, I had no idea how the new arrangement would go, but it turned out great. I hadn’t heard Dave’s kind of flute blowing in so long, and the track is really a tribute to the gifts he left us and his many fans. I felt like I had an obligation to bring his performance back in a way that would do it justice.”
SONIC SOUL ORCHESTRA FT PHILLIP RAMIREZ 'HAPPY PEOPLE' (INCL. JAY VEGAS AND DEMARKUS LEWIS MIXES)
After a production hiatus for several years whilst putting on world tours for the likes of Rihanna and Drake, among others, Sonic Soul Orchestra, aka Jean-Paul Firmin, has made a welcome return to the dance music production arena. Now signed to Australia’s Tinted Records, JP is revamping some of his much loved Interstate Records catalogue, fusing his 90’s soulful house heritage with contemporary dance for a new generation of House Music lovers.
Following the success of Sonic Soul Orchestra feat Colonel Abrams ‘You’re The One For Me’ (incl. Dr Packer remix), and ‘Touch Me’ feat Kathy Brown, his new single, ‘Happy People’, ramps up the feel good factor with an uplifting funky soulful groove that features the incredible falsetto tones of Phillip Ramirez. Other remixes come from UK producer Jay Vegas, who brings some Disco sparkle to the release, adding sweeping strings and percussive drums; and Dallas’ Demarkus Lewis cooks up a warm deep groove that bubbles over his signature soulful beats wizardry.
Sonic Soul Orchestra is an English DJ / producer based in London and Los Angeles. He started his own label Interstate Records back in early 1990, along with running his own club nights, which led him to become a booking agent for NY’s DJ Disciple, Dave Camacho and legendary vocalist Michael Watford. In the 2000’s, he began directing and managing global tours for some of the world’s biggest artists and still does today. It was during lockdown that JP became inspired to get back into making house music and now that he’s armed with a plethora of hot new releases and classic revamps ready to go, 2023 looks set to be an exciting year!
Track Listing
1 Happy People (SSO Classic Vocal Mix)
2 Happy People (Jay Vegas Disco Mix)
3 Happy People (Demarkus Lewis Deez Raw Mix)
4 Happy People (Demarkus Lewis Deez Raw Dub)
‘Happy People’ (SSO Classic Vocal Mix) will be released on Traxsource promo June 23rd / Full release July 7th 2023 on Tinted Records.
‘Happy People’ (Jay Vegas and Demarkus Lewis Mixes) will be released on Traxsource promo July 7th / Full release July 21st 2023 on Tinted Records.
Sonic Soul Orchestra Ft Phillip Ramirez
Happy People (Incl Jay Vegas and Demarkus Lewis Mixes)
Tinted Records / TINT0400
https://tintedrecords.com
JASON HERD & THE BOHEMIAN DISCO CHOIR ‘SHACKLES’ (INCL. CASH ONLY & HERDY DUB)
Hot off the heels of the Bohemian Disco label’s first release, ‘Head Up High’, from Jason Herd and Barbara Tucker, Jason unleashes his second single for the label, introducing his very own Bohemian Disco Choir on a fantastic cover of Mary Mary’s 2000 hit ‘Shackles (Praise You)’. Perfectly reformed with a funky disco house edge, ‘Shackles’ comes with all the shiny trimmings of strings, funky guitars and an infectious bass hook, topped with the sensational soulful voices of The Bohemian Disco Choir. Also on the package Jason collaborates with North West London’s rising star, Cash Only, together delivering a bumping peak time House and Garage fusion, lead by an ever changing lead synth and a huge bassline to get the floor bouncing.
Jason Herd has gained worldwide acclaim with his uplifting house productions on top labels such as on Defected, Subliminal Azuli, Toolroom, Moody and CR2, among others. He’s performed at Global Gathering, Creamfields, Space Ibiza, Pacha Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, Space, Toolroom Knights and more. Having taken a break from releasing music, concentrating on his Manchester Based “Bohemian Disco” Festival, alongside his mixing, mentoring and engineering, Jason gets ready to deliver his best work to date as he launches his Bohemian Disco label. Watch this space for releases with iconic producers, vocalists and fresh new talent, including The Bohemian Disco Choir. Jason also hosts the The Bohemian Disco Radio Show On Centreforce Radio Saturdays from 1-3pm (GMT).
Track Listing
1 Shackles (Original Mix)
2 Shackles (Cash Only & Herdy's Fat Arse Dub)
3 Shackles (Original Radio Edit)
‘Shackles’ will be released on Traxsource promo June 23rd / Full release July 7th 2023 on Bohemian Disco.
Jason Herd & The Bohemian Disco Choir
‘Shackles’ (Incl. Cash Only & Herdy Dub)
Bohemian Disco / BOHO002
https://www.instagram.com/jasonherdmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/wearebohemiandisco/
BRIAN LENAIR ASKS ‘CAN YOU STAND THE RAIN?’
National recording artist, Brian Lenair is a Washington D.C. based contemporary Jazz saxophonist that can blow with the best of them. He has lent his talents performing with or behind some of the greatest recording artists and musicians of our time including national recording greats like, Will Downing, Maysa, Jean Carne, Billy Paul, Angela Bofill, Christopher Williams, Miki Howard, Glenn Jones, Al Jarreau, Vesta, Tony Terry, Phyllis Hyman, Pieces of a Dream, Miles Jay, Grover Washington, Jr., Peabo Bryson, and George Benson, just to name a few.
Lenair’s love for music began at the age of eight. Some of his most profound influences came from his dad, who is also a fellow saxophonist, and his first music instructor, Bruce Tyler, who encouraged his passion for music. In addition, Lenair credits the works of jazz greats Grover Washington, Jr. and Stanley Turrentine for their musical inspiration.
Lenair’s first band was 4 1/2 Hours. After four years with the group, he joined Spur of the Moment, who has become a legendary Washington, DC jazz/funk band. As the front man of the group, they astounded audiences with their mixture of jazz and R&B sounds for over 15 years.
Despite the growing success of Spur of the Moment, Lenair moved forward to pursue a solo career. In 2004, Lenair produced his first CD entitled, The Journey. Creating this CD gave Lenair the opportunity to showcase his talents as an extraordinary saxophonist, producer, entertainer, and songwriter. The first single, "Gone Ridin" is a mixture of soft melodies and up-tempo grooves. The title track "The Journey", Lenair’s personal favorite, expresses the experience that he and his family endured during his sister’s victorious battle with cancer. Another track is one of his all-time favorites, "I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You Are Near)", originally recorded by Michael McDonald.
Lenair truly believes that hidden in the notes, harmonies, and compositions, are the answers and the bridges between what we see and what we seek for our lives. He has been taught that music gives us meaning and purpose. It is one of mankind’s sources of love, truth, imagination, reflection and discovery. It articulates hope and freedom.
In the years to come, Lenair aspires to unlock the creative genius of our youth and inspire new generations of musicians, songwriters, composers and artists who will one day contribute their God given gifts to the world.
AXON RADIO FT. PAUL BROWN IN A ‘NAPTOWN HUSTLE’
Axon Radio is an American jazz duo founded by Cory Carleton (bass) and Travis Brant (drums). Mostly known in the contemporary jazz scene, Axon Radio blends jazz, funk, and fusion, with modern studio production and a rotating cast of industry-established musicians.
Naptown Hustle is a fresh contemporary jazz single featuring two-time Grammy winning guitarist Paul Brown. Co-written and produced by Darren Rahn, Naptown Hustle is a tribute to Axon Radio's hometown, Indianapolis.
"Naptown Hustle" ft. Paul Brown
Produced and Mixed by Darren Rahn
Written by Darren Rahn, Travis Brant & Cory Carleton
Darren Rahn: Rhodes, Organ, Synths, Programming
Paul Brown: Guitar
Cory Carleton: Bass
Travis Brant: Drums
ARTHUR THOMPSON FT. MINDI ABIR ON ‘SMILE’
Arthur Thompson- a Tulsa native who now resides in Los Angeles, California- is a drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter, producer, author, designer, entrepreneur, and teacher. He was the drummer for the late Wayman Tisdale. Singer/songwriter Toby Keith recorded the song “Crying for Me” in honor of Wayman. Arthur recorded and performed this song with Toby Keith, along with Dave Koz and Marcus Miller. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2011.
Deeply moved by the realities faced by at-risk children, as well as the drastic reduction of music and arts education in schools today, Arthur created Math & Music©, a curriculum that relates basic mathematical concepts with musical notes and scales incorporating repetitive auditory memorization skills. This rhythmic approach to learning uses engaging characters created by Arthur. Math & Music© helps make learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division fun for all children. This curriculum has been taught in Oklahoma, Texas, and California. Arthur also takes his life-changing curriculum to the children of Uganda, Africa and Nicaragua. As part of a yearly Medical Global Outreach “Power of a Nickel”, Arthur has donated his time and his resources to these children by teaching them his curriculum and training and equipping their teachers.
For over 10 years, he was a co-founder and a director of the Promises for Families© Foundation, which provided summer camps and school programs for children and youth with an incarcerated parent. Arthur has a passion for working with at-risk youth. He has created a way to mix music and education by energizing, engaging, and inspiring children. He uses his gift of music, movement, and storytelling to touch the lives of hundreds of children each and every day. Arthur uses his drums as an instrument for positive change. He has an immense passion for both his music and the children that he works with on a daily basis.
"Smile" ft. Mindi Abair
Written and Arranged by Arthur Thompson
Mixed by Matt Cusson
Engineered by Jung Jacob Song
Arthur Thompson: Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Mindi Abair: Saxophone
David John: Guitars
Cortez Jonson: Bass
Fred Smith: Keyboard
Monique Brooks-Roberts: Violin
JAZZ VOCALIST SANDRA BOOKER TAKES THE FIRST COURAGEOUS STEP TOWARDS RECLAIMING HER LIFE
After surviving sexual assault and a life-threatening cancer battle, releasing “The Reunion Concert Live” on July 14 is the first in a series of new projects.
LOS ANGELES (13 June 2023): Sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back. For jazz singer-songwriter Sandra Booker, she’s ready to pick up exactly where she left off eight years ago when she recorded a live album with her then band, The New Trio. Releasing the album, “The Reunion Concert Live from Pasadena Conservatory of Music: Barrett Hall,” this July 14 is a monumental step forward for Booker after enduring a traumatizing eight years that include sexual assault and a life-threatening cancer bout, which combined to put a halt on her once promising performing, recording and touring career.
The 2015 concert showcasing Booker elegantly singing and astutely scatting a set of standards and a few of her original storytelling compositions took place several months after she was sexually assaulted by a musician she knew and trusted. Still numb and traumatized, Booker was determined that the show - and the recording - must go on.
“Producing that show was such a labor of love because I was still reeling from the assault in silence but determined not to let it take away my passion for music and the joy I knew it gave to others,” said Booker.
A year after the Pasadena concert, Booker was diagnosed with bladder cancer, a diagnosis she believes came as a direct result of the sexual trauma she endured. The assault awoke memories of past childhood abuse. The lengthy cancer battle that ensued became the primary focus of Booker’s existence for six years.
Having reported the rape to police, Booker found herself being gaslit and shunned by the music and cancer communities. In fact, one nonprofit organization for which she served as musical director for two major fundraising jazz concerts turned her away, refusing to provide services or care to her that her own efforts helped fund.
The gifted songbird to whom five-time Grammy winner, six-time Academy Awards nominee and four-time Emmy nominee Lalo Schifrin – the legend who wrote the liner notes for “The Reunion Concert Live from Pasadena Conservatory of Music: Barrett Hall” - calls one of his two favorite jazz vocalists was silenced over these years when all she wanted to do was sing and entertain.
Last fall, after no longer showing signs of disease, Booker didn’t know where or how to begin her comeback. But reading a timely post on social media about creating a comeback changed that. In those words, Booker saw a path towards getting back to doing what she loved. It meant going back to when life as she knew it came to a halt. It meant finally releasing the recording she intended to release eight years ago. She believes releasing the collection is pivotal to resuming her life, restoring her reputation and rebuilding her brand.
“I feel it is time to release this project to the world and get it off of my heart and spirit. I’m proud of the work and due to health challenges that nearly took my life, time is now of the essence. I have had a rough life but I’m not a victim. I’ve built my life on speaking the truth and being genuine. I love the person I have chosen to be, and I search for the good in myself. I am determined not to become like the people who have harmed me. Facing my mortality gave me the resilience and motivation to do that and whatever is left of my life is dedicated to being the best I can be. Music is medicine to me, life is for living, and reclaiming that part of my life means everything to me,” said Booker defiantly.
The set list Booker curated for “The Reunion Concert Live from Pasadena Conservatory of Music: Barrett Hall” is, not surprisingly, deeply personal and emotional, exploring love, heartbreak and hope.
“The album is a love letter to myself and chronicles my ups and downs of falling in love, being betrayed by it, and finding the hope to love again. It explores the perils of unrequited love, the dream of reunion and reconciliation, and the bitter disappointment of knowing that sometimes the love we wanted will never come to fruition. It touches on family and friendship, and the psychological and emotional challenges of losing those bonds. At its core, this album is about love in its various manifestations. I wanted to musically express the highs and lows of realizing the only love we can surely rely on is the love we create and nurture within ourselves,” said Booker, who was accompanied by Tamir Hendelman (piano), Robert Perkins (drums), Dave Robaire (upright bass) and Steve Cotter (guitar).
“The Reunion Concert Live” opens with a Booker original, penned while working on her 1995 debut album, “Very Early,” and designed to sound like it came from the Great American Songbook or a Broadway show.
“I opened the album with this track because it demonstrates the feelings we hope will come by revealing our affection for someone and the desire they will return those feelings,” Booker shared.
Booker reimagines Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood" as an up-tempo Latin number and shines brightly on “My Ship.”
“I was drawn to the mysterious, ethereal elements of the song's (“My Ship”) melody, harmony, and words as a metaphoric love passage. It speaks to the uncertainty of life and love, and the journey it takes us on,” she said.
First recorded by Sarah Vaughan, Booker’s pained experiences around the recording date fueled her stunning performance on “Black Coffee.”
“This song talks about failed love, what it does to those discarded by it, and the vices we adapt to soothe the suffering of that reality. The lyric and music resonated with me because of my personal experience with love gone awry when I was developing this show.”
The arrangement Handelman and Booker crafted for “It Could Happen To You” precedes the Pasadena concert by ten years. The vocalist wrote “What Made God?” after her grandmother’s passing.
“She was my inspiration and hero. It is a deeply personal song based on kitchen conversations held over Creole coffee and tea cakes about religion, life and death, and the mystery and magic of it all. As a child, I questioned everything the way kids do. In my grandmother, I found someone who didn't claim to know all the answers. Instead, she would say ‘I don't know.’ That was the most honest and gracious of responses. She encouraged me to seek the answers I would come to search for from my own experiences, finding truth according to my dreams and beliefs,” Booker recalled fondly.
Ira and George Gershwin’s "But Not for Me" appealed to Booker because it contradicts the narrative of love conquering all.
“It speaks to love lost and the debilitating state it leaves the brokenhearted and the despair of believing in romantic love only to realize love can deceive and betray us. The pain of it is epitomized in this song, and that's the story I wanted to tell. Written in 1930 for the musical ‘Crazy Girl,’ love makes us crazy when we take a chance with someone who doesn't want to or is incapable of returning those feelings, and the toxicity of it when that's the outcome,” said Booker.
Booker’s “Eddie” is a fond remembrance of the affections she received as a teenager and the subsequent disappointment she experienced from interracial relationships. The song is about the one boy who couldn’t be swayed by skin color or peer pressure when it came to his feelings for Booker.
The album closes with the hopeful “The Song Is You,” which Booker says reflects the ethos of the entire record.
“This song expresses the excitement and joy of learning to love again, finding the courage to follow one's heart, and how new love can bloom into a beautiful experience. The song became a metaphor for love being everywhere when we least expect it and how it heals and renews us,” concluded Booker.
“The Reunion Concert Live” is the first of a prolific slate of recording projects Booker has in the pipeline to make up for lost time. The release marks the rebirth of a career, but, more importantly, the resumption of a radiantly gifted life interrupted by unimagined darkness and sorrow. If everyone really does love a comeback story, just wait until Sandra Booker writes hers by the life she courageously lives beginning with the release of this inspired album.
“The Reunion Concert Live from Pasadena Conservatory of Music: Barrett Hall” contains the following songs:
“Over and Over Again”
“In A Sentimental Mood”
“My Ship”
“Black Coffee”
“It Could Happen To You”
“What Made God?”
“But Not For Me”
“Eddie”
“The Song Is You”
For more information, please visit https://www.sandrabooker.com.
R&B-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST MEKIEL REUBEN PAYS HOMAGE TO A BYGONE ERA ON ‘JUST LIKE THE RADIO’
His ninth album recalling the halcyon days of jazz, funk and soul drops July 21.
FREDERIKSTED (13 June 2023): Not that long ago, listening to music on the radio provided a carefree escape, sparked imagination, created excitement, adventure and discovery, and at times, was as comforting as an old friend. R&B-jazz saxophonist Mekiel Reuben came of age during that era and his new album, “Just Like The Radio,” preserves his memories of listening to the radio from childhood to adulthood, sharing his experiences via twelve new songs that he wrote with his coproducer David Vasquez. The saxman’s ninth album drops July 21 on MekMuse Records.
While growing up in Chicago, Reuben listened to a lot of funk, jazz and soul music on the radio, and the songs on “Just Like The Radio” recall and celebrate many of the artists who influence his sound – from his 1994 debut album, “Miles Away,” titled for Miles Davis, to his latest collection of rhythms, grooves and melodies that pays tribute to the artistry of Sly & The Family Stone, The Jazz Crusaders, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Grover Washington Jr., Archie Bell, and War. Reuben began writing the set during the Covid quarantine. Although he now lives in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he made frequent trips to Los Angeles in 2021 when he would play the tunes for Vasquez, who began crafting arrangements for the tracks. A year later, they had eighteen songs to choose from.
With Reuben playing tenor and alto sax as well as percussion and Vasquez adding keyboards, synth bass and percussion, they brought in drummer Phil Martin to anchor the beats. After the sessions, Reuben returned to St. Croix with the tracks, tweaking them to get the grooves dialed in. To add guitar, Reuben reached out to Mauricio Guerrero Jr., who had performed on two of the saxophonist’s previous projects.
“Mauricio has a flair with his style of playing the guitar. I admire how he uses his imagination to create riffs that take the music to its promise and gives it identity. He was able to deliver some incredible guitar tracks. As for Phil, who I first started working with for my sixth album (“If You Were Here Tonight”), his creative ability to add flavor to the music with his drum playing has always amazed me,” said Reuben.
Reuben selected ten new songs for the new album and decided to reinvent two – “Time Piece” and “Cool Livin’” – from his first album. “Just Like The Radio” opens with the Sly Stone funkster “Sly Jungle,” which swings from a foundation constructed of congas, heavy percussion and African drums. The warm and lushly melodic “FB Maze” tips its cap to Frankie Beverly and his iconic band. When he’s in the studio working on music, Reuben practices gratitude by frequently saying “What a life,” which became the title of the third cut.
“‘What A Life” is living and enjoying life as you live it, and cherishing your moments in time,” he explained.
The title track derived inspiration from Archie Bell & The Drell’s “Tighten Up.”
“It was a tune that opened up with a guitar riff that got people jumping on the dance floor back in the day. I wanted to create the same effect on ‘Just Like The Radio.’”
Introducing “Time Piece” to a new audience, Vasquez added a fresh twist to the hard-hitting funk groove: the sound of steel drums from Reuben’s adopted home. Vasquez’s role in Reuben’s recordings is acknowledged on “D Vaz.”
“David Vasquez has been the backbone to my recordings over the past twenty years. His reservoir of ideas when it comes to arranging tunes and adding different sounds to add flavor to our recordings is priceless. I have often said he has been the best thing to happen to me as far as music production. He’s a humble human being who loves turning mediocre songs into something marvelous,” said Reuben.
Among the other standout selections is the reggae and Caribbean influenced “Groovin in V.I. Twin City.” Reuben moved to the Virgin Islands as a teenager. He immersed himself in the native music, learning calypso, reggae and other Latin and Caribbean styles, elements that are prevalent on his records. After spending thirty years in Los Angeles, he returned to live in St. Croix seven years ago.
“There are two towns on the islands and St. Croix is known locally as V.I. Twin City. On the east is Christiansted and Frederiksted is on the west side of the island. So, I dedicated this tune to the island of St. Croix - the only U.S. Virgin Islands that has two towns, which has always been special to me,” Reuben said.
Dusting off another song from his debut record, “Cool Livin” offers a slice of vibrant pop melodies that Reuben says are reminiscent of Kool & The Gang.
“Mellow Tuesday” is a sultry and exotic Latin samba.
“My sax solo takes you on this free-flowing journey where you feel this soothing sensational warm breeze touching your heart from the expressive tones. The song has mystic flowing vibes that will touch your soul.”
Observing a young Caribbean girl jubilantly dancing inspired the album closer, “Girl Dancer.”
“‘Girl Dancer’ has this feeling of joy when you listen to the Caribbean rhythms that take you on this journey of excitement. The song came from watching this girl dancing to the joyous rhythms that flowed from her feet to her hands, expressing the love of life,” said Reuben, who soft-launched a different version of the album earlier this year.
“We went back into the studio to remix the entire album to make it sound like I always intended it to sound. We also made a subtle change to the album cover.”
Reuben spent decades touring and performing internationally at major jazz, blues and reggae festivals, having shared the stage with Lenny Williams, Barbara Morrison, Phil Perry, Vesta Williams, Ronnie Laws, The Jazz Crusaders, Les McCann, The Itals, Bunny Wailer, Ziggy Marley, Maxi Priest, Third World, Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, UB40, Marcus Miller, Chaka Khan, Gino Vannelli, Dr. John, Etta James, George Clinton and P-Funk All Stars. For over twenty years, Reuben donated his time and talents to sharing the joys of music with disabled children at Los Angeles Unified School District’s Benjamin Banneker Special Education Center.
“Just Like The Radio” contains the following songs:
“Sly Jungle”
“FB Maze”
“What A Life”
“Just Like The Radio”
“Time Piece”
“D Vaz”
“Last Sunday”
“Sunset Breezin”
“Groovin in V.I. Twin City”
“Cool Livin”
“Mellow Tuesday”
“Girl Dancer”
For more information, please visit https://www.mekielreuben.com.
CELEBRATING THE QUINCY JONES CONSERVATORY IN MANTES-LA-JOLIE, FRANCE
Conservatoire de la Communauté urbaine Grand Paris Seine & Oise to Be Renamed THE QUINCY JONES CONSERVATORY June 16, 2023.
New York, NY – World-famous trumpeter/arranger/composer/producer Quincy Jones will be given a new eponym on Friday, June 16 – The Quincy Jones Conservatory – formerly the Conservatoire de la Communauté urbaine Grand Paris Seine & Oise, located in Mantes-la-Jolie in France. Jones, who has worked with numerous entertainment greats including Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and more, has a close connection with the region and considers France as his second home.
One of the world’s most influential composition teachers, Nadia Boulanger, will also be celebrated at the event when the Conservatory’s auditorium is named in her honor. Pierre Bédier, President of the Yvelines Departmental Council; Cécile Zammit-Popescu, President of GPS&O and Raphaël Cognet, Mayor of Mantes-la-Jolie, will participate in the celebration of the only conservatory in the world to bear Jones’ name.
The organist/singer Rhoda Scott, who was a student of Jones, as well as students and teachers from the Conservatory will pay tribute to the musical geniuses, Jones and Boulanger.
It is an event for Grand Paris Seine & Oise, but the global star is approaching the honor with humility and gratitude. In a letter to Jean-Pierre Vignola, Jazz Festival Producer. Jones wrote, “It makes my soul smile to know there is a school of music named ‘Quincy Jones’ in France, my second country! I was fortunate to be on the shoulders of the greats; it is an honor to be able to contribute in the legacy of music education. My memories of France are intimately tied to my beloved Nadia Boulanger, and I cannot express how flattered I am to be her neighbor with a school named after me. Merci mille fois from the bottom of my heart!”
Over the past 70 years, Quincy Jones has become a living legend. His music is among the most sampled by today’s greatest hip hop artists. From bebop to bossa nova, soul to hip hop, futuristic big bands to funk soundtracks, he has left his mark on most of the mutations in modern music. He owes much of his success to Nadia Boulanger. Described as “the most influential teacher since Socrates,” she counted among her pupils George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Astor Piazzolla and Philip Glass, in addition to Jones. Boulanger was the first woman to conduct the Boston and New York Philharmonic orchestras, and she was the first conductor to lead Gabriel Faure’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall in 1962.
Given all of their achievements and accolades bestowed upon these two icons of music, it is no doubt an excellent decision to present The Quincy Jones Conservatory and Nadia Boulanger Auditorium to the world.
For more information, please visit https://gpseo.fr/.
R&B-JAZZ VOCALIST KAT HAWLEY’S DEBUT SINGLE IS AN AFFIRMATION OF LOVE
Billboard chart-toppers Adam Hawley and Steve Cole feature on “Keep On, Keepin’ On.”
LOS ANGELES (8 JUNE 2023): ‘Twas the night before Valentine’s Day and a pair of lovers were toiling away in the recording studio. He, twelve-time Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley, and she, R&B-jazz singer Kat Hawley, were at opposite ends of the room ruminating on what has kept their marriage and romance going fifteen years. As Adam composed and began constructing an instrumental groove, Kat riffed on the secret to their relationship, jotting down the affirmation “Keep on, keepin’ on” in her lyric book. She alternately sang and scatted until the right words emerged from her heart to tell the story. By the time dawn arrived on St. Valentine’s Day, Kat’s debut single was written. “Keep On, Keepin’ On” will begin collecting playlist adds on Monday (June 12).
“Keep On, Keepin’ On” is a soulful and cultured midtempo groove that provides a lush rhythmic pocket for Kat Hawley to emote atop. Her voice oozes genuine warmth, sensuality and passion in her lead and layered backgrounds. There’s a sense of both confidence as well as emotional vulnerability in her expressive delivery, qualities that make the single feel authentically real. Adam Hawley plays guitar, keyboards and programming while co-writer Caleb Middleton fills the track with additional keyboards, key bass and programming around drummer Eric Valentine’s beats. There’s another prominent voice featured on the single: the tenor saxophone of veteran hitmaker Steve Cole.
“I wanted some serious vibes with this tune, and I think we got it. ‘Keep On, Keepin’ On’ is a burst of excitement for me. Feeling something in your soul, hearing things in your mind, streams of subconsciousness throughout your dreams to now being able to touch it is amazing,” said Kat Hawley who has sung on all four of her husband’s albums.
Landing a powerhouse saxman like Cole for your first single is definitely a benefit of being married to Adam yet Kat takes nothing for granted, conveying gratitude for Cole’s contribution to the recording.
“Something that I still am reeling from is having the one and only Steve Cole featured on the single. He has always stood out to me as a player and an artist. I am grateful that he agreed to be part of this project and for doing such an incredible job with it as well. You never know what to expect when you hand something over to someone. You hope that they can grasp the emotion and the vibe, and that they respect your creation. I appreciate that he took his time over several days to really listen and grasp what needed to be done. His performance is simply perfect. The warmth, the gentle aggressiveness and, of course, his impeccable playing. To have Steve graciously play on my first solo release is truly an honor,” said Kat Hawley who tours performing with Adam Hawley all over the world at concerts, festivals and star-studded music cruises and has sung or recorded with Dave Koz, Marcus Anderson, Greg Manning, Julian Vaughn and Marqueal Jordan amongst many others.
Kat Hawley is working on an album with Adam Hawley at the helm and she jokes that it could be a test of their relationship.
“I think Adam gets extra brownie points for producing me. I know I am not the easiest client. At one point during the recording, mixing and mastering stages, he said to me, ‘You’ve already exceeded my standard limit of edits per song.’ I responded with, ‘Another thing I want to fix is...’ We get a lot of laughs from one another. His creativity, mastery of the art and disciplined work ethic is something that I admire and respect, as I, too, share integrity for the artform. I am deeply blessed to have a partner who can bring out the best of my craft and support me like no other.”
For more information, please visit https://www.kathawley.com.
ROBERTO TOLA IS ‘DRIVING TO MADRID’
"Driving To Madrid" is Roberto Tola's new single, coming out on June 6th 2023. The new track from the Italian artist precedes the release of his new album titled UNDER THE LEO SIGN (scheduled release June 26, 2023), the fourth solo album by the guitarist and composer from the island of Sardinia. This new album is not only the result of Roberto's rich career as a session musician, teacher, composer and arranger, but this new musical project represents the very essence of the artist, described through the nine tracks that will form the album.
Linked to the vibrant energy of the Leo sign, Roberto sings of warmth and passion, of intense colors and romance and idealism, elements that are the source of music that flows freely, like the emotions that animate it. The new tracks on the album are fragments of lived life, of places close to his heart, and portraits of special people fundamental in Roberto's life.
"Driving To Madrid", in particular, tells of a special journey, a track that reflects Roberto's predilection for freedom, adventure, as well as his music, which remains however rigorous and refined.
"Driving To Madrid"
Mixed and Mastered by Roberto Tola
Composed and Arranged by Roberto Tola
Roberto Tola: Guitar, Percussion, Programming
Marco Rasa: Piano
Maciek Szczyciński: Bass
Esteban Rotunno: Drums
CHASE HUNA DELIVERS AN ‘EAST COAST SWING’
Chase Huna is a saxophonist, national recording artist, and composer from Palm Springs, CA who blends Jazz, R&B, and Soul into his style of music.
Chase has toured the US with various pop, jazz, and soul bands and he's had the pleasure of working with some of the greatest artists in Smooth Jazz including Peter White, Marc Antoine, Eric Darius, Brian Simpson, Steve Oliver, and Rick Braun.
Most recently on a break from touring, Chase has focused solely on his studio work. Taking everything he knows to this day about writing, recording, and producing, people are saying "East Coast Swing" is his greatest work to date!
"East Coast Swing has a sound that takes you back to the late 70s. I can picture myself walking down the streets of popular music cities on the east coast such as New York City, Philadelphia, or Baltimore when I hear this song." - Chase Huna
"East Coast Swing"
Written & Produced by Chase Huna
Mixed by Chase Huna, David Williams & Slim Man
Mastered by David Williams
Chase Huna: Saxophone & Programming
Shea Welsh: Guitar
Tateng Katindig: Keyboard & Piano
Slim Man: Bass
Gorden Campbell: Drums
NEW SINGLE ‘KEEP ON, KEPPIN’ ON’ FROM KAT HAWLEY FT.STEVE COLE
Kat Hawley is a Contemporary Jazz and Smooth R&B vocalist from Los Angeles, California. She is married to 12-time Billboard #1 guitarist and producer in the Contemporary Jazz genre, Adam Hawley. Together, they have collaborated on several musical projects, including all four of Adam's critically acclaimed albums. Now, Kat is stepping out on her own with her debut single, “Keep On, Keepin’ On” feat. Steve Cole. Steve is a celebrated figure in the genre, has released countless #1 hits and has sold hundreds of thousands of records. He lends his signature sultry tenor sax sound while Kat delivers her uniquely soulful and expressive vocals with an intrinsic ability to infuse emotion into her one-of-a-kind vocal performance.
Some of Kat Hawley’s performance highlights include:
~Collaborating with and performing alongside her husband, Adam Hawley and other notable Contemporary Jazz artists, including Marcus Anderson, Greg Manning, Dave Koz, Julian Vaughn and Marqueal Jordan, amongst many others in live performances and recordings
~Receiving critical acclaim for her live performances, with many reviewers praising her vocal range and warm ability to connect with her audience
~Performing as a featured vocalist at various venues and festivals
"Keep On, Keepin' On"
Produced and Mixed by Adam Hawley
Mastered by Steve Hall
Written by Kat Hawley, Adam Hawley & Caleb Middleton
Kat Hawley: Lead & Background Vocals
Steve Cole: Saxophone
Adam Hawley: Guitars, Keys, Programming
Caleb Middleton: Keys, Key Bass, Programming
Eric Valentine: Drums
JASON HERD & BARBARA TUCKER ‘HEAD UP HIGH’ (INCL. HARRY ROMERO REMIX)
Bohemian Disco is the exciting new label from UK producer and DJ, Jason Herd, who has a brilliant set of releases forthcoming throughout 2023 spanning the Soulful, Disco, Funky and peak time House music spectrums, featuring collabs with some of the best names in the biz. The label’s first release sees Jason team up with the iconic ‘Queen Of House’, Barbara Tucker, on the fantastically uplifting Disco stomper ‘Head Up High’, which features a high octane vocal from Barbara, along with full live strings and instrumentation. The package also features a remix from one of the Subliminal masters, Harry Romero, who cooks up a slamming dub, along with a full vocal remix coming soon. Jason also delivers one of his peak time Fat Arse dubs, featuring playfully chopped up vocals, a distorted Tom bassline and lo-fi piano’s, ripe for the late night party.
Jason Herd has gained worldwide acclaim with his uplifting house productions on top labels such as on Defected, Subliminal Azuli, Toolroom, Moody and CR2, among others. He’s performed at Global Gathering, Creamfields, Space Ibiza, Pacha Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, Space, Toolroom Knights and more. Having taken a break from releasing music, concentrating on his Manchester Based “Bohemian Disco” Festival, alongside his mixing, mentoring and engineering, Jason gets ready to deliver his best work to date as he launches his Bohemian Disco label. Watch this space for releases with iconic producers, vocalists and fresh new talent, including The Bohemian Disco Choir. Jason also hosts the The Bohemian Disco Radio Show On Centreforce Radio Saturdays from 1-3pm (GMT).
Barbara Tucker has been a major part of the global house community for over 37 years, releasing anthemic hits such as ‘Beautiful People’, ‘I Get Lifted’, ‘Stay Together’, ‘Jazz It Up’, ‘Stop Playing with My Mind’, ‘Most Precious Love’, ‘Respect’ and many others. She is currently working on a new project, ‘Barbara Tucker’, with various producers and artists including Maurice Joshua, Kyle Small, Jose Burgos, Neil Pierce, Soul Syndicate (DeShawn Ali & McCue), Groove Culture and Jerry Williams, to name a few. A talented force of nature, she continues to balance studio time whilst travelling the world performing and spreading the Gospel.
Track Listing
1 Head Up High (Original Mix)
2 Head Up High (Harry Romero Dub)
3 Head Up High (J’s Fat Arse Dub)
4 Head Up High (Radio Mix)
‘Head Up High’ (Incl. Harry Romero Remix) will be released on Traxsource promo May 26th / Full release June 9th 2023 on Bohemian Disco.
Jason Herd & Barbara Tucker
‘Head Up High’ (Incl. Harry Romero Remix)
Bohemian Disco / BOHO001
https://www.instagram.com/jasonherdmusic/
BRAZILIAANSE ZANGERES ASTRUD GILBERTO OVERLEDEN
Bossanova zangeres Astrud Gilberto, vooral bekend van haar beroemde opname ‘The Girl from Ipanema’, is op 83-jarige leeftijd overleden. De zangeres is op 5 juni overleden, zo bevestigt haar zoon Marcelo. Haar doodsoorzaak is nog niet bevestigd.
Haar kleindochter Sofia bracht ook een eerbetoon aan de zangeres en schreef in een post op Instagram: "Mijn oma Astrud Gilberto heeft dit lied voor mij gemaakt, het heet 'Linda Sofia'. Ze wilde zelfs dat ik Linda Sofia zou heten! Het leven is mooi, zoals het lied zegt, maar ik ben hier om je het trieste nieuws te brengen dat mijn grootmoeder vandaag een ster is geworden en naast mijn grootvader João Gilberto is.”
“Astrud was de ware meid die bossa nova van Ipanema naar de wereld bracht. Ze was een pionier en de beste', schreef Sofia liefjes. "Astrud zal voor altijd in ons hart blijven en nu moeten we Astrud vieren."
De zangeres nam 16 studioalbums op sinds haar carrière in de jaren zestig begon, en haar iconische nummer, ‘The Girl from Ipanema’, verkocht wereldwijd meer dan vijf miljoen exemplaren en was een enorme wereldwijde hit. Het nummer leverde haar in 1964 een Grammy-nominatie op als “Best Vocal Performance by a female”, hetzelfde jaar won het nummer een Grammy voor “Song of the Year”.
Haar zoon Marcelo sprak zich uit over de oneerlijke kritiek die zijn moeder kreeg na de release van het nummer, en zei dat ze gedurende haar hele carrière niet goed werd gecrediteerd - of betaald - voor haar werk, en beweerde dat Gilberto slechts $ 120 verdiende voor het zingen op ‘The Girl from Ipanema’.
Ze werd ook gemeden door de Braziliaanse media, en woedend over hun behandeling van haar, keerde ze haar geboorteland de rug toe na een concert in 1965, en trad nooit meer in Brazilië op.
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ GUITARIST CHRIS STANDRING MARKS HIS SILVER ANNIVERSARY WITH A CHILL BOUQUET FOR “LOVERS”
“The Lovers Remix Collection” arrives Friday, which was prefaced by the hypnotic single “Liquid Soul.”
LOS ANGELES (6 June 2023): Eleven-time Billboard chart topping guitarist Chris Standring wanted to do something special to commemorate his 25th anniversary as a solo recording artist. While his contemporary jazz-based catalogue is comprised of a variety of tones, tempos and textures - from instrumental pop and improvisational jazz to soul powered funk and romantic ballads - the requests that he receives most from fans conveys their ardent affection for his chill grooves, seeding the concept for “The Lovers Remix Collection.” On the set arriving on Friday (June 9) from Ultimate Vibe Recordings, Standring revisits ten songs from his original songbook along with one new track, a bluesy, country twang meets electronic jazz version of Peter Green’s “Albatross,” a personal favorite from when he was growing up in England.
Standring plays electric or nylon string guitar on the collection, exhibiting alacritous dexterity, impassioned precision and virtuoso technique while reimagining some of his most popular tunes, putting a completely different spin on lesser-known numbers, and applying fresh varnish to the mix on a few selections that, with time and distance from when they were originally recorded, “deserved a different take.” Known for imbuing a retro 1970s nuance to his recordings, “The Lovers Remix Collection” sounds futuristic and state of the art, has a mesmerizing vibey feel and a chill jazz ambiance. And yes, the project definitely has a visceral sensual allure.
“When I conceived this project, I wanted it to be the ultimate make out music for a romantic occasion. But don't let me put ideas in your head. I just make the music,” laughed the Los Angeles-based Standring who remixed the album entirely on his own.
Ahead of the album’s street date, radio was recently serviced the single “Liquid Soul,” a pensive exploration inward that originally appeared on Standring’s 2008 “Love & Paragraphs” album.
“This is probably my most popular song from my entire career and was never a single. I played all the instruments on the original version. This song has a very hypnotic, dreamy quality that people have responded to. I do like to take people on a journey through music and this song is a good example of that,” said Standring who will be playing shows in support of the new record in major cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, Atlanta, Charlotte, Lexington, Nashville, Denver and Oakland.
Another one of Standring’s most requested songs is “Kaleidoscope,” which he composed with Rodney Lee in 2006 for the “Soul Express” album. It takes on an entirely new dimension on “The Lovers Remix Collection.”
“I wanted to take people on a journey with this remix along the lines of Quincy Jones' ‘Secret Garden.’ This song is so simple but has a melody that sticks with you,” said Standring.
One of the qualities inherent in a remix project is second chances: an opportunity to get a redo. That’s how Standring describes the new version of “Moon Child.”
“I got the most email about this song from people who heard it on the ‘Sunlight’ album. I always felt it didn't quite get the production love it deserved on the original, so I decided to remix it. It became the first song to inspire the whole ‘Lovers Remix’ album concept,” Standring reflects.
Ruminating and meditative, “Contemplation” originally appeared on the 2010 “Blue Bolero” album. Now refreshed, the updated version exudes different qualities.
Standring explains, “I am a huge lover of space in music, and I think this song is a great example of that in my songwriting style. I'm also fond of harmonic surprises in a song that might seem different from other composers in this genre. This is one of those dreamy sequences that can take the listener through a range of emotions - from sadness and hope to evoking mystery and finally, beauty and resolution.”
Culled from his tenth album, the aptly titled “Ten,” Standring says that “Another Train” might be his favorite tune on the new album. It showcases his lyrically expressive fretwork on a nylon acoustic guitar.
“It has a very melancholic sound that is snuggly, cozy and warm. It's a very romantic song with a lot of space between each musical phrase letting the music breathe nicely. I think the melody evokes such loneliness, which is strange as I'm not a lonely person. However, and perhaps this new collection confirms it, but I may be an old romantic,” admits Standring.
The new album from the old romantic, “The Lovers Remix Collection,” consists of the following songs:
“Sensual Overload”
“Liquid Soul”
“Kaleidoscope”
“Albatross”
“Moon Child”
“Contemplation”
“Yesterday’s Heaven”
“Another Train”
“Heart Of The Matter”
“Gentle Persuasion”
“Reflection”
For more information, please visit https://www.chrisstandring.com.
RONY BREAKER FEAT. CHINUA HAWK 'SOLID GROUND’ (DJ MEME AND MANNIX REMIXES)
Rony Breaker and Chinua Hawk’s soulful smash, ’Solid Ground’, gets fabulously re-imagined courtesy of Brazil’s no.1 House producer DJ Meme, and Austria’s premier Disco House don Mannix. DJ Meme delivers a classy soulful piano house groover, garnished with warm catchy melodies and funky guitars that beautifully glide around Chinua’s soul-drenched positive tones. Mannix brings a playful 80’s tinged Nu Disco flavour to proceedings, injecting a lush electro bass, rolling drums and Disco boo’s, topped with a really infectious synth hook that complements the song.
Rony Breaker is a stalwart on the Hungarian House scene, often playing alongside names such as Sandy Rivera, Dennis Ferrer, Gorgon City and Claptone, among many. Since 2007 his productions have appeared on Salted, Toolroom, Peppermint Jam, Foliage, Moulton Music, Sole Channel, Midnight Riot, Soulstice, Dafia, Deepalma, King Street Sounds, Sub-Urban, and many more.
DJ Meme has been a longstanding figurehead of Brazil's cultural landscape and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon! As a producer and remixer, Meme has worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Shakira, and Frankie Knuckles, among many. He was also was a member at Def Mix productions in NY. From Z Records, Nervous, Soulfuric, MN2S and Defected Records - Meme's productions have appeared on many leading House Music imprints alongside his own label, Memix Recordings. .
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Mannix has been one of Vienna’s most prominent house music pioneers since the early 90’s. His big remixes include Mousse T.'s 'Maybe In May', Arnold Jarvis' 'Rising Into Joy', and Luis Radio's ‘Get Me There’. Mannix’s 'NO NO NO' single scored the overall Traxsource and Beatport #1 last summer. Mannix has released on Midnight Riot, Peppermint Jam, Tropical Disco, Re-Loved, See-Saw, and others. In 2021 he launched DAFIA Records, featuring collaborations with artists Lee Wilson, Dina Vass, Fiona Barbier, Andre Espeut and Lisa Shaw, among others, along with his acclaimed album release 'Standing Right Here'. Mannix has a new single coming on Duffnote soon.
Track Listing
1 Solid Ground (DJ Meme Club Mix)
2 Solid Ground (Mannix Vocal Mix)
3 Solid Ground (DJ Meme Dub)
4 Solid Ground (DJ Meme Radio Edit)
5 Solid Ground (Mannix Radio Edit)
'Solid Ground' (DJ Meme and Mannix Remixes) will be released on Traxsource promo June 9th / Full release June 16th 2023 on Dafia Records.
Rony Breaker feat Chinua Hawk
'Solid Ground' (DJ Meme and Mannix Remixes)
Dafia Records / DAFIA028
https://www.facebook.com/rony.breaker
https://www.facebook.com/DJ.Meme
http://www.facebook.com/mannixvienna
https://www.traxsource.com/label/55018/dafia-records
SONGWRITER CYNTHIA WEIL DIED
Renowned US songwriter Cynthia Weil has died at the age of 82, her family has confirmed.
The Grammy-winning lyricist was responsible for hit songs including ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’, ‘On Broadway’, and ‘Walking In The Rain’.
Weil died on Thursday evening, surrounded by her family at her home in California, a spokesperson for her daughter, Dr Jenn Mann, told the PA news agency.
In a statement shared with PA, Dr Mann said: “Cynthia Weil was a lyricist, rock and roll legend, Grammy award winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.
“She wrote most of her work with her husband, songwriting partner and soulmate Barry Mann.
“She was brilliant, funny, beautiful, and a great animal rights activist.”
The songwriter enjoyed a decades-long partnership with her husband, whom she married in 1961.
They were one of music’s most successful teams, based in Manhattan’s Brill Building neighborhood, alongside other hit-making combinations such as Carole King and Gerry Goffin and Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.
The pair were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 by King.
Weil and Mann were key collaborators with producer Phil Spector on songs for the Ronettes and the Crystals, and also provided hits for artists including Dolly Parton.
Their collaboration with James Horner for the soundtrack of ‘An American Tail’, titled ‘Somewhere Out There’, won Grammys in 1987 for best song and best song for a movie or television.
It was also nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe.
Weil is survived by her husband, daughter Dr Mann and her fiancé Eric Schiffer, and granddaughters Quin and Mendez.
NEW SINGLE ‘BONITA’ FROM ROBERTO VAZQUEZ FEAT. DAVID MARGAM
The soul of Cuban musician and composer Roberto Vazquez has always been communicated primarily through the language of music. He is energetic and passionate.
Roberto Vazquez returns with new single and renewed musical sensations, a new release with Spanish title ‘Bonita’ with the collaboration of Spanish guitarist and producer David Margam, one of the emerging guitarists of the new generation of artists in the Smooth Jazz genre who recently released his debut album ‘Immune’. An album that has made it onto major global radio charts among the best albums of 2023.
‘Bonita’ is a demonstration of love and sensitivity with a luxury production and arrangements that will not leave you impassable, the influences of Cuba and Spain are present in this new brilliant composition composed and produced by Cuban pianist Roberto Vazquez which adds to his wide discography.
Available on all digital platforms June 9, 2023.
BOLD PARADE - ‘FLOWERS IN THE DIRT’ EP
Acclaimed producer and multi-instrumentalist Paul McMahon (Crashdaddy / Bellcrash) unleashes his brand new project Bold Parade by way of his stunning ‘Flowers In The Dirt’ EP, bringing a taste of the project’s first fruits, ahead of the album release later this year. Across the 3 tracks you’ll find a glorious array of sun-drenched mellow and jazzy grooves all executed with the highest standard of musicianship by performers hand-picked from around the globe, including brass and flute heavyweight, Alex Saxon. The EP title track, ‘Flowers In The Dirt’ features up and coming vocalist Vytaute, whose melancholy tones flow over a funky backdrop adorned with playful brass melodies. ‘Always’ features vocals from long time Irish collaborator, Marti Buchanan, and is a soulful downtempo groover with a retro funky flavour, where pretty flute melodies pirouette around Marti’s captivating tones before jumping into some sublime key solos. Closing out the package is the incredible cinematic retro jazz jam, ‘Cutting Room Floor’, which comes loaded with intoxicating brass and hefty key slaying wizardry that bubble over a toe-tappin’ groove that would sit right at home on a 60’s movie soundtrack.
Bold Parade is the latest project from London based, Belfast born producer Paul McMahon. Paul has been making music for over 20 years under the name Crashdaddy. He has also worked with Mark Bell as part of the group Bellcrash. Together and separately with Mark, Paul has released through Sunshine Recordings, Seventh Sign, Illicit, Island Hopper and Freebooter Lounge, among others. Paul’s signature sound combines cool beats with jazz styled musicians to blend modern production with classic rhythmic jazz overtones. Paul is currently putting the finishing touches together on a follow up EP, along with his debut Bold Parade studio album, which are set for release in 2023.
Track Listing
1 Flowers In The Dirt feat. Vytaute
2 Always feat. Marti Buchanan
3 Cutting Room Floor
‘Flowers In The Dirt’ EP is out now on Suzume Recordings.
Bold Parade
‘Flowers In The Dirt’ EP
Suzume Recordings / SR003
https://www.instagram.com/boldparade
https://twitter.com/BoldParade
https://www.youtube.com/@boldparade
MARCUS MALONE & THE MOTOR CITY HUSTLERS ‘INTERSTATE 75’ (NO’WEST REMIX EP)
“Saturated in Stax”, said Craig Charles, when he dropped Marcus Malone & the Motor City Hustlers ‘Interstate 75’ (No'West Vocal Remix) on his BBC Radio 6 Music Funk and Soul show in April… And we’re not going to argue with Craig!
Detroit music legend, Marcus Malone and Dan Smith of The Noisettes’ collaborative single, ‘Interstate 75’, taken from their new 60’s style Rhythm & Blues and Soul album of the same name, gets a tasty rework from North Street West. Taking it back to the future Funk, their immaculately cool No'West remixes come ripe with finger snapping beats, hip swaying grooves, infectious brass, nasty Hammond and raw, soul-drenched vocals. This stunning release joins the musical dots between 60’s Stax, Motown and Cadet, along with early 70’s Funk of Sly and The Family Stone and Eugene McDaniels, creating an instantaneous authentic classic vibe.
“I’ve got a future Blues classic on my hands with an indefinable time scale – it could’ve been recorded in the mid 70’s and feels like an instant crate diggers delight!” – Jo Wallace (Ramrock Records)
Track Listing
1 Interstate 75 (No'West Vocal Remix)
2 Interstate 75 (No'West Instrumental Remix)
‘Interstate 75’ (No’West Remix EP) will be released on May 12th 2023 on Ramrock Red Records.
Marcus Malone & the Motor City Hustlers
‘Interstate 75’ (No’West Remix EP)
Ramrock Red Records / RRR040
https://www.instagram.com/marcus_malone_/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091373761713
ANDREA LISA FINDS HERSELF IN A ‘VORTEX’
Born in South Africa & raised in New Zealand, vocalist/guitarist and Songwriter Andréa Lisa is now heading into her 5th year of calling Los Angeles home. Prior to that, while traveling and performing with her former band the 'Andréa Lisa Band' - a quartet formed shortly after completing her music degree. Andréa caught the attention of Grammy Award-winning artist Kirk Whalum, who she has now spent the last four years touring regularly with.
In 2019, she released a beautiful ballad called 'Meet Me Again', a song about love and evolution, shortly after that her song 'Get Your Wings Up' was featured on Kirk Whalum's record 'Humanité'.
Andréa Lisa is solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent by recording and touring with artists such as Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Ralph Johnson (Earth Wind & Fire), Grammy® award-winner, George Brown (Kool & the Gang), and acclaimed producer, Ray Crossley (Marvin Gaye, El Debarge), to name a few.
CASTELLA HAS AN ‘INTOXICATED LOVE’
"Intoxicated Love" embodies all of those things in a record that draw you in, a grooving bass line, classic guitar licks, synth sounds with occasional gospel chords, a driving drum beat, playful lyrics, a memorable hook and Castella’s unique voice, doing what she does. “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, you see I can’t complain, cos I’m breathin' and believin' in your love”… A summer jam destined to become a classic, "Intoxicated Love" was written by Castella and Detroit producer Jeff Canady. Castella also relied on her friend and mentor, Grammy award winning, veteran record producer Darryl Swann to get a soulful, yet smooth vocal performance from her while displaying his craft and skill at mixing, mastering and producing records. In this playful, on the dance floor, call and response, uptempo groove, "Intoxicated Love" is Castella’s 11th radio release for her label, Castella Music.
The amazing players behind the music include Detroit based musicians: Jeff Canady on drums (producer), Emmy Award winner, LaShawn Gary on keyboards, Robert Skinner on bass and Anthony Booker on guitar.
“It’s so great to see something you’ve worked on for over a year come to life" - Castella
RAHN BROTHERS – ‘DOUBLE DOWN’
Industry veteran Darren Rahn teams up with his twin brother to release a brand new summer jam as The Rahn Brothers.
Side 2 Music is proud to present “Double Down”, the debut single from The Rahn Brothers. Established in 1971, identical twins Darren and Jason Rahn (saxophone/trumpet) have been making music together since childhood. With strong 70’s influences like The Brecker Brothers and Tower of Power, The Rahn Brothers step forward together with this feel-good, funk-filled, summer jam, evoking both a sense of nostalgia and forward movement. You’ll hear musical nods to their influences coupled with their distinct voices on sax and trumpet, backed by a live rhythm section comprised of several of the genre’s most acclaimed session players. Get ready to groove with The Rahn Brothers and their brand new single “Double Down” which goes for adds at radio worldwide on June 5, 2023.
"Double Down"
Written by Darren and Jason Rahn
Produced and mixed by Darren Rahn
Mastered by Joe Yannece
Horn Section arranged and performed by The Rahn Brothers
Jason Rahn - Trumpet, Horn Section Brass
Darren Rahn – Tenor Sax, Wurlitzer, Synths, Percussion, Horn Section Saxes
Allen Hinds - Guitar
Mel Brown - Bass
Tarell Martin - Drums
R&B-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST SHAWN RAIFORD LEAVES THE DOOR OPEN FOR MUSIC
Grammy winner Derek “DOA” Allen produced the newly released single from the forthcoming “The Next Step.”
SACRAMENTO (31 May 2023): At its essence, the four-time Grammy-winning hit “Leave the Door Open” is a song about opportunity and R&B-jazz saxophonist Shawn Raiford is keeping himself open to the opportunities that music presents to him “at this stage in my life.” Teaming with Grammy-winning producer Derek “DOA” Allen (Lionel Richie, Janet Jackson, Tyrese), Raiford pours his soulful intentions into an instrumental version of the throwback-styled classic, which was released as a single and began collecting playlist adds on Monday. It’s the second track issued from Raiford’s sophomore album, “The Next Step,” slated to drop early next year and is being produced by Allen.
You’ve got to go big if you’re going to take on a song destined to become a standard and Raiford delivers on his sax-powered version of “Leave the Door Open.” The Sacramento-based musician is an all-in kind of man hence he brings everything he’s got to reimagining the Silk Sonic smash about being open to possibilities. Having dropped his 2020 debut album, “Man With A Horn,” in his fifties, Raiford interprets the song from his perspective, bringing heart and emotion to his horn play.
“At this stage in my life, I need to leave the door open for a lot of things. To me, it’s for my musical journey. I’m leaving the door open for music - the possibilities it may create, and the opportunities music may present for me to touch, uplift and inspire people. I’m so grateful to be doing what I’m doing with my music career at my age. It’s a young person’s game, but it’s never too late. That’s part of my message. You’re never too old; it’s never too late to start. I bring my life’s experiences to my music and performances. That’s what makes it authentic,” said Raiford, who released the single that will soon be accompanied by a vintage video capturing the fun and spirit of Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak’s Silk Sonic collaboration.
An award-winning entertainer with The Shawn Raiford Experience, Raiford invited his core band members into the recording studio to track “Leave the Door Open.” Keyboardist Javance Butler, guitarist Vincent Cole Dutcher, bassist Michael “Tiny” Lindsey and drummer Jonathan Frazier set the foundation to which keyboardist Ivan Johnson and saxophonist Andre Delano provide additional melodic fills.
“I decided to do ‘Leave the Door Open’ because I really fell in love with the song. It’s just one of those catchy songs that’s going to be around for a long time. It really had the world, including myself, playing it over and over and over again. I figured that a lot of people would love to hear that song,” said Raiford, who calls himself a huge Bruno Mars fan and was impressed by Anderson.Paak’s performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.
Another tune close to Raiford’s heart is a love song to his Northern California hometown, “Vallejo.” He plans to drop a single in the fall named for the village.
“I love that village (Vallejo) and I still surround myself with that village as my team and my producer, Derek “DOA” Allen, are from that village,” said Raiford, who has been opening shows this year for R&B singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Chuckii Booker and has opened for or performed with Teddy Riley, Yolanda Adams, Freddie Jackson, Pete Escovedo, Eric Darius and Jeff Ryan.
Earlier this year, Raiford released the first glimpse of “The Next Step,” a sensual single titled “Forever.”
For more information, please visit https://shawnraifordsax.com.
ROBB SCOTT & LEEE JOHN BRING NEW SINGLE ‘GOTTA GET OVER YOU’ (INCL. NORTH STREET WEST REMIXES)
Ramrock Blue Records are beyond excited to FINALLY reveal THE project that has been sworn to secrecy for the last 6 months. It’s the stunning collaboration between UK musical maestro Robb Scott and the dance music legend that is Leee John. ‘Gotta Get Over You’ is romance gone wrong, the broken heart and that hopeless feeling of abandonment. With music written, arranged and produced by Robb Scott and lyrics written by Leee John, heartbreak has never sounded so elegant. Leee’s exquisite trademark falsetto vocals soar over Robb’s beautiful production on the original versions with the North Street West remixes embracing the essence of those 80s soul tracks that we all know and love.
Robb Scott is a musician, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer. With a music career that spans over three decades, Robb has recorded and released music both as a solo artist, in various bands and as a composer for films, documentaries, promos and commercials. His solo projects have included working with Ellen McIlwaine, Jill Jones, Roy Ayers Band as well as television and video appearances with Daryl Hall and Gwen McCrae. His second album 'Afro Odyssey' on the Sunshine Enterprises label, garnered a 4/5 star rating in Blues & Soul Magazine. In Spring 2018, Robb released his award winning album ‘Siren’ on the prestigious Expansion Record label. Featured artists included in this project are Sandra St Victor, Julia and Maxine Waters, Marlo Henderson, Elisabeth Troy, Juliet Roberts, Sylvia Mason James, Gina Foster, Austin Howard, Jay Rodriguez, Francesco Mendolia, Noel Langley, Yolanda Charles, Mary Edwards and many more...
In 2023, singer, songwriter, live performer, producer and director, Leee John is celebrating his extraordinary career milestone - the 40th Anniversary of Leee John & Imagination - with his UK ‘Just An Illusion Tour’, which includes his London show at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Saturday 20th May and an incredible 17 CD box set of Leee’s vast musical catalogue. Leee’s own unique creativity continues to delight fans around the globe with his timeless classic hits and new music. Along with his group, Imagination, Leee has had record sales in excess of 30 million with their platinum, gold and silver albums featuring songs such as ‘Just an illusion’, ‘Music and Lights’, ‘Changes’, ‘Flashback’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’ securing Imagination’s place as one of the major forces in the history of global dance music. The use of Imagination’s music continues today as samples, remixes and adaptations by international artists such as The Pharcyde, Dimitri from Paris, Destiny’s Child, Maria Carey, Kanye West and Lights & Woods. Leee also collaborated with Damon Alban co-writing the Gorillaz LP, ‘Song Machine’ which includes the track, ‘The Lost Chord’, which has received more than 15 million streams so far. His latest track, ‘Solitude’ is an alluring and haunting piece of Latin Soul recorded in English and Portuguese with acclaimed Latin Grammy award winning Brazilian Artist Jorge Vercillo and has already charted on the UK Soul Charts.
Track Listing
1 Gotta Get Over You (Original Vocal)
2 Gotta Get Over You (Original Instrumental)
3 Gotta Get Over You (No'West Vocal Remix)
4 Gotta Get Over You (No'West Dub)
5 Gotta Get Over You (No'West Instrumental)
‘Gotta Get Over You’ (Original Mixes) will be released on May 5th 2023 on Ramrock Blue Records.
‘Gotta Get Over You’ (North Street West Remixes) will be released on May 19th 2023 on Ramrock Blue Records.
http://robbscott.co.uk
http://leeejohn.com
https://www.facebook.com/RamrockRecords
NEW SINGLE ‘ADULT CONTEMPORARY’ FROM JOSEPH MALIK
F*CLR Records reveal the first single, ‘Adult Contemporary’, from Scotland’s Joseph Malik’s eagerly anticipated ‘Proxima Ebony’ LP. Known for his impactful song writing, 'Adult Contemporary' is one of Joseph’s most insightful songs to date, it’s personal, vulnerable and inspirational, with deepest respect paid to his inspirations, 70s disco icon Sylvester, legendary producer Patrick Adams and Larry Levan. Joseph's exquisite, falsetto vocals soar above the keyboard mastery of Darren Morris to deliver an incredibly moving song remembering those who passed or were affected during the AIDS epidemic in the early 80s.
Joseph Malik has crafted a fantastic catalogue of music over the decades and is highly respected for his distinctively soulful voice and on point song writing skills. After his first release, ‘Miles Out Of Time’ In 1994 with Calvin Nuttal as MF Outa National, he launched his award winning Café Graffiti club night ,’Lizard Lounge’, with performers including Gil Scott Heron, Rueben Wilson, The Blackbyrds and the Last Poets. Joseph then signed to Compost Records and together with co-producer, David Donnelly, he released his first album in the ‘Diverse’ trilogy, ‘Diverse Part 1’, in 2002. This was followed by his ‘Aquarius Songs’ album in 2004, and then ‘Diverse Part 2’ album in 2018 on Ramrock Records, which was awarded ‘Album of the Month’ on Gilles Peterson’s BBC 6Music show, along with huge support from Craig Charles’ 6Music Funk and Soul show.
2019 saw the formation of Out Of The Ordinary – a collective of the best Scottish musicians including Malcolm Ross (Orange Juice/Aztec Camera), Steven Christie (The Proclaimers), David Donnelly, and Chris Greive (SNJO), among others with the album, ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’, the ‘Meadows’ EP and ‘Kind Of Strange’ EP in 2020. Joseph’s ‘Diverse Part 3’ album was released in 2018, tackling powerful issues including Joseph’s personal involvement in the #BLM movement, which Craig Charles chose as his BBC 6Music ‘Album of the Year’. 2021 saw Joseph collaborating with The Proclaimers keyboard player, Steven Christie, releasing The ‘Til Sunday’ EP and ‘Justify Me’ featuring Edinburgh’s Nicole Cassandra Smit. Joseph’s ‘Diverse Part 3 Variant Issue’, the remix album, was released in 2022 and he received the ‘One to Watch’ award from 2022 Boisdale Awards and performed alongside the Jools Holland Band. He also performed on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Basement Session on Worldwide FM. Joseph is currently putting the finishing touches to his ‘Proxima Ebony’ album, which is due for release late Summer 2023, and working with the legendary Black Science Orchestra.
Track Listing
1 Adult Contemporary (Album Version)
2 Adult Contemporary (Album instrumental)
‘Adult Contemporary’ will be released on May 26th 2023 on F*CLR Records.
https://www.instagram.com/josephmalikofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/JosephMalikOfficial
TIM CUNNINGHAM’S NEW SINGLE ‘ENOUGH SAID’
For decades the words "smooth, sultry, cool & funky" have been used to describe Tim's high energy and emotional stage show as his sexy blend of smooth jazz and soulful R&B connects with people of all ages, races and genres of music. This unique and versatile style has earned Tim the pleasure of opening for such jazz greats as Dave Koz, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson and George Benson. On the flip side, his bumpin' R&B flavor has on occasion paired him with Earth Wind & Fire, Cameo, Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle, Frankie Beverly, Jeffrey Osborne, and the late Luther Vandross.
Signed to Atlantic Records in 1996 his first major label release, "Right Turn Only" featured the efforts of Will Downing, Brian Culbertson, Kevin Whalum, and Bobby Lyle. It's featured single, "This is the Life," hit #19 on the Smooth Jazz Chart and received much international airplay. Tim's additional CD credits include "Sax Change Operation", "A Change in Altotude", "Waiting For Love", "Inner Peace", and "Manchester Road" which was picked up by Nite Breeze Music/Universal in 2008. His 2011 release entitled "Reflection", features a cool collection of original tracks packed with smooth grooves and emotional ballads. The "Tim Cunningham Live" album, where he covers some of his favorite songs, was released in 2012. Tim's new CD entitled "Freedom" was released in October 2022.
LORI NICELY FT. JUSTIN YOUNG ON ‘SOMEBODY’
Lori Nicely is a Washington DC area based composer, arranger, and producer whose versatile, lush piano and instrumental music offers a unique experience and escape. Lori's music has been on Top 10 commercial radio including Adult Contemporary / Smooth Jazz (single “Our Secret”), on TV, and used in TV / media awards shows (The Gracie Awards in New York), and in the Peabody Award winning "American Presidents: Life Portraits" series. Her “Best Climate Change” music video recently got the attention of producers at WaterBear Network, the “Netflix” for environmental videos, who have added her as a composer for potential future projects.
Lori's music has been compared to pop icon "Hit Man" David Foster, for her strong melodies, lyrical piano, and lush instrumentation. She worked directly with Foster's sax player for movie soundtracks and pop hits, David Boruff, who was a featured soloist on several of her tracks, among them "Our Secret" and "When You Are Here".
Lori's music videos are "mini movies" about modern life, relationships, and love, supported by her uniquely beautiful and moving soundtracks. Her music and videos "tell a story without words" and cross several genres, ages, and demographics, appealing to audiences in pop, Smooth Jazz, contemporary piano instrumental, and film soundtrack.
For Lori’s 2023 new radio single release “Somebody”, which she describes as a “feel good, piano-sax, funk-pop smooth jazz song", she features the talented and energetic Justin Young, whose sax playing is as versatile and appealing as Lori’s songwriting. Young is a regular performer in Las Vegas, which has become one of the world’s top cities for live music, and has been on Billboard Jazz Chart. Lori and Justin’s co-producing of “Somebody”, essentially a “coast to coast” effort, reflects the original recording by Lori and studio musicians in the Washington DC area with mixing and mastering, and sax, of course, at Young’s “JustnTime” Recording Studios in Vegas. The music video for “Somebody” is as equally “feel good” as the song!
Lori continues to create strong melodies and looks to engage top performers in Smooth Jazz and pop.
BLACK TIE AFFAIR – LIFELINE FEAT. DENNIS VAN AARSSEN
A formation in which musicians and producers can easily change. But one common goal; exploring expect the unexpected as soon as the musical world of Black Tie Affair reveals itself to you. A unique trio, now consisting of jazz singer Dennis van Aarssen, assisted by MC & producer Skiggy Rapz and guitarist Rene van Mierlo. musical boundaries. And dare to push it to the limits and beyond once again. This is the second time this trio collabs and pushes the limits once again. No clear-cut frames, but a broad audio spectrum that resonates with musical varieties such as Soul, ‘jazz’, and Pop. There are no limitations or genre restrictions. Now Echo Echo collabs with Dennis to add a new flavor to the Black Tie Affair ensemble
The unique talent of the individual members of Black Tie Affair, but especially the chemistry between them, determines the sound, the structure, and finally the compositions. It is daring to challenge and strengthen each other based on different musical backgrounds. The outcome thus becomes more significant than the sum of its parts. Dennis van Aarssen is unmistakably the singing tour guide who takes you by the hand as the musical globetrotter. Surrender yourself to him and his music and you will be served a variety of musical tastes from all over the world.
LEGENDARISCHE ZANGERES TINA TURNER OVERLEDEN
De legendarische zangeres Tina Turner is overleden. In een verklaring zegt een woordvoerder: ,,Tina Turner, de ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll’ is gisteren vredig overleden op 83-jarige leeftijd na een langdurige ziekte in haar huis in Kusnacht nabij Zürich, Zwitserland.” Tina Turner, die eigenlijk Anna Mae Bullock heet, verwierf in de jaren zestig bekendheid als de helft van het duo Ike & Tina Turner. Nadat haar carrière eind jaren zeventig in het slop raakte, maake Tina in de jaren tachtig een glorieuze comeback als soloartieste. Gitarist Ike Turner ontdekte in 1956 de zeventienjarige zangeres Anna Mae Bullock tijdens een optreden in een nachtclub in St. Louis. Bullock, geboren op 26 november 1939 in Brownsville, Tennessee, sloot zich bij Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm aan als achtergrondzangeres. Little Ann, zoals ze liefkozend werd genoemd, stapte al snel uit de schaduw toen ze in 1958 de leadzangeres werd en met Ike trouwde. Als het duo Ike & Tina Turner waren de twee in de jaren zestig zeer succesvol. In Nederland werd het duo in 1966 bekend met de Top 10-hit ‘River Deep - Mountain High’. Daarna stond het tweetal nog hoog genoteerd met de CCR-cover ‘Proud Mary’ en ‘Baby Get It On’. Hoewel Tina het schrijven van liedjes graag aan anderen overliet, waagde ze af en toe een poging, waaronder ‘I Am A Motherless Child’, ‘Sexy Ida’, ‘Sweet Rhode Island Red’ en de popklassieker ‘Nutbush City Limits’, die in Nederland pas bij de heruitgave uit 1978 een hit werd. Terwijl Tina nog samen met Ike was, bracht ze al twee soloalbums uit, ‘Tina Turns The Country On’ (1974) en ‘Acid Queen’ (1975), maar kort daarna verbrak ze alle banden met haar echtgenoot, omdat zijn gedrag niet meer te harden was. Het duurd echter even voordat Tina Turner haar draai als soloartiest gevonden had. Zo probeerde ze platen te maken met countryrepertoire en disco, al gaven de radiostations de voorkeur aan haar oudere werk met Ike. De twee kwamen in 1980 zelfs weer even bij elkaar voor het discoalbum ‘The Edge’. De reünie met Ike was van korte duur, al leverde het de twee nog een bescheiden discohitje op met de Shirley & Company-cover ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’. Met de hulp van haar manager Roger Davies kreeg Tina een nieuwe platendeal bij Capitol Records. Haar versie van Al Greens ‘Let’s Stay Together’, geproduceerd door de mannen van de Britse synthpopgroep Heaven 17, werd begin 1984 een Top 5-hit in Nederland. Het was de eerste single van het album ‘Private Dancer’, waarmee Tina Turner een ongekende comeback maakte. Zo bevatte de plaat de Top 10-singles ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ en het door Mark Knopfler geschreven titelnummer. Et album haalde de derde plaats van de albumlijst en diverse Grammy Awards volgden. 1985 was een druk jaar voor Tina Turner. Samen met Mick Jagger trad ze op tijdens ‘Live Aid en ‘’ We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)’ uit de Mad Max-filmreeks werd opnieuw een Top 10-hit. Ook haar duet met Bryan Adams, ‘It’s Only Love’, bereikte wereldwijd de hitlijsten. Als wederdienst schreef Adams een nummer voor Turners volgende album, ‘Break Every Rule’, dat in 1986 verscheen. De release viel samen met de door Kurt Loder geschreven biografie ‘I, Tina’, waarin het levensverhaal van de zangeres werd opgetekend en dan met name haar destructieve verhouding met Ike. Het boek werd in 1993 verfilmd onder de titel ‘What's Love Got To Do With It’. De soundtrack bevatte opnieuw een samenwerking met Bryan Adams, maar ook soloversies van eerdere Ike & Tina Turner-hits. Tussen de platen, films en boeken door was Tina Turner regelmatig in concertzalen te vinden. Haar Europese ‘Private Dancer Tour’ werd vastgelegd op het album ‘Tina Live In Europe’ en bracht de nummer 1-hit ‘Tonight’ voort. Ze zong het duet in 1984 al in de studio samen met David Bowie en vijf jaar later stond de live-versie op nummer 1 in Nederland. Het was de vierde en laatste nummer 1-hit voor Bowie en de enige voor Tina. Nog twee duetten die ze opnam, eindigden in de Top 5: ‘It Takes Two’ met Rod Stewart (1990) en ‘Cose Della Vita’ met Eros Ramazzotti (1998). Turners laatste studioalbum ‘Twenty Four Seven’ verscheen in 1999 en ze werd wederom bijgestaan door Bryan Adams. Tina vierde haar zestigste verjaardag met een speciaal concert, gevolgd door een afscheidstournee. Daarna trok ze zich met haar geliefde terug in haar villa in Zürich en leefde zich uit met haar nieuwe hobby: schilderen. Echt stilzitten kon de zangeres niet en in 2002 stond ze weer in de studio om het door Phil Collins geschreven nummer ‘Great Spirits’ op te nemen voor de Disney-film ‘Brother Bear’. Tina Turner beklom in mei 2007 voor het eerst in zeven jaar weer het podium, tijdens een benefietconcert in Londen. Eind 2007 overleed haar ex-man Ike op 76-jarige leeftijd aan een overdosis. Tina kreeg de smaak van het optreden weer te pakken en in februari 2008 stond ze op het podium bij de uitreiking van de Grammy Awards. Tijdens ‘Proud Mary’ werd ze vergezeld door Beyoncé. In oktober ging Tina weer op tournee. In maart 2009 gaf Tina Turner op 69-jarige haar laatste concerten in Nederland, in de Arnhemse Gelredome. Vlak voor de zeventigste verjaardag van Tina Turner verscheen een live-album van haar afscheidstournee, die in Nederland de derde positie in de albumlijst bereikte — de hoogste notering sinds ‘Private Dancer’, 25 jaar eerder. Het drie discs tellende carrière-overzicht ‘The Platinum Collection’ stond datzelfde jaar ook in de Top 10. Het daaropvolgende decennium vonden we het popicoon in geen van de verkooplijstjes meer terug, al verleende ze wel haar bijdrage aan een reeks spirituele albums, samen met haar Zwitserse buurvrouwen Regula Curti en Dechen Shak-Dagsay. Dit onder de naam Beyond. In de zomer van 2020 bracht Kygo een remix uit van Tima Turners ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’. Tina Turner ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
AMERIKAANSE GITARIST SHELDON REYNOLDS (EARTH, WIND & FIRE) OVERLEDEN
Legendarische gitarist, zanger en songwriter Sheldon Reynolds is overleden. Sheldon was een fantastische producer en schrijver die ook veel vriendelijkheid en liefde aan de groep toevoegde. Net als zijn vriendelijkheid was zijn muzikale vermogen grenzeloos. Volgens officiële rapporten werd bevestigd dat Reynolds is overleden na een ernstig medisch noodgeval.
Sheldon Reynolds staat bekend om zijn werk als de belangrijkste gitarist en zanger van wijlen Earth, Wind and Fire. Elements of Fire is de naam van zijn band. Reynolds maakte in die tijd platen met de band Chicago. Hij werkte 14 jaar voor Earth, Wind & Fire.
Hoewel de officiële doodsoorzaak van Sheldon Reynolds niet is bekendgemaakt, wordt aangenomen dat de gitarist is overleden als gevolg van gezondheidsproblemen. Sheldon Reynolds worstelde naar verluidt ook met de ziekte van Parkinson. Hij kreeg medische zorg in het ziekenhuis nadat hij om gezondheidsredenen was opgenomen. Helaas kon Sheldon Reynolds niet gered worden.
Na zijn dood bracht zijn familie een verklaring uit waarin stond dat Sheldon vanavond om 18.05 uur zijn laatste adem uitblies vanwege een langdurige ziekte.
De familie van Sheldon deelde de volgende verklaring:
“Sheldon M. Reynolds verliet onze wereld om vanavond om 18:05 uur bij zijn schepper te zijn. Hij werd omringd door zijn vrouw Marilyn en zijn kinderen Brice & Jade en een paar goede vrienden toen hij ons vredig verliet. Blijf alstublieft bidden voor kracht en troost voor de familie in deze moeilijke tijd van rouw, maar denk ook aan de goede tijden en herinneringen die hij misschien heeft gedeeld met ieder van u dichtbij en ver weg. God zegene! Altijd lief, Brice, Jade & Marilyn.”
Vroeger behoorde Reynolds tot de groep Sun, The Commodores en Earth, Wind & Fire. Hij begon uiteindelijk een carrière als beroepsmuzikant. Hij ging aanvankelijk op tournee met Millie Jackson. Later sloot Reynolds zich aan bij de R&B groep Sun, met wie hij drie albums maakte. Hij sloot zich aan bij The Commodores in het jaar 1983. Reynolds droeg zang bij aan het album ‘Nightshift’ uit 1985 van de Commodores en speelde op hun album ‘United’ uit 1986. In totaal speelde hij vier jaar bij de band. Reynolds werd later leadgitarist en co-vocalist bij Earth, Wind, & Fire. In de jaren die volgden werkte hij mee aan de albums ‘Touch The World’ (1987), ‘The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2’ (1988), ‘Heritage’ (1990), Millennium (1993) en ‘In the Name of Love’ (1997).
Hij ontving een Grammy-nominatie in 1994 voor ‘Sunday Morning’ met EWF in de categorie “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. Reynolds werd als bandlid toegelaten tot de NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame.
Ook droeg hij bij aan de albums ‘Family Affair’ van Philip Bailey en Maurice White, die beide in 1989 werden uitgebracht. Later verscheen hij op de titelloze albums van Barbara Weathers (1990), Smokey Robinson (1990) en Joey Lawrence ( 1993).
Reynolds droeg ook bij aan de albums ‘The Ride’ van 4Him uit 1994 en ‘Brothers’ van Take 6 in 1996. Later verscheen hij op de albums ‘Body of Soul’ (1998) van Alfonzo Blackwell en ‘Urban Knights II’ (1997), beide jazzalbums. Bovendien verscheen Reynolds op de albums ‘Bringing Back The Funk’ (2008) van Brian Culbertson, ‘Chicago’ (2008), ‘Chicago XXXII: Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008) en ‘XII’ (2010) van Culbertson.
SOUL-JAZZ VIOLINIST BROOKE ALFORD SHINES INDOMITABLY ON ‘HEAVEN ON EARTH’
After a challenging five years, her uplifting second album was released last Friday.
ATLANTA (22 May 2023): Luminously striking a power pose on the cover of her “Heaven on Earth” album, urban-jazz violinist Brooke Alford’s five-year process in writing and recording her second full-length collection has been an honest, emotional and raw journey through traumatic loss and unexpected difficulties. When pushing through is the only option, the album is about overcoming no matter the circumstances thus the music on the nine-song set that dropped last Friday is an empowering and invigorating listen reflecting “The Artist of the Violin’s” enlightenment, growth and personal development through her lived experiences.
Although she released her debut album, “Expressions,” in 2007 followed by “The Viosocalist” EP in 2012, the Atlanta-based Alford had never gone after radio airplay until she teamed with seminal urban-jazz keyboardist Bob Baldwin to produce the single “Closer” in 2018. At the time, she didn’t know the sensual R&B groove with reggae percussion inflections on which she and Baldwin sing the chorus would be the inception of an album project. The single fulfilled her objective of getting radio spins, earning a spot in the top fifty. A remixed version appears on the album that opens with another Baldwin collaboration – the optimistic single, “Heaven on Earth,” illumined by Alford’s exquisite violin play – to bookend the album.
The next year, Alford’s father was diagnosed with cancer, shifting her focus from music to family. Then the pandemic hit, further stifling her artistic output. Her father did succumb to the disease in 2020, leaving the family devastated. Through prayer and reflection, Alford had a realization. Instead of mourning, she decided to shine, determined to honor her father by creating a legacy of hope, inspiration and upliftment.
“2020 by far was the toughest year of my life, yet the most rewarding. I saw a very dark side of life when my father perished from the illness. While transition is very sad and hurtful, I found this experience with my dad to be bittersweet. It takes ‘loss’ in order to ‘gain.’ It is a difficult life lesson. My dad inspired me to just ‘go for it’ and shine bright like a diamond in my music career and life. His legacy will continue to evolve and live through me and my future linage,” said Alford who will remember her father during an album release concert on Father’s Day (June 18) at City Winery in Atlanta.
Taking her father’s cue, Alford wrote “SHINE” with George Freeman. The funky mid-tempo single dropped in 2021.
Moving on with her life as the world emerged from the pandemic last spring, Alford and Freeman wrote and released the festive “New Day” featuring the keyboardist’s elegant solo buttressed by impassioned violin play.
“Last year was a significant one. A newness had occurred. With the world recovering from the pandemic, it was time to celebrate coming into a fresh season, a ‘new day.’ Writing the melody felt so natural and the creation flowed like water through my fingers. I sent the melody to George (Freeman), and he perfectly matched the energy in the production. The organ that he added to the song gave such a soulful rock and classic feel, just like a fresh Sunday sunrise,” described Alford.
Last August, the rousing “On The Move” became the third Alford and Freeman creation to release as a single. It’s a slick and soulful contemporary jazz energizer. Alford said the song is about the certainty found in life’s constant forward motion.
“Coming off of ‘New Day,’ I wanted to create an upbeat, celebratory tune with lots of strings on the track and several other high-energy musical elements. George sent me his take and he hit the nail on the head on the first go ‘round. As the song began to develop with the versus and bridge, viola parts and arrangements and more percussive instruments were added to fill out the track. It was definitely a fun tune to make,” said Alford who has opened for The Whispers, Mint Condition, Peabo Bryson, Najee, Will Downing, Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor, Marcus Johnson, India.Arie and Tony! Toni! Toné!, and shared the stage with Julian Vaughn, Alex Bugnon, Chubb Rock and reggae superstar Beres Hammond.
At that point, Alford knew she had an album taking shape, one that derived inspiration from the discomfort she had endured and captured her positivity and enthusiastic spirit. As she planned the recording sessions and plotted the release with her team, more unanticipated setbacks forced her to shelve the project for a time.
After regaining her footing yet again, the resilient Alford resumed work on “Heaven on Earth,” which consists of eight of her originals and a completely reimagined version of Michael Jackson’s “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” The cover tune has roots dating back to a 2017 recording date with friends Justin C. Gilbert and Anthony Parrish. Alford experimented by placing her classical violin amidst hip hop beats, cuts and scratches, and a rap.
“It was pure synergy. Although the energy was right in the studio, the recording process came to a halt because of life happenings and changes. Last fall, Justin and I said simultaneously that we should finish working on the track. The song transformed from simply Rhodes keyboards, percussion and violin to what is heard on the track today. I invited two of my favorite artists in hip-hop, James ‘DJ Jsmoove’ Hayes and emcee Mully Man, to take the production to even greater heights,” said Alford.
On “Feeling Love,” a sophisticated and seductive R&B-jazz dalliance, Alford teamed with crooner Kelley Andre to cowrite and produce the song. His rich baritone voice provides the male counterpart to Alford’s feminine energy presented in the form of lush strings and expressive violin.
Alford tapped Grammy nominee Reggie Hines to cowrite and produce a pair of tunes with her. On the ambient “Wanting More,” she records for the first time playing an electric violin, creating a yearning and desirous sound as the track’s tempo and intensity builds to a crescendo. Alford says her performance pays homage to one of her primary influences, the late violinist Noel Pointer. The second collaboration, “Cascade to the Congo,” is an eclectic amalgam of sounds, styles and textures driven by a throbbing Euro house beat and Hines’ saxophone wails.
“After we laid down ‘the’ take for ‘Wanting More,’ I was ready for us to create a contrasting tune that was upbeat, had natural sounding percussive instruments, a dance groove, and a violin-saxophone duet. We had to navigate our way to the synergy of this track since there are so many approaches to take based on the elements I wanted in the track. Once we found our groove, we FOUND it,” Alford emphasized.
“Life is a beautiful dance, and ‘Cascade to the Congo’ transcends all age groups, ethnicities, backgrounds, and so much more. The song captures the ethos of the entire album. It is all about getting up, dancing, and celebrating self-love and those special moments with loved ones. This track reminds me that this is such an amazing time to be alive, that one can genuinely experience ‘Heaven on Earth.’”
“Heaven on Earth” contains the following songs:
“Heaven on Earth”
“New Day” featuring George Freeman
“On the Move”
“SHINE”
“Feeling Love” featuring Kelley Andre
“Wanting More”
“Cascade to the Congo”
“I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”
Bonus Track: “Closer (Quiet Storm Radio Edit featuring Bob Baldwin)
For more information, please visit https://www.brookealfordviolin.com.
DARKPLACE - 'FEARMONGER' – NEW SINGLE BY MYSTERIOUS SWEDISH DARK DREAM POP/POST-PUNK ACT OUT 19.05.23
FEARMONGER
debut single
out 19.05.23
(Icons Creating Evil Art)
stream
included on the album
ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD
out 27.10.23
Darkplace is a mysterious new Swedish dark dream pop/post-punk group who created a conceptual debut album inspired by the bleak landscape of the Stockholm suburbs that birthed them.
Centred around an alternative reality - or just the grim present and future? - and entitled ‘About The End Of The World’, the album is being unveiled gradually over the coming months via a series of imaginative visuals based on animated digital paintings for each of its eleven tracks.
Having recently released ‘Arken över Hesselby’ (The Ark Over Hesselby), the video for which presented the outskirts of a city haunted by an unknown aerial presence, the clip for brand new single ’Fearmonger’ takes us into the heart of that city, presenting an apocalyptic scenario as ominous sirens wail and a lone soldier flees the prying ‘eye in the sky’ of an airship.
The Swedish national alarm system is still tested on a quarterly basis by the army. A familiar sound to all Swedes, the sound of the siren has the nickname ‘Hesa Fredrik’. Darkplace state: "After trying to improve Hesa Fredrik, the government learned that the new horns scared the shit out of people."
Although rooted in late 80s/early 90s indie styles, Darkplace incorporate a variety of other genres into their sound. However, for the members of this highly secretive group, it is not just about the music. They perceive themselves as more an art project that happens to be exploring and commenting on the state of the world through their chosen mediums of music and video.
Most of the short instrumental pieces on the forthcoming album were written with specific storyboards in mind, with the band revealing that “we started creating the art before we had the music for both singles to date, so the tracks were written as soundtracks to the animation.”
The art itself is a multi-layered process that involves photography, sculpting, oil painting, digital editing and animation. Using apps like Nomad Sculpt to create it before exporting scene specific angles and imported into Procreate to be painted, they add: “we use oil paintbrushes and paint over the photo. It is layers upon layers and it gets messy. Exporting gets even messier since we want depth in the scenes and need to export them in layered depths. A few scenes in this project have been animated frame by frame and it has taken almost two years to complete.”
SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW – NEW ALBUM BY UK INDIE-FOLK ARTIST OUT 19.05.23
SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW
new album
out 19.05.23
(Friendly Tribe)
buy | stream
includes
BATTLE LINES
FOR FANS OF
BON IVER | NICK MULVEY | VILLAGERS
The Canada-born but UK-raised indie-folk artist Summit Of The Big Low (aka Toby Uffindell-Phillips) has released his second album today.
The self-titled record utilises samples, atmospheric soundbeds and field recordings, setting scenes within which Toby’s songs explore themes that trouble or fascinate him, especially given the parlous state of current world affairs. Album opener ‘Battle Lines’ urges the need to build bridges (“in the end it all boils down to how much you’re prepared to give and take”), while first single ‘Dust’ offered a poignant reminder that “if the dust don’t settle we’re all going to breathe it” and its follow-up ‘Tearing Up The Darkness’ shone a light on isolation. There are also moments that reflect on his early life, with ‘Blizzard Child’ a questing desire to find a way back - geographically or metaphorically - to a place with a sense of belonging.
The album cover depicts a Yin-Yang sign comprised of discarded cigarette butts. “My friend Lucy Pook did a series of these cigarette illustrations during lockdown and as soon as I saw this particular piece I knew I wanted the image to represent the music I was writing,” Toby explains. "From a distance, the artwork projects this beautiful ideological symbol of perfect harmony and balance, but up close you realise it can be broken down into these discarded objects that elude to an uglier, more sinister truth about humanity. Much like the songs on an album, it’s as if there is a story associated with each cigarette butt, where, for a snapshot in time, they were props in people's lives.”
Having initially appeared in the early 00’s with folktronica group Sound Sanctuary, Toby’s songwriting and finger picking guitar style has evolved into a signature sound with a hazy, golden hour vibe. As a solo artist, he has increasingly flexed his muscles in the studio, recording much of his 2022 debut 'Thin Air’ at home with assistance from past collaborators Bombay Monkey. Self-producing ‘Summit Of The Big Low’ and playing/programming all the instrumentation, it is a true solo record, with the exception of a vocal contribution from his sister on the song ‘Deep End’ (a family collaboration he was keen to repeat from his debut) and the sampled words of wisdom from meditation teacher Burgs that bookend ‘Blizzard Child’.
"The world is in flux and old structures seem to be collapsing, while it is unclear what will take their place,” he muses. "However, I am fascinated by the idea that in human endeavour and experience there is no beauty without ugliness, no simplicity or order without complexity and chaos, no integrity without corruption. Likewise, there is no despair without hope. In essence, life is not spent in the extremes, but in the journey that ebbs and flows between its summits and big lows. Making this record has helped me process some of the challenging moments in recent times. If others can relate, I hope it will help them feel connected in some way and that they are not alone on this ride.”
SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW
TRACKLISTING
1 Battle Lines
2 Blizzard Child (feat. Burgs)
3 Wildfire
4 Deep End
5 Between You And I
6 Dust
7 Tearing Up The Darkness
8 You Look Out For Me
9 Good For You
10 Reason Or Rhyme
GARRY PERCELL FT. JASON JACKSON HAS A ‘REACTION’
Garry Percell has played guitar for over 25 years and has a solid background in electric and acoustic guitar. Garry is a respected studio and stage musician, producer, project- consultant and has toured nationally with several recording artist. His Secular background has roots in R&B, Jazz, Blues such as the likes of Grammy Award Recording Artist General Johnson and the Chairman of the Board and recently toured with Betty Davis Band “Funk house”, Todd Curry and Focus and many others that have enable Garry Percell to share his gift with.
When off the road Garry can be found in his studio “Upward Bound Recording Studio” creating new music to be released by his Label “Upward Bound Music Group” including his brand-new hit single “Reaction” featuring Jason Jackson on sax…Produced by Adam Hawley! Accompanied by some of our nation’s most well-respected musicians across America.
You can listen to Garry Percell's music on most stations around the world!
"Reaction" ft. Jason Jackson
Executive producer: Garry Percell
Produced and Mixed by Adam Hawley
Written by Garry Percell & Adam Hawley
Mastered by Steve Hall
Lead Guitar: Garry Percell
Rhythm guitars, keys, key bass: Adam Hawley
Additional Synths: Carnell Harrell
Drums: Brien Andrews
Sax: Jason Jackson
MO LOUIS PRODUCES ‘STATIC’
"Music has played a monumental role in my life. I can remember my earliest years when the sounds of David Sanborn and Grover Washington Jr. filled the air of my childhood home. My parents were, and continue to be very avid fans of smooth jazz. It was from them, where my love for R&B & smooth jazz firmly took shape in my heart. It was a voice that I could relate to and that’s how I developed my unique, soulful sound. At the age of 10 I began playing the saxophone. Initially, I was enamored by its beauty but that was only the beginning of the lifelong love affair that I have for this instrument. At the age of 14, after my first year of high school marching band, I knew that playing the sax was more than a hobby and it would be my lifelong aspiration.
After high school, I attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where I majored in performance and music business.Over the last 15 years I’ve played, recorded and toured throughout the western states with bands including The Chris Thayer Band & the TCB and The Brandon Ummel Band “Bub”. I’ve been able to establish a reputation as an artist and soloist amongst the finest Los Angeles Blues musicians. I’ve reached a place in my life where it’s time to share with the world the music that’s been in my heart for so long!
A little over a year ago I met Euge Groove while buying one of his saxophones and we became good friends. I’ll never forget standing in his studio and him putting on one of his own tracks for me to play along with. I expressed my interest to release my own music and after some consideration, he decided to help me make my dreams a reality. I owe a lot to him… this wouldn’t be happening without him! Soon after I began working with the amazing smooth jazz producer, Jeff Carruthers and here we are today!" - Mo Louis
"Static"
Written by Jeff Carruthers & Mo Louis
Produced by Jeff Carruthers
Mixed and Mastered by Euge Groove
Saxophones: Mo Louis
Bass: Cornelius "Corny" Mims
Keys/Programming: Jeff Carruthers
Guitar: Jordan Love
Drums: Eric Valentine
Percussion: Lenny Castro
NEW SINGLE ‘TO THE FLOOR’ FROM BYRON MILLER
SPLASH! The world’s most conversational and sensational electric bass communicator, Byron Miller, is taking us back to the bridge over troubled water – a safe space from which we may dive securely and soulfully…to PLAY! Title of this sun-kissed experience: “To The Floor.”
“To The Floor” is the new single from ace bassist Byron Miller’s eagerly awaited Motor City Love, the phenomenal fourth movement in his inspired and acclaimed “Psychobass” series of full album projects. This feel-good lil’ jammy was composed and produced by longtime Byron Miller collaborator Chris “Big Dog” Davis. So infectious is “To The Floor” that it could only come from a smoothly jazzy Detroit slick alchemist whose chemistry has graced the work of artists ranging from Najee, Will Downing, Chante’ Moore and Richard Elliott to Funkadelic ringmaster George Clinton himself.
“To The Floor” finds our hero Byron “Psychobass” Miller pluckin’ and thumpin’ funk fortified sunshine out of his signature MTB line of `lectric basses over the digitized keyboard, synthesizer and drum tracks of producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, including some righteously rhythmin’ guitar. The aural effect is straight up charismatically Courageous Cat in the Key of B.
So, Spring into B with “To The Floor” (follow-up to the single “Say it Ain’t Good to Ya”) - and rest assured you will get your daily requirement of essential Vitamin B, vital greens, and plenty-plenty hydration. Full album, Psychobass 4: Motor City Love (featuring keyboardist Herman Jackson, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. and saxophonist Walter Beasley for whom Miller recently produced his album, Meet Me at My Place) slated for release on July 22, B’s Birthday.
KERANI KWAM MET EEN GESCHENK VOOR AFGELOPEN MOEDERDAG
Afgelopen zondag 14 mei was het Moederdag en de Nederlandse New Age artieste Kerani kwam haar nieuwste muziekvideo aankondigen.
We zijn van haar gewend dat ze steeds eigen werken presenteert, maar net zoals met ‘Papillon’ had ze ook ditmaal ervoor gekozen om een bewerking te maken van een bestaand popnummer. ‘Chasing Cars’ van de Schotse rockband Snow Patrol was 15 jaar geleden een hit en is sindsdien niet weg te denken uit het dagelijkse muziekaanbod op alle radiozenders wereldwijd. Het origineel heeft haar altijd bekoord: de stem van Gary Lightbody de lead singer, het arrangement en het mysterie rond de titel van de song hebben bijgedragen aan haar fascinatie voor dit nummer.
De video is een knap staaltje vakwerk van Arno Op den Camp en werd gecreëerd middels het gebruik van artificiële intelligentie (AI). Door het invoeren van de juiste prompts en codes werden beelden gegenereerd die het dichtste bij onze originele ideeën aanleunden. De herkenbare achterlichten van auto’s op een snelweg die ’s avonds met lange sluitertijd worden gefotografeerd werden als basis gebruikt voor alle beelden die in de video te zien zijn.
NIEUW WERK OP KOMST
‘Journey of Life’ is de titel van het nieuwe album dat ze in opdracht van RipCue Music voor TV en Film geschreven heeft. Alle 12 titels op dit gevoelige album werden met een live-strijkkwintet en piano opgenomen. Het wordt nog deze maand gelanceerd op alle digitale platforms zoals Spotify, Apple Music, Itunes, Tidal, Deezer, etc. Hou je favoriete streaming platform in de gaten!
‘Silent Heart’
Zo heet het nieuwe album dat later dit jaar zal verschijnen. Het componeren zit er bijna op, maar Kerani moet nog heel wat puntjes op de "i" zetten. Deze zomer hoopt ze de live instrumenten te kunnen opnemen.
ILYA SEROV FT. KAY-TA MATSUNO SPEND A ‘NIGHT IN ST. PETERSBURG’
Award-winning trumpeter /singer /guitarist /band leader Ilya Serov has a passion for jazz that knows no bounds. A talented young musician with an old soul, Ilya brings an infusion of imagination, vision and energy to the many shades of America’s original musical art form. Possessing both chops and charisma, his live performances and recordings have attracted a solid following among jazz fans and seasoned musicians alike.
Ilya’s experiences on the jazz scene have recently led him to expand his creative interests in a significant new direction that blends smooth jazz with elements of soul and R&B. In November 2021 he released his third studio album, Just Friends, which features platinum-selling saxophonist Dave Koz and other award-winning artists: keyboardist Greg Manning, saxophonist Alex Hahn, vocalist Matt Cusson and guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno. The album is dedicated to one of America’s most iconic jazz trumpet players and singers, Chet Baker, and is titled after Baker’s classic jazz standard of the same name. Baker was the inspiration that pushed Ilya to begin finding his own voice in the jazz world. As his own style matured, Ilya wondered what Baker, with his musical genius, would sound like as a contemporary jazz artist today. With Just Friends, Ilya strives to show the connection between several generations of jazz.
Ilya Serov is driven today not only by his desire to preserve jazz as an American treasure, but by his mission to engage and educate new generations of listeners. He continues to focus exclusively on contributing his time and talent to the world of jazz - its past, present and future.
RAINFOREST BAND BRINGS ‘GOOD MEDICINE’
Rainforest Band is back with their new album, Good Medicine and their special blend of Contemporary Jazz. Their new single/title track features saxophonist Dave Ellis with an impressive horn arrangement and an outstanding performance. The band also includes bassist/composer Tony Saunders, guitarist Vernon “Ice” Black, keyboardist Sylvester Burks, and new additions Lorn Leber on guitar and “Big Thomas” McCree on drums. Special guests include Gail Jhonson on keyboards and strings, and Juan Escovedo percussion.
Good Medicine includes 10 fresh new tracks from the band to help heal the world one tune at a time. Rainforest Band supports the Rainforest Alliance, helping rainforest concerns worldwide.
Written by Dave Ellis and JP DeLaire, the new single “Good Medicine” is a lively track with a great groove!
Good Medicine – “it makes you feels good”
GREG ADAMS & EAST BAY SOUL – DREAMS COME TRUE
In a career that has spanned 5 decades, Greg Adams has made his mark on a broad stretch of today’s musical landscape that includes jazz, pop, rock, R&B, soul, and funk. With the release of THE REAL, the genre chameleon trumpeter/arranger uses his natural skills to deliver a recording with a diversity of styles that he is known for. Nine original songs with powerful horns, lush strings, sweet soul vocals and an all-star rhythm section, Greg Adams and East Bay Soul brings together a sensational blend of Funk, Jazz, Soul and R&B in their own style that is THE REAL!
On the new single “Dreams Come True” Adams flugel horn melody sings out a love story in a dance between the strings and the rhythm section that says “I finally found you and Dreams Come True” The driving instrumental “West 57th “mingles funk and jazz likened to a night on the town after hours - a sexy walk down hip street on Manhattan’s west side.
With the release of The Real marks the 6th recording by the group over a span of 15 years. Nick Milo once again teams with Adams in production and their songwriting skills have never been sharper. A partnership that has been realized for over 30 years.
Adams says “We had so much fun recording this project! Lots of laughs and hard work. Everything came together with such an easy feel! There was great chemistry between the whole band, laying down their expertise! Truly a group effort! We think as the listener you will feel it too!
GÜNTHER NEEFS EN GUSTAPH KOMEN NAAR DE RADIO2 PARKIES
Voor de 32ste keer kan je in juli en augustus weer genieten van de Radio2 Parkies-concerten. Verspreid over 19 plekken in Vlaanderen – een record – goed voor 136 gratis optredens, wordt ‘het grootste kleinste, maar vooral ook gezelligste festival van België’ dit jaar weer omvangrijker. Günther Neefs en Gustaph zijn de eerste blikvangers op de komende editie. Drie jaar geleden vierde Günther zijn 30ste verjaardag als artiest. Vandaag is de veelzijdige zanger van o.a. de succesvolle ‘Special Request’-albums, maar ook pareltjes als ‘Ik blijf bij jou’, één van de opvallendste deelnemers aan het populaire tv-programma ‘Liefde voor Muziek’. Deze zomer maakt hij een uitgebreide doortocht op de Parkies-podia. Daar kruist hij Stef Caers, die als Gustaph met ‘Because Of You’ deze week ons land vertegenwoordigt op het Eurovisiesongfestival. In diverse, succesvolle bezettingen is Stef al jaren een vertrouwd gezicht op de Parkies. Met alleen maar herkenbare liedjes, pakt Gustaph deze zomer opnieuw het publiek mee in een onvergetelijke muzikale trip. In de loop van de maand vind je op www.parkies.be alle data, locaties en de complete line-up. Deze laatste wordt ook gedeeld via de sociale media van het festival.
Op dinsdagavond 9 mei 2023 was Günther Neefs de centrale gast in ‘Liefde voor Muziek’. Op donderdagavond 11 mei 2023 neemt Gustaph deel aan de tweede halve finale op het Eurovisiesongfestival in Liverpool, waar twee dagen later de finale plaatsvindt.
Meer info over de Radio2 Parkies-concerten vind je op www.parkies.be
JACQUES VERMEIRE EN LUC VERSCHUEREN MAKEN VOOR HET EERST IN 30 JAAR EEN NIEUWE ZAALSHOW
Liefst dertig jaar na hun iconische Zaalshows - de rode en de gele, met 1.150 voorstellingen voor 550.000 bezoekers, van 1989 tot 1995 - is het legendarische duo Vermeire-Verschueren, fris als groentjes, eindelijk klaar voor een 'Zaalshow 2.0'.
Tijdens het hindernissenparcours van 'Van 7 tot 77' - aangeverswissel, coronamaskers - zijn Jacques en Luc na al die jaren nogal stoemelings weer herenigd. Tot vrolijkheid van jong en oud, zo blijkt in dichte drommen voor méér dan 75.000 bezoekers op méér dan 130 voorstellingen.
En kijk, met die onveranderde podium-chemie en onverminderde energie pakken de oeraangever en de überkomiek in 'Zaalshow 2.0' terug uit met een nieuwe parade aan typetjes en sketches.
Vindt Fonske Verzele de huidige stand van zijn relatie met Marie-Louiske nogal complicated?
Ontpopt DDT zich tot mobiliteitsexpert?
Een reiziger met de wereld aan z'n voeten en een boer met stikstofoverschotten geven alvast present.
Maar heeft Jacques ook voldoende zelfspot om een televisierecensent over De Vermeires aan het woord te laten?
Alles voor een gulle lach die onstuitbaar door de zaal rolt.
Jacques gaat zingen, Jacques gaat dansen, Jacques gaat volledig los in 'Zaalshow 2.0'.
Ook nu weer geeft Luc 'Kevin De Bruyne' Verschueren de immer briljante assists en maakt Jacques 'Romelu Lukaku' Vermeire steevast onweerstaanbaar het hi-ha-hilarische punt. Zien we daar een glimp van een vertraagde voetballer?!
'Zaalshow 2.0' is de nieuwe, groene dimensie van wat dertig jaar geleden al op hilarische wijze historisch was. De bekendste smoelentrekker van het land doet het anno 2023 zowel sneller als snediger dan ooit.
Het duo gaat in première op zaterdag 28 oktober 2023 in Capitole Gent.
Data en info:
GOOD SHAPE BRENGT NIEUWE SINGLE ‘SUNLIGHT’ UIT
Even terug in de tijd, we schrijven 1994.
Met hun debuutsingle 'Take My Love' scoorde de nog steeds immens populaire Belgische band Good Shape in 1994 een regelrechte monsterhit. Met de opvolger 'Give Me Fire' pakten ze datzelfde jaar meteen ook hun 2de nummer #1-hit én de Radio 2 Zomerhit. Hun derde single 'King Of Your Heart' bereikte opnieuw de hoogste plek in de hitparade. Al dit succes zorgde ervoor dat Good Shape in een recordtempo uitgroeide tot één van de meest succesvolle boysbands van Vlaanderen.
Naast twee albums ('Maniacs Of Love' en 'Closer To You') scoorden ze met 'Come Closer' en 'Stay The Night' nog twee top 10-hits in de Ultratop 50.
Afgelopen zomer in Tien Om Te Zien bleek nog maar eens hoe immens populair Take my Love met Good Shape nog steeds is. De originele groepsleden David, Koen en Geert beslisten om na deze geslaagde reünie door te gaan. Nieuwkomer David Bruyland maakt het kwartet opnieuw volledig.
De vele Good Shape-fans die al jaren wachtten op een reünie werden recent nog op hun wenken bediend, afgelopen 22 april 2023 werd de aftrap van hun optredens gegeven in de Trixxo Arena te Hasselt. De band trad op als één van de grote blikvangers op 'I love the 90's – The Party'!
Good Shape brengt nu de nieuwe single 'Sunlight' uit. Het nummer is de eerste release van de band sinds 2008 en is een voorproefje van wat er nog meer zal komen dit jaar.
Met hun kenmerkende 90’s stijl heeft Good Shape een nummer gemaakt dat je meeneemt op een reis over vriendschap. 'Sunlight' begint met een rustige intro, waarna energieke uptempo beats, baseline en 90’s synthesizer-melodieën je helemaal optillen naar een heuse partysfeer. Ook deze melodie zal nog dagen in je hoofd blijven hangen.
De bandleden van Good Shape zijn erg enthousiast over 'Sunlight': "Blij dat we dit kunnen delen met onze fans. We kunnen amper wachten om het nummer ook te brengen tijdens onze volgende optredens!"
Volg Good Shape op:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodshapemusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/good_shape_music/
PIANIST MARIE GINOCCHIO INVOKES HER LATE MENTOR CHICK COREA ON AN ADVENTURE THROUGH ‘WONDERLAND’
The nineteen-year-old prodigy composed and performed the solo classical-jazz piano album that dropped Friday accompanied by her own illustrations inspired by the music.
SPRINGFIELD (8 May 2023): Shortly after jazz piano legend Chick Corea passed away a couple of years ago, an introspective teenage pianist began composing solo piano music after listening to his 1978 album “The Mad Hatter.” Although Marie Ginocchio had only been playing piano for four years at the time, the student of the Chick Corea Academy exhibited prodigious composition and performing skills as well as imaginative timing, harmony and phrasing, which caught the ear of Corea’s longtime guitarist Frank Gambale, an acknowledged innovator and virtuoso in his own right. That was the encouragement Ginocchio needed to record “Wonderland,” her debut recording that was released on Friday (May 5) from Tyrian Music.
Each one of the nine piano sketches encompassing improvisational jazz and neo classical music that comprise the collection is accompanied by a colorful drawing made by Ginocchio, who also created the album cover image.
Entry into Corea’s academy program was a seventeenth birthday gift from Ginocchio’s parents in 2020. She found that Corea’s teaching philosophy suited her because of his belief that artistic freedom trumped music theory or process. Ginocchio derived additional influence from jazz pianists Makoto Ozone and Hiromi Uehara as well as from composer Béla Bartók. She is particularly allured to shifting time signatures and tempos along with dissonant harmonies. Corea passed away a year into her studies, but by then, Gambale and Academy staffers recognized that Ginocchio was exceptional and convinced her to start recording.
“She’s a Chick Corea reincarnation in a female form. I’m really going out of my way to help get her exposure that she really deserves. She’s absolutely amazing and brilliant, and I don’t say that lightly. As someone who has been independent, overlooked and misunderstood for most of my career, I understand what she’s facing, and I don’t want her to lose her spirit. The world needs these bright sparks to counter balance,” said Gambale.
In search of ideas for the project, Ginocchio recalled growing up listening to “The Mad Hatter.” With “Alice in Wonderland” as the underlying motif, she eagerly ventured down the rabbit hole, crafting over fifty minutes of music for “Wonderland.”
On the set, the now nineteen-year-old college student displays extraordinary technique, remarkable dexterity and dazzling speed that she deploys to tell mesmerizing piano tales. Ginocchio’s masterful finger work crafts hues, coloring and shading to illustrate her cerebral, contemplative and scholarly compositions that were written and committed to memory before being tracked in a recording studio near her parents’ home in Springfield, Missouri.
Listeners enter “Wonderland” with the precise and pondering “Alice in Analysis.” Ginocchio explains, “I wanted to use lots of lines and patterns in this song emulating how there are many thoughts happening in someone's head.”
The Bartok-influenced “Curiouser and Curiouser” gets its title from the classic story.
“I really wanted a song that would be very chaotic and strange, like how some of Bartok's compositions were. I’ve always loved Bartok and his ideas, so really this song was me trying to emulate him and the energy of his compositions.”
“Who’d Ever Think to Look for Me Here?” is slower and methodical, which Ginocchio intended to “balance out the rest of the songs on the album.” The title quotes Alice when she was lost in Tulgey Wood and references elements from one of Corea’s compositions, “Where Have I Known You Before.”
“Cheshire Cat” is Ginocchio’s attempt to capture the character’s personality.
“I used lots of jumping rhythms as well as complex lines. This character had more of a mysterious but also spunky and weird way of presenting himself, so I tried to make the song emulate that.”
Finding musical inspiration from compositions by Ozone and Corea, the upbeat and melodic “Where People Walk Upside Down” is taken from a quote by Alice in the story. Ginocchio brings “The March Hare” to life by writing a chaotic and energetic piece.
“I used a lot of rhythmic elements along with strange chords, transitions and odd time signatures to emulate those qualities.”
Spawned from another Alice quote, Ginocchio said that she didn’t have a specific idea for “What If I Should Fall” and randomly hit a rhythm and set of notes that she liked.
“From there, I went with the flow of what I originally made up in the beginning but tried to make this song slower and more moving emotionally with the periods of silence and chords.”
Ginocchio animates the odd characters lurking in the woods on the mysterious and bizarre “Into Tulgey Wood.”
“I tried to experiment more with some different rhythms and patterns. I wanted to work more with overlapping my hands for rhythms, so I tried to implement that in this song.”
Closing the adventure, “In the Shadow of the Queen” has a lot of moving pieces that revisit some of the elements we’ve heard earlier on the recording such as slowing the tempo to a deliberate cadence adjacent to a more frenzied section.
Ginocchio’s first instrument was clarinet, and she also plays guitar. Her breakthrough on piano came from learning to play via YouTube tutorials. That led to taking lessons from classical and jazz teachers and listening to classical music as well as to jazz piano recordings by Vince Guaraldi, Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. But she quickly grew tired of regimented lessons, instead preferring to perform, create and explore her own forms of musical expression.
The ideas for Ginocchio to sketch the album cover and do an illustration for each song on “Wonderland” sprang from Corea’s own passion for sketching. Last year, Corea’s “Children Songs” series inspired Ginocchio to write shorter pieces that she labels minuets and have been shared on social media.
Ginocchio occasionally plays local shows and intends to do some virtual concerts, but she prefers focusing on composing new projects. She plans to experiment by recording in a band setting and adding electronic instruments and keyboards to her works. Along with working on more piano recordings, she plans to compose music pairing acoustic guitar and piano. But for now, Ginocchio’s playground is “Wonderland,” and she hopes listeners will embark on the enchanting escapade with her.
“Wonderland” contains the following songs:
“Alice in Analysis”
“Curiouser and Curiouser”
“Who’d Ever Think to Look for Me Here?”
“Cheshire Cat”
“Where People Walk Upside Down”
“The March Hare”
“What If I Should Fall?”
“Into Tulgey Wood”
“In the Shadow of the Queen”
Visit Ginocchio’s HearNow page at https://marieginocchio.hearnow.com.
BELLE SCAR - 'I'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE' – NEW SINGLE FROM FORTHCOMING DEBUT ALBUM BY DRAMATIC AND DISTINCTIVE SINGER-SONGWRITER
BELLE SCAR | photo by Ben Wilkin
BELLE SCAR
I’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE
new single
out 05.05.23
(Plastic Sound Records)
buy | stream | video
included on
ATOMS
debut album
out 09.06.23 (digital) | 28.07.23 (LP & CD)
LIVE IN LONDON
07.06.23
HOXTON HALL
tickets
Captivating, glamorous and bold, Belle Scar is a distinctive singer-songwriter, producer and artistic director originally from Montreal but now based in London. Described by the New York Times as “a creature from another dimension, she’s phenomenal,” her dramatic, cinematic music is at times redolent of a Tim Burton film score and at others of a mash-up between Nick Cave, Björk and Portishead.
Scar's new single, ‘I’ve Been Here Before’, is about the acknowledgement and acceptance of the ‘black dog’ of melancholy. A moody slow-burner, it develops into a superbly arranged epic replete with sumptuous strings and an angelic choir that recalls John Barry and Jean-Claude Vannier. The video for it captures the magic of London at night, with Scar playing the lead role of a wanderer and actor JD Haymer representing her shadow, the clip culminating in a symbolic face-to-face meeting.
Ever audacious, Scar performed the most recent of her live shows with full fourteen-piece band (including strings and choir) at a sold out Sadler's Wells last autumn, which earned her an invitation to appear solo at the recent WOW Festival held in the Royal Festival Hall. She has just announced a special launch event in the capital on 7th June for her forthcoming debut album, ‘Atoms’, a not-to-be-missed affair being held in the historic Hoxton Hall where her ensemble will be complemented by dancers and visuals. Tickets are available HERE.
Scar studied classical piano as a child before having to abandon it due to challenges related to ADHD and dyslexia that also affected her schooling. She eventually began writing poetry and composing music, to the point where it became an obsession and she left Montreal to head over to Europe for a lengthy tour armed with just her keyboard, a fistful of dark electronic pop songs and her powerful, distinctive voice.
Eventually arriving in the UK, she fell in love with the creativity, diversity and energy of London and decided to stay. “It was here that I could truly push myself to take risks and work on my most ambitious music,” she states. “I began meeting lots of incredibly talented musicians, singers and artists with whom I have collaborated.”
Scar struck up a close rapport with the accomplished musician and producer Marc Olivier, the duo pooling their skills to create ‘Atoms’. A stunning record, it consists of eleven songs that are emotional yet joyously beautiful, while all are imbued with a passion and depth that take listeners on a journey with her voice at its centre.
“I wrote ‘Atoms’ after my son was born, the aftermath of cancer in the family, life in the pandemic as well as acknowledging and accepting my continuing cognitive challenges,” explains Scar. “These songs are about my identity and trying to navigate the cycles of life, as well as my fascination with and awe of the universe, space and time in all its mysterious ways."
Lockdown had afforded Scar the time to further develop her new material at home, while also reconnecting with her classical roots and reabsorbing music ranging from Erik Satie and Claude Debussy to The Velvets and The Doors, and from Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen to her beloved Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.
Adoring the magic inherent in film scores by composers such as Ennio Morricone, Danny Elfman and Philip Glass, she gravitated towards grander instrumentation and more complex arrangements for her new songs. Writing the music, lyrics and vocal arrangements, with Olivier adding orchestration and production, the duo have created a mesmerising album about finding meaning in life’s beauty and darkness while navigating a path towards its unknowable future.
JAZZ FUSION KEYBOARDIST VAHAGN STEPANYAN AUDACIOUSLY OPENS ‘A NEW CHAPTER’
His “Synergy” video premiered in Times Square previewing the album releasing May 19 featuring a world-class collective of musicians.
LOS ANGELES (4 May 2023): A ten-year-old boy in war torn Armenia confidently told his piano teacher that one day he would play with jazz and gospel luminaries. She instantly shot down his ambitions, but the boy remained steadfast and undeterred, responding defiantly “Mark this day on your calendar because one day it will happen for me.” Flash forward to present day, a year-and-a-half after moving his family to Los Angeles to realize his dream, keyboardist Vahagn Stepanyan surrounded himself with Grammy-winning and world-class musicians, producers and engineers to record his second album, the aptly titled “A New Chapter.” Stepanyan composed and arranged eight songs for the jazz fusion collection releasing May 19.
Stepanyan produced “A New Chapter” with Kitt Wakeley, who earlier this year won the Grammy for Best Classical Compendium for “An Adaption Story” to which Stepanyan contributed to engineering and playing keyboards.
In the intervening years between those early piano lessons and recording “A New Chapter,” featuring performances by eleven-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Philip Lassiter (Prince, Ariana Grande), Grammy nominated guitarists Greg Howe and Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy); platinum-selling saxophonist Dave Koz, bassist Ida Nielsen (Prince) and powerhouse drummer Eric Moore amongst other accomplished players, Stepanyan was classically trained in composition and learned the art of production. He began selling songs to Armenian artists and started playing in jazz clubs in his native land but learned hard-earned music business lessons by getting paid only four dollars if he was paid at all.
Stepanyan was gifted with a saxophone that he promptly sold to buy a computer so he could learn how to arrange songs. During a 2009 visit to the US, he was encouraged by the reaction to his masterful keyboard capabilities. Four years later, difficult circumstances left him without even a keyboard to practice on.
Undaunted, Stepanyan continued to believe and worked tenaciously, step by step, never losing sight of his goals. Today, he is an award-winning music producer, arranger, songwriter, film and television composer and keyboardist who crafted an album destined to elevate him to elite status in contemporary jazz.
The first single released from “A New Chapter” is “Synergy,” which dropped last month and is accompanied by a teaser video that premiered in Times Square on April 25. The track is constructed of a complex rhythm, Moore’s aggressive and astute drumming, Lettieri’s piercing electric guitar, and rich layers of opulent horns that feature Koz playing soprano sax in a completely different context from which he is best known. Stepanyan adds melodic vocalization to the rocket ship ride that is “Without Limits,” granting the ensemble the autonomy to create free from restrictions. Anthony Crawford’s stratospheric bass solo leaps to the fore on an exploration featuring Lettieri’s fretwork.
Nielsen’s dexterous bass is given star status on “Motion,” which packs powerful horn section blasts, a scorching and gauzy electric rock guitar solo by Roy Ziv, and Stepanyan’s otherworldly synthesizer expositions. Howe and Lassiter topline “Gravity,” floating above the intricate swatches of multiple guitars and horns. Throughout “A New Chapter,” Moore’s knockout drumming dominates in impressive fashion, but he’s officially featured on “So Good,” which is illumined by Stepanyan’s imaginative keyboards and a screaming guitar solo by Feodor Dosumov and Melvin Lee Davis’s (Chaka Kahn, Lee Ritenour, George Benson, Gerald Albright) elastic basslines. Brazilian drummer Cleverson Silva and Venezuelan bassist Isai Romero add Latin flavor to the playful “Toy.” Silva remains to play on the explosive “Revolution,” this time in the company of Dosumov’s shredding guitar and Wojtek Pilichowski’s frenetic bass. Closing with a solo piece that was recorded in one take, Stepanyan exquisitely conveys the emotions of the challenges he’s faced in recent years on “Hold My Hand,” a contemplative, poetic and cinematic beauty.
Stepanyan began writing “A New Chapter” while traveling through Arizona and into Utah where he visited Hanksville, a place described as “Mars on Earth,” the baren, mountainous backdrop that appears on the album cover.
“It symbolizes the transition from one period of my life to another – a new chapter where you have to create, filling in the colors of life through your own imagination. This is a new chapter for me, and I don’t know where it will take me as an artist. But I do believe that in this new chapter, the best is yet to come,” said Stepanyan, who recently won two awards from the Akademia Music Awards for Best Jazz Songs for “Synergy” and “Motion.” “Motion” also won a Global Music Awards silver medal and garnered a nomination from the Hollywood Independent Music Awards in the Jazz (Fusion/Bebop) category.
Knowing that the process of recording “A New Chapter” would be transformational, Stepanyan documented the sessions in a five-part video series along with a teaser video that encapsulates the short documentary series. Each episode takes viewers into the recording studio and captures the musicians talking about crafting the album. As much as Stepanyan oozes respect and reverence for the virtuoso musicians highlighted on the project, they reflect back just as much admiration and accolades upon the keyboardist-pianist’s prodigious skills.
Although Stepanyan’s early training was in classical music, his muse has been jazz and gospel while incorporating world beat and global music nuances. He produced and collaborated on three volumes of the multicultural “The Ethnos Project” that were released in 2013, 2015 and 2018, truly international compilations that include up to fourteen languages. As a solo artist, Stepanyan debuted in 2015 with “Moonlight,” an offering of jazz, R&B and funk that he produced. Amongst the talents from the US, Armenia, Brazil, Thailand, Israel and Germany that performed on the album were Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley, six-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Eric Marienthal, bassists Crawford and Davis, and drummer Silva. In 2020, Stepanyan collaborated with Grammy-winning gospel singer Percy Bady.
Stepanyan has overcome towering obstacles getting to where he is and he’s done it on his own, trading on his extraordinary talents and unconquerable belief in himself. As he sets out to create a new life, Stepanyan’s “A New Chapter” is a remarkable achievement in production, arranging, songwriting and musicianship. Its roots sprouted from the soil of belief that a determined ten-year-old had long before anyone else recognized his exceptional skills.
“I still have goals to reach. Mostly, I want people to recognize me not only as a jazz musician but as someone who writes and produces pop, R&B, soul, lo-fi, funk and gospel music as well as film soundtracks. If you have a dream, set your goals and go for it without any excuses. Never give up. Believe in yourself. Keep focused on your passion, work hard and invest in your future.”
“A New Chapter” contains the following songs:
“Synergy” featuring Dave Koz
“Without Limits” featuring Mark Lettieri
“Motion” featuring Ida Nielsen
“Gravity” featuring Greg Howe and Philip Lassiter
“So Good” featuring Eric Moore
“Toy”
“Revolution”
“Hold My Hand”
For more information, please visit https://vahagnstepanyan.com.
2UNES PLAYS ‘SENSUAL’
Primarily a self-taught musician, it was at the age of eleven that his mom introduced him to the guitar and a love affair with music that has stood the test of time. In his teens, North “2unes” Woodall studied the playing styles of Ernie Isley, Santana, and Joe Walsh, among other R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles. Hard work, determination, and a natural gift paid off and as a result of his exceptional proficiency with the guitar, he was quickly established with popular groups in and around Dayton, Ohio, such as The Delvones and Round Trip Ticket. North has since relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and was sought to share the stage with funk masters Lakeside, The Ohio Players, Roger Troutman and Zapp, Roy Aires, Millie Jackson, Tom Brown and Will Downing.
2unes regularly sells out venues as the audiences know that they will be highly entertained and satisfied by tight arrangements and banging guitar solos with great licks. And the blessings continued to flow. 2unes has become a staple on the Atlanta music scene appearing in venues from the Ritz Carlton to Wind-Down Wednesdays at Centennial Park, bridging the generation gap with his unique music blend of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop.
“I work for the listener and my music is designed for them. It is important to me that I give them what they want.” Woodall went on to say that he defines his musical style as being like a gumbo. “I can’t be put into a box musically. I’m not one thing, but many things bringing people together from all sides of the music spectrum.”
"Sensual"
Composers - Chris Davis, North Woodall
NEW SINGLE ‘ALL FOR ONE’ FROM ALLEN CARMAN PROJECT
Here is the latest single from the Allen Carman Project, titled “All for One” featuring David Mann on saxophone. Written by Philippe Saisse, this song promotes the camaraderie of days gone by when we all came together for the greater good. In this day and age where we emphasize our differences and not our similarities, “All for One” reminds us that we are all in this crazy life together and should focus on coming together as one for all and “All for One".
“All For One”
Written by Philippe Saisse
Produced by Philippe Saisse & Gumbi Ortiz
Allen Carman - Bass
David Mann - Saxophones
Gumbi Ortiz - Percussion
Philippe Saisse - Keyboards and Melodion
Freddie Fox - Guitars
Judge Williams - Drums
WARREN HILL FINDS IT ‘SIMPLE’
After 14 #1 studio albums, and just in time for summer, Hill brings us a sultry, romantic new single, "Simple". Warren Hill's first radio single in 10 years, he goes back to his roots with the sound that made him so popular worldwide. This passionate song takes you on an emotional heartfelt journey reminiscent of the early days of some of his biggest hits, like "Our First Dance", "Tamara", "Still In Love" and "The Passion Theme".
The perfect follow up as the chart-topping jazz artist, Warren Hill returns with the beautiful, honest and straight to the heart and easily understood, "Simple". Listen and let Warren Hill's soulful sound bring the magic of love into your life, and leave you with goosebumps.
Keeping it all in their dynamic musical family, Hill's daughter, pop artist Olivia Rox wrote the song and is featured on background vocals, and alongside his wife music producer Tamara Van Cleef produced the song in Los Angeles. Canadian born and raised, but living in California, Hill has earned a global following for blending his incredible sound on saxophone with pop melodies creating a soundtrack for your life.
HIGH PULP - 'DAYS IN THE DESERT' - US JAZZ COLLECTIVE ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM OUT 28.07.23 (ANTI-) | INCLUDES SINGLE FEAT. DAEDELUS OUT TODAY
HIGH PULP | 2023 photography by London Van Rooy & Jon Christopherson
HIGH PULP
DAYS IN THE DESERT
new album
out 28.07.23
(ANTI-)
FEATURES MONONEON | DAEDELUS | JEFF PARKER |
JAMES BRANDON LEWIS & MORE
pre-order/save
includes the single
(IF YOU DON’T LEAVE) THE CITY WILL KILL YOU
feat. Daedelus
stream
Rooted in the jazz tradition and vibrance of modern hip-hop while also smitten by indie-rock, High Pulp grab from all these sounds at once to pursue something truly their own. With a tingling electronic foundation and night-time driving backbeat, their new single ‘(If You Don’t Leave) The City Will Kill You’ features Brainfeeder cornerstone Daedelus, who proceeds to take the track further out into the cosmos.
Los Angeles-based experimental jazz collective High Pulp will release a brand new album entitled ‘Days in the Desert’ on 28th July as the follow-up to 2022s acclaimed ‘Pursuit Of Ends’. Rooted in the jazz tradition yet also smitten by indie-rock and electronic music, the group grabs from all these genres at once to pursue a sound that is truly their own. ‘Days in the Desert’ reveals them realising their strengths, deepening their own bonds and pushing their skills into a thrilling new sonic vista all but unimaginable just a few years previously.
Embodying the band’s musical heritage while pointed firmly towards its future, it is a sound that High Pulp has been striving for since the beginning; drawing on their broad listening tastes, it would be equally at home in a jazz club setting, an indie rock festival or an underground dance party.
Indeed, this record is a party, boasting an array of all-star guests that push the sounds even further out into the ether. They range from Impulse! harpist Brandee Younger and Madlib collaborator/Brainfeeder OG Daedelus, to rising tenor saxophonist (and fellow Anti- labelmate) James Brandon Lewis and Chicago guitar legend Jeff Parker. But, despite the disparate genres represented, it all ultimately sounds like High Pulp.
'(If You Don't Leave) The City Will Kill You’ features Daedelus and has been released today as a new single. With a tingling electronic foundation and night-time driving backbeat, the horn charts bursting through like passing headlights, it is at once anthemic and aerodynamic. Then, right at the break, Daedelus drops in to take it even further out into the cosmos. Watch the video HERE.
“The word jazz is going to follow our band around forever, which is fine. We love jazz and we are inspired by it, but our influences are much wider than that," explains group founder and drummer Bobby Granfelt. In embracing the likes of Gil Evans-Miles Davis jazz collaborations in the 1950s as well as 1990s lo-fi indie-rock like ‘Dots and Loops’ by Stereolab and ‘TNT’ by Tortoise, High Pulp has found a middle ground. As their vision for ‘Days In The Desert’ became clearer, the message was evident. “We embraced more imperfections in terms of our executions, but as a result our compositions got stronger, more solid,” adds alto saxophonist Andy Morrill. “The album started to get simpler and also a little more human.”
As for the album title, Granfelt concludes: “Emotionally it’s real. You’re in the desert, there’s mirages. And all you have is your own conviction and sense of direction to go.” High Pulp have wandered for days in the desert to craft an album that sounds close to home.
also available now
NEVER IN MY SHORT SWEET LIFE feat. MonoNeon
video | stream
UK REVIEWS FOR ‘PURSUIT OF ENDS’
“Ethereal and euphoric collide in a heady blend ****”
TIMES
“Vintage futurism, melding Miles’ 70s fusion experiments with rich Ellingtonian orchestrated majesty and non-jazz elements like Aphex Twin and MBV. Simultaneously lush and raw, it’s a keeper”
JAZZWISE
“Marinates fusion, new wave and R&B with spiritual jazz into a quixotic brew ****”
RECORD COLLECTOR
“The epitome of cool modern jazz with depth and complexity”
PROG
MAGIC WANDS - 'TIME' - SINGLE BY US DARK POP TRIO OUT NOW
MAGIC WANDS
TIME
new single
out 01.05.23
(Metropolis Records)
Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
included on
SWITCH
new album
LP | CD | digital
out 12.05.23
Magic Wands is a US dark pop outfit originally formed in Nashville by guitarists & vocalists Chris and Dexy Valentine, but now based in Los Angeles where they have been joined by drummer Pablo Amador. Their name stems from the gift of a wand from Chris to Dexy when they first started making music together while still living on opposite sides of the country.
The group have released three albums over the last decade on which they have refined a shimmering and cosmic dream-pop sound that incorporates elements of shoegaze, post-punk and goth. Textured guitars, droning synths and delicate, ethereal vocals combine to create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Armed with songs that have often been praised on both sides of the Atlantic for their euphoric quality, especially in live performance, the trio themselves have remained dedicated to creating music that is both imaginative and emotionally engaging. They have developed a loyal fanbase drawn to their ability to create a sense of mysticism and wonder through their music.
Magic Wands have shared stages with the likes of Radiohead, Slowdive, Jesus & Mary Chain, The Horrors, Deerhunter, The Kills and The Black Keys. They also played their own headlining tours of the UK and mainland Europe in 2017-18.
Having released a single in late March entitled ‘Joy’, the group have now followed it with ‘Time’. Complemented with a pair of remixes apiece, both are also included on ‘Switch’, a brand new album set for release on 12th May.
SWITCH
TRACKLISTING
1 Prelude
2 Joy
3 Switch
4 Daylight
5 Falling Trees
6 Starbreeze
7 Time
8 Whispers
9 Dream ’92
10 Sea Glass
11 Further Away
12 Candle Sea
13 Joy (Blue Joy Remix by Shadow Mirrors) *
14 Joy (All The Joy Remix by Stargods) *
15 Sea Glass (Sea Remix by Shadow Mirrors) *
16 Time (Misty Lake Remix by Shadow Mirrors) *
17 Clockwork Remix by Stargods) *
* CD & digital formats only
Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
CANADESE SINGER-SONGWRITER GORDON LIGHTFOOT OVERLEDEN
De Canadese singer-songwriter en gitarist Gordon Lightfoot is gisteren op 84-jarige leeftijd overleden. Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. was internationaal succesvol in folk, folkrock en countrymuziek. Hij was medebepalend voor het tot stand komen van het folk-pop geluid in de jaren zestig en zeventig van de vorige eeuw. Velen beschouwden Gordon als Canada’s beste songwriter en zagen hem als een folkrock legende. “Zijn naam zal altijd verbonden zijn aan tijdloze liedjes over treinen en scheepswrakken, rivieren en snelwegen, geliefden en eenzaamheid.” Aldus Nicholas Jennings, die een biografie over Gordon schreef. Lightfoot’s liedjes, inclusief ‘For Lovin' Me’, ‘Early Morning Rain’, ‘Steel Rail Blues’, ‘Ribbon Of Darkness’ (een nummer 1 hit in de Amerikaanse country-lijst) en ‘Black Day In July’ (over de opstand in Detroit in 1967) brachten hem wereldwijde erkenning in de jaren zestig. Het succes met zijn eigen plaatopnamen in Canada begon in 1962 met de Top 3 hit ‘(Remember Me) I'm The One’. Dat succes kreeg een vervolg in de jaren zeventig met de internationale hits ‘If You Could Read My Mind’ (1970), ‘Sundown’ (1974), ‘Carefree Highway’ (1974), ‘Rainy Day People’ en ‘The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald’ (1976). Verschillende van Gordon’s albums bereikten in vele landen de gouden, platina en Multi-platina status. Zijn liedjes werden opgenomen door grootheden als Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr., Jerry Lee Lewis, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Harry Belafonte, The Grateful Dead, Olivia Newton-John en Jim Croce. De Canadese formatie The Guess Who nam het liedje ‘Lightfoot’ op voor hun album ‘Wheatfield Soul’ (1968). De tekst van het liedje bevat vele titels van composities van Gordon Lightfoot. ‘Sundown’ was een van de eerste singles die ik ooit kocht. Het nummer is afkomstig van het gelijknamige album, waarvan ook de (Amerikaanse) hitsingle ‘Carefree Highway’ komt. ‘Sundown’ bereikte de eerste plaats van de Amerikaanse Billboard Hot 100 en ook de eerste plaats van de Canadese hitlijst. De tekst beschrijft een moeizame romantische relatie. Hiermee zou Lightfoot de relatie met zijn toenmalige vriendin Cathy Smith bedoelen. Smith zou volgens Lightfoot de enige vrouw in zijn leven zijn die hem pijn heeft gedaan. Diezelfde Smith haalt in 1982 de voorpagina’s van de kranten vanwege haar betrokkenheid bij de dood van acteur John Belushi. Gordon’s compositie ‘If You Could Read My Mind’ werd later een grote (disco) hit voor Viola Wills. Gordon Lightfoot ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
VERONTWAARDIGING BIJ MOVE DANCECENTER AALST
Met verontwaardiging hebben wij de berichtgeving gevolgd rond dansvereniging MoveZ uit Zottegem. Vanuit de vennootschap Move Dancecenter, gevestigd te Aalst en al sinds 1993 succesvol actief in de artistieke sector, inclusief dansopleidingen, wensen wij ons ten volle te distantiëren van de recente te betreuren gebeurtenissen in MoveZ uit Zottegem.
Wij wensen uitdrukkelijk te benadrukken dat er op geen enkele manier een link is tussen Dancecenter Move Aalst en de vernoemde vereniging uit Zottegem.
Move Dancecenter Aalst heeft sinds de oprichting in 1993 een onberispelijke naam en reputatie. Move is nationaal en internationaal professioneel actief in de artiesten- en bedrijfswereld met talloze referenties.
Door de naams- en logoverwarring worden onze directe omgeving, wij persoonlijk en onze onderneming verkeerdelijk bestempeld en zijn wij ongewild slachtoffer.
Als zaakvoerders van Move Dancecenter Aalst, maar wonende in Zottegem, krijgen wij verwijten naar het hoofd gegooid. Onze bedrijfswagens met ons Move logo worden verkeerdelijk gelinkt en belaagd. Zelfs onze eigen kinderen ondervinden pesterijen op school en daarbovenop worden familieleden aangesproken binnen de persoonlijke levenssfeer.
Wij hopen hiermee duidelijkheid te hebben verschaft. Wij gaan dan ook met volle positieve kracht verder op onze professionele weg en wensen het huidige bestuur van de getroffen vereniging alle succes in hun verdere werking.
Patrick De Coninck
Zaakvoerder Move Dancecenter
TRAVEL SOULFULLY WITH NEW SONG ‘AMY’ FROM CARTER FOX
I've been doing some soulful traveling lately, metaphorically and literally. I've spent more time reflecting on my goals, my dreams, and my life, and determining what I have to do to build the future I want. I also was literally traveling around playing music, including down in Little Rock with the legendary Freddie Jackson! I look forward to being back at Moongroove Music and Arts Festival this summer with my band, and to more performances on the horizon.
Music is so powerful, cool, and magnificent that it can literally change and charge your spirit, and give your opportunities to do some really incredible things. I guess what I'm trying to say is... I love music, it makes me happy, and I'm more than thrilled so share some new music of my own with you now called 'Amy' and inspired by capturing alien signals from outer space and what 'translating' it may sound like.
The second new single from my forthcoming EP 'Lost Signals From Outer Space', Amy is a soothing and melodic instrumental lullaby will transport you to a place of calm and tranquility, perfect for winding down after a long day or simply taking a moment to pause and reflect. With its gentle guitar melodies and laid-back beats orbiting your ear, "Amy" is a refreshing take on the lo-fi genre, blending blues and jazz in this piece, showcasing the delicate nuances and subtle harmonies that make this style of music so appealing.
Travel soulfully and enjoy,
Carter Fox
APOLLO SUNS BRING NEW SINGLE ‘PLUTO’
Canadian 9-piece instrumental collective Apollo Suns fuse jazz, rock and psychedelic on new single 'Pluto'
Following 3 self-released EPs Apollo Suns are set to release their new album with Do Right! Music, home to The Souljazz Orchestra, Soul Motivators, and Luvmenauts.
Developed over many tours trying out different arrangements and grooves, their new single became a fan favourite at live shows due to its heavy horns, dynamic groove, and catchy melody.
Founded by Ed Durocher, Apollo Suns is a 9-piece instrumental collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The band fuses influence of jazz, rock, and psychedelic music, to create their own unique sounds with the dancefloor in mind. They have self-released three EPs: ‘Each Day a Different Sun’ (2017), ‘Dawn Offerings’ (2019), ‘A Relationship of Force’ (Color Red, 2021), and were awarded “Instrumental Artist of the Year” at Western Canadian Music Awards in both 2018/2020.
In 2022, Apollo Suns returned to the studio with Juno award-winning producer Ben Kaplan (Five Alarm Funk, Mother Mother, The Rare Americans) to record their latest album, ‘Departures’. The band is signed to the Canadian label Do Right Music, home to The Souljazz Orchestra, Soul Motivators, and Luvmenauts.
Developed over many tours trying out different arrangements and grooves, their new single Pluto became a fan favourite at live shows due to its heavy horns, dynamic groove, and catchy melody. “Pluto is a many-faced god who is capable of great kindness but also is temperamental. We wanted the song and artwork to convey that feeling to listeners.”
Best known for their high-octane live shows, Apollo Suns have captivated audiences at Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Big Fun Festival, Vermont Jazz Fest, and Calgary Stampede. Some of their most notable shows include support slots for The Comet is Coming, Makaya McCraven, Anomalie, The Brooks, and Five Alarm Funk.
FRANK PIOMBO PLAYS ‘LUCA’S GROOVE’
Frank Piombo, Multi Award Winning Contemporary Jazz Guitarist/Composer and International Recording Artist. Member of the Recording Academy. Sound Exchange. BMI, and the International Singer-Songwriters Association. Inducted into the 2020 Indie Music Hall of Fame. Nominated in 2019 and 2020 by the “East Coast Music Hall of Fame.”
Frank Piombo was born 1950, and raised in North Africa, to Italian parents; it’s no wonder that music was a constant in Frank’s life. At the tender age of six, Frank’s family would move to Rome (his mother’s birthplace), where he was inspired by the sounds of his father’s music. An avid accordion player, Frank was moved by the romantic tunes produced by his father, and their effects can be heard in Frank’s music even today.
By the time the family immigrated to the United States, at age eight, Frank was inspired by the sounds of the late fifties and early sixties, prompting him to take guitar lessons. But it was the sound of The Beatles that motivated Frank most, and helped the teen to focus more seriously on his music.
Today Frank Piombo’s portfolio is an impressive one. Appearing as lead guitarist and vocalist alongside Sidewalk Symphony, The Fantasy Band, Stepping Out, The New Prince Band, US & Co, the Original Infernos; and sharing the stage with the likes of The Duprees, The Mello Kings, Vito and the Salutations, and Vito and the Elegants, Frank has proved to be much more than a jazz guitarist.
Piombo's music is now heard throughout North America, and several other continents, including Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America.
JACK SAX DAVIES EXPERIENCES ‘MIDNIGHT MAGIC’
Jack Sax Davies is a Smooth Jazz/R&B saxophonist, composer, producer and recording artist. Having graduated from the prestigious Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, he relocated to continue working on the vibrant UK music scene in his home city of London, England. Showcasing original sounds and authentic instrumentation, Jack draws influence from his many mentors including Jeff Kashiwa, Arturo Tappin, Shannon LeClaire, George Garzone and Ed Tomassi. Jack has garnered the attention of his musical peers and listeners far and wide, as both a session musician and live performer.
His new single "Midnight Magic" is a retro throwback to the 1990s with a modern twist, creating a unique sonic pallet. Sparkly, smooth and truly sexy the track transports you to a new world high up in the magical cosmos. "Midnight Magic" also features some of Jack’s incredibly talented musician friends whom he met while on his academic journey at Berklee College Of Music. To add that final sheen and magic touch the track was mixed and mastered by the Smooth Jazz legend himself, Darren Rahn.
Jack would like to additionally thank his musical mentor and long-time friend, contemporary jazz saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, for his guidance on the track and production tips along the way to make this record truly shine.
CHRIS “BIG DOG” DAVIS FT. CARL COX ASK US ‘R U SERIOUS?’
4 years ago Chris 'Big Dog' Davis wrote a song called “R U Serious?” which has a vibe of a Wayne Shorter composition. Wayne Shorter has passed and Chris felt obligated to pay tribute to the great Legend. This composition reminds us of when he was with the Band Weather Report.
Groove, funky bassline, horns and improv on solos. Featured on this song is good friend Carl Cox on sax, bringing this song into the atmosphere of Wayne Shorter vibe. Enjoy this groove! It’s definitely going to bring back memories of the great player and composer he was.
"R U Serious?"
Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Mastered by Chris 'Big Dog' Davis
Keyboard Programming : Chris 'Big Dog' Davis
Sax: Carl Cox
POPULAIRE #LikeMe REEKS KRIJGT NU HAAR EIGEN UNIEKE ESCAPE GAME
De populaire Vlaamse jeugdserie #LikeMe waarin je Caro en haar vrienden kan volgen in hun avonturen op de middelbare school: het SAS, krijgt nu haar eigen unieke escape game. De populariteit van de reeks bereikt ongekende hoogtes. Zo waren er in april nog de uitverkochte shows in het Antwerpse Sportpaleis met 10.000’en enthousiaste bezoekers! Daar speelt dit nieuwe spel handig op in.
De #LikeMe Escape Game is in verschillende opzichten uniek te noemen. Het spel werd uitgegeven, grafisch vormgegeven en gedistribueerd door entertainmentbureau Groep 24. Dit Brugse bedrijf is de drijvende kracht achter talloze Belgische Monopoly edities en heeft dan ook al jaren ervaring in de spellenbranche. De escape game is specifiek voor #LikeMe bedacht en ontwikkeld door de spelarchitecten van Pilipili Games. Het is dus geen herwerking van een bestaand spel.
Beide bedrijven werkten toe naar een nooit eerder uitgegeven spelconcept. Zo is deze escape game te onderscheiden van alle andere door de doelgroep waar het op mikt; namelijk kinderen vanaf 6 jaar en hun familie. In het spel zijn verschillende moeilijkheidsgraden opgenomen waardoor het zowel voor de jongste kinderen als voor middelbare schoolkinderen uitdagend is om te spelen. Daarnaast is het in tegenstelling tot andere escape games oneindig herspeelbaar. Dit komt doordat het spelbord bestaat uit 30 tegels die telkens opnieuw in een andere volgorde naast elkaar kunnen geplaatst worden.
Het verhaal in het spel gaat over het rugbyteam van de school, de Tigers, die tegen hun aartsrivaal de Pitbulls moeten spelen. Het is de laatste wedstrijd van het seizoen, de grote finale die de langverwachte winnaar zal bepalen. De speler krijgt de keuze uit zeven verschillende #LikeMe personages, waaronder Camille en Caro, die Vince moeten helpen om de school op tijd te verlaten. Om dat te kunnen doen, moeten alle spelers samenwerken om coöperatief de opdrachten tot een goed einde te brengen.
Hugo Sigal, bekend als meneer Wolfs uit de serie, was er vandaag bij om het spel voor te stellen. In het spel heeft meneer Wolfs een belangrijke rol als schooldirecteur die erop toeziet dat alle leerlingen tijdig op school aankomen. Hugo Sigal: "Ik vond het een grote eer om de rol van meneer Wolfs te mogen spelen. Hij had een grote functie om alles in goede banen te leiden op het SAS. Dat #LikeMe nu haar eigen Escape Game heeft waar ik deel van mag uitmaken is nog een grotere eer."
De #LikeMe Escape Game is een geheel nieuw en origineel gezelschapsspel voor 2 tot 5 spelers. Door de verschillende combinaties spelkaarten en het spelbord die elk spel anders zijn, is deze escape game oneindig herspeelbaar voor jong en oud. Het spel is beschikbaar via shop.groep24.be.
'LOVE TO LOVE YOU, DONNA SUMMER’ IS OFFICIALLY SET TO AIR ON MAY 20TH ON HBO MAX
Shaped by Summer’s own reflections, the memories of close family, friends and colleagues, and filled with the sounds of Summer’s songs, LOVE TO LOVE YOU, DONNA SUMMER (5/20) is an in-depth look at the iconic artist as she creates music that takes her from the avant-garde music scene in Germany, to the glitter and bright lights of dance clubs in New York, to worldwide acclaim, her voice and artistry becoming the defining soundtrack of an era. A deeply personal portrait of Summer on and off the stage, the film features a wealth of photographs and never-before-seen home video footage – often shot by Summer herself – and provides a rich window into the surprising range of her artistry, from songwriting to painting, while exploring the highs and lows of a life lived on the global stage.
The documentary will have a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes!
AMERIKAANSE ZANGER, ACTEUR & SONGWRITER HARRY BELAFONTE OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse zanger, acteur en songwriter Harry Belafonte is gisteren op 96-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat schrijft ‘The New York Times’. Toen Harry Belafonte in 1957 voor het eerst ‘Day-O! Dayhayhay-O!’ uitriep, was hij zich niet bewust van de enorme impact die deze kreet zou hebben. De uitroep vormt namelijk de basis voor het wereldwijde succes van zijn hit 'The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)’ en bezorgt hem ook de bijnaam The King Of Calypso. Bovendien zet het liedje vele artiesten aan tot een nadere verkenning van de verschillende Zuid-Amerikaanse muziekstijlen. Harry Belafonte wordt op 1 maart 1927 geboren als Harold George Belafonte junior in de New Yorkse wijk Harlem. Als zoon van een immigrantenechtpaar uit Martinique groeit hij op in de bittere armoede en de harde werkelijkheid van het getto. Wanneer Harry acht jaar is, verhuist hij met zijn moeder naar Jamaïca om in het dorpje Aboukir te gaan wonen bij zijn oma. Na vijf jaar keert de dan 13-jarige Belafonte terug naar New York om een opleiding te volgen aan de George Washington High School. Aan het einde van de oorlogsjaren verlaat hij de middelbare school om dienst te nemen bij de Amerikaanse marine. Maar nog voordat Belafonte wordt uitgezonden naar Europa of het Verre Oosten, is de oorlog al afgelopen. Vastbesloten om het leven in het getto te ontvluchten, sluit Belafonte zich aan bij het American Negro Theater. Samen met Marlon Brando, Sidney Poitier en Tony Curtis volgt hij acteerlessen bij Erwin Piscator's Dramatic Workshop. Hij treedt op in diverse toneelstukken en blijkt prachtig te kunnen zingen. In 1948 treedt Belafonte voor het eerst voor een groot publiek op. Daarbij wordt hij begeleid door de jazzband van Charlie Parker, waarin naast Parker ook Miles Davis en Max Roach spelen. In 1952 tekent Harry Belafonte een platencontract met RCA Records. Nog datzelfde jaar verschijnt zijn eerste single 'Chiminey Smoke’ – die geen hit wordt - en maakt hij zijn debuut op het witte doek. Belafonte speelt een rol in de film ‘Bright Road’, waarin de knappe Dorothy Dandridge zijn tegenspeelster is. In 1954 wint hij een Tony Award voor zijn aandeel in de Broadway-revue ‘John Murray Anderson’s Almanac’. In dat jaar speelt Belafonte ook de hoofdrol in de speelfilm ‘Carmen Jones’, waarin Dorothy Dandridge opnieuw zijn tegenspeelster is. Als zanger breekt Belafonte in 1956 wereldwijd door met de hit 'Jamaica Farewell'. Vlak daarna is hij succesvol met een vertolking van het kerstliedje 'Mary's Boy Child', dat twee decennia later net zo succesvol wordt uitgevoerd door Boney M. Wanneer Harry’s elpee ‘Calypso’ de eerste plaats van de hitlijsten bereikt, breekt in Amerika een ware Calypso-rage los. Er worden meer dan één miljoen exemplaren van de plaat verkocht. Met de hit 'The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)', afgeleid van een oud Jamaïcaans volkswijsje, zorgt Harry Belafonte er hoogstpersoonlijk voor dat de calypso ook elders in de wereld razend populair wordt. Na het gigantische succes van 'Banana Boat (Day-O!)' blijft Belafonte aan de lopende band wereldhits afleveren, waaronder 'Mama Look At Bubu', 'Coconut Woman', 'Matilda Matilda' en 'Round The Bay Of Mexico'. Ook het thema van zijn volgende film ‘Island In The Sun’ is een groot succes. De film handelt over een omstreden liefdesrelatie tussen de donkere Belafonte en de blanke actrice Joan Fontaine, een onderwerp dat in die tijd uiterst gevoelig ligt. Ook speelt Belafonte rollen in controversiële films als ‘Odds Against Tomorrow’ - waarin hij partner is van een blanke racistische bankrover - en ‘The World The Flesh And The Devil’, waarin hij één van de drie laatst overgebleven aardbewoners speelt die nog in leven zijn nadat zich een nucleaire wereldramp heeft voltrokken. Belafonte komt op voor de onderdrukte zwarte gemeenschap in Amerika. Hij sluit zich aan bij dominee Martin Luther King Jr. en onderhoudt tot aan diens tragische dood een hechte vriendschapsband met hem. Ondertussen ontvangt Belafonte diverse prestigieuze prijzen, waaronder een Emmy Award voor de tv-special ‘Tonight With Harry Belafonte’. Ook levert hij een groot aantal prachtige albums af. Daarvan is het uit 1962 daterende ‘The Midnight Special’ vermeldenswaardig omdat een piepjonge harmonicaspeler Bob Dylan daarmee zijn platendebuut maakt. In zijn tv-specials laat Belafonte het Amerikaanse publiek kennismaken met jonge artiesten uit Afrika en Europa, waaronder Miriam Makeba en Nana Mouskouri. Op filmgebied is Belafonte te zien in onder meer het door Sidney Poitier geregisseerde ‘Buck And The Preacher’ (1972) en ‘Uptown Saturday Night’ (1974). Halverwege de jaren zeventig trekt Belafonte zich terug uit de platen- en filmindustrie. Hij wil zich voortaan bezighouden met de strijd voor mensenrechten en in het bijzonder die van kansarme kinderen. Zo is hij samen met Lionel Richie en Michael Jackson initiatiefnemer van de single 'We Are The World', waarmee tientallen wereldsterren in 1985 miljoenen dollars bij elkaar zingen voor de hongerende kinderen in Afrika. In 1987 volgt Harry Belafonte Danny Kaye op als UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador. In 1989 vertolkt Belafonte met Jennifer Warnes het duet 'Skin To Skin' dat hem zijn laatste grote wereldhit oplevert. Halverwege de jaren negentig maakt Belafonte zijn comeback op het witte doek in de omstreden film ‘White Man’s Burden’ (1996) en Robert Altman’s jazzfilm ‘Kansas City’ (1997). Verder staat Belafonte bekend om zijn geëngageerde houding ten opzichte van de maatschappij en kritische uitspraken. Zo keert hij zich fel tegen de Amerikaanse inval in Irak en noemt daarbij Condoleezza Rice en Colin Powell de ‘huisslaven’ van het ‘naziregime’ van ‘terrorist’ George Bush. Met zulke uitspraken maakt hij zich niet geliefd bij de Republikeinen. In 2006 speelt hij een kleine rol in de door Emilio Estevez geregisseerde filmdocumentaire ‘Bobby’, handelend over de moord op senator Bobby Kennedy. Harry Belafonte ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
VAGHAN STEPANYAN’S NEW SINGLE ‘SYNERGY’ FEAT. DAVE KOZ
Eric Moore – Drums
Leslie Johnson – Bass
Mark Lettieri – Guitars
Philip Lassiter – Horns
Dave Koz - Soprano Sax
Vahagn Stepanyan - Keyboards, Piano & Programming
Song written and arranged by Vahagn Stepanyan
Produced by Vahagn Stepanyan & Kitt Wakeley
Release Date: April 20, 2023
ZANGERES LILIAN DAY JACKSON (SPARGO) OVERLEDEN
Lilian Day Jackson, de zangeres van de Nederlandse band Spargo, is gisteren 24/4 op 63-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat maakte Jacksons dochter vandaag op Facebook bekend. De zangeres was al geruime tijd ziek.
‘Mijn alles, m’n liefde, m’n voorbeeld. Ik ben je zo dankbaar voor alles wat je mij hebt gegeven. De liefde van m’n leven, mijn beste vriendin. Je hebt gevochten tot het allerlaatste moment. Ik hou zoveel van jou lieve mama. Fly high’, staat er onder een zwart-witfoto waarop Bemshi haar moeders hand vasthoudt. ‘Met veel verdriet en pijn moet ik vertellen dat mijn prachtige moeder gisteren op 24 april is komen te overlijden. Ze is rustig vertrokken met haar familie om zich heen.’
De in New York geboren Jackson werd bekend als zangeres van de formatie Spargo, die met name in de jaren 80 een aantal hits scoorde. Het bekendste nummer was ‘You and Me’, dat het ook tot nummer 1 in de Nederlandse hitlijst schopte. In 1985 stopte de band ermee, hoewel er later nog wel reünie-optredens zouden volgen.
Jacksons stiefvader was Art Blakey, een beroemde Amerikaanse jazzdrummer die werkte met onderen anderen Thelonious Monk en Miles Davis. In de jaren 80 speelde Jackson nog een gastrolletje in de tv-serie Kanaal 13.
IERSE DANSSENSATIE ‘RHYTHM OF THE DANCE’ KOMT IN APRIL 2024 MET ‘25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR' NAAR GENT, ANTWERPEN EN BRUGGE
25 april 2024 - Capitole Gent
27 april 2024 - Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen
28 april 2024 - concertgebouw Brugge
De Ierse danssensatie ‘Rhythm of the Dance’ gaat in 2024 op wereldtournee met hun ‘25th Anniversary Tour’ en houdt eind april 2024 ook halt in Capitole Gent, Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen en Concertgebouw Brugge. Het door meer dan 14 miljoen toeschouwers wereldwijd bejubelde ‘Rhythm of the Dance’, dat traditionele Ierse dans en muziek combineert in een opzwepende liveshow, neemt het publiek al jarenlang mee op een adembenemende en opwindende reis doorheen de geschiedenis van Ierland. Hun ongelooflijke ‘25th Anniversary Tour’ creëert een nieuw tijdperk in Iers entertainment en brengt een schat aan Iers talent, wereld- en Ierse kampioensdansers, enkele van de beste traditionele muzikanten en fenomenale zangers, samen in een uniek spektakel. Bestel nu je tickets voor de sublieme ‘Rhythm of the Dance – 25th Anniversary Tour’ in april 2024 in Capitole Gent (25/04), Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen (27/04) en Concertgebouw Brugge (28/04), via ticketkopen.eu.
Sinds de creatie van ‘Rhythm of the Dance’ (aanvankelijk werd de show opgezet voor een tournee van 3 weken door de Verenigde Staten) toert de show onafgebroken internationaal en wordt jaar na jaar bedolven onder lovende kritieken. Door traditionele Ierse dans en muziek te combineren met de modernste podiumtechnologie, bezorgt deze twee uur durende extravaganza het publiek al jarenlang een opwindende, energieke en unieke totaalbeleving.
‘Rhythm of the Dance’ blijft zich ontwikkelen dankzij het constante streven naar perfectie van de regisseur/producent, choreograaf en componist. Meer dan 14 miljoen mensen in 52 landen genoten reeds met volle teugen van dit opzwepende spektakel en in 2024 pakt ‘Rhythm of The Dance’ uit met een vernieuwde, waanzinnige liveshow tijdens hun ‘25th Anniversary Tour’.
Live muzikanten, zangers en dansers van wereldklasse zorgen in een fenomenale productie voor een weergaloze mix van pulserende ritmes en verbazingwekkend snel uitgevoerde choreografieën. Laat je meevoeren op een adembenemende reis doorheen de geschiedenis van Ierland, van het oude, rijk aan legenden en mythen, tot het moderne, stedelijke Ierland van vandaag.
‘Rhythm of the Dance – 25th Anniversary Tour’ op 25 april 2024 in Capitole Gent, 27 april 2024 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen en 28 april 2024 in Concertgebouw Brugge.
Tickets & info: ticketkopen.eu
BRIEN ANDREWS BREATHES ‘ATMOSPHERE’
It’s all about the music, connecting with the music and then making sure the music connects to those that hear it! A consistent “in-the-pocket” drummer with solid grooves that are captivating. Brien Andrews electrifies audiences across the globe with his savvy, mastered and proficient artistic styling. Brien has the ability to play a vast repertoire of music and it is this diversity that makes him a preferred musician.
"Atmosphere"
Produced & Mixed by Adam Hawley
Written by Brien Andrews & Adam Hawley
Mastered by Steve Hall
Brien Andrews - Drums
Adam Hawley - Rhodes, Synths, Key Bass, Guitars
Carnell Harrell - Synths
Jermaine Morgan - Lead Bass
Donald Hayes - Saxophone
TERRY WOLLMAN’S NEW SINGLE ‘COME ON URDELL’
Terry Wollman’s new single is the buoyant and bluesy “Come on Urdell”, featuring his signature acoustic guitar melodies and interlaced electric guitars. The title was inspired by the cryptic words of a homeless man Terry encountered while taking a solitary stroll on the beach during the global pandemic lockdown. Their unique, fleeting connection, culminating in a fist bump, captures the connective spirit of the song.
The music from Surface was composed and recorded during the pandemic with a host of acclaimed musicians including Bob James, Najee, Greg Manning, Andy Snitzer, and many more, Terry Wollman’s Surface is a true celebration of the spirit of musical collaboration. At a time when the music world shut down, and artists were forced to recalibrate their creative endeavors, Terry went “beneath the surface” and uncovered a wealth of ideas and inspirations that he shared with an eager group of artists happily willing to collaborate.
“What I love most about the experience of recording Surface is the level of connectivity to create something profound and beautiful together,” says Wollman. “Being apart demanded and drew us into having deeper conversations and dialogue that took the. tracks to a higher level”. - Terry Wollman
"Come On Urdell"
Produced by Terry Wollman
Mixed by Peter R. Kelsey
Mastered by Steve Hall
Terry Wollman - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Loops
Pat Coil - Acoustic Piano, Fender Rhodes, Organ
Abraham Laboriel - Bass
John "JR" Robinson - Drums
JOHNNY BRITT FT. NILS PLAYS ‘LET’S DO THIS’
After scoring his first number one radio single as a solo artist, the title track to his new “After We Play” album, soul-jazz trumpeter-vocalist Johnny Britt is set to drop his next single, “Let’s Do This” featuring guitarist Nils, on April 24.
Britt, who wrote three No. 1 Billboard hits for saxophonist Boney James, wrote and produced “Let’s Do This,” a contemporary groove party starter powered by clever horn arrangements and a driving rhythm track. Britt plays trumpet, keyboards and sings all the background vocals on the catchy chorus.
You can hear the chemistry between Britt and Nils, magic that comes alive when they’re in the studio or on stage together. The dynamic duo teamed to shoot the “Let’s Do This” video in a downtown Los Angeles loft. “Let’s Do This,” which is available on all digital formats, is Britt’s second consecutive showcase collaboration with a guitarist ("After We Play” spotlights Peter White).
"Let's Do This"
Johnny Britt – Trumpet, Keyboards, Vocals, Programing, Arranging
Nils – Guitar, Mixing
Marcus Williams – Drums
Dean Mark – Bass
Keith Henderson – Guitar
Johnny Britt – Horn Section
Sean J. Lawson - Percussion
SON OF LEGENDARY SOUL SINGER OTIS REDDING DIED
MACON, Ga. — Singer and guitarist Otis Redding III, the son and namesake of the legendary 1960s soul singer, has died from cancer at age 59, his family said Wednesday.
Redding was just three years old when his father, Otis Redding, died with several band members in a plane crash on Dec. 10, 1967. More than a decade later, the younger Redding and his brother, Dexter, formed the funk band The Reddings, which recorded six albums in the 1980s.
“It is with heavy hearts that the family of Otis Redding III confirms that he lost his battle with cancer last evening,” said his sister, Karla Redding-Andrews, in a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Otis Redding Foundation, the family’s charity in Macon.
Though singles “Remote Control” and “Call the Law” by The Reddings made appearances on the Billboard music charts, the Redding brothers never matched their father’s success. Redding continued playing and performing after the band recorded its final album in 1988.
He was once hired for a European tour as guitarist for soul singer Eddie Floyd, under whose guidance the younger Redding became comfortable performing “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” and other songs of his famous father.
“He said, `You can play guitar with me, but you’re going to have to sing a few of your dad’s songs,‘” Redding recalled in a 2018 interview with NBC affiliate WCSH of Portland, Maine. “I was like, ‘Huh? I don’t sing,’ you know. And he was like, ‘Well, you’re going to sing “Dock of the Bay” with me tonight.’”
Redding worked with his family’s foundation to organize summer camps that teach children to play music and served as board president for the local chapter of Meals on Wheels.
He continued to perform his father’s songs for audiences large and small, according to his website, from appearing onstage at Carnegie Hall for a 2018 Otis Redding tribute concert to singing at weddings and private parties. Redding said he was grateful for the enduring legacy even if it overshadowed efforts to make music of his own.
“No matter how hard I try to do my own thing, you know, it’s like ... ‘sing one of your daddy’s songs,’” he told the Maine TV station. “So I go ahead and do what people want, and I live with it. But I’m not under any pressure and I don’t put myself mentally under any pressure to go begging for record deals.”
AMERIKAANSE ZANGERES APRIL STEVENS OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse zangeres April Stevens is op 17 april op 93-jarige leeftijd overleden. April Stevens werd geboren als Caroline Vincinette LoTempio en werd in Europa met name bekend als de helft van het duo Nino Tempo & April Stevens. Nino Tempo was de artiestennaam van haar jongere broer. April’s muzikale carrière begon op twintigjarige leeftijd. Haar populairste solo-opname was voor RCA Victor en heette ‘I'm In Love Again’ (muziek en tekst van Cole Porter). Vergezeld van een orkest onder leiding van Henri René bereikte de single van April in 1951 de zesde plaats van de Amerikaanse hitlijst. De opvolger ‘Gimme Me A Little Kiss, Will Ya, Huh?’ haalde later dat jaar de tiende plaats en de volgende single ‘And So To Sleep Again’ de 27ste plaats van de hitlijst. Stevens kwam in 1959 terug in de Amerikaanse Billboard Hot 100 met de single ‘Teach Me Tiger’. Die single veroorzaakte de nodige opschudding vanwege de suggestieve – seksueel getinte – tekst en werd slechts een bescheiden hit. In 1963 bracht Atco Records het duet ‘Deep Purple’ (muziek van Peter DeRose en tekst van Mitchell Parish) van April Stevens en haar broer Nino Tempo op de markt. Een klassieker die al in 1939 een succes was voor Larry Clinton & His Orchestra & vocaliste Bea Wain. ‘Deep Purple’ bereikte de eerste plaats van de Billboard Hot 100 en werd ook een Top 20 hit in het Verenigd Koninkrijk. De single was goed voor een Grammy Award en ging meer dan 1 miljoen keer over de toonbanken. Ook de opvolger van het duo, getiteld ‘Whispering’, werd een flinke hit. Andere Amerikaanse hits waren ‘All Strung Out’, ‘The Coldest Night Of The Year’, ‘Wanting You’ en ‘Falling in Love Again’. In Nederland kennen we April Stevens (samen met Nino Tempo) vooral van de hit ‘(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story’, die in 1973 de vijfde plaats van de Veronica Top 40 haalde. April Stevens ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
NEW SINGLE ‘FULL CIRCLE’ FROM DARYL BEEBE
Label: The KAMP Records
Back in January 2020 a fine sax player named Daryl Beebe was referred to me. Daryl decided to have his song "Breathe" promoted by me, and happily it ended up being a Top 10 Billboard single. Not bad for his first single to radio. Several songs later, and after significant national airplay, Daryl is back with "Full Circle". Featuring Daryl's excellent alto and tenor saxes, and with fine production from Mark Dixon, "Full Circle" has a great sounding chorus and hook, and should continue his progression as a top tier sax player in the format.
AFRO-AMERICAN SINGER & KEYBOARDIST BOOKER NEWBERRY III DIED
Booker Newberry III (January 19, 1956 – April 5, 2023) was an American singer and keyboardist, who was a member of the mid 1970s soul groups Sweet Thunder, and Impact, before pursuing a solo career. He is probably best remembered for his 1983 hit ‘Love Town’.
Newberry was born in Youngstown, Ohio on January 19, 1956. He began his professional singing career in the group Mystic Nights around 1971. Moving to Philadelphia he became the lead singer of Sweet Thunder, which also included drummer John Aaron, bassist Rudell Alexander, and guitarist Charles Buie. Signing with the Philly-based record label WMOT Records, the group’s single, ‘Baby I Need Your Love Today’ b/w ‘I Don’t Care What You Say’, stirred interest and was picked up for distribution by Berkeley, California based Fantasy Records.
The group recorded three albums, ‘Above the Clouds’ (1976), ‘Sweet Thunder’ (1978), and ‘Horizons’ (1979), the latter of which saw the single ‘I Leave You Stronger’, go to #63 Billboard R&B chart in late 1979. Newberry joined another WMOT Records group, Impact, who was best known for the dance hits ‘Give a Broken Heart a Break’ and ‘Rainy Days Stormy Nights’.
Newberry signed with Neil Bogart’s Casablanca Records in 1983, and his solo single ‘Love Town’ originally released on the Boardwalk label, was a Top 10 UK hit. The ‘Love Town’ album was issued the same year. He has also recorded for Malaco Records and Omni Records. In 1986 he released the single ‘Take a Piece of Me’.
In 1991 he released ‘Bad Luck’, his last single to date. He later recorded his second studio album entitled’ Power People’ in 1996. In 2005 Unidisc Music released the ‘Love Town’ compilation album. It contained many previously unreleased songs recorded by Newberry in the 1980s.
Newberry died on April 5, 2023, at the age of 67.
BEN DE LA COUR - 'SWEET ANHEDONIA' – NEW ALBUM BY GOTHIC AMERICANA/FOLK SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT NOW
BEN DE LA COUR | 2023 photo by Nick Nace
BEN DE LA COUR - SWEET ANHEDONIA
new album
LP | CD | digital
out now
(Jullian Records)
“Conjures up gothic, bluesy Americana, with mandolin, steel pedal guitar, fiddle, banjo, trumpet and cello lending bluesy gravitas to his youthful charm ****”
TELEGRAPH
“Despite the comfortably numb evocation of its title, this holds dark pleasures indeed”
FOLK RADIO UK
“Cuts to the core of Americana. Ben is a storyteller and every character and song feels real and can be visualised”
AMERICANA HIGHWAYS
digital services
includes
SUICIDE OF TOWN
also includes the singles
SHINE ON THE HIGHWAY video
APPALACHIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD
NUMBERS GAME
Occupying the intersection between gothic Americana and dark folk, Ben de la Cour is a singer-songwriter who explores the murky corners of life armed with a repertoire fuelled by his own stories and struggles and populated by shadowy characters.
‘Sweet Anhedonia’ is his new album and was released on 14th April.
A lifelong explorer who has never been afraid to shine a light on his own demons, Ben was raised in London and Brooklyn, but experienced a truly international coming-of-age at 17, leaving home and transforming himself into a semi-professional boxer in Havana. He returned to London and logged time on the road with a British metal band, then followed his muse to cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans. He eventually settled in Nashville, where he found a community of roots musicians and simpatico songwriters who weren't afraid to chase down their own musical horizons.
Ben’s 2012 debut album, ‘Ghost Light’, plus 2016's career-shifting ‘Midnight in Havana’ chronicled not only that sense of wanderlust, but also an attempt to wrestle his vices into submission. The latter was a haunting, harrowingly personal version of folk that earned plentiful praise Stateside and coincided with him maintaining a regular touring schedule, clocking 100+ shows a year. In a genre that had started to become pop-friendly, his stark tales of heartbreak, hangovers, God and death harked back to folk's roots, marking him out as a modern torchbearer of a classic sound.
"Folk music has a long tradition of darkness," he states, "and darkness is something I know a lot about."
That darkness takes on new dimensions with ‘Sweet Anhedonia’, a gripping collection of Americana noir songwriting, heartland rockers and folk ballads. His fifth album, it is produced by Jim White, a cult folk singer celebrated for his own Southern gothic sound. "Jim's album ‘Wrong-Eyed Jesus’ helped me through a terrible time in my life and I've always been such a big fan of his music,“ says Ben. “We took alternative approaches to my songs by building soundscapes and percussive patterns. The goal was to make something that was expansive but not bombastic.”
Ben had released ‘Shadow Land’ two years previously, which was his first album to be recorded since completing a rehab program for alcoholism. He subsequently made several visits to the psych ward as he continued to grapple with the internal forces that had waged war inside his head for years. Being institutionalised didn't just bring clarity to his life; it also added new perspectives to his music and made him increasingly empathetic to other people's struggles. That awareness shines on the sharply written songs that comprise ‘Sweet Anhedonia'.
“I love all the characters I write about, even the ones who seem to have no redeeming qualities," he explains. "To be a good writer, you have to be empathetic and part of that is resisting the urge to judge or justify the things your characters do. Sometimes, you just present your characters and follow them along their path, writing about whatever they're up to. I've never been shy using unlikeable narrators, as I think it's a human thing to root for 'the bad guy.' I mean, just look at all the serial killer shows on TV.”
‘Sweet Anhedonia’ makes room for acoustic fingerpicking and electric amplification, casting Ben’s stories against backdrops of haunting roots music (‘Appalachian Book Of The Dead’), Springsteen-sized heartland rock (‘Suicide Of Town’), moody minimalism (‘Maricopa County’) and orchestral, cinematic bombast (‘Shine On The Highway’). While he doesn't shy away from nodding to influences such as Townes Van Zandt, Nick Cave and Raymond Carver, ‘Sweet Anhedonia’ whips up its own folky brew, weaving southern imagery and rootsy textures into something singular.
A leading light in the folk underground, Ben has kept his songwriting sharp, charting his own path through rehab, release, regression and redemption over the last decade. Marking the latest chapter in a story that continues to unfold, ‘Sweet Anhedonia’ sees him at his narrative, nuanced best via songs that seethe one minute and soothe the next.
Official Site | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
NOGA RITTER - 'IMA' – TITLE TRACK OF UPCOMING DEBUT SOLO ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW – ALBUM BLENDING HEBREW JAZZ WITH GLOBAL GROOVES OUT 26.05.23
NOGA RITTER
IMA
debut solo album
out 26.05.23
(Galileo Music)
pre-order/save
includes the single
IMA
(feat. Seckou Keita)
digital services
ALBUM LAUNCH EVENT
12.06.23 LONDON | THE FORGE
FEATURING ALL-STAR 10-PIECE BAND
tickets
Noga Ritter is a London-based singer-songwriter, band leader and workshop facilitator whose music blends Hebrew Jazz with global grooves. With songs sung in both Hebrew and English, she weaves intimate and personal stories into a compelling narrative of social-global issues. Her performances, whether stripped-down or with her full band, are passionate and energetic, captivating audiences and getting them moving to the inherent soul in her music.
Since launching her solo project at the end of 2018, Ritter has performed across the UK, including a sold-out show at the EFG London Jazz Festival in late 2022. She has also recently appeared on BBC1 morning TV video to promote ‘Ima’, her debut solo album which will be released in late May via Galileo Music. Supported by the Arts Council England and Help Musicians UK, it features more than a dozen superb musicians including the award-winning Seckou Keita on kora (west African harp), Byron Wallen on trumpet and Tony Kofi on saxophone. It is co-produced by Ritter with Liran Donin, who is also an acclaimed composer, band leader and bass player.
‘Ima’ sees Ritter bring Hebrew to its original nomadic context, tracing influences from her upbringing, travels and encounters. Soaring trumpet solos over Gnawa grooves, Jewish melodies backed with Senegalese sabar drums and blissful kora improvising alongside subtle Israeli jazz piano are just a few of the colours she has used to paint her musical stories in this remarkable body of work.
“This album is the closest I have got to myself in my music so far,” admits Ritter. “Digging into the roots of my soul, listening to my ancestors and following the lineage of powerful, creative and inspiring women in my life. It celebrates my collaborations and encounters with artists from many different backgrounds who have touched me and become part of my musical story. With my music, I bring people together, live and in the studio, to celebrate everyone's story, rhythm and flow in this dance that we call life.”
The title song was recently issued as the album’s first single. Meaning ‘Mother' in Hebrew, it celebrates women and mothers in particular as the creators of life, infinite love and creativity. Featuring the unique kora sound of Keita to bring to life the blessing Ritter wishes for all women to fly high and to express their full creative power, ‘Ima’ is dedicated to her mother Michal, who died from cancer a year ago. It is therefore a tribute song with a wider message of empowerment and inspiration for women to express their creative voices and celebrate their art.
A video for ‘Ima’ features the Leviot (lioness), a collective of female dancers and artists who came together to explore how women can embrace their artistic voice while being mothers and healers, and to support each other on their journey as creative women.
Prior to embarking on her solo work, Ritter released a 2016 album entitled ‘L’Odyssey’ and toured internationally with her former project Vocal Global, attracting positive notices from publications such as Songlines and fRoots. She has also performed and recorded with a diverse array of other artists, including The Grand Union Orchestra, Jyotsna Srikanth, Mike King Collective, Sura Susso, Lambrego and Randolph Matthews, performing at venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Hackney Empire and Shoreditch Town Hall, plus events like Cambridge Festival, London International Arts Festival and more.
Meanwhile, her travels have brought about collaborations with fellow artists from many different backgrounds and disciplines, singing in various languages and styles that have seen her perform and record in Senegal, Israel and Palestine, Argentina, Brazil, Sierra Leone and mainland Europe. She has worked with names such as Alibeta, SAHAD, Sadio Cissokho, Victor Mendes, Alejandro Rodriguez Laulhe, Nizar Qabbani and Joe Legwabe.
Ritter’s passion for music is also evident in her years of workshop leading. Since graduating with an MA from Guildhall School of Music, she has worked for Live Music Now, Barbican Creative Learning and CREATE, performing and leading workshops at special needs schools, hospitals and care homes. She is a facilitator at Music Action International, leading songwriting workshops for children and refugees, and works with ON:SONG, leading singing workshops in workplaces.
NEW SINGLE ‘KJ’S VYBE’ FROM KEVIN JACKSON
Label: Next Level Music
A renowned guitarist and sideman for many contemporary jazz artists and vocalists, Kevin has enjoyed great airplay success with his previous singles ("Druid Hill Park" and "Elevation"). This multi-talented Baltimore native is back again with a high quality song produced by Greg Manning. With its bright and upbeat feel, Kevin has another winning hand here.
NEW ORLEANS ICON IVAN NEVILLE REVEALS NEW SONG ‘HEY ALL TOGETHER’
Featuring Vocal Contributions from Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald,
David Shaw of The Revivalists + Instrumental Sparks from Trombone Shorty .
From Upcoming Album ‘Touch My Soul’
Released 21st April via Mascot Label Group / The Funk Garage
His First Solo Album In Nearly 20 Years
You can listen to the song here: https://lnk.to/ivanneville
Today, Ivan Neville reveals “Hey All Together,” the uplifting single from ‘Touch My Soul,’ his first solo album in nearly 20 years, out April 21st via Mascot Label Group / The Funk Garage.
The single features vocal contributions from Bonnie Raitt, Aaron Neville, Michael McDonald and David Shaw (The Revivalists), with instrumental sparks from Troy “Trombone Shorty’ Andrews and violinist Theresa Anderson. “Hey All Together” was inspired by an epiphany Ivan had at the beginning of the album’s recording process. “When I was growing up, people interacted differently on the street,” Ivan recalls. “There was a feeling of connection.” That sense of community-mindedness extends throughout the album’s opening track. “I wanted familiar voices to bring back a feeling of community,” Ivan explains. “I figured, if everyone said hello to a stranger, spontaneously but within reason, it might make the world a better place. It certainly can’t hurt.”
To listen to “Hey All Together” visit HERE. To pre-order/pre-save ‘Touch My Soul’ on CD, Vinyl or Digital, visit HERE.
'Touch My Soul’ exudes an unmistakable New Orleans ambiance while breathing new life into Neville’s singular sound; it’s a love letter to the Crescent City and a celebration of Neville’s emotional and spiritual journey as an artist, a human, a father, and a man. The joyful New Orleans tribute “Greatest Place On Earth,” is an authentic slice of street corner soul; a deliriously Mardi Gras-styled salute to the Crescent City packed with incisive rhythms, booting horn parts, and vocal fireworks, and features special guests Trombone Shorty along with Preservation Hall Jazz bandleaders Ben Jaffe and Charlie Gabriel.
As a standard bearer for the musical culture of New Orleans, Ivan takes his anointing as seriously as the swamp water that courses through his veins. From the ferocious funk he makes with his bandmates in the dynamic funk supergroup Dumpstaphunk to his high- profile gigs over the years with Keith Richards and Bonnie Raitt, Ivan embodies the irrepressible spirit of New Orleans, holding the keys to the Crescent City at his fingertips. Whether summoning the barrelhouse mambo of Professor Longhair, the spidery intricacies of James Booker; or spooky, atmospheric chords like Dr. John; Ivan can riff like Sly Stone with catchy, melodic chord progressions; or throw intense, impulsive jabs when he jams with his musical kin in Dumpstaphunk.
“I haven’t written any new material for myself in a long time,” Ivan explains, “so this project is very special to me. I made it up as I went along, a song here and there, in between my work with Dumpstaphunk and my work with good musical friends. Music is a way to make people feel better, it brings spiritual healing.”
Musically, Ivan constructed ‘Touch My Soul’ around piano pieces that he composed in the portrait photograph- filled “sun room” in his house in Uptown New Orleans. “The drum loops were inspired by the sounds I heard on Sly Stone’s Fresh album,” he says, “which was a big influence on me as a teen.” While vocals on his previous albums have always been tart and sweet, Ivan’s voice comes from a more evolved place on ‘Touch My Soul, which makes sense nearly 20 years removed from his last solo effort ‘Scrape’ (2004).
“People try to warn us about the risks in life, but we want to learn for ourselves,” he says. “And we have a choice whether we want to learn from our mistakes. I believe the more we embrace our vulnerabilities, our imperfections, our insecurities, the better we become. That’s my goal: stay teachable.” The lyrics and compositions in ‘Touch My Soul’ reflect that maturity.
Ivan’s blood line runs through two of the most influential groups that New Orleans has ever produced, and he grew up playing with them both. His uncle Art “Poppa Funk” Neville was vocalist and keyboardist with the Meters, the seminal New Orleans funk band and one of modern music’s most sampled groups. Art also founded the Neville Brothers with Ivan’s uncles Charles and Cyril, and Ivan’s father, the world renown balladeer and vocal stylist Aaron Neville. The Nevilles’ musical range not only spanned generations but also idioms like carnival rhythms, pop, soul, R&B, and jazz; their collective identity galvanized Black New Orleans's cultural life to create a musical identity that focused their individual gifts with grace and grit.
And while Ivan Neville grew up playing the music of his family, ‘Touch My Soul’ delivers another chapter of Ivan’s own songbook and musical DNA.
‘Touch My Soul’ is not unlike a good bowl of homemade gumbo, he adds, “very soothing for the soul.” Which is what Ivan strives to bring to the world as an artist and a fellow traveler. “When I think about the way music has touched my soul and all the songs that became special moments in my life, I become very emotional. Music should touch your soul. I hope this record and this music touches someone’s soul.”
Tracklisting
1. Hey All Together (Ft. Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Trombone Shorty, Dave Shaw)
2. Greatest Place On Earth (Ft. Trombone Shorty, Ben Jaffe, Charlie Gabriel)
3. Might Last A Lifetime (Ft. Cyril Neville)
4. Dance Music Love (Ft. Doyle Bramall II)
5. Touch My Soul
6. Stand For Something
7. Blessed
8. This Must Be The Place
9. Pass It All Around
10. Beautiful Tears (Thoughts & Prayers)
RON KING IS ‘TOGETHER AGAIN’
Since 2018, trumpeter Ron King has focused his efforts on Smooth Jazz. Working together with Paul Brown they came up with Ron's first smooth jazz album Downtown Mama, which was produced by and features hit-maker, Paul Brown. Six singles were released from the album and their campaigns ran for months. The album received rave reviews and had several Top 10 hits. "Mellow Out", "Chicago Song", "Groovin' on Down", and "You Move Me" were amongst the front-runners.
Presently Ron has just completed his 2nd Smooth Jazz album titled Cascade. The new album is also produced by and features Paul Brown. The album features nine spectacular songs, co-written by Ron King, Paul Brown, Shane Theriot, Bob Baldwin, Joe Wolf, and Bill Steinway.
King has been recording and performing with many Smooth Jazz artists for years, including Paul Brown, Jeff Lorber, Brian Simpson, and George Benson, to mention just a few.
My new single "Together Again" was written during the pandemic, while we were all in isolation. And I was hoping and praying for the days when we could be together again." - Ron King
ANTOINE KNIGHT REMEMBERS ‘THE DRIVE ON 285’
After being recognized on Billboard with his 2 hit singles, "Something About You" & "Infatuation", saxman Antoine Knight is now gaining momentum representing the ATL (Atlanta) with his 3rd radio single release, "The Drive On 285". This hot new track is co-written by Antoine Knight and producer/multi award winning Smooth Jazz guitarist Adam Hawley.
"The Drive On 285" is a highly anticipated tune that will accelerate your driving spirit on an endless journey around Atlanta's most iconic interstate.
JULIAN VAUGHN IS ‘COASTIN’’
Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Julian Vaughn was primarily a drummer when he picked up the bass guitar. Vaughn developed his playing style while growing up in the church where his grandfather pastored until turning over the reins to Vaughn's father. A few years later, he became good enough to start playing at concerts and live gospel recordings.
Vaughn launched his solo career in 2010 with his album The Purpose Project, which spring boarded him into his jazz career. In 2012 he put out the album Breakthrough (2012), featuring the single "On Your Feet," which peaked at #1 on the Billboard chart. He later would release albums Limitless (2015), Bona Fide (2017), Supreme (2019), and Chapters of Love (2021). Vaughn racked up four Billboard #1 hits between his albums and 8 #1s overall as a feature on various artists' songs. Vaughn has toured across the U.S., playing at some of the largest jazz festivals. In addition, he has performed abroad in places like Dubai, South Africa, Nigeria, Nairobi, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Vaughn takes pride in writing and producing almost all his music, saying, "I want to be known as a great writer and producer just as much as an artist."
Julian's latest independent release titled SOLO is his best work to date. As Vaughn's recording catalog continues to grow, he hopes to continue to redefine the lead bassist role in the Smooth Jazz genre.
"Coastin"
Written by Julian Vaughn
Produced by Adam Hawley
Mixed by Darren Rahn
Julian Vaughn - Bass
Adam Hawley - Guitar
Darren Rahn - Sax
Caleb Middleton - Keys
Lester Estelle - Drums
STEVE LUKATHER KONDIGT RELEASE AAN VAN NIEUW STUDIO ALBUM ‘BRIDGES’
Uit op 16 juni 2023
Via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group
Pre-Order / Stream hier: https://lnk.to/SteveLukather
Het album bevat features van leden van de ToTo familie uit het verleden en het heden, waaronder David Paich, Joseph Williams, Simon Phillips, Shannon Forrest, Lee Sklar en Steve Maggiora.
Steve Lukather heeft de release aangekondigd van zijn nieuwe studio album “Bridges”. Het album komt uit op 16 juni via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group. Vandaag deelt Luke ook meteen de lead track “When I See You Again.”
Zijn negende studio album “Bridges” kan geen passendere titel dragen. Luke deelt, “I see it as a bridge between my solo music and ToTo Music. The fact that Joseph Williams, David Paich and I wrote most of the record, and the fact I invited many of the old ToTo gang to come and play, co-writers like Randy Goodrum and Stan Lynch brings all this together. It also proves that most of my old pals and I are still great friends, and I wanted to do a record ‘in the style of,' as ToTo will never record another studio album. This is as close as we will get.” Hij vervolgt, “We still love writing and creating and recording together, and we will no doubt continue to work with each other on our respective solo works. It's complicated, and at the age I am now, I do NOT wish to do anything complicated.”
De track “Far From Over” heeft Luke samen met zijn oudste zoon Trevor geschreven. Luke denkt terug aan toen Trev werd geboren, “It’s funny…when he was born 35 years ago, I looked into his eyes before I cut the cord and said to myself, 'I wonder IF he will follow in my footsteps?' He sure did! It is a joy beyond belief cause he really is f*cking good! I wish I could say I taught him everything but I didn't. He is the only one of my four kids that has gotten into music (so far), and made it his life. He has a natural gift that one can’t learn. I could not be prouder than I am.”
Gedurende Luke’s carrière hebben zowel Stan Lynch als Randy Goodrum regelmatig samen met hem geschreven, zo ook voor “Bridges”. Lynch schreef meerdere songs samen met Lukather / Paich / Williams, en Goodrum en Luke schreven samen aan “All Forevers Must End.” Luke legt uit, “These guys are the guys that come in and write the lyrics way better than me. I knew they would bring it as always and they did. They are also dear friends as well, and we love working together. I do have input to the lyrics. I give them ideas of what I wanna say and they articulate my feelings into the music, and then perhaps once I see their first drafts we talk about it, edit here and there, and the end result is what we have on this record.”
Leden uit het verleden en heden van ToTo dragen bij aan zowel de schrijf- als uitvoeringskant. Joseph Williams heeft meegeschreven aan zes van de tracks, en David Paich aan vier. Williams is te horen op alle tracks van het album en draagt bij met achtergrondzang, synths en percussie of toetsen. Paich speelt keyboard op vijf van de songs. Drummer Simon Phillips is te horen op “Far From Over,” “Not My Kind Of People,” “When I See You Again,” en “Burning Bridges”, terwijl Shannon Forest terugkeerde voor “Someone,” “All Forevers Must End,” “Take My Love” en “I’ll Never Know.” Zowel oude vriend en voormalig lid Lee Sklar en Gov’t Mule bassist Jorgen Carlsson spelen bas op een aantal van de tracks. Op “Far From Over” speelt Trev Lukather gitaar, bas en synths. De huidige ToTo-toetsenist Steve Maggiora schreef mee aan "Take My Love" en speelt toetsen op de track. Luke deelt, “Some people think cause someone has left the band or moved on to their own thing that we stopped being friends or stopped wanting to work together. I think this proves that is not the case, and I wanted to make music with my old friends, alongside having a laugh or two. It was a lot of fun and it also has a sound that is familiar.”
Lukather, David Paich en Joseph Williams zijn tot op de dag van vandaag nauw met elkaar verbonden. Hoewel Paich niet meer op tour gaat met de band, is hij nog steeds de muzikale leider. Williams en Lukather vormen the Dogs of Oz, en blijven samen de band vertegenwoordigen. Luke deelt, “I have been working with both these guys since I was a kid. I revere their talent, and wanted to take pressure off myself. Joe produced the record so I could just be an artist. Paich is the guy that not only taught me how to make records, but he was the one that encouraged my songwriting in ToTo, and really pushed me in every musical sense. And, I love these guys and it is so easy. We all like the same stuff and have worked together for most of our lives. It was like going back to summer camp with my best pals!” Hij vervolgt, “Joe is a remarkable Producer and songwriter as is Dave so…I was able to relax and enjoy the process. Hence it may have a 'familiar' sound or style when this is all mixed together. Not intentionally…it's just what happens when we create together.”
Track listing:
1. Far From Over
2. Not My Kind Of People
3. Someone
4. All Forevers Must End
5. When I See You Again
6. Take My Love
7. Burning Bridges
8. I’ll Never Know
ABOUT STEVE LUKATHER
Over the course of five decades Steve Lukather has placed an indelible stamp on pop culture. Alongside his tenure as the only member of ToTo to never take a hiatus from the band, he has performed on thousands of albums as a session musician. Amongst these musical contributions are some of the most successful, influential and enduring records of all-time including Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Additionally, he released a memoir titled The Gospel According To Luke which was a global best-seller. He continues to be ToTo’s band leader, a member of Ringo’s All-Starr Band, and a solo artist.
ToTo has enjoyed a celebrated global resurgence over the last decade. Through 2022-2023, the band will perform in front of close to a million fans. Their repertoire has 3 BILLION+ streams at Spotify alone, with “Africa” counting for one billion plays on its own. Album sales exceed 40 MILLION copies. ToTo is one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles, and 45 years in to a career enjoy a multi-generational fan base and still selling out shows around the world. ToTo was inducted in to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009.
Steve Lukather Online:
http://www.stevelukather.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SteveLukather
https://twitter.com/stevelukather
https://www.youtube.com/user/stevelukathertube
BARRY WHITE’S DEBUUTALBUM BESTAAT 50JAAR!
Het lijkt ongelooflijk, maar 50 jaar geleden, op 27/3/1973 om precies te zijn, kwam Barry White’s debuutalbum ‘I’ve Got So Much to Give’ uit op het 20th Century label. Het album stond bovenaan de R & B-albumlijst. Het bereikte ook de 16de plaats in de Billboard 200. Het album was een succes en leverde twee Billboard R&B Top Ten singles op, ‘I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby’, met een piek op nr. 1, en het titelnummer. Beiden waren ook succesvol in de Billboard Hot 100, met een piek op respectievelijk nr. 3 en nr. 32. ‘I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby’ was ook een hit op de UK Singles Chart, met een piek op nr. 23. Het album werd digitaal geremasterd en op 4 mei 2010 door Hip-O Select opnieuw uitgebracht op cd met instrumentale bonustracks.
Nochtans kreeg het album maar matige recensies. Stephen Erlewine van AllMusic schreef: "In a sense, his sound is fully formed—there’s no mistaking his velvet baritone or his lush, string-draped surrounding, particularly on the album’s closing “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby,” a song so seductive it set the pace for the rest of his career".
Het album kreeg ook kritiek omdat het klonk als Isaac Hayes. Village Voice criticus Robert Christgau schreef: "White's hustle is to combine Isaac Hayes's power with Al Green's niceness, and he succeeds, in his way, but the synthesis has its drawbacks--tends to compound his humorlessness and mendacity as well."
Barry liet het niet aan zijn hart, en begon aan zijn fabelachtige carrière. Behalve de Four Tops cover ‘Standing in the Shadows of Love’, componeerde hij alle tracks zelf. En samen met wijlen Gene Page zorgde hij tevens voor de arrangementen.
Ik kocht eerst de singles, maar daarna uiteraard ook de lp. Want is en blijft toch mijn absolute favoriet aller tijden!
Tracks:
Standing In The Shadows Of Love 8:00
Bring Back My Yesterday 6:40
I've Found Someone 5:55
I've Got So Much To Give 8:11
I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby 7:20
FULL ALBUM:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2pX5qfSktgGJpQqpy39HjN...
Patrick Van de Wiele
MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND - 'A TASTE OF THE APOCALYPSE' – NEW SINGLE & VIDEO BY BOUNDARY BASHING BIG BAND OUT NOW
MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND | photo by Lukas Diller
MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND
A TASTE OF THE APOCALYPSE
new single
out now
(Zenna Records/Membran)
digital services
BLOODY BRILLIANT BIG BAND BOUNDARY BASHING BETWEEN : BABYLON BERLIN | BATTLES | BJÖRK
included on the album
WITCHY ACTIVITIES AND THE MAPLE DEATH
out 05.05.23
“Yes, we are talking a bloody brilliant big band somewhere near the gap between Battles and Björk, but then you start exploring live footage and clearly they’re way beyond that. Never heard of them, but love it! Brilliant!”
THE ORGAN
“The phrase ‘Bigband’ normally sends me running for the hills, but MRB are different. They sound huge, but are also capable of moments of incredible delicacy. I despise the ordinary in music and this is definitely not ordinary”
OUTSIDE LEFT
“Epic, dramatic and loud. If you’re not sure on first listening, try it again – the music will grow on you”
COSMIC JAZZ
Monika Roscher Bigband (MRB) is comprised of 18 musicians and exists somewhere between math-rock, prog-jazz, avant-pop and experimental electronics.
Having issued the epic and uptempo '8 Prinzessinnen' (8 Princesses) VIDEO as an opening salvo from their upcoming third album at the beginning of February, they followed it up with the comparatively glacial 'Starlight Nightcrash’ VIDEO at the end of that month.
A new single entitled ‘A Taste Of The Apocalypse’ VIDEO is available now, with Roscher herself explaining that “the apocalypse alluded to is not one of mayhem and destruction, but rather one of change beyond recognition. The song asks urgent questions suggested by various technological breakthroughs that make it necessary to rethink and perhaps redefine what makes us human. Musically, however, it embraces an optimistic take on our digital-looking future, wide-eyed, full of pathos and with heroic trumpets leading the way!"
Formed in Munich in 2011, MRB soon made waves with thrilling live performances and the inventive ideas of Roscher, their founder, singer, guitarist and conductor. Their first two albums, ‘Failure in Wonderland’ (2012) and ‘Of Monsters and Birds’ (2016), were met with acclaim in Germany, where Jazz Echo proclaimed them ‘Newcomer of the Year’, but they also caused a stir internationally, with the US magazine DownBeat naming them as ‘Rising Stars’.
Virtuosos as individuals, as MRB they are a close-knit collective who feed on musical challenges set during recording sessions, while each of their rousing live shows is a celebration of the musical freedom and inspiration they offer each other. A brilliant big band that constantly surprises and reinvents itself, MRB love the adventure and are driven by a hunger for musical symbiosis.
Their upcoming third album, ‘Witchy Activities And The Maple Death’, is stunning proof of how fresh and exhilarating MRB sound today. Superbly recorded, it achieves a breathtaking balance of intimate fragility and symphonic intensity that lets the full sonic spectrum of a big band scream and shine in every colour imaginable. Roscher’s tension-filled and intricately detailed compositions evoke otherworldly landscapes that at times enchant with their elegiac beauty, but at others wreak havoc like the unleashed frenzy of a witches’ sabbath thick with haze.
WITCHY ACTIVITIES AND THE MAPLE DEATH
TRACKLISTING
1 8 Prinzessinnen
2 Firebird
3 Witches Brew
The Summoning | Moon Is Melting | The Brew | The Woods |
Dance Of The Sleepy Spirits | Return Of The Witches
4 Creatures Of Dawn
5 Queen Of Spades
6 Starlight Nightcrash
7 A Taste Of The Apocalypse
8 The Leading Expert Of Loneliness
9 Direct Connection
10 Unbewegte Sternenmeere
SCHOTSE MUZIKANT IAN BAIRNSON (ALAN PARSONS PROJECT) OVERLEDEN
De Schotse muzikant Ian Bairnson is eergisteren op slechts 69-jarige leeftijd overleden. Bairnson was als multi-instrumentalist een van de vaste waarden binnen The Alan Parsons Project. Hij speelde op de saxofoon, was gitarist en ook toetsenist. Bairnson werd als John Bairnson geboren in Lerwick, Shetland Isles, Schotland. Hij groeide op in Levenwick en verhuisde op negenjarige leeftijd met zijn familie naar Edinburgh. Hij was als sessiemuzikant actief voordat hij in 1973 met de voormalige Bay City Rollers leden David Paton en Billy Lyall de band Pilot oprichtte en speelde mee op de gitaar op de hits ‘Magic’ en ‘January’. Vanaf die tijd ontstond een speciale band tussen Bairnson en producer Alan Parsons, die leidde tot het permanente lidmaatschap van The Alan Parsons Project. Bairnson speelde mee op de albums ‘Tales Of Mystery And Imagination’. ‘I Robot’, ‘Pyramid’, ‘Eve’, ‘The Turn Of A Friendly Card’, ‘Eye In The Sky’, ‘Ammonia Avenue’, ‘Vulture Culture’. ‘Sterotomy’, ‘Gaudi’, ‘Freudiana’ en ‘Sicilian Defence’. Geweldig is zijn gitaarsolo op de track ‘I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You’ van het album ‘ I Robot’. In 2019 speelde Bairnson twee gitaarsolo’s op het nieuwe Alan Parsons' album ‘The Secret’ (de tracks ‘Years Of Glory’ en ‘I Can't Get There From Here’). Hij speelde mee op de eerste vier albums van Kate Bush: ‘The Kick Inside’ (inclusief de gitaarsolo op ‘Wuthering Heights’), ‘Lionheart’, ‘Never For Ever’ en ‘The Dreaming’. Bairnson speelde ook met de band Bucks Fizz. Tijdens zijn lange carrière als sessiemuzikant was hij op meer dan honderd albums in verschillende muziekstijlen te horen, inclusief albums van Yvonne Keeley, Joe Cocker, Jon Anderson, Chris DeBurgh, Mick Fleetwood, Neil Diamond. Hij ging op tournee met onder andere Sting, Eric Clapton en Beverley Craven. Zeer indrukwekkend! Ian Bairnson ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
JEFF RYAN’S NEW SINGLE ‘HOW I FEEL WITH YOU’
Label: Woodward Avenue Records
Jeff Ryan has established himself in the last three or four years as a formidable presence in the contemporary jazz world. With two #1 Billboard singles to his credit ("Up and Up" and "Sentimental Soul"), as well as multiple other Top 10 singles, Jeff's playing ability and composing skills have placed him in the elite of the SJ sax player world. His new single has him featured in a fresh new light. The song melody (which I freely admit is one of my favorites thus far in 2023), has an almost Pop music quality, which in the expert hands of Greg Manning (who produced, co-wrote, and mixed the song) shines brightly from start to finish. By the way, Jeff plays a very tasty nylon string GUITAR solo on the track as well. How's that for a surprise? I have high hopes for this one, and appreciate your consideration of it for an add.
KEYAN WILLIAMS IS ‘EMBRACING YOU’
Side 2 Music is proud to present a brand new single from saxophonist Keyan Williams. Williams takes center stage with his brand new musical offering titled “Embracing You”, a romantic, groove-filled musical exposé showcasing Keyan’s robust tenor saxophone stylings which are clearly influenced by the late, great Grover Washington, Jr.
This feel-good jam was written by Williams and industry veteran Darren Rahn, who also served as producer and mix engineer. It’s time to get on your feet with someone special as you vibe to “Embracing You”, Keyan Williams’ debut single on Side 2 Music.
"Embracing You"
Written by Darren Rahn & Keyan Williams
Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Darren Rahn
Mastered by Joe Yannece
Keyan Williams - Tenor Saxophone
Allen Hinds – Guitars
Mel Brown - Bass
Darren Rahn – Piano, Synths, Drum Programming
JAREZ FT. AJ LUKE ON ‘EVERYTHING YOU DO’
Jarez wants you to get ready for a smooth and sultry experience with his newest single titled “Everything You Do” featuring AJ Luke (Guitarist) a longtime band member and friend. The new single is also co-produced by longtime band member and friend, keyboardist Patrick Ross. The new single is the perfect blend of modern and classic, bringing a fresh sound to the genre. With its catchy melody and groovy rhythm, it's guaranteed to get your foot tapping and head nodding.
Jarez has gone from being known as “Mr. Sexy Saxy’ to the mayor of J FUNK CITY, and is now a household name in the Smooth Jazz community. Jarez's previous CD is full of all-star guests and ultra-funky goodness. Featured artists include Julian Vaughn, Vandell Andrew, Willie Bradley, Ragan Whiteside and Gerald Albright. J Funk City has made a sizzling impact on the music citizens of the world. With the release of the CD, Jarez became the first indie saxophonist to have number 1’s on all SmoothJazz.com charts at one time with this release. Additionally, the J Funk City mayor made #1 on the Groove Jazz Music Charts and Radio Wave Monitor Charts for the single “24 Hours”(featuring Julian Vaughn), as well as the Top 10 on the Smooth Jazz Network Charts and the Smooth Jazz Billboard charts for the same single. J Funk City features the well-known steamy side of the mayor's saxophone but lends itself overall to a more muscular and athletic approach for summertime grooving. Jarez’s rise from the studio to the stage has been a remarkable journey of talent, timing and authentic showmanship.
Originally trained as a jazz artist, Jarez understood the necessity for extending his musical outreach to younger audiences, which led to a unique business and musical partnership with hip-hop guru Coolio. While managing Coolio, Jarez simultaneously recorded and played his saxophone live around the world with Coolio. Combining his ear for jazz with upscale interpretations of hip-hop, Jarez’s music became a prescription for bringing youth back to instrumental music and a solo career sprang forth. In addition to his musical career, Jarez used his knowledge to serve as a spokesperson for Environmental Justice and Climate Change’s (EJCC) campaign, which facilitates Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in educational initiatives regarding global warming. This opportunity also lent him a chance to develop his fan base even further with selections from his “Saxoholic” CD becoming the musical signature for the “Just Environment” radio show, which broadcasted weekly on Atlanta’s Clark University’s WCLK 91.9, “The Jazz of the City”.
Jarez's new album will be released this year 2023 and surely will be jam-packed with outstanding production, mega grooves, and more guest features. Jarez plans to tour nationally and reach his presents more by doing TV, movies, and commercial appearances. Jarez also plans to release music in the Metaverse, release art, and music NFTs. This will be an important year for Jarez as he embarks on a new journey and discover new dreams.
REBECCA JADE – ‘WHAT’S IT GONNA BE’
Rebecca Jade is an accomplished singer/songwriter and has been able to turn her love for music into a career for close to two decades. Jade has performed with some of the most sought-after musicians all over the world and her versatility has allowed her many unique opportunities to perform: Rebecca toured with the Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. since 2017 and appeared in the Emmy-nominated show, “Let’s Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince” that aired on CBS in April 2020; She also sang background vocals for Sir Elton John at the 2020 Academy Awards; Rebecca has appeared as a guest artist on the Dave Koz Cruises since 2016; she made her debut on the Dave Koz & Friends 2021 Christmas tour and joined Dave for a repeat appearance in 2022; Rebecca has also been a featured artist on many of Eric Darius’ tour dates since 2022.
Jade earned the title of “Breakout Artist of Year” from Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. Rebecca also earned two San Diego Music Awards in 2022 for “Best Music Video” & “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Song” for “What’s It Gonna Be”, her first single off of her latest album, A Shade of Jade, and also "Song of the Year" in 2021, & “Artist of the Year” in 2020; Rebecca is currently nominated for 5 SDMAs for 2023.
Rebecca’s new album, A Shade of Jade, features Dave Koz and Eric Darius on two of the songs, and she put on a sold-out album release concert at Sycuan Casino & Resort’s Live & Up Close Showroom. Rebecca opened for Grammy-nominated artist, Musiq Soulchild on two separate occasions.
"What's It Gonna Be"
Written by Rebecca Jade
Produced by Rebecca Jade & Timothy Bailey, Jr.
Mixed by Zac Barnes
HIGH PULP - 'NEVER IN MY SHORT SWEET LIFE (FEAT. MonoNeon)' – BRAND NEW SINGLE BY US JAZZ COLLECTIVE (ANTI-)
HIGH PULP | 2023 photo by London Van Rooy & Jon Christopherson
HIGH PULP
NEVER IN MY SHORT SWEET LIFE
(feat. MonoNeon)
new single
out 04.04.23
(ANTI-)
stream
Channelling the playful spontaneity of artists such as Thundercat, experimental jazzers High Pulp return with a brand new single that melds jazz and hip-hop with experimental rock. In-demand bassist MonoNeon features on this incredibly funky track.
Originally formed in Seattle but now based in Los Angeles, High Pulp’s brand of experimental jazz often hints at everything from Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to Aphex Twin and My Bloody Valentine. Their well-received second album, ‘Pursuit Of Ends’ (2022), balanced meticulous composition with visceral spontaneity and performances that were nothing short of virtuosic, fuelled by raw, ecstatic horn runs ducking and weaving their way around thick bass lines and dizzying percussion.
Today sees the release of a brand single entitled ‘Never In My Short Sweet Life (feat. MonoNeon)’ as the opening salvo from a new album scheduled for the summer. Born Dywane Thomas Jr., MonoNeon is a bassist and experimental musician who has recorded with the likes of Mac Miller, Nas, Ne-Yo and Georgia Anne Muldrow. He was also the last bassist to work with Prince.
“‘Never In My Short Sweet Life' was the most challenging track we have written to date,” states High Pulp drummer Bobby Granfelt. “It had so many iterations and sections, while we kept tweaking it, stripping it down to what we believed was its core, like a whimsical Flying Lotus meets The Beatles psychedelic odyssey. There used to be an outro with a beautiful horn arrangement, but we ended up scrapping it and opted for a modular synth-led ambient outro featuring a baritone guitar (coincidentally owned by labelmate and friend Christian Lee Hutson). Ultimately, however, it has proved to be our most rewarding and collaborative composition.”
The single is accompanied by an animated video in which robots can be seen seeking companionship in the desert.
High Pulp consists of keyboardist Antoine Martel, a mad scientist with a wall of modular synths and a passion for film scores and abstract soundscapes; keyboardist Rob Homan, whose innate ability to process, deconstruct and reassemble material on the fly borders on the scary; bassist Scott Rixon, a convert from the metal and hardcore world with impeccable pop sensibilities and a selfless ability to serve the song; tenor saxophonist Victory Ngyuen, a Pharoah Sanders acolyte with an ear for urgent, entrancing solos of the highest order; alto saxophonist Andrew Morrill, whose bold tones and fearless harmonic sensibilities have earned him a reputation for dragging the old school into the 21st century; and, last but not least, Granfelt, whose hip-hop and bebop-inspired drumming laid the initial foundation for the entire project.
“When you put us all together, our sound isn’t so much a fusion as it is a synthesis,” he explains. “There are a lot of personalities coming from very different places in High Pulp. We use it all as fuel to create something that’s totally our own.”
AMERIKAANSE BASSIST “SWEET” CHARLES SHERRELL (JAMES BROWN) OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse bassist ‘Sweet’ Charles Sherrell is afgelopen woensdag op 80-jarige leeftijd overleden. Hij werd vooral bekend door zijn samenwerking met James Brown, met wie hij optrad en platen opnam. Charles Emanuel Sherrell werd geboren in Nashville, Tennessee, en begon zijn carrière als drummer met Jimi Hendrix en Billy Cox. Zij speelden in een nachtclub in de buurt van de woning van Hendrix. Sherrell leerde spelen op de gitaar door de auto (een Jaguar) van Curtis Mayfield te wassen in ruil voor gitaarlessen. Kort daarna leerde Sherrell op de basgitaar spelen, nadat hij een basgitaar had gekocht in een plaatselijke tweedehands winkel voor 69 dollar, Als bassist kwam hij bij Johnny Jones & The King Kasuals Band, de begeleidingsgroep van Aretha Franklin. In augustus 1968 verving Sherrell Tim Drummond in de begeleidingsgroep van niemand minder dan James Brown. Hij speelde mee op een aantal van Brown’s bekendste liedjes uit de eindjaren zestig, inclusief de hits ‘Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud’, ‘Mother Popcorn’ en ‘Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose’. Brown complimenteerde Sherrell met het feit dat hij zijn eerste bassist was die de meer ingewikkelde technieken op de basgitaar beheerste. In de jaren zeventig keerde Sherrell bij Brown terug en maakte hij deel uit van The J.B.'s. Later speelde hij met Al Green en Maceo & All the King's Men. Hij speelde ook basgitaar op albums voor andere artiesten en zong op enkele albums van Maceo Parkers. Sherrell bracht ook een aantal opnamen uit met de band Past Present & Future, met muzikale vrienden als Wade Conklin, Sam Pugh, Ted Hughes, Gail Whitefield, Thomas Smith en James Nixon. Onder de naam Sweet Charles nam hij enkele albums op, waaronder zijn eerste solo-album ‘Sweet Charles: For Sweet People’. Zijn meest recente album was ‘Sweet Charles Sherrell Universal Love album’ uit 2017. Charles Sherrell ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
SONGWRITER KEITH REID (PROCOL HARUM) OVERLEDEN
Keith Reid, de vaste tekstschrijver van Procol Harum en onder meer verantwoordelijk voor de tekst van ‘A White Shade Of Pale’, is op 76-jarige leeftijd overleden. Het nieuws van Keith’s overlijden werd donderdag al gedeeld door de Amerikaanse muzikant Jon Tiven, met wie Keith Reid in het verleden heeft samengewerkt. Keith’s echtgenote Pinkey Reid heeft het nieuws bevestigd. "Als het aankwam op het schrijven van teksten voor liedjes, was hij enig in zijn soort. Als het aankwam op vriendschap, dan kon ik mezelf geen betere vriend wensen. Als het aankwam op samenwerken, dan gaf hij mij een songtekst die mij een van mijn beste nummers (zo niet mijn beste) opleverde. Shine on brightly, genie". Met die laatste zin verwijst Jon Tiven naar het gelijknamige nummer van Procol Harum uit 1968. Keith Reid werd op 19 oktober 1946 als Keith Stuart Brian Reid geboren in de buurt van Londen. Hij groeide op in een joods gezin van ouders die de holocaust hadden overleefd. Later heeft hij gezegd dat de donkere toon van zijn teksten weleens te maken zou kunnen hebben met de oorlogsverhalen die hij van zijn ouders meekreeg. Al op jonge leeftijd wist Keith dat hij tekstschrijver wilde worden. Via producer Guy Stevens leerde hij zanger Gary Brooker kennen, die midden jaren zestig in de groep The Paramounts had gezeten. Samen met enkele andere muzikanten richtten zij de groep Procol Harum op. Keith Reid speelde geen instrumenten en stond niet met de band op het podium. Toch was hij nauw bij de groep betrokken als hun vaste tekstschrijver. De band brak in 1967 in één klap door met de single ‘A Whiter Shade Of Pale’. Het nummer viel direct op door zijn surrealistische songtekst en de iconische orgelsolo van Matthew Fisher. Waar de tekst van ‘A White Shade Of Pale’ precies over gaat, is jarenlang een bron van speculatie geweest. De tekst lijkt allerlei verwijzingen naar literaire werken te bevatten. In Nederland kwam A Whiter Shade Of Pale' op nummer 1 binnen in de Top 40. Daarmee was Procol Harum de eerste act die dat heeft gepresteerd met de debuutsingle. Het nummer groeide ook uit tot een klassieker die het ook nu nog elk jaar goed doet in allertijdenlijstjes. Keith schreef de teksten van alle nummers van Procol Harum. In de meeste gevallen was de muziek van Gary Brooker. Dat geldt in ieder geval voor alle hits die de groep daarna nog had, zoals de nummer 1-hit ‘Homburg’, ‘A Salty Dog’ en ‘Conquistador’. In de zomer van 1972 werd ‘A White Shade Of Pale’ nogmaals een nummer 1-hit in de Top 40. Het was de eerste keer in de Top 40-geschiedenis dat een nummer na jaren afwezigheid in de lijst opnieuw de eerste plaats bereikte. Na dit herhaalde succes bleven grote hits voor de groep echter uit, al haalden de singles ‘Grand Hotel’ en ’Pandora’s Box’ wel degelijk de Top 40. Nadat Procol Harum in 1977 uit elkaar viel, bleef Keith samenwerken met Gary Brooker. Zo schreef hij de tekst van Gary’s eerste solosingle ‘(No More) Fear Of Flying’, die in de zomer van 1979 een hit werd. Daarna werkte hij ook samen met andere artiesten. Zijn bekendste nummer buiten Procol Harum werd ‘You're The Voice’ van John Farnham uit 1987. Keith woonde op dat moment in New York en was naast zijn werk als tekstschrijver ook actief met zijn eigen managementbedrijf. Door de jaren heen hebben verschillende bekende artiesten werk van Keith Reid opgenomen. Toen Procol Harum in 1991 weer bij elkaar kwam, sloot Keith zich opnieuw aan bij de groep. Hij schreef de teksten voor de liedje sop de albums ‘The Prodigal Stranger’ (1991) en ‘The Well's On Fire’ (2003). In 2016 stapte hij uit de groep. Zijn rol werd toen overgenomen door de Engelse dichter Pete Brown, die onder muziekliefhebbers bekend is als de tekstschrijver van ‘White Room’ van Cream. Keith ging in die tijd verder met zijn eigen Keith Reid Project, ook bekend als The KRP. In 2019 verscheen zijn laatste album ‘In My Head’. Keith Reid ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
ADAM MASTERSON - 'CRAZY RAIN' – NEW SINGLE OUT 31.03.23 – INCLUDED ON ‘TIME BOMB’
ADAM MASTERSON photography by Anna Gabriel
ADAM MASTERSON
CRAZY RAIN
new single
out 31.03.23
(Adam Masterson)
Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music
from the album
TIME BOMB
out now
digital
out 21.07.23
LP | CD
digital services
“This has the feel of a classic album with a perfect running order. Does not disappoint”
LOUDER THAN WAR (UK)
“A fine, innovative talent and a genuinely interesting record which sounds incredibly coherent for one with so many disparate sounds”
MAXIMUM VOLUME MUSIC (UK)
“Merges all of his soulful, inquisitive and sentimental musical and lyrical edges”
AMERICAN SONGWRITER (US)
“Paints a picture of Masterson as an ultra-vivid, street poet-type of songwriter in the electric Bob Dylan/Lou Reed/Bruce Springsteen tradition”
ROCK AND BLUES MUSE (US)
also includes
TIME BOMB
London-born but New York-based Adam Masterson represents the timeless ideal of a rock star - classic guitar, tousled hair, vintage shades - yet he does so for the here and now. Embracing old school influences but with copious amounts of spirit and soul added into the mix, he emerges as an outlier built from his own design, bucking trends while simultaneously emanating stadium-size charisma. He has shared stages with the likes of Tori Amos, Amy Winehouse and Stereophonics (in actual stadiums), guested with Patti Smith and Mick Jones (The Clash), while publications such as The Guardian, Billboard and American Songwriter have all gushed with praise about his previous output.
Masterson’s diverse sounding new album, ‘Time Bomb’, is just his second, and it comes a full two decades after his debut effort, ‘One Tale Too Many’. Reflecting both the personal and musical journeys that he has been on over the years, it switches gears several times over the course of twelve songs that are the very definition of eclectic. New single ‘Crazy Rain’ is a confident mid-tempo Americana rocker that contrasts with a dramatic and cinematic title song that opens the album, the energetic and rousing Springsteen-style workout ‘Wild Wolves’ is offset by a louche and very British panache on the anthemic and Mott-ish ‘Bring Back The Freaks’, while the Paul Weller-ish gospel-soul vibe of ‘Take a Little Love’ is counterbalanced with Van Morrison-esque atmospherics in album closer ‘Leaves Against The Sky’.
A number of guest musicians joined Masterson in the album recording process, including guitarists David Rhodes (Peter Gabriel, Scott Walker) and Leo Abrahams (Paolo Nutini, Regina Spektor), bassists Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Charlie Jones (Goldfrapp, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page) and Brett Bass (Gregg Allman), drummers Charlie Drayton (The Cult, Divinyls), Jeremy Stacey (King Crimson, Ryan Adams) and Omar Hakim (David Bowie, Journey), with Rob Clores (Jesse Malin, Charli XCX) and Ben Stivers (Lyle Lovett, Matchbox Twenty) on piano and Peter Tickell (Sting) contributing mandolin and violin parts.
Masterson produced the album with input from mixers/engineers/co-producers James Hallawell (The Waterboys/Graham Parker), Tchad Blake (The Black Keys, Sheryl Crow), Sean Genocky (The Black Crowes, Richard Ashcroft), Ron Saint Germain (Soundgarden, 311), Dave O’Donnell (James Taylor, Keith Richards), Craig Dreyer (Pete Francis, Dispatch) and Paul Stacey (Oasis, The Black Crowes).
TIME BOMB
TRACKLISTING
1 Time Bomb
2 Bring Back The Freaks
3 Chains
4 Take A Little Love
5 Run Away
6 Avenue Walk
7 The Kiss
8 Wild Wolves
9 Crazy Rain
10 Rusty Cans And Dusty Alleys
11 Cry With No Tears
12 Leaves Against The Sky
OG3NE WINT ‘TULPEN UIT ANTWERPEN’ MET ‘KONING LIEFDE’
Na winst in de aflevering van vorig week, wonnen de zussen Lisa (28) en de tweeling Amy en Shelley (27) van OG3NE donderdagavond de finale van het Play4-programma ‘Tulpen uit Antwerpen’. Met hun vrouwelijke versie van de Vlaamse topsong ‘Koning Liefde’ van Tourist LeMC werden zij de Nederlandse winnaars van het eerste seizoen. “Voor ons was het een enorme uitdaging. We hebben er een eigen draai aan gegeven door het toevoegen van meerstemmigheid en een stukje herschreven, maar zonder dat de strekking en betekenis van het lied verloren gingen”, zegt OG3NE enthousiast. De ‘Koning Liefde’-single van OG3NE verscheen op het House of Entertainment/Cornelis Music-label en is digitaal beschikbaar.
De kans is groot dat er dadelijk een belletje gaat rinkelen wanneer we het hebben over OG3NE, de drie multi-getalenteerde zussen Lisa, Amy en Shelley die bijzonder succesvol zijn met hun heerlijke samenzang en vocale kwaliteiten. OG3NE staat voor bloedgroep ‘O’ van hun moeder en de genen die de zussen met elkaar verbinden. Bijna tien jaar geleden wonnen zij als eerste en enige groep ter wereld het vijfde seizoen van ‘The Voice of Holland’. Sindsdien zijn ze een vaste waarde in de Lage Landen, goed voor heel wat muzikale successen met gouden en platina platen, en uitverkochte concerten en tournees. Hoogtepunten zijn zonder twijfel hun doortocht in ‘Beste Zangers’, goed voor drie nummer 1-noteringen en de doorbraak bij het grote publiek, én hun deelname aan het Eurovisiesongfestival in 2017 met ‘Lights And Shadows’. Hun Engelstalige successingles (‘Clown’, ‘Love Letter’, ‘Magic’) wisselen ze ondertussen naadloos af met hun Nederlandstalige hits (‘Veel Te Snel’, ‘Het Is Over’).
OG3NE twijfelde geen seconde toen ze gevraagd werden voor het Play4 muziekprogramma ‘Tulpen uit Antwerpen’. Donderdagavond wonnen ze overtuigend met hun versie van de Tourist LeMC-song ‘Koning Liefde’, een song die in 2015 goed was voor goud en een top 4-notering in onze hitlijsten. “Een volkszanger-hiphopper met een lied en een tegendraadse boodschap. In het origineel zingt hij in het dialect over het maken van fouten, het leerproces en zelfreflectie. Want ben je wel tevreden met hoe je op dit moment in het leven staat? We hebben er een eigen draai aan gegeven door het toevoegen van meerstemmigheid en een stukje herschreven, maar zonder dat de strekking en betekenis van het lied verloren gingen. Het deed ons veel plezier dat Tourist LeMC in de finale verraste met een filmpje waarin hij aangaf blij en vereerd te zijn over onze keuze en vol lof was over het resultaat”, zeggen de zussen van OG3NE.
De nieuwe OG3NE-single ‘Koning Liefde’ op het House of Entertainment/Cornelis Music-label is vanaf vandaag digitaal beschikbaar.
MADOCA HAS DISCOVERED ‘NEW VIBRATIONS’
Madoca is a world-class pianist/ keyboardist and composer. Her style is a fusion of Smooth/ Contemporary Jazz, Soul, Funk, Salsa, and Jazz Fusion providing musical sustenance for your mind and soul. She’s got her scholarship program at Nemu Music, where she studied jazz piano, theory, ensemble, and composition. Madoca has performed at many prestigious venues across the world including Hong Kong Coliseum, Centennial Olympic Park, Madison Square Garden, and many more. The latter of which was a part of a 100 show world tour with multi-platinum recording artist Jacky Cheung in Australia, Canada, China, France, Holland, Hongkong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. She composed a song titled, "Chicago Story" sang by Sandy Lam in China 94' (It has been a hit on the charts). Madoca's selection, "I Don't Cry Anymore" was the winner of a contest called Song Writer's Quest, a competition organized by the CASH. She has also worked with Eric Marienthal, Paul Young, All 4 One, and many more.
In 2003, Madoca finally made the move to the U.S., where she settled in Atlanta, GA and formed band called Madoca & Company.
She performed the Joe Sample (RIP), Herbie Hancock, and Ramsey Lewis (RIP) Tribute Concerts with FL Productions. She has also opened for Chris Botti, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliott, India Arie, and Pamela Williams, as well as working with Michael Henderson (RIP), Jean Carne, and Tracy Hamlin, to name a select few. Madoca has performed as one of headliners at the Michelob GOT JAZZ Concert, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Wednesday Wind Down Centennial Olympic Park, etc. Her musical influences include the aforementioned Hancock, Lewis and Sample, as well as Chick Corea, the Jeff Lorber Fusion, Jimmy Smith, George Duke (RIP) and Eddie Palmieri, yet, her style is uniquely her own. Madoca is the real deal and deserves your attention.
Madoca has released two smooth/ contemporary jazz albums and one jazz fusion album, “Mysterious Ways…”, “Amethyst” produced by Madoca and Prince proj. “Illusions of Love” album produced by Bob Baldwin. Song titled/ singles, “On the Beach (with you)”, “Surrender”, “Illusions of love” (from the disc, “Illusions of Love”) have been on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Most Added lists and Smooth jazz charts (2017 ~ 2019). Madoca’s 6th Single "Angel Time" has been released on June 24, 2022, produced by the legendary Kim Waters. "Angel Time" was on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Most Added list on July 9, 2022 and Smooth jazz charts and Smooth Jazz Network in the Top 100 Charts from July through December, 2022. "Angel Time" along with other songs mentioned above have been getting radio airplay nationally and internationally. Her new single “New Vibrations” will be released on March 31, 2023, produced by Kim Waters.
"New Vibrations"
Produced by Kim Waters
Mix & Mastered by David Leonard
Madoca – Piano, Rhodes, pads, synth lead
Kim Waters – drums, bass, guitar, keys
TARIK CLARK SAYS ‘COME ON’
Saxophonist Tarik Clark is an embodiment of the old saying, “When it comes from the heart, it reaches the heart”. His style is full of passion. Born and raised in Hannibal, MO, Tarik began playing music at an early age. His fascination with the saxophone started at the age of 5 when he was mesmerized by a saxophonist visiting his church. He began taking clarinet lessons at the age of 8 (once his two front teeth finally came in), and quickly switched to saxophone at the age of 10. Tarik credits his father, Stan “Holy Harp” Clark, who plays a mean harmonica and his mother, Georgia with continuing to challenge him musically, Spiritually, and academically. Clark earned a BS in Engineering Management from the prestigious Missouri University of Science and Technology; however, his true passion is music.
Inspired by players such as Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Najee, and Grover Washington, Jr., Tarik’s passionate playing brings you to your feet with a soulful sound that leaves you crying out to the heavens. Clark faithfully serves in the music ministry for his church. He has traveled across the globe, where he has blessed thousands throughout South Africa and Kenya. Tarik has led the Houston Texans in the singing of the National Anthem, and has performed the National Anthem for the Houston SaberCats Major League Rugby team, and on Opening Night for the Sugar Land Skeeters minor league baseball team.
Tarik released his first national radio single, “Just After Sunrise” in 2020 and his followup single “Soul Surpluss” in 2021. His music has established a global reach, and is still heard in rotation on Music Choice via Comcast, Spectrum, and other cable providers. Tarik is a loving family man, who makes his home in Houston, TX with his wife Micale and their two children, Kalel and Camille.
Clark's catchy new single "Come On" is produced by hit-maker Adam Hawley, who co-penned the track with Clark and Jonte Moore. Tarik's work is inspired by Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Najee and Grover Washington Jr. 🎷
DARRYL WALKER FT. RICHARD ELLIOT SEES A ‘RIBBON IN THE SKY’
Recording industry veteran Darryl Walker releases his latest single "Ribbon In The Sky" featuring his brother-in-law, Richard Elliot! After a 14 year run as front man for Greg Adams and East Bay Soul, the talented vocalist/saxophonist is once again recording and touring with his solo act.
We think you and your listeners will dig this reimagined Stevie Wonder classic, "Ribbon In The Sky"!
NEW SINGLE ‘IN THE SUMMER RAIN’ FROM GROOVE FREQUENCIES
Label: B2j Music
Groove Frequencies is an ensemble with a nice track record in the format. Under the leadership of founder John Stewart, who composed and produced the song, as well as playing bass and keys on the track, this new tune has great movement and a bright melody. With outstanding musicians like Greg Manning, Clay Benjamin (Guitar) and Jimmy Reid (Sax) bringing their musical gifts to this piece, it is an upbeat and fresh offering.
NIEUWE MIJLPAAL VOOR 16-JARIGE ZITA (‘THE VOICE KIDS’) - “PLOTS GAF FLEMMING MIJ EEN AWARD VOOR 1 MILJOEN STREAMS!”
Foto: (c) House of Entertainment: FLEMMING en ZITA
Met dank aan de vrouw van stervoetballer Frenkie De jong
Een concertavond bij FLEMMING (‘Amsterdam’, ‘Automatisch') draaide het afgelopen weekend verrassend uit voor Zita Paulussen. De filmpjes van de 16-jarige, die haar muziek uitbrengt als ZITA, zijn op TikTok goed voor 60 miljoen views en bijna 8 miljoen TikTok-likes. Twee keer nam de Genkse deel aan ‘The Voice Kids’: op haar 7de en haar 14de. Na haar laatste deelname werd ze via sociale media overspoeld met de vraag naar haar versie van ‘Dancing In The Sky’(Dani and Lizzy). Die kwam in juni uit en is ondertussen goed voor méér dan 1 miljoen Spotify-streams, waar ZITA onverwacht een speciale award voor kreeg uit handen van FLEMMING. Aanstaande vrijdag verschijnt haar nieuwe single ‘Arcade’, haar eigen versie van de Duncan Lauwrence-song.
“Die zag ik even niet aankomen”, zei Zita Paulussen compleet overdonderd toen ze afgelopen weekend backstage een award voor meer dan 1 miljoen digitale streams kreeg uit handen van de Nederlandse hitmachine FLEMMING. “Ik kwam naar dit concert, omdat het de eerste keer was dat FLEMMING met zijn liveband zo’n groot soloconcert gaf in Vlaanderen. Ik was benieuwd hoe ‘Amsterdam’ ging klinken, maar net als de rest van zijn repertoire is het toppie”, zegt ZITA met een brede glimlach. “De mensen van House of Entertainment, die dit concert organiseren, hadden me na afloop meegevraagd voor een ontmoeting met de artiest. Laten we zeggen dat ik gezond nerveus was (haha), maar ik had nooit durven denken dat hij mij een award voor 1 miljoen digitale streams van ‘Dancing In The Sky’ ging uitreiken. Dat is echt wel een nieuwe mijlpaal voor mij en het stopt niet, want na België, Nederland en Amerika is de song nu aan een stevige opmars bezig in Duitsland. Ik heb net nog even gekeken en we zitten ondertussen boven de kaap van de 2 miljoen Spotify-streams. Ongelofelijk, maar zo hard gaat het nog steeds.”
Frenkie De Jong
Het virale succes van ZITA haar bekroonde single heeft ze misschien ook wel voor een stukje te danken aan Mikky Kiemeney, de vrouw van FC Barcelona-stervoetballer Frenkie De Jong. “Toen zij het nummer op haar Instagram-stories deelde met haar meer dan 1,5 miljoen volgers, zagen we de views en streams op al mijn socialemediaplatformen immens stijgen. De komende maanden worden spannend, want we hebben nieuwe songs opgenomen. Aanstaande vrijdag 31 maart 2023 komt mijn versie uit van ‘Arcade’, de hit van Duncan Laurence. Wie wil kan hem nu al pre-saven. We hebben er een aangepaste video bijgemaakt voor op de socials. Ik ben heel blij dat ik al deze kansen krijg en dat ik het ook allemaal kan combineren met mijn studies”, zegt ZITA.
JO HENS EN LISA MICHELS VIEREN 10 JAAR LEVEL SIX MET NIEUWE LIVESHOW ‘COMING HOME’
“We trappen dit jubileumjaar af met onze uitverkochte verjaardag show op 14 april en ronden deze zomer de kaap van 350 optredens met Level Six!”
- Jo Hens –
Level Six, de zeer succesvolle partyband van frontman Jo Hens en frontvrouw Lisa Michels, staat in 2023 tien jaar op de planken. Dat moet natuurlijk gevierd worden en de officiële aftrap voor dit jubileumjaar wordt gegeven met een spetterende, uitverkochte Birthday Bash op vrijdag 14 april in de AED Studio’s in Lint. Level Six trakteert de 2000 aanwezigen die avond op hun nieuwe liveshow ‘Coming Home’. Hun fel gesmaakte mix van partyhits, bloedmooie covers, dansbare beats, medleys, mash-ups en de grootste meezingers, wordt verpakt in een totaalconcept dat het publiek meer dan ooit meeneemt in de ultieme Level Six-trip. Met reeds tal van leuke festivals en bedrijfsfeesten op de agenda, belooft ook het vervolg van dit feestjaar voor Level Six zeer mooi te worden.
In 2023 staat partyband Level Six tien jaar op de planken. Dat wordt gevierd met ‘Coming Home’, een nog straffere, nog indrukwekkendere liveshow dan we van hen gewoon zijn. Met meer dan 325 optredens op de teller, is Level Six ondertussen niet meer weg te denken van de Vlaamse corporate- en festivalpodia. Zo waren er memorabele doortochten op o.a. Gladiolen, Buikrock, Paal Op Stelten, Lolands, Gentse Feesten,… en succesvolle bedrijfsfeesten, waar ze keer op keer de party to the next level brachten.
Frontman Jo Hens was er van bij het prille begin bij en dus bevoorrecht getuige bij de steile opmars die de partyband het voorbije decennium maakte. Jo, bij het grote publiek vooral bekend door zijn rol als Niko in ‘Familie’, mocht in die periode het podium delen met verschillende frontvrouwen en dat waren tekens weer ijzersterke zangeressen. Esther Sels (winnares Soundmixshow, finaliste ‘Idool 2007’) stond naast Jo van 2013 tot 2015 en gaf dat jaar de microfoon door aan Laura Tesoro, die wegens haar Eurosong-avontuur in 2016 werd opgevolgd door Katerine Avgoustakis (winnares Star Academy 2005). Katerine nam na zes jaar in alle vriendschap afscheid van Level Six en gaf in maart 2022 de positie van frontvrouw door aan de ravissante Lisa Michels.
Lisa Michels
Met de Nederlandse Lisa Michels zet Level Six z’n traditie van leadzangeressen die power, looks en vooral een waanzinnige stem combineren, gewoon verder. De muziekwereld is absoluut geen onbekend terrein voor haar. In België leerden we Lisa kennen dankzij het tv-programma ‘K3 zoekt K3’ (2015), waarin ze de finale haalde. Ze was ook lid van De Bende, een liveband met de leukste hits voor kinderen, en speelde mee in de musical ‘Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story’(2016). In Nederland kent het publiek haar van het muziekprogramma ‘It Takes 2’(SBS6), als actrice in diverse bioscoopfilms en Netflix Originals, presentatrice van enkele programma’s op SBS6, en van haar wekelijkse radioshow met dj Nicky Romero. Sinds 2022 werkt ze ook aan haar solocarrière als zangeres.
Samen met Jo Hens en vaste, fantastische muzikanten Wim De Puysseleyr (bas), Hans Humblet (gitaar/zang), Jonas Vankrunkelsven (drum) en Stefan Potiau (keys), wil Lisa nog lang knallen met Level Six.
Ook in 2023 staat Level Six weer garant voor ongeziene ambiance. Met de nieuwe show ‘Coming Home’ onder de arm, wacht er alleszins opnieuw een ontzettend drukke festivalzomer met oa. Marktrock Poperinge, Boerenrock, AB Bierfeesten Oudenaarde, Weerdse Bierfeesten, Arendonk Zingt,… Check levelsixmusic.be voor de lijst die de komende weken nog fors zal aangevuld worden!
Facebook ➤ www.facebook.com/levelsixmusic
Instagram ➤ www.instagram.com/levelsixmusic
TikTok ➤ @levelsixmusic
DAVE KOZ’ ‘WRAPPED UP IN YOUR SMILE’ IS MOVING UP THE CHARTS!
“Wrapped Up In Your Smile” is a classic-styled Dave Koz power ballad co-written with producer and arranger, Philippe Saisse. Their collaborative history goes back to 2010, when Koz was Musical Director and bandleader – and Saisse the keyboardist – for The Emeril Lagasse Show. Saisse was later a major contributor to A New Day, co-writing and playing various instruments on several songs (including the mega-hit “Side By Side”) and contributing additional production and arrangements.
This romantic ballad will melt your heart and transport you to a world of sweet, soulful melodies. "Wrapped Up in Your Smile" is the perfect song for those special moments with your loved one. Listen to the song and let Dave Koz's soulful sound bring the magic of love into your life. Whether you're enjoying a romantic night in, taking a leisurely stroll, or just relaxing, this song is guaranteed to make you feel wrapped up in your own smile.
“I feel so grateful for the opportunity to make music for such loyal fans for over three decades. For so many of those years, the focus was on proving myself, making sure that I was doing whatever it takes to be successful. Now, I’m all about doing the things that make my heart happy and excited and that I want to sink my teeth into. This is the time to do that special work, and following the leads of my musical role models, I want to keep making music and performing at as high a level as I can. As an artist, I feel a certain responsibility to continue for the joy it creates. With so much negative energy out there in the world today, it’s more important than ever to realize how vital music is in bringing something positive and nurturing into people’s lives. As long as I’m able to continue making music, I will be out there doing just that!” -Dave Koz
“Wrapped Up In Your Smile” is a moment in my musical journey when all the stars aligned. From our melodies that came down flowing, to the inspired and heartfelt performance by Dave, it will forever be one of the projects closest to my heart”–Philippe Saisse
Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart: 30 - 24*
Mediabase Smooth A/C Chart: 35 - 31*
R&B-JAZZ GUITARIST GREGORY GOODLOE SPRINGS INTO ‘LOVE’
He reteams with producer Jeff Canady for the new single arriving Monday.
DENVER (27 March 2023): It’s a fragrant love affair and on the eve of Jazz Appreciation Month, R&B-jazz guitarist Gregory Goodloe composed a fervent song of love and appreciation that drops as a single on Monday from Hip Jazz Records. Goodloe wrote “In This Love” with producer Jeff Canady to covey his ardor and affection as well as his gratitude for the gift of music.
“For as long as I can remember, you have been a great part of my life. As long as you stay with me, I know that I will love you all of my life. Unspeakable melodies, harmonies, tones, major and minor keys have given me inspiration every day. ‘In This Love’ is dedicated with devotion to a way of life, and a deep love of music. Let me pass it on,” said Goodloe, who topped the Billboard singles chart for the first time in 2019 with “Stylin’,” receiving more than four million Spotify streams.
Poetically lyrical guitar verses and impassioned improvised solos drive the funky rhythm track, soulful groove and vibrantly cascading choruses on “In This Love.” With Goodloe’s classic cool jazz electric guitar in the fore, Canady’s sturdy drum beats, Robert Skinner’s rubbery basslines, Demetrius Nabors’s keyboard melodies and Gary Johnson’s rhythm guitar decorate the track with lush sound.
“I have loved music for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a part of me and my soul. I’ve learned one thing in life and that is music can bring us through our ups and downs, through our good times and bad. My love, devotion and dedication to music has brought me to respect music and the love that it brings to the world. I feel so blessed to be able to share my expression of music,” said Goodloe, a Denver native.
“In This Love” is Goodloe’s second consecutive single with Canady. They teamed on “In Paradise” in 2021. Earlier releases include collaborations with multiple Grammy nominated saxophonist Darren Rahn (“Stylin’”), seminal urban-jazz keyboardist Bob Baldwin (“Cool Like That”), Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley (“Somewhere Out There”), and Barbadian saxophonist Elan Trotman (“Step’N Out”).
Growing up strumming the guitar to Wes Montgomery and George Benson records, their presence is heard and felt in Goodloe’s recordings. He played drums and guitar through high school and while attending Bishop College, an HBCU in Dallas. After serving in the United States Army, Goodloe embarked on a recording career, debuting in 2016 with the single “All The Way.” Goodloe has performed at premier jazz festivals and has shared the stage with Howard Hewett, Tank, Ben Tankard, Norman Brown, Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Michael McDonald, James Ingram, Roy Ayers, Shirley Caesar, Angela Spivey, John P. Key, The Rance Allen Group and Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire fame, a fellow Denverite. Goodloe hosts his own radio show, “Mile High Smooth Jazz,” which airs on World Wide Jazz Radio.
For more information, please visit https://gregorygoodloe.com.
NEW SINGLE FROM DARON L. STEWARD
DARON L. STEWARD (His first name is pronounced "Darren").
Song title: "Naima's Dance"
Label: Drawets Music
A keyboard player of considerable skill, Mr. Steward's debut tune has a great rhythmic pocket that supports the melody nicely. Referred to me from Will Downing, Daron has played on songs by, written with, or toured with the likes of Jeffrey Osborne, Will, and Tim Cunningham, among others.
WAYNE WESLEY JOHNSON FT. TONY EXUM JR. & YOSMEL MONTEJO MEET ON ‘BOULEVARD RENDEZVOUS’
Internationally recognized, this award-winning guitarist performs on acoustic, electric, nylon & steel string guitars and guitar synthesizer in a variety of musical styles and genres. A pioneer of the 'New Sound of Santa Fe' tm and 'Jazzamenco' tm., the artist performs in thumb picking, fingerstyle, and flatpicking styles...playing jazz, world, new age, Latin & rumba flamenco and with classical techniques. Wayne is currently a guitar instructor and member of the faculty of the Santa Fe Community College and Music Mart in Albuquerque. In addition to his concert, corporate and private performances, Wayne has also become known by many as New Mexico's Premier Wedding Guitarist, in high demand for both ceremonies and receptions, alike.
This charismatic performer has shared the stage with some of the world's finest guitarists, too... Formerly a drummer and touring companion with legendary guitarists Les Paul, and Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Wayne has also shared the stage with Mason Williams, George Benson, Bucky Pizzarelli, BB King, Scotty Moore, Howard Roberts, Larry Carlton, Chet Atkins, Thom Bresh (Son of the legendary guitarist Merle Travis), Tom Doyle, Ruben Romero, Antonio Mendoza, Tommy Emmanuel, Seymour Duncan, Stephen Bennett, Stephen King, Richard Smith, Anthony Smith, Tim Farrell, Edgar Cruz, Lou Pallo (The Les Paul Trio), Jon Paris, and more.
Wayne, is a regular annual performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS), Nokie Festival, Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists (AFG) and the Guitars for life (GFL) benefit concerts.
Wayne has performed either as a soloist or with others in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Les Paul), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, England, China, Hong Kong, & nearly all 50 states.
Wayne now spends his time touring, performing, songwriting, recording and producing music for his own artist-owned Wannadu record label. This artist knows the importance of 'professionalism' in performance and appearance and how to provide for client satisfaction. The artist selects his gear, attire and tune selection to suit any size venue and any type of occasion.
PEET PROJECT GOES THROUGH ‘CRAZY TIMES’
"Crazy Times" is the first 2023 single off the Peet Project’s critically acclaimed new album, Sweet Lemon. While it would be difficult to find a title that better reflects the era we are living in all around the globe today, it is only the name of the track that refers to that. The music itself is impeccably arranged, groovy and melodic, proving again that music is a reliable source of inspiration no matter what. You will hear both global and local sounds, seamlessly integrated into a captivating track. Enjoy!
"Crazy Times"
Produced, mixed & mastered by Péter “Peet” Ferencz
Written by Peter Ferencz, Oliver Magan, Attila Zavodi, Martin Gudics
& Marcell Gudics
Peter Ferencz: Violin
Attila Zavodi: Alto Sax
Oliver Magan: Keys
Martin Gudics: Bass
Marcell Gudics: Drums
Feng Ya Ou: Backing Vocals, Adlibs
CAROL ALBERT HAS A ‘MAGIC MIRROR’
For many instrumental artists, including some of our favorites in the world of Smooth Jazz, catchy song titles are often afterthoughts, random ideas tacked on that simply flow easy off the tongue when a radio announcer mentions them.
Bucking that trend and thinking more like a traditional songwriter, Carol Albert’s seemingly nonstop array of Top 5 Billboard charting singles these past five years have often been rooted in deeper themes reflecting her personal ever-evolving emotions - from sorrow to strength, longing to awakening, and taking a freewheeling “Femme Flight” to the freedom of “Sun’s Out” and “Perfect Sunday” – the latter accumulating over 6.6 million streams on Spotify, an unheard of sum for smooth jazz.
As the pianist/composer sweeps us up in her infectious whirlwinds of melodic grace, sometimes meditative yet often joyfully soulful grooves and explosive Brazilian-flavored flights of fancy, she also shares a sense of intimacy. As we get to know her through her music, she also invites us to apply her themes and vibes universally to our own lives.
Released in the wake of the pandemic, her engaging, high spirited and constantly sparkling and inspiring new collection Magic Mirror opens emotional and spiritual doors to a many possible interpretations.
On a personal level, and especially speaking woman to woman in a culture which too often holds our females to a certain standard of what constitutes beauty, it’s about self-acceptance, an embrace of that wonderful person seen in that reflection.
Magic Mirror celebrates the collaborative spirit of Carol and two of the genre’s greatest hitmakers, guitarist and producer Paul Brown and – for the first time - bassist Roberto Vally, a longtime essential member of Brown’s first-call studio crew and a rand and groovin’ rhythmic force and equally prolific hit songwriter for countless smooth jazz A-listers. The collection offers an about even split between Brown and Vally co-writes and co-productions, with Brown helming the title track, “Paradigm Shift,” the digital-only single “Crashing,” “Sopporo Dream” and “Sometime,” and Carol and Vally joining forces on “Fire & Water,” “Sol Ipanema,” “The Chase“ and “Angels Watching Over Me.”
Beyond the big hit “Fire & Water” and her #1 Billboard single “Paradigm Shift,” Carol has at least four or five more potential radio hits here – but the stylistic depth and personal emotion Carol infuses into the tracks beyond these infectious gems makes Magic Mirror the one Smooth Jazz-oriented release his year to immerse in as a full album experience.
"Magic Mirror"
Written By Carol Albert, Shane Thierot, Paul Brown
Mixed by Paul Brown, The Funky Joint
Produced by Paul Brown
Engineered by Carmen Grillo
Carol Albert: Piano, Synthesizers
Shane Theriot: Guitars, Drum Programming
Roberto Vally: Bass
Greg Vail: Saxophone
FABELACHTIG THEMA VOOR ZANDSCULPTURENFESTIVAL 2023 ONTHULD
Het Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke 2023 wordt fabelachtig!
MIDDELKERKE – 1 juli tot en met 10 september 2023
Strand ter hoogte van De Greefplein
Elk jaar wil het Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke het publiek blijven boeien, niet enkel met toffe, tijdloze onderwerpen, maar ook met nieuwe, verrassende elementen die het evenement fris en actueel houden. Enkel op die manier kan het festival het grootste kustevenement blijven. Voor de editie 2023 duiken we samen de wondere wereld van sprookjes in. Het wordt een ware belevenis voor jong en oud met uiteraard de allerbekendste sprookjes, maar ook enkele parels die je misschien vergeten bent.
Meer beleving dan ooit
Bezoekers betreden het festival letterlijk via de grote poort, waarna heel veel sprookjesfiguren hen opwachten. Meer dan twintig sprookjes en personages verrijzen uit het zand: de gelaarsde kat, de kleine zeemeermin, klein duimpje, Sneeuwwitje, een grote vuurspuwende draak en nog veel meer! Het wordt een heuse sprookjeswereld die ook bevolkt zal worden door echte tovenaars, prinsen en prinsessen.
Welkom in het zandtheater!
In samenwerking met theaterproductiehuis De Proefkonijnen komt de sprookjeswereld ook écht tot leven. Het gezelschap is gespecialiseerd in theater dat je helemaal onderdompelt in unieke verhalen.
Op mysterieuze wijze is een aantal sprookjesfiguren vast komen te zitten in het sprookjesboek. Aan de kinderen om dit mysterie te ontrafelen en de toverspreuk te vinden die de sprookjesfiguren kan bevrijden. De beleving begint zodra de bezoekers het terrein betreden. Daar kunnen de kinderen aanwijzingen vinden die verwerkt zitten in de zandsculpturen, maar ook bij de acteurs die ertussen rondlopen. Op de theatervoorstelling die dagelijks meerdere keren te zien is, kunnen de jonge speurneuzen al die aanwijzingen bij elkaar brengen om de sprookjesfiguren te bevrijden, zodat ze allemaal nog een lang en gelukkig kunnen leven.
En dan is het nog niet gedaan
We denken extra aan jullie kleine tovenaars en prinsessen, met extra ruimte om te stoeien en te spelen. Een springkasteel, een zandbak, leuke speeltuigen en nog veel meer, maken je gezinsdagje uit naar Middelkerke compleet. Tickets zijn vanaf vrijdag 10u beschikbaar via www.zandsculpturenfestival.com/. En het beste nieuws: al die nieuwigheden zijn gewoon inbegrepen in de ticketprijs.
Een grote aanwinst voor inwoners en handelaars
“Het Zandsculpturenfestival heeft zijn plaats verdiend op de evenementenkalender van Middelkerke én van de Vlaamse kust. Nu gaan de organisatoren nog een stap verder en wordt het nog meer een beleving. Sprookjes zijn van alle tijden en boeien zowel jong als oud, zeker als je de knipogen van de ontwerpers zult weten te ontdekken. Ook de locatie aan het Arthur De Greefplein is een voltreffer, zowel voor de bezoekers als voor de handelaars in de buurt. We zijn er alvast klaar voor om opnieuw meer dan 100.000 bezoekers te verwelkomen én hen een topdag in Middelkerke te laten beleven. En last but not least, voor onze eigen inwoners blijft het Zandsculpturenfestival een ‘must see’. Daarom verkopen we opnieuw voordeeltickets voor onze eigen inwoners en tweedeverblijvers. Die zullen enkel te koop zijn aan onze toeristische balies,” vertelt burgemeester Jean-Marie Dedecker.
Praktisch
Het Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke vindt plaats van 1 juli tot en met 10 september. Info via www.zandsculpturenfestival.com, vanaf vrijdag 10u start de ticketverkoop via diezelfde website. Ook dit jaar krijgen inwoners van Middelkerke en mensen met een tweede verblijf in Middelkerke 2 euro korting.
GLENNIS GRACE BRENGT FENOMENALE WHITNEY HOUSTON-TRIBUTE IN KURSAAL OOSTENDE EN PLAY ZUID (ANTWERPEN)
18 november 2023 – Kursaal Oostende
19 november 2023 – Play Zuid (Antwerpen)
"Fenomenaal", "Onwaarschijnlijk straf", "Wat een stem", "Whitney is alive!",...de superlatieven vlogen ‘America’s Got Talent’-finaliste Glennis Grace in 2018 en 2019 om de oren na haar zeer succesvolle Whitney Houston-tributes in Nederland en België (uitverkochte Lotto Arena in oktober 2019). We hebben er even op moeten wachten, maar dit najaar keert de Nederlandse nachtegaal eindelijk terug naar ons land met ‘WHITNEY, a tribute by Glennis Grace’. Play Zuid in Antwerpen mag zich opmaken om op zondag 19 november 2023 dit unieke muzikale eerbetoon te ontvangen. Een dag eerder, op zaterdag 18 november, staat deze verbluffende ode aan de legendarische Whitney Houston in Kursaal Oostende. Glennis Grace neemt het publiek mee naar vervlogen tijden en wisselt swingende uptempo hits als ‘How Will I Know’, ‘I'm Every Woman’ en ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ af met gevoelige ballads als ‘Run To You’, ‘All At Once’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ en ‘When You Believe’.
Tickets voor ‘WHITNEY, a tribute by Glennis Grace’ op zaterdag 18 november in Kursaal Oostende en zondag 19 november 2023 in Play Zuid in Antwerpen, zijn nu verkrijgbaar via ticketkopen.eu .
“Whitney Houston heeft een ongekend aantal hits op haar naam staan. Ik wil mensen heel graag meenemen naar vervlogen tijden door haar klassiekers opnieuw te zingen. Er zitten echt zoveel pareltjes tussen die nog een keer gehoord mogen worden.”
-Glennis Grace -
In 2018 maakte de wereld dankzij ‘America’s Got Talent’ kennis met de grenzeloze zangcapaciteiten van de Nederlandse Glennis Grace. Ze blies er de jury, het publiek en de miljoenen tv-kijkers een eerste keer omver met haar indrukwekkende versie van de Whitney-classic ‘Run To You’. De toon was meteen letterlijk gezet en de ravissante Nederlandse stoomde helemaal door tot in de finale.
Geruggesteund door deze indrukwekkende prestatie en de lovende commentaren, concerteerde Glennis in oktober 2018 voor het eerst met haar muzikale eerbetoon ‘WHITNEY, a tribute by Glennis Grace’ in een uitverkochte AFAS Live in Amsterdam. Uit de enthousiaste reacties van het publiek en de lovende recensies na afloop, bleek eens te meer dat de muziek van Whitney Houston de mensen nog altijd in vervoering brengt en Glennis Grace werd door pers en publiek geroemd om haar stemgeluid en bezieling:
“Ik was gekomen voor een avond Whitney Houston liedjes. Maar dit was anders, want wat jij vanavond gaf, was je ziel. Ik heb werkelijk nog nooit zoiets meegemaakt. Om zo te stappen in iemand anders huid, die tot leven te wekken en ook nog eens jezelf te blijven. Buitenaards goed!”
- Jandino Asporaat -
Nederlandse stand-upcomedian, acteur, televisiepresentator & producer
“Wat een concert! Iedere noot was raak.”
- Humberto Tan -
Nederlandse radio- en televisiepresentator
“Het was echt niet normaal hoe goed. Glennis zingt gewoon zo verschrikkelijk buitenaards goed.
Ik vond het echt niet normaal!
- Ronald Molendijk -
Presentator, RTL Boulevard
Door de aanhoudende vraag uit binnen- en buitenland, bracht Glennis Grace de show in 2019 o.a. ook nog in Ahoy Rotterdam en een eveneens uitverkochte Lotto Arena in Antwerpen. We hebben er sindsdien even op moeten wachten, maar in november 2023 komt de Nederlandse nachtegaal eindelijk terug naar ons land met dit fenomenale eerbetoon aan de legendarische Whitney Houston.
Glennis neemt het publiek mee naar vervlogen tijden en wisselt swingende uptempo hits als ‘How Will I Know’, ‘I'm Every Woman’ en ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ af met gevoelige ballads als ‘Run To You’, ‘All At Once’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ en ‘When You Believe’.
Tickets voor ‘WHITNEY, a tribute by Glennis Grace’ op zaterdag 18 november 2023 in Kursaal Oostende en zondag 19 november 2023 in Play Zuid in Antwerpen, zijn nu verkrijgbaar via ticketkopen.eu.
BT ALC BIG BAND ‘HEARING THE TRUTH’ THROUGH THE NOISE
The new soul-jazz funk album featuring G. Love, John Medeski, Adam Deitch, Karl Denson, Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall and Eric “Benny’ Bloom drops on April 14.
BOSTON (21 March 2023): The might and muscle of a big band is in all those horns. And that magical power became a serious challenge when COVID restriction prevented BT ALC Big Band from being in the same room to record together. That scene was the inception of the fifth album by the Boston-based soul-jazz funksters, “Hearing The Truth,” which drops April 14 on the Vintage League Music label.
Band leaders Brian Thomas (trombone) and Alex Lee-Clark (trumpet) produced and arranged the collection of nine original compositions featuring special guest performances by G. Love (G. Love & Special Sauce), John Medeski (Medeski Martin & Wood), Adam Deitch (Lettuce), Karl Denson, two-time Grammy winner Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall (Lettuce) and Eric "Benny" Bloom. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s go back to that first recording date in 2020 and how they made it work.
As the pandemic spread fear, and civil unrest sparked disharmony, tension and anger, and the looming presidential election fanned the flames of division, Thomas penned “Bring Forth Change” for the band to record.
“This was the first tune we remotely recorded after the pandemic hit, and it really set the tone for what this album became. Brian (Thomas) is one of the most positive forces I’ve ever come across, and the way he willed this whole thing into existence was amazing, and definitely gave all of us musicians a spirit boost as the reality of the pandemic set in,” recalled Lee-Clark.
Recorded remotely and later pieced together, “Bring Forth Change” became the ethos of the album on the super funky track bolstered by an anthemic affirmation captured in this imaginative cartoon strip-like video (https://bit.ly/3mUFGnG).
Teaming with Soulive’s Alan Evans, BT ALC Big Band recorded and released the joint as a single followed by two more singles that year. The groovy “What Will You Do” spotlights Medeski on trippy keyboards and the retro hip “The Iguana” boasts Krasno’s guitar and Denson’s saxophone.
A couple years later, finally the horn sections were able to safely gather in person to finish the final six tracks. “Dimples” opens the album.
“There’s something on the melody on this one that feels like it could be on the ‘Superfly’ soundtrack. It’s upbeat, but there’s a lot of emotional depth to it, too. This tune was written for Brian’s wife, Annette, who has the warmest smile complete with eye-popping dimples that can be seen from across the room. This tune and the trombone solo to me are quintessential Brian Thomas - in the pocket, relentless but calm and full of character. Guitarist Steve Fell is also the perfect Swiss army knife of a soloist and elevates the entire band to an epic climax,” explained Lee-Clark.
The album’s tentpole is the title track. It’s a blues-based, storming organ number written by Lee-Clark that he says references James Brown & The J.B.’s classic sound. Amidst the chaos of instrumental voices vying for attention, the trombones burst forth to lay the foundation for guitarist Jeff Lockhart to shred. Recorded during a surge in the virus, the band was masked up during the studio session, but you can almost hear the joy in being able to play together live, which they’ll do on stage at an album release concert on the release date at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, Mass.
Lee-Clark wrote the tension filled “Here In This Cave” about the little room in his apartment where he “musically survived the worst of the pandemic.” Deitch’s “Egyptian Secrets” gets a big band makeover, taking on new dimensions in the hands of BT ALC Big Band. G. Love flows and rhymes on the Wu-Tang Clan-inspired “That Sound.”
Lee-Clark said, “We tried a more hip-hop process recording this than straight up big band while still being us. Dean (Johnston) played that drum groove for about two minutes straight, and we took the funkiest grouping we could find and made a loop out of it, building everything else off of that sound. (Jeff) Lockhart’s guitars were actually recorded at my house with the intention of chopping them up and making similar loops, but when I listened back, amazingly, the two independently recorded takes totally lined up into this really original, intertwining texture. I’ve never heard anybody with a more unique and impeccable musical understanding of what sounds right than Lock(hart).”
Sensing something was missing, Thomas and Lee-Clark decided to up the funk quotient by writing a Go-Go song for the disc. “Pound For Pound” is a party in which the solo spotlight is shared equitably while erupting into a “Soul Train”-line dance-off.
BT ALC Big Band’s previous outing, “The Search For Peace,” hit the year before the lockdown. The outfit debuted ten years ago with the “Superhero Dance Party” album. In addition to recording and playing gigs at clubs, theaters and festivals, Thomas and Lee-Clark are committed educators throughout the New England region where they teach clinics and workshops and perform with college and high school students throughout the East Coast. On a mission to create new potentialities for big bands in the modern era, Thomas and Lee-Clark acknowledge the influence of Duke Ellington and Count Basie in their crafty big band arrangements. They take the traditions of the past and fortify them with explosive soul power, Afrobeat culture, festive New Orleans nuance, and deft hip-hop beats and biting political commentary.
There’s so much soul and swagger throughout “Hearing The Truth,” but the most important element is BT ALC Big Band’s message. Lee-Clark delivers it.
“This whole record was really written in the teeth of COVID, the 2020 presidential election, and the dizzying experience all of us Americans are feeling as we reckon with our past and decide as a country what we want to be in the future. Through all those growing pains, there is a lot of noise. Everywhere you turn, you're being inundated with new information, and it only seems to be getting faster. The music on this album is all about slowing down just enough to hear the truth in the noise. Plus, more plainly, ‘Hearing The Truth’ was written about Fox News, and all the charlatans on that network telling us not to believe the thing we're seeing with our own eyes.”
BT ALC Big Band’s “Hearing The Truth” album contains the following songs:
“Dimples”
“Hearing The Truth”
“Here In This Cave”
“What Will You Do?”
“Egyptian Secrets”
“The Iguana”
“That Sound”
“Pound for Pound”
“Bring Forth Change”
For more information, please visit https://www.btalc.com.
R&B-JAZZ TRUMPETER-VOCALIST JOHNNY BRITT TAPS INTO STAR POWER FOR ‘AFTER WE PLAY’
His fifth album featuring George Benson, Will Downing, Peter White, Gerald Albright, Little Anthony, Nils, Tom Browne and more is out now.
LOS ANGELES (20 March 2023): In response to an interviewer’s question, legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis said, “I’ll tell you after I play.” That philosophy struck a note with urban-jazz trumpeter-vocalist Johnny Britt, who titled his fifth album “After We Play,” that dropped on Friday (March 17) on J-Jams Records. Britt wrote ten new songs and produced the thirteen tracks on which he plays with an array of luminaries. The collection starts off on top as the title cut featuring guitar star Peter White recently went No. 1 on two national singles charts.
The recent Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will launch his multi-genre album at two Los Angeles-area record release concerts: March 26 at The Venice West and April 6 at the Catalina Jazz Club.
Simultaneous to the instrumental single “After We Play” summitting the Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts, Britt’s vocal ballad with Will Downing, “Butterflies,” entered the top 50 on the R&B singles chart and is soaring skywards.
Two years in the making, Britt describes “After We Play” as “an album of feelings, emotions, thoughts and imagination. I wrote, produced and performed every song from within. Every song was birthed out of a deep sense of love, compassion and sincerity. I love singing and I love playing the trumpet. That’s what you’ll hear when you listen to the album, which came together wonderfully.”
According to Britt, the title song, a sultry midtempo flugelhorn and guitar duet captured in this video (https://bit.ly/42hyyC7), sets up the entire album. There are many marquee moments to embrace from the album, including a dreamy version of “Goin’ Out of My Head” that finds Britt in the company of greats. He croons the song with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony who sang the original version with The Imperials with whom Britt has been singing as first tenor since 2012. Gracing the tune with cool electric jazz guitar is ten-time Grammy winner George Benson. SoulTracks recently world premiered the track, the type of collaborative recording that begs for Grammy attention.
The album opens with the twin trumpet powered “Ain’t Nothin But The Funk” spotlighting the horns of Britt and Tom Browne. Nine-time Grammy nominee Gerald Albright thumps his bass on “Summer Love,” an affair heated by Kashan’s mid-cut rap. “Ocean Waves” washes over like a sensual caress, thanks to Britt’s sultry voice and muted trumpet along with sinewy bass and Piccolo bass work from Blair Bryant. The album’s second remake is a haunting take on the Bacharach & David classic “Walk On By,” given an ethereal treatment on which Britt handles all the vocals and instrumentation except for drums. Ricky Peterson adds piano, organ and strings accoutrements to illumine the positive affirmation that is “Hold On Be Strong.” Billboard hitmaker Nils teams with Britt for “Let’s Do This,” an empowering horn and guitar instrumental that bodes to become a chart topper. “Love Paradise” is a heavenly slice of the best of Britt: a funky R&B groove, a splash of contemporary jazz nuance, and a vibrant pop hook. Nils reappears on “Midnight,” but it’s Britt’s flugelhorn that shines brightest. The seductive “More Love” is an amorous late-night mood setter. “After We Play” closes with an instrumental version of “Love Paradise.”
Britt will soon share his story in the autobiography “The Soloist.” He grew up “an inner-city kid” in Cleveland where he was in a band while in junior high school with a young drummer named Arsenio Hall. The multi-instrumentalist studied abroad at the prestigious Conservatoire de Versailles under the tutelage of Roger Delmotte, first trumpeter of the Paris Opera. After returning Stateside, The Temptations’ Otis Williams made Britt the youngest musical director ever for the iconic Motown Records vocal group. That led to Britt coproducing the music for the Emmy-winning miniseries “The Temptations.”
After the move to Los Angeles, Britt landed his own Motown record deal in 1995 for his group Impromp2, which recorded four albums. Always desiring to be a soloist, Britt finally made it happen in 2012 by releasing his debut album, “Feels So Good.”
“I loved singing in groups, but deep in my heart, I always wanted to stand alone in the spotlight in front of that microphone - just me, my voice and my trumpet,” said Britt.
In addition to his solo catalogue, Britt has written three No. 1 Billboard hits for saxophonist Boney James as well as songs for Peabo Bryson, Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Paul Brown, Jeff Golub, Jessy J and The Temptations. He played trumpet on the big screen in Academy Award-winner “La La Land” and was hired by two-time Oscars and four-time Grammy winner Hans Zimmer to be the trumpet soloist for the Oscar nominated “Hidden Figures.”
Britt will embark on a three-month U.S. concert trek this summer with Little Anthony on the Happy Together Tour. Before then, he will support the release of “After We Play” on the following dates:
March 26 The Venice West Venice, CA
March 30 Middle C Jazz Club Charlotte, NC
April 1 The Tin Pan Richmond, VA
April 6 Catalina Jazz Club Hollywood, CA
The “After We Play” album contains the following songs:
“Ain’t Nothin But The Funk” featuring Tom Browne
“After We Play” featuring Peter White
“Butterflies” featuring Will Downing
“Summer Love” featuring Gerald Albright and Kashan
“Ocean Waves” featuring Blair Bryant
“Walk On By”
“Hold On Be Strong” featuring Ricky Peterson
“Let’s Do This” featuring Nils
“Goin’ Out of My Head” featuring Little Anthony with George Benson
“Love Paradise”
“Midnight”
“More Love”
“Love Paradise” (instrumental)
For more information, please visit https://www.johnnybritt.com.
NICK STEFANACCI SAYS ‘I’M COMING OUT’
Following saxophonist Nick Stefanacci's debut Smooth Jazz single "Dance Until Dawn" comes his instrumental interpretation of Diana Ross's smash hit, "I'm Coming Out."
Stefanacci has always been drawn to creating fresh takes on great tunes; seeing how far he can flex the envelope. "I'm Coming Out" is considered to be Stefanacci's Coming Out Party in the Smooth Jazz world. With great studio success on his debut single, Stefanacci wanted to give his audience a new vision of a classic track.
Surrounded by Smooth Jazz veterans, Stefanacci lets loose right from the needle drop and doesn't take his foot off the groove petal until the last note.
Yeah, Stefanacci is coming out!
"I'm Coming Out"
Produced, Mixed & Arranged by Nick Stefanacci
Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers
Mastered by Steve Hall
Sax, Programming: Nick Stefanacci
Guitars: Gerey Johnson
Keys, Synths: Carnell Harrell
Bass: Mel Brown
Drums: Eric Valentine
LARS TAYLOR SPENDS AN ‘ELECTRIC NIGHT’
In a genre where explosive emerging talents have to compete for chart positions and airplay with the veteran we've loved for years, it's inspiring to see that adventurous, multi-faceted - and highly prolific - Swiss-born guitarist/composer Lars Taylor is at last breaking onto the charts.
Now that he's blazing into 2023 with another perfectly titled gem, the lighthearted, funky and whimsical, then full throttle rockin' "Electric Night," it's clear that Taylor's trademark is creating fascinating tracks that evolve from one vibe to another - a freewheeling concept that defies traditional wisdom that dictates that artists stick to one vibe, a single instrumental voice and a melodic chorus that repeats over and over. On "Blue Sphere," he segued from summery energy to world fusion territory (complete with an oriental gypsy guitar and dabuka!)
Now on "Electric Night," the guitarist achieves this same mind-blowing shift, starting with a breezy, soulful acoustic melody (and infectious killer hook) over trippy electric synth textures, then showcasing the high octane electric fire the title promises, first with an extended, blazing solo and then a more muscular re-iteration of the hook on the electric. Taylor's electric playing is so intoxicating that you'' stay with him even on the lengthy outro before flipping to the next track on your playlist.
While Taylor composed, arranged and produced "Electric Night," it's testament to his rising presence in the Smooth Jazz world that genre mega-hitmaker Michael Broening signed on to create the perfect mix for a track that will surely be lighting up and rising higher on the radio charts throughout the coming months.
MICHAEL LINGTON’S ‘MOON GODDESS’
Over 25 years into one of Contemporary Jazz’s most storied and exhilarating careers, #1 Billboard charting saxophonist Michael Lington is as passionately expressive and sonically innovative as ever. The Danish-born artist’s upward trajectory now leads him, on his new single, to vibe with a bona fide “Moon Goddess” – a vibrant and explosive, hard-grooving, and emotionally empowering track showcasing the intuitive dynamic he creates co-writing and co-producing for the first time with famed saxophonist, producer and horn arranger David Mann.
With a loose, freewheeling and soulful energy reminiscent of classic Contemporary jazz albums by CTI Records, the high-intensity track marks Lington’s continued collaboration with legendary guitarist Paul Jackson Jr (whose infectious jangly funk intro and later solo are highlights) and first-ever session with veteran jazz/R&B drummer Michael White. “Moon Goddess,” a nod to Ramsey Lewis’ “Sun Goddess,” will appear on Lington’s upcoming EP, Looking Ahead (set for release in May), his first set of new recordings since 2018 Silver Lining.
NEW SINGLE ‘GROOVE TOGETHER’ FROM JAYSON TIPP
Label: Mind In Overdrive
Many of you may know keys player Jayson Tipp's work as a founding member of the group UNDER THE LAKE. With production by Darren Rahn, this is a well composed and produced tune with a very format friendly vibe.
NEW SINGLE ‘STUDIO CITY’ FROM EUPHORIA WEST (FT. DANTÉ)
Label: Ascension Music
Euphoria West is a smooth jazz fusion collective based in Los Angeles, California and Japan. Blending contemporary jazz elements with modern beats and sounds, this song features renowned L.A. session bassist ANTHONY CRAWFORD who carries most of the melody, with some tasty sax colors by Danté, whose music a number of you have played before.
BOBBY CALDWELL SINGER-SONGWRITER DEAD AT 71
Singer Bobby Caldwell, known for his smooth blue-eyed soul voice, is dead after battling illness for several years.
Bobby, whose biggest hit is the classic ‘What You Won't Do for Love’, died in his sleep Tuesday night at home in New Jersey, according to his rep.
The singer-songwriter hadn't been able to walk for about 5 years as he coped with painful bouts of neuropathy and a torn tendon in his ankle. Last year his team revealed Bobby had a bad reaction to a prescribed antibiotic in 2017 -- they say it caused his Achilles tendon to rupture, which led to the neuropathy. Caldwell dropped his signature hit in 1978 ... when it reached the top 10 on Billboard, and made his self-titled debut album go double platinum.
If you're of a certain age, you know every line of 'Do for Love,' and the song is so enduring you hear someone sing it practically every season on "American Idol" and "The Voice."
It's also been covered by countless artists -- including Boyz II Men, Snoh Aalegra and Michael Bolton and Tupac Shakur heavily sampled it for his song, "Do For Love."
Bobby also wrote songs for the likes of Neil Diamond, Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack and Boz Scaggs. He even penned the 1986 #1 hit, "The Next Time I Fall" for Amy Grant and Peter Cetera.
Bobby was 71.
INTERNATIONAAL GEPREZEN GEORGE MICHAEL-TRIBUTE 'THE EDGE OF HEAVEN TOUR' KOMT TERUG NAAR ANTWERPEN
Het overlijden van superster George Michael dompelde de muziekwereld in december 2016 in een diepe rouw, maar gelukkig overleven zijn onsterfelijke hits de tand des tijds. Dit najaar krijgen de vele George Michael-fans in België eindelijk weer waar ze al lang terug recht op hebben. Na eerdere succesvolle en veelgeprezen doortochten in ons land, strijkt de sublieme George Michael tribute show ‘The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ op vrijdag 17 november 2023 neer in Play Zuid in Antwerpen. De Belgische leadzanger Ivann, één van ’s werelds meest fenomenale ‘look-a-like-lead’-stemmen, laat samen met een fenomenale liveband en vergezeld door drie fantastische backing vocals, de hits van George Michael en Wham! één voor één herleven. ‘Faith’, ‘Father Figure’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Outside’, ‘Freedom’, ‘The Edge Of Heaven’,…allemaal komen ze aan bod tijdens deze verbluffende concertavond. Tickets voor ‘A Tribute To George Michael - The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ op vrijdag 17 november 2023 om 20u in Play Zuid (Antwerpen), kan je nu bestellen via ticketkopen.eu .
“Amazing”, “Incredible” en “Buiten categorie”, waren de meest gehoorde reacties na afloop van de uitverkochte wereldpremière van ‘A Tribute To George Michael – The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ in de Antwerpse Stadsschouwburg in 2018. Met een dubbele bis en drie staande ovaties werden wereldzanger Ivann (Vermeer) en zijn sublieme band uitgezwaaid.
De nationale en internationale George Michael-fanclubs zijn het sindsdien unaniem eens: elke fan en elke muziekliefhebber moet deze totaalbeleving meemaken: “We kwamen voor zijn hits, ‘Faith’, ‘Careless Whisper, ‘Freedom’, ‘The Edge Of Heaven’ en werden bijna letterlijk anderhalf uur weggeblazen door de krachtige stem van leadzanger Ivann, de topmuzikanten en sublieme backing vocals”, “Dit is de ultieme tribute show die zorgt voor nieuwe herinneringen, gebaseerd op de hits en klassiekers van George Michael en Wham!”, “We weten zeker dat George hier heel trots op zou zijn!”, “Een must-see!”, klinkt het bij de Belgische, Nederlandse, Duitse en Engelse fanclubs.
De fenomenale show en Ivann’s ijzersterke interpretatie van George Michael, kregen na deze lof van pers en publiek een nationaal en internationaal vervolg. Ivann mocht zelfs als George Michael het podium delen met de Nederlandse superster Glennis Grace, tijdens haar uitverkochte Whitney-tribute in de Antwerpse Lotto Arena op 26 oktober 2019. Geen onbekend terrein voor hem, want Ivann (Vermeer) deelde ook al het podium met o.a. wereldsterren Lionel Richie en Paul Young.
Tijdens ‘A Tribute To George Michael – The Edge Of Heaven Tour' verlegt hij wederom zijn grenzen met weergaloze versies van ‘Faith’, ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’, ‘Father Figure’, ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Wake Me Up’ de rest van de onsterfelijke George Michael-klassiekers. Ze komen allemaal even geloofwaardig en met het nodige respect aan bod in de show, met dank ook aan de 3 uitzonderlijke backings en de ijzersterke liveband.
Tickets voor ‘A Tribute To George Michael - ‘The Edge Of Heaven Tour’ op vrijdag 17 november 2023 in Play Zuid (Antwerpen), kan je nu bestellen via ticketkopen.eu
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS - 'DOWN THE ROAD' – NEW SINGLE BY GRAMMY-WINNING BLUEGRASS & AMERICANA ACT OUT 15.03.23
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
DOWN THE ROAD
new single
out 15.03.23
(Americana Vibes)
digital services
included on
A TRIBUTE TO FLATT & SCRUGGS
new album
out 21.04.23
pre-order/save
LP | CD | merch digital album
The Infamous Stringdusters have dug deep into their bluegrass roots for ‘A Tribute to Flatt & Scruggs’, which will be released on 21st April on their own Americana Vibes label. The thirteenth record by the US quintet who formed in 2006, it is a homage to the esteemed duo of singer/guitarist Lester Flatt and banjo player Earl Scruggs and acknowledges their key influence on American music.
“The concept of paying tribute to the godheads and originators of Bluegrass is one we bounced around for a while and, after Bill Monroe, the most logical are Flatt & Scruggs,” states ‘dusters bass player Travis Book. “They are legendary figures and without Earl's banjo, bluegrass just wouldn't exist the way we know it today.”
Having won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album in 2018, the group members - Andy Falco [guitar], Chris Pandolfi [banjo], Andy Hall [dobro], Jeremy Garrett [fiddle], Travis Book [double bass] - actually have musical influences that truly run the gamut. However, their common denominator is Bluegrass, which is the sound that has often defined the course of their career.
This new body of work is the second in a series of tribute releases and was an obvious choice to follow their 2021 Grammy nominated ‘A Tribute to Bill Monroe’, the man who laid the foundations for Bluegrass as we know it today. In honouring their roots, the group actually found an opportunity to grow and evolve, as evidenced by ‘Toward The Fray’, their well received full-length collection of original songs recorded during lockdown and issued in early 2022, while this new covers set displays an even deeper appreciation of the genre they closely identify with.
“This album is special to me because it presented the opportunity to dig deeper into what made Flatt & Scruggs so influential and because we recorded it pretty old-school; all at once, all together, without a lot of messing around. We just let the tape roll!” adds Book.
Throughout years of touring, the ‘dusters have been variously described as a ‘future supergroup’, ‘intricately improvisational’, ‘phenomenal’ and ‘flawless’ by critics. A rare example of a group who can team up with other contemporary acts on late night TV one night while headlining the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado or performing alongside Phil Lesh of Grateful Dead the next, they have accumulated a faithful international audience that continues to grow. With this latest honouring of the music that has helped shaped them, ‘A Tribute To Flatt & Scruggs’ informs fans that their evolution continues with renditions of songs that have been made even more meaningful and essential.
A TRIBUTE TO FLATT & SCRUGGS
TRACKLISTING
1 I'd Rather Be Alone
2 Will You Be Lonesome Too
3 Blue Ridge Cabin Home
4 Earl's Breakdown
5 Cabin On The Hill
6 Down The Road
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
Andy Falco - guitar
Chris Pandolfi - banjo
Andy Hall - dobro
Jeremy Garrett - fiddle
Travis Book - double bass
official site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
PROEL WELCOMES RENOWNED JAZZ MUSICIAN BRIAN CULBERTSON AS AN OFFICIALLY ENDORSED DEXIBELL ARTIST
LOS ANGELES (14 March 2023): Dexibell, the manufacturer of world-class digital pianos and keyboards, handmade in Italy, is proud to announce that Brian Culbertson, renowned contemporary jazz musician, has become a officially endorsed Dexibell artist.
Culbertson, who has released 25 solo albums with 40 No. 1 Billboard singles and worked with a who’s who of legendary artists throughout his career, is known for his contemporary jazz sound infused with R&B, soul and funk. With his exceptional keyboard, writing, and production skills, he has won numerous awards and accolades, including nominations for an NAACP Image Award and Soul Train Music Award.
As an officially endorsed artist, Culbertson will be using Dexibell digital pianos and keyboards as well as Proel audio and lighting equipment in his live performances and recordings, beginning with the launch of THE TRILOGY TOUR, an extensive nationwide US tour kicking off March 22, 2023, including a stop at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York among 70+ other cities. He will also be working closely with Dexibell to help develop their new products and technologies that will benefit musicians and music lovers worldwide.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Dexibell team," said Culbertson. “While I’ve known about them for a few years, I’ve finally had the chance to really dig into their new VIVO S10 stage piano, and I’m absolutely blown away by the sound of the piano! It’s just so realistic, far beyond anything I’ve ever heard before. In addition to the sound, the feel of the keyboard, as well as the extensive effects possibilities makes this a no brainer to use on tour as well as in the studio.”
Dexibell's digital pianos and keyboards, designed, engineered and manufactured in Italy, are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, authentic keyboard touch, and innovative technology. They have been embraced by musicians and music enthusiasts around the globe and are used in a variety of settings, from recording studios and performance venues to homes, churches, and schools.
"We at Proel are ecstatic to welcome Brian Culbertson to our Dexibell family of artists," said Antonio Ferranti, President of Proel North America, the exclusive representative of Dexibell in the USA and Canada. "Brian is an exceptionally talented and dedicated musician and a true innovator in the world of jazz. We are honored to welcome him as an officially endorsed artist, and we look forward to working with him to further develop new and exciting sounds and product innovations that will serve musicians worldwide to fully express their artistry and creativity."
ABOUT BRIAN CULBERTSON: Brian Culbertson is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer known for his distinct brand of piano-driven contemporary jazz, R&B and funk. Mining the urban sounds of musically-rich Chicago, he began his musical studies on piano at age eight and quickly picked up several other instruments by the time he was twelve, including drums, trombone, bass, trumpet, and euphonium. Inspired by the iconic R&B-jazz-pop artists of the 1970s like Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Chicago, David Sanborn and others, Culbertson started composing original music for his seventh grade piano recital and hasn’t stopped since, amassing a deep catalogue of 25 solo albums, most of which have topped the Billboard contemporary jazz charts.
Having worked and performed with countless industry all-stars such as Maurice White (EWF), Michael McDonald, Stevie Wonder, Chris Botti, Ray Parker Jr., Barry Manilow, Herb Alpert, Natalie Cole, and Bootsy Collins just to name a few, Culbertson has won numerous awards and accolades along with nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and Soul Train Awards. In 2012, he co-founded the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway with his wife Michelle, a flourishing wine, music and lifestyle experience for which he also serves as artistic director.
Brian is about to embark on THE TRILOGY TOUR across the US, a brand-new stage show featuring songs from his latest trio of studio albums plus many fan favorites. And when not on tour, Brian has a weekly streaming show on YouTube called “The Hang with Brian Culbertson” on Friday nights. For more information about Brian Culbertson, his music and tour schedule, visit www.brianculbertson.com.
ABOUT DEXIBELL: Founded in Italy by passionate industry-leading engineers, Dexibell has been designing, crafting, and producing digital pianos, keyboards, organs, and accessories since 2013 and launched to the North American market in 2017.
The company was founded to address the need to create products that are faithful to the highest expectations of musicians. Unlike larger companies, Dexibell has an agile and dynamic structure: all employees collaborate closely—from designers and engineers to project managers and programmers—to find the perfect balance between artistic efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and innovative design. Dexibell products are 100% designed and manufactured in Italy, and characterized by the unsurpassed tone, touch, and technology of each instrument. For more information about Dexibell digital pianos and keyboards, visit www.dexibell.com.
ABOUT PROEL NORTH AMERICA: Founded in 2017, and headquartered in Los Angeles, Proel North America is the exclusive distributor of the Proel family of ‘Made In Italy’ pro audio, musical instruments, music gear and accessories brands to the USA and Canada.
Proel, founded and headquartered in Italy since 1991, designs, engineers, and manufactures world-class pro audio, musical instruments, music gear and accessories that are faithful to the highest expectations of musicians. For more information about Proel North America, visit www.proelnorthamerica.com.
NIEUWE SINGLE VOOR .FEN – HERO
Na drie soloalbums, een Stevie Wonder tribute tour doorheen Europa én een 3e plaats in de Belgische selectieshow voor het Eurovisie Songfestival in 2012, is de singer-songwriter .Fen uit Vilvoorde helemaal terug met nieuwe muziek.
“In moeilijke tijden hebben we allemaal een held nodig. Voor de één zal het zijn of haar vader zijn, een vriend of vriendin, voor anderen kan het gewoon een wildvreemde zijn die lief glimlacht. Daarom schreef ik het liedje 'Hero'", zegt .Fen.
De single blijft natuurlijk trouw aan de stijl van .Fen en werd dankzij producer Bab Lemmens (Netsky, Laura Tesoro, Natalia) naar een hoger niveau getild. De tekst schreef .Fen, zoals steeds, zelf.
"Na een jaar van hard werken, ben ik heel fier om aan te kondigen dat er een nieuw album aankomt. De single 'Hero' is daar alvast een voorsmaakje van en is vooral een oproep om elkaar te helpen. Ik ben ervan overtuigd dat geluk in de allerkleinste dingen zit en dat wil ik bewijzen in 'Hero'."
Zijn single 'Life Is So Beautiful' was een groot succes op Spotify. Zo werd de single opgepikt in grote playlists zoals 'Made In Belgium' en 'New Music Friday'. Ook het laatste album van .Fen deed het goed en telt momenteel meer dan 5 miljoen gecombineerde streams en views. Zowel in Vlaanderen als Wallonië waren vele radiozenders fan van singles zoals 'Proud', 'Give An Answer' en 'Open Your Eyes'.
'Hero', de nieuwe single van .Fen, kan je beluisteren op alle grote streamingplatformen.
HISTORALIA BRENGT GROOTS MUSICALSPEKTAKEL 'MARIE-ANTOINETTE’ AAN KASTEEL VAN WIJNENDALE (TORHOUT)
Groots musicalspektakel 'Marie-Antoinette' strijkt in september 2023 neer aan kasteel van Wijnendale!
West-Vlaamse Liesbeth Roose pakt eerste titelrol en wordt Marie-Antoinette.
Musicalicoon Linda Lepomme 25 jaar na laatste productie terug op de planken.
In september 2023 presenteert productiehuis Historalia het grootse musicalspektakel ‘Marie-Antoinette’. Dit openluchtspektakel, dat op meeslepende wijze het fascinerende verhaal van de miskende, laatste koningin van Frankrijk vertelt, zal plaatsvinden op en rond de slotgracht van het prachtige Kasteel van Wijnendale (Torhout).
Over Marie-Antoinette gaan vele, wilde verhalen rond, maar wie was ze echt? Deze indrukwekkende productie, met weelderige kostuums, wondermooie muziek en in een verbluffend decor, geeft een verhelderend inzicht in het turbulente, korte leven van deze opmerkelijke dame.
Een indrukwekkende productie vraagt om een al even indrukwekkende hoofdcast en die heeft 'Marie-Antoinette'. Ervaring, aanstormend talent én een opmerkelijke comeback, je vindt ze er allemaal in terug. We stellen hen graag aan je voor:
De rol van Marie-Antoinette zal vertolkt worden door de West-Vlaamse musicalactrice Liesbeth Roose. Liesbeth is afkomstig uit Tielt en speelt dus een echte thuismatch rond het kasteel van Wijnendale. Ze speelde al mee in musicals als 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Blood Brothers', 40-45', 'Daens', 'The Sound of Music', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' en binnenkort is ze ook te zien in 'Red Star Line'. Liesbeth speelde eerder ook al mee in producties van Historalia, waaronder '1830'. Marie-Antoinette is haar eerste titelrol.
"In 'Blood Brothers' (2018) speelde ik al eens een hoofdrol, maar Marie-Antoinette wordt mijn eerste titelrol. Dat ik die als West-Vlaamse in West-Vlaanderen op de planken mag brengen, maakt het natuurlijk eens zo speciaal. Voor mijn vrienden en familie is het zeker handig dat ik eens zo dicht bij waar ik opgroeide mag spelen. Ik verwacht dan ook dat ze allemaal naar 'Marie-Antoinette' komen kijken (lacht)."
- Liesbeth Roose -
Met musical- en theatericoon Linda Lepomme die in de huid zal kruipen van keizerin Maria Theresia, de moeder van Marie-Antoinette, mogen we spreken van een zeer opmerkelijke comeback. 25 jaar nadat ze in première ging met 'The King and I' (1998), waarin ze de vrouwelijke hoofdrol speelde, keert Linda Lepomme in 'Marie-Antoinette' terug op de musicalplanken. Linda nam in 1985 voor ons land deel aan het Eurovisiesongfestival en begon in datzelfde jaar aan een gelauwerde carrière bij het Koninklijk Ballet van Vlaanderen. Ze speelde mee in de legendarische tv-serie 'De Paradijsvogels', films als 'Zware Jongens' en 'Pauline en Paulette', was jurylid in het VTM-programma ‘Op zoek naar Maria’ en heeft tijdens haar carrière heel wat musicalacteurs onder haar vleugels gehad als artistiek leider van de musicaltheateropleiding van de Fontys Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Tilburg. Kortom, een echt monument in het musicallandschap in de Lage Landen.
Liesbeth en Linda weten zich in 'Marie-Antoinette' omringd met nog heel wat pure musicalkwaliteit. Zo zien we Rudi Giron in de rol van André, de rechterhand van Robespierre, gespeeld door Jens Sauviller. Staan Kato Aerts en Ellen Dilles op de barricades als Françoise en Henriette, speelt Daan Keisse de rol van Baldewijn en herkennen we Joke Van Robbroeck als prinses de Lamballe. Jervin Weckx is koning Louis August (Lodewijk XVI), de man van Marie-Antoinette, Mike Wauters herneemt zijn rol als Graaf Van Fersen, Jens Broes is hofmeester Balthasar de Merode, Lien Van den Bossche speelt de jonge Française Rosalie en Andres Vercoutere is Arno.
Kindercast met West-Vlaamse broers en zusjes
Broer en zus Mauro (12) en Emilia (10) Degroote uit Deerlijk mogen als zoon en dochter van Marie-Antoinette ook als broer en zus het podium op. Hetzelfde geldt voor Nora (10) en Flor (14) Pintelon uit Harelbeke. Flor speelt 'den Dabber' en Nora zijn jongere zusje. De kinderhoofdrol 'Charlotte' zal afwisselend gespeeld worden door de 12-jarige Nooni Merchiers uit Vlissegem (De Haan) en Minne Beeusaert (10) uit Olsene. De 11-jarige Fran Desmet uit Ingooigem wist ook een rol als één van de dochters van Marie-Antoinette te bemachtigen.
Wie was Marie-Antoinette?
De Oostenrijkse Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, in het Frans bekend als Marie-Antoinette, was de echtgenote van koning Lodewijk XVI van Frankrijk. Ze was dus de laatste koningin van Frankrijk, alvorens de Franse Revolutie voor een enorme omwenteling zorgde.
Tijdens de Franse Revolutie werd ze samen met haar man ten val gebracht. Na een dubieus proces werd Marie-Antoinette schuldig bevonden aan incest en hoogverraad, en uiteindelijk ter dood veroordeeld. Op 16 oktober 1793, ze was toen slechts 37 jaar oud, maakte de guillotine een einde aan haar leven.
De persoonlijkheid van Marie-Antoinette is een veelbesproken onderwerp. Er zijn schrijvers die in haar karakter de oorzaak van de val van de Franse monarchie zoeken. In haar eigen tijd werd ze op grote schaal bekritiseerd en belasterd, voor anderen gold en geldt ze als een heilige en martelares.
Met ‘Marie-Antoinette’ is Historalia allerminst aan z’n proefstuk toe, want dit was ook hun eerste musicalspektakel dat in 2014 speelde in Westerlo. Het productiehuis van oprichter/drijvende kracht prins Simon de Merode en creatieve rechterhand Luc Stevens heeft sindsdien een flinke reputatie opgebouwd met grote musicalspektakels rond historische figuren en gebeurtenissen (‘Marie-Antoinette’, ‘Albert I’, ‘Rubens’, ‘1830’).
Tickets & info: historalia.be/marie-antoinette
Scenario & regie: Luc Stevens
Componist & liedtkesten: Sam Gevers
Scenografie: Marnik Baert en Andy Couwberghs
Assistent regie, resident director & staging: Floris Devooght
Choreografie & staging: Wendy Demeyere
DAVE FOSTER BAND - '...OR YOU STEAL SOME' – NEW SINGLE BY ROCK & POP ACT OUT 14.03.23
DAVE FOSTER BAND
…OR YOU STEAL SOME
new single
out 14.03.23
(English Electric Recordings)
digital services
included on
GLIMMER
album
CD | LP out 21.04.23
digital out 19.05.23
pre-order
UK/Europe | North America
LP available on black or limited edition yellow vinyl
The Anglo-Dutch rock & pop act Dave Foster Band (DFB) have released a new single today entitled ‘…Or You Steal Some’. The second to be lifted from their upcoming new album, ‘Glimmer’, it begins with a plaintive piano melody before gradually opening out into a seven minute mini-epic replete with a string section. Guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Dave Foster reveals that the music for the song “was largely influenced by ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ by Wings. I’ve always loved Paul McCartney’s energy and passion on his Wings stuff. Having the chance to record this with bassist Neil Fairclough in between his Queen + Adam Lambert duties was great. We’ve actually been friends since college.”
As for its lyrical message, vocalist Dinet Poortman explains that “I wasn't in a happy place when I sat down with this beautiful piece of music that Dave had written, but the words and melody just poured out. The truth I was trying to escape from is told in this song, which carries the powerful message that you might be stronger than you think when things seem bleak. When we came to making the album, I wanted to record this last as it holds a special place in my heart and because I knew it would be an emotional experience. I am so proud of the result.”
Foster, Poortman and keyboard player Riccardo Romano will perform a DFB acoustic set at the first Marillion Weekend of 2023 in Port Zélande, Netherlands on 18th March, with further information available HERE.
The LP and CD formats of ‘Glimmer’ are out on 21st April, with the digital release following four weeks later. A cornucopia of musical delights, it will appeal not only to fans of guitar-based rock on several songs that balance dazzling technique with great restraint, but also to followers of crossover acts as varied as Air and The Anchoress on other piano-led tracks. Produced by Foster, featured guests include drummer Leon Parr (Steve Rothery Band), pianist Anthony Hindley and string arranger Stephen Boyce Buckley, as well as Fairclough.
Dave Foster Band (DFB) was founded in 2017, but actually has its origins in earlier collaborations between Foster and Poortman after they were introduced by a mutual friend, guitarist Steve Rothery of Marillion. Both had been members of previous groups that separately supported the prog behemoths, while Foster plays guitar in the Steve Rothery Band. He has also been a member of another leading UK prog act, Big Big Train, since 2020.
Given that Foster is based in the UK and Poortman the Netherlands, their first tentative steps were an experiment to see if they could work together effectively, but a number of co-written songs that appeared on Foster’s solo albums ‘Gravity’ (2011) and ‘Dreamless’ (2016) were solid proof that they had musical chemistry. Having formed DFB, they supported both Rothery and Marillion on European/UK tours while working on their debut album, ‘Nocebo’, which was released in 2019 and promoted with headlining dates throughout western Europe.
Discussing the making of ‘Glimmer’, Foster explains that “the pandemic stopped any further touring of ‘Nocebo’, but instead allowed us to embark on a really inspiring run of writing songs. We actually recorded the drums between lockdowns, which was frustrating but at least meant that we could let the songs mature. By the time we got round to recording again the songs had grown and developed into their final shape.”
Early 2020 had certainly provided Poortman with lyrical inspiration. “Britain was leaving the EU, the Covid pandemic was just around the corner and I was all at sea in my private life,” she notes. “Dave was sending me his pieces of music and I would play around with them and see what happened melodically and lyrically. Due to the lockdowns we literally had nothing else to do, but for me personally it was also great therapy as I was coming to terms with a marriage that had just ended. On the one hand it provided a lot of inspiration, but on the other made me realise that life is fragile and that people and relationships deserve to be cherished.”
The cover artwork for the LP and CD/digital formats of ‘Glimmer’ is a differently coloured image by photographer Neal Moran that Foster says “works perfectly with the idea of when things are hard and complicated there’s always a glimmer of light,” with Poortman adding that “this is the essence of the album title, the fact that there is always a little peek of 'Glimmer' in the corner of your eye waiting for you to acknowledge it and let it into your life. That's what I did.”
‘Glimmer’ will be released via the English Electric Recordings label run by Big Big Train, with Gregory Spawton of BBT stating: “Since coming on board in 2020, Dave has proved a great addition to Big Big Train and we are delighted to be releasing ‘Glimmer’ through our label. The songwriting by Dave and Dinet throughout the album is impressive and we believe that it will appeal to rock music fans with a diverse array of tastes. We were therefore keen to sign them.”
GLIMMER
TRACKLISTING
1 Every Waking Moment
2 Run
3 Stigma
4 Chasing An Echo
5 Dive In
6 Memory Box
7 …Or You Steal Some
8 The Rules Have Changed
official site
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST BOB COATE PROWLS MYSTERIOUSLY ON ‘SASHA’
He teams with producer-songwriter-keyboardist SONIX for a top ten single receiving airplay around the world.
WASHINGTON (13 March 2023): There’s a bit of mystery surrounding multi-instrumentalist Bob Coate. You won’t find his picture on his single covers or on his website. When you try to pin him down to name his primary instrumental voice, he declines to name just one. While he presents clear marketing and branding challenges, Coate’s perspective – which he himself admits is naïve as a new artist who emerged on the instrumental pop-jazz scene last year – is free from limitations, restrictions and expectations. He enjoys and exercises his freedom to explore his artistic muse while maintaining an air of mystery on the newly released single, “Sasha,” which he wrote and produced with SONIX (David Bowie, Lauryn Hill, Sean “Diddy” Combs).
On the midtempo R&B groove, Coate plays haunting and lyrical flugelhorn verses before yielding to SONIX’s vibrant melodic keyboards and Fender Rhodes choruses. Johnny "JTwo" Johnson added guitar while bassist Jordan "Jo Peezy" Yussef anchors the rhythm.
“‘Sasha’ is based on a tune that was floating around in my head for many months. Every time I sat down at the keyboard, I would experiment with it some more. You wouldn’t believe how many preliminary versions I recorded and then discarded. Teaming up with SONIX helped push the tune to completion. I think we were able to give the track a dreamy, surreal feel to it,” said Coate.
“Sasha” has instantly been embraced by fans who made it a top ten single on the Smooth Global Listener Countdown. Beyond U.S. airplay, the single is garnering spins internationally, including London Soul Radio and on radio stations in Spain, Australia, Poland and Panama.
On Coate’s previous nine single releases dating back to his 2021 debut, “Super Smooth,” he did everything himself: writing, producing, performing, recording, mixing, mastering and even designing the cover art. “Sasha” is the first of two singles that he recorded with SONIX.
“I am very grateful to have had the privilege of working with world-class producer and musical powerhouse SONIX. This was my first time working with a producer or guest artist,” said Coate, a Boston-area native who is now based just outside of Washington, DC.
“Writing and producing ‘Sasha’ with Bob was a great compromise of who we are as creatives. I enjoyed his input and blunt honesty. We paid great respect to the composition, which blends a color palette of yesterday and today to paint a beautiful picture of ‘Sasha,’ a lady of beauty that lets the listener define her,” said SONIX, who also collaborated with Coate on a high-energy Latin jazz single called “Mamba Rosalita” that is slated to drop in May.
While SONIX infers that the inspiration for “Sasha” is a woman, Coate says not so fast.
“Most people assume ‘Sasha’ is named after my wife, or girlfriend, or daughter – but no,” he said with a Cheshire grin.
“I’ll let the listener come up with their own interpretation. That’s part of the magic of music, especially instrumental jazz. Each listener can hear something and use their imagination to come up with their own imagery. For all anyone knows, it could be a song about a family member’s cat, but I’ll never tell!”
For more information, please visit https://www.bobcoate.com.
LEDFOOT & RONNI LE TEKRØ - 'LIMITED EDITION LAVA LAMP' – SHAPESHIFTING AMERICANA ALBUM OUT 24.03.23
LEDFOOT & RONNI LE TEKRØ + musicians in the studio | photo by Cecilie Leganger
LEDFOOT & RONNI LE TEKRØ
LIMITED EDITION LAVA LAMP
new album
LP | CD | digital
out 24.03.23
(TBC Records)
pre-order/save
“A fusion of heavy electric guitar sonics intertwine with heavenly vocal deliveries on nine well-crafted tunes. Rocky yet melancholic blues tones abound on this wonderful release”
BLUES MATTERS
“Has an ability to touch your soul with its deep rooted emotion. There are occasional nods to Bob Dylan, alongside a guitar sound that is akin to Jeff Beck. A classic album 10/10”
POWERPLAY
“Ledfoot’s famed ‘Gothic Blues’ style complemented perfectly by Le Tekrø’s hard-rocking edge. Intriguing and immensely enjoyable”
FIREWORKS
includes the single
CRYING
out 10.03.23
digital services
US Gothic blues artist Ledfoot and Norwegian guitar legend Ronni Le Tekrø have today issued a new single entitled ‘Crying’. Taken from an upcoming second collaborative album of bluesy Americana, the song is a philosophical rumination on love won and lost that is reminiscent of both Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison (not that ‘Crying’). Written by Ledfoot (aka Tim Scott McConnell), he explains its message by simply stating that “there are two reasons someone stops crying because of you. They either give up on you….or you do right.” Le Tekrø adds: “I loved this song when Ledfoot presented it and we put some dark mojo into its message about treasuring love when you have it.”
‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp’ is the intriguing title of their new album, which comes two years after the critically acclaimed 'A Death Divine’. It sees the duo joined by veteran producer/musician HP Gundersen and a crack team of reinforcements on a record of shapeshifting Americana that also nods to the likes of Johnny Cash and Iggy Pop.
Ledfoot (aka Tim Scott McConnell) states that “Ronni and I decided it was time to get serious and put a band together... AND WHAT A BAND! The result is ‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp‘....get ready for a wild ride.” Le Tekrø concurs, adding that “we have been digging deeper, exploring and uniting our different styles, while the production has been pushed into territory we have never been before. This album will take you to Twin Peaks. Let your ears take you above and below.”
Recorded over the course of a magical week at Studio Studio Nyhagen (owned by Le Tekrø), ‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp’ consists of four songs written by Ledfoot, four co-writes, plus a cover of ‘Sister’ from the Quincy Jones-helmed soundtrack of ‘The Color Purple’. The nine tracks see an inspired Ledfoot singing better than ever, while Le Tekrø's unique guitar skills find their natural home in the soundscape created with the aid of Gundersen (who also contributes guitar parts), Anders Odden (bass), Trond Augland (drums) and Markus O Klyve (keyboards).
‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp’ will be released on LP, CD and digital formats, plus a limited LP edition pressed on 180g lava lamp (orange) vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.
more about LEDFOOT
Born in Florida but based in Norway for many years, Ledfoot has been especially busy recently, having released the solo album ‘Coffin Nails’ in December 2022 that has just been nominated for the Norwegian equivalent of the Grammy Awards in the Blues category. It is the follow-up to 2021’s Black Valley’, which was also nominated, while his 'White Crow’ was released just before ‘A Death Divine’ and won the same Award in 2019, a year that saw him write most of the music for the hit Norwegian TV series ‘Exit’ and act as a mafia hitman in the show.
Adopting the stage name Ledfoot in 2007, he had actually begun his musical career at the age of 15 as Tim Scott and had major deals in the 1980s-‘90s that included solo albums on Sire, Geffen and Warners and a further record on Elektra as frontman of The Havalinas sandwiched between the latter two of these.
One of his early songs was covered by Sheena Easton on her 1984 US smash album ‘A Private Heaven’ and released as a spin-off single. while three decades later Bruce Springsteen covered his 'High Hopes' and made it the opening song and title track of his eighteenth studio album.
more about RONNI LE TEKRØ
Ronni Le Tekrø is a guitar legend in his home territory. Founder and leader of the ongoing Norwegian hard rock institution TNT while still in his teens, but also a regular collaborator with esteemed jazz guitarist/composer and compatriot Terje Rypdal (ECM Records has issued several albums by the pair), he is renowned for his unique playing style and has often been ranked among the world's best guitarists regardless of genre. Le Tekrø has also released several solo records, with the most recent being 'Bigfoot TV' in 2022.
LIMITED EDITION LAVA LAMP
TRACKLISTING
1 Little Rosie
2 Crying
3 The Ego In The Coffin
4 How Hard It Is
5 Never Use Your Eyes
6 Sailor
7 Limited Edition Lava Lamp
8 Sister
9 This Hurtful Game
Produced by HP Gundersen
Engineered and Mixed by Kjartan Hesthagen
Mastered by Winter Lazerus
MUSICIANS
Ledfoot - vocals, guitar
Ronni Le Tekrø - guitar
Anders Odden - bass
Trond Augland - drums
Markus O Klyve - keyboards
HP Gundersen - guitar
LEDFOOT facebook
RONNI LE TEKRØ facebook
AARON BROWN SEES A ‘SATIN SUNSET’
"Satin Sunset", the new single will be released on March 13 by Aaron Brown and his group FuBop Collective. It was a victory over time and circumstance that brought out the best in him and his collaborators, Dennis Johnson on keyboards and Gene Faffley on drums.
"Music helps create a social and spiritual balance in the world. The frequencies that are generated in music exist in nature," says Brown. That balance can be heard in his two chart-topping singles "Mr. Jones" and "Hidden Beauty", both of which reached the Smooth Jazz Top 100 in 2022.
Aaron has been busy achieving more of that balance. "Satin Sunset" is a triumph expressed in music that has turned dark times into light, sad events into happy memories, and each present moment into a look forward. "Satin Sunset" was written and produced with hitmaker, Barry Eastmound. We had a great time formulating this gem. It's truly destined to be a smooth Jazz classic.
"Satin Sunset"
Written & Produced by Barry Eastmond & Aaron C. Brown
Aaron C. Brown - Guitar
Barry Eastmond - Bass, Keys, Horn, Strings & Percussion
DEE LUCAS FT. BLAIR BRYANT ON ‘STAY STRONG’
National recording artist & saxophonist Dee Lucas is back with another smash hit titled "Stay Strong", which features bassist Blair Bryant who is considered one of the freshest & brightest stars in Smooth Jazz.
"Stay Strong" kicks off the brand new album No Boundaries for the saxman which is his 10th solo record, making him one of the most consistent artist in the Contemporary Jazz world.
"Stay Strong"
Written by Orlando (Dee) Lucas & Blair Bryant
Produced by Blair Bryant
Mastered by Steve Hall
Dee Lucas - Soprano Saxophone
Blair Bryant - Bass, Synth Bass, Guitar, Organ, Keyboards, Drums & Drum Programming
NEO SOUL SINGER-SONGWRITER KEA DELIVERS A TRIUMPHANT MESSAGE ON NEW SINGLE
“We Made It Thru” drops March 31 after two performances during SXSW.
PITTSBURGH (9 March 2023): Empowerment and transformation are key themes that come up repeatedly in neo soul singer-songwriter KEA’s poetic storytelling lyrics. While there are clear stylistic changes heard on her forthcoming single, the celebratory up-tempo “We Made It Thru,” her message – and her brand – remains the same: anyone can conquer their circumstances and challenges with perseverance and a grateful heart. The new single that KEA wrote drops March 31, shortly after her two concert dates in Austin during SXSW.
The singles KEA previously released – from the smooth and soulful caress of her 2017 debut, “iLove You,” written when her young daughter was battling a kidney disorder; to her defiant “Not My Friend,” penned about a woman breaking free from an abusive relationship; to her powerful testimony in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, “Holla If You Hear Me”; to last year’s encouraging “Turn It Around,” written to inspire persistence and summon the courage to overcome bad choices of the past – were all midtempo soul-jazz grooves. The triumphant “We Made It Thru” lifts the tempo to dance club intensity with inspirational gospel tones – rousing church organ and all – and thankful lyrics urging determination, tenacity and resilience.
“My goal was to make the song about a woman's need for healing and self-love. The reality is that we face unfortunate happenings every day and yet find a way to make it through. I purposely made it ‘We Made It Thru’ because I’m making music that we relate to ‘together.’ This isn't a KEA thing, but an ‘our’ thing and an ‘us’ thing,” said the Pittsburgh-based KEA who recently lost her mother.
“I consulted with my mother before she passed and added biblical context to the lyrics, reminiscent of how the bible speaks of signs of the times in Matthew 24.”
KEA is astute and keenly observant, which informs the lyrics that she wrote with contributions by Lem Springsteen. In addition to producing the track for Bread & Butter Productions, Butter is featured on keyboards, drums, drum programming, percussion and backing vocals. David Delhomme (keyboards, organ and lead synth) and Mark Bowers (guitar and bass) complete the lineup.
“‘We Made It Thru’ speaks of how everything has changed. We went from being principled to having zero filters. People say and post on social media whatever they want without giving any thought or care to how their words impact others or society. However, the ‘good times keep us still and alive.’ That verse in the single is meant to encourage us not to lose hope and find the joy that is there where there is pain. We are always ripping and running and cannot hear from God in a hurry or see/feel what’s happening around or within us where most of the work needs to be done. I encourage stillness and to keep plugging away,” said KEA who will take the stage twice during SXSW for performances at Flamingo Cantina on March 16 and Smokey Greek Cajun Bar & Grill on March 18 at events hosted by RhythmandSoulRadio.com.
A frequent performer on the Pittsburgh scene, ever since KEA started issuing singles, she’s received radio spins and praise nationally, including from respected R&B outlet SoulTracks, which has consistently championed her singles and videos, and internationally via top 20 chart appearances on the UK Soul Chart and going top 40 on the DRT Global Independent Airplay Chart.
Considering herself to be a philosopher at heart, KEA began by writing poetry, turning poems into songs. Growing up in a musical household instilled a love of music. She started singing, initially studying jazz vocals, the nuances of which remain in evidence in her recordings today. What KEA experienced growing up, as a young mother and as an adult is also present in the stories she tells in her songs. It makes her a unique and authentic communicator as an artist.
“What makes me relatable is my trials. Without any extensive music training or degrees, and no connections to industry powerbrokers or mainstream artists, who I do have a connection with is ‘the people.’ Your everyday person who works 12-hour shifts, struggling financially, single parents, low-income housing recipients, childhood trauma, suffering from low self-esteem, mental health problems, homelessness, and people in unhealthy relationships who are now learning boundaries and seeing their worth - you name it. Those are my people and I know how to reach them because I've been them.”
For more information, please visit https://musicbykea.com.
LOTTE DE CLERCK EN FRANCISCO SCHUSTER WORDEN KOPPEL IN VLAAMSE VERSIE MUSICALFENOMEEN ‘HAIRSPRAY’
Maart en april 2024
Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen - Capitole Gent - Trixxo Theater Hasselt
Bekijk HIER wat Lotte & Francisco daarvan vinden
Van 15 maart 2024 tot 14 april 2024 presenteert Deep Bridge in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt de eerste, professionele Vlaamse versie van de Broadwaymusical ‘Hairspray’. 'Hairspray' is een generatie-overschrijdend fenomeen in de film- en musicalwereld omdat het ondanks de heerlijke muziek, dans en dikke fun, ook nu nog brandend actuele thema's als racisme en bodyshaming niet uit de weg gaat.
Om deze felgesmaakte mix van feelgood en maatschappijkritiek op de planken te brengen, heb je natuurlijk een getalenteerde en veelzijdige cast nodig. De eerste twee namen voor de hoofdcast die regisseur Stany Crets uit zijn hoge hoed tovert, passen alvast helemaal in dat profiel...
Lotte De Clerck en Francisco Schuster als verliefd stel Penny en Seaweed
De 23-jarige actrice en zangeres Lotte De Clerck, bij het grote publiek vooral bekend door haar rol als Emma Wolfs in de populaire Ketnet-serie #LikeMe, zal in deze Vlaamse musicalversie van 'Hairspray' in de huid kruipen van Penny Pingleton. Penny is de beste vriendin van hoofdpersonage Tracy Turnblad en wordt, ondanks haar racistische en streng christelijke moeder, verliefd op de gekleurde jongen Seaweed. Lotte was 5 jaar geleden al te zien in de allereerste Deep Bridge-productie ‘Ridders van de Ronde Keukentafel’ en komt nu langs de grote poort weer binnen met deze hoofdrol in 'Hairspray'.
In de rol van Seaweed geen onbekende voor Lotte, want het is acteur, zanger, danser en #LikeMe-collega Francisco Schuster (21) die deze rol wist te bemachtigen. Seaweed is een zeer getalenteerde danser in de The Corny Collins Show, maar wordt alleen toegelaten op ‘Negro Day’. Hij belandt in de gevangenis en wordt verliefd op Penny. 'Hairspray' wordt alleszins een leuk, nieuw avontuur dat Lotte en Francisco samen aangaan en daar kijken ze beiden enorm naar uit.
"Ik heb de film al ontelbaar keren gezien, het maakt deel uit van mijn jeugd! Kleine Lotte stond al te shaken op de muziek van 'Hairspray'. Het is dan ook fantastisch en een hele eer om dat nu zelf op het podium te kunnen doen en te kunnen delen met zoveel mensen!"
- Lotte De Clerck -
Ik zag 'Hairspray Live' en ik dacht écht ‘op een dag wil ik ook Seaweed spelen’. Er zit zoveel ‘soul’ in de musical, en zoveel kleur. Ik word nu al gelukkig als ik denk aan al die soulnummers en het feit dat ik daar mijn zwarte stem in kan steken. Ik kan niet wachten!"
- Francisco Schuster -
Het fenomeen 'Hairspray'
De musical 'Hairspray', gebaseerd op de gelijknamige film uit 1988, ging in 2002 in Seattle in première en verhuisde later dat jaar naar Broadway. In 2003 won 'Hairspray' acht Tony Awards, waaronder één voor 'Beste Musical', uit 13 nominaties. De musical sloot op 4 januari 2009 af na 2.642!! uitvoeringen. De West End-versie werd op zijn beurt genomineerd voor maar liefst elf Olivier Awards, waarvan er vier werden gewonnen, waaronder die voor 'Beste Nieuwe Musical'.
Bij het grote publiek verwierf 'Hairspray' een echte cultstatus na de release van de musicalverfilming in 2007. In een sterrencast met o.a. Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Zac Efron en Queen Latifah, schitterde ook John Travolta - in fatsuit - als de extraverte Edna Turnblad.
Deep Bridge maakt een eigen, Vlaamse versie van deze feelgood musical. Zoals steeds in de gekende stijl van het huis: met de nodige creatieve krullen, lak aan platgetreden paden, maar met respect voor het originele verhaal én de muziek. Geef toe, is er iemand die kan blijven stilzitten op floorfillers als 'Welcome To The 60's', 'Good Morning Baltimore' en uiteraard ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’?
BEKIJK HIER 'You Can't Stop The Beat' uit de film 'Hairspray' (2007) met o.a. John Travolta als Edna Turnblad
Het verhaal
Tienermeisje Tracy Turnblad droomt ervan in de populaire dansshow 'The Corny Collins Show' te staan. Ze wordt op de auditie echter afgewezen door producer Velma omdat ze zwaarlijvig is. Presentator Corny Collins geeft haar toch een kans en van de ene dag op de andere dag is Tracy beroemd. Nu zij haar plekje in de show te pakken heeft, wil Tracy graag haar zwarte vrienden er mee in krijgen. Zou haar nieuwe status hoog genoeg zijn om de heersende raciale verschillen te overbruggen of werkt ze zich hiermee in de problemen?
‘Hairspray’, de hilarische, vrolijke en steengoede feelgood musical waar iedereen nood aan heeft, is van 15 maart tot 14 april 2024 opeenvolgend te zien in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
!! RANG-UPGRADE !!
Boek tot 26 maart 2023 je tickets en krijg een gratis rang-upgrade cadeau.
Voor Golden Seat betaal je de prijs van Categorie 1, voor Categorie 1 betaal je de prijs van Categorie 2, enzovoort.
NEW SINGLE ‘FRESH START’ FROM KYLE SCHROEDER FT. JONATHAN FRITZEN
Song title: "Fresh Start"
Label: Kyle Schroeder Music
This young sax player from Florida hit the format last year with "Let's Get Up", a brisk musical treat that was well-received by many of you. This new tune is more mellow and features some fine keys playing by Jonathan Fritzen.
NEW SINGLE ‘LET’S GET SERIOUS’ FROM HUBERT EAVES IV
Song title: "Let's Get Serious"
Label: Marz Boy Records
A world class bass player, producer, and songwriter, Hubert follows up his previous funky single ("Dot-D-Dah") with a fun and passionate cover of the Jermaine Jackson classic "Let's Get Serious".
WILLIE BRADLEY FT. JAMES LLOYD ASKS US TO ‘GROOVE WITH ME’
Willie Bradley is a native of Orangeburg, SC and a graduate of South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC where he earned his BS Degree in Music Education and Performance. Over the course of his career, he has become a go –to musician for many of soul music’s greats over the years. His music reach spans worldwide and can be heard on Smooth Jazz Radio Stations to include Sirius XM, Music Choice, Pandora, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
In 2014, Willie released his debut Contemporary Jazz CD “Another Day & Time” produced and co-written by keyboardist/Recording Artist Nicholas Cole.
On his sophomore CD project (2018) “Going With The Flow”, Willie showed the music word that he was not just going with the “average” flow of things. Together with multi-award-winning producer Preston Glass, (Kenny G., George Benson, Earth Wind & Fire and many more) they brought together a fantastic group of songs as well as a cast of stellar musicians. This musical adventure was merely an appetizer of sweet things to come.
His third CD (2021), “It’s My Time” contained two #1 Billboard singles – “It’s On Now” featuring Ragan Whiteside and “It’s My Time featuring James Lloyd. The single “It’s My Time” was also featured on the Top 30 Smooth Jazz Network chart for best songs of 2021.
Willie is currently working on his fourth CD (2023) “Raising The Bar” and is working with several new producers (David Dyson, Jacob Webb, Gino Rosaria, James Lloyd, Nathan Mitchell and Jeff Canady) that will definitely “Raise The Bar” on this project.
Throughout his music career, Willie’s musical productions have been considered for two Grammy Awards and he was selected as Beats Magazine 2021 Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year by The Smooth Jazz Network. He was the Distinguished Alumnus Award winner for 2022 at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC and currently in his second year serving as full time Music Industry Professor/Artist In Residence at the University.
Willie’s stage presence includes performances with jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Frank Foster, Max Roach, Betty Carter. More recently, his live performances and collaborations placed him with world-class artists including Gerald Alston, Ronnie Laws, Marion Meadows, Walter Beasley, Reagan Whiteside, Selina Albright, George Clinton, Gerald Albright, and James Lloyd and Andre 3000.
Willie has performed at high profile shows around the country including Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival, San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, Long Beach Smooth Jazz Festival, Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Middle C Jazz, Pre-Super Bowl LVI "Taste of Inglewood" Big Game Festival, Lake Arbor Jazz Festival, Blues Alley, Catalina Jazztrax Festival, Baltimore Orioles, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Los Angeles Clippers. He is also known for being part of the brass section with RJ & The Original James Brown Band touring abroad in France, Osaka and Tokyo Japan’s Billboard Live and Summer Sonic Music Festival.
“Bold, yet simultaneously charming; Edgy, yet at the same time beautiful; these seemingly opposing adjectives might well-describe the music of artist/trumpeter Willie Bradley, but also fittingly tell about the man! Willie Bradley’s music brings together many varied styles, but takes smooth jazz to a whole new level.”
Willie's new single "Groove With Me" features legendary keyboardist, James Lloyd.
LEGENDARISCHE SAXOFONIST WAYNE SHORTER OVERLEDEN
De jazzwereld is in diepe rouw: de legendarische saxofonist Wayne Shorter is op 89-jarige leeftijd in een ziekenhuis in Los Angeles overleden. Wayne Shorter is een naam die klonk als een klok in de muziekwereld. Hij wordt algemeen beschouwd als een van de beste saxofonisten aller tijden. Zijn invloed op moderne jazz is onmogelijk te overschatten. “Het woord jazz betekent voor mij: ik daag je uit.” Geen quote die Wayne Shorter in interviews meer herhaalde, en geen uitspraak die de muzikant uit Newark meer typeerde. Sinds hij eind jaren vijftig naam begon te maken in de jazzwereld, was zichzelf, zijn saxofoon én anderen uitdagen wat hij het liefst deed. Eerst deel uitmakend van iconische groepen als The Jazz Messengers van Art Blakely en The Second Great Quintet van de legendarische Miles Davis, daarna ook solo, bij de even iconische fusionband Weather Report en in andere projecten van Davis. Wie terugkijkt op de evolutie die jazz de voorbije zeventig jaar afgelegd heeft, ziet daarin onvermijdelijk de hand van Shorter. Hij was een innovator, die platgetreden paden maar saai vond en steeds nieuwe richtingen insloeg. Een avonturier, die als kind verslingerd was aan stripboeken en sciencefiction en dat tot in de laatste jaren van zijn leven bleef. “Gooi je kinderdromen niet weg. Wees sterk genoeg om ze te beschermen en te doen uitkomen, zelfs op latere leeftijd”: nog zo’n onsterfelijke quote van hem. Zowel de tenor- als de sopraansaxofoon had geen geheimen voor Shorter. Vooral op de sopraansaxofoon laat hij een niet te overschatten invloed na. Nu eens plagerig en ongrijpbaar, dan weer rechttoe rechtaan: Shorter leek wel vergroeid met zijn instrument. Hij won twaalf Grammy Awards, kreeg de Kennedy Center Honors Award als bekroning voor zijn buitengewone carrière en veel van zijn composities zijn uitgegroeid tot jazzstandaards. Zijn immense aanzien leverde hem ook buiten de jazzwereld succes op. Zo vroegen enkele van de groten der aarde, waaronder Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana en de band Steely Dan hem om mee te spelen op minstens één van hun nummers. Het comité dat hem in 2017 de Polar Music Prize gaf, omschreef zijn invloed als volgt: “Zonder de muzikale ontdekkingstochten van Wayne Shorter zou moderne muziek nooit zo diep gegraven hebben.” Een eerbetoon in de vorm van het titelnummer van Steely Dan’s fameuze zesde studioalbum ‘Aja’ uit 1977, De saxofoonsolo is van Wayne Shorter. Hij ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
BILL COLLETTI HOLDS A ‘PRIVATE PARTY’
Bill Colletti is a professional multi-instrumentalist/recording Aatist and has been performing since 1978. His primary instruments are the Flugelhorn, Trumpet, Valve Trombone, Piano, Guitar and Vocals. Bill's horn style is influenced by the likes of Chet Baker, Doc Severinsen, Herb Alpert and Chuck Mangione while his versatility is demonstrated throughout many musical genres such as Jazz, Latin, Big Band, Pop, Orchestral and Broadway musicals.
Bill has performed with Grammy award winning and top Contempory/Smooth Jazz artists including Dave Koz, Peter White, Marc Antoine and Oli Silk. His first all original music CD "Be on the Light" was released in 2019 and can be heard on Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, YouTube as well as streaming radio stations world wide. In addition, Colletti is a composer, producer and recording engineer.
ERISA NICOLE FEELS ‘FRESH’
Music lovers around the world, get ready! Erisa Nicole, the up-and-coming Smooth Jazz saxophonist, is releasing her latest single "Fresh". Award-winning producer Adam Hawley has teamed up with the talented songwriters Erisa Nicole, Caleb Middleton and Sammie B. to release their highly anticipated single.
"Fresh" is an upbeat and energetic song that captures the essence of Erisa Nicole's soulful sound and promises to get everyone up on their feet and dancing. With Hawley's signature production style and Erisa's amazing passion on the saxophone, the song is sure to be a hit with fans of all genres.
Erisa Nicole's composition style combines a jazzy feel with hints of gospel and soul, creating a sound that is entirely her own. This single is the perfect way to re-introduce herself to the world of smooth jazz. Erisa Nicole's music is smooth and soulful and will make you feel as though you are in a world of your own.
So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to Erisa Nicole's "Fresh"! You don't want to miss out on her one-of-a-kind sound.
"Fresh"
Written by Erisa Nicole, Sammie Blackmon, Adam Hawley & Caleb Middleton
Produced and Mixed by Adam Hawley
Mastered by Steve Hall
Erisa Nicole - Saxes
Adam Hawley - Guitars, Synths
Caleb Middleton - Keys, Synths
Eric Valentine - Drums
MATT LEE’S NEW SINGLE ‘HOOKLINE’
Recording artist Matt Lee is releasing his new radio single "Hookline". Matt Lee features his signature style with a melodic and smooth tenor sax performance bringing a chill vibe to the smooth jazz world. As the song moves through the seductive guitar intro, the catchy hook really grabs your attention. "Hookline" builds through the chorus putting you in the right mood for a special evening. Next, the song moves into a sexy and unforgettable guitar solo by Jordan Love. The song definitely lives up to its name with a powerful hookline. Saxophonist & Producer Matt Lee puts together an amazing arrangement that puts you in the 'chill zone'. "Hookline" is the perfect song for the 2023 Smooth Jazz season.
"Music soothes the soul and unites our hearts." -Matt Lee
"Hookline"
Written by Matt Lee & Caleb Middleton
Produced by Matt Lee
Mixed and Mastered by Euge Groove
Matt Lee - Saxophone
Darryl Williams - Bass
Eric Valentine - Drums
Jordan Love - Guitar
Caleb Middleton - Keyboard & programming
NEW SINGLE ‘AIN’T NO MONEY’ FROM ALEX FANJUL FT. DAVID MARGAM
Gijon, Asturias (Spain)
The release of ‘Ain't no Money’ on February 28, 2023 is a new milestone in the career of Spanish musician Alex Fanjul.
Composed, produced and performed by Alex Fanjul, this time he has surrounded himself with great musicians to carry out this powerful track entitled “Ain't no Money”.
Accompanied by the talent of smooth jazz guitarist David Margam who has achieved some beautiful melodies that accompany the song as well as a truly memorable guitar solo, the incredible bass lines created by @bassbarcelona (there are already several times that this Catalan musician and the Asturian musician collaborate on different projects), and the recognizable voice of Cristina Soto make this new song (the first published in 2023) a turning point in the career of Alex Fanjul.
His latest song released “Deeper Love ft. Toni Bourgon” achieved some important successes in different media around the world:
- Song of the week on Street Sounds Radio
- Song of the month on Toni B. Radio Show
- No. 1 in One's to Watch (The Network Soul)
- Top 10 for 3 weeks in a row on David Bishop Breakers (Street Sounds Radio).
- Featured song on The Black Planet Radio.
- Nº 3 in Soul, disco & Funk Radio, etc…..
Alex Fanjul has created in 2020 the so-called Alex Fanjul Music Project with the intention and purpose of creating music surrounded by great musicians.
Initially it was born as a project for Asturian musicians (the region in the north of Spain from which it comes) to share their passion, their knowledge and their good work in different local and regional bands.
Over time, this project tirelessly promoted by Alex, has managed to cross the Asturian and Spanish borders, and is currently creating new original songs collaborating with world-renowned musicians (names that we cannot reveal at this time).
INNERVISION RECORDS CELEBRATES A SHINY SILVER ANNIVERSARY
The boutique imprint marks its 25th anniversary on top with flutist Kim Scott’s “SHINE!” awarded Billboard’s 2022 Smooth Jazz Song of the Year and the label earning the No. 3 Smooth Jazz Label of the Year spot for the fourth consecutive time.
ORANGE COUNTY (27 February 2023): Consistent excellence in artistry combined with passion, innovation and imagination have been the hallmarks of Innervision Records during its 25 years. The Southern California-based imprint that specializes in shades of jazz spanning groove, smooth and chill along with neo soul and world music continues to ride high on the Billboard charts after their artists Blake Aaron and Will Donato scored No. 1 singles in 2022 and Kim Scott collected the highest honor: Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Song of the Year.
Aaron was the first artist inked to Innervision Records thus there’s something special about the guitarist continuing to be a part of the label’s storied successes. His “Dreamland” occupied the No. 1 spot on five charts - Billboard, Groove Jazz Music, Mediabase, Radiowave and Smooth Jazz Network - simultaneously last summer. The cherry on top is that Aaron is the featured soloist on Scott’s year-end chart-topper, “SHINE!”
"As one of the first artists on Innervision Records, I've had the honor of watching Innervision Records grow from a very small label into a major player in the industry with dozens of amazingly talented artists and become a powerhouse in the genre. It is exciting to see Innervision Records all over the Billboard charts each and every week, and most of the time, at the top. As one of the most artist-friendly labels out there, Innervision Records is truly a ‘family’ that I'm honored to be a part of,” said Aaron who has captured the No. 1 position on the Billboard singles chart for Innervision Records five times.
With roots in classical and jazz, Scott’s success has come by crafting a groove-laden mélange of urban, jazz, soul and pop music. The flautist has notched Billboard No. 1 singles in the past yet “SHINE!” accomplished the rare feat of becoming the most played song of the year without hitting the peak position. With an MVP performance by labelmate Aaron’s electric jazz guitar, the title cut of Scott’s “SHINE!” album is a shimmering and sophisticated blend of R&B and contemporary jazz.
“I’m so honored that “SHINE!” was the most played smooth jazz song of 2022 and that it was named Billboard’s #1 Song of the Year. It was truly a labor of love to co-write the song and I was instantly inspired to write the melodies for the verses and chorus. They flowed from my spirit almost effortlessly. It was like a bright light was shining on me as I wrote it, bringing me energy, joy, inspiration, and hope. Featuring Blake Aaron on the track made the song shine even more and he did a brilliant job with his guitar solo! I’m so proud to have played a part in this achievement for Innervision Records, my team, and all the artists involved with the song. I plan to continue to let my light shine so listeners can find joy and inspiration in my music,” said the Birmingham, AL-based Scott.
For the fourth consecutive year, Innervision Records placed third on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Label of the Year tally on the strength of Scott’s massive airplay and No. 1 singles by Aaron and saxophonist Donato, the latter who recently vaulted into the top spot with his soul-powered single “Good On You.” Other Innervision Records artists to enjoy Billboard top 20 success in 2022 were JJ Sansaverino, Cal Harris Jr. and Tom Braxton.
Innervision Records will celebrate its silver anniversary at their tenth annual After NAMM JAMM on April 16. Many of the artists on the label’s roster are expected to take the Spaghettini stage in Southern California for the popular post-NAMM show jam session.
“We’re excited to bring everyone together for our Innervision Records After NAMM JAMM once again. Originally starting out as a get together for our artists and their musician friends to come out and jam during the heavily attended annual music industry convention, the After NAMM JAMM has evolved into an exciting opportunity for many of our Innervision Records family members to get together and celebrate the label, our shared successes, the fans and, most importantly, our friendships face to face,” said Steve Belkin, Innervision Records’ general manager.
Independent labels come and go fast in today’s music industry thus reaching a 25th anniversary is a testament to Innervision Records’ vision and execution. The label eagerly anticipates celebrating the milestone with their artists at the After NAMM JAMM. And while they are enthused by their accomplishments to date, they’re energized about what’s ahead.
“To think Innervision Records has been around for 25 years is pretty crazy. What started as a very tiny independent one-artist label has developed into an eclectic, creative and artistic boutique label featuring artists from around the country. I'm very proud to be a part of Innervision's growth and success, building a distinct brand. Watching several of our artists go from emerging to chart-topping artists are like proud parent moments. The artists deserve the credit, but you can't help but take some pride in their success,” said Belkin.
Innervision Records’ A&R and radio promotions executive Adam Leibovitz concurs, acknowledging the role fans have played in the label’s accomplishments.
"Innervision Records has endured and grown into a major source of talent and I am so proud of what we have accomplished. I’m proud of our artists who create incredible music, and, of course, grateful to all of the fans who have been so loyal and so dedicated to what we have built. I am amazed when thinking about where Innervision Records started, beaming with pride over what it has become, and most of all, filled with excitement over what it will be!"
For more information, please visit www.innervisionrecords.com.
LEO P. OWNS A ‘BLACK CAT’
Leo P was born Leo Pellegrino in Pittsburgh, PA. He initially started playing clarinet at a young age, performing polkas with his father, an accordion player. Hearing the music of John Coltrane sparked an interest in saxophone, which he began playing in high school ensembles, though he still played clarinet and took classical lessons. When the baritone saxophone player became unavailable in the school ensemble, Leo took up the instrument and found that it had a unique appeal. He moved to New York in 2010 to attend the Manhattan School of Music on scholarship. At times he found the formalism of the school confining and some professors did not appreciate his unconventional way of playing and performing, not to mention his edgy fashion sense. Playing in the city’s jazz clubs seemed limiting also—especially for very little money. He figured he could do better money-wise playing in the subways with the added bonus that his audience was literally people from all walks of life.
Playing sometimes solo and other times backed by a drummer or a couple horn players,
Leo’s manic energy and spectacular dancing while blowing continuous rhythmic charged riffing captivated people. He presented as an alternative rock musician but he was playing instrumental, jazz-rooted music. Videos of his subway performances hit YouTube, went viral and soon he had millions of viewers worldwide. Those videos led directly to him being invited to perform at both the BBC Proms and the CMA awards show. Meanwhile, he formed two bands, Too Many Zoos, self-described as a “Brass House” band mixing jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, funk EDM and house music. and Lucky Chops. Too Many Zoos began touring widely in America and Europe and had their song “Warriors” featured in an international commercial for the Google Pixel 2; they also scored a Song of the Week on the BBC taken from their several EP and album releases.
The high-energy dancing, theatrics and sound effects of a Leo P performance are irresistible but none of that can be delivered on a studio recording; the music itself must carry the day. On Leo P’s debut solo recording on Shanachie, the aptly titled “Coming Up Aces,” the music—a joyous amalgam of funk and jazz—does exactly that. “Don't let his over-the-top performances fool you,” says Shanachie’s VP of A & R Danny Weiss. “Leo P plays with the depth and passion of the jazz greats. Oh, and he's also revolutionized the baritone sax!”
It’s no surprise that Leo wants his music to reach the widest possible audience, something many jazz musicians don’t aspire to. “I want to bring the party back to jazz. I want to make people dance. I want to wear badass suits and look cool as hell and present something special to people that they will always remember!”
RYAN MONTANO – FUTURE SMOOTH
"Future Smooth" is a song created in a spirit of musical exploration. From the sound palettes and melodies, to the horn textures and production design, a challenge was put forth to create a song that has lasting musical integrity, well beyond the moment in time in which it was created; a song that sounds fresh and maintains its vitality for years to come.
"Future Smooth" is the manifestation of this pursuit.
"I consider myself a student of this genre. The songs and artists that have directly inspired my music are the Contemporary Jazz pioneers who have blazed this trail of musical intrepidness and evolved this format. I am honored to be able to create music in this same space and aim to respectfully contribute to the growth and evolution of this format in a way that is honest, adventurous, and unique." -Ryan Montano
"Future Smooth"
Written by Ryan Montano, Robert Muller & Claudio Tolousse
Mixed by Darren Rahn
Mastered by Steve Hall
Ryan Montano - Trumpet, Producer
Thomas Primozic - Drums, Drum Engineer
Robert Muller - Wurlitzer
Ben Cornelius - Bass Guitar
TERZO - 'CYMBELINE' – EPIC DEBUT SINGLE BY DARKWAVE/SHOEGAZE/POST-ROCK DUO OUT 24.02.23
TERZO | photography by Johan Lundsten
TERZO
CYMBELINE
debut single
out 24.02.23
(Icons Creating Evil Art)
digital services
included on the album
TERZO
out 21.04.23
‘Terzo’ : an Italian word translating as ‘the third’, it represents an additional presence that new darkwave/shoegaze/post-rock duo Terzo sensed inhabiting their most creative moments when they began working together.
Karl Clinton (former bassist in post-punk act Diskoteket, plus co-founder of improvisational project Tsantsa) and Billie Lindahl (lead singer and guitarist in dream pop/dark folk act Promise and the Monster) share a mutual penchant for dark sounding music in all its forms. They have also both been itching to free the shackles binding them to strict timelines; not only those of the music industry, but society in general. “Terzo was born out of a discussion about songs we mutually liked and a wish to try a different work process to our then current projects,” they state. “We wanted to do whatever we wanted without restrictions, using our obsession and gut feeling as guidance.”
Their preference for music and art that embodies a degree of doom and gloom is evident on their upcoming self-titled debut album, with its central theme of ‘love and death’ linking all six tracks. Their very first studio session yielded the 10+ minute post-rock epic ‘Cymbeline’ (available now as a debut single), while in the midst of recording it they both had the sensation that a third presence was keeping them company. Intrigued by the thought, “we started talking about the appearance of a third element, in sleep and in dreams,” they explain. “Terzo is about acknowledging this, the swirl that light in the darkness generates, opening ourselves out toward our own weaknesses.”
‘Cymbeline’ is actually a unique cover of a 1991 song by the Celtic/world music singer-songwriter and composer Loreena McKennit, which has a lyric lifted from the William Shakespeare play of the same name. “We had a feeling that we could make something interesting with it,” says Lindahl. “Karl did most of the instrumental work, guitars and programming, while I recorded my vocal in one take. This song means so much to us because it was the first thing we did as a duo and I think we just sort of understood that we could do great things together.”
Terzo travelled to New York in the summer of 2022 to play their first live shows, with the video maker and photographer Johan Lundsten accompanying them to document the trip. Footage from this can be seen in the video for ‘Cymbeline’, with Lindahl adding that “we always pictured something in documentary style for this song. Johan filmed everything that we did, even just hanging around. It is very raw, but it feels right.”
TERZO
TRACKLISTING
1 Cymbeline (10:46)
2 Walking Dreams Awake (5:25)
3 Du gav mig solen, jag gav dig månen (4:43)
4 Eve Seven (5:34)
5 Viskningar och rop (3:40)
6 Blue Crystal Fire (8:53)
TERZO
Karl Clinton | Billie Lindahl
Facebook | Instagram | ICEA
GARETH DUNLOP & LEE ROGERS - 'THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD' – TITLE SONG OF NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT NOVELIST WILLIAM FAULKNER AVAILABLE NOW
GARETH DUNLOP / LEE ROGERS | 2023 promo photo by Laura Maria Photography
GARETH DUNLOP / LEE ROGERS
THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD
new single
out 24.02.23
(Zenith Cafe)
digital services
FROM THE DOCUMENTARY
FAULKNER: THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD
Narrated by and starring Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts as Faulkner, plus Skyler Adams as young Faulkner
info
(includes documentary trailer)
“Faulkner reminds us that the past is never dead and buried - it is not even past”
BARACK OBAMA
‘The Past Is Never Dead’ is a new single by Northern Irish singer-songwriters and close friends Gareth Dunlop and Lee Rogers. It is the title song of the first ever official documentary about the renowned but now controversial Nobel Prize-winning Southern Gothic author William Faulkner (1897-1962), which will premiere at the prestigious Oxford Film Festival in Mississippi on 3rd March. Faulkner grew up in Oxford and wrote some of his most successful novels in the town before relocating to Hollywood in the early 1930s.
Having both released long-awaited (and well received) second solo albums in the first half of 2022, Dunlop and Rogers promoted them together on US, UK, Irish and mainland European tours with their compatriot Foy Vance. They were subsequently commissioned to write a song for the documentary, which plays over the end credits and has a lyric littered with loaded thoughts set against a stripped-down acoustic backdrop. Director Michael Modak-Truran states that “it is the perfect ending. Gareth and Lee have captured the poetic yet melancholic quality that permeates Faulkner’s musings about the influence of the past in his literature. The song helps the audience feel, at a deep level, how everyone’s past shapes their present and future."
Examining the nuanced legacy of Faulkner, who was born into a family of segregationists, ‘The Past Is Never Dead’ applies a hybrid storytelling technique to weave multiple narrative elements together. It also goes where others have feared to tread by interweaving the complexity of his work, life and often contradictory views on race. “I wasn't sure if modern audiences could relate to him,” continues Modak-Truran. “There were things Faulkner said that I didn't like and still struggle to completely understand, but he is critical to our current moment. In crafting unforgettable characters and stories, his work embraces the complexity of race relations in America that still echo today. Our entire documentary team think it is incredibly special that the first audience to see ‘The Past Is Never Dead’ will be in the place where Faulkner lived and found inspiration.”
GARETH DUNLOP
Gareth Dunlop is a singer, songwriter and producer from Belfast. He has toured extensively in the UK, USA and mainland Europe, sharing stages with artists such as Van Morrison, Stereophonics and Foy Vance. His distinctive, soulful voice and the poetic vulnerability in his songs has led to several being featured in the films Best Of Me, The Visitor and Safe Haven, TV shows such as Nashville, House, Lucifer, Bones and One Tree Hill, and advertising campaigns for Disney, Subaru and more. He released his second solo album, ‘Animal’, in early 2022.
official site
LEE ROGERS
Hailing from the small town of Carrickfergus, singer-songwriter Lee Rogers drew his initial inspiration from the classic voices of singers such as Bill Withers, Tom Waits and Marc Cohn, all bright colours from a musical palette far away from the often grim reality of life in Northern Ireland. Pulling from a vast well of timeless Americana, the songs on his 2022 album ‘Gameblood’ provided a masterclass in open-hearted, lyrical storytelling while also serving as an a diary of his diverse life experiences.
official site
DELERIUM – ‘SIGNS’ - FIRST NEW ALBUM IN SEVEN YEARS BY ETHEREAL CANADIAN ELECTRONIC DUO OUT 10.03.23
DELERIUM : photos by Bobby Talamine
DELERIUM
SIGNS
new album
LP | CD | digital
out 10.03.23
[Metropolis Records]
pre-order/save
(white vinyl 2xLP out 15.05.23)
includes
COAST TO COAST (feat. Phildel)
audio
Over the course of 35 years, the Canadian duo of Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber have explored electronic music terrain as Delerium that saw a series of early albums experiment with filmic, dark ambient instrumental sounds, before they evolved into an outfit with a penchant for inviting their favourite female singers to lend their voices to ethereal, downtempo songs included on every new record. Maintaining this trend, their exquisitely produced new album 'Signs' features stunning contributions from Mimi Page, Phildel, Inna Walters and KANGA, each adding levels of aching, romantic beauty to their performances.
"I think ‘Signs’ reflects that Delerium has come full-circle, from its inception as an experimental project to where we are today,” states Leeb. “Delerium was originally created as a side-project that soon took on a life of its own, taking us on an adventure that no-one could have imagined. So while the times and technology have changed, underpinning it all is our basic human connection to music and the soul of harmony that has evolved as we have moved forward.”
Leeb and Fulber initially made their name in the ongoing electronic-industrial group Front Line Assembly, using Delerium as a vehicle for crossover songs with occasional elements of trance that would emerge with 1995’s ‘Semantic Spaces’ and eventually led to massive global chart success five years later with the acclaimed dance pop anthem ‘Silence (featuring Sarah McLachlan)’.
With Front Line Assembly already part of the Metropolis Records roster, Delerium eventually signed to the label in 2016 for the release of ‘Mythologie’, their fourteenth full length album and the predecessor to ‘Signs’.
SIGNS
TRACKLISTING
1 Falling Back To You (with Mimi Page)
2 Rain
3 Coast to Coast (feat. Phildel)
4 Sun Storm
5 In The Deep (feat. KANGA)
6 Esque
7 Remember Love (with Mimi Page)
8 Amebedo
9 Streetcar (feat. Inna Walters)
10 Glimmer (with Emily Haines) [Delerium Remix]
11 The Astronomer
12 Absolution (with Mimi Page)
SOPHIE JANSSENS (23) DEBUTEERT NAAST MUSICALICOON ANN VAN DEN BROECK IN ‘YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE’
Antwerpse Sophie Janssens (23) debuteert in hoofdrol naast musicalicoon Ann Van den Broeck in ‘You Are My Sunshine’
Musical verhuist naar Rode Zaal Fakkeltheater
Vanaf 5 oktober 2023 presenteert Deep Bridge in de Rode Zaal van het Antwerpse Fakkeltheater de gloednieuwe musical ‘You Are My Sunshine’. Deze musical zou normaal in april 2023 in première gaan in Theater Triarte, maar moest na de sluiting van Triarte op zoek naar een andere locatie. ‘You Are My Sunshine’ is een eerste samenwerking tussen Ann Van den Broeck als componiste en Stany Crets als auteur. Ann neemt in dit aangrijpende verhaal over twee vrouwen die elkaar door een speling van het lot ontmoeten, ook één van de twee hoofdrollen (Britt) voor haar rekening. Voor de andere hoofdrol, die van Lena, viel de keuze op de 23-jarige Sophie Janssens uit Antwerpen. Meteen de eerste hoofdrol in een professionele productie voor Sophie en een zoveelste aanstormend, Vlaams talent dat bij Deep Bridge de kans krijgt om te schitteren.
"Toen ik het eerste persbericht van ‘You are my Sunshine’ las, werd ik meteen verliefd op het verhaal. Het is een enorme eer dat ik bij mijn eerste hoofdrol meteen naast iemand als Ann Van den Broeck mag spelen. Ik kijk er dan ook enorm naar uit om in de wereld van Lena en Britt te duiken en hoop dat we het publiek op hun beurt verliefd kunnen laten worden op het verhaal!”
-Sophie Janssens-
‘You Are My Sunshine’ speelt vanaf 5 oktober 2023 in de Rode Zaal van het Fakkeltheater in Antwerpen. Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
Sophie Janssens
Sophie (23 jaar) studeerde in juni 2022 af als muzikale actrice aan de opleiding Muziektheater van Codarts Hogeschool voor de Kunsten te Rotterdam. Tijdens haar opleiding ontdekte ze de wereld van muziektheater en speelde ze in diverse producties; ‘Parade’, ‘Bad Angel’, een soloconcert, etc.
In het kader van haar stage speelde ze mee in de kerstvoorstellingen ‘Willems kleine kerst’ en ‘Scrooge’ van het Wilminktheater in Enschede (Nederland). In eigen land was ze te zien in de familievoorstellingen ‘Raptorville’ en ‘Oma jacht’ van De Proefkonijnen. Daarnaast schreef ze haar eigen voorstelling ‘Blijspel der liefde’, die ze momenteel in ondersteuning van RADAR verder aan het verfijnen is.
Nu Sophie aan de vooravond van haar professionele acteercarrière staat, kijkt ze positief naar de toekomst en hoopt ze vooral veel te kunnen spelen!
Het verhaal
Lena en Britt. Ze kennen elkaar niet. De ene is 15, de ander 45. Door een onfortuinlijke speling van het lot ontmoeten ze elkaar op een plek die ze allebei koesteren in hun hart. Hun beider favoriete plek op aarde. Een vakantiehuis. En ze wachten daar samen tot de voorzienigheid voor hen een beslissing neemt.
Ze worden lotgenoten, leerling en lerares, hartsvriendinnen, moeder en dochter. Ze proberen samen achter een groot mysterie te komen. Hoe kan het dat je leeft en toch niet leeft? Hoe zet je oneindigheid om in eindigheid? Hoe manipuleer je het leven…als je in een coma ligt?
Praktisch
‘You Are My Sunshine’
Vanaf 5 oktober 2023
Rode Zaal Fakkeltheater – Hoogstraat 12 – Antwerpen
100min – geen pauze
Adviesleeftijd: vanaf 10 jaar
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
ODIN & BJØRN BERGE - 'HOOHAHS & CAT CALLS' – BEGUILING COLLABORATIVE ALBUM OF BLUES-RAP OUT 24.02.23
ODIN & BJØRN BERGE
HOOHAHS & CAT CALLS
new album
LP | CD | digital
out 24.02.23
(TBC Records)
pre-order/save
includes the single
BULLET DANCE
out now
digital services
A contrasting mix of blues and rap that constantly flits between rhythmic club tracks and tripped/blissed out downtempo musings, ‘Hoohahs & Cat Calls’ is a beguiling collaboration between the successful Norwegian musicians Odin and Bjørn Berge. It sees the duo explore both their musicality and masculinity on a record that deals with universal themes such as sex, solitude and climate change.
Both state that the record came about because of their love of ‘pop’ in all its forms, while the juxtaposition of its myriad musical styles created a friction that became the driving force of the album from the very first minute they set foot in the studio. It's a bit like Tom Waits and Kendrick Lamar trying to make new records at the same time.
The song ‘Bullet Dance’ - think Arcade Fire meets 10cc for a ‘murder' on the dancefloor….no, really - has just been released as a single, the video for which Odin choreographed a series of dance moves for various scenarios. These develop after his hand is seen shaped into a pistol shooting downwards towards somebody’s feet while being filmed on TikTok. However, he explains that “my hand shoots bullets that actually compel all the protagonists to dance. I liked the duality of using a potentially problematic image to portray something positive, but that also leaves an open space for viewers to have their own thoughts and associations. Ultimately, I just want them up on their feet, dancing and thinking!”
ODIN
Odin Steveland is a composer, producer, musician and lyricist who is best known for his ongoing tenure in the folk rock band Vamp (SITE), who are hugely successful in Norway and have several no 1 albums to their name. He has been a winner of the prestigious Spellemann Prize (Norwegian Grammy) as composer of the year and has worked on numerous film, TV and theatre productions as both a musician and producer. He has also released two acclaimed solo albums.
OFFICIAL SITE
BJØRN BERGE
Bjørn Berge is a well established blues guitarist and vocalist. He has released fourteen solo albums since debuting in 1997 and won the Spellemann Prize (Norwegian Grammy) for Blues Album of the Year in 2001, the inaugural year of that category. Just for good measure, he won it in 2002 too. He has toured widely in Scandinavia, Benelux, UK and especially France, where he has always enjoyed acclaim. He was also a member of Vamp for five years from 2014.
OFFICIAL SITE
HOOHAHS AND CAT CALLS
TRACKLISTING
1 Cockfight: The Beginning
2 Lovesick
3 Drink Up Honey I’ve Got Money
4 Bullet Dance
5 Hey Byooty!! I’m So Mizzerbul Without Ye
6 The Activist Bar
7 Get Up
8 I Guess I Should Get Going
9 Yu’re A Sight Fer Sore Eyes
Odin - vocals, synthesizer, drums
Bjørn Berge - guitars, dobro
Kjetil Dalland - bass
Produced, arranged & recorded by Odin
Mixed by Kjetil Ulland
Mastered by Bjørn Engelmann
NEW SINGLE ‘PINK LEMONADE’ FROM CHRISTOPHE GOZE
A Bossa Nova-influenced track infused with Jazzy Mediterranean guitar evoking the fresh feel and sunsets of a cool refreshing evening.
A sweet, catchy guitar melody sets this song up perfectly.
This piece is sure to attract attention and make your audience want to dance!
To be released on all platforms on 7th March 2023
Genre: jazz / Latin Jazz
Written, performed & produced by Christophe Goze
Guitar & all instruments by Christophe Goze
Drums by Curtis Lyons Jr
Recorded & Mixed by Christophe Goze at Earth Studio
NEW SINGLE ‘DETOUR’ FROM BONEY JAMES
Detour, on Concord Records, is chart-topping jazz/R&B sax player Boney James’ 18th studio album. Appropriately titled, this latest album is a subtle stylistic turn that builds on the commercial success of 2020’s Solid, his highest charting release ever on the pop charts, peaking in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.
“The urge to write again came from the joy of being back on the road, performing in front of live audiences,” explains Boney. “I had shut down creatively when the pandemic hit. It was the disruptive and disorienting detour we all took when the world locked down, and that’s reflected in the more experimental directions some of the new music takes. The thing about a detour, you may take a different route, but you still get to your destination.”
Like Solid, Detour provides a welcome respite from an increasingly foreboding world filled with political strife. It’s a trip through James’ distinctive contemporary jazz/R&B landscapes, layered in quicksilver watercolor images and cinematic set pieces. Detour represents the next extension of Boney James’ trademark blend of genres which includes blues, soul, roots, classical, art-pop and hip-hop.
James’ new album gets underway with the title track, a winding, playful duet between sax and piano evoking a breezy, leisurely drive on an open road, that features some of Boney’s most adventurous playing. “I close my eyes and listen,” he says about choosing a name for a particular cut, and “Detour” fits this one perfectly. “The title is my trying to poetically convey what I feel when I listen to the music.”
Detour was recorded largely at Boney’s L.A. home studio in his backyard (live drums and percussion were tracked at venerable Sunset Sound), with both regular collaborators like former band guitarist, now an in-demand writer/producer, Jairus “J-Mo” Mozee (Anderson.Paak, Nicki Minaj, Anthony Hamilton) and hot newcomer BeatsMadeByFresh aka Christian Frazier. Among the other musicians on the album are keyboardist Tim Carmon (Eric Clapton), longtime drummer Omari Williams and bassist Alex Al, renowned percussionist Lenny Castro, and guitarists Big Mike Hart and Paul Jackson Jr.
Nicknamed by bandmates while on tour in Oslo, Norway, after jokingly threatening to starve himself on a threadbare per diem, Boney or Bones or Boneman (though his wife calls him Jimmy) has put in his proverbial 10,000 hours as a musician, performer, writer and producer. At age 10, the New Rochelle, NY native picked up the sax after 2 years on the clarinet and never looked back, parlaying his love of R&B --Motown, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Curtis Mayfield and Grover Washington, Jr. -- into a musical aesthetic. He turned pro before his 20th birthday and became an in-demand touring sax and keyboard player for Morris Day, the Isley Brothers, Teena Marie, Bobby Caldwell, Randy Crawford and many others.
Boney launched his own solo career with 1992’s Trust on the indie Spindletop Records. His subsequent 17 studio albums – including a pair of Christmas records – have been released by Warner Bros., Verve and Concord, with 1995’s Seduction, 1997’s Sweet Thing and 1999’s Body Language all RIAA certified gold. In 2015, Boney’s futuresoul spent 11 weeks atop the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and was the best-selling Contemporary Jazz Record of 2015.
During his 30-year career, Boney has earned four Grammy nominations (“I’m not gonna lie... I’d still love a statue,” he says), two NAACP Image Award nominations and a Soul Train Award, while a dozen of his albums have landed at #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart. His collaborators in the past include a who’s who of R&B and soul: Raheem DeVaughn, Faith Evans, George Benson, George Duke, Dwele, Al Jarreau, Philip Bailey, Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Eric Benét, Dave Hollister, Stokley Williams, Kenny Lattimore and Angie Stone.
For the inimitable Boney James, life begins at 60. The cat in the hat is back and better than ever, enjoying life with his wife of 37 years, actress/director Lily Mariye.
“What drives me is my love of making music and my desire for people to hear what I’ve made,” he says. “I still love the communal aspect of playing live. There’s nothing else like it.”
US SOULSINGER CHUCK JACKSON DIED
Chuck Jackson was born in North Carolina, performing in local gospel groups before moving to Pittsburgh as a teen. A member of key doo-wop group the Del-Vikings, Chuck Jackson went solo to great acclaim, scoring a string of emphatic hits.
Songs such as ‘Any Day Now’ remains peerless greats in the evolution of soul music, injecting gospel passion into the lust go R&B. With lyrics by Bob Hillard and music by the late Burt Bacharach, it changed the course of Chuck Jackson’s career, and set him on the path to greatness.
Renewed success caused Chuck to buy out his contract with Scepter Records, later signing with Motown – curiously, his spell with the Detroit label wasn’t a happy one, with Chuck later calling it “one of the worst mistakes I ever made in my life.
Recording throughout his life, Chuck Jackson’s work was championed by Kent Records in the UK, allowing newer generations to access his music. Songs such as ‘I Keep Forgettin’, ‘Hand It Over’, ‘What’s With This Loneliness’, ‘I’ve Got The Need’ and many, many more are immortal.
Chuck Jackson died on February 16th – he was 85 years old.
ADAM MASTERSON - 'TIME BOMB' – DIGITAL RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM OUT 17.02.23
ADAM MASTERSON photography by Anna Gabriel
ADAM MASTERSON
TIME BOMB
new album
digital
out 17.02.23
LP | CD
out 21.07.23
(Adam Masterson)
“Paints a picture of Masterson as an ultra-vivid, street poet-type of songwriter in the electric Bob Dylan/Lou Reed/Bruce Springsteen tradition and reignites a particular style of rock and roll that’s equal parts tough-love romanticism and sidewalk grit that tells tales of broken hearts and open eyes. Spin him and feel alive again”
ROCK AND BLUES MUSE
“Masterson has the knack of writing songs that remind you of older and better-known pieces, yet still manage to fence off some turf that's theirs alone”
GUARDIAN
“Dips into the artistic cauldron and serves up a unique blend of beautifully delivered dulcet toned ditties and poignantly penned songs for the ‘today’ generation”
LOUDER THAN WAR
digital services
includes
TIME BOMB
London-born but New York-based Adam Masterson represents the timeless ideal of a rock star - classic guitar, tousled hair, vintage shades - yet he does so for the here and now. Embracing old school influences but with copious amounts of spirit and soul added into the mix, he emerges as an outlier built from his own design, bucking trends while simultaneously emanating stadium-size charisma. He has shared stages with the likes of Tori Amos, Amy Winehouse and Stereophonics (in actual stadiums), guested with Patti Smith and Mick Jones (The Clash), while publications such as The Guardian, Billboard and American Songwriter have all gushed with praise about his previous output.
Masterson’s diverse sounding new album, ‘Time Bomb’, is just his second, and it comes a full two decades after his debut (‘One Tale Too Many’). Reflecting both the personal and musical journeys that he has been on over the years, it switches gears several times over the course of twelve songs that are the very definition of eclectic. An energetic Springsteen-style workout on the rousing ‘Wild Wolves’ contrasts with a louche and very British panache on the anthemic and Mott-ish ‘Bring Back The Freaks’, while the Paul Weller meets gospel-soul vibe of recent single ‘Take a Little Love’ is counterbalanced with a Van Morrison-esque laidback atmosphere in ten minute album closer ‘Leaves Against The Sky’.
A memorable title song opens the album, which Masterson explains came about when “I was staying in a studio that had a piano, so composed the song on that. When it came to the chorus I already had an album title in mind so I put the two things together and it immediately gave it some drama. The pressures of time and the way it can assault the the nervous system was something I had been thinking about, although the words are also inspired by other things.”
The recording of the song was made remotely during the pandemic, "a completely new experience and way of working as opposed to tracking live with a group of musicians,” he states. “It put me in complete command and I built it up layer by layer and felt like I was on a roll. I sent the results to Tchad Blake for him to mix it and still remember hearing that for the first time. It really blew me away!"
The video for ‘Time Bomb’ is a collaboration with the filmmaker and photographer Anna Gabriel (Iggy Pop, Emmylou Harris, Peter Gabriel), with Masterson adding: “Anna shot me singing the song with a backdrop and spotlight and we found footage that matched the imagery of the song. The whole process was fun and felt natural.”
A number of guest musicians joined Masterson in the album recording process, including guitarists David Rhodes (Peter Gabriel, Scott Walker) and Leo Abrahams (Paolo Nutini, Regina Spektor), bassists Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Charlie Jones (Goldfrapp, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page) and Brett Bass (Gregg Allman), drummers Charlie Drayton (The Cult, Divinyls), Jeremy Stacey (King Crimson, Ryan Adams) and Omar Hakim (David Bowie, Journey), with Rob Clores (Jesse Malin, Charli XCX) and Ben Stivers (Lyle Lovett, Matchbox Twenty) on piano and Peter Tickell (Sting) contributing mandolin and violin parts.
Masterson produced the album with input from mixera/engineers/co-producers James Hallawell (The Waterboys/Graham Parker), Tchad Blake (The Black Keys, Sheryl Crow), Sean Genocky (The Black Crowes, Richard Ashcroft), Ron Saint Germain (Soundgarden, 311), Dave O’Donnell (James Taylor, Keith Richards), Craig Dreyer (Pete Francis, Dispatch) and Paul Stacey (Oasis, The Black Crowes).
TIME BOMB
TRACKLISTING
1 Time Bomb
2 Bring Back The Freaks
3 Chains
4 Take A Little Love
5 Run Away
6 Avenue Walk
7 The Kiss
8 Wild Wolves
9 Crazy Rain
10 Rusty Cans And Dusty Alleys
11 Cry With No Tears
12 Leaves Against The Sky
DAVE KOZ’ POWER BALLAD ‘WRAPPED UP IN YOUR SMILE’
“Wrapped Up In Your Smile” is a classic-styled Dave Koz power ballad co-written with producer and arranger, Philippe Saisse. Their collaborative history goes back to 2010, when Koz was Musical Director and bandleader – and Saisse the keyboardist – for The Emeril Lagasse Show. Saisse was later a major contributor to A New Day, co-writing and playing various instruments on several songs (including the mega-hit “Side By Side”) and contributing additional production and arrangements. Koz knew Saisse was the perfect choice to produce and arrange. “He’s so French and brings a different, worldly approach, sensitivity and beauty to these tunes,” Koz says.
This romantic ballad will melt your heart and transport you to a world of sweet, soulful melodies. "Wrapped Up in Your Smile" is the perfect song for those special moments with your loved one. Listen to the song and let Dave Koz's soulful sound bring the magic of love into your life. Whether you're enjoying a romantic night in, taking a leisurely stroll, or just relaxing, this song is guaranteed to make you feel wrapped up in your own smile.
“I feel so grateful for the opportunity to make music for such loyal fans for over three decades. For so many of those years, the focus was on proving myself, making sure that I was doing whatever it takes to be successful. Now, I’m all about doing the things that make my heart happy and excited and that I want to sink my teeth into. This is the time to do that special work, and following the leads of my musical role models, I want to keep making music and performing at as high a level as I can. As an artist, I feel a certain responsibility to continue for the joy it creates. With so much negative energy out there in the world today, it’s more important than ever to realize how vital music is in bringing something positive and nurturing into people’s lives. As long as I’m able to continue making music, I will be out there doing just that!” -Dave Koz
“Wrapped Up In Your Smile” is a moment in my musical journey when all the stars aligned. From our melodies that came down flowing, to the inspired and heartfelt performance by Dave, it will forever be one of the projects closest to my heart”–Philippe Saisse
PURE DESMOND - 'PURE DESMOND PLAYS JAMES BOND SONGS' – NEW ALBUM BY GERMAN COOL JAZZ QUARTET
PURE DESMOND PLAYS JAMES BOND SONGS
new album
UK release date
03.03.23 (CD)
out now (digital)
(Major Music)
includes
JAMES BOND THEME
NO TIME TO DIE
ON TOUR IN THE UK MARCH 2023
02.03.23 MANCHESTER Matt & Phred’s INFO
03.03.23 LONDON TBC
04.03.23 NOTTINGHAM Peggy’s Skylight INFO
05.03.23 BATH Komedia INFO
"Anyone expecting to hear some lyrical Desmond magic here will not be disappointed because the leader Lorenz Hargassner gets pretty close to the master in sound and conception”
JAZZ JOURNAL
The German jazz quartet Pure Desmond formed in 2002 with the aim of bringing the original sound of ‘60s cool jazz (as exemplified by the legendary Paul Desmond) into the modern era via their own instrumental compositions as well as adaptations of well known classics. With a ‘less is more’ ethos leading them to focus on song melodies, the interaction between the musicians is natural and unforced, resulting in an imaginative dynamic that is inherent in all three of their albums released to date.
Their latest, ‘Pure Desmond Plays James Bond Songs’, sees them take on one of the world’s most iconic oeuvres with a style and panache befitting of 007 himself, the elegant jazz treatments offered by the quartet matching perfectly with the zest and glamour of the films. The eleven themes chosen span the original 1962 Bond theme for ‘Dr. No' (VIDEO) right through to 2021’s ‘No Time To Die’ (VIDEO).
The likes of ‘From Russia With Love’ becomes an airy samba with a pinch of subtle humour as Paul Desmond himself might have interpreted it, ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ is transformed into a jazz ballad, while the oft-maligned ‘Die Another Day’ by Madonna and ‘You Know My Name’ by Chris Cornell are rendered almost unrecognisable. Turning these songs into something new via their clever arrangements, Pure Desmond take listeners on a thoroughly entertaining journey through the Bond franchise.
PURE DESMOND PLAYS JAMES BOND SONGS
TRACKLISTING
1 James Bond Theme
2 From Russia With Love
3 We Have All The Time In The World
4 Die Another Day
5 Diamonds Are Forever
6 Licence To Kill
7 Nobody Does It Better
8 You Know My Name
9 Tomorrow Never Dies
10 No Time To Die
11 You Only Live Twice
PURE DESMOND
Lorenz Hargassner – alto saxophone
Johann Weiss – guitar
Christian Flohr – double-bass
Sebastian Deufel – drums
official website
IMAAD WASIF - 'SO LONG MR. FEAR’ – NEW ALBUM BY LA BASED INDIAN PSYCH-FOLK-ROCK SINGER-SONGWRITER
IMAAD WASIF 2022 photo by Glen Han
IMAAD WASIF
SO LONG MR. FEAR
new album
LP
out 24.02.23
digital
out now
(Sonic Ritual)
includes the singles
FADER & SO LONG MR. FEAR
Imaad Wasif is an LA-based Indian singer-songwriter whose music combines elements of psychedelic folk and rock. Starting out in the '90s in slo-core noise rock duo lowercase (two albums on Amphetamine Reptile) and The Folk Implosion project founded by Lou Barlow of Sebadoh/Dinosaur Jr., he then made two albums in the duo Alaska! before issuing his debut solo record in 2006 via Kill Rock Stars. Its minimalist acoustic songs explored ongoing lyrical themes of love, madness, transformation, isolation and spirituality that drew immediate comparison to touchstone releases such as ‘Oar’ by Skip Spence and ‘Opel’ by Syd Barrett.
Wasif began a tenure in Yeah Yeah Yeahs that same year as part of their live band for a lengthy world tour on which he also performed as the support act for the majority of shows. Deciding to focus on his own music after 2008 (although he did reappear with them for a Jimmy Kimmel TV show appearance in September 2022), he nevertheless co-wrote five songs with YYY’s vocalist Karen O for the soundtrack of the Spike Jonze directed 2009 movie ‘Where The Wild Things Are’.
The physical release of Wasif’s sixth album, ‘So Long Mr. Fear’, is scheduled for late February 2023 (the digital format is available now). Co-produced with Best Coast multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno and mixed by Lewis Pesacov of Fool’s Gold, the trio have crafted a sublime, intimate sounding record that blends timeless arrangements with delicate yet masterful musicianship.
The song ‘Fader’ (VIDEO), with harmonies provided by Jen Wood of The Postal Service and Tattle Tale, was released as a sumptuously slo-mo introductory first single in the summer of 2022, followed by the jaunty - by comparison - title song (VIDEO). The album also features an appearance by Karen O on the haunting ballad ‘Poet Of The Damned’, for which Wasif invited her to tap into what he calls “the sinister grandeur of her vocals”, while sitarist Evan Haros adds energetic drone-filled layers to album opener ‘Elemental’ and ‘Regeneration’.
For the first time in his career, Wasif wrote much of the album on piano rather than guitar, with enforced pandemic isolation affording time to mine new instrumental territory. Recording many master takes while singing and playing simultaneously, his aim was to avoid overthinking and instead rely on “the simplicity of the compositions and direct passage into the emotional realms that I feel most at home in.”
With Bruno’s help, Wasif opened himself fully to the creative impulse, that when it arrives "possesses an unrelenting grip so urgent that I can't help but sit down and bang out a few chords and coax words from within my dusty skull to reignite a dumbstruck catharsis. That I might resonate clearly and audibly is all I’ve ever desired from the music that comes through.” Wasif also stresses that the album would have been impossible without Bruno, who adds bass, drums plus a myriad of synths and provides a magic touch that he notes “opened gateways of sonic depth.”
The album cover image is a self-portrait on which Wasif wears a tilaka on his forehead to represent what he calls his “personal secular spiritual beliefs,” adding that “the mark is worn as a direct confrontation of a philosophically diametric upbringing: my mother being Hindu and my father Muslim.” Though not a member of an organised religion, he has “endured the psychic conflict of these two monolithic faiths; hence the image is loaded with intent to trigger a dismantling of thousands of years of strife and convention.” Concluding that “no image or song could ever undo such deep-seated discriminations,” he nevertheless remains committed to “going down as someone who tries, rather than someone who stays silent.”
SO LONG MR. FEAR
TRACKLISTING
A1 Elemental
A2 Come Around
A3 I Am Free
A4 Fader
A5 Poet Of The Damned
B1 Painted On
B2 Place In The Dark
B3 Regeneration
B4 So Long Mr. Fear
B5 Jealous Kind
JESSE MALIN – BRAND NEW VIDEO + SPRING UK DATES ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF REISSUED EXPANDED DEBUT ALBUM
JESSE MALIN | photo by Ilaria Conte
JESSE MALIN
DOWNLINER (AFTERGLOW VERSION)
included on
THE FINE ART OF SELF DESTRUCTION
(20th Anniversary expanded edition)
2xLP | digital
out 17.02.23
inc. bonus LP of the entire album reimagined and re-recorded
New York City based singer-songwriter Jesse Malin has today issued a video for his current single, ‘Downliner (Afterglow Version)’. The song is available on the 20th Anniversary expanded edition of his debut album, ‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’, which includes a bonus disc of re-recordings and is released on 17th February to coincide with the start of a European tour (see full itinerary below) here in the UK.
Malin has also just announced five further UK shows in late May/early June:
30.05.23 BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds * tickets
31.05.23 HULL New Adelphi Club * tickets
01.06.23 OXTED Barn Theatre * tickets
02.06.23 CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach * tickets
03.06.23 EUSTON HALL Red Rooster Festival (Thetford, Norfolk) tickets
* with support from Bason
The new video was filmed on Jesse’s home turf by Dave Stekert. Of the song itself, Malin explains that “it was one of the first that I wrote for the original album and it kinda came out in one shot. I felt like I was going into something new after being in a loud band for so many years and it is about finding a way to stay afloat when you feel like you are drowning. The new version was spontaneous and fun to sing to, with basic piano chords and cool fake drums giving it a sparse and dark vibe. Somehow it gave it a new life, but still retained the sadness and maybe even the hope that the original offered me.”
THE FINE ART OF SELF DESTRUCTION
20th ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION
UK REVIEWS
“The newly recorded re-imaginings have honed some rough edges but lost none of the soul, viewing the 70s/80s Big Apple from a little further away, but without losing the heart-rending focus 9/10”
CLASSIC ROCK
“Malin’s solo debut took the personal and the profane into the stars. The revisited tracks see his vocals as candid as ever, driving the tales deep into the poignant 9/10”
UNCUT
“Reboot of breakthrough classic album by New York punk rock royalty 8/10”
VIVE LE ROCK
Following his teenage years in the pioneering hardcore band Heart Attack and his 20s fronting the wild and beloved D Generation, Malin had taken a cue from his songwriting heroes and was ready for the opportunity to stand alone. His solo debut was recorded over six days in New York City, live and raw. “I was still learning how to sing and tell stories," he recalls. "These songs were written in a little apartment downtown, without a record deal, a manager, or any expectation of anything coming of it - just a need to write them.”
As for its title, he adds that “it wasn’t named for drug or alcohol abuse, but more about personal wreckage when I looked back on my life, from my parents' divorce to failed relationships, broken up bands, dropping out of school, crashing cars, breaking things. It was more of a spiritual journey in some sense. This record is definitely one of my favourites.”
To celebrate its 20th anniversary reissue, ‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’ has been reimagined and re-recorded with Malin’s longtime band, with all the songs made available across its 2xLP and digital formats. The bonus material was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who worked on Malin’s recent ‘Sunset Kids’ (2019) and ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ (2021) albums.
Four of the re-recorded songs are available as singles now:
BROOKLYN (WALT WHITMAN IN THE TRASH) video | digital services
XMAS, ETC video | digital services
RIDING ON THE SUBWAY ’22 digital services
DOWNLINER (AFTERGLOW VERSION) video | digital services
FULL TRACKLISTINGS
2xLP
A1 Queen of the Underworld
A2 TKO
A3 Downliner
A4 Wendy
A5 Brooklyn
B1 The Fine Art of Self Destruction
B2 Riding On The Subway
B3 High Lonesome
B4 Solitaire
B5 Almost Grown
B6 Xmas
C1 Brooklyn (Walt Whitman in the Trash)
C2 Downliner (Afterglow Version)
C3 Solitaire (Song for Kelly Keller)
C4 Almost Grown (Busker Version)
D1 Queen of the Underworld (Cantina Version)
D2 Cigarettes and Violets ’22
D3 High Lonesome (PBR Vacation)
D4 Xmas, etc.
digital
1 Queen of the Underworld
2 TKO
3 Wendy
4 Downliner
5 Brooklyn
6 The Fine Art of Self Destruction
7 Riding On The Subway
8 High Lonesome
9 Solitaire
10 Almost Grown
11 Xmas
12 Cigarettes and Violets
13 Brooklyn (Walt Whitman in the Trash)
14 Riding on the Subway ’22
15 Downliner (Afterglow Version)
16 High Lonesome (PBR Vacation)
17 Cigarettes and Violets ’22
18 Almost Grown (Busker Version)
19 Solitaire (Song for Kelly Keller)
20 Queen of the Underworld (Cantina Version)
21 Xmas, etc.
JESSE MALIN
EUROPEAN TOUR : FEBRUARY & MARCH 2023
15.02.23 GLASGOW Stereo tickets
16.02.23 MANCHESTER YES (The Pink Room) tickets
17.02.23 LONDON The Garage tickets
18.02.23 PARIS (FR) La Boule Noire tickets
19.02.23 UTRECHT (NL) dB's tickets
22.02.22 SAVONA (IT) Raindogs House tickets
23.02.23 BERGAMO (IT) Druso tickets
24.02.23 RAVENNA (IT) Bronson tickets
25.02.23 MARENO DI PIAVE, TV (IT) Corner Live tickets
27.02.23 HAMBURG (DE) Nochtspeicher tickets
28.02.23 COPENHAGEN (DK) Hotel Cecil tickets
01.03.23 LUND (SE) Mejeriet tickets
02.03.23 STOCKHOLM (SE) Bar Brooklyn tickets
03.03.23 OSLO (NO) John Dee tickets
with support from Trapper Schoepp
jessemalin.com
SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW - 'DUST' – NEW SINGLE BY UK SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 10.02.23
SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW
DUST
new single
out 10.02.23
(Friendly Tribe)
digital services | bandcamp
included on
self-titled album
out 19.05.23
pre-order/save
FOR FANS OF
NICK MULVEY | JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ | BON IVER
“I don’t really know what happened back there, but it seems the doldrums and chaos may have been good for something,” states a bewildered Toby Uffindell-Phillips, reflecting on Brexit, the rise and fall of Trump, epidemics, a global warming tipping point and the threat of nuclear war. Following the March 2022 release of ‘Thin Air’, his debut album as Summit Of The Big Low, the Canada-born but UK-raised indie-folk musician has today announced a brand new collection of songs influenced by these world affairs and his own journey navigating through them.
The cover to the self-titled album (see below) depicts a Yin-Yang sign comprised of discarded cigarette butts. "My friend Lucy Pook was doing a series of these cigarette illustrations during lockdown and as soon as I saw this particular piece I knew I wanted the image to represent the music I was writing,” he explains. "From a distance, the artwork projects this beautiful ideological symbol of perfect harmony and balance, but up close you realise it can be broken down into these discarded objects that elude to an uglier, more sinister truth about humanity. Much like the songs on an album, it’s as if there is a story associated with each cigarette butt, where, for a snapshot in time, they were props in people's lives.”
Dipping in and out of evocative residual memories (and maybe a few fictitious ones), Toby’s relaxed writing style utilises samples, atmospheric soundbeds and field recordings, setting scenes within which his lyrics explore themes that trouble or fascinate him. First single ’Dust’ has a clear anti-war message that he stresses is about "the importance of seeing past face value differences to find common ground, with the line 'if the dust don’t settle we’re all going to breathe it’ a reminder that no one is safe from the effects of conflict. The artwork utilises cigarette butts again to portray human narratives, in this case a stand off between opposing points of view."
In a similar vein, album opener ‘Battle Lines’ urges the need to build bridges (“in the end it all boils down to how much you’re prepared to give and take”). Other songs are more introspective, with ‘Tearing Up The Darkness’ shining a light on loneliness and ‘Between You and I’ focusing on the need to feel loved with its poignant line “all I ever wanted, was to be wanted.” There are also moments that reflect on his early life, with ‘Blizzard Child’ a questing desire to find a way back - geographically or metaphorically - to a place with a sense of belonging.
Having initially appeared in the early 00’s with folktronica group Sound Sanctuary, Toby’s songwriting and finger picking guitar style has evolved into a signature sound with a hazy, golden hour vibe. Transitioning from band to solo artist, he has increasingly flexed his muscles in the studio, recording much of his debut at home with assistance from past collaborators Bombay Monkey. This time around, he has produced the entirety of ‘Summit Of The Big Low’ himself, as well as playing and/or programming all the instrumentation. It is a solo record in the true sense of the word, with the exception of a vocal contribution from his sister on the song ‘Deep End’, a family collaboration he was keen to repeat from his debut.
“This record comes at a time when the world is in flux. I feel that at any minute another curve ball could come at you,” he muses. ”At times it is disconcerting and scary, while there is mistrust and confusion as old structures seem to be collapsing and it is unclear what will take their place. However, I am fascinated by the idea that in human endeavour and experience there is no beauty without ugliness, no simplicity or order without complexity and chaos, no integrity without corruption. Likewise, there is no despair without hope. In essence, life is not spent in the extremes, but in the journey that ebbs and flows between its summits and big lows. Making this new album has helped me process some of the challenging moments in recent times. If others can relate, I hope it will help them feel connected in some way and that they are not alone on this ride. The big picture is made up of little wins, so if it can pay forward any kind of positive action then that has to be a good thing.”
SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW
TRACKLISTING
1 Battle Lines
2 Blizzard Child
3 Wildfire
4 Deep End
5 Between You And I
6 Dust
7 Tearing Up The Darkness
8 You Look Out For Me
9 Good For You
10 Reason Or Rhyme
CONNOR SELBY BRENGT EERBETOON AAN RAY CHARLES MET COVER ‘MY BABY DON’T DIG ME’
Bekijk hier de videos van "I Shouldn't Care" | “The Deep End (lyric video)”
Van het album ‘Connor Selby (Deluxe Edition)’
Release: 3 Maart 2023 op Provogue / Mascot Label Group
Pre-order het Deluxe album hier:
De jonge Britse troubadour Connor Selby heeft een cover van het nummer My Baby Don't Dig Me van Ray Charles uit 1964 onthuld. Het nummer is afkomstig van zijn aankomende album ‘Connor Selby’ (Deluxe Edition), welke op 3 maart op Provogue/Mascot Label Group verschijnt. Je kunt het nummer hier beluisteren.
Over het nieuwe nummer zegt Selby: “Ik heb dit nummer gekozen omdat, zoals iedereen die mij kent je zal vertellen, ik een grote fan van Ray Charles ben en ik hem een eerbetoon wilde brengen. Dat gezegd hebbende, wilde ik een minder bekend nummer kiezen, waar niet veel mensen bekend mee zullen zijn, in plaats van een van zijn hits. Het was belangrijk voor mij dat ik, terwijl ik trouw bleef aan het originele nummer, mezelf erin wilde stoppen. Ik koos dit nummer, in tegenstelling tot veel van zijn andere, minder bekende B-kantjes, omdat het een leuk nummer is met een geweldige groove en een vrij humoristische tekst die me altijd aansprak.
Selby zal op 3 maart 'Connor Selby (Deluxe Edition)' uitbrengen op Provogue. Het album bevat vier gloednieuwe bonustracks, waaronder de recente video's voor "I Shouldn't Care" en "The Deep End". Zijn muziek heeft iets tijdloos melancholisch. Herkenbaar in zijn eerlijkheid en openheid, put hij uit angst en kwetsbaarheid, maar levert het met een verfijnde elegantie. Het album werd oorspronkelijk in eigen beheer uitgebracht in 2021 en wordt opnieuw uitgebracht met extra liefde in de vorm van vier bonustracks van Provogue.
Bij de komende UK Blues Awards van dit jaar heeft hij nominaties ontvangen voor "Acoustic Act of the Year", "Instrumentalist of the Year", "Blues Vocalist of the Year" en "Blues Artist of the Year". Een van de grootste talenten in de Britse bluesscene. Hij is al drie opeenvolgende jaren (2020, 2021, 2022) verkozen tot "Young Artist of the Year" bij de UK Blues Awards. Hij heeft een indrukwekkende lijst van shows op zijn naam staan waaronder Wembley Stadium, waar hij in juli 2019 opende voor The Who en sindsdien in BST Hyde Park, Londen speelde samen met Pearl Jam, Stereophonics en Johnny Marr in de zomer van 2022.
Opgegroeid in een dorp in Essex, heeft hij in de jaren die volgden op verschillende plekken gewoond. Van Connecticut, VS, als jong kind tot Dubai, VAE, van tien tot veertien jaar, en vervogens terug in Essex daaropvolgend. Met die jonge ogen die de reizen en de veranderingen die aan hem voorbijgingen, opslokkend. Een ding dat hem bijbleef, was zijn ontluikende liefde voor Amerikaanse rootsmuziek. "Ik raakte niet alleen geïnteresseerd in de muziek zelf, maar ook in de geschiedenis en alles eromheen", zegt hij. "Ik wilde zoveel mogelijk leren en luisteren. Ik denk dat het belangrijk is dat iemand die niet van die culturele achtergrond is, het met het respect behandelt dat het verdient. Je kunt de muziek niet scheiden van de historische context." "Ik hou van de directheid, de eenvoud en aardsheid ervan", voegt hij eraan toe. "Ik heb me ook altijd aangetrokken gevoeld tot de gezaghebbende kwaliteit van de muziek. Als kind en tiener was ik nogal verlegen en niet erg zelfverzekerd, dus ik denk dat het een plek voor mij was om een gevoel van macht te vinden."
De sky is the limit voor Selby, die, naast prijzen, talloze plays op BBC Radio 2 heeft opgepikt. Het is gemakkelijk in te zien waarom met zijn soulvolle mix van blues en zijn emotioneel introspectieve songwriting, die naast zijn indrukwekkende arsenaal aan gitaarspel zit. De liedjes op 'Connor Selby' zijn kleine vignetten van de verschillende muziekstijlen die hem inspireren.
Track listing
1. I Can't Let You Go
2. Falling In Love Again
3. If You're Gonna Leave Me
4. Emily
5. The Man I Ought To Be
6. Hear My Prayer
7. Show Me A Sign
8. Anyhow
9. Waitin' On The Day
10. Starting Again
11. I Shouldn't Care (Bonus Track)
12. Love Letter To The Blues (Bonus Track)
13. My Baby Don't Dig Me (Bonus Track)
14. The Deep End (Bonus Track)
Connor Selby Online
HISTORALIA BRENGT GROOTS MUSICALSPEKTAKEL ‘DAMIAAN’ AAN BASILIEK VAN SCHERPENHEUVEL
Groots musicalspektakel rond Pater Damiaan strijkt in augustus 2023 neer aan basiliek van Scherpenheuvel!
‘Thuis’-slechterik Pieter Jan De Paepe wordt Pater Damiaan
11-jarige Siebe Pulinx (Bonheiden) speelt jonge ‘Jefke’ De Veuster
In augustus 2023 presenteert productiehuis Historalia het grootse musicalspektakel ‘Damiaan’. Dit openluchtspektakel vertelt op prachtige wijze het fascinerende verhaal van ‘Grootste Belg’ Jozef De Veuster, beter bekend als Pater Damiaan. ‘Damiaan’ wordt op de planken gebracht aan de al even iconische basiliek van Scherpenheuvel, de magische plek waar ‘Jef’ De Veuster in 1863 afscheid nam van zijn moeder om aan de slag te gaan als missionaris in Hawaï. Daar wordt hij in 1864 tot priester gewijd en start de legende van 'De apostel der melaatsen' ‘Damiaan’, een hartverwarmende creatie over zijn leven, maar ook over schoonheid, miserie en verbinding, met prachtige songs en een vleugje humor.
Met ‘Damiaan’ is Historalia allerminst aan z’n proefstuk toe. Het productiehuis van oprichter/drijvende kracht prins Simon de Merode heeft de voorbije jaren een flinke reputatie opgebouwd met grote musicalspektakels rond historische figuren en gebeurtenissen (‘Marie-Antoinette’, ‘Albert I’, ‘Rubens’, ‘1830’).
Rest natuurlijk nog de belangrijke vraag wie er allemaal te zien zal zijn in deze indrukwekkende productie (cast van 185 mensen!!) en vooral: wie mag er gestalte geven aan de heilige Pater Damiaan en welke getalenteerde jongere krijgt de kans om te schitteren als de jonge ‘Jefke’ De Veuster?
‘Thuis’-slechterik Pieter Jan De Paepe wordt Pater Damiaan
Van Jezus in ‘De Passie’ over slechterik Xander in ‘Thuis’ en anarchistische vagebond Tom Collins in ‘RENT’, tot nu de heilige Pater Damiaan. In strakke vogelvlucht enkele bijzondere rollen op het palmares van zanger en acteur Pieter Jan De Paepe (27, Lier), die meteen ook zijn veelzijdige kwaliteiten aantonen. Als frontman bij zijn eigen Deep Purple-tributeband Made In Purple en zanger/gitarist bij de Spaanstalige rockband Idiomás smeert Pieter Jan bovendien ook nog geregeld zijn krachtige stembanden. Pieter Jan voegt een vleugje ‘rock-‘n-roll’ toe aan de figuur van Pater Damiaan en dat vindt hij naar eigen zeggen zeker niet verkeerd:
“Laat me beginnen met te zeggen dat ik onwaarschijnlijk blij ben dat ik zo’n iconische figuur mag spelen, in zo’n indrukwekkende productie en met al dat onwaarschijnlijke talent rond mij. Ik ben me sinds kort helemaal aan het verdiepen in het levensverhaal van Pater Damiaan en die man is echt ‘larger than life’. Voor mij is hij gewoon een rockster. Misschien zien de makers van ‘Damiaan’ dat ook wel zo en kwamen ze daarom bij mij uit (knipoogt).”
Siebe Pulinx (11 jaar) speelt jonge ‘Jefke’ De Veuster
Ook de 11-jarige Siebe Pulinx uit Bonheiden mag zich opmaken voor een waanzinnig ‘Damiaan’-avontuur. De getalenteerde Siebe wist de rol van de jonge ‘Jefke’ De Veuster te bemachtigen. Ondanks zijn jonge leeftijd is Siebe toch al geen onbekende meer in de musicalwereld. Van zijn 7 tot 10 jaar was hij te zien in de spektakel-musical 40-45, waarin hij zelfs even de kinderhoofdrol (kleine Tuur) mocht spelen. Hij maakt ook deel uit van het showkoor SPOTZ-ON van Studio 100 en speelde mee in ‘Kerstmagie 2022’ van Historalia. Onlangs schitterde hij nog als Benji in de musical ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ (InTeam Producties) en vanaf maart 2023 maakt hij ook deel uit van de kindercast van ‘Red Star Line’ (Studio 100).
Siebe wil in het middelbaar graag woord-drama of musical gaan studeren en droomt ervan later een bekend acteur te worden, of samen met enkele goede vrienden een succesvolle boysband op te richten.
Hoofdcast ‘Damiaan’ bulkt van het talent
Siebe en Pieter Jan weten zich trouwens zeer goed omringd in de hoofdcast van ‘Damiaan’. Ervaring en kunde worden gecombineerd door Nordin de Moor (Mano), Wim van den Driessche (Bisschop), Maja Van Honsté (gids), Janis Van Dorsselaer (Kaia), Kato Haes (Lani), Steven Colombeen (eerste minister) en Tim Saey (John Glenstone, pater Albert).
Onversneden jeugdig talent en enthousiasme zijn dan weer in overvloed te vinden bij de 12-jarige Alexander Dielen uit Berendrecht, die de rol van Kopa voor zijn rekening neemt, Davina Van Engeland (19, Mol) als Lei, Anna Aerts (11, Tessenderlo) en Avisa Etedali (9, Scherpenheuvel-Zichem) die afwisselend de rol van Goa spelen, de 11-jarige Louis Maes uit Kontich (Pinto) en Lucie Smets (8, Sint-Niklaas) en Ella Mertens (11, Mol) die afwisselend gestalte geven aan Malia.
‘Damiaan’ in het kort
Historalia brengt, in de vorm van een groots musicalspektakel, het meeslepende verhaal van de voor velen ‘Grootste Belg aller tijden’ Pater Damiaan, aan de basiliek van Scherpenheuvel. Het was op deze voor hem magische plek dat hij in 1863 afscheid nam van zijn moeder om aan de slag te gaan als missionaris in Hawaï.
Jarenlang trekt hij door de bergen van de Hawaïaanse eilanden. Daar ontmoet hij het gezin van weduwe Kaia en het jonge koppel Lani en Noé, die plots geconfronteerd worden met de vreselijke ziekte lepra. Om dit dodelijk virus de baas te kunnen, besluit de overheid de besmette personen te isoleren op het eiland Molokai. Damiaan ziet vanop de eerste rij hoe het gezin van Kaia brutaal uit elkaar wordt gerukt. Als de vraag naar vrijwilligers komt om de zieken in Molokai bij te staan, is Pater Damiaan de eerste om te gaan. In een omgeving van dood en verderf, slaagt hij erin om iets unieks op te bouwen.
‘Damiaan’, over zijn leven, maar ook over de schoonheid, de miserie en de verbinding die kan ontstaan bij de mensen die door de maatschappij aan de kant werden gezet. Een hartverwarmende creatie met prachtige songs en een vleugje humor, vanaf 3 augustus tot en met 2 september 2023 aan de basiliek van Scherpenheuvel.
Tickets & info: www.historalia.be/damiaan
Scenario & regie: Luc Stevens
Componist: Sam Gevers
Assistent regie & resident director: Brigitte Derks
Choreografie: Christophe Degelin
A PROJECTION - SWEDISH DARKWAVE/ELECTRONIC ACT ON TOUR IN MAILAND EUROPE FROM TODAY TO PROMOTE NEW ALBUM ON METROPOLIS RECORDS
A PROJECTION | 2022 photo by Ives Zander
A PROJECTION
IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT TOUR
new album
IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
out now
[Metropolis Records]
includes the singles
DARWIN’S EDEN | NO CONTROL | CARELESS
and ANYWHERE
Stockholm based darkwave/electronic act A Projection start a mainland European tour today to promote their fourth album, ‘In A Different Light’, which is out now on Metropolis Records. The schedule takes in eight shows in Germany and one each in Netherlands and Belgium, as follows:
09.02.23 HANOVER (DE) Lux
10.02.23 BERLIN (DE) Hole44
11.02.23 LEIPZIG (DE) Naumanns
12.02.33 HAMBURG (DE) Hafenklang
14.02.23 ROTTERDAM (NL) V11
15.02.23 COLOGNE (DE) MTC
16.02.23 BRUSSELS (BE) Le Lac
17.02.23 BOCHUM (DE) Kulturbahnhof
18.02.23 FRANKFURT (DE) Nachtleben
19.02.23 MUNICH (DE) Backstage
A Projection were formed in 2013 as a post-punk outfit influenced by The Cure, Joy Division/New Order, Sisters of Mercy, Interpol and Editors, although electronic godheads such as Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, D.A.F. and compatriots The Knife were also important to their original musical vision.
With a sound that spilt over into the related indie and goth genres, the first three albums by the band - ‘Exit’ [2015], ‘Framework’ [2017] and ‘Section’ [2019] - developed from minimalist beginnings into a more readily accessible sound, yet remained within the framework of a strict post-punk aesthetic and attitude.
An enforced break due to the pandemic resulted in two line-up changes, including the former bassist becoming lead vocalist, while the group had left the indie oriented Tapete label in 2019 to join the more electronically leaning Metropolis roster for the release of ‘Section'. With that had come a shift towards a more synthesizer based style with influences from the 80s, contemporary darkwave and current chart hits.
Their new album, 'In A Different Light’, was released in November 2022 and includes four singles that have all been promoted with videos that can be seen HERE. The most recent was ‘Anywhere’, which has a distinct mid-80s electro-pop vibe. The album also includes contributions from fellow Swede Henrik Linder of Dirty Loops and Sarah Boom of the Brussels-based Turquoise, who will be special guests at the show in that city on 16th February.
official site | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | YouTube
MARCIA MIGET PLAYS ‘WE RETURN’
"We Return" is a fresh contemporary Jazz single written by Marcia Migét and produced by two-time Grammy-nominated musician Chris 'Big Dog' Davis. A recent Jazz Hall of Fame recipient, Migét is a seasonal multi-instrumentalist playing piano and flute on this cut. Davis adds his production brilliance topped off by Jay Williams's drumming flair. Marcia recalls, "Chris and Jay set fire to the song!"
Featured in 2022 at Berk's Jazz Festival 'Women in Jazz' Marcia received standing ovations for songs from her CD "I Vision" produced by Chris Davis. Her flute work is heard on Nick Colionne's Billboard Smooth Jazz #4 single "Step To This". Located in the SF Bay Area, founder/director of Miraflores Music Academié, Marcia recently received the award for Best Music School 2022.
"Marcia's music reflects a strong, deep and honest commitment to life." - Carlos Santana
An accomplished performer, composer and educator, a living example of the rich musical heritage, she is 'la Maestra', Marcia Migét.
"We Return"
Written by Marcia Migét
Produced, engineered and mixed by Chris Davis
Mastered by David Darlington
Marcia Migét: Flute, Piano & Keyboard Programming
Chris 'Big Dog' Davis: Bass, Strongs & Keyboard Programming
Jay Williams: Drums
KIMBERLY BREWER FT. STEVIE WONDER SINGS ‘DON’T MAKE ME WAIT TOO LONG’
Kimberly Brewer has ascended the ranks as vivacious and indispensable in multiple genres of music as a singer and songwriter. Her resume, first and foremost, includes touring the world and recording on three albums with the inimitable Stevie Wonder, including “If She Breaks Your Heart,” a solo feature for his Motown soundtrack to director Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever.
Kimberly was also honored to perform an original Christmas duet written by Wonder entitled “I Love You More”at the White House during the Clinton Administration. She graced concert tours between 2002-2004 with Earth, Wind & Fire (immortalized on their DVD Live in Montreux), toured for two years singing en Español in support of Spanish superstar Julio Iglesias, recorded with Teena Marie, k.d. lang, Vanessa Williams, Will Downing, June Pointer, and many others. Kimberly also penned a song for Lynne Fiddmont (the sensual reminiscence of a most delicious kiss, titled “Tasting Sunshine”). Kimberly also co-penned a song with Wonder titled “Have Sweet Dreams”.
Now, Kimberly Brewer has saved the best not for last but for a new beginning: Stevie Wonder requested that she do a cover of a song written by him called “Don’t Make Me Wait Too Long”. Stevie suggested that she make it a duet with R&B sensation Joe singing the second verse. When he heard the song he loved it so much that he joined in playing his signature harmonica stylings.
"Don't Make Me Wait Too Long"
Written By Stevie Wonder
Produced by Byron Miller & Chris “Big Dog” Davis
Co-Produced by Kimberly Brewer
Arranged by Phil Davis, Rick Jordan & Byron Miller
Kimberly Brewer: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Background Arrangement
Stevie Wonder: Harmonica
Byron Miller: Bass
Chris 'Big Dog' Davis: Keys
Phil Davis: Keys
Joe: Lead Vocal
Rick Jordan: Drums
Munyungo Jackson: Percussion
Paul Jackson Jr: Guitar
NEW SINGLE ‘RIGHT ON, RIGHT ON’ FROM ADAM HAWLEY FT. JULIAN VAUGHN
"Right On, Right On" is the dynamic new single from guitarist/producer Adam Hawley. This song hails from Adam's 4th album "Risin' Up" and should prove to be a contender to add to Hawley's 12 Billboard #1 hits as an artist and songwriter. "Right On, Right On" features Julian Vaughn on lead bass, as a follow-up to their smash 2018 hit "Traveling Mood."
Further stellar contributions to this track include Donald Hayes (Sax), Marcus Anderson (Flute), Carnell Harrell (Keys), Mel Brown (Bass), Eric Valentine (Drums) and Ramon Yslas (Percussion).
See Adam's upcoming tour dates here.
WERELDBEROEMDE COMPONIST BURT BACHARACH OVERLEDEN
Door mijn recente vakantie kon ik dit overlijdensbericht niet vroeger posten. Maar gezien hij een van mijn favoriete componisten was, doe ik alsnog.
Patrick Van de Wiele
De Amerikaanse zanger, componist en producer Burt Bacharach is op 8 februari in zijn woning in Los Angeles op 94-jarige leeftijd overleden. Bacharach schreef de muziek van tientallen hits van onder anderen The Carpenters, Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones en vooral Dionne Warwick. Bacharach stond bekend als de koning van 'easy listening', met opvallende melodielijnen en een licht klassiek georiënteerde stijl. Veel van zijn hits schreef hij samen met tekstdichter Hal David, maar ook met Bob Hilliard. Met Dionne Warwick had Bacharach een speciale band. In de jaren zestig en zeventig produceerde hij twintig Amerikaanse Top-40-hits voor haar, zoals ‘Walk On By’,’Anyone Who Had A Heart’, ’ I Say A Little Prayer’, ‘Don’t Make Me Over’, ‘Promises Promises’ en ‘Do You Know The Way To San Jose?’. ‘I Say A Little Prayer’ werd ook een flinke hit in de uitvoering van Aretha Franklin en ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ werd ook een flinke hit in de uitvoering van Cilla Black. Naast zijn protégé Dionne Warwick schreef Bacharach vele hits voor andere artiesten. De grootste: ‘The Story Of My Life’ (Marty Robbins)’, ‘Magic Moments’ (Perry Como), ‘Please Stay’ (The Drifters), ‘Tower Of Strength’ (Gene McDaniels), ‘Baby It’s You’ (The Shirelles), ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance’ (Gene Pitney), ‘Only Love Can Break A Heart’ (Gene Pitney), ‘Blue On Blue’ (Bobby Vinton), ‘Make It Easy On Yourself’ (The Walker Brothers), ‘What The World Needs Now’ (Jackie DeShannon), ‘What’s New Pussycat’ (Tom Jones), ‘This Guy’s In Love With You’ (Herb Alpert), ‘Alfie’ (Cilla Black), ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ (B.J. Thomas), ‘Close To You’ (The Carpenters),‘Arthur’s Theme’ (Cristopher Cross), ‘Heartlight’ (Neil Diamond), ‘Making Love’ (Roberta Flack), ‘On My Own’ (Patti Labelle & Michael McDonald) en ‘Love Power’ (Dionne Warwick & Jeffrey Osborne). Hoewel Bacharachs bekendste composities voor anderen waren, bracht hij als zanger ook veel solo-albums uit. Zijn meest recente plaat, ‘Blue Umbrella’, verscheen in 2020. Deze eeuw werkte Bacharach verder samen met moderne artiesten als Rufus Wainwright en Dr. Dre. In Nederland nam Trijntje Oosterhuis enkele albums op met zijn liedjes. Oosterhuis herinnert zich Bacharach met grote dankbaarheid, schrijft ze vandaag op Instagram. Ze noemt hem "mijn grootste inspiratie". Burt Bacharach ontving meerdere Grammy's en Oscars voor zijn liedjes. In 2012 kreeg hij samen met Hal David door president Obama de Gershwin-prijs uitgereikt voor hun hele oeuvre. Hal David overleed niet veel later, Bacharach bleef nog jarenlang optreden. Zo stond hij in 2019 nog op North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam. Burt Bacharach ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
DEEP BRIDGE PRESENTEERT EERSTE VLAAMSE VERSIE VAN FEELGOOD MUSICAL ‘HAIRSPRAY’
Maart en april 2024 - Antwerpen, Gent, Hasselt
Musicalfans opgelet! Deep Bridge heeft z'n opvolger te pakken voor musicalfeestje 'MAMMA MIA!' en dat is er ééntje waar al lang om geroepen wordt. Op zondag 17 maart 2024 gaat in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen de eerste, professionele Vlaamse versie van de Broadwaymusical ‘Hairspray’ in première!
Het fenomeen 'Hairspray'
Hoewel 'Hairspray' gewoon dikke fun is en boordevol dans, kleur, wild uitgedoste personages, vrolijkheid en heerlijke muziek zit, worden ook maatschappijkritische en nog steeds helaas brandend actuele thema’s zoals racisme en bodyshaming niet uit de weg gegaan. Het is die fel gesmaakte mix van tegenstellingen die van 'Hairspray' een generatie-overschrijdend fenomeen in de film- en musicalwereld maakt.
De musical 'Hairspray', gebaseerd op de gelijknamige film uit 1988, ging in 2002 in Seattle in première en verhuisde later dat jaar naar Broadway. In 2003 won 'Hairspray' acht Tony Awards, waaronder één voor 'Beste Musical', uit 13 nominaties. De musical sloot op 4 januari 2009 af na 2.642!! uitvoeringen. De West End-versie werd op zijn beurt genomineerd voor maar liefst elf Olivier Awards, waarvan er vier werden gewonnen, waaronder die voor 'Beste Nieuwe Musical'.
Bij het grote publiek verwierf 'Hairspray' een echte cultstatus na de release van de musicalverfilming in 2007. In een sterrencast met o.a. Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Zac Efron en Queen Latifah, schitterde ook John Travolta - in fatsuit - als de extraverte Edna Turnblad.
Deep Bridge maakt een eigen, Vlaamse versie van deze feelgood musical. Zoals steeds in de gekende stijl van het huis: met de nodige creatieve krullen, lak aan platgetreden paden, maar met respect voor het originele verhaal én de muziek. Geef toe, is er iemand die kan blijven stilzitten op floorfillers als 'Welcome To The 60's', 'Good Morning Baltimore' en uiteraard ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’?
BEKIJK HIER 'You Can't Stop The Beat' uit de film 'Hairspray' (2007) met o.a. John Travolta als Edna Turnblad
Het verhaal
Tienermeisje Tracy Turnblad droomt ervan in de populaire dansshow 'The Corny Collins Show' te staan. Ze wordt op de auditie echter afgewezen door producer Velma omdat ze zwaarlijvig is. Presentator Corny Collins geeft haar toch een kans en van de ene dag op de andere dag is Tracy beroemd. Nu zij haar plekje in de show te pakken heeft, wil Tracy graag haar zwarte vrienden er mee in krijgen. Zou haar nieuwe status hoog genoeg zijn om de heersende raciale verschillen te overbruggen of werkt ze zich hiermee in de problemen?
‘Hairspray’, de hilarische, vrolijke en steengoede feelgood musical waar iedereen nood aan heeft, is van 15 maart tot 14 april 2024 opeenvolgend te zien in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt.
Tickets & info: deepbridge.be
De cast wordt later bekendgemaakt.
!! RANG-UPGRADE !!
Boek tot 21 februari 2023 je tickets en krijg een gratis rang-upgrade cadeau.
Voor Golden Seat betaal je de prijs van Categorie 1, voor Categorie 1 betaal je de prijs van Categorie 2, enzovoort.
B.E.F. (BRITISH ELECTRIC FOUNDATION) - 'MUSIC FOR STOWAWAYS’ – REISSUE OF POST-HUMAN LEAGUE/PRE-HEAVEN 17
Martyn Ware (seated) and Ian Craig Marsh of B.E.F. with a fan
B.E.F.
BRITISH ELECTRIC FOUNDATION
MUSIC FOR STOWAWAYS
LP | CD reissue
out 21.04.23
(Cold Spring)
pre-order
includes
GROOVE THANG
Following two groundbreaking albums (‘Reproduction’ and ‘Travelogue’), the original line-up of Sheffield-based The Human League split in half in late 1980. The two primary musicians in the group, Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, formed a new production company - British Electric Foundation (B.E.F.) - and signed a deal with Virgin to write and produce up to six albums a year. The artists they were to produce would include Heaven 17, their own new band formed with vocalist Glenn Gregory.
B.E.F. would also release their own material, commencing with the largely stark, moody, cinematic-sounding electronic music on this collection, which was issued in various permutations in 1981-82. Its initial release in March 1981 was a limited edition numbered eight song cassette entitled ‘Music for Stowaways’, with ‘Stowaways’ being a reference to the original name for the then-new Sony portable cassette player - later renamed the Walkman - which allowed owners to "design a soundtrack for your everyday life for the first time and have it playing while you walked around."
"[That] became the theory behind [Music for Stowaways]," explains Ware. "It was about how you could play your music and change your mood wherever you were. Basically, the Walkman liberated music. And there we were at the sharp end with this cassette-only release."
The cassette was followed by a seven song LP, ‘Music For Listening To’, which had a slightly different tracklisting, while other B.E.F. music was utilised for B-sides of early singles by Heaven 17.
This music was among the first recorded by Martyn and Ian directly after their departure from The Human League. Some tracks had evolved from other recordings they were working on at the time, such as ‘Groove Thang’ - an instrumental version of the debut single by Heaven 17 released on the same day as the cassette - and ‘The Old At Rest’, which derived from a version of ‘Wichita Lineman’ by Jimmy Webb, their very first recording with Glenn that would subsequently appear on B.E.F.’s ‘Music of Quality and Distinction, Volume One’ covers album in 1982.
Supporting musicians on ‘Music For Stowaways’ included Adi Newton of Clock DVA (who had been a member of The Future with Martyn and Ian pre-Human League) on the track ‘Uptown Apocalyse’, with John Wilson (who provided incredible guitar and bass for Heaven 17) appearing on 'Groove Thang'.
The innovative sounds heard on ‘Music For Stowaways’ were an inspiration to many aspiring electronic artists. In 2013, Moby declared it to be one of his favourite albums, while Uncut magazine included it in a list of the ’50 Greatest Lost Albums of All Time’ two years later.
B.E.F. - MUSIC FOR STOWAWAYS (original master tape labels)
BUILDING AN ELECTRONIC FOUNDATION
When the highly acclaimed and innovatory Human League lost their two resident synthesiser players, there was much speculation as to what the departing duo, Ian Marsh and Martyn Ware, would be up to when they promised to set themselves up as a production company. The ambitious production project eventually manifested itself as The British Electric Foundation, with the stated purpose of being involved in a variety of production and recording ventures, the first of which is Heaven 17.
Heaven 17 is Marsh and Ware with vocalist Glenn Gregory, and next Friday (13) Virgin releases a 7" single '(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang' together with the simultaneous release of an extended 12" version. An exciting electro-funk number, it heralds an intriguing change of direction from the familiar sound of The Human League. An album is currently being recorded by the band.
Under their own British Electric Foundation banner, B.E.F. also release on the same day their debut album, although it is only being released on cassette. Appropriately it's titled 'Music For Stowaways'. Both these projects show that Marsh and Ware, with the assistance of various outside musicians, are moving into a unique field of recording and producing which could well act as an inspiration for other musicians with similar aspirations, just as the original Human League proved such a pacesetter for people like Gary Numan and Orchestral Manouvres [sic] In The Dark.
(original press release, 5th March 1981).
MUSIC FOR STOWAWAYS
LP | CD REISSUE
TRACKLISTING
A1 | 1 B.E.F. Ident *
A2 | 2 The Optimum Chant
A3 | 3 Uptown Apocalypse
A4 | 4 Wipe The Board Clean
A5 | 5 Groove Thang
A6 | 6 Music To Kill Your Parents By
B1 | 7 The Old At Rest
B2 | 8 Rise Of The East
B3 | 9 Decline Of The West
B4 | 10 A Baby Called Billy *
B5 | 11 Honeymoon In New York *
B6 | 12 B.E.F. Ident **
*not on 1981 cassette release
** uncredited on 1981 cassette release
MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND - '8 PRINZESSINNEN' [8 Princesses] | EPIC SINGLE FROM BOUNDARY BASHING BIG BAND OUT 03.02.23
MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND | photo by Lukas Diller
MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND
8 PRINZESSINNEN [8 PRINCESSES]
new single
out 03.02.23
(Zenna Records/Membran)
digital services
BLOODY BRILLIANT BIG BAND BOUNDARY BASHING BETWEEN : BABYLON BERLIN | BATTLES | BJÖRK
included on the new album
WITCHY ACTIVITIES AND THE MAPLE DEATH
out 05.05.23
Monika Roscher Bigband (MRB) is comprised of 18 musicians and exists somewhere between math-rock, prog-jazz, avant-pop and experimental electronics. Formed in Munich in 2011, they soon made waves with thrilling live performances and the inventive ideas of Roscher, their founder, singer, guitarist and conductor.
The first two MRB albums, ‘Failure in Wonderland’ (2012) and ‘Of Monsters and Birds’ (2016), were met with acclaim in Germany, where Jazz Echo proclaimed them ‘Newcomer of the Year’. They toured their home territory regularly, playing numerous prestigious festivals and concert halls, but also caused a stir abroad, with the US magazine DownBeat naming them as ‘Rising Stars’.
MRB have now been playing together for over a decade. Virtuosos as individuals, they are nevertheless close-knit as a group and feed on musical challenges set during recording sessions, while each of their rousing live shows is a celebration of the musical freedom and inspiration they offer each other.
Their upcoming third album, ‘Witchy Activities And The Maple Death’, is stunning proof of how fresh and exhilarating MRB sound today. Superbly recorded, it achieves a breathtaking balance of intimate fragility and symphonic intensity that lets the full sonic spectrum of a big band scream and shine in every colour imaginable. Roscher’s tension-filled and intricately detailed compositions evoke otherworldly landscapes that at times enchant with their elegiac beauty, but at others wreak havoc like the unleashed frenzy of a witches’ sabbath thick with haze.
An intense and epic first single from the album, the nine minute ‘8 Prinzessinnen’ (8 Princesses) is out now and acts as a perfect mission statement. It also boasts a suitably matching video. “I stumbled upon the headline ‘8 Princesses Stand Trial’ and couldn't get it out of my head,” explains Roscher. “What could eight princesses possibly be accused of? In my imagination and for the video they are influencers who have stolen the fountain of youth, but the real life ones stand before a judge to deny any wrongdoing.” As for its insistent, driving music, she states that "I wrote it like some kind of morse code and then set it in motion, like a musical wheel that keeps stumbling but is unstoppable. Another wheel then materialises and clutches on to it, as if two bands were playing at the same time like clockwork."
MRB love the adventure and are driven by a hunger for musical symbiosis. Simply put, they are a bloody brilliant big band that constantly surprises and reinvents itself.
WITCHY ACTIVITIES AND THE MAPLE DEATH
TRACKLISTING
1 8 Prinzessinnen
2 Firebird
3 Witches Brew: The Summoning
4 Witches Brew: Moon Is Melting
5 Witches Brew: The Brew
6 Witches Brew: The Woods
7 Witches Brew: Dance Of The Sleepy Spirits
8 Witches Brew: Return Of The Witches
9 Creatures Of Dawn
10 Queen Of Spades
11 Starlight Nightcrash
12 A Taste Of The Apocalypse
13 The Leading Expert Of Loneliness
14 Direct Connection
15 Unbewegte Sternenmeere
NEW SINGLE ‘FEEL THE BREEZE’ FROM SHAUN LABELLE FT. PATRICE RUSHEN
A quick look at Shaun LaBelle's bio will give you a perspective on this mega talented composer/producer & multi-instrumentalist. With extensive credits as a songwriter that include ten Top 10 Billboard singles in the R&B, Pop and Top 40 worlds, Shaun knows a thing or two about how to compose hit music. Many of you have played Shaun's music in the past, and I am pleased to promote his music for the first time. This new song features some exquisite playing by the iconic keys player Patrice Rushen, as well as strong sax playing by Scott Mayo. Shaun handles bass guitar, keys, and all the programming on this vibrant track.
Artist: SHAUN LaBELLE (Feat. Patrice Rushen)
Song title: "Feel The Breeze"
Label: Noggy Records
Artist's website link: https://shaunlabelle.com/
DAVE FOSTER BAND - 'DIVE IN' – NEW SINGLE BY ROCK/POP ACT OUT 02.02.23
Dinet Poortman and Dave Foster
DAVE FOSTER BAND
DIVE IN
new single
out 02.02.23
(English Electric Recordings)
digital services
included on
GLIMMER
album
CD | LP out 21.04.23
digital out 19.05.23
pre-order
UK/Europe | North America
LP available on black or limited edition yellow vinyl
The Anglo-Dutch rock & pop act Dave Foster Band (DFB) have released a new single entitled ‘Dive In’ today. Lifted from their upcoming new album, ‘Glimmer’, vocalist Dinet Poortman explains that the song “is about ‘diving in’, head first, after being hurt, trusting your own instinct and daring to be vulnerable by opening yourself up again. Good things can come from it and you let some ‘glimmer’ back into your life.”
Poortman, guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Dave Foster and keyboard player Riccardo Romano will perform a DFB acoustic set at the first Marillion Weekend of 2023 in Port Zélande, Netherlands on 18th March, with further information available HERE.
The LP and CD formats of ‘Glimmer’ are out on 21st April, with the digital release following four weeks later. A cornucopia of musical delights, it will appeal not only to fans of guitar-based rock on several songs that balance dazzling technique with great restraint, but also fans of crossover acts as varied as Air and The Anchoress on other piano-led tracks. Produced by Foster, it features guests that include bassist Neil Fairclough (Queen + Adam Lambert), drummer Leon Parr (Steve Rothery Band), pianist Anthony Hindley and string arranger Stephen Boyce Buckley.
Dave Foster Band (DFB) was founded in 2017, but actually has its origins in earlier collaborations between Foster and Poortman after they were introduced by a mutual friend, guitarist Steve Rothery of Marillion. Both had been members of previous groups that separately supported the prog behemoths, while Foster plays guitar in the Steve Rothery Band. He has also been a member of another leading UK prog act, Big Big Train, since 2020.
Given that Foster is based in the UK and Poortman the Netherlands, their first tentative steps were an experiment to see if they could work together effectively, but a number of co-written songs that appeared on Foster’s solo albums ‘Gravity’ (2011) and ‘Dreamless’ (2016) were solid proof that they had musical chemistry. Having formed DFB, they supported both Rothery and Marillion on European/UK tours while working on their debut album, ‘Nocebo’, which was released in 2019 and promoted with headlining dates throughout western Europe.
Discussing the making of ‘Glimmer’, Foster explains that “the pandemic stopped any further touring of ‘Nocebo’, but instead allowed us to embark on a really inspiring run of writing songs. We actually recorded the drums between lockdowns, which was frustrating but at least meant that we could let the songs mature. By the time we got round to recording again the songs had grown and developed into their final shape.”
Early 2020 had certainly provided Poortman with lyrical inspiration. “Britain was leaving the EU, the Covid pandemic was just around the corner and I was all at sea in my private life,” she notes. “Dave was sending me his pieces of music and I would play around with them and see what happened melodically and lyrically. Due to the lockdowns we literally had nothing else to do, but for me personally it was also great therapy as I was coming to terms with a marriage that had just ended. On the one hand it provided a lot of inspiration, but on the other made me realise that life is fragile and that people and relationships deserve to be cherished.”
The cover artwork for the LP and CD/digital formats of ‘Glimmer’ is a differently coloured image by photographer Neal Moran that Foster says “works perfectly with the idea of when things are hard and complicated there’s always a glimmer of light,” with Poortman adding that “this is the essence of the album title, the fact that there is always a little peek of 'Glimmer' in the corner of your eye waiting for you to acknowledge it and let it into your life. That's what I did.”
‘Glimmer’ will be released via the English Electric Recordings label run by Big Big Train, with Gregory Spawton of BBT stating: “Since coming on board in 2020, Dave has proved a great addition to Big Big Train and we are delighted to be releasing ‘Glimmer’ through our label. The songwriting by Dave and Dinet throughout the album is impressive and we believe that it will appeal to rock music fans with a diverse array of tastes. We were therefore keen to sign them.”
GLIMMER
TRACKLISTING
1 Every Waking Moment
2 Run
3 Stigma
4 Chasing An Echo
5 Dive In
6 Memory Box
7 …Or You Steal Some
8 The Rules Have Changed
official site
GOOD SHAPE MAAKT COMEBACK EN KNALT IN HASSELT OP JUBILEUMEDITIE ‘I LOVE THE 90’S’!
Nu al dé reünie van 2023!
Good Shape maakt comeback en knalt in Hasselt op jubileumeditie ‘I love the 90’s’!
22 april 2023 – Trixxo Arena Hasselt
De populaire boysband Good Shape, die bij ons in de jaren negentig nummer 1-hits scoorde met ‘Give Me Fire’, ‘King Of Your Heart’ en eeuwige roem vergaarde met dé monsterhit ‘Take My Love’, gaat dit jaar weer optreden. Op zaterdag 22 april 2023 doen ze dat meteen in stijl op het immense podium van ‘I love the 90’s – The party’, dat dit jaar zijn 15de verjaardag viert in de Hasseltse Trixxo Arena. De originele bandleden, Koen De Beir, David Cantré en Geert De Meyer, kijken er samen met nieuwbakken Good Shaper David Bruylandt nu al naar uit. “De goesting is gigantisch, we hebben het publiek keihard gemist”, klinkt het in koor.
Met hun debuutsingle ‘Take My Love’ scoorde de nog steeds immens populaire Belgische band Good Shape in 1994 een regelrechte monsterhit. Met de opvolger ‘Give Me Fire’ pakten ze datzelfde jaar meteen ook hun éérste nummer #1-hit én de Zomerhit. Hun derde single ‘King Of Your Heart’ bereikte opnieuw de hoogste plek in de hitparade. Al dit succes zorgde ervoor dat Good Shape in een recordtempo uitgroeide tot één van de meest succesvolle boysbands van Vlaanderen. Naast twee succesvolle albums (‘Maniacs Of Love’ en ‘Closer To You’) scoorden ze met ‘Come Closer’ en ‘Stay The Night’ nog twee top 10-hits in de Ultratop 50. De vele Good Shape-fans die al jaren wachten op een reünie worden op hun wenken bediend, want op zaterdag 22 april 2023 is de band één van de blikvangers op ‘I love the 90’s – The party’, dat zijn 15de verjaardag viert in Trixxo Arena Hasselt. Eerder werden ook al 90’s-kleppers Captain Jack, Zippora, DJ Peter Project en Whigfield aangekondigd voor deze jubileumeditie van de party…and there’s more coming!
“We zijn ongelofelijk dankbaar en kijken er nu al ontzettend naar uit dat we kunnen terugkeren op één van de grootste 90’s podia in Europa. Doorheen de jaren zijn we allemaal tot de conclusie gekomen dat we dat optreden voor een publiek ontzettend hard gemist hebben. In onze gekende outfits en met de bijhorende danspasjes, gaan we er op 22 april een onvergetelijke avond van maken”, zeggen de heren van Good Shape enthousiast.
Meer info over ‘I love the 90’s – The party’, dat op zaterdag 22 april 2023 plaatsvindt in Trixxo Arena Hasselt, met live optredens van o.a. Good Shape, Captain Jack, Whigfield, DJ Peter Project, Zippora e.v.a., vind je op www.ilovethe90s.be
AMERIKAANSE ZANGER CHARLIE THOMAS (THE DRIFTERS) OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse zanger Charles ‘Charlie’ Thomas is gisteren op 85-jarige leeftijd overleden. Thomas maakte in de periode 1958 – 1967 deel uit van The Drifters. Thomas trad in 1958 in het befaamde Apollo Theater op met The Five Crowns toen manager George Treadwell zijn complete zanggroep The Drifters ontsloeg. Treadwell maakte van The Five Crowns de nieuwe Drifters. In de nieuwe bezetting, met Charlie Thomas, werd de eerste single ‘There Goes My Baby’ in 1959 meteen een dijk van een hit. De single bereikte de tweede plaats van de Amerikaanse Billboard Hot 100. Met Thomas scoorde The Drifters vervolgens flinke hits met de singles ‘Dance With Me’ (1959), ‘This Magic Moment’ (1960), ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ (1960), ‘I Count The Tears’ (1960), ‘Please Stay’ (1961), ‘Sweets For My Sweet’ (1961), ‘Up On The Roof’ (1962), ‘On Broadway’ (1963), ‘Under The Boardwalk’ (1964) en ‘Saturday Night At The Movies’ (1964). Charlie was de leadzanger op twee hits: ‘Sweets For My Sweet’ en ‘When My Little Girl Is Smiling’. Thomas werd in 1988 als lid van The Drifters in de ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ opgenomen. Op 21 mei 2011 traden Thomas en The Drifters nog maar eens op in The Vintage New England Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island. Charlie Thomas is de vader van auteur Charles ‘Happy’ Thomas Jr. en grootvader van hip hop producer Charlie ‘Bambu’ Thomas. Hij ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
SOUL-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST SHAWN RAIFORD MIXING ROMANCE AND LEGACY
Grammy winner Derek “DOA” Allen produced the sensual new single “Forever.”
SACRAMENTO (1 February 2023): Taking an ambitious approach to recording his second album, urban-jazz saxophonist Shawn Raiford is already thinking about legacy early in his recording career. With Valentine’s Day approaching, one could make the case that Raiford’s sultry new single, “Forever,” is all about love and romance, and it is in part, but the musician also has a deeper meaning in mind. The track written by Raiford, Ashley Jemison and Grammy winner Derek “DOA” Allen (Lionel Richie, Janet Jackson, Tyrese) is crafted with the intention of being timeless and standing the test of time.
Produced by Allen, “Forever” is powered by a tight and prominent midtempo drum groove while nuanced atmospherics add to the amorous ambiance. Raiford’s alto sax coos impassioned come-ons, soloing ardently in the company of fellow saxophonist Andre Delano who adds backing harmonies. Vocalist Quintina Paris emotes lustfully on the breathy chorus.
“It’s definitely a steamy track. I’m a huge fan of Sade, and I wanted a track on the new album that reflected that type of seductive groove. When we were working on it in the studio, it felt like a timeless piece that would last and stand the test of time, which is my real goal. So, we titled it ‘Forever,’” said Raiford about the first single to be issued from the forthcoming “The Next Step” album slated to release this summer.
Raiford has been performing contemporary jazz, R&B, gospel, rock and pop music with his band throughout Northern California since 1999. He’s a dynamic entertainer, an award-winning performer who snagged the Best Live Performance title from the Sounds of Soul a decade ago, collected Hope Awards in the jazz and jazz performance categories, won Best R&B band at the Northern California Entertainers Music Awards, and is a Sammie nominated jazz artist.
On record, Raiford’s debut album, “Man with A Horn,” was released in September of 2020 spawning four charting singles – “All Systems Go,” “In The Moment,” “Good Vibrations” and the title track. The soul-jazz set finished on the year end chart at No. 22. Last November, Raiford released the holiday single, “Santa Baby,” to help whet appetites for “The Next Step.” “Forever” is destined to feed that desire.
Although presently focused on finishing the new album, Raiford is stepping out of the studio to perform with his Shawn Raiford Experience band. Catch them live on the following dates:
February 6 Mack Powell Event Center Sacramento, CA
February 10 Dante Club Sacramento, CA
February 18 Jade and Jora Duncanville, TX
March 3 Rock & Brews Sacramento, CA
March 11 Black American Political Association of California Sacramento, CA
March 13 Mulvaney’s B&L Sacramento, CA
April 15 The Miracle Los Angeles, CA
April 16 The Grand Ritz San Diego, CA
For more information, please visit https://shawnraifordsax.com.
SOMI 'ZENZILE – THE REIMAGINATION OF MIRIAM MAKEBA' – BRAND NEW VINYL FORMAT OF ACCLAIMED 2022 ALBUM OUT 10.03.23
SOMI
ZENZILE
THE REIMAGINATION OF MIRIAM MAKEBA
2xLP
out 10.03.23
CD | digital
out now
(Salon Africana/Membran)
digital services
“A superbly played, beautifully executed and exquisitely produced celebration of African-American culture reimagined for the 21st Century *****”
JAZZWISE
“Accompanied by a crack acoustic jazz combo, Somi’s voice is supple and seductive, as gutsy as Nina Simone or as smoothly sultry as Sarah Vaughan ****”
SONGLINES
“Between her African roots and American life, Somi is perfectly placed to blend styles. It’s a beautiful album ****”
ECHOES
includes the singles
LOVE TASTES LIKE STRAWBERRIES
feat GREGORY PORTER
audio
MILELE
feat SEUN KUTI & THANDISWA MAZWAI
audio
ALBUM GUESTS INCLUDE
ANGELIQUE KIDJO / GREGORY PORTER / LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO / SEUN KUTI
EXCLUSIVE LONDON SHOW
RONNIE SCOTT’S 02.03.23
tickets
Somi Kakoma is a US-based singer, songwriter, playwright and actor of Rwandan and Ugandan descent. Her acclaimed 2022 album, ‘Zenzile - The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba’, is a celebration of the invaluable musical contributions and messages of social justice made by the ‘first lady of African song’ and features Somi’s interpretations of some of Makeba's best known recordings.
The CD and digital release of the album was on what would have been Makeba’s 90th birthday (4th March 2022), with a brand new vinyl format coming almost exactly a year later and immediately after a rare UK live appearance at Ronnie Scott’s.
“I have known Miriam Makeba’s voice for as long as I can remember, and as a result I feel like I know her personally,” states Somi. “Her messages of social justice and the humanity of black lives still encourage us today. This project is about honouring the vast and immeasurable contribution she made to popular, folk and jazz music on behalf of a people, a continent.”
Somi has released seven albums that have included guest appearances from the likes of Common, Angelique Kidjo and the late Hugh Masekela (her longtime mentor), earning a Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy nomination in 2021 - the first African woman to be recognised in any Jazz category.
Long before the making of ‘Zenzile...', Masekela had advised Somi to listen to Makeba's song ‘Love Tastes Like Strawberries’ with a view to covering it. Years on, she has honoured that request and made it entirely her own as a sultry minimal duet with US Jazz superstar Gregory Porter. Her decision to invite Porter to participate was a nod to a 1965 Grammy-winning album by Makeba that featured a series of duets with her own mentor, Harry Belafonte.
Although Makeba (who died in 2008) elevated the spirit of a continent, including her native South Africa, her courage was met with decades of political exile from her homeland followed by blacklisting in the US after her marriage to US civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael. Somi’s lifelong love of Makeba’s music and personal strength led to ‘Zenzile...’, a record intended to inspire a rediscovery of Makeba’s life and work. “This album is my attempt to honour the unapologetic voice of a woman who inevitably made room for my own journey and countless other African artists. In short, I owe her. We all do, and she deserves her rightful place in the larger cultural archive of the US in particular but also the world in general.”
In recognition of Makeba’s resonance throughout Africa and its diaspora, Somi invited a number of guest musicians to take part on ‘Zenzile...'. From South Africa, male vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, singer-songwriter Msaki, vocalist and activist Thandiswa Mazwai and jazz pianist-composer Nduduzo Makhathini’ all pay respects to their compatriot, while Nigerian singer-musician Seun Kuti (the youngest son of Fela Kuti), Beninese singer-songwriter/activist Angelique Kidjo and the aforementioned Gregory Porter also join Somi in tribute.
Somi has recently taken the story of Makeba’s life to the stage with the musical ‘Dreaming Zenzile’ that she wrote and stars in. It opened in New York in spring 2022
trailer .
MOTOWN SINGER-SONGWRITER BARRETT STRONG DIED
Barrett Strong, the vocalist known for giving Motown Records its first hit with “Money (That’s What I Want),” and for the songs he wrote for the Temptations, has died. His death was confirmed by Motown founder Berry Gordy, who, in a statement shared with Billboard, called his songs “revolutionary.” No cause of death was given. Strong was 81.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Barrett Strong, one of my earliest artists, and the man who sang my first big hit,” Gordy’s statement said. “Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitefield, created an incredible body of work, primarily with the Temptations. Their hit songs were revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit of the times like ‘Cloud Nine’ and the still relevant, ‘Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today).’”
Barrett Strong was born on February 5, 1941 in West Point, Mississippi. The son of a factory worker and housewife, Strong was raised in Detroit, where he was one of the first musicians to sign to Gordy’s label, then called Tamla Records. Strong released his biggest hit, “Money (That’s What I Want),” in 1959. It sold more than one million copies, and was later covered by acts including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.
Strong would become a major songwriting force for Motown in the 1960s, working with producer Norman Whitfield on hits including Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Edwin Starr’s “War,” and Paul Young’s “Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home).” The duo would score their biggest collaborative hits with the Temptations, for whom they wrote “Psychedelic Shack,” “Cloud Nine,” and “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today).” Their Temptations song “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” would peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971, and the duo would earn the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1973 for “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”
By the late 1960s, Motown was in the midst of a gradual relocation to Los Angeles. Strong left the label in 1972 to reconnect with his singing career in Detroit, and later signed with Epic and Capitol. The latter label released his 1975 album Stronghold, as well as 1976’s Live & Love. He would also work as a songwriter with the Dells, and run a production company called Boomtown.
While “Money (That’s What I Want)” launched both Strong’s career and Motown itself on the national stage, the musician allegedly never received the correct royalty payments for his contributions as a songwriter. “Songs outlive people,” he told The New York Times in 2013. “The real money is in the publishing, and if you have publishing, then hang on to it. That’s what it’s all about. If you give it away, you’re giving away your life, your legacy. Once you’re gone, those songs will still be playing.”
JENNY DON'T AND THE SPURS - 'FIRE ON THE RIDGE' – NEW ALBUM BY US OUTLAW/ALT COUNTRY, GARAGE ROCK AND PUNK-TINGED AMERICANA OUTFIT
JENNY DON’T and KELLY HALLIBURTON in the studio
JENNY DON’T AND THE SPURS
FIRE ON THE RIDGE
new album
LP | CD
out 17.03.23
digital
out now
(Fluff & Gravy Records)
includes
TROUBLE ON MY MIND
band includes former members of Pierced Arrows (Dead Moon), Wipers, Don’t and P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S.
EUROPEAN TOUR
SPRING 2023
includes
12.04.23 LIVERPOOL Leaf tickets
13.04.23 date TBA
14.04.23 GLASGOW Broadcast * tickets
15.04.23 HIGH WYCOMBE Ramblin’ Roots Revue tickets
16.04.23 LONDON Boogaloo info/free entry
17.04.23 HASSOCKS Mid-Sussex Music Hall * tickets
18.04.23 LONDON The Grace * tickets
*with Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires
Displaying their own take on Outlaw/alt country, garage rock and punk-tinged Americana, Oregon, US-based Jenny Don’t And The Spurs also showcase a diverse array of other styles on their forthcoming third album, ‘Fire On The Ridge’. Released on Fluff & Gravy Records (Richmond Fontaine/Margo Cilker/Jim White), it sees the band brandishing blistering barn-burners (‘Train Ticket’, ‘Be The Only One’), rambling westerns (‘Fire On The Ridge’) and Patsy Cline-ish ballads (‘Friday Night’). With years in punk groups such as Pierced Arrows (previously Dead Moon), Wipers, Don’t and P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S. behind them, the record sees the quartet embracing the classic Outlaw country they grew up on with raw vigour.
‘Fire On The Ridge’ was conceived after The Spurs had travelled to play a local show but were forced into a detour to avoid the region’s biggest forest fire in decades. Returning home later that night, they saw the orange glow of the blaze in the sky become an apocalyptic sea of glowing embers around them that blanketed the otherwise night-darkened sides of the deep canyon through which they were driving. It became a metaphor for the new album they were about to make.
Once in the studio, they were instilling that fire into the songs they were recording, only to be rudely interrupted within a fortnight when lead singer Jenny required surgery on her vocal cords. Recommencing the sessions, they discovered that the hard drive on which their tracks were saved had crashed, requiring them to start all over again. Having done so, the studio suddenly flooded and needed to be completely rebuilt. Then, just when it seemed that everything was back on track, the pandemic intervened and prevented any in-person mixing. Against all these odds, ‘Fire On The Ridge’ was finally completed, but true tragedy was shortly to follow when their drummer was stricken with cancer and died soon after.
JENNY DON’T AND THE SPURS
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Jenny Don’t And The Spurs have maintained a relentless schedule of recording and touring ever since their inception a decade ago. Now, after almost 500 live shows in a dozen countries, and with three albums and a slew of singles to their name, they have just about warmed up.
Founded by Jenny Don’t (vocals/rhythm guitar, ex-Don't) and Kelly Halliburton (bass, ex-Pierced Arrows, P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S.), who had been playing in the aforementioned acoustic and punk bands and felt the need to switch gears up/down, it wasn’t long before they were rehearsing a set of seminal standards by the likes of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams Sr., as well as a sprinkling of original songs. Their friend Sam Henry (ex-Wipers, The Rats, Napalm Beach) soon joined them on drums, and this remained the core trio for almost five years, augmented by guest guitarists.
A superb video for the song ‘My Only Desire’ included on The Spurs’ second album, ‘Call Of The Road’ (2017), can be seen HERE.
Christopher March eventually joined the group as full-time guitarist in 2017, bringing with him a wealth of talent and touring experience from years spent plying the Northwest country, rockabilly and honky-tonk circuits and this quartet recorded and toured until Sam passed away after a brief battle with cancer soon after ‘Fire On The Ridge’ had been completed. With veteran sticksman Dean Miles replacing him behind the kit, The Spurs remain a force to be reckoned with, the intensity and energy of their live set a must-see for any gig goer who enjoys spirited garage-infused country music played with sincerity and raw conviction.
FIRE ON THE RIDGE
TRACKLISTING
1 Fire On The Ridge
2 California Cowboy
3 Be The Only One
4 Restless Moon
5 Foolish Lies
6 Train Ticket
7 Friday Night
8 She’s Not The One
9 Johnny Vagabond
10 Trouble On My Mind
11 Queen Of The Desert
JENNY DON’T AND THE SPURS
Jenny Don’t - vocals, rhythm guitar
Christopher March - lead guitar, lap steel guitar
Kelly Halliburton - bass
Dean Miles - drums
jennydontandthespurs.com
COYLE GIRELLI - 'TRUE LOVE FOREVER' – BRAND NEW SINGLE BY NYC BASED BRITISH SINGER-SONGWRITER OUT 27.01.23
Coyle Girelli : photos by Shervin Lainez
COYLE GIRELLI
TRUE LOVE FOREVER
new single
out 27.01.23
(Honey Lemon Records)
digital services
‘True Love Forever’ is a brand new single by the New York City based British singer-songwriter Coyle Girelli. His first release since 2022’s ‘Funland’, his second solo album, and its acoustic companion piece, ‘Stripped’, the song appears in a show that he has created in collaboration with the musical theatre company Third Rail Projects info here.
Girelli explains that ‘True Love Forever’ “was inspired by the moment in the show when the couple in it first fall in love, that euphoria and the feeling that everything is wonderful. Of course, this may not be how the story ends, so it is tinged with a slight melancholy, but right then they are thinking ‘is this it? Is it true love forever?’”
Musically, he was seeking “something that had a pretty and magical feeling but also felt close and personal. I was listening to a bunch of stuff in that vein from the likes of Sufjan Stevens, The National and Elliot Smith, though the track doesn’t really sound like any of them.” Enhanced with mandolin and ukulele, it was mixed by fellow ex-pat Harry Burr and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis Studios in London.
As for the show itself, Girelli states that it “is an immersive theatre experience set to songs from my debut solo album ['Love Kills', 2018] and some new music. It’s an exploration of love, lust and heartbreak triggered from the personal history and experience of its audience members. As they wander through the world we created and follow the story they delve into their own inner feelings as well as being immersed in the story unfolding in front of them. It ends with a finale that I hope will ultimately be both emotionally and spiritually healing….with lots of tears!”
Girelli had come up with a basic concept for a show when writing the supremely cinematic ‘Love Kills’, eventually being introduced to Jennine Willett at Third Rail Projects on a Zoom chat during the first lockdown. They began to flesh out his idea, eventually beginning to workshop it in New York with its ensemble cast, with an opening run of performances to be announced in due course.
The video for ’True Love Forever' has been directed by Willett and features the cast, which includes Girelli himself.
Girelli is currently working on more new songs, with an album planned for late 2023.
As a songwriter, Girelli has written for several renowned pop acts and collaborated with celebrated songsmiths such as Mac Davis and Linda Perry. He also has previous experience in theatre, co-composing the award-winning French musicals ‘Robin des Bois’ and ‘Les Trois Mousquetaires’. His early career saw him fronting the Leeds-based alt rock/post-punk bands Your Vegas and The Chevin, with a performance by the latter on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ while on tour in the US prompting its host to state: “If I had a voice like that, I’d run for President.”
His ‘Funland’ album was described by Louder Than War as “a wonderful collection of rich and atmospheric soundscapes with Girelli emerging as the ultimate balladeer. He has a vocal style which absorbs all that is great about the likes of Roy Orbison and Richard Hawley.” A single from the album, ‘Do You Wanna Dance’, attracted attention at US radio, while an atmospheric ballad from his debut entitled ’Something Strange In The Night’ was belatedly recognised after its use in a Netflix TV sync.
THE "SOUND ALCHEMIST" ARRIVES: NEO SOUL-JAZZ KEYBOARDIST MYRON MCKINLEY’S DEBUT ALBUM DROPS FEBRUARY 10
Tickets are on sale now for an album release concert the following night in Los Angeles at The Miracle Theater
LOS ANGELES (30 January 2023): Years in the making and after a pandemic delay and a hectic schedule serving as musical director for Earth, Wind & Fire, keyboardist Myron McKinley’s adventurous experiment in sound mixing jazz, neo soul, hip hop and funk is finally slated to release on February 10. McKinley produced “Sound Alchemist,” his debut album arriving from Dark Elf Music that will be celebrated the next night with a concert performance at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood, CA. Tickets for the show presented by Concerts.Cafe and radio station KJAZZ are on sale now.
There’s something that feels righteous about “Sound Alchemist” dropping during Black History Month. The ten-track collection is a culturally rich amalgam reflecting the diverse Black music diaspora.
“‘Sound Alchemist’ couldn’t have been made without some of the Black pioneers of music that have led with their creativity, technique, vision and style. From Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, George Duke and Miles Davis to our living legends like Herbie Hancock, there’s an essence of them that I feel is reflected in this project,” said McKinley, who composed six songs for the set as well as crafted imaginative interpretations of material originally recorded by Drake, Sting, The Carpenters and, naturally, Earth, Wind & Fire.
With a set list highlighting tunes from “Sound Alchemist,” McKinley will be flanked on stage at The Miracle Theater by guitarist Tony Pulizzi, bassist Ian Martin, drummer Stacey Lamont Sydnor and EWF saxophonist Gary Bias (who performs on the album). Several special guests are expected to perform with McKinley including EWF’s effervescent energizing bass player Verdine White (who appears on the album) and vocalist LaVance Colley.
Last fall, a couple of music videos were released for songs from “Sound Alchemist.” McKinley’s pays homage to Earth, Wind & Fire with a version of their R&B ballad “Imagination” and a video made from hundreds of photos taken by the keyboardist over his twenty years of performing around the world with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. An audacious blend of club banging dance grooves, edgy hip hop and futuristic jazz comes alive in the innovative computer animated video for “Let’s Just See.” Both videos are available for viewing at https://myronmckinley.com/sound-alchemist.
When he first began work on “Sound Alchemist,” McKinley had an ambitious goal of testing the boundaries of jazz, pushing those limits and breaking through in an attempt to spur growth and evolution in the musical artform. Among the alchemists he invited to experiment on the record are Grammy-winning saxophonist Gerald Albright, bassist Reggie Hamilton, percussionist Munyungo Jackson, guitarists Eric Walls, Morris O’Connor and Greg “G-Moe” Moore; EWF trombonist Reggie Young, and vocalists Danny McClain, Isabella Chiappini and Denaine Jones.
McKinley is a Los Angeles native who was trained in classical and jazz, but also credits the church and hip hop for shaping his sonic mélange. He has toured with Whitney Houston, Kenny Lattimore, Stanley Clarke and En Vogue; written, cowrote or produced songs for EWF, Clarke, Doc Powell, Silk, Vesta, Cherokee and Howard Hewett; and composed music for film and television scores, contributing to “Soul Food,” “Romeo Must Die,” “The Best Man,” “Think Like A Man,” “Shaft,” and “The Godfather of Harlem” among others.
Tickets are available for The Miracle in four tiers. Table seating ($202) includes two signed “Sound Alchemist” CDs, two signed posters, two glasses of champagne, and two twelve-ounce packages of McKinley’s Legacy Coffee, which is an Ethiopian Misty Valley Blend (Light/Medium Roast). VIP seating ($75) includes one signed CD and poster, and one twelve-ounce package of coffee. Floor seats are $55 while balcony seats go for $40.
The Miracle Theater is located at 226 South Market Street in Inglewood. Tickets can be purchased at https://myronmckinley.com.
B. THOMPSON HAS ‘CUBAN DREAMS’
Bryan Thompson (also known as B. Thompson) is a 25-year-old saxophonist and internet icon with social media views totaling over 100 million. Bryan has been recognized on social media by superstars such as Chris Brown, Mario, Cardi B, Chloe & Halle, Mariah Carey, and many more. He has also performed with legendary musicians and singers such as Najee, Kirk Whalum, Kenny Lattimore, Faith Evans, Toni Braxton, and H.E.R.
Thompson is originally from Indianapolis, IN and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. We think you and your listeners will dig his new tropical flavored radio single, "Cuban Dreams"!
LET ANDREW NEU ‘LEAN INTO IT’
"I have great respect for Greg Manning both as a person and musician. Our paths crossed many times over the years as sidemen for other artists but we've both stepped out as solo artists. We developed into a great team creating the music together over the past year.
Starting with the release of "Take It Home" in the summer of 2022 we're kicking off 2023 with a seriously funky new track called "Lean Into It." Combining my love for tight horn sections and Greg's awesome grooves, I think you'll really dig what we came up with.
"Lean Into It" pulls you in right away with a vibe that makes you bop your head and keeps you smiling!" - Andrew Neu
"Lean Into It"
Written by Greg Manning and Andrew Neu
Produced by Greg Manning
Mixed by Greg Manning
Mastered by Steve Hall
Sax: Andrew Neu
Keys, programming: Greg Manning
Guitar: Carlyle Barriteau
Bass: Mel Brown
Drums: Eric Valentine
Trumpet: Mike Stever
Trombone: Nick Lane
RAGAN WHITESIDE – NEW SINGLE ‘FULL COURT PRESS’
"Full Court Press" is a smooth and sexy groove co-written by Ragan Whiteside with Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin, and features guitarist Phil Hamilton, percussionist Curtis McCain, and drummer Rich Harrison, also known as the artist RAH. It's the new single from her most recent full-length project, 2022's Thrill Ride, which is Ragan's sixth career album to date and it lives up to its title, demonstrating Whiteside's breathtaking virtuosity and melodic skills on a thrilling journey through a landscape of dynamic grooves.
Ragan has become one of the genre's most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards. That distinction is well-deserved, as the Atlanta-based musician, songwriter, and vocalist has become one of very few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental sphere, garnering eight consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2022. And she's done it as an independent artist, releasing projects on Randis Music, the label she founded with her husband, producer, and composer Dennis Johnson.
"Full Court Press"
Produced by Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin
Flute: Ragan Whiteside
Guitar: Phil Hamilton
Drums: Rich Harrison (aka RAH)
Percussion: Curtis McCain
Keyboards: Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin
BENJAMIN HERMAN KONDIGT TOURNEE MET MAYUKO KATAKURA AAN
Saxofonist zoekt verbinding met de Japanse jazz.
Sinds hun muzikale ontmoeting tijdens het Tokyo Jazzfestival in 2013 hebben saxofonist Benjamin Herman en pianiste Mayuko Katakura altijd contact gehouden. Tijdens zijn regelmatige bezoeken aan Japan is Benjamin vaak naar haar concerten in de hoofdstad gegaan. Mayuko speelt altijd wel ergens.
De samenwerking biedt Benjamin de mogelijkheid om de ‘straight ahead’ kant van zijn spel en composities te belichten. Het viertal zal meerdere nieuwe stukken spelen die Benjamin speciaal voor deze bezetting schreef. Vooral in deze tijd is deze samenwerking extra bijzonder. Dit jaar heeft Benjamin meerdere projecten op stapel staan met Japanse musici in verschillende genres. Dit komt voort uit zijn jarenlange obsessie voor het land, en alles wat er vandaan komt aan kunst en spijzen, maar ook uit zijn constante zoektocht naar nieuwe impulsen voor bijzondere muzikale avonturen.
Benjamin Herman:
Saxofonist en muzikale allesvreter Benjamin Herman is al dertig jaar één van de meest productieve musici van zijn generatie. Sinds de jaren negentig speelt hij over de hele wereld en bracht hij meer dan vijftig albums uit met zijn band New Cool Collective en onder eigen titel als soloartiest. Zijn opvallend diverse muzikale output bevat traditionele jazz, punkjazz, filmmuziek en postmoderne interpretaties van het werk van componist Misha Mengelberg.
Mayuko Katakura:
De in Sendai, Japan geboren Mayuko Katakura vertrok op jonge leeftijd al naar de Verenigde Staten, waar ze was geselecteerd voor de prestigieuze Thelonious Monk-competitie. Ze woonde daar ruim zes jaar, en studeerde zowel aan Berkeley als de Juilliard Schoolf of Music. In Tokyo is ze een zeer populaire jazzpianist. Ze bracht al zeven platen uit onder haar eigen naam en speelt op tientallen albums.
Tourdata:
3-2 Paradox, Tilburg
4-2 Beauforthuis, Austerlitz
5-2 Tivolivredenburg, Utrecht
9-2 Rietveld Theater, Delft
10-2 Bimhuis, Amsterdam
11-2 LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
12-2 Kultuurwerkplaats, Oosterbeek
19-JARIGE SINGER-SONGWRITER LUKA LEGT ZIEL BLOOT IN DEBUUTALBUM ‘PUBLIC DIARY’
Na de onverwacht succesvolle eerste single ‘Come Back’, waarmee de Grimbergse singer-songwriter Luka uiting gaf aan de verwerking van haar papa’s zelfdoding, het kwetsbare ‘Not Enough’ en het speelse zomernummer ‘Playground’, komt eindelijk haar eerste album uit: ‘Public Diary’.
Luka schrijft niet over de zon en de zee. Haar insteek en inspiratie voor dit album spreken voor zich: haar eigen emoties, haar dagelijkse realiteit en haar vraagtekens bij het leven. Samen met haar band experimenteerde ze volop met uiteenlopende muziekstijlen, met lage leads en hoge backings, met krulletjes die Luka zich intussen zo eigen gemaakt heeft.
Bij de eerste noot komt je haar al meteen overeind.
Met de single ‘You’, een nummer over haar angst om mensen te verliezen, geeft Luka de aftrap voor een beklijvende en boeiende wandeling doorheen het album. Waarbij de muzikaliteit zich initieel vooral rond haar eigen engelenstem(men) voltrekt, maar gaandeweg steeds sterker ondersteund wordt door een stel bijzonder straffe studiomuzikanten, en een producer die Luka de ruimte gaf om dicht bij zichzelf te blijven. Er is geen elektronische noot te bespeuren in Luka’s nieuwe nummers. Obligate vocal filters werden resoluut achterwege gelaten en haar English teacher bedankt voor eerder bewezen diensten. Luka was vastberaden: het album moest niet radioproof klinken, maar zuiver en authentiek. Puur Luka.
Public Diary takes you on an intimate and deeply personal journey
Op 18 november zong Luka met haar zevenkoppige live band de pannen van het dak op een showcase waarin ze haar nieuwe album voor het eerst aan het publiek voorstelde. “Met een licht paniekske toch wel. Want de locatie voor ‘Puur Luka’ was Eldorado in Humbeek, een art deco zaal die ook meermaals het decor vormde voor de showcases van Clouseau.” En met 300 verkochte tickets was de boite bijna tot de nok gevuld. Die avond had Luka ook een primeur! Voor het eerst sinds de release van de veelbesproken debuutsingle, stond ‘Come Back’ op de playlist. “Ik vond het in het begin sowieso al heel moeilijk om dit nummer te delen, omdat heel mijn hart erin ligt. Laat staan dat ik het live zou gaan brengen op een optreden. Maar intussen ben ik er klaar voor. Dat heeft ook veel te maken met de houvast die de band – intussen goeie vrienden – me geeft".
Verder bouwend op het elan van 'You' trekt de zangeres haar experimentele registers nog meer open met het melancholische Tears and Memories, een openhartig relaas over vorige hoofdstukken afsluiten, nieuwe aanvatten, en telkens ook een stukje van jezelf achterlaten. Stilstaan en terugblikken, met een traan, maar ook met een rugzak vol herinneringen. Luka heeft het specifiek over haar moeilijke afscheid van de middelbare school en de komst van het onbekende: Studeren in een nieuwe stad, nieuwe vrienden, nieuwe hobby’s, nieuwe gewoonten,… En de corona crisis hielp daar niet bij.
Met haar jeugdlief Lowie gaat het allemaal nog prima. Ze zijn binnenkort al 3 jaar samen, maar soms beeldt ze zich in hoe het zou zijn om uit elkaar te gaan. En dan komt ze hem ergens tegen, met iemand anders. Net als in de film. In Someone New brengt Luka onder woorden wat een heartbreak met haar zou doen.
Ook voor Keep you close ging Luka verder op haar inleving en fantasie, omdat ze niet alleen graag schrijft vanuit haar eigen diepste emoties, maar ook wil uiting geven aan wat anderen voelen en meemaken. Dit jazzy nummer gaat over krampachtig vasthouden aan een toxische relatie.
Met haar meest recente single - Dive Deep – wil Luka anderen inspireren om vol te houden en er voluit voor te gaan, ook al is het moeilijk.
Blind is een pure aanklacht van de materialistische maatschappij. Een nummer met James Bonds-vibes, een opbouw en finale die doen denken aan een spannende achtervolgingsscène en de gevoelige snaar van de cello die een schrijnende ondertoon geeft aan het blind zijn door ‘the reflection of a coin’.
Helemaal verrassen doet de ingetogen Luka met de meer rocky nummers Ease My Mind en Inconvenient, en bewijst ze dat ze van veel (muziek)markten thuis is.
Een project vol liefde voor mensen met een breekbaar leven
"Of er nog andere toekomstplannen zijn? Ja hoor! Na mijn examens Interieurvormgeving begin ik aan mijn tour met de Grace Foundation, een project dat (mijn) muziek tot bij mensen brengt die dat het hardst nodig hebben. Mensen op plekken die niet voor de hand liggen; aan de rand van de maatschappij, maar soms ook er midden in.”
Dat hart voor mensen met een moeilijker leven kwam al vaker naar boven in Luka’s muzikale parcours. Tijdens COVID probeerde Luka de uitdagende tijden te verzachten met een online concert van haar lievelingscovers, ‘Winter Sessions’. Ten voordele van De Met, een middelbare scholenproject dat Luka een warm hart toedraagt. Een jaar later verzorgde Luka vrijwillig de muzikale omlijsting van het eerste praatcafé van Trefpunt Stan Antwerpen, met Dirk De Wachter, over beter leven met een (verstandelijke) handicap. Daarnaast vind je Luka elk jaar op de Missing You dag, voor jongeren die iemand verloren hebben. Eerst als deelnemer, maar recent deed ze met veel engagement de muzikale afsluiter en maakte ze het symposium 'Rouwen is bouwen' nog hartverwarmender.
“Na mijn debuut met Come Back voelde ik dat ik meer wou doen met muziek. Ik merkte op dat ik mensen echt kon raken. Dat was het moment waarop ik besloot om niet meer alleen in zomerbars of concertzaaltjes op te treden, maar ook op plaatsen waar muziek niet zo makkelijk binnenkomt. Dat zijn ook vaak net dié plaatsen waar muziek van een grotere betekenis zou kunnen zijn, waar mensen echt troost zouden kunnen vinden in mijn liedjes: Ziekenhuizen, gevangenissen, opvangcentra voor vluchtelingen en daklozen, de lijst is lang.”
De verhalen die Luka op die plaatsen naar voor brengt, verwerkt ze in gevoelige teksten en waardevolle levenslessen die ze (in een volgend album ;-) wil delen met haar publiek. Mensen raken en dingen die haar frustreren of die in de taboesfeer hangen op haar manier echt bespreekbaar maken.
Dat doorbreken van taboes en bespreekbaar maken van wat onbespreekbaar is, zal altijd deel uitmaken van Luka’s werk. Nu, maar zeker ook in de toekomst.
ISAAC HAYES – THEME FROM ‘SHAFT’ – LIVE AT WATTSTAX - 1972 – VERSION 1 (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Isaac Hayes "Theme From 'Shaft' - Live at Wattstax / 1972 – Version 1" is taken from Stax Records' new titles paying homage to the iconic Wattstax Benefit Concert, which took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 20th, 1972: "Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection" and "Wattstax: The Complete Concert". Featuring artists including Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas, Albert King, William Bell and many more.
"Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection" is a 12-CD box set featuring the complete 1972 L.A. Memorial Coliseum concert plus recordings from the Summit Club, including 31 previously unreleased tracks across the collection. These recordings are housed in a folio with a 76-page, full-color book featuring an introduction by Wattstax creator Al Bell, and new essays by Rob Bowman and A. Scott Galloway. "Wattstax: The Complete Concert" includes the full L.A. Memorial Coliseum concert and is available on both 6-CD and 10-LP formats. Also available is a 1-CD title, "The Best of Wattstax", which brings together a handpicked selection of twenty of the best musical performances from the Wattstax concert. Plus, newly cut from the original analog tapes, reissues of the two original soundtrack albums "Wattstax: The Living Word" and "The Living Word: Wattstax 2"—which feature highlights from the concert and subsequent documentary film—are also each reissued on 2-LP formats.
Subscribe to Stax Records on YouTube!: https://found.ee/staxrecords-youtube-g
Listen to the “Stax Classics” playlist: https://found.ee/stax-classics-g
Website: https://staxrecords.com/
Stax Records, now owned by Concord, was founded by Jim Stewart in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee. It rose from a small, family-operated company to become one of the most influential soul music record labels in the world, helping create “The Memphis Sound” and launching the careers of icons such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the Staple Singers, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, The Bar-Kays, and dozens of other artists who helped change popular culture forever. In all, Stax placed 167 hit songs in the Top 100 in Pop and 243 hits in the Top 100 in R&B. Stax Records works closely with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Stax Music Academy, and The Soulsville Charter School, all operated by the Soulsville Foundation and all located on a vibrant campus at the original site of Stax Records in Memphis, TN. The Soulsville Foundation perpetuates the soul of Stax Records by preserving its rich cultural legacy, educating youth to be prepared for life success, and inspiring future artists to achieve their dreams.
JAKE ISAAC SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘START AGAIN’
Jake Isaac is at the forefront of a British soul renaissance. Fusing a soul voice and sensibility with the craftsmanship of classic songwriting, he expresses in song the vulnerabilities that men rarely feel comfortable discussing. A kindred spirit to his friends such as JP Cooper, Jacob Banks and Michael Kiwanuka, Jake Isaac nonetheless operates in his own lane, his artistry connecting with fans (60 million+ streams to date) and iconic artists (Sir Elton John, Sting) alike.
Now Jake aims to go deeper into the conversations that give his songs such a striking emotional intensity with his new music, beginning today with the single ‘Start Again’.
Entirely self-written, produced and performed, ‘Start Again’ is what Jake describes as South London soul - a sound informed by the timeless traditions of the genre, but flavoured with a raw urgency informed by channelling his feelings into his vocal delivery and tinged with production flourishes rooted from the modern underground scene. “Before you go, I love you so,” he implores, the rich timbre of his voice overflowing with feeling, “Maybe we can start again.” On the surface it’s an impassioned final plea to salvage a relationship, but it’s more universal than that - just think how many situations in life can be improved if we can step back, learn from our mistakes, and start again.
Jake says, “Calling this song “start again”; is an attempt at an honest take on my musical journey as much as it is a take on a relationship journey. I really wanted to make a record that oozed a bit of passion as well as remorse…as a guy sometimes it’s hard talk about these types of things, so I tried to put as much of it as possible into song…”
Appropriately enough, ‘Start Again’ heralds a new chapter for an unadorned love of music that stretches back to childhood. Jake’s father is Street Pastors founder Rev. Les Isaac OBE, the founder of the Brixton community charity initiative Street Pastors. Jake started drumming in his father’s church in Crystal Palace at the seemingly impossibly young age of three. Similarly inspired by Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ album, Jake’s talents continued to develop and he completed his grade eight drum exam by his mid-teens while also teaching himself bass, keys and guitar as well as songwriting.
By the age of 19, Jake was working as a session musician and a songwriter, while also holding down a job as a marketing manager, all valuable experiences for a life in music. One simple truth stood out to him: making a connection with listeners is of far greater importance than the opinions of the industry around him. And as he embarked upon a solo career, that’s precisely what he did, with landmark moments including a set at Glastonbury’s Other Stage as well as the release of his 2021 album ‘Honesty’, together with its subsequent Deluxe Edition.
Currently preparing much more new music to come in 2023, Jake also has other creative projects on the horizon. He has been cast in a secondary role in an upcoming Topkapi Film feature by Dutch director Aaron Rookus and has been writing a film script, a redemptive story about fatherhood and family dynamics.
Jake Isaac online
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website
SINGER-SONGWRITER & GITARIST DAVID CROSBY OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse singer-songwriter en gitarist David Crosby is eergisteren op 81-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat heeft zijn vrouw Jan Dance laten weten in een verklaring aan het entertainment-tijdschrift ‘Variety’. Volgens haar was Crosby al lange tijd ziek, en overleed hij "in de liefhebbende nabijheid van zijn vrouw en soulmate Jan en zijn zoon Django." David Van Cordtland Crosby was in 1964 medeoprichter van de folkrock-band The Byrds, die een jaar later internationaal doorbrak met hun cover van Bob Dylan’s compositie ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’. Dat werd een nummer-1-hit in de Amerikaanse Billboard Hot 100. Hierna volgden grote hits als ‘All I Really Want To Do’, ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’, ‘Set You Free This Time’, ‘Eight Miles High’, Fifth Dimension’, ‘So You Want To Be A Rock ’N Roll Star’, ‘Mr. Spaceman’ en ‘My Back Pages’. Crosby nam zes albums op met The Byrds en verliet de band in 1968 na onenigheid. In datzelfde jaar richtte David met Stephen Stills en Graham Nash de fameuze rockgroep Crosby, Stills & Nash op, die in 1969 een Grammy Award won als 'beste nieuwe act'. In dat jaar kwam ook singer-songwriter Neil Young de groep versterken voor liveoptredens en wijzigde de groepsnaam in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Hun gezamenlijke album ‘Deja Vu’ uit 1970 ging de hele wereld over en bereikte ook in Nederland de top van de albumlijst. Het album werd wereldwijd ruim 14 miljoen keer verkocht en bevat tijdloze nummers als ‘Teach Your Children’, ‘Woodstock’, ‘Our House’, ‘Carry On’, ‘Helpless’ en ‘Allmost Cut My Hair’. David Crosby schreef het titelnummer ‘Deja Vu’ en het prachtige ‘Almost Cut My Hair’. Al snel na dit succes viel de band uiteen door spanningen tussen de groepsleden, al bleven de vier muzikanten tot 2015 periodiek weer bij elkaar komen voor optredens en albums. Een constante was daarbij hun progressieve en pacifistische stellingname: Crosby heeft zich altijd uitgesproken tegen de Amerikaanse bemoeienis in Vietnam in de jaren zestig en zeventig. David Crosby maakte fraaie soloalbums als ‘If I Could Only Remember Your Name’ (1971) en ‘Oh Yes I Can’ (1989). In 2006 kwam het viertal weer bijeen voor hun tournee ‘Freedom of Speech’, uit protest tegen de Amerikaanse aanwezigheid in Irak. David Crosby kampte al decennia met gezondheidsproblemen, mede als gevolg van overmatig drank- en drugsgebruik. In 1985 zat hij negen maanden vast wegens drugsbezit. In 1994 werd bij hem met succes een levertransplantatie uitgevoerd. Ook kampte hij al decennia met diabetes. David Crosby ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
'STRIDE' BY ERIC ESSIX
Over a period of more than 34 years and 28 full-length album releases, Eric Essix has maintained a steady flow of new music that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz. Following the success of his "Songs From The Deep" project, Eric recently released his 28th album entitled STRiDE on his Essential Recordings label, again distributed by Lightyear Entertainment/Virgin Music/UMG.
The album features nine original compositions written by Eric and a lush arrangement of the Bill Withers' classic, "Ain’t No Sunshine," featuring fellow Birmingham, AL native and American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard. Released as a single, the song has done well on smooth jazz radio maintaining a solid presence on several charts and syndicated programs.
STRiDE showcases a diverse mix of songs ranging from danceable, funk instrumentals, sultry ballads, hints of blues and traditional jazz textures and, as always, a very intentional nod to Eric's gospel roots. "This album is an extension of the Songs From The Deep record in a sense. I made a conscious effort to build on what I did with that project compositionally and maintain the same kind of vibe. Musically, it just felt like a good place to explore a while longer."
Even though STRiDE does not directly have Eric's southern upbringing in the forefront conceptually for this record, the influences and the sound are still essential ingredients in the mix. "Some things will always be buried in every note I play and those down home elements that are inherent in my playing, are never going away. I gave up trying be someone other than myself 22 years ago and learned to embrace who I am as a guitarist and an artist. I haven't looked back."
STRiDE has several uptempo standout's with "Steady", "Coming Home To You", "The Light" and the title track leading the pack. However, the ballads "Until We All Are Free", "Slow And Easy" and the beautiful 6/8 time, "Inside Out" (featuring flutist Claudia Hayden and a brilliant synth solo by Grammy winner, Phil Davis), are compelling vehicles for some of Eric's best guitar work on the session.
"I'm not done yet," Eric says. "In fact, when the last record was so well received, I felt I was starting to hit my 'stride' again with my audience and my music. It really inspired me to keep going and I am excited to see how this new album will resonate with listeners."
CHRIS GODBER IS ‘DREAMIN’’
Unless you’ve been living off the grid the last several years, it’d be hard not to have heard the addictive melodies of soulful saxophonist, Chris Godber.
Since his emerging record, Starting Over in 2015, he’s brought us several chart-topping hits such as "Rain", "Chill", "Momentum", "Vibin’" and "West Coast Soul". His latest release "Dreamin’" stems from his latest highly acclaimed West Coast Soul EP. This slow jam will take you on a tranquil journey with its lush pads, dreamy guitar and sultry tenor sax. You will find yourself in that happy place we all go to from time to time; that daydream to escape the chaos of the daily grind. Don’t sleep on Godber’s new track though, this is one you don’t want to miss!
"Dreamin'"
Written by Christopher Joel Godber (BMI) & Caleb Middleton (BMI)
Publishing: Chris Godber Music (BMI)
Produced by Caleb Middleton
Chris Godber - Tenor Sax
Caleb Middleton - Keys, pads, drums & bass
Jordan Love - Guitar
NEW SINGLE ‘REJUVENATE’ FROM BOB BALDWIN
Bob Baldwin is an American pianist/composer/arranger/radio host/inventor. The Mt. Vernon, NY native has recorded on six of the seven inhabitable continents, and while Antarctica is not on his recording bucket list, his short international list, including Dubai, Brazil, South Africa, Spain, UK, Canada, is quite impressive. "Whether it's a massive festival crowd of 30,000 or an intimate restaurant audience of less than 60, I refuse to rob my audience of great music, top-notch effort and a good personal experience", says Baldwin.
He’s been coined by industry peers as the “Ray Charles of Contemporary Jazz”, having owned all but seven of his 34 solo recordings. He claims that ownership has helped to sustain him throughout the pandemic era.
His 'theme' projects of Stevie Wonder (MelloWonder/Songs in the Key of Stevie), Thom Bell (Betcha By Golly Wow), and Michael Jackson (Never Can Say Goodbye) have all charted mightily on the Billboard Jazz charts, all hitting in the top 15.
Wedding his many talents to a fierce streak of conscious independence, Bob Baldwin sees himself as more than just an artist but a human being in control of his destiny and with a legacy of artistic benevolence to pass on.
CONGRATS TO BOB BALDWIN FOR BEST CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ALBUM AT THE JAZZ MUSIC AWARDS (STAY AT HOME SERIES, VOL. 1)
"Rejuvenate"
Produced by Bob Baldwin
Mastering: Steve Hall
Bob Baldwin - Piano, keyboards, bass, drums, vocals
Dennis Johnson - Drum programming
GET ON BOARD! HONEY CONE RETURNS TO THE SOUL TRAIN CRUISE
The first act ever to perform on the iconic television series eager to be busy bees in 2023.
LOS ANGELES (17 January 2023): When Billboard hitmakers Honey Cone sets sail later this month aboard the hippest ship on the sea, the Soul Train Cruise, it continues a legacy between the R&B/soul vocal group and the landmark television series that dates back over fifty years.
Honey Cone was riding high after scoring back-to-back Billboard No. 1 singles, “Want Ads” and “Stick Up,” when Soul Train debuted in 1971. The show’s creator and host Don Cornelius booked the award-winning trio to perform on the very first episode of the series. Although the show ended production in 2006, Honey Cone reestablished their relationship with the brand in 2014 by performing on the Soul Train Cruise. After a sweet year that included concert dates from Hollywood to Atlantic City and from the Rose Bowl to the Hard Rock Café, Honey Cone readies to return to play the tenth anniversary Soul Train Cruise that sails January 29 through February 5.
Original Honey Cone member Shelly Clark-White, who was in Chicago for the first Soul Train appearance, leads the group today. She’s joined by Kathy Merrick and Wendy Smith-Brune. Honey Cone will be backed by a band consisting of Earth, Wind & Fire’s drummer John Paris, guitarist Romeo Brune and musical director/bassist Tony Boyd.
“We're blessed and honored to once again set it on fire on the Soul Train Cruise just as Honey Cone did in 2014. We're always treated like royalty on the cruise because they constantly run the original television footage of us on all the monitors since we were the very first artists to perform on Soul Train along with Gladys Knight and Pips,” said Clark-White, who was inducted into the Soul Music Hall of Fame with Honey Cone in 2021.
In addition to performing their chart-topping, gold-selling hits and fans favorites from their catalogue produced by the legendary team of Brian Holland-Lamont Dozier-Eddie Holland, including “Want Ads,” “Stick Up,” “While You’re Out Looking for Sugar,” “Girls, It Ain’t Easy,” “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show” and “The Day I Found Myself,” Honey Cone plies their magic to reimagine vintage R&B/pop hits by artists such as Beyonce, Donna Summer, Teena Marie, The Emotions, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Last year, Honey Cone sold out Herb Albert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz, performed at the VIP-heavy Rose Bowl Party of the Century 100 Gala; the distinguished Heroes and Legends Awards, and at the fifteenth annual Classic R&B Music Festival. They’ll be back at Vibrato in April and will continue in the recording studio on work that began last year with the PWP production team that consists of Earth, Wind & Fire’s Verdine White, Paris and Neal Pogue. A national concert tour is in the planning stages. But first, rehearsals are currently underway for the Soul Train Cruise.
“This cruise will be special to each of us. Something fun and different that we are really looking forward to is hosting the Soul Train Cruise annual wine tasting event. We thank Tony Cornelius for inviting Honey Cone to take part,” said Clark-White, who collected awards for Honey Cone from the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers, Rhythm & Blues Music Society, and a Heroes and Legends Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more information, please visit www.honeycone.biz.
RODNEY GREENE – ‘NO STOPPIN’’
Although Rodney Greene has been around for awhile, he is finally coming into his own and getting some well deserved recognition in the music industry. Rodney has produced and released two Smooth Jazz album projects to date, “Nice n Slow”, and “Meditation of My Heart”.
Rodney is currently working on his third album which is scheduled for release in June 2023. Rodney has released a single off the album “Real Close” which features Billboard's Smooth Jazz chart topping Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner who is a musical icon in his own right. The song made the Smooth Jazz charts for 16 consecutive weeks. Rodney has now scheduled his second single off the album titled "No Stoppin’", which is sassy with an uptempo rhythmic groove and is sure to get you moving!
Rodney joined several rock, Latin, and R&B cover bands as a bass player and fill-in keyboardist playing the local club scene. "Playing other people’s music was great and all but I wanted to express my own artistic creativity and began writing and recording my own music".
As child of the “Old School” music era, "I grew up listening to a variety of R&B artists including EWF Earth, Wind, & Fire”, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Maze, Anita Baker, and so many others".
"As the years progressed, I really began to gravitate to more contemporary gospel and smooth jazz music. These two types of musical genres always provided with me a sense of love, inner peace, and always gave me a positive outlook on life". - Rodney Greene
WAKANA HAS A ‘SUNNY DAY’
Japanese saxophonist WaKaNa debuted in the United States with her first solo album Saxcess Story, produced by Greg Manning in 2018.
She released “Go for the Sound feat. Darren Rahn & Koh Mr. Saxman, produced by Darren Rahn in 2020 and “SilK”, produced by Greg Manning in 2021. "Go for the Sound" got airplay throughout the United States, and reached the Smooth Jazz airplay charts. She also actively performs in various countries around the world, including a performance at a festival hosted by Los Angeles saxman Michael Paulo, and performed at her own live show in San Diego.
WaKaNa is one of the top Smooth Jazz sax players in Japan. Her new single "A Sunny Day" is co-written and produced by Greg Manning.
"A Sunny Day"
Written By Greg Manning and WaKaNa
Saxophone - WaKaNa
Keys, programming, mix - Greg Manning
Guitar: Kay-Ta Matsuno
ROMAN STREET FT. BRYAN MORRIS – ‘KEY TO PARADISE’
Internationally trained brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street, Alabama Gulf Coast's own nationally touring contemporary jazz artists. This brotherly jam session developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band with several top 25 Billboard hits and five albums. Many have dubbed them 'the next generation' of Jazz Fusion. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres.
Roman Street, named for an old roman street in the Alps, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres.
The new single "Key To Paradise" marks the first songwriting collaboration of the Thompson brothers and their long-time drummer, Bryan Morris.
GINO ROSARIA FT. JASON JACKSON – ‘TAKE IT UPTOWN’
Gino Rosaria, born and raised in Curaçao and now residing in Florida, has made his debut into the contemporary jazz scene with a billboard charting album “Still Waters Run Deep”. His CD release was a sold out show which left the crowd asking for more! Gino has performed for years as a sideman for artists such as Adam Hawley, Althea Rene, Karen Briggs, Kim Scott, Julian Vaughn, Blake Aaron, Cindy Bradley, and many more. Gino has won several competitions and awards such as the Akademia Music Award for best Funk/Fusion with his Groove Symphony project. Gino has also performed numerous times on national television and on major jazz festivals. Gino recently toured Europe performing his show and has already been asked to return for festivals next year.
Gino’s music can be heard on jazz stations all over the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, and many more. Gino's last single Ride Along featuring Judah Sealy topped at #12 on the Billboard top 30 chart. Gino's next album "Don't Stop Now" will be released on February 13, 2023. That album will feature artists such as Marcus Anderson, Jeff Ryan, Judah Sealy, Wakana, Jazmin Ghent, and Jason Jackson.
“I knew it was time for me to step out as a solo artist. I’ve been putting it off for a long time and playing with other artists. I have some good material to release to the world. Because of my Caribbean and Latin roots, I think I have something special to offer musically. I don’t know how to explain it except by showing it through my music. My time has come to step out onto that stage, not as a sideman, but as Gino Rosaria, The Pianist.” ~ Gino Rosaria
"Take It Uptown"
Written by Gino Rosaria & Adam Hawley
Piano - Gino Rosaria
Sax - Jason Jackson (Featured)
Guitar and Sequencing - Adam Hawley
Drums - Eric Valentine
SINGER-SONGWRITER CONNOR SELBY ONTHULT LYRIC VIDEO VOOR ‘THE DEEP END’
Credit Rob Blackham
Van het nieuwe album 'Connor Selby (Deluxe Edition)'
Release: 3 maart 2023 Via Provogue / Mascot Label Group
Pre-order the Deluxe album here:
https://lnk.to/ConnorSelby
Bekijk ook de video voor "I Shouldn't Care"
https://youtu.be/DYi2t3k7T0Y
De jonge Britse troubadour Connor Selby heeft de songtekstvideo voor het nieuwe nummer 'The Deep End' onthuld, die je hier kunt bekijken. Het nummer is afkomstig van zijn aankomende titelloze deluxe-editiealbum, dat op 3 maart zal worden uitgebracht via Provogue/Mascot Label Group.
Over het nieuwe nummer zegt Connor: “The Deep End is een manier geweest om mezelf te vertellen dat je in het leven soms dapper moet zijn en risico's moet nemen om te krijgen wat je wilt. Als ik mijn zinnen op een taak zet, kan ik er behoorlijk obsessief over zijn, en ik denk dat dit lied gewoon een manier was om die gevoelens te funnelen. Zoals de meeste van mijn liedjes, is het opgebouwd rond het raamwerk van een relatie en de hoofdrolspeler is verliefd op een meisje dat net uit een relatie is gekomen, en hij wil niets liever dan bij haar zijn. Hij houdt zichzelf voor dat veel mensen vóór hem de fout hebben gemaakt om geen risico te nemen en dat dit de enige manier is om te krijgen wat hij wil. Ik zou niet zeggen dat dit nummer autobiografisch is, maar het is zeker geïnspireerd door gebeurtenissen in mijn leven.”
Hij wordt gezien als een van de grootste opkomende talenten in de Britse bluesscene. De afgelopen drie opeenvolgende jaren (2020, 2021, 2022) is hij verkozen tot "Young Artist of the Year" tijdens de UK Blues Awards. Hij heeft een indrukwekkende lijst van shows achter zich, waaronder Wembley Stadium, waar hij in juli 2019 opende voor The Who en in Hyde Park, Londen, stond hij op het affiche samen met niemand minder dan Pearl Jam, Stereophonics en Johnny Marr in de zomer van 2022.
Opgegroeid in een dorp in Essex, heeft hij in zijn jeugd op meerde plekken van de wereld geleefd. Van zijn vroege jaren in Connecticut, VS, tot aan Dubai van zijn tiende tot veertiende jaar, om vervolgens weer terug te keren in Essex.
Een ding dat hem bijbleef, was zijn ontluikende liefde voor Amerikaanse rootsmuziek. "Ik raakte niet alleen geïnteresseerd in de muziek zelf, maar ook in de geschiedenis en alles eromheen", zegt hij. "Ik wilde zoveel mogelijk leren en luisteren. Ik denk dat het belangrijk is dat iemand die niet van die culturele achtergrond is, het met het respect behandelt dat het verdient. Je kunt de muziek niet scheiden van de historische context."
"Ik hou van de directheid, de eenvoud en aardsheid ervan", voegt hij eraan toe. "Ik hou echt van hoe down-to-earth; het is zowel tekstueel als muzikaal. Ik denk dat het bij de blues fundamenteel gaat over zeer basale menselijke emoties. Dingen als verdriet en trots en het verkennen van de manier waarop we omgaan met alledaagse situaties en problemen. Ik heb me ook altijd aangetrokken gevoeld tot de gezaghebbende kwaliteit van de muziek. Als kind en tiener was ik nogal verlegen en niet erg zelfverzekerd, dus ik denk dat het een plek voor mij was om een gevoel van macht te vinden."
Hij heeft onlangs de officiële video uitgebracht voor "I Shouldn't Care", een nummer over relaties via spijt en woede, ook afkomstig van het aanstaande album. Het album werd oorspronkelijk in eigen beheer uitgebracht in 2021 en wordt opnieuw uitgebracht met vier nieuwe bonusnummers op Provogue. Zijn muziek heeft iets tijdloos melancholisch. Herkenbaar in zijn eerlijkheid en openheid, put hij uit angst en kwetsbaarheid, maar levert het met een verfijnde elegantie.
De sky is the limit voor Selby, die, naast prijzen, talloze rotaties op BBC Radio 2 heeft vergaard. Het is gemakkelijk te begrijpen waarom met zijn soulvolle mix van blues en zijn emotioneel introspectieve songwriting naast zijn indrukwekkende gitaarspel. De liedjes op 'Connor Selby' zijn kleine vignetten van de verschillende muziekstijlen die hem inspireren.
Track listing
1. I Can't Let You Go
2. Falling In Love Again
3. If You're Gonna Leave Me
4. Emily
5. The Man I Ought To Be
6. Hear My Prayer
7. Show Me A Sign
8. Anyhow
9. Waitin' On The Day
10. Starting Again
11. I Shouldn't Care (Bonus Track)
12. Love Letter To The Blues (Bonus Track)
13. My Baby Don't Dig Me (Bonus Track)
14. The Deep End (Bonus Track)
JESSE MALIN - 'DOWNLINER (AFTERGLOW VERSION)' – NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED/RE-RECORDED EDITION OF DEBUT ALBUM
JESSE MALIN 2022 | photo by Ilaria Conte
JESSE MALIN
DOWNLINER
(AFTERGLOW VERSION)
new single
out 13.01.23
(One Little Independent)
digital services
re-recorded version of song included on
THE FINE ART OF SELF DESTRUCTION
(20th Anniversary expanded edition)
2xLP | digital
out 17.02.23
inc. bonus LP of the entire album reimagined and re-recorded
pre-order/save
also includes the singles
RIDING ON THE SUBWAY ’22
digital services
XMAS, etc
video | digital services
BROOKLYN (WALT WHITMAN IN THE TRASH)
video | digital services
ALBUM REVIEW QUOTES - ORIGINAL RELEASE
“Malin writes vivid songs with killer tunes and sings them with scary conviction. There is simply nothing more you can demand from a great rock record *****”
THE TIMES
“Malin has the knack of plundering classics and hammering them into something white-hot and very personal. A giant leap ****”
GUARDIAN
“An instant classic (Album of the Month)”
UNCUT
“Beautiful heartbreaking tunes and elegant twists”
VILLAGE VOICE
“A solo debut on a par with vintage Springsteen”
INTERVIEW
Released in 2003, ‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’ was the debut album by New York based singer-songwriter Jesse Malin. “It wasn’t named for drug or alcohol abuse,” explains Malin. “It was more about a personal wreckage when I looked back on my life, from my parents' divorce to failed relationships, broken up bands, dropping out of school, crashing cars, breaking things. It was more of a spiritual journey in some sense. This record is definitely one of my favourites.”
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, ‘The Fine Art Of Self Destruction’ will be reissued on 17th February 2023 in expanded form with a bonus disc of the album reimagined and re-recorded with Malin’s longtime band. The bonus material was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who worked on Jesse’s recent ‘Sunset Kids’ and ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ releases.
The new recording of the album song ‘Downliner’ re-entitled ‘Downliner (Afterglow Version)’ is available as a single from today. Malin explains that “it was one of the first songs I wrote for the original album and it kinda came out in one shot. I felt like I was going into something new after being in a loud band years and it is about finding a way to stay afloat when you feel like you're drowning. The new version was spontaneous and fun to sing to, with basic piano chords and cool fake drums giving it a sparse and dark vibe. It has given it new life, but still retained the sadness and maybe even the hope that the original offered me.”
Following his teenage years in the pioneering hardcore band Heart Attack and his 20s fronting the wild and beloved D Generation, Malin took a cue from his songwriting heroes and was ready for a chance to stand alone. His solo debut was recorded over six days in New York City, live and raw.
“I was still learning how to sing and tell stories. These songs were written in a little apartment downtown, without a record deal, a manager, or any expectation of anything coming of it - just a need to write them.”
Malin arrives in the UK in mid-February for the start of a European tour to promote this reissue, before returning to New York to perform at Webster Hall, where his special guests will include Tommy Stinson (who also guests on the European dates), Lucinda Williams, Butch Walker, Cait O’Riordan (The Pogues), Catherine Popper, Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie), opener Fantastic Cat, with more surprises to be announced. The European tour dates are listed below.
THE FINE ART OF SELF DESTRUCTION
TRACKLISTING
1 Queen of the Underworld
2 TKO
3 Wendy
4 Downliner
5 Brooklyn
6 The Fine Art of Self Destruction
7 Riding On The Subway
8 High Lonesome
9 Solitaire
10 Almost Grown
11 Xmas
12 Cigarettes and Violets
13 Brooklyn (Walt Whitman in the Trash)
14 Riding on the Subway ’22
15 Downliner (Afterglow Version)
16 High Lonesome (PBR Vacation)
17 Cigarettes and Violets ’22
18 Almost Grown (Busker Version)
19 Solitaire (Song for Kelly Keller)
20 Queen of the Underworld (Cantina Version)
21 Xmas, etc.
ltd ed 2xLP
A1 Queen of the Underworld
A2 TKO
A3 Downliner
A4 Wendy
A5 Brooklyn
B1 The Fine Art of Self Destruction
B2 Riding On The Subway
B3 High Lonesome
B4 Solitaire
B5 Almost Grown
B6 Xmas
C1 Brooklyn (Walt Whitman in the Trash)
C2 Downliner (Afterglow Version)
C3 Solitaire (Song for Kelly Keller)
C4 Almost Grown (Busker Version)
D1 Queen of the Underworld (Cantina Version)
D2 Cigarettes and Violets ’22
D3 High Lonesome (PBR Vacation)
D4 Xmas, etc.
JESSE MALIN
UK / EUROPEAN TOUR 2023
15.02.23 GLASGOW Stereo tickets
16.02.23 MANCHESTER YES (The Pink Room) tickets
17.02.23 LONDON The Garage tickets
18.02.23 PARIS (FR) La Boule Noire tickets
19.02.23 UTRECHT (NL) dB's tickets
23.02.23 BERGAMO (IT) Druso tickets
24.02.23 RAVENNA (IT) Bronson tickets
25.02.23 MARENO DI PIAVE, TV (IT) Corner Live tickets
27.02.23 HAMBURG (DE) Nochtspeicher tickets
28.02.23 COPENHAGEN (DK) Hotel Cecil tickets
01.03.23 LUND (SE) Mejeriet tickets
02.03.23 STOCKHOLM (SE) Bar Brooklyn tickets
03.03.23 OSLO (NO) John Dee tickets
LEDFOOT & RONNI LE TEKRØ - 'EGO IN THE COFFIN' – BLUESY NEW SINGLE OUT 13.01.23
LEDFOOT & RONNI LE TEKRØ + musicians in the studio | photo by Cecilie Leganger
LEDFOOT &
RONNI LE TEKRØ
EGO IN THE COFFIN
new single
out 13.01.23
digital services
from the album
LIMITED EDITION LAVA LAMP
LP | CD | digital
out 24.03.23
(TBC Records)
pre-order/save
‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp’ is the intriguingly titled second collaboration between US Gothic blues artist Ledfoot and Norwegian guitar maestro Ronni Le Tekrø. Coming two years after their critically acclaimed 'A Death Divine’, it sees the duo joined by veteran producer/musician HP Gundersen and a crack team of further reinforcements on an album of shapeshifting Americana that nods to everyone from Bob Dylan to White Stripes.
Ledfoot (aka Tim Scott McConnell) states that “Ronni and I decided it was time to get serious and put a band together... AND WHAT A BAND! The result is ‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp‘....get ready for a wild ride.” Le Tekrø concurs, adding that “we have been digging deeper, exploring and uniting our different styles, while the production has been pushed into territory we have never been before. This album will take you to Twin Peaks. Let your ears take you above and below.”
Recorded over the course of a magical week at Studio Studio Nyhagen (owned by Le Tekrø), ‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp’ consists of four songs written by Ledfoot, four co-writes, plus a cover of ‘Sister’ from the Quincy Jones-helmed soundtrack of ‘The Color Purple’. The nine tracks see an inspired Ledfoot singing better than ever, while Le Tekrø's unique guitar skills find their natural home in the soundscape created with the aid of Gundersen (who also contributes guitar parts), Anders Odden (bass), Trond Augland (drums) and Markus O Klyve (keyboards).
‘Limited Edition Lava Lamp’ will be released on LP, CD and digital formats, plus a limited LP edition pressed on 180g lava lamp (orange) vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.
LEDFOOT
Born in Florida but based in Norway for many years, Ledfoot has been on something of a roll in recent years, having only just released the solo album ‘Coffin Nails’ (December 2022) as a follow-up to 2021’s Black Valley’, which was nominated for a Norwegian Grammy in the blues category. Its predecessor, 'White Crow’, was released just before ‘A Death Divine’ and won the same award in 2019, a year that also saw him write most of the music for the hit Norwegian TV series ‘Exit’ and act as a mafia hitman in the show.
Adopting the stage name Ledfoot in 2007, he had actually begun his musical career at the age of 15 as Tim Scott and had major deals in the 1980s-‘90s that included solo albums on Sire, Geffen and Warners and a further record on Elektra as frontman of The Havalinas sandwiched between the latter two of these.
One of his early songs was covered by Sheena Easton on her 1984 US smash album ‘A Private Heaven’ and released as a spin-off single. while three decades later Bruce Springsteen covered his 'High Hopes' and made it the opening song and title track of his eighteenth studio album.
RONNI LE TEKRO
Ronni Le Tekrø is a guitar legend in his home territory. Founder and leader of the ongoing Norwegian hard rock institution TNT while still in his teens, but also a regular collaborator with esteemed jazz guitarist/composer and compatriot Terje Rypdal (ECM Records has issued several albums by the pair), he is renowned for his unique playing style and has often been ranked among the world's best guitarists regardless of genre. Le Tekrø has also released several solo records, with the most recent being 'Bigfoot TV' in 2022.
LIMITED EDITION LAVA LAMP
TRACKLISTING
1 Little Rosie
2 Crying
3 The Ego In The Coffin
4 You Should Know How Hard IT Is
5 Never Use Your Eyes
6 Sailor
7 Limited Edition Lava Lamp
8 Sister
9 This Hurtful Game
Produced by HP Gundersen
Engineered and Mixed by Kjartan Hesthagen
Mastered by Winter Lazerus
MUSICIANS
Ledfoot - vocals, guitar
Ronni Le Tekrø - guitar
Anders Odden - bass
Trond Augland - drums
Markus O Klyve - keyboards
HP Gundersen - guitar
LEDFOOT facebook
RONNI LE TEKRØ facebook
DAVID MARGAM PRESENTS HIS NEW SINGLE ‘IMMUNE’
“Immune” is the perfectly sparkling new gem from multi-talented guitarist/songwriter David Margam one of the leading pioneers of the Smooth Jazz and Funk genres in Spain! Delivering an exhilarating and refreshing vibe, “Immune” is the new single for 2023, the title of his debut album, which is in its final mixing phase, scheduled for release in the coming months.
"Immune" is the new composition by David Margam produced by the Cuban pianist and producer Carlos Camilo who provides some stimulating piano arrangements that raise the level of the song to a higher state with a catchy and seductive melody, the collaboration of the Spanish guitarist Andrés García on Spanish guitar brings great sensitivity to this relaxing and uplifting new piece of music. Without a doubt, a great start to the year for guitarist David Margam who finished last year in the TOP20 of the most listened to guitarists of 2022 through the Smooth Jazz Universe platform.
Guitarist David Margam is a Spanish musician from the new generation of Contemporary Jazz, known as much for his affable personality and generous spirit as for his musical taste. Born in Granada, Spain, he attributes his musical career to having worked with some incredible musicians from around the world.
Title: IMMUNE
ISRC: usl4r2155825
Co-written: David Margam & Carlos Camilo
Produced: Carlos Camilo
Programming and Arrangements: Carlos Camilo
Guitar: David Margam
Piano: Carlos Camilo
Spanish guitar: Andrés García
Record Label: Dr.Funk Productions
Communication agency: Smooth Jazz Universe
Recorded between Granada (Spain) and Miami/Florida (US)
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ GUITARIST LES SABLER SOARS TO LOFTY HEIGHTS ON NEW ALBUM
Grammy winner Paul Brown produced “Flying High,” which drops February 3.
NASHVILLE (12 January 2023): When two-time Grammy-winning producer Paul Brown (George Benson, Larry Carlton, Norman Brown, Boney James, Kirk Whalum) agreed to produce contemporary jazz guitarist Les Sabler’s “Tranquility” album, it led to a transformational project by the fretman. With Brown at the helm, Sabler hit a new creative zenith on that 2021 album. For his ninth album, Sabler reunited with Brown to record “Flying High,” which is slated to arrive on February 3 from New Vista Records.
Brown’s fingerprints are all over “Tranquility.” His suggestion that Sabler get a vintage 1967 Gibson Johnny Smith guitar reshaped the guitarist’s sound, inspiring his best performances. Bringing in songwriters Shane Theriot (Hall & Oates, Dr. John, Neville Brothers) and Lew Laing (Norman Brown, Marion Meadows, Raheem DeVaughn) to write songs with him equipped Sabler with richly melodic material incorporating an array of jazz, R&B, funk and pop nuances. The teaming proved to be transcendent, ushering Sabler into the number one spot on the Mediabase chart with the gorgeous and graceful nylon stringed “Esselle’s Dance,” which also hit number five on the Billboard chart. The compelling collection, along with the impassioned and nimble guitarwork featured within, led to Sabler being profiled in Vintage Guitar magazine.
“I’m at the top of my game, hitting my creative stride on the last album (“Tranquility”). ‘Flying High’ takes it to another level,” said Sabler who reassembled the same team for the new disc.
Actually, Sabler added one key figure to the “Flying High” creative outfit. It was brought to Sabler’s attention that Abbey Road Studios mastering engineer Geoff Pesche named “Tranquility” as his favorite album of 2021. That spurred Sabler to invite Pesche to master “Flying High” in the iconic studio made famous by The Beatles.
With Brown back in the producer’s chair and cowriting all seven original songs for “Flying High,” Sabler again finds himself keeping frequent company with Theriot (keyboards, rhythm guitar, bass, drum programming), who cowrote five tunes on the new offering, including the album opener, “Over The Top,” a cool and confident midtempo mood-setter that gets an assist from Greg Vail’s whimsical flute.
Exemplifying self-assurance, Sabler stretches his artistic muse on the searing “Compared To What,” a jam recorded by jazz pianist Les McCann and saxophonist Eddie Harris at the famed Montreux Jazz Festival in 1969. In addition to Sabler’s incendiary finger work, this version burns via the firepower of keyboardist Marco Basci, trumpeter Ron King, and Vail’s sax over percolating rhythms cooked up by drummer Joel Taylor, bassist Travis Carlton, and percussionist Lenny Castro.
“I’ve been a fan of McCann’s for decades and was fortunate to meet and spend some time with the legend at the 1990 JazzTimes convention in New Orleans. As luck had it, they put us in adjacent hotel rooms,” Sabler recalled fondly.
Laing (keyboards, bass, drum programming) and Sabler pushed the limits with the single “Keep Pushin’” for “Tranquility,” and their reunion bodes to be equally luminous. “Moonlight” builds on their chemistry as Sabler’s sinewy electric guitar beams amidst the shimmering track.
The title cut ascends on its rousing chorus launched by a Gorden Campbell drum groove. Sabler defers to the warmth of his nylon stringed guitar on “Old Friends,” despite fostering a sense of exotic adventure. “New Bossa,” a multicultural amalgam powered by a vibrantly animate melody, is Sabler’s latest single to instantly dance onto the SiriusXM Watercolors playlist and has begun its ascent of three national jazz charts simultaneously.
Venturing into standards territory, Sabler interprets Academy Award-winning “The Windmills Of Your Mind” from 1968’s “The Thomas Crown Affair” as a somber and sultry staccato Latin groove, using his nylon string guitar to emote eloquently and exchange elegant banter with Lou Pomanti’s (Michael Bublé, Gordon Lightfoot) keyboard poetics. Sabler credits Dusty Springfield’s version as his influence.
Sabler’s inspiration for another modern classic, “Summer In The City,” came from a version Quincy Jones recorded in 1973. Sabler’s reimagination is steamy and creates tension like The Lovin’ Spoonful’s original, but the guitarist is buttressed by a robust horn arrangement that includes Vail’s bellowing saxophone. After, “Soft and Smooth” dials down the intensity. Despite the slower, more deliberate cadence, Sabler’s loquacious guitar licks leap to the fore in a lyrical repartee.
“Double Jeopardy” is seductive, mysterious and alluring, highlighted by Sabler’s nylon string overtures and King’s soulful trumpet coos. Sabler pays homage to one of his influences, guitar legend Kenny Burrell, on “A Child Is Born,” which closes the collection. Burrell recorded the Thad Jones gem in 1971.
“This arrangement differs from the original 3/4-meter as it is performed in straight 4/4, however, it retains the expressive flavor of the beautiful composition,” said Sabler.
A native of Montreal who makes his home in Nashville, Sabler recorded the score for a Canadian Television Network documentary about the lost treasures of the Titanic in 1989, seeding the release his debut album, “Hidden Treasure,” the following year. His catalogue boasts collaborations with Grammy winners Jeff Lorber, Vinnie Colaiuta and Jerry Hey as well as Grammy nominees Brian Bromberg, Eric Marienthal, Richard Elliot and Alex Acuna. Sabler earned a Jazz Artist of the Year nomination from the Canadian Indie Awards while his albums have been nominated multiple times for Album of the Year by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, which also honored him twice as a Guitarist of the Year nominee. On stage, Sabler has headlined or opened for artists such as Lorber, Elliot, Spyro Gyra, Michael Lington and Diane Schuur.
“Flying High” contains the following songs:
“Over The Top”
“Compared To What”
“Moonlight”
“Flying High”
“Old Friends”
“New Bossa”
“The Windmills Of Your Mind”
“Summer In The City”
“Soft and Smooth”
“Double Jeopardy”
“A Child Is Born”
For more information, please visit https://lessabler.net.
BRITSE GITARIST JEFF BECK OVERLEDEN
De Britse gitarist Jeff Beck is gisteren op 78-jarige leeftijd overleden. Zijn familie laat in een verklaring weten dat Jeff is overleden aan een hersenvliesontsteking. De in Wallington geboren Beck werd bij het grote publiek bekend in 1965 als vervanger van Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds, de band waar later ook gitarist Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) deel van uitmaakte. Hij speelde tot dan toe in de band The Tridents, die het niet verder had gebracht dan veel optredens en enkele demo's. Beck maakte bij The Yardbirds grote indruk met zijn voor die tijd vooruitstrevende geluidseffecten als distortion en feedback, die goed te horen zijn op de Yardbirds-hits ‘Heart Full Of Soul’ (1965) en ‘Shapes Of Things’ (1966). Na zijn jaren bij de rockband vond Beck zichzelf opnieuw uit en ontwikkelde hij zijn eigen stijl. Die laat zich het best omschrijven als een combinatie van blues, jazz en rock-'n-roll. De gitaarvirtuoos stond bekend om zijn improvisatievermogen en het gebruik van de whammy bar, waarmee op de elektrische gitaar geluiden kunnen worden vervormd. Begin 1967 formeerde hij zijn eigen Jeff Beck Group met bassist Ron Wood (uit The Birds), drummer Ainsley Dunbar (uit John Mayall's Bluesbreakers) en zanger Rod Stewart (uit Steampacket). Voordat de eerste single was opgenomen was Dunbar al vervangen door Micky Waller. Producer Mickie Most wilde van Beck een popidool maken en liet hem (ondanks de aanwezigheid van Stewart) leadzingen op de eerste twee 'commerciële' singles. De eerste, ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’, werd een internationale hit. Becks geschiedenis daarna was er een van vallen en opstaan. De ene formatie volgde de andere op en Beck zocht meer en meer de kant van de jazzrock en fusion. In 1972 speelde hij mee op de elpee ‘Talking Book’ van Stevie Wonder, waarvan Beck later ‘Superstition’ zou coveren met Beck, Bogert & Appice (de band die hij in 1969 had willen oprichten met Stewart, die inmiddels succes had met zijn solo-lp's en met de band The Faces). Eind jaren zeventig speelde Beck veelvuldig met grootheden als Jan Hammer en Stanley Clarke. Jeff Beck won acht Grammy Awards en werd twee keer opgenomen in de Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: een keer met The Yardbirds in 1992 en eenmaal als soloartiest in 2009. Hij staat vijfde op de lijst met de honderd beste gitaristen aller tijden van ‘Rolling Stone Magazine’. Jeff Beck ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
SOUL-JAZZ VETERAN BRIAN THOMAS READY TO DROP HIS GROOVY DEBUT ALBUM
“On The Bone,” releasing January 27, features original compositions by the trombonist in a retro organ trio setting along with special guests.
BOSTON (10 January 2023): One could argue that “On The Bone” is trombonist Brian Thomas’s eleventh album. However, the collection of soul, jazz and funk arriving January 27 is the first issued under his own name, hence it’s a debut album from a veteran of more than twenty years. Thomas produced the set comprised entirely of original compositions brought to life in the company of an organ trio and rhythm section recorded in the studio live by Soulive’s Alan Evans, who also mixed and mastered the vintage jazz-funk project.
Thomas’s vibrant stage presence and distinctive funky style are on full display whenever he performs, energy that he brought to the “On The Bone” date.
“These songs are an accurate representation of what you would hear if you came to one of my shows. My music is very much inspired by soul, jazz and funk from the 1960s and 70s, and aims to make people feel good, tap their feet, bob their head and/or get up and dance. With the exception of the guest sax player overdubs, all of these songs were recorded live in a very old-school way,” said Thomas who spotlights two saxophonists on the project, alto player Scott Mayo and tenor Mike Tucker.
The core musicians who joined Thomas on the album are Darby Wolf on Hammond B3 organ, guitarist Johnny Trama, drummer Tom Arey, and percussionist Yahubu Garcia-Torres.
“I have been working with this crew of musicians in many different settings for nearly two decades and have formed incredible relationships with them on and off the bandstand. I handpicked this crew to bring these blues-based compositions to life as each of them have spent their lives studying and performing roots, blues, jazz and soul music with the best in the business. Each song on the album delivers a deep groove, funky pocket and space for each musician to share their voice,” Thomas stated.
There’s a hip, smoky nightclub vibe to “On The Bone,” which is heard from the start. “Turn On” sets the stage with gritty and gravely drums, storming organ swatches, crisp and clean electric jazz guitar licks and elastic basslines. While the entire lineup is granted a chance to step forward to solo, the banter between Thomas’s trombone and Mayo’s swinging, soul-powered sax is what captivates. The two musicians knew each other from their hometown, Rochester, NY, and both have a special connection to the composition’s author. Mayo, who has performed on television’s “The Voice” and toured with Earth, Wind & Fire, and Thomas were mentored by the late educator and woodwind specialist Roger Eckers.
A relentless, hyperkinetic beat drives “Orange Tape,” the first of five tunes penned by Thomas. Again, the trombonist sits back to give each member of the unit a chance to rip a solo.
“The song title is inspired from a childhood memory of riding in my dad’s car and seeing him pop in an orange cassette tape that I loved. At the time, I had no idea who it was, but it was so burning! Turns out it was an album from tenor sax player Willis Jackson backed by an organ trio led by Groove Holmes. It is my earliest memory of being inspired by soul-jazz and certainly shaped my playing and composition style. This tune is a way to thank my father for exposing me to all the soulful music that makes me who I am as a musician today,” recalled Thomas fondly.
Thomas wrote the title track in the studio with James Brown & The J.B.’s in mind.
“Brown’s horn players, (trombonist) Fred Wesley and (saxophonist) Maceo Parker, the latter who I had the opportunity to play with a handful of times, have been musical mentors my entire life and this tune reflects that. We jammed on it for a few minutes, and we literally came up with the melody and form during that jam session and hit the record button!” said Thomas, who later invited another longtime friend, Tucker, to play sax on the joint.
Sunny, smiley and laid-back chill pervade the spirit-lifting “Just A Glimpse.” Thomas attributes the feel to listening to South African trumpet great Hugh Masekela. The trombone deftly carries the sweet melody while taking on lyrical qualities.
“The original idea and chord progression for this tune came on a night when we were having a blue moon in the sky. I was messing around on the piano and suddenly remembered to go outside and check it out. Unfortunately, it was too cloudy, and I was only able to catch ‘a glimpse’ so I went back inside and finished writing the melody,” said the Boston-based Thomas who has a busy concert calendar of shows in Massachusetts and New Hampshire over the next couple of months in support of the new album, including a gig in Boston at the Beehive the day the record hits.
Conceived during his 2016 honeymoon, Thomas wrote “Bacudi Blues” at an Aruban resort. You can almost hear the breezy beach ambiance floating luxuriously amidst Wolf’s steamy organ and Thomas’s playful horn leads.
“I sang the melody and bassline into the voice notes on my phone and added it to my set when arriving back home. It is nice to finally get it recorded. It is a blues-based composition featuring solos by each band member.”
Available exclusively as a bonus track remix on Bandcamp, CD and perhaps one day on vinyl, “Check Your Intentions” was released a couple years ago as a digital single.
“The song’s title is a reminder to me - and hopefully the listener - to make sure actions match your intentions, and that your intentions are noble and righteous. It is another blues-based tune that I wrote while jamming with my then thirteen-year-old son during the early stages of the pandemic. In this era of digital distribution, I wanted to make sure this song was documented and shared on a hard copy,” said Thomas.
Thomas studied classical trombone and jazz improvisation at Ithaca College before earning a master’s degree in jazz composition at UMASS Amherst. He cowrote and coproduced albums in assorted configurations, including with Akashic Record, BT ALC Big Band and Duochrome. Passionate about writing, horn arranging and recording, Thomas thrives in the studio where he collaborates with musicians all over the world. Most recently, he contributed to projects by many of the artists on Evan’s Vintage League Music record label roster. Thomas is equally committed to education, teaching at clinics and masterclasses, and serving on staff at Canton High School where he directs four instrumental ensembles. This bodes to be a prolific year on record for Thomas who anticipates the release of BT ALC Big Band’s “Hearing The Truth” album later this year.
“On The Bone” contains the following songs:
“Turn On”
“Orange Tape”
“On The Bone”
“Just A Glimpse”
“Bacudi Blues”
“Check Your Intentions” (Bonus Track Remix)
For more information, please visit www.brianthomastrombone.com.
STAX RECORDS CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONIC WATTSTAX BENEFIT CONCERT WITH NEW RELEASES
New releases include ‘Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection’ (12-CD & Digital), ‘Wattstax: The Complete Concert’ (6-CD & 10-LP Formats), ‘The Best of Wattstax’ (1-CD & Digital), plus 2-LP reissues of original soundtrack releases ‘Wattstax: The Living Word Volumes 1 & 2’.
Featuring legendary artists Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, Carla Thomas, The Bar-Kays, Kim Weston, Albert King, Eddie Floyd and many more!
Unreleased version of Isaac Hayes iconic “Theme From Shaft – Live at Wattstax” available to stream/download now HERE
Los Angeles, CA (December 7, 2022) — Stax Records and Craft Recordings are proud to announce the release of multiple new titles paying homage to the iconic Wattstax Benefit Concert which took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 20th, 1972. ‘Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection’, ‘Wattstax: The Complete Concert’, and ‘The Best of Wattstax’, plus 2-LP reissues of the original soundtrack albums ‘Wattstax: The Living Word’ and ‘The Living Word: Wattstax 2’ will all be released on February 24 and are available for pre-order here today.
In celebration of the 1973 Columbia Pictures music documentary, Sony Pictures will re-release Wattstax at participating Alamo Drafthouse locations throughout the U.S. from February 24. To purchase tickets, click here.
Created in conjunction with the annual Watts Summer Festival to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Watts uprising in Los Angeles, the Wattstax benefit concert was attended by more than 100,000 people. It featured performances from Stax Records’ most popular artists of the time, including, but not limited to, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas and The Bar-Kays. These releases are the first complete audio collections of what Wattstax creator and then-President of Stax Records, Al Bell calls the “most jubilant celebration of African American music, culture, and values in American history.”
‘Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection’ is a 12-CD box set featuring the complete 1972 L.A. Memorial Coliseum concert plus recordings from the Summit Club, including 31 previously unreleased tracks across the collection. These recordings are housed in a folio with a 76-page, full-color book featuring an introduction by Wattstax creator Al Bell, and new essays by Rob Bowman and A. Scott Galloway. A previously unreleased version of the iconic soul funk anthem “Theme From Shaft” by the legendary Isaac Hayes from his headline set at Wattstax is available to stream and download here today.
‘Wattstax: The Complete Concert’ includes the full L.A. Memorial Coliseum concert and is available on both 6-CD and 10-LP formats. In addition to musical performances, it features all the speeches and other stage banter from the event, including event MC, the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s often referenced “I Am Somebody” speech. Both formats of this collection include the full-color book with introduction by Wattstax creator Al Bell, and essays by Rob Bowman and A. Scott Galloway that is also included in Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection.
A 1-CD title, ‘The Best of Wattstax’, brings together a handpicked selection of twenty of the best musical performances from the Wattstax concert. Including performances by Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, The Bar-Kays, Kim Weston, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Albert King, Eddie Floyd and more, and serves as a great introduction to the event and the many iconic artists that it featured.
Newly cut from the original analog tapes, reissues of the two original soundtrack albums ‘Wattstax: The Living Word’ and ‘The Living Word: Wattstax 2’—which feature highlights from the concert and subsequent documentary film—will also each be reissued on 2-LP formats on the same date.
On August 11, 1965, a 22-year-old Black man named Marquette Fry was pulled over by white police officers on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in the Watts community of Los Angeles, igniting the protests that would come to be known as the Watts Rebellion. This breaking point was spurred by the destitution of Watts residents, who had grown weary after decades of discrimination, lack of jobs with decent wages, and other forms of economic oppression, political isolation, poor schools, unfair housing practices, and the type of racial superiority that had long denied them their right to live happy, fulfilled lives.
In the South, during the same time, Stax Records President Al Bell witnessed angry white mobs, the intervention efforts of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, white children jumping out of school windows to avoid contact with the Black children, and the throwing of burning toilet paper on to the Black children.
In 1971, Bell set up a Stax satellite office in Los Angeles and regularly monitored the living situation in Watts and the positive changes in the community, or, more accurately, the lack thereof. It seemed the residents of Watts had lost all hope, like a people on the verge of suicide. They had resigned to accept the loss of the battle for basic acknowledgement and a fair quality of life. Bell knew something had to be done to change this and was certain that healing could be delivered through the power of music. Bell says, “I believed then that soul music is an art form born of the African American culture, and that Stax should support the people who supported us. I also wanted to garner more recognition for our roster of Southern Soul artists by taking them to Hollywood for a performance that no one would ever forget.”
The 2-LP soundtrack of the concert’s highlights ‘Wattstax: The Living Word’ was released several months after the benefit concert, selling more than 500,000 copies just weeks after its release. This was followed in 1973 by the Mel Stuart-directed concert film Wattstax, which features Richard Pryor as host and went on to be nominated for a Golden Globe® award for Best Documentary in 1974. In 2020, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Click here to pre-order or pre-save ‘Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection’ on 12-CD and digital formats, ‘Wattstax: The Complete Concert’ on 6-CD and 10-LP formats, ‘The Best of Wattstax’ 1-CD and digital formats, plus 2-LP reissues of original soundtrack releases ‘Wattstax: The Living Word Volumes 1 & 2’, and head to www.StaxRecords.com for exclusive Wattstax merchandise.
Soul’d Out: The Complete Wattstax Collection Tracklist
12-CD & Digital
DISC 1
Dale Warren & The Wattstax ’72 Orchestra – Salvation Symphony
Kim Weston – The Star Spangled Banner*
Tommy Jacquette & Jesse Jackson – Opening announcements
Kim Weston – Lift Every Voice and Sing
Melvin Van Peebles – We’re here to consecrate, not desecrate
The Staple Singers – Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom-Boom)
The Staple Singers – Are You Sure
The Staple Singers – I Like the Things About Me
The Staple Singers – Respect Yourself
The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There
DISC 2
Tommy Jacquette & Richard Roundtree – Wattstax Day proclamation
Jimmy Jones – Somebody Bigger Than You and I
Louise McCord – Better Get a Move On
Deborah Manning – Precious Lord Take My Hand
Eric Mercury – I Shall Not Be Moved*
Freddie Robinson – At the Drive-In*
Lee Sain – Them Hot Pants
Ernie Hines – What Would I Do*
Little Sonny – Wade in the Water
William Bell – I Forgot to Be Your Lover
The Newcomers – Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Eddie Floyd – Knock on Wood
The Temprees – Explain It to Her Mama
Frederick Knight – I’ve Been Lonely for So Long
The Golden 13 – Old Time Religion
William Bell – Al Bell Award presentation
The Rance Allen Group – Lying on the Truth
The Rance Allen Group – Up Above My Head
DISC 3
William Bell – David Porter introduction
The David Porter Show – Introduction
David Porter – Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
David Porter – Can’t See You When I Want To
David Porter – Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)
William Bell – The Bar-Kays introduction
The Bar-Kays – Son of Shaft/Feel It
The Bar-Kays – In the Hole
The Bar-Kays – I Can’t Turn You Loose
William Bell – Tommy Tate introduction
Tommy Tate – I Remember*
William Bell – Please move back to the stands
Tommy Tate – Help Me Love*
Tommy Tate – School of Life*
DISC 4
William Bell & John Kasandra – Carla Thomas introduction
Carla Thomas – Pick Up the Pieces
Carla Thomas – I Like What You’re Doing (To Me)
Carla Thomas – B-A-B-Y
Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz
Carla Thomas – I Have a God Who Loves
John KaSandra – Albert King introduction
Albert King – Match Box Blues
Albert King – Got to Be Some Changes Made
Albert King – I’ll Play the Blues for You
Albert King – Killing Floor
Albert King – Angel of Mercy
John KaSandra – Rufus Thomas introduction
John KaSandra & Rufus Thomas – Rufus Thomas entrance
Rufus Thomas – The Breakdown
John KaSandra & Rufus Thomas – Kindly go back to your seats
DISC 5
Rufus Thomas – Do the Funky Chicken
Rufus Thomas – Do the Funky Penguin
Jesse Jackson – I am, somebody
The Soul Children – I Don’t Know What This World Is Coming To
The Soul Children – Hearsay
John KaSandra, Fred Williamson & Jesse Jackson – Let us stand and raise our fists together
Billy Eckstine – If I Can Help Somebody*
Billy Eckstine – There is a curfew here
DISC 6
Jesse Jackson – Isaac Hayes introduction
Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft (Version 1) *
Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft (Version 2)
Isaac Hayes – Soulsville
Isaac Hayes – Never Can Say Goodbye
Isaac Hayes – Part-Time Love*
Isaac Hayes – Your Love Is So Doggone Good
Isaac Hayes – Ain’t No Sunshine/Lonely Avenue
Isaac Hayes – I Stand Accused
Jesse Jackson – Let everybody stand and join hands
Jimmy Jones – If I Had a Hammer
DISC 7: LIVE AT THE SUMMIT CLUB (September 23, 1972)
Rufus Thomas – Rufus Thomas introduction*
Rufus Thomas – Comedy Set*
Rufus Thomas – Night Time Is the Right Time*
DISC 8: LIVE AT THE SUMMIT CLUB (September 23, 1972)
Rufus Thomas – Johnnie Taylor introduction
Johnnie Taylor – Take Care of Your Homework (Set 1)
Johnnie Taylor – Little Bluebird (Set 1)
Johnnie Taylor – Steal Away (Set 1)
Johnnie Taylor – I Don’t Wanna Lose You (Set 1)
Johnnie Taylor – Jody’s Got Your Girl and Gone (Set 1) *
Johnnie Taylor – Who’s Making Love (Set 2)
Johnnie Taylor – Hello Sundown (Set 2)
Johnnie Taylor – Steal Away (Set 2)
Johnnie Taylor – Stop Doggin’ Me (Set 2)
Johnnie Taylor – Jody’s Got Your Girl and Gone (Set 2)
DISC 9: LIVE AT THE SUMMIT CLUB (September 29, 1972)
Sons Of Slum – Think (About It) *
Sons Of Slum – Respect*
Sons Of Slum – The Man*
Sons Of Slum – Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone/Dance to the Music/Music Lover/I Want to Take You Higher*
The Emotions – So I Can Love You
The Emotions – Blind Alley*
The Emotions – Introductions
The Emotions – Show Me How
The Emotions – When Tomorrow Comes*
The Emotions – I Could Never Be Happy*
DISC 10: LIVE AT THE SUMMIT CLUB (October 4, 1972)
Little Milton – Open the Door to Your Heart
Little Milton – Let Me Down Easy
Little Milton – Grits Ain’t Groceries (All Around the World)
Little Milton – Blind Man
Little Milton – I Can’t Quit You Baby
Little Milton – That’s What Love Will Make You Do
Little Milton – Walking the Back Streets and Crying
DISC 11: LIVE AT THE SUMMIT CLUB (October 4, 1972)
Mel & Tim – Introduction*
Mel & Tim – Warm It Up*
Mel & Tim – Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) *
Mel & Tim – Groovy Situation*
Mel & Tim – Good Guys Only Win in the Movies*
Mel & Tim – Backfield in Motion/Starting All Over Again*
Mel & Tim – Friendship Train*
DISC 12: ADDITIONAL RECORDINGS
The Emotions – Peace Be Still (Rehearsal)*
The Emotions – Peace Be Still (Take 1)*
The Emotions – Peace Be Still (Take 2)
Isaac Hayes – Rolling Down a Mountainside
Isaac Hayes – Rolling Down a Mountainside (Alternate Version) *
The Staple Singers – Oh La De Da
Eddie Floyd – Lay Your Loving on Me
The Dramatics – Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get
Mel & Tim – I May Not Be What You Want
Richard Pryor – Saturday Night/Blue Note, Backroom
Richard Pryor – Arrest/Line-Up
Richard Pryor – Niggers
Richard Pryor – Negroes
Richard Pryor – Handshake
Richard Pryor – Wino Get a Job
* = Previously Unreleased
Wattstax: The Complete Concert Tracklist
10-LP
SIDE A
1.Dale Warren & The Wattstax ’72 Orchestra – Salvation Symphony
SIDE B
Kim Weston – The Star Spangled Banner*
Tommy Jacquette & Jesse Jackson – Opening announcements
Kim Weston – Lift Every Voice and Sing
Melvin Van Peebles – We’re here to consecrate, not desecrate
SIDE C
The Staple Singers – Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom-Boom)
The Staple Singers – Are You Sure
The Staple Singers – I Like the Things About Me
The Staple Singers – Respect Yourself
The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There
SIDE D
Tommy Jacquette & Richard Roundtree – Wattstax Day proclamation
Jimmy Jones – Somebody Bigger Than You and I
Louise McCord – Better Get a Move On
Deborah Manning – Precious Lord Take My Hand
SIDE E
Eric Mercury – I Shall Not Be Moved*
Freddie Robinson – At the Drive-In*
Lee Sain – Them Hot Pants
Ernie Hines – What Would I Do*
Little Sonny – Wade in the Water
SIDE F
William Bell – I Forgot to Be Your Lover
The Newcomers – Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Eddie Floyd – Knock on Wood
The Temprees – Explain It to Her Mama
Frederick Knight – I’ve Been Lonely for So Long
The Golden 13 – Old Time Religion
SIDE G
William Bell – Al Bell Award presentation
The Rance Allen Group – Lying on the Truth
The Rance Allen Group – Up Above My Head
William Bell – David Porter introduction
SIDE H
The David Porter Show – Introduction
David Porter – Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
David Porter – Can’t See You When I Want To
David Porter – Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)
SIDE I
William Bell – The Bar-Kays Introduction
The Bar-Kays – Son of Shaft/Feel It
The Bar-Kays – In the Hole
The Bar-Kays – I Can’t Turn You Loose
SIDE J
William Bell – Tommy Tate introduction
Tommy Tate – I Remember*
William Bell – Please move back to the stands
Tommy Tate – Help Me Love*
Tommy Tate – School of Life*
SIDE K
William Bell & John Kasandra – Carla Thomas introduction
Carla Thomas – Pick Up the Pieces
Carla Thomas – I Like What You’re Doing (To Me)
Carla Thomas – B-A-B-Y
Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz
SIDE L
Carla Thomas – I Have a God Who Loves
John KaSandra – Albert King introduction
Albert King – Match Box Blues
Albert King – Got to Be Some Changes Made
Albert King – I’ll Play the Blues for You
SIDE M
Albert King – Killing Floor
Albert King – Angel of Mercy
John KaSandra – Rufus Thomas introduction
John KaSandra & Rufus Thomas – Rufus Thomas entrance
Rufus Thomas – The Breakdown
John KaSandra & Rufus Thomas – Kindly go back to your seats
SIDE N
Rufus Thomas – Do the Funky Chicken
Rufus Thomas – Do the Funky Penguin
SIDE O
Jesse Jackson – I am, somebody
The Soul Children – I Don’t Know What This World Is Coming To
The Soul Children – Hearsay
John KaSandra, Fred Williamson & Jesse Jackson – Let us stand and raise our fists together
SIDE P
Billy Eckstine – If I Can Help Somebody*
Billy Eckstine – There is a curfew here
SIDE Q
Jesse Jackson – Isaac Hayes introduction
Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft (Version 1)*
Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft (Version 2)
Isaac Hayes – Soulsville
SIDE R
Isaac Hayes – Never Can Say Goodbye
Isaac Hayes – Part-Time Love
Isaac Hayes – Your Love Is So Doggone Good
SIDE S
Isaac Hayes – Ain’t No Sunshine/Lonely Avenue
SIDE T
Isaac Hayes – I Stand Accused
Jesse Jackson – Let everybody stand and join hands
Jimmy Jones – If I Had a Hammer
* = Previously Unreleased
Wattstax: The Complete Concert Tracklist
6-CD
DISC 1
1. Dale Warren & The Wattstax ’72 Orchestra – Salvation Symphony
2. Kim Weston – The Star Spangled Banner*
3. Tommy Jacquette & Jesse Jackson – Opening announcements
4. Kim Weston – Lift Every Voice and Sing
5. Melvin Van Peebles – We’re here to consecrate, not desecrate
6. The Staple Singers – Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom-Boom)
7. The Staple Singers – Are You Sure
8. The Staple Singers – I Like the Things About Me
9. The Staple Singers – Respect Yourself
10. The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There
DISC 2
1. Tommy Jacquette & Richard Roundtree – Wattstax Day proclamation
2. Jimmy Jones – Somebody Bigger Than You and I
3. Louise McCord – Better Get a Move On
4. Deborah Manning – Precious Lord Take My Hand
5. Eric Mercury – I Shall Not Be Moved*
6. Freddie Robinson – At the Drive-In*
7. Lee Sain – Them Hot Pants
8. Ernie Hines – What Would I Do*
9. Little Sonny – Wade in the Water
10. William Bell – I Forgot to Be Your Lover
11. The Newcomers – Pin the Tail on the Donkey
12. Eddie Floyd – Knock on Wood
13. The Temprees – Explain It to Her Mama
14. Frederick Knight – I’ve Been Lonely for So Long
15. The Golden 13 – Old Time Religion
16. William Bell – Al Bell Award presentation
17. The Rance Allen Group – Lying on the Truth
18. The Rance Allen Group – Up Above My Head
DISC 3
1. William Bell – David Porter introduction
2. The David Porter Show – Introduction
3. David Porter – Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
4. David Porter – Can’t See You When I Want To
5. David Porter – Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)
6. William Bell – The Bar-Kays introduction
7. The Bar-Kays – Son of Shaft/Feel It
8. The Bar-Kays – In the Hole
9. The Bar-Kays – I Can’t Turn You Loose
10. William Bell – Tommy Tate introduction
11. Tommy Tate – I Remember*
12. William Bell – Please move back to the stands
13. Tommy Tate – Help Me Love*
14. Tommy Tate – School of Life*
DISC 4
1. William Bell & John Kasandra – Carla Thomas introduction
2. Carla Thomas – Pick Up the Pieces
3. Carla Thomas – I Like What You’re Doing (To Me)
4. Carla Thomas – B-A-B-Y
5. Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz
6. Carla Thomas – I Have a God Who Loves
7. John KaSandra – Albert King introduction
8. Albert King – Match Box Blues
9. Albert King – Got to Be Some Changes Made
10. Albert King – I’ll Play the Blues for You
11. Albert King – Killing Floor
12. Albert King – Angel of Mercy
13. John KaSandra – Rufus Thomas introduction
14. John KaSandra & Rufus Thomas – Rufus Thomas entrance
15. Rufus Thomas – The Breakdown
16. John KaSandra & Rufus Thomas – Kindly go back to your seats
DISC 5
1. Rufus Thomas – Do the Funky Chicken
2. Rufus Thomas – Do the Funky Penguin
3. Jesse Jackson – I am, somebody
4. The Soul Children – I Don’t Know What This World Is Coming To
5. The Soul Children – Hearsay
6. John KaSandra, Fred Williamson & Jesse Jackson – Let us stand and raise our fists together
7. Billy Eckstine – If I Can Help Somebody*
8. Billy Eckstine – There is a curfew here
DISC 6
1. Jesse Jackson – Isaac Hayes introduction
2. Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft (Version 1)*
3. Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft (Version 2)
4. Isaac Hayes – Soulsville
5. Isaac Hayes – Never Can Say Goodbye
6. Isaac Hayes – Part-Time Love
7. Isaac Hayes – Your Love Is So Doggone Good
8. Isaac Hayes – Ain’t No Sunshine/Lonely Avenue
9. Isaac Hayes – I Stand Accused
10. Jesse Jackson – Let everybody stand and join hands
11. Jimmy Jones – If I Had a Hammer
* = Previously Unreleased
The Best of Wattstax Tracklist
1-CD & Digital
Kim Weston – Lift Every Voice and Sing
The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There
Louise McCord – Better Get a Move On
Deborah Manning – Precious Lord Take My Hand
Eric Mercury – I Shall Not Be Moved*
Lee Sain – Them Hot Pants
William Bell – I Forgot to Be Your Lover
Eddie Floyd – Knock on Wood
The Temprees – Explain It to Her Mama
Frederick Knight – I’ve Been Lonely for So Long
The Golden 13 – Old Time Religion
The Rance Allen Group – Lying on the Truth
David Porter – Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
The Bar-Kays – I Can’t Turn You Loose
Carla Thomas – B-A-B-Y
Albert King – I’ll Play the Blues for You
Rufus Thomas – The Breakdown
Jesse Jackson – I Am, Somebody
The Soul Children – Hearsay
Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft
* = Previously Unreleased
Wattstax: The Living Word Tracklist
2-LP
SIDE A
The Staple Singers – Oh La De Da
The Staple Singers – I Like The Things About Me
3 The Staple Singers – Respect Yourself
The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There
Eddie Floyd – Knock on Wood
Eddie Floyd – Lay Your Loving On Me Live
SIDE B
Carla Thomas – I Like What You’re Doing (To Me)
Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz
Carla Thomas – I Have a God Who Loves
Rufus Thomas – The Breakdown
Rufus Thomas – Do The Funky Chicken
Rufus Thomas – Do The Funky Penguin
SIDE C
The Bar-Kays – Son of Shaft / Feel It
The Bar-Kays – I Can’t Turn You Loose
Albert King – Killing Floor
Albert King – I’ll Play the Blues for You
Albert King – Angel of Mercy
SIDE D
The Soul Children – I Don’t Know What This World Is Coming To
The Soul Children – Hearsay
Isaac Hayes – Ain’t No Sunshine
The Living Word: Wattstax 2 Tracklist
2-LP
SIDE A
Jessie Jackson – Introduction
Kim Weston – Lift Every Voice and Sing
The Rance Allen Group – Lying on the Truth
Jimmy Jones – Someone Greater Than You And I
The Golden 13 – Old Time Religion
The Emotions – Peace Be Still
SIDE B
Richard Pryor – Saturday Night
Richard Pryor – Blue Note
Richard Pryor – Back Room
David Porter Show – Introduction
David Porter Show – Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
David Porter Show – Can’t See You When I Want To
David Porter Show – Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)
David Porter Show – Finale
Richard Pryor – Arrest
Richard Pryor – Line Up
SIDE C
Johnnie Taylor Show – Introduction
Johnnie Taylor Show – Steal Away
Johnnie Taylor Show – Stop Doggin’ Me
Johnnie Taylor Show – Jody’s Got Your Girl and Gone
Little Milton – Walking the Back Streets and Crying
SIDE D
Richard Pryor – Niggers
The Emotions – Group Introduction
The Emotions – So I Can Love You
The Emotions – Show Me How
Richard Pryor – Negroes
The Dramatics – Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get
Richard Pryor – Handshake
Mel & Tim – I May Not Be What You Want
Richard Pryor – Wino Get a Job
Isaac Hayes – Rolling Down a Mountainside
PARADOX OBSCUR - 'MONOCLONE' – NEW VIDEO FOR TRACK FROM ACCLAIMED 2022 ALBUM BY GREEK SYNTH DUO
PARADOX OBSCUR
MONOCLONE
from the album
MORPHOGENESIS
LP | CD | digital
out now
[Metropolis Records]
Paradox Obscur are the Athens, Greece-based synth duo of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor, who have built a devoted global following over the course of five studio albums since debuting in 2014. Having signed to Metropolis Records to issue the ‘Singles & Rarities’ collection in 2021 (available HERE), their current studio album ‘Morphogenesis’ followed in mid-2022.
Displaying impressive diversity throughout its nine tracks, with shards of minimal techno, house and trance heard alongside synthwave and industrial sounds, recent weeks have seen ‘Morphogenesis’ receive a number of ‘best of 2022’ notices from electronic music websites and radio shows worldwide.
Late December also saw the group issue the latest in a series of videos for songs from the record, with a promo clip for ‘Monoclone’ being the fifth to date. They can all be viewed HERE.
One of the few electronic outfits to record their albums in real time, Paradox Obscur capture the magic of the moment without resorting to sequencing and editing software. They even take things a step further, utilising vintage synths and drum machines to create their raw sound.
The pair initially met via very different artistic disciplines, with Kriistal Ann having studied classical music and piano at the Prague State Conservatory, while Toxic Razor is a synth and drum machine enthusiast who had been recording his fledgling ideas on tape. Apart, they have both created successful solo work and collaborated with other musicians. As Paradox Obscur, the pooling of their talents has been critically acclaimed and led to their inclusion at numerous festivals and events, where they have shared stages with other important artists on the minimal-electro, cold wave and post-punk scenes.
MORPHOGENESIS
TRACKLISTING
1 Cocoon
2 Stellaire
3 Animal Reactor
4 Evo-Devo
5 Wild Silk
6 Monoclone
7 Krankes Herz
8 Pollar
9 In Vitro
available HERE
Cheers! Life is a flowing river, let's dive into every drop as it deserves and give meaning to every ripple! May you all have a wonderful 2023, filled with exciting new
experiences!
Yours Ann & Razor
bandcamp | facebook | instagram | youtube
"DE KONINGIN VAN ONDERLAND” VULT DUURSTE VAKJE IN OP SPELBORD MONOPOLY JOMMEKE
Het album “De Koningin van Onderland” krijgt het duurste vakje op het Monopoly-spelbord van Jommeke. In november kondigde Groep 24 en Standaard Uitgeverij een nieuwe versie van het bekende bordspel aan.
In deze versie worden alle vakjes aangepast naar locaties uit de Jommeke albums. Onder andere De Purperen Berg, Paradijseiland en het labo van Gobelijn zullen terug te vinden zijn op het bord, maar er was nog één plekje over. Groep 24 en Standaard Uitgeverij hebben alle fans van de reeks opgeroepen om te stemmen op hun favoriete album. Het album met de meeste stemmen zou de duurste locatie op het bord krijgen. De stemmen zijn geteld en het resultaat is gekend: De Koningin van Onderland werd het meest gekozen als favoriet. Bijgevolg zal het Kasteel van Achterberg, waar het album zich grotendeels afspeelt en dat te zien is op de cover van het album, het duurste vakje op het spelbord worden.
Na edities rond de Rode Duivels, FC De Kampioenen en Thuis, krijgt nu ook één van de beroemdste avonturenstripreeksen van ons land een eigen Monopoly versie. Het spelbord zal ingevuld worden met de bekendste locaties uit de reeks maar ook de typische uitvindingen krijgen zeker een plekje, denk maar aan de Vliegende Bol.
Uit de poll bleek dat Paradijseiland, De jacht op een voetbal en De Purperen Berg bijzonder geliefd zijn bij de fans. Maar uiteindelijk was het dan toch de Koningin van Onderland die met de winst ging lopen.
“De koningin van Onderland is een echte klassieker in de reeks! Niet verwonderlijk dat het album jong en oud aanspreekt. Het zit ‘m in de griezelfactor en het Disney-eske. Wist je trouwens dat Jef Nys enorm opkeek naar Disney en zelfs nog gesolliciteerd heeft om er te mogen werken?” aldus Stéphanie Lauwers van Standaard Uitgeverij.
Monopoly Jommeke ligt vanaf najaar 2023 in de winkel, maar wie zeker wil zijn van een exemplaar van deze gelimiteerde oplage kan al een pre-order plaatsen via de website www.monopolystore.be/jommeke.
DUMMER FRED WHITE (EARTH, WIND & FIRE) OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse drummer Fred E. White is op 1 januari op 67-jarige leeftijd overleden. White, die eigenlijk Frederick Eugene Adams heet, was een van de vroege leden van Earth, Wind & Fire. Daarvoor speelde hij op albums van The Salty Peppers, Donny Hathaway, Albertina Walker, Howdy Moon, Linda Ronstadt, Little Feat en Pieces of Peace. Daarnaast hanteerde White de drumstokjes op albums van Deniece Williams, Jennifer Holiday. Ramsey Lewis en The Emotions. Earth, Wind & Fire, inclusief Fred White, zijn halfbroer Maurice White, en broer Verdine White, kreeg in 2000 een plek in de befaamde Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fred White speelde mee op de albums ‘That's The Way Of The World’ (1975),’Gratitude’(1975),’Spirit’ (1976), ‘All n' All’ (1977),’ I Am’ (1979),’Faces) (1980),’Raise!’ (1981), ‘Powerlight’ (1982) en ‘Electric Universe’ (1983). Fred White ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
TICKETKNOOP ONTWARD - ‘RAPUNZEL’ KRIJGT EXTENSIONS
v.l.n.r.: Liv Van Aelst, Laurenz Hoorelbeke, Sandrine Van Handenhoven, Helle Vanderheyden, Walter Beale, Jasmine Jaspers, Saïn Vantomme
Extra shows in Antwerpen, Hasselt en Gent.
Wanneer je aankondigt in maart en april 2023 met een bigger and bolder versie van ‘Rapunzel’ naar Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Trixxo Theater Hasselt en Capitole Gent te trekken, en je strikt daarvoor o.a. Helle Vanderheyden (Rapunzel), Walter Baele (koning) en Sandrine Vanhandenhoven (heks), dan weet je dat dat verhaal een staartje zal krijgen.
Het gev(l)echt om tickets barstte dan ook instant los en woedt dermate hevig en permanent, dat producent Deep Bridge zich als conditioner dient op te werpen om deze knoop voor de lieve vrede te ontwarren. 'Rapunzel' krijgt extensions, waardoor jong en minder jong ook kan gaan genieten tijdens de extra shows in Antwerpen tijdens de paasvakantie op 7 en 8 april, in Hasselt op 16 april en Gent op 22 april.
De familiemusical ‘Rapunzel’ speelt in maart en april 2023 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Trixxo Theater Hasselt en Capitole Gent. Tickets & info: www.deepbridge.be
!! RANG-UPGRADE !!
Boek tot 8 januari 2023 je tickets en krijg een gratis rang-upgrade cadeau.
Voor Golden Seat betaal je de prijs van Categorie 1, voor Categorie 1 betaal je de prijs van Categorie 2, enzovoort.