JUDITH HILL | 2024 photo by Ginger Sole Photography

JUDITH HILL
LETTERS FROM A BLACK WIDOW

new album
out 26.04.24
(Regime Music Group)

stream

“Hill unleashes both righteous fury and empowering funk on her most heartfelt, genre-defying set to date”
ECHOES
“A multifaceted approach to storytelling, blending genres with insightful lyricism and innovative arrangements”
BLUES MATTERS!
“Achingly personal lyrics paired with muscular funk, soul and blues, backed by her shredding, soaring guitar”
NEW YORK TIMES

includes
BLACK WIDOW

Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill reclaims her strength on a deeply emotive new album, ‘Letters From A Black Widow’, which is out today via Regime Music Group. An accompanying video for one of its key songs, ‘Black Widow’, has also been issued as a theatrical recreation of the jaw-dropping track.

‘Black Widow' finds Hill confronting the malign label that haunted her for years, coined by tabloids and keyboard warriors because she had collaborated with two of pop music’s biggest ever stars - Michael Jackson and Prince - shortly before their deaths. She struggled in the wake of undeserved hatred for years before recently finding the emotional capacity to confront, reflect and write about her experience.

 “For years the Black Widow was such a dark presence in my life that it was too looming and intimidating to even talk about,” explains Hill. However, a break from touring in 2020 provided her with the time and space for a momentous reckoning. “Being forced to stop allowed me to reach a deeper place, to really marinate and figure out what’s at my core, what I really needed to talk about. I found I had the courage and strength to face all this – to be authentic, to dive into the whole experience and turn an ocean of darkness into expressive fire.”

A New York Times interview published on 20th April which sees Hill discussing the ‘Black Widow’ tag in depth can be read HERE | PDF .

The song’s parent album is a formidable battle cry that dives into Hill’s stories of discovery, resistance and redemption, bonded together with the soul, funk and blues foundations that have become her signature sound. Hill provides much of the instrumentation herself, including self-taught electric guitar, but it is not a totally solo endeavour, as her band includes her parents (renowned bassist Robert ‘Peewee’ Hill and keyboardist Michiko Hill), while she is also joined by John Staten (drums and percussion), Daniel Chae (strings) and a group of friends on backing vocals.

The album includes the singles ‘Runaway Train’, ‘Flame’ and ‘Dame de la Lumière’, and is the follow-up to ‘Baby, I’m Hollywood!’ (2021), which garnered widespread critical acclaim and was described by Record Collector as ‘breathtakingly kaleidoscopic’, while Echoes proclaimed it ‘Album of the Year’.

Hill and her band are touring extensively in support of ‘Letters From A Black Widow’, with current North American dates followed by a month of shows in Europe that conclude in London on 8th June: 

07.05.24  STAVANGER (NO) Maijazz Festival
08.05.24  TRONDHEIM (NO) Trondheim Jazz Festival
09.05.24  HAMAR (NO) Hamar Jazz Festival
10.05.24  SANDVIKA (NO) Baerum Kulturhus
11.05.24  STOCKHOLM (SE) Fasching
15.05.24  ÖREBRO (SE) Makieriet
17.05.24  COPENHAGEN (DK) DR Concert Hall
19.05.24  SCHÖPPINGEN (DE) Blues Festival Schöppingen
21.05.24  ZÜRICH (CH) Kaufleuten
22.05.24  INNSBRUCK (AT) Treibhaus
23.05.24  RUBIGEN (CH) Mühle Hunziken
24.05.24  TÜBINGEN (DE) Sudhaus
26.05.24  WEERT (NL) Poppodium Q-Factory 
29.05.24  SINT-NIKLAAS (BE) De Casino Concertzaal
30.05.24  PARIS (FR) New Morning
01.06.24  WEIZ (AT) Jazz Festival Weiz
04.06.24  ALMERIA (ES) Clasijazz
06.06.24  ANTALYA (TR) Akra Jazz Festival
07.06.24  HAMBURG (DE) Elbjazz Festival
08.06.24  LONDON (UK) Bush Hall
tickets

LETTERS FROM A BLACK WIDOW
TRACKLISTING
1  One Of The Bad Ones
2  Flame
3  My Whole Life Is In The Wrong Key
4  We Are The Power
5  Black Widow
6  Touch
7  Dame De La Lumiere
8  Let Me Be Your Mother
9  You Got It Kid
10  Runaway Train
11  Downtown Boogie
12  More Than Love

Official Site  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

RASMUS FABER ‘WHERE LIGHT TOUCHES’ [A NIMA STORY] ALBUM

Sweden’s worldwide acclaimed composer, producer, DJ and pianist, Rasmus Faber, reveals his first album of ambient / neo-classical work, ‘Where Light Touches’ [A NIMA Story]. The album is inspired by, and in collaboration with, Los Angeles based illustrator Ross Tran (RossDraws), as an audio interpretation of his highly praised book, ’NIMA’. Crafting a fully immersive listening experience, Rasmus paints stunning audio pictures with delicate melodic hues, abound with atmospheric conversations between emotive pianos, soothing strings and sophisticated electronica that gracefully flow through this enchanting body of work. Composed, arranged and produced entirely by Rasmus, and conceived and mixed using Atmos surround sound, the album was recorded with a full orchestra in Stockholm and fused with contemporary electronic elements from Rasmus’ rich musical heritage.

‘Where Light Touches’ [A NIMA Story] began after Ross contacted Rasmus to make music for one of his projects. They immediately found admiration and kinship in each other's work. Ross sent Rasmus his new illustrations book entitled ’NIMA’, which served as the perfect catalyst for a musical idea Rasmus had - to make an album of subtle beauty and immense production and technical dexterity. Rasmus became absorbed in the characters and worlds in the ’NIMA’ book, encouraging him to match his composing and production skills with Ross’s otherworldly illustrations and boundless talent. The result is something quite extraordinary and beautiful that can be enjoyed accompanying the ’NIMA’ book, or purely as an audio gift for the senses.

Rasmus Faber started his career as a Jazz musician and house DJ, touring the world, performing to fans of the melodic side of electronic music over the last two decades. His success as an artist in Japan, and being fan of Anime and Manga opened the doors to becoming a composer (one of the only non-Japanese) of music for Anime. He’s composed music for the Meta Quest VR platform, AAA games such as Metal Gear Solid and is behind an almost constant stream of music releases under aliases and his on name garnering hundreds of millions of streams.

Track Listing
1 Train To Nimbus
2 Beginnings
3 Opus
4 Some Are Forgotten
5 Lunar Axis
6 New Moon
7 Grim Coin
8 The Heart
9 Healing Rain
10 Dragon's Whisper
11 The Apparition
12 Iris
13 Warden
14 Lament
15 Clutch To Life
16 Where Light Touches
17 Synthesis
18 Futures

Rasmus Faber ‘Where Light Touches’ [A NIMA Story] Album will be release on May 3rd 2024 on Farplane Records.

Rasmus Faber
‘Where Light Touches’ [A NIMA Story] Album
Farplane Records / FP076
https://www.rasmusfaber.com
https://www.instagram.com/rasmusfaber/
https://myanimelist.net/people/36680/Rasmus_Faber
https://rossdraws.com
https://www.instagram.com/rossdraws

ROB ZINN – ‘UNTIL I MET YOU’

"It's great to be working with double GRAMMY winner Paul Brown again on my latest single, "Until I Met You". Paul has such an intuitive and mature feel for the genre having played or produced more than 80 #1 Billboard songs.

We purposely wanted to keep this track less busy; allow the song to breathe and entice the listener with the hypnotic hook and sexy vibe.

"Until I Met You" is a feel-good song conjuring up the beautiful feelings when two people have just met and are exploring their relationship. A contrast between one's passion before and after their chance meeting. The tempo of the song represents their relationship moving forward after the day they met." - Rob Zinn

"Until I Met You"

Written by Rob Zinn, Paul Brown & Lew Laing Jr.

Produced by Paul Brown

Engineered by Paul Brow

Rob Zinn - flugelhorn

Shane Theriot - guitar

Lew Laing Jr. - keys and programming

Paul Brown - percussion

RONNY SMITH – ‘GET UP’

Ronny Smith is a highly acclaimed Jazz guitarist renowned for his infectious sense of groove and eclectic musical style. With a career spanning several decades, Ronny has captivated audiences with his unique blend of urban jazz, funk, blues, gospel, and tropical jazz.

He gained recognition with his albums "Got Groove" (2006) and "Just Groovin'" (2009), which showcased his exceptional talent and established him as a prominent figure in the jazz fusion scene. His track "City Groove" from the album "Can't Stop Now" (2013) soared to the top of Billboard's BDS New and Active smooth jazz chart, peaking at #1 and solidifying his position as a chart-topping artist. Additionally, “String of Hearts” from the album “Coastal Sunset” (2021) soared to #2 of Billboard's BDS Smooth Jazz Most ADDED chart.

Drawing from his 35 years of experience in U.S. Army bands, Ronny brings a wealth of musical knowledge and expertise to his performances. His dedication to musical exploration and artistic expression shines through in every note, making him a captivating recording artist and an electrifying live performer.

Ronny's music is a testament to his passion for pushing boundaries and creating soulful, unforgettable melodies. Whether in the studio or on stage, his infectious grooves and masterful guitar skills continue to inspire and delight audiences worldwide.

KANDANCE SPRINGS IS ‘CHASING SHADOWS’

Sometimes a personal tragedy can be turned into a creative triumph. Such is the case with “Run Your Race“ the new song and album from jazz/soul diva Kandace Springs. She wrote the song as a tribute to her late father Kenneth “Scat” Springs, a great singer in his own right who passed away last year. “My dad was a track star in college. But he spent the last two years of his life in a wheelchair. After he passed away, I was inspired to write this song, to tell him that I know that he is free now, to run like he used to.” The resulting song is the most personal and heartfelt of Springs’ career, and a fitting centerpiece to her new album Run Your Race, which she says is “absolutely the most personal record I’ve ever made, or ever will make “

Rewind two years ago, however, and recording this album, or creating music at all, was the furthest thing from Kandace’s mind. The pandemic and lockdown had taken away all of her work as a touring artist, and out of a well-honed sense of survival, she turned to her second passion: cars. “I’ve always made my own way since getting out of high school “, she says. I used to park cars for a living, and then I started buying them, fixing them up, and selling them. When my career took off, I still kept doing it for fun. So when the gigs went away, I just went into flipping cars full time.” She admits that it was a defense mechanism: “It was like music had let me down, I couldn’t depend on it to make a living, so I turned away from it.”

What turned things around for Kandace was her father’s passing. “It didn’t hit me at first,” she says, “but about a year later I suddenly thought: I want to make an album to pay tribute to my father. And that’s what got me going again.” To start with, Kandace was sitting on a treasure trove of songs that she had written throughout her career, that somehow had been overlooked through her first 3 albums. “I think maybe I was not confident enough to show them to everybody,” she says now. “A lot of them I wrote when I was really young, and just learning. But they are honest, and they are all me.”

Several of the highlights from the album- the lush, string-laden “So Far, So Near“ and the beautiful, pensive “Look” were in fact written by Kandace while she was still a teenager. Her musical journey began when her father brought home an old upright piano that a family friend was throwing out; within weeks she had taught herself to play the theme from “Soul Train”. Suitably impressed, her father arranged for lessons from friend Reggie Wooten, of the famous Wooten Brothers. But mostly Kandace, who was home-schooled, was left on her own to learn her art. She spent her high school years absorbing both jazz and classical standards by ear and intuition. “That’s how I learned, and how I still like to play, “ she says. And at Scat’s insistence, she began singing as well. She started wearing out records by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and her first musical girl crush, Norah Jones. “When I heard Norah’s first album, that’s when I said, I want to do what she does.”

But as the saying goes, easier said than done. Fresh out of high school, Kandace found herself working a job parking cars at a hotel in downtown Nashville; the one perk of the job was that she got to sing and play piano in the lounge upstairs. “Everybody in the music business probably passed by me at one time or another, but nobody ever stopped.” It was during this time that she really developed her mastery of the jazz ballad, as shown on this album by her incredible interpretation of “Wild is The Wind.” “I always loved Nina Simone’s version,” says Kandace. “But then I heard Shirley Horn do it, she’s so amazing. So I took those two influences and used them to make something that’s me.” Her burgeoning talent soon attracted the attention of Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken, hitmaking songwriters and producers who had just years before discovered a 15-year-old Rihanna, signed her to their production company and shepherded her rise to stardom. Within days of hearing Kandace’s demo, Evan was in Nashville meeting her and her family, and a partnership was born that continues to this day. Kandace moved to New York City, to let Sturken and Rogers fully mentor and bring out her talent. One of their first writing collaborations was “Chasing Shadows”, which is brought to life on this album with a simmering groove provided by her long-time rhythm section of drummer Camille Gainer-Jones and bassist Caylen Bryant, and with added spice from flutist Elena Pinderhughes (Herbie Hancock).

Her career began to move at an accelerating pace, and within a few short years she found herself signed to Blue Note Records by chairman Don Was, and appearing on “The Late Show with David Letterman”, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”. Her experience and abilities continued to grow as she moved to Los Angeles, and began working with many veterans of the music scene, among them Gregg Wells (Katy Perry), who’s represented on this album by the infectious groove of “Pulse”. Also written at this time was “Broken Keys”, which shows Kandace at her most solitary and personal. “It’s not really jazz, not really R&B..” she says. “All I know for sure is that it’s all Kandace.”

Kandace could hardly have imagined the next person who would become part of her musical journey: Prince. He saw a video of Kandace doing her version of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me”, and messaged her directly. A week later, incredibly, she found herself performing with him at Paisley Park for the 30th anniversary of the album Purple Rain. Thus began a close mentorship between Kandace and the “Purple One,” as she still refers to him. They wrote songs and shared thoughts on all things musical. “He told me that I needed to be more true to myself, don’t listen to anybody else, just my own heart. That really stuck with me, and I’ve followed that advice ever since, especially with this new album.” His influence can be heard most clearly on this album with “Closer To Me,” a classic R&B love ballad that brings to mind such Prince classics as “The Beautiful Ones.”

As her music progressed, so did her live performing career; over the next few years, she found herself in front of audiences around the world, in such storied venues as London’s Royal Albert Hall, and at legendary festivals including Newport and Monterey. An appearance with Christian McBride at the Istanbul Jazz Festival led to his appearance on her last album The Women Who Raised Me, which also featured contributions from friends Norah Jones and David Sanborn.

That album ended up being released on the very day most of the US went on lockdown. Fast forward to 2022 and Kandace, having lost her father, finally found in that the inspiration to create new music. “All of a sudden I knew what I had to do – write a song for my dad. He was such a huge influence on me, I needed to thank him for it in the only way I could now.” The concept and title for “Run Your Race” came to her one day while she was at home in Nashville, working on one of her classic cars. Words and music came tumbling out, and the song was finished in a day. She went right into the studio with her band, and the finished record was done almost just as quickly. Shortly thereafter, the song got its debut in front of a live audience, and the response was immediate and overwhelming. “Literally after every performance people come up to me with tears in their eyes, and tell me how they relate to what the song’s about; I guess that means they’re feeling what I feel when I sing it”. 

True to her ever-growing independence and sense of musical freedom, Kandace sets no boundaries on herself as to her choice of material, even interpreting contemporary pop songs when they inspire her. Such is the case with her gorgeous version of “What Was I Made For”, Billie Eilish’s theme from the movie Barbie. “I was in the theater, and the credits started rolling I heard this amazing song I wasn’t expecting. I knew right away that I wanted to do my own take on it.” For Kandace, that means migrating any song into her own world of jazz and soul, a process she calls “Kandacizing”. “With this song, it was easy. It has its own kind of soul; I just bring my soul to it.” The results are classic Kandace.

Finally releasing Run Your Race after a wait of almost four years, Kandace has many feelings: satisfaction, closure, and ”relief!” she laughs. “I feel that this album has been inside of me for a long time, and it’s so great to bring it out into the world for everyone to hear. When they hear it, I feel like they’re finally going to be meeting the real me.”

"Chasing Shadows"

Written by Kandace Springs, Evan Rogers, and Carl Sturken 

Kandace Springs – keys vocals

Caylen Bryant – bass

Camille Gainer – drums

WIE IS DE ‘JIJ’ WAAR BELLE PEREZ MET ZINGT IN NIEUWE SINGLE? 

Foto: © Stephanie Smeets

Morgen verschijnt ‘Jij en Ik’, de gloednieuwe single van Belle Perez en dat wordt een combinatie van het Nederlands en het Spaans, gekoppeld aan een bijzondere samenwerking. “In afwachting van het mooie weer zorgen wij al voor het zomerse gevoel met een frisse, uptempo popsong die je na één luisterbeurt vanzelf meezingt. Het is een duet, maar met wie?”, vraagt Belle met een brede glimlach. We kunnen best richting onze noorderburen kijken, gezien Belle het nummer opnam in de Rooftop Studio’s van co-writer en producer Edwin van Hoevelaak. Sinds ze de aankondiging van haar nieuwe single deelde op sociale media, wordt er door haar talrijke fans al duchtig gespeculeerd. Jan Smit, André Hazes of misschien Jody Bernal waar Belle al het succesvolle ‘Me & You’ mee uitbracht, zijn namen die vlot over de tongen gaan. Het geheim wordt om middernacht onthuld, want vanaf vrijdag 26 april is de single beschikbaar op alle digitale platformen. ‘Jij en Ik’ is de eerste single in een rij van nieuwe muziekreleases die Belle Perez uitbrengt in het jaar dat ze haar 25steverjaardag als artieste viert. In Nederland doet ze dat met de succesvolle theatertournee ‘Diferente’. In Vlaanderen viert ze op vrijdag 8 november 2024 ’25 Jaar Hits’ met een uniek concert in de Antwerpse Lotto Arena. 

THE DAVE FOSTER BAND - 'DELICATE THINGS' – NEW SINGLE BY PROGRESSIVE POP ACT OUT 25.04.24 VIA ENGLISH ELECTRIC RECORDING

THE DAVE FOSTER BAND
DELICATE THINGS
new single
out 25.04.24
(English Electric Recordings)
included on
MAYBE THEY’LL COME BACK FOR US
new album
CD | LP
out 31.05.24
digital
out 28.06.24

teaser video

pre-order
UK/Europe  |  North America

FEATURES CONTRIBUTIONS FROM
STEVE ROTHERY (Marillion) | MARK KING (Level 42)
NEIL FAIRCLOUGH (Queen + Adam Lambert)
CARLY BRYANT (ex BIG BIG TRAIN)

The Anglo-Dutch rock/pop act The Dave Foster Band will release their third album at the end of May. Intriguingly titled and dynamic sounding, ‘Maybe They’ll Come Back For Us’ is helmed by acclaimed guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Dave Foster and vocalist Dinet Poortman, but also features star turns from guitarist Steve Rothery of Marillion, bassist Mark King of Level 42 and singer Carly Bryant (ex Big Big Train), as well as regular collaborators that include bassist Neil Fairclough (Queen + Adam Lambert), drummer Leon Parr (Steve Rothery Band), pianist Anthony Hindley and string arranger Stephen Boyce Buckley.

‘Maybe They’ll Come Back For Us' will initially be available on CD and LP formats (aqua blue vinyl), with download and streaming options to follow on 28th June.

‘Delicate Things’ has been released today as the second single from the album. "I’m a big Muse fan and wanted to have a crashing power chord thing going on,” states Foster, “but it’s Dinet's melody lines that make this song work so well for me. She's great at weaving melodies through my odd chord changes.” Poortman adds that her lyric “is about how precious life is, and that the things that really matter are the small things. We can sometimes get so wrapped up in our own perception of life that we forget that everything worthwhile is actually free.”

A video for ‘Delicate Things' directed by Simon Lowery “represents the preciousness and vulnerability of life,” continues Poortman. “The main character in it has suffered a major loss and is trying to cope with it. He thinks he has been forgotten by everyone else and is wrapped up in his own grief.”

‘Delicate Things’ follows the new album’s initial teaser single, ‘Sleep Spindles’, which was issued in late March : STREAM | VIDEO

Discussing the album as a whole, Foster explains that “we wanted to make sure that the recording process was as relaxed as when we made our last record ['Glimmer'], as it makes a big difference feeling like you have things under control. We split the studio time between The Forge in Oswestry, where we laid down Leon’s drums and Neil’s bass with Al Unsworth on engineering and mixing duties, and my own home set-up, where we recorded Anthony’s piano wizardry, most of my guitar work and Dinet’s vocals, which really sparkle.”

Asked about the additional guests, he reveals that “I had previously asked Steve Rothery if he would perform on a track. Once I had the structure for the new song 'These Tendencies’, I immediately thought that he would enjoy playing over it. We've known each other for so long and know each other's playing so well that these decisions become easy. I adore his solo on it.” As for Mark King, he adds: “we have a mutual friend who I asked to pass on a message enquiring if he might be up for playing on the song ‘Talent To Failure’, and thankfully he said ‘yes’. It was exciting that he wanted to work with us.”

The cover artwork for ‘Maybe They’ll Come Back For Us’ features a distinctive and highly colourful photograph by Japan-based Tsuki Kitsune. “I found him by chance on Instagram and as soon as I looked at his profile I knew I'd found something special. He was great to deal with and I think that the cover is one of the best photographs I've ever seen,” Foster concludes.

MAYBE THEY’LL COME BACK FOR US
TRACKLISTING
1  Sleep Spindles
2  Talent To Failure
3  Pollyanna
4  These Tendencies
5  The Optimist
6  Queen Of Maybe
7  Delicate Things
8  Whirling Of Whales

BIOGRAPHY
Founded in 2017, The Dave Foster Band has its origins in earlier collaborations between Dave Foster and Dinet Poortman. They were initially introduced by mutual friend Steve Rothery of Marillion and had both been members of previous acts who separately supported that group. Foster also plays in the Steve Rothery Band and has recently been a member of leading multinational prog act Big Big Train.

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) proved they had musical chemistry. As The Dave Foster Band, they supported both Rothery and Marillion on European/UK tours while working on their debut album, ‘Nocebo’, which was released in 2019.

 Its follow-up, ‘Glimmer’, was issued in 2023 and was a cornucopia of musical delights appealing not only to fans of guitar-based rock on several songs that balanced dazzling technique with great restraint, but also fans of crossover acts as varied as Air and The Anchoress on other piano-led tracks.

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'HAIRSPRAY'-BESTIES LOTTE DE CLERCK EN JOZEFIEN GROSSEN SAMEN IN ‘PETER PAN’

Ook Jervin Weckx vervoegt cast familiemusical.

Onlangs schitterden ze nog zij aan zij als BFF's Penny Pingleton en Tracy Turnblad in de heerlijke feelgood musical 'Hairspray', en nu mogen ook 'real life besties' Lotte De Clerck en Jozefien Grossen zich al meteen opmaken om samen in  een nieuw magisch avontuur te vliegen. Vanaf 7 december 2024 presenteert Deep Bridge een volledig eigen musicalversie van het tijdloze verhaal van Peter Pan in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt. Lotte zal hierin gestalte geven aan de dromerige Wendy en Jozefien kruipt in de bijzondere huid/vacht van nanny/hond Nana.

Nog 'Hairspray'-geweld dat samen met Lotte en Jozefien naar Neverland vliegt, en naast droomduo Sophie Janssens (Peter Pan) en Nordin De Moor (Kapitein Haak) de planken op mag, is de immer sympathieke energiebom Jervin Weckx. Na zijn sublieme dubbelrol als Mr. Pinky en Spritcer in 'Hairspray', mag Jervin zich in 'Peter Pan' helemaal smijten als Mr. Smee, eerste stuurman en rechterhand van Kapitein Haak.

Zowel Lotte, Jozefien als Jervin  kijken enorm uit naar hun 'Peter Pan'-avontuur en staan te trappelen om deze tot de verbeelding sprekende reis aan te vatten:

"Ik kan niet wachten om in de magische wereld te stappen waar ik als kind zelf zo door werd betoverd!"
- Lotte De Clerck -

"Een kindermeisje spelen in 'Peter Pan'? Da's van den hond (lacht), maar laat die wondere wereld van elfjes, piraten en sprekende honden maar komen!"
- Jozefien Grossen -
"Het staat al lang op mijn bucketlist om piraat te spelen, en kijk! Soms zit het leven eens Smee!"
- Jervin Weckx -

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 

ZANDSCULPTURENFESTVAL IN MIDDELKERKE WORDT HET CENTRUM VAN DE WERELD DEZE ZOMER

MIDDELKERKE – 28 juni tot en met 8 september 2024
Strand ter hoogte van Arthur De Greefplein

Het is ondertussen een traditie geworden: het Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke. De zomer lonkt, het strand wenkt. De kunstenaars staan te popelen om opnieuw aan de slag te gaan in de bruisende kustgemeente.

Toegangspoort naar vele werelden

Het Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke ontvouwt zich deze zomer tot de toegangspoort naar niet één maar vele bijzondere werelden. Dit jaar nemen we de bezoekers mee op een imaginaire wereldreis. Je stelt je reis zelf samen. Wil je sfinxen in Egypte of wilde dieren in Afrika zien? Bezoek je liever de Taj Mahal, Japanse tempels of het Paaseiland? Of vlieg je liever over de Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco om via New York City over Londen terug te keren naar Middelkerke? Internationaal wordt je reis in elk geval!

Het grootste evenement van de kust

Ook de jaarlijks meer dan 100.000 bezoekers van het festival komen uit alle windstreken: Belgen, Duitsers, Fransen, Engelsen, ... Elke zomer is Middelkerke de place to be.

Meer dan een reis!

Ook dit jaar biedt Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke meer aan dan louter zandduinen tussen de sculpturen. We gaan opnieuw in zee met de Proefkonijnen voor een nieuwe spannende interactieve voorstelling voor jong en oud. En wie zelf wil proberen om een zandsculptuur te maken, kan terecht bij onze zandexpert tijdens een van de vele zandworkshops.

De perfecte zomercocktail

Terwijl de kids zich uitleven op het springkasteel en creatief bezig zijn in een van de speelzones, kan de rest van het gezelschap relaxen in de strandbar bij een hapje en een drankje. Kortom het Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke is de perfecte cocktail voor een dag plezier aan zee.

Een grote aanwinst voor inwoners en handelaars

Burgemeester Jean-Marie Dedecker: “We doen in Middelkerke heel wat inspanningen om ons zomerse evenementenaanbod te verrijken. Dankzij de steun van enkele waardevolle partners kunnen onze tienduizenden vakantiegangers, maar ook onze eigen inwoners in Middelkerke terecht voor een origineel en uniek aanbod. Het Zandsculpturenfestival is ondertussen zo’n gewaardeerde partner. Dat we dankzij hen het grootste openluchtevent aan de kust mogen ontvangen is een absolute troef. Het Zandsculpturenfestival past trouwens enorm goed bij onze uitstraling als échte familiebadplaats. Het is ook bewonderenswaardig dat de organisatoren telkens verfrissend uit de hoek komen met een nieuw thema, nieuwe randanimatie en een prachtig kransje gerenommeerde zandkunstenaars.”

Praktisch

Het Zandsculpturenfestival Middelkerke vindt dit jaar plaats van 28 juni tot en met 8 september. Info en tickets zijn op www.zandsculpturenfestival.be. Ook dit jaar krijgen inwoners van Middelkerke en mensen met een tweede verblijf in Middelkerke 2 euro korting.

CHRIS VAN TONGELEN MAAKT MUSICAL-COMEBACK EN WORDT HARRY IN ‘MAMMA MIA’!

Na bijna 18 jaar terug in hoofdcast musical:

Chris Van Tongelen maakt musical-comeback en wordt Harry in 'MAMMA MIA!'

Vanaf 22 maart 2025 - Antwerpen, Gent, Hasselt

Met Nathalie Meskens (Tanya), Els Dottermans (Rosie), Jan Schepens (Sam), Maike Boerdam (Donna), Helle Vanderheyden (Sophie) en Dorian Liveyns (Sky), was er in de hoofdcast van 'MAMMA MIA!' al zeker geen gebrek aan star quality. Voor Regisseur Stany Crets, die ook opnieuw de rol van Bill zal vertolken, kan en mag het zoals algemeen geweten echter altijd nog dat tikkeltje meer zijn. Stany trok dus zijn stoute schoenen aan en wist, naast zijn veters, ook nog een verrassende (musical)ster te strikken voor het 'MAMMA MIA!'-feestje dat vanaf 22 maart 2025 opnieuw losbarst. 

v.l.n.r.: Nathalie Meskens, Maike Boerdam, Jan Schepens, Stany Crets, Chris Van Tongelen, Els Dottermans, Helle Vanderheyden, Dorian Liveyns

De rol van bankier Harry is namelijk weggelegd voor niemand minder dan Chris Van Tongelen. Chris, voor velen nu toch vooral bekend als lid van de driekoppige feestorkaan De Romeo's en/of door zijn rol als Bart Van den Bossche in 'Familie' (vtm), behoorde met hoofdrollen in gelauwerde musicals als 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Sneeuwwitje', 'Romeo & Julia', 'Assepoester', 'Gaudi', 'Dracula' en 'West Side Story' ook jarenlang tot de absolute top van de Belgische musicalwereld. Nu, bijna 18 jaar nadat hij Vince Fontaine speelde in 'Grease' (2007), maakt Chris eindelijk zijn comeback in de hoofdcast van een volwaardige musicalproductie.

"Bijna 30 jaar na 'Chess', die andere ABBA-musical, eindelijk 'MAMMA MIA!'. Eindelijk terug thuiskomen!"
- Chris Van Tongelen -

Dompel je vanaf 22 maart 2025 mee onder in het warme Griekse bad van 'MAMMA MIA!' en kom in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt luidkeels meezingen met heerlijk ABBA-hits als ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’, ‘Super Trouper’ en uiteraard ‘Mamma Mia’.

Tickets & info: deepbridge.be.

URBAN-JAZZ SAXOPHONIST REGGIE CODRINGTON REMEMBERS HIS LATE FATHER WITH ‘THREE SHADES OF BLUE’

A “Blue” tribute: Urban-Jazz saxophonist Reggie Codrington remembers his late father with “Three Shades of Blue,” the first single from the forthcoming “The Ray Codrington Signature Collection.”

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (18 APRIL 2024): There would be no music career for soprano saxophonist Reggie Codrington had it not been for his father, trumpeter Ray Codrington. Born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy that required nine major surgeries even before the saxman was a teenager, Ray found a small, curved saxophone that made it physically possible for Reggie to play the instrument. After Ray succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease last May, Reggie decided to pay tribute by recording one of his father’s favorite compositions, “Three Shades of Blue,” a song that Ray wrote and performed in his live sets, but never recorded. The urban-jazz single produced by Phil Davis (Boney James, Alex Bugnon, Al Jarreau) is now collecting radio airplay and Spotify spins.

Ray Codrington was a professional musician who played with Little Richard, Gladys Knight and Jackie Wilson. His son was ten years-old when the trumpeter composed “Three Shades of Blue.” Reggie remembers seeing his father perform the song with the North Carolina Symphony. A prolific composer, recording “Three Shades of Blue” was one of Ray’s long-held desires, which was unfinished business upon his passing. He left a wealth of original music that he never got around to recording. Reggie has made recording music from his father’s songbook a personal mission, honoring his father’s legacy by creating “The Ray Codrington Signature Series.” “Three Shades of Blue” is the first single from the forthcoming collection.

“Seeing the joy on my father’s face when he performed this song provoked the desire for me to record it. My father penned a lot of music, but ‘Three Shades of Blue’ was significant because it was a schematic of his life. After his earthly transition, this song became a signature selection in my heart. He told me that this song explained the various transitions his life encountered. I was able to embody this song by looking at my life and determining from birth to now, that my life has been the epitome of 'Three Shades of Blue,'” said Reggie Codrington, who is based in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Davis crafted the ethereal groove by playing all the instruments surrounding Reggie’s poignant melodic soprano sax phrases and heartfelt solo, the latter to which the producer responds by issuing an elegant piano solo.  

After studying music at Howard University, Reggie Codrington debuted in 1990 with “Never Let You Go,” the first of eleven albums released to date. Throughout the years, Ray maintained a regular presence at Reggie’s recording sessions, including during the tracking of last year’s “Light,” Reggie’s single that peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard chart. Although Ray wasn’t physically present during the “Three Shades of Blue” recording date, Reggie felt his father’s presence.  

“Feeling Dad's presence in the studio caused me to reflect on when he would be beside me while recording. Recording my part was melodic, smooth, and colorful. As I experienced the presence of my father in the studio booth with me, my solo became a symphonic conversation between my father and me. I could hear him playing his horn licks and making his musical suggestions. After one of my recording takes, my studio engineer, Andy Pow, allowed me to hear the playback. Previously, my father would be the one writing out notes for me to play and providing creative ideas for me to try, in hopes of creating a musical experience for the listener. I took that exchange with Andy and reworked a portion of my solo realizing that my father was still giving me his insight through others in the studio,” shared Reggie, who has performed for President Barak Obama, recorded with Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr. and Nils; and opened for Ramsey Lewis, Charlie Wilson, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Latimore, Kim Waters and Kevin Toney.

There’s a lot of Ray’s music for Reggie to sift through as he curates and records “The Ray Codrington Signature Series” over the next year or two. Reggie Codrington is excited about preserving his father’s works while introducing his father’s music to new audiences, beginning with “Three Shades of Blue.”

“Funny to note, I never knew how much blue was in my closet until I recorded this song,” Reggie said ebulliently.

For more information, please visit https://www.reggiecodrington.com.

ARTHUR THOMPSON SEEKS AN ‘OASIS’

Arthur Thompson- a Tulsa native who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee- 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. Arthur currently performs all over the world with Mindi Abair and many other artists, including Dave Koz on the yearly Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise.

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.

Arthur was honored to be named Smooth Jazz Network's "Breakout Artist of the Year" for 2023.

"Oasis"

Song by Roberta Flack.

Written by Marcus Miller / Mark Stevens

Arranged by Arthur Thompson Sr.

Engineered by Jung Jacob Song

Mixed by Jon Gilutin

Lead Vocal - Arthur Thompson Sr.

Background Vocals - Melody Dunlap

Bass - Cortez Johnson

Guitars - David John

Keyboards - Jon Gilutin

Drums - Arthur Thompson Sr.

Horn section - The Monkey Fist Horns

Percussion - Arthur Thompson Sr.

WILLIE BRADLEY WANTS SOME ‘FOREPLAY’

Willie Bradley is a native of Orangeburg, SC and a graduate of South Carolina State University 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 dtations including Sirius XM, Music Choice, Pandora, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. 

Willie's 2021 CD 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. 

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 Allen Kepler's 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, Ragan Whiteside, Selina Albright, George Clinton, Gerald Albright, and James Lloyd and Andre 3000.

“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.”

ANDREW NEU ASKS ‘KEEP IT REAL’

Continuing their creative partnership, Andrew Neu and Greg Manning have zeroed in on a signature sound that is undeniably unique and connects with fans and musicians alike. True to its title, the new radio single "Keep It Real" reminds us that real people are behind the music you love!

Neu comments "We always go back to those fundamental, universal elements that folks are drawn to. The tune has to have both a compelling groove and a memorable melody. This is the foundation for the music I love and I think it transcends all boundaries and brings people together!"

Fresh off three radio hits and a 2024 GRAMMY nomination, Andrew has become the go-to guy for soulful sax and dynamic horn arrangements. He's contributed to countless hits by some of the biggest artists in smooth jazz. He's released five albums and spent years touring with Bobby Caldwell, Smokey Robinson and Diane Schuur.

"Keep It Real" is a tune you can't stop listening to! It's yet another step forward for this talented artist.

"Keep It Real"

Written by Greg Manning and Andrew Neu

Mixed and Produced by Greg Manning

Horns Arranged by Andrew Neu

Mastered by Steve Hall

Sax - Andrew Neu

Keys, Programming, Synth Bass - Greg Manning

Guitar - Carlyle Barriteau

Percussion - Luis Conte

Drums - Marcus Finnie

Trumpet - Mike Stever

Trombone - Nick Lane

ZANGER ARTHUR “POOCH” TAVARES (TAVARES) OVERLEDEN

Vandaag werd bekendgemaakt dat Arthur ‘Pooch’ Tavares op 81-jarige leeftijd is overleden. Hij was een van de zingende broers Tavares die in de tweede helft van de jaren zeventig de wereld veroverde met de discothekenkraker ‘Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel’. Tavares werd in 1960 opgericht in New Bedford, Massachusetts als Chubby & The Turnpikes. De zanggroep bestond uit de broers Arthur Paul 'Pooch', Antoine Laurence 'Chubby', Ralph ‘Vierra’, Feliciano 'Butch' en Perry Lee 'Tiny' Tavares. In 1975 had Tavares de eerste hit in ons land met de single ‘It Only Takes A Minute’. Het grote succes, met name in Europa, volgde een jaar later met ‘Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel’, geschreven door Freddie Perren en Keni St. Lewis en afkomstig van het album ‘Sky High’. Ook de opvolgers ‘Don’t Take Away The Music’ en ‘Whodunit’ werden Top 10 hits in Nederland. In de Verenigde Staten haalde ‘It Only Takes A Minute’ de tiende plaats van de Billboard Hot 100. Ook de single ‘More Than Woman’, uit de film ‘Saturday Night Fever’, werd een flinke hit in Amerika. ‘Pooch’ Tavares ruste in vrede!

Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

SOULFULEDGE & HANNAH CLARE – ‘SWEAT IS ON THE DANCEFLOOR’

Traxsource: 26th April
General Release: 3rd May


As Nyte Music rolls into its landmark 10th release, Soulfuledge & Hannah Clare's collaborative global conquest continues to flourish as they once again bring the heavy-duty, full-throttle feel good vibes courtesy of the sweet & effervescent bubbler, ‘Sweat Is on the Dancefloor’.

With the heady intoxicating days of disco firmly in mind and set against a decadent backdrop of schmoosie chords, organ chops & a guitar-picked riff that’ll have glitterball’s revolving at break-neck speed, Hannah’s unquestionable song writing & performance skills are at full-force levels once again as her playful & intoxicating vocals tease & toil in all the right places.

Effortlessly moving through the soulful gears with impeccable ease & with that delicious soulful swagger Hannah’s most certainly blessed with, yeah, it’s another show-stealing performance from the Australian dynamo that unashamedly & unequivocally brings the heat!

Sweaters are definitely not required.

GLENNIS GRACE BRENGT FENOMENALE WHITNEY HOUSTON-TRIBUTE NAAR STADSSCHOUWBURG ANTWERPEN

De Nederlandse nachtegaal Glennis Grace keert op zaterdag 8 maart 2025 terug naar België met haar onder superlatieven bedolven Whitney Houston-tribute. Nadat de ‘America’s Got Talent’-finaliste (2018) eerder al een uitverkochte Lotto Arena op z'n grondvesten deed daveren met haar fenomenale ‘WHITNEY, a tribute by Glennis Grace’ en vorig jaar datzelfde kunstje nog eens vlotjes overdeed in Play Zuid Antwerpen en Kursaal Oostende, mag Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen zich deze keer opmaken om dit unieke muzikale eerbetoon aan de legendarische Whitney Houston te ontvangen. Glennis Grace neemt het publiek mee naar vervlogen tijden en wisselt swingende uptempo hits als ‘How Will I Know’, ‘I'm Every Woman’, 'Queen Of The Night' en ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ op verbluffende wijze af met gevoelige ballads als ‘Run To You’, ‘One Moment In Time’, 'Greatest Love Of All', ‘When You Believe’ en uiteraard het onsterfelijke 'I Will Always Love You'.

Tickets voor ‘WHITNEY, a tribute by Glennis Grace’ op zaterdag 8 maart 2025 in Stadsschouwburg 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.

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. Vorig jaar stond de Nederlandse nachtegaal eindelijk terug in ons land met dit fenomenale eerbetoon aan de legendarische Whitney Houston en speelde zowel Play Zuid Antwerpen als Kursaal Oostende helemaal plat.

Op zaterdag 8 maart 2025 neemt Glennis het publiek in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen mee naar vervlogen tijden en wisselt swingende uptempo hits als ‘How Will I Know’, ‘I'm Every Woman’, 'Queen Of The Night' en ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ af met gevoelige ballads als ‘Run To You’, ‘One Moment In Time’, ‘When You Believe’, 'Greatest Love Of All' en uiteraard het onsterfelijke 'I Will Always Love You'.

Tickets voor ‘WHITNEY, a tribute by Glennis Grace’ op zaterdag 8 maart 2025 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, zijn nu verkrijgbaar via ticketkopen.eu 

Bekijk Glennis Grace - 'Run To You' @ America's Got Talent 2018

FRANKIE FLOWERZ - ‘NIGHTRIDE’ ALBUM SAMPLER

Berlin’s acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, recording artist and renowned ‘Electric Monday’ event organizer, Frankie Flowerz, reveals his highly anticipated third artist album, ‘Nightride’, on Funkhausmusic. ‘Nightride’ is a 21 track melting pot of Soul, Funk and contemporary dance fused songs and instrumentals, showcasing Frankie’s exceptional musicianship, impeccable talent for delivering irresistibly funky grooves and distinctive captivating vocals. This album sampler offers a taste of 6 carefully selected tracks, including the smooth and emotive funk-drenched jams; ‘Do You Know’, ‘Spend Some Time’, featuring a haunting vocal performance from Robert Owens; ‘Look What You’ve Done To Me’ and ‘Whatever Happens’. Then flipping the script with a punchy dance floor dynamic are; ‘Gimme Back My Love’ and the soulful groover, ‘Live The Moment’. ‘Nightride’ is an eclectic body of work where Frankie seamlessly joins the dots between genres to deliver his unique flavour of dance floor Soul.

“‘Nightride’ is my 3rd Studio LP, which has been 3 years in the making. It’s a culmination of unearthed and re-imagined treasures found in my archives, alongside a whole host of exciting new material that I’ve written over the past few years, including some collaborations with the legendary Robert Owens. Enjoy!” – Frankie Flowerz

Malaysian born, now Berlin resident, Frankie Flowerz (aka Mohan Das), is a globally renowned DJ, producer, event organizer and label owner, embracing a diverse musical spectrum, and over 7,500 stage appearances worldwide. With a dynamic career spanning 39 years, Frankie Flowerz is one of the masterminds behind Electric Monday, the legendary weekly event at Kitkat Club, Berlin, and has shared stages with artists including Kenny Dixon Jr (Moodymann), Theo Parrish, Trentemoller, Laurent Garnier, and many more. On the production side, Frankie’s musical works have graced esteemed labels such as Hypercolour, Crosstown Rebels, OM Records, Turbo Recordings and Internasojnal. And he has also recorded under various monikers including; Das Deva on Blaou Records, 2Dawgs on Moodmusic and Audio Royal & Hybrid Funk on Funkhausmusic. Frankie has released two full LPs to date - ‘Boyz & Girlz’ (2014) and ‘Tales Form The Living Room’ (2019) on his Funkhausmusic imprint (EST 2001). From Soul, Funk, and Disco to Deep House and Techno, Frankie's eclectic tastes and unwavering dedication to his craft continue to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring his legacy as a true pioneer in the global electronic music scene.

‘Nightride’ Album Sampler Track Listing
1 Do You Know
2 Gimme Back My Love
3 Live The Moment
4 Spend Some Time feat. Robert Owens
5 Look What You've Done To Me
6 Whatever Happens

‘Nightride’ Album will be released on April 19th 2024 on Funkhausmusic.

Frankie Flowerz
‘Nightride’ Album Sampler
Funkhausmusic / CAT 4056813687675
https://www.instagram.com/frankie_flowerz/
https://electric-monday.com

GAGARIN - 'KOMOREBI' – NEW ALBUM BY UK ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN OUT 12.04.24 + ADDITIONAL LIVE DATES ANNOUNCED

GAGARIN | 2024 photos by Brian David Stevens

GAGARIN
KOMOREBI

new album
out 12.04.24
(Geo Records)

stream  | buy CD  |  Bandcamp


“Exquisite, nuanced and delicately poised, featuring patiently built layers of breathtaking sonic complexity”
ELECTRONIC SOUND
“Spacious, ambient and rhythmic, these pieces have a fine amount of variation”
VITAL WEEKLY
“An absorbing listen and fits right into the current trend for Hauntology as it moves around moody ambience and melodic optimism, noisier textures and darker distress”
ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK

includes
SAETA

Komorebi is a Japanese word that refers to how sunlight is seen and felt through leaves and branches. The new album by Gagarin takes this idea as its loose theme, evoking light and shade and combining both throughout its duration.

Gagarin is the solo project of veteran experimentalist Graham ‘Dids’ Dowdall, a British musician who has spent a fruitful career operating around the edges of where rock, dance, electronic and improvised musics collide. Emerging from the free improv scene of the late ‘70s, he joined the Manchester-based cult post-punk group Ludus in 1980 as their drummer before being recruited to join the legendary German artist Nico, with whom he spent seven years writing and performing. This tenure included the acclaimed John Cale produced studio album ‘Camera Obscura’, following which the Welshman hired him to play on his own ‘Artificial Intelligence’ record. Both were released via Beggars Banquet.

Following the untimely death of Nico in 1988, Dids formed Faction (releasing two albums) and also played with Eric Random & The Bedlamites, Bill Pritchard, Infidel (including a tour in deepest Siberia) and Sonexuno. He also trained as a community musician at this time and has subsequently spent over thirty years in a parallel career making music with disabled people and others experiencing disadvantage, utilising his skills to enable personal and social change. It also led to a post as a lecturer at Goldsmiths University in London, where he still teaches to this day.

Returning from a visit to Russia in the ’90s, Dids felt the need to create an outlet for his electronic creativity, As Gagarin, he has since issued several acclaimed albums and EPs and performed innumerable live shows utilising a combination of hardware - samplers, drum pads, synths - to interpret his compositions in an improvisatory context. His work has been played regularly on BBC Radio 3, 6 Music and Resonance FM in the UK, as well as NDR (Germany), RCV (France), RTE (RoI), RUM (Portugal), Boiler Room and more. It has also received coverage in publications such as The Wire, The Quietus and Electronic Sound (all UK), plus Rockerilla, Impose, Bandcamp Daily, 6am, Freq, Big Shot and more overseas.

For the last twenty years Dids has been an associate then full member of the acclaimed rock group Pere Ubu, writing and performing on their last four albums and touring extensively as electronicist and electronic drummer.

2023 saw further significant developments in Dids’ career and life, beginning with an invitation to soundtrack ‘Solitude’, a film about Nico directed by Nina Danino that has yielded a radically different version of her 1981 single ‘Saeta’ that features on ‘Komorebi’. He was then commissioned to create a soundscape for the ‘Wonderdusk’ event held on Box Hill in Surrey, which generated two further pieces for the album.

However, Dids was diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer in the early summer, which led to extensive chemotherapy for the remainder of 2023. Undeterred creatively, he set about composing and recording the remainder of the album in his new studio by the sea in Margate, Kent. Optimistic and forward looking, ‘Komorebi’ conveys no sense of doom; rather, local field recordings (a Gagarin trait) feature alongside aching melodies, moody atmospherics and glitchy beats. Veering from blissed out ambience to a noisier strangeness, its ten tracks are tied together via the loose Komorebi theme of lighter melodic sounds filtered through a shaded lens.

‘Komorebi’ will be released on 12th April, the 63rd anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human being in space. Listen to it twice while imagining yourself circling the earth at 17,000 miles per hour in Vostok 1 for a similar experience and save yourself the hassle of competing with a tech billionaire.

KOMOREBI
TRACKLISTING
1  Margate Illuminati
2  Saeta
3  Cingulum
4  Wonderdusk 1
5  Hazmat
6  PAM 710
7  Lomea
8  Wonderdusk 2
9  Codeswitch
10  Stanmer

GAGARIN
LIVE
11.04.24  LONDON New River Studios
13.04.24  LINCOLN Decimal Place (Weird Garden)
26.04.24  GRAVESEND St Andrews Arts Centre (Estuary Waves)
27.04.24  LONDON Walthamstow Trades Hall (Eclectic Shock)
02.05.24  LONDON Biddle Bros
04.05.24  RUGELEY Lea Hall Pavilion (Awakenings)
11.05.24  BRIGHTON The Brunswick (Real Music Club)
25.05.24  Morphic Resonance - Livestream  
15.06.24  MANCHESTER Cultplex (performing OST of ‘Solitude’, a film about Nico)
22.06.24  COLCHESTER Cuckoo Farm Studios
24.08.24  GAINSBOROUGH Church Of Sound
29.08.24  COLCHESTER Arts Centre (Control Voltage)
08.11.24-10.11.24  WHITBY Switched On Festival

Official Site  |  Facebook

THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN – ‘COULD IT BE I’M FALLING IN LOVE’

The Southern Gentlemen are proud to follow up their 2023 debut single, "Back In The Game," with a cover of The Spinners 1973 R&B hit, COULD IT BE I’M FALLING IN LOVE"!

The track was produced and arranged by 15-time Grammy nominated and 2022 Grammy winner Kelvin Wooten, who also played keyboards on Back In The Game. The Gents then added their unique voices to create something very special on this reimagined classic.

The Southern Gentlemen have touring plans for 2024, including two major festivals: the Steel City Jazz Festival in Birmingham, AL, on June 15th and the Gulf Coast Jazz Festival in Pensacola, FL, on October 19. Plans are also in the works for a full album release in 2025.

"Could It Be I'm Falling In Love"

Written by Melvin Steals, Mervin Steals (Mystro & Lyric) Publisher - Bellboy Music, BMI

Produced by Kelvin Wooten 

Mixed and Mastered by Joey Sommerville 

Eric Essix – Guitar

Joey Sommerville – Trumpet

Michael Ward - Violin

Kelvin Wooten–Keyboards, bass, drums

JEFF LOGAN FT. PAUL BROWN DISCOVERS THE ‘CHILL FACTOR’

Fire & Ice congratulates Jeff Logan on his upcoming Smooth Jazz full album/cd release “INDIGO”.

The first single, “CHILL FACTOR”, is scheduled for an April 2024 spring release, and featured, on the single is the superlatively incomparable Paul Brown!​

Jeff Logan, a native of the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area, better known as the DMV, is a gifted artist and multi-instrumentalist (bass, guitar, percussion, keyboards). He has been a public safety administrator, by day, but he is segueing to a full-time committed artist, beyond the night.

Logan is an accomplished composer, and he writes music in several genres (Contemporary Gospel, R&B, and Smooth Jazz, and Soundtrack). His latest release, “INDIGO”, showcases 10 of his own original compositions written in the Smooth Jazz format. But these musical gems are more than just SJ tracks because one can hear and discern that Jeff has seamlessly blended and infused several gospel and R&B elements and other musical influences throughout the entire project.

Speaking of infusion, Jeff had routinely produced all his projects while performing all the instruments and vocals himself. But, Jeff decided to seek out a producer for this project. The Quincy Jones of Smooth Jazz production, the incomparable Paul Brown (who is the gold standard and top-shelf producer extraordinaire), produced all 10 songs. It’s Jeff’s first collaboration with Paul as Jeff’s producer, with a venerable who’s who of some of the best world-renown musicians and artists performing with Jeff.

And if that wasn’t enough, Paul, along with Shane Theriot, also collaborated with Jeff to pen two of the songs. The three formed a tandem and cowrote “If Only” and “Fall in Love”.  

The collaboration between Jeff and Paul has created ear candy for the ages. Take a listen for yourself and we’re certain you will be teleported and swept away into the magic, the melodies, and the smooth moods and grooves that emanate a neo-indigo sonic flow, from start to finish.

JASON JACKSON FT. CHIELI MINUCCI – ‘DAYBREAK’

Saxophonist Jason Jackson, known for his soulful melodies, presents his new single "Daybreak" featuring the talented guitarist Chieli Minucci. Produced by the renowned Adam Hawley (15 Billboard #1's), this track promises an enticing combination of Smooth Jazz and captivating rhythms.

Released under Hawley's upstart record label MBF Entertainment, "Daybreak" showcases Jackson's virtuosity on the soprano sax, while Minucci's nylon string guitar adds a layer of depth and emotion to the composition. The collaboration between these artists brings forth a harmonious blend of their unique styles, creating a musical experience that is both refreshing and timeless. With it's uplifting vibe and masterful instrumentation, "Daybreak" is sure to captivate audiences and solidify Jason's position as a rising star on the Jazz scene. It is sure to be an enchanting addition to his promising young career, which already includes a top 20 Billboard hit.

"Daybreak"

Written by Jason Jackson, Adam Hawley & Caleb Middleton

Produced and mixed by Adam Hawley

Mastered by Steve Hall

Jason Jackson: saxes

Chieli Minucci: nylon guitar

Adam Hawley: guitars, keys

Caleb Middleton: keys, programming

Mel Brown: bass

Eric Valentine: drums

ZANGERES SUE CHALONER OVERLEDEN

Zangeres Sue Chaloner, de vrouwelijke helft van het duo Spooky & Sue, is op 1 april op 71-jarige leeftijd overleden. Chaloner werd geboren in Londen, te vondeling gelegd en door een Brits gezin geadopteerd. In haar tweede levensjaar trad ze voor het eerst op in een reclamespotje. Een jaar later zat ze al op klassiek ballet. Chaloner volgde een opleiding aan de Aïda Academy of Arts in Londen. In 1969 kreeg ze de hoofdrol in de Engelse versie van de hippiemusical ‘Hair’, waarmee ze na 600 voorstellingen het Olympisch Stadion in Amsterdam aandeed. Ze besloot in Amsterdam te blijven wonen. In 1974 vormde ze met de Arubaan Iwan Groeneveld het duo Spooky & Sue. De singles ‘Swinging On A Star’, ‘You Talk Too Much’ en ‘I've Got The Need’ werden hits. In 1976 deden Spooky & Sue mee aan de voorronden van het Nationaal Songfestival met het liedje ‘Do You Dig It’, dat ook een hit werd. Hierna ging het duo uit elkaar. Chaloner probeerde hierop een solocarrière van de grond te krijgen met de single ‘Tip For The Top’ uit 1979. Dit wilde niet lukken en ze probeerde het nog eens met de single ‘What I Know’. In 1986 werd ze door Jaap Eggermont gevraagd om de titelsong voor de Nederlandse film ‘Mama Is Boos!’ in te zingen (‘Don't Try To Change Me’), waarmee Chaloner een kleine hit te pakken had. De jaren daarna kwam ze nog met de singles ‘Primitive’ en ‘Lost In Your Love’. Begin jaren negentig bracht Sue Chaloner haar eerste soloalbum uit, getiteld ‘Appreciation’. Dit album flopte in Nederland, maar werd in Amerika wel een succes. Chaloner was achtergrondzangeres en trad op met haar eigen band Soul Train. Ook was ze lerares in dans, zang en drama voor tieners. Sue Chaloner ruste in vrede!

Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

NEW SINGLE RELEASE ‘VOYAGER’ FROM MIKE MURRAY

I'm reaching out to let you know my new single, ‘VOYAGER’ dropped yesterday (APR 5, 2024) and I hope you'll consider it for airplay. Voyager is my 32d commercial release since beginning my musical journey in 2007. This is a jazz/electronic/chilled hybrid track with a space travel theme that I'm sure your listeners will appreciate. 

- Release Date: 4/5/2024
- UPC: 198004636223
- Sound Engineering by Mike Murray
- PRIMARY GENRE: Electronic
- SECONDARY GENRE: JAZZ
- PRIMARY SUBGENRE: NUJAZZ
- SECONDARY SUBGENRE: JAZZ-FUNK
- MOOD-STYLE: Instrumental
- Length: 3:41

A few positive comments about Voyager on my social media so far:

“Bring it my brother Mike I love your music man as always blessings to you”

“I love the fact that you stay true to your music and your sound”

“This is literally f a n t a s t i c”

LinkTree: linktr.ee/mikemurraymuzic
Web: www.mikemurraymusic.com
YouTube: @mikemurraymusic
Meta/FB: @mikemurraymuzic

NEW ALBUM ‘LOVE AND RHYTHM’ FROM BLAKE AARON

It’s been said that whenever guitarist Blake Aaron (https://www.blakeaaron.com) releases an album, it’s essentially a greatest hits collection because he releases a handful of Billboard chart-topping singles before bundling them as an album. That thesis definitely holds true for his seventh album, “Love and Rhythm,” which drops April 19. The ten-song set already contains two No. 1 hits (“Dreamland” and “Feels So Right”), one No. 3 (“Crush”), and his current single, “She’s the One,” has spent four weeks at No. 2 on the Billboard chart while hanging out at No. 1 on the Mediabase/Pollstar chart for the past three weeks.

“Love and Rhythm” is a project centered on Aaron’s ardent joy for making music that explores and experiments with a variety of genres and rhythms. The songs on the new album, all penned by Aaron, are energetically groovy, vibrantly melodic, and guided by the fretman’s adept and agile guitar play. The settings traverse contemporary and Brazilian jazz, fusion, R&B, worldbeat, pop and dance music.

Illuminating “Love and Rhythm” with Aaron is an accomplished ensemble of hitmakers and first-call session players. Multi-time Billboard chart-toppers Adam Hawley and Greg Manning produced the album with Aaron and they deployed layers of dymanic and dramatic horn section (David Mann, Trevor Neumann, Donald Hayes, Michael Stever, Bob Mintzer, Jimmy Reid, Andrew Neu and Nick Lane) parts throughout the record. In additon to Manning’s skilled hand on keys, Tateng Katindig and Carnell Harrell contributed keyboards and piano. The all-important rhythms were crafted by drummers Eric Valentine, Tony Moore and Will Kennedy and bassists Mel Brown, Alex Al and Hussain Jiffry.

There are more singles – and more hits - to come from “Love and Rhythm.” A popular performer on concert stages and festivals throughout the world, Aaron has shows scheduled to support the new album in the coming months in the Los Angeles area where he is based along with Houston, San Diego and Charlotte and abroad in London and the Netherlands. 

WILLIAM GREEN FT. SONNY EMORY – ‘WATCH YOUR STEP’

William Green is an extraordinary musical artist that captures and expresses the sentiments of a generation. He is continuously expanding his horizons to make an impact on society by creating a union between music and life. Through his music, he has allowed different genres of contemporary jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and gospel to integrate into a new and unique form. In 2018, in celebration of 40 years in the music industry and a 'thank you' to his fans and newcomers, the legendary jazz icon recently held a special 40th-anniversary celebration at City Winery Atlanta and performed before a sold-out crowd.

A full-time musician, composer, songwriter and producer, Green is passionate about his piano, and he puts his heart and soul into his performances. He delivers funky, upbeat, soulful and Contemporary Jazz sounds, and exudes unforgettable stage appeal and showmanship. He possesses one of those rare, “instant classic” voices -- forceful, yet gentle. Green's music is beautiful, lyrically refreshing, vocally and melodically unique, timeless, rich and jazzy. His four albums, possessed an exceptionally well-composed body of original songs, written and produced by Green. He has written and produced for numerous artists.

Green has showcased his charismatic charm and keyboard mastery with audiences around the world (Japan, Europe, Africa), while performing nationally with acclaimed artists such as Boney James, Tom Brown, Earl Klugh, Roy Ayers, Mindi Abair, Peabo Bryson, Cameo, Valerie Simpson, Kenny Lattimore, Melba Moore, Jennifer Holiday, Jean Carne, the sons of Otis Redding (military tour), BB King All-Star Band and Curtis Mayfield. He also had the privilege of appearing with Susan Tedeschi, as the opening act for the Rolling Stones, opened for Spyro Gyra and The Yellow Jackets. Green was selected as one of the performing artists at the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival. In addition, he was co-host of the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival Session.

William has also performed at the Capital Jazz Festival in the nation's capital. Green has performed with his band, The Magic Dream Band, at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, performed to a sold-out show at City Winery Atlanta (and was asked to come back the same night of his original show for a show two months later), Cafe 290, Satchmo's Jazz Cafe, Perfect Note, Sambucca Jazz, St. James Live, Arizona's, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and numerous venues and private events in the Atlanta jazz circuit and on the East Coast. 

A native of Chicago, Illinois, the extraordinaire pianist/singer/songwriter grew up with music all around him, and Green's love affair with the piano was obvious at an early age. “As a child growing up, I listened to Gospel, Pop, Soul and Jazz music. My parents didn't play music, but they allowed me to play music" says Green. "Some of my influences include Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Joe Sample, Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones."

William Green continues to provide his audiences with not only quality music, but a display of great showmanship that captures the imagination.

RAINFOREST BAND – ‘MY CHARMAINE’

The Rainforest Band launched in 1990 with the Grammy Award-nominated album Blues From the Rainforest, a collaboration between Jazz keyboardist Merl Saunders, percussionist Muruga Booker, and Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia.

Rainforest Band's new single "My Charmaine" is an old-school Smooth track with all of the elements that make Contemporary Jazz what we love. A song composed for his wife on their wedding, multi-instrumentalist/producer Sylvester Burks utilizes feeling, sound and dynamics. A lovely track sure to please all listeners of the genre, "My Charmaine" captivates the listener from the beginning to end, featuring a romantic saxophone solo by Dave Ellis.

"My Charmaine"

Produced by Ron Umile and Sylvester Burks

Engineered and Mixed by Adam Muniz

Mastered by Steve Hall

Sylvester Burks - Keyboards, Bass & Percussion

Dave Ellis - Saxophone

Lorn Leber - Guitar

"Big Thomas" McCree - Drums

MARCUS ANDERSON SAYS ‘WE’LL MISS YOU’

In the heart of his upcoming Summer release, Marcus Anderson's new radio single "We'll Miss You" is a Smooth Jazz vibe that serves as a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary supporter whose passing left an indelible mark. This piece is not just a song but also a resonant expression of gratitude and remembrance, born from the loss of a beloved friend in the Jazz community. The loss of such a significant supporter at the end of last year profoundly touched Marcus, inspiring a creation that transcends mere musical notes. "We'll Miss You" is an homage, a way to immortalize the unwavering support and love for jazz that was embodied by this individual. It is a reminder of the deep connections and impact supporters of our music have on the artists and genre.

The recording of "We'll Miss You" was an emotional journey, with every note played carrying the weight of heartfelt sentiment and profound respect. Marcus has intricately woven their feelings of loss, appreciation, and remembrance into the melodies and harmonies of this Smooth Jazz composition, ensuring that the emotion is palpable and resonates with every listener. The single is a testament to Marcus's commitment to acknowledging and cherishing the role supporters play in the creative process and the life of music. Through "We'll Miss You", Marcus aims to convey a message of Love and gratitude.

This single sets the stage for the summer release The Vibe, promising an album that is not only musically enriching, but also deeply personal and connective. "We'll Miss You" offers and early glimpse into an album that celebrates life, remembrance, and the unbreakable bond between artists and their supporters. It is a declaration of Marcus's extreme care and gratitude for the Jazz community, ensuring that the spirit of support and love continues to thrive within the genre.

NEW SINGLE ‘NOITE SECRETA’ FROM TOTO

Brazilian singer-songwriter Toco shares 'Noite Secreta', the latest single from his upcoming album 'Riviera' on Schema Records.

The new single ‘Noite Secreta’ is the prelude of Toco’s highly anticipated album ‘Riviera’, due to be released on April 19.

Toco offers here a song with a seductive melody and fresh sounds that introduce to the summer season. A fusion of styles between Pop and Brazilian Popular Music combined with a hypnotic rhythm on which the Brazilian singer-songwriter, with his warm voice, draws the perfect soundtrack for the tale of a night of transgression and fleeting encounters.

The track is co-written and produced by Stefano Tirone aka S-Tone Inc. In addition to Tirone, who played accordion and Wurlitzer here, Ramiro Levy (ukulele, acoustic and electric guitars), Edu Hebling (bass), Mauro Martins (drums), Marquinho Baboo (percussion) and Priscila Ribas with her sweet and mysterious voice took part in the recordings.

NEW SINGLE ‘SERENITY’ FROM DAVID MARGAM & ROBERTO VAZQUEZ

Welcome to a journey of musical serenity! We are thrilled to present our new single, ‘Serenity’, a delicate piece that seamlessly blends David Margam's masterful guitar skills with the emotive piano performance by Roberto Vazquez. Immerse yourself in the gentle notes that will transport you to a state of calm and tranquility. The collaboration between these talented artists has given birth to a melody designed to caress your senses and provide a moment of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

CREDITS

Title: Serenity 

Composition by Roberto Vazquez

Produced by Roberto Vazquez and David Margam

Guitars by David Margam

Programming and Pianos by Roberto Vazquez

Mixed and Mastered by David Margam

Record Label: Dr.Funk Productions

Communication Agency: SmoothJazz Universe

Cover / Single design by Roberto Granados

www.drfunkproducciones.com

ERIC KNIGHT – ‘CASH IN’

Two years ago, Eric Knight met an absolutely incredible musician, writer, recording engineer, and producer. "Watching Rodge Nelson wear so many hats during our time together in recording sessions was extremely impressive to me," said Knight. After becoming good friends over the last couple of years, they decided to team up to create a collection of music together.

Get ready to be captivated by their debut original single, "Cash In"! It's a perfect concoction of funky and feel-good vibes that will have you hooked from the very first beat. Once this infectious groove locks you in, there's no escape–your head will be bopping all the way to the end!

But that's not all–soaring on top of this incredible groove are Eric Knight's silky smooth and unforgettable sax melodies, transporting you to a whole new realm of musical bliss. With each note, he proves that he's a true virtuoso, leaving you craving more.

In 2023, Knight released four singles from his upcoming album Cover 2 Cover - Vol. 1 that's slated to drop in its entirety later this year.

REBECCA JADE – ‘PLEASE COME HOME’

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. Growing up in a musical home, she had been exposed at to a broad range of artists, genres and styles from her mother, who is also a vocalist. With such influences, it seems a natural progression that Rebecca has followed in her footsteps.

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 and made her debut on the Dave Koz & Friends 2021 Christmas tour – she will be joining Dave for a repeat appearance on his 2022 Christmas Tour; Rebecca has also been a featured artist on many of Eric Darius’ 2022 tour dates. Rebecca opened for Will Downing and Boney James at a sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Long Beach, as well as opened for Jeffrey Osborne for the Thornton Winery Summer Concert series, both in 2019; Rebecca has done multiple concerts at Spaghettini in Seal Beach and was the singer in the Houseband at Anthology in San Diego for 5 1⁄2 years; She was the official singer of the San Diego Gulls NHL hockey team’s anthem during their 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Rebecca Jade 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 upcoming album; she also earned “Song of the Year” for 2021, & “Artist of the Year” for 2020; Rebecca has completed her most recent album, A Shade of Jade, which features both Dave Koz and Eric Darius on two of the songs, and she put on a sold-out album release concert at Sycuan’s Live & Up Close Showroom. Rebecca has opened for Grammy-nominated artist, Musiq Soulchild on two separate occasions. Rebecca is also a jazz vocalist and released an album of Cole Porter classics titled, Planet Cole Porter, with arranger/producer/jazz guitar virtuoso Peter Sprague, which earned them a 2018 SDMA for “Best Jazz Album”. She has also been the front-woman for the soul/funk band, Rebecca Jade & the Cold Fact, and they collectively earned SDMAs in 2014, 2015 and 2017, and a “Best of San Diego” Award in 2016. The band had the opportunity to open for and Rebecca to sing with El Debarge. The Cold Fact released two full-length albums, one self-titled and the 2nd one called, Running Out of Time. Prior to the Cold Fact, Rebecca released her debut album collaboration in 2011 titled, The Jade Element.

Rebecca has over 30 years of recording studio experience. She has sung background vocals, demos and jingles on many different projects, including projects with Kiko Cibrián (Luis Miguel) and Kevin Flournoy (Chaka Khan), and has been featured in a variety of notable works, including being featured on two songs on DW3’s self-titled album that went #1 on the UK Soul Charts in 2020, and singing backing vocals on Aubrey Logan’s 2nd full-length album, Where the Sunshine is Expensive, which went #1 on the Billboard charts in 2019.

JESSE THOMPSON FT. JUDAH SEALY – ‘LATE NITE’

Jesse “JT Jazz” Thompson is excited to announce the release of his latest single, “Late Nite,” featuring the talented Judah Sealy. This highly anticipated track is set to make waves in the Smooth Jazz Community, offering a fusion of smooth and groove jazz that will captivate music lovers of all ages.

“Late Nite” is not only a testament to Jesse Thompson's musical prowess but also showcases his collaborative spirit. Produced and co-written by the renowned Adam Hawley, this track is a true masterpiece. Hawley's expertise adds an extra layer of depth and sophistication to the composition, elevating it to new heights.

Listeners can expect to be enveloped in a world of smooth melodies and catchy rhythms as they immerse themselves in the mesmerizing sounds of “Late Nite.” Jesse Thompson's unique blend of soothing tunes and infectious beats creates an experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

As Jesse Thompson's first single release of 2024, “Late Nite” holds great significance. It represents a new chapter in his musical journey, showcasing his growth as an artist and his commitment to delivering exceptional music to his fans. With this track, Thompson aims to provide a seamless fusion of smooth jazz and contemporary sounds, appealing to a wide range of music enthusiasts.

“Late Nite” is now available on all major platforms and media outlets, allowing the general public to indulge in this musical masterpiece. Whether you're a die-hard smooth jazz fan or simply someone who appreciates good music, this track is a must-listen.

Radio stations across the nation are also getting in on the excitement, with “Late Nite” set to hit the airwaves. This means that fans not only have the opportunity to stream the song at their convenience but can also tune in to their favorite radio stations to enjoy it in all its glory.

Jesse “JT Jazz” Thompson invites you to join him on this musical journey with “Late Nite.” Experience the magic and immerse yourself in the world of smooth jazz like never before. Press play and let the captivating melodies transport you to a place of pure musical bliss.

ERIK GORIS, HELLE VANDERHEYDEN, DAVID CANTENS EN PAULINE JORIS VERVOLLEDIGEN HOOFDCAST ‘JEANNE D’ARC’

Vanaf 14 augustus 2024 - Kasteel de Merode - Westerlo 

 Vanaf 14 augustus 2024 presenteert Historalia het grootse musicalspektakel ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ op het domein van Kasteel de Merode in Westerlo. Het schrijversduo Jelle Cleymans (liedteksten) en Jef Hoogmartens (script) maakte reeds een deel van de hoofdcast bekend, waaronder zangeres en actrice Lotte Stevens die in de strijdvaardige huid van de iconische Franse oorlogsheldin Jeanne d'Arc zal mogen kruipen, maar enkele rollen dienden nog ingevuld te worden.

Erik Goris wordt bisschop Pierre Cauchon

De al vele jaren in het Kempense Vorselaar residerende acteur Erik Goris zal deze zomer vaak de E313 mogen oversteken om in Westerlo de kazuifel van bisschop Pierre Cauchon aan te trekken. Pierre Cauchon was de rooms-katholieke bisschop van Beauvais en een voorvechter van de Engelse belangen in Frankrijk in de slotfase van de Honderjarige Oorlog. Hij speelde een doorslaggevende rol bij de veroordeling van Jeanne d'Arc tot de brandstapel.

Voor Erik Goris, bij het brede publiek vooral bekend als acteur in Vlaamse tv-series als 'Vennebos', 'Flikken', 'Thuis' en zeker als Rob (de man van 'zatte' Rita)  in 'Familie', is zijn rol als bisschop Cauchon meteen ook een mooie vuurdoop, want de eerste keer dat hij op de planken zal staan in een Historalia-productie.

David Cantens begeleidt Jeanne d'Arc als kapitein de Beaudricourt

De rol van Robert de Beaudricourt wordt een kolfje naar de hand van David Cantens (Sint-Niklaas). Robert de Beaudricourt was kapitein van de stad Vacouleurs. Hij begeleidde  Jeanne d'Arc in 1429 naar Chinon, waar ze kroonprins Karel trachtte te overtuigen dat Frankrijk bevrijd moest worden van de Engelsen en dat hij koning moest worden. 

David Cantens kan als theateracteur en zanger zeker de nodige adelbrieven voorleggen, maar zijn rol als de autistische Rudy Marsman in de gelauwerde tv-serie 'Marsman' betekende zijn definitieve doorbraak. Nadien was hij ook te zien in succesvolle tv-series en films als 'Nieuw Texas', 'Brabançonne' (film), 'De Ridder', 'Professor T', 'Over Water,', 'Amigo’s', 'Coppers', 'Zone Stad', 'Aspe', 'Witse', 'Flikken', 'Wittekerke', 'Gevoel voor Tumor' en 'Familie'. Onlangs schitterde hij nog in de bejubelde musical 'Tot Altijd'.

Helle Vanderheyden en Pauline Joris zijn heilige Margaretha en Catharina

Met Helle Vanderheyden en Pauline Joris krijgt Lotte Stevens niet enkel twee uiterst getalenteerde musicalartiesten naast zich op de planken, maar ook letterlijk in haar oren. Jeanne d'Arc had namelijk op jonge leeftijd visioenen van onder andere de heilige Margaretha (Helle), Catharina (Pauline) en de aartsengel Michaël (Steven Colombeen). Deze fluisterden haar in dat ze Dauphin Karel VII moest helpen en ten strijde moest trekken om Frankrijk van de Engelsen te bevrijden.

Als actrice en zangeres is Helle Vanderheden (Antwerpen) al verschillende jaren een vaste waarde in het theater en op televisie. Ze speelde mee in onder andere ‘Grease’, ‘Mamma Mia!’, ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘The Rocky Horror Show, ‘Rapunzel’ en ‘Gaston & Leo’, maar bij het grote publiek is ze vooral bekend als Prinses Iris uit de televisiereeks ‘Prinsessia’ en Martha in ‘De Kotmadam’. Momenteel schittert ze in de musical ‘Hairspray’ en volgend seizoen zal ze de rol van Sophie hernemen in ‘Mamma Mia!’.

Pauline Joris (Mortsel) studeerde in 2019 succesvol af aan de Fontys Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Tilburg. Ze speelde tijdens haar studie mee in het openluchtspektakel 'Albert I' van Historalia en was na haar afstuderen te zien in o.a. '40-45', 'Deans', 'Vergeet Barbara' en 'Red Star Line'. Haar tv-debuut maakte ze in 2021 als vaste cast van het programma 'James De Musical'. Daarin is ze in verschillende rollen te zien in alle 3 de seizoenen.

Met Pieter Jan de Paepe (nobelman Jean de Metz), Floris Devooght (Dauphin Karel VII), Jos Dom  Jacques d'Arc en Filips de Goede), Neel Hannes (biechtvader van Jeanne d'Arc), Lien Crab en Sam De Kerf (Francoise), en Lio Cuypers en Hebe Hansen als de jonge Jeanne d'Arc, bestaat ook de rest van de cast uit een mooie mix van ervaring en jong musicaltalent. 

Beleef de epische reis van Jeanne d’Arc in dit nieuw, adembenemend musicalspektakel van Historalia. Laat je meeslepen door het verhaal van deze legendarische Franse heldin en ontdek de strijd, moed en opoffering die haar tot een icoon maakten. Met indrukwekkende decors en krachtige symfonische muziek, brengt Historalia Jeanne d’Arc tot leven zoals nooit tevoren!

Tickets & info ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ via historalia.be.

LEGENDARISCHE ILLUSIONIST HANS KLOK BRENGT NIEUWE SHOW ‘FACE THE FUTURE’ NAAR BELGIË

16 november 2024 – Capitole Gent 
23 november 2024 – Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen

“De razendsnelle evolutie in AI en VR heeft me gedwongen mezelf heruit te vinden”
- Hans Klok –

De legendarische Nederlandse illusionist Hans Klok komt dit najaar naar België met zijn adembenemende nieuwe show 'Face the Future'. Geïnspireerd door de razendsnelle technologische ontwikkelingen in AI en Virtual Reality, nodigt The World’s Fastest Illusionist je uit om samen met hem een onwaarschijnlijke reis door de tijd te maken. Op zaterdag 16 november 2024 staat Hans Klok met ‘Face The Future’ in Capitole Gent en op zaterdag 23 november 2024 kan je in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen getuige zijn van dit ongeziene, magische spektakel. Tickets & info: ticketkopen.eu . 

De afgelopen maanden heeft wereldvermaard illusionist Hans Klok samen met regisseur Stanley Burleson hard gewerkt aan zijn nieuwe theatershow ‘Face the Future’. In dit ongekende spektakel toont Hans hoe illusionisme, geconfronteerd met de razendsnelle technologische evolutie, er in de toekomst zal uitzien.

In ‘Face the Future’ creëert Hans Klok een avatar als oplossing voor de uitdagingen waar een illusionist in 2024 mee te maken heeft. Deze dubbelganger ontwikkelt al snel een eigen wil en is niet langer van plan dienstbaar aan Hans te zijn. Als dit zelfstandig denkende wezen steeds meer macht vergaart, neemt het de wereld van Hans Klok stukje bij beetje over. 

De enige manier waarop Hans dit proces kan stoppen, is zijn digitale alter ego door de tijd te achtervolgen totdat het een fysieke vorm aanneemt en eindelijk kan worden verslagen. ’Face the Future’ is een verhaal over het onder ogen zien van jezelf, wat er gebeurt wanneer mens in conflict komt met technologie en een blik op de menselijke kant van ’s werelds snelste illusionist. 

“Het wordt een geweldige show. Ik heb mezelf als het ware opnieuw moeten uitvinden omdat de technologie zo snel gaat. Artificial Intelligence en Virtual Reality zijn een onderdeel van de samenleving geworden. Dat wordt in de toekomst alleen nog maar meer. Daarom heb ik de show ‘Face the Future’ genoemd. Het wordt een magische reis door de tijd. In alle opzichten.”
- Hans Klok -

Bovenal is ‘Face the Future’ een spectaculaire familieshow zoals de wereld nog nooit gezien heeft. Bijzonder aan deze voorstelling zijn ook de Magic Seats. Wie kaarten voor deze speciale stoelen koopt, ziet de magie van héél dichtbij en heeft na afloop ook een meet & greet met Hans Klok.

Tickets voor ‘Face the Future’ van Hans Klok op zaterdag 16 november 2024 in Capitole Gent en op zaterdag 23 november 2024 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, zijn nu verkrijgbaar via ticketkopen.eu.

REVERED SONGWRITER KEVIN FLOURNOY AND SONGSTRESS AMANDA COLE RELEASE ‘TO THE WATER’

Vers•a•tility, The title of Kevin Flournoy’s upcoming independent debut album says it all about the multi-talented keyboardist/producer’s ever-evolving artistry and ability to create inspirational magic in a multitude of genres. After three decades as a visionary creative force for some of pop, R&B and contemporary jazz’s most iconic performers, his emergence as a recording artist in his own right is likewise driven by an exciting spirit of collaboration. On the project’s latest lead single “To The Water,” a poignant, heartrending ballad sung from the perspective of a dying person getting ready to cross over, Kevin returns to one of his all-time favorite wheelhouses – the epic R&B/pop ballad – with Amanda Cole, one of contemporary music’s most versatile veteran vocalists. “To The Water” is set to drop April 5.

If it seems like the track’s emotional arc and vocal dynamics harken back to the classic 80’s-90’s powerhouse Whitney Houston vibe, it’s with good reason. In addition to one of her best- known gigs, as a longtime replacement member of legendary girl group En Vogue, Amanda received rave reviews performing an 18 song, symphonic tribute to the late icon with many symphony orchestras around the country. In addition to 130M+ collective views on Facebook, Amanda has 10M+ on her YouTube channel – including 1.9M for her rendition of Houston’s “I Have Nothing.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Amanda has performed every genre of music imaginable – including country, R&B, rock, classical and Tejano. In addition to Houston and Michael Jackson, she has shared the stage with Destiny’s Child and Mary J. Blige and has been featured in productions   such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, “Anything Goes” and “Dream Girls” as well as a  string of other successful gospel and off-Broadway plays.

Kevin had been working with Amanda on tracks for a solo project when she presented the song  to him as one she would like to record. Written by Matt Simons, an associate of David Foster,  “To The Water” felt very timely to both of them, capturing the spirit of the post-COVID era in  which people were reflecting on the many friends family and loved ones they had lost. It was  exactly the kind of song he envisioned they would create together. Instead of saving it for Amanda’s solo project, Kevin thought it would fit right into the stylistic blend he had in mind for  Vers•a•tility.

“When I first heard ‘To The Water,’ I felt like this is where I live musically and emotionally,” says Kevin. “When I started writing music, this was exactly the kind of pop/R&B I specialized in, songs that also tapped into my developing ability to arrange strings. The original demo Amanda gave me had piano and vocal but I immediately heard an orchestra in my head, which I later created in the studio with a live quartet, 20-plus tracks of real strings and some additional synth strings. I recorded different elements of the track at Sunset Sound and United Recording Studio, and she flew out from her home in Arkansas to record several vocal sessions at EastWest Studio, including a redo of the big part at the end which captured the kind of big vocal performance we both love.”

Kevin has released three previous singles that will also be included on Vers•a•tility. In December 2023, he dropped the smooth urban jazz instrumental “Smooth It Over,” which marked a special reunion with one of his legendary early collaborators, saxophonist Ronnie Laws. That track followed “Tell Me If You Still Care,” a re-imagining of the mid-80’s Jam/Lewis composed Top 5 R&B S.O.S Band hit featuring vocals by Phil Perry and Shannon Pearson; and 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.

The YouTube video of a live presentation of “Tell Me If You Still Care” has 3.4M+ views on YouTube and earned Song of the Year honors from the Orlando Urban Film Festival.

Starting with Laws, The Emotions and Teena Marie, Kevin has written, performed or recorded over the past three decades 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.

In addition to his work with these 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.

JOCELYN BROWN 'I'M CAUGHT UP' (IN A ONE NIGHT LOVE AFFAIR) (JOHN MORALES M+M MIXES)

2 musical legends, Jocelyn Brown and John Morales, join forces once again on a spine-tingling remake of Inner Life’s ‘I’m Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)’ for Quantize Recordings. Giving this greatly loved Disco classic a shiny new make-over, Jocelyn has delivered a powerful vocal performance, whilst John flexes his flawless M+M production skills and impeccable knack for creating exciting arrangements, as these two great friends and musical heavyweights get set to take 2024’s dance floors by storm.

“In 1978, after meeting Greg Carmichael and Patrick Adams at New York’s Sunshine Sound, Greg asked me if I wanted to mix his next release and being a newcomer to the mix game, of course said “Yes”! I walked into Nola Studio’s on a Saturday night at 3am and in the booth was Jocelyn Brown singing “I’m Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)”. After the session, I got to speak to her and now, 45 years later, I call her one of my dearest friends and confidants. We have lived an amazing, historical music journey and there is no other singer I'm prouder to have worked with. Now, in 2024, we’ve come full circle revisiting “I’m Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)”: a track which has taken the best part of a two years for me to complete.” – John Morales

Acclaimed US R&B, Disco and dance music artist, Jocelyn Brown, needs very little introduction. Her unmistakeable powerful tones and impactful lyrics have graced so many dance floor favourites throughout her incredible career. As well as solo and various band releases, Jocelyn has worked with the likes of Inner Life, Incognito, Salsoul Orchestra, Todd Terry, Nuyorican Soul, Cerrone, David Morales, John Morales, Louie Vega and so many more.

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. His musical portfolio includes works for 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, Candi Staton, and so many more. As a DJ, John has toured Australia, New Zealand and various other countries around the world, performing at Glitterbox, Hi, Ibiza, Ministry Of Sound, alongside various festivals Including Defected Croatia, Suncebeat, Southport Weekender and 51st State to name a few.

Track Listing
1 I'm Caught Up In A One Night Love Affair (John Morales M+M Main Mix)
2 I'm Caught Up In A One Night Love Affair (John Morales M+M Instrumental Mix)
3 I'm Caught Up In A One Night Love Affair (John Morales M+M Classic Club)
4 I'm Caught Up In A One Night Love Affair (John Morales M+M Mix Edit)

'I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)’ (John Morales M+M Mixes) will be released on Traxsource promo March 29th / Full release April 12th 2024 on Quantize Recordings.

Jocelyn Brown
'I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)’ (John Morales M+M Mixes)
Quantize Recordings / QTZ463
https://www.instagram.com/thereal_jocelynbrown/
http://www.johnmoralesmix.com
https://www.facebook.com/John-Morales-230746626983955/
https://www.facebook.com/QuantizeRecordings/

JAZZ FUNK BASSIST CHRISTIAN DE MESONES RETURNS WITH ‘YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE’ ON APRIL 12

Reborn, Reimagined and Remixed: Jazz funk bassist Christian de Mesones returns with “You Only Live Twice,” a new album dropping April 12 that contains the Billboard No. 1 hit “Hispanica” featuring keyboard legend Bob James.

ORANGE COUNTY, VA (25 March 2024): A lifetime ago, Christian de Mesones was a New York City cabbie and heavy metal bassist who had a voracious appetite for the seedy decadence the Big Apple’s music scene was known for in the 1980s. Determined to change his life, de Mesones did a complete one-eighty, got clean and changed his musical muse to jazz funk. Dedicating his “second life” to pursuing his newfound passion for contemporary jazz and deep soul grooves spiced with Latin rhythms, de Mesones will release his second album, “You Only Live Twice,” on April 12 on the That 555 Lyfe label. Christopher Valentine produced nine of the album’s ten tracks, all but one of which are original songs written or cowritten by de Mesones.

de Mesones’s turnaround began decades ago, but it wasn’t until March of 2020 that he finally assembled his solo debut album, “They Call Me Big New York,” just as Covid-19 put the world on lockdown. Three singles from the set, “Big Tall Wish,” “Spirit” and “Latin Jive Redux,” landed on three national charts. However, pandemic restrictions limited de Mesones’s opportunities to promote the project and grow his brand.

A year later, de Mesones released a sultry Latin-tinged cut titled “Hispanica.” A British DJ sent the song to two-time Grammy-winning keyboardist Bob James, who agreed to play piano on the track. The single went to No. 1 on the Billboard chart, de Mesones’s first.

“I have always believed in the power of composition. One song can change the world. In my case, one of my own compositions forever changed mine. Before releasing ‘Hispanica’ as a single, I felt it was my strongest composition to date. It was featured on my previous album as a vocal track, and on the advice of my radio promoter, it was reimagined as an instrumental. I immediately knew I wanted a piano for the melody. Having the legendary Bob James play on it was a fairytale come true. It has become one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said de Mesones.

de Mesones dropped the follow-up single, “In His Vision,” in 2022. He wrote the rousing tune on which his bass takes on lyrically expressive qualities and gets a boost from saxophonist Eddie Baccus Jr.’s impassioned play. 

“This song written for and inspired by my father-in-law was a challenge for me. I wanted to play the melody and do it justice. It had to have that Wayman Tisdale vibe, so last minute before the recording, I changed to piccolo gauge strings, giving me the sound I envisioned. Eddie Baccus Jr.’s sax put the song over the top, giving it exactly what I thought it needed,” explained de Mesones.

A movie buff, de Mesones is a big James Bond fan and the secret agent’s presence is felt twice on the album, including on the title track, which was released as a single last year. The production and arrangements are sprawling on the track “You Only Live Twice,” layered with majestic horn section parts and a dreamy vocal chorus. 

“The album’s title track holds multiple meanings for me. Putting aside my love for the classic James Bond film with this title, it perfectly represents my second album release as a solo artist as well as the album artwork featuring my custom double neck bass. This song was composed many years ago and has come to fruition at a time when I have found true love and real purpose in my life. I believe in second chances, and love is definitely sweeter the second time around,” said de Mesones who is married to his producer’s sister, Jennifer Valentine.

A fourth single prefaced the album with the release of “Don Pedro” last year. Written in memory of his late father, the contemplative ballad is as beautiful as it is emotional. Two-time Grammy-winning vocalist David Blamires provides a haunting wordless caress throughout the track led by Jaared Arosemena’s soprano sax.

“My personal favorite track on the album captures the essence of my father who was a larger-than-life figure to me when I was a child. As I grew older, we had our difficulties, as many sons and fathers do, but I was blessed to be able to mend our relationship in his later years. Through the completion and release of this song, which I toiled over for years, I found a way to keep his spirit alive and with me everywhere I go,” de Mesones shared.

For the other Bond-connected song on the album, de Mesones reinterprets five-time Academy Award winner John Barry’s “Capsule In Space,” setting it to a funky Latin modern-day groove. Michael “Arch” Thompson’s spiraling flute work adds a floating sensation.

“I love the orchestration and composing skills of John Barry and loved using this music to accompany the visuals for my live shows. This song is a bit sentimental, too, as it conjures memories of growing up in Brooklyn and my father and grandmother taking me to see James Bond movies. Creating an urban take on this masterpiece was a lot of fun,” de Mesones shared. 

Other tracks on the album are the seductive jazz funk prowl of “Sexy Beast”; the mighty five-bass attack “Throb!” on which de Mesones formed a brotherhood of bassists with Bill Dickens, Brendan Rothwell, Andrew Gouche and Vail Johnson on this revamped track that originally appeared on his debut disc; “Arrival,” an exciting, exuberant and explosive space jam that de Mesones plans to use to open his concerts; the sensual “Stay,” an R&B single illumined by Nes Powers’s distinctive voice; and “Sweetnight,” which de Mesones converted from a vocal tune into an instrumental.

“‘Sweetnight’ went through more changes than any other song in my entire repertoire. This instrumental version represents what I hear when I close my eyes and imagine a world where love rules all things,” de Mesones described.

Brooklyn-born and bred, de Mesones relocated to a sleepy town in Virginia as he rebuilt his life. He made his concert debut at the Capital Jazz Festival near Washington, DC in 2006 and has persevered ever since to get to the next level. “You Only Live Twice” is a big album on multiple levels. Valentine’s elaborate production and crafty arrangements give the project a grand sound design. de Mesones’s rubbery basslines, dynamic rhythms and equanimity when it comes to sharing the spotlight with an accomplished collective of first-call musicians in service to the song has equipped him with a next-level album meriting a major breakthrough.

“After my days of living a lifestyle of excess, now being surrounded by such loving, supportive friends, family, and fans feels like a rebirth. And my life is so much sweeter the second time around. From sex, drugs, and rock and roll to smooth grooves and funky Latin soul, my feet are now on solid ground. And I’m here to tell you, it's true: your best life is not in the rear-view mirror.” 

de Mesones’s “You Only Live Twice” album contains the following songs:

“You Only Live Twice”

“Sexy Beast” with Bill McGee and Rob Maletick

“Throb!” (Bass Godz Remix) featuring Bill Dickens, Brendan Rothwell, Andrew Gouche and Vail Johnson

“Arrival”

“Stay” (Big New York Remix) featuring Nes Powers

“Sweetnight”

“Capsule In Space”

“In His Vision” featuring Eddie Baccus Jr.

“Hispanica” featuring Bob James

“Don Pedro” featuring Jaared Arosemena

For more information, please visit https://bignybassworld.com.

FERGE X FISHERMAN - 'GOOD MOTHER' – NEW ALBUM BY GERMAN HIP-HOP/RAP DUO OUT 22.03.24

FERGE X FISHERMAN | photo by Steffen Metzger

FERGE X FISHERMAN
GOOD MOTHER

new album
LP | digital
out 22.03.24
(Ferge X Fisherman/Membran)

stream 

with features from
MICK JENKINS  |  TAKUYA KURODA  |  JEROME THOMAS  |  CEEOPATRA

includes the singles
WHAT HAVE WE BECOME
(feat. MICK JENKINS)
video

ADULTS video RACING video LACE UP video

LIVE IN THE UK
16.05.24  LONDON Juju’s  INFO
17.05.24  BRIGHTON Patterns @ 13:15
18.05.24  BRIGHTON Jubilee Square @ 18:15
Brighton shows as part of The Great Escape 2024

German hip-hop/rap duo Ferge X Fisherman have released their fourth album today. ‘Good Mother’ is a concept work about embracing various life stages and sees them deploying gospel choirs, vintage strings, soulful Rhodes chords and wah-wah guitar pedals to give their jazz-infused music a distinctly ‘70s soundtrack vibe.

The album includes the melancholic current single, ‘What Have We Become’, which features the Chicago-based rapper Mick Jenkins on a slice of gorgeous alternative hip-hop. It also contains the pulsating ‘Adults’ (featuring the soulful voice of London-based R&B singer Jerome Thomas and unique jazz trumpet playing of Takuya Kuroda), the up-tempo ‘Racing’ (which draws inspiration from BLK ODYSSY, Goldlink and Kendrick Lamar) and the laid-back vibes of ‘Lace Up’.

GOOD MOTHER
TRACKLISTING
1 Good Mother
2 Lace Up
3 Supposed (feat. Ceeopatra)
4 Summer
5 Fall
6 Caterpillar / Butterfly
7 Adults (feat. Jerome Thomas & Takuya Kuroda)
8 Cost
9 Racing
10 What Have We Become (feat. Mick Jenkins)

FERGE X FISHERMAN
biography
FXF are deeply influenced by jazz, with their casual, subtle complexity allowing the freedoms of this genre to shine through in their music. Every sound element lands precisely where it belongs: a piano figure suddenly fills the gaps; a clever chord change momentarily shifts the harmonic structure; a snare hit arrives a millisecond late, creating the unmistakable laid-back feeling of FXF. As is often the case, it is the small details that transform something good into something magnificent.

Above it all is Fritz Fisherman, rapping like a jazz instrumentalist would solo. With his fresh approach to the English language and introspective lyrics (as well as his slightly smoky, slightly nasal voice), he forms the lyrical core of the band. The project began with him and producer Ferge meeting as teenagers while skateboarding in their home city of Nuremberg. An immediate chemistry between the two swiftly extended to involve crack jazz quartet Nujakasha, who have become an integral part of the FXF set-up both live and in the studio.

From this circle of friends, their own record label emerged with the six musicians handling almost everything themselves (videos, merchandise, finances and more). This team spirit is also evident in the music made by FXF: the delightful crackling of old vinyl samples blends with crisp drums, smooth E-piano chords and adventurous basslines. It is a partnership that has already seen the release of ‘Gone Fishing’ (2018), ‘Blinded By The Neon’ (2020) and ‘Duality’ (2022), on which the likes of Noah Slee, Black Milk, Takuya Kuroda and Hunter Rose have also guested.

‘Good Mother’ now kicks things up to another level, boasting a reappearance from Kuroda plus features from Mick Jenkins, Jerome Thomas and Ceeopatra on a multi-dimensional coming-of-age album that explores the complexities involved in the process of growing-up; formative experiences, evaluation of past decisions, sexual insecurity, financial and emotional concerns, as well as the acknowledgement of universal fears as time ticks by.

FERGE X FISHERMAN
Official Site  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  TikTok

BREEK UIT JEZELF MET ‘FREEDOM’, DE NIEUWSTE SINGLE VAN .FEN

Funk-soul uit Vilvoorde? Jazeker! En hoe! 'Freedom', de nieuwe single van .Fen bevat alle ingrediënten om je te laten wegdromen op een heerlijke groove. Net of je op een stralende dag aan het cruisen bent met een lichte zeebries door je haren en Isaac Hayes en Stevie Wonder anno 2024 keuvelend op de achterbank genieten. 'Freedom' wil je even de alledaagse zorgen doen vergeten en je herinneren aan je diepste ambities, daar waar je echte vrijheid ligt. Durf dromen, breek de muren om je heen, ontplooi jezelf!

Met 'Freedom' presenteert .Fen de vierde single uit het recent verschenen album 'Hero', in een gepassioneerde productie van topproducer Babl Lemmens (Natalia, Laura Tesoro, Netsky). In de bijbehorende clip zie je .Fen aan het werk met zijn vaste muzikanten waarmee hij momenteel de podia onveilig maakt tijdens de 'Hero'-livetour, een niet te missen belevenis voor alle liefhebbers van de betere funk & soul. 

Over .Fen

De Vilvoordse singer-songwriter en muzikant .Fen debuteerde in 2013 succesvol met een Europees gesmaakt live eerbetoon aan Stevie Wonder. In 2021 volgde het album ‘Life Is Beautiful’, .Fen’s vlucht uit de Covid-lockdown. Met maar liefst 6 miljoen streams, waarvan 2 miljoen op Spotify, miste het zijn effect niet. In 2023 stelde .Fen zijn nieuwe album ‘Hero’ voor, waarvan de vooruitgeschoven titeltrack niet van de radio te branden was. De opvolgers ‘Make It’ en ‘In Love’ bevestigden. Ook over de grens in Frankrijk werd de soul van .Fen opgemerkt. Het leverde hem een passage op in 'Du Son Dans Mon Salon' https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=CUfMf0dIanE en in het France Télévision programma 'Culture Box'. Live verzamelde .Fen een pak straffe muzikanten rond zich voor zijn  'Hero'-livtour, waarmee hij momenteel nog steeds concerteert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7E7zLvD5ZU. Een lust voor oog en oor, dus gaat dat zien!

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

'Freedom' van .Fen is beschikbaar via alle bekende muziekplatformen.

JAMIE WILLIAMS – ‘FIRESIDE’

Jamie WilliamS. Music is a full-service entertainment company that has been performing for audiences all around the world for the past 25 years. From Europe to Central and South America and to the Far East Jamie WilliamS. loves to entertain audiences. Jamie has performed with artists such as Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, Ricky Peterson(Prince, David Sanborn), Jennifer Hudson, Jasmine, Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, Jeff Kashiwa, Darryl Williams, Eric Valentine and Justin Bieber to name a few.

Jamie has had the opportunity to live all over the US playing and making music. From Miami to Nashville, where he toured with Country Artist Rick Orozco and just having recently moved to Central Florida from Los Angeles, he continues to tour and perform across the US.

Jamie’s first album, After Hours, produced by Platinum Recording Engineer Veit Renn features Academy Award Winner and Grammy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson. Jamie's sophomore album, entitled Tongue Tied, dropped in January of 2024. As an artist and educator, Jamie WilliamS also uses his talents as a Professor of Music Production at the esteemed Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.

HUBERT EAVES IV FT. NAJEE – ‘GET UP’

Hubert Eaves IV is a highly accomplished instrumentalist, composer and producer. Born in Minneapolis, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry, primarily based in New York City. Hubert's exceptional skills on drums and bass have contributed to some of the most iconic songs and albums in music history. Notably, his infectious pocket bass playing can be experienced on Erykah Badu's acclaimed live album, Live, including the unforgettable track "Call Tyrone."

Throughout his career, Hubert has worked with esteemed artists such as Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, Chris 'Big Dog' Davis, JJ Sansaverino, Brian Simpson, and Althea Rene to name a few. His contributions as a songwriter and producer have also made significant impact on the music of various artists. Notabily, Hubert co-wrote and co-produced the chart-topping single "What Part of My Love" with Will Downing, which reached number one on the charts.

Currently, Hubert is preparing to release his hightly anticipated single, "Get Up," featuring the renowned saxophonist and flutist Najee, who has achieved multi-platinum sales worldwide. With his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, Hubert Eaves IV is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music industry for years to come.

A SOUL-JAZZ SHUFFLE IN NEW SINGLE ‘SNAKEBITE PLAYFIGHT’ BY THE JAZZ DEFENDERS

UK jazz quintet The Jazz Defenders release another single from their upcoming third album Memory In Motion', out on Haggis Records on 22nd April.

"Snakebite Playfight" is a potpourri of some of the band's favourite musical inspirations and influences - New Orleans shuffle, NOLA funk, hard bop, soul jazz - carefully prepared and slowly cooked for just under five minutes, resulting in one tasty musical melting pot of a single. Starting with a New Orleans shuffle, it transitions with ease mid-song into some psychedelic funk grooviness, heavily embellished with both organ and electric piano, before returning to the shuffle beat for a piano solo from band leader George Cooper. Before the tune returns to the main theme and outro, drummer Ian Matthews gets to stretch out on a short but tasty solo.

"Snakebite Playfight" is another example of the band's refusal to stand still musically and rest on their laurels. Every single is different, moving effortlessly from soul jazz to soundtrack-influenced music via hard bop and hip-hop jazz. The Jazz Defenders love it all and are not scared to show it on this new single, another excellent taster for the forthcoming third album. This music married the jazz improvisation of earlier eras, such as bebop and hard bop, to the straight eighths groove of rhythm & blues and soul music. Championed by musicians such as saxophonist Cannonball Adderley and pianist Ramsey Lewis, and especially artists recording for the legendary Blue Note Records label (people like pianist Horace Silver, trumpeter Lee Morgan, saxophonist Lou Donaldson and guitarist Grant Green), soul jazz became hugely popular outside of the niche jazz scene, even scoring top twenty pop single hits with tracks like "The Sidewinder" and "Watermelon Man".

The Jazz Defenders

Led by one of the UK's most formidable jazz pianists, George Cooper, The Jazz Defenders are a group born from a deep love of Blue Note jazz, drawing on a wealth of inspiration to craft their own raw and vibrant compositions. Having played several shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as well as many other prestigious venues in the UK, they continue to electrify audiences with their energy and virtuosity.

As The Jazz Defenders continue to distinctly ‘defend’ the legacy of some of the classic hard bop greats such as Horace Silver, Lee Morgan and Art Blakey, they are beginning to evolve their modern soul jazz slant to combine solid grooves and catchy horn lines with a collaborative and all-encompassing sound, fusing soul, jazz, hip hop, soundtrack and groove into a masterful union that leaves audiences mesmerised.

The group's brainchild, pianist and composer George Cooper, has at a young age already amassed a comprehensive repertoire of musical credits including Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, U2, Omar, Slum Village, MF Doom, The Brand New Heavies, Lisa Stansfield, Wet Wet Wet, The Haggis Horns, Abstract Orchestra and Lack of Afro.

Line Up:

George Cooper - Piano/Keyboards

Will Harris - Bass

Ian Matthews - Drums

Nick Malcolm - Trumpet

Jake McMurchie - Tenor Sax

https://www.thejazzdefenders.com

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SFVBZdS09KBBK229v7iKf

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/scheming/1487784953?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

https://play.google.com/music/preview/Br4aqtmv57ooldt7bumk6mjyv6m

http://www.facebook.com/thejazzdefenders

http://www.twitter.com/jazzdefenders

https://instagram.com/thejazzdefenders

http://www.thejazzdefenders.bandcamp.com

RAGAN WHITESIDE IS ‘STEPPIN’ OUT’

Billboard #1 and Jazz Music Award-winning flautist/composer Ragan Whiteside is back with an exciting new single, "Steppin' Out" - the first single from her upcoming 7th album release, titled RAGAN.

Teaming up once again with hit producers Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin, Ragan delivers her signature high-energy performance with a track that brings a breath of fresh air to the Contemporary Jazz genre.

"Although we've created 6 albums, this is the first project I've done without a full-time day job," says the NAACP Image Award-nominated Whiteside. "We named this song Steppin' Out because it's exactly what is happening in my life - I'm stepping out from my 20+ year software development gig and diving head-first into my passions."

Joining Ragan on the track is Rich Harrison a.k.a the artist RAH (Evelyn Champagne King, Atlantic Starr) on drums and Phil Hamilton (Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Al Jarreau) on guitar.

We are requesting playlist adds out of the box on March 25...why wait to play a hit?

DR PACKER & ELEKTRIK DISKO -  ‘MY LOVIN’’

Two of Australia’s hottest names on the Disco House circuit land on Fool’s Paradise this March; Dr Packer & Elektrik Disko collaborate on ‘My Lovin’; a glittering new dancefloor groover that gives a nod to Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King’s 1981 soul classic, 'If You Want My Lovin'. Giving this gem a top to toe sprinkle with their unique blend of Aussie Disco sparkle, the guys boost the BPM whilst still giving a wink to the 80’s. Expect a feast of high-octane pulsating synths complete with retro disco boo’s, alongside playful heartfelt vocals. Also on the package is a punchy piano led mix from Elektrik Disko, armed with an irresistible booty-shakin’ inducing bassline and garnished with uplifting brass and funky guitar hooks.

Western Australia’s Dr Packer, aka DJ Greg Packer, has a 35 year DJ career under his belt, countless DJ awards, 10 international DJ Tours, 24 years studio experience and years running his now defunct D&B record label Interphase Music - he’s no stranger to the music business! His magical Soul, Funk and Disco reworks and re-edits have featured on top labels such as Z Records, Fool’s Paradise, Disco Dat, Salsoul Records, Midnight Riot, Defected, Big Love, Glitterbox, Soulfuric, CR2 and more. He has remixed songs officially from ‘Bootsy Collins , Jocelyn Brown, Chaka Khan, Freeez, Colonel Abrams, Dave Lee, Robert Owens, Carl Cox, Purple Disco Machine and so many more.

Australian producer, Elektrik Disko, aka Jolyon Petch, is a defining presence in the disco house genre. His remixes of ‘Show Me Love’ and ‘Stupidisco’ dominated the Australian ARIA club charts, plus his single ‘Tell Me Why’, topped the charts and amassed over six million streams on Spotify. His remixes for industry giants like Siedah Garrett, Junior Jack, Kid Crème, Claudja Barry, and Robin S not only cemented his reputation as a skilled remixer, but also demonstrated his ability to seamlessly blend the nostalgic allure of disco with contemporary House music.

Track Listing
1 My Lovin’
2 My Lovin’ (Elektrik Disko Edit)
3 My Lovin’ (Extended)
4 My Lovin’ (Elektrik Disko Extended)

‘My Lovin’ will be released on March 22nd 2024 on Fool’s Paradise.

Dr Packer & Elektrik Disko
‘My Lovin’
Fool’s Paradise / FP013
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MATTIAS ROOS – OCEAN DRIVE – NEW MUSIC FROM SWEDISH PIANIST

On April 3, Mattias releases his new single "Ocean Drive".

This new smooth and funky song is a collaboration between Swedish saxophonist Greger Hillman and Mattias.

From Sweden but with a feeling of cruising through LA, "Ocean Drive" is the perfect song to add to your funky smooth playlist.

www.mattiasroos.com

MIRA GOTO - A TRUE VIRTUOSO IN THE HEART OF NASHVILLE

Country music pulses through the veins of MIRA GOTO, an undeniable part of her musical DNA long before she made the move to Nashville. Hailing from Santa Cruz, California, this singer-songwriter has seamlessly woven her enchanting blend of country and pop rock into the fabric of the vibrant Nashville music scene. With a compelling personality, exceptional musicianship, and undeniable charm, MIRA GOTO stands as the total package.

ABOUT BEFORE

Today, we celebrate the highly-anticipated re-release of her EP "BEFORE," scheduled for April 12, 2024. This collection of songs is a testament to MIRA GOTO's heartfelt musicality, capturing her personal experiences as both a singer-songwriter and a modern-day human.

Recorded in the heart of Nashville at Prime Recording Studios, "BEFORE" came to life under the watchful eye of producer Derek Garten. Known for his strong vision and meticulous attention to detail, Garten breathed life into MIRA GOTO's songs, allowing them to stand on their own. Reflecting on the collaboration, MIRA GOTO notes, “He was able to breathe life into my songs, and that gave them legs so they could stand on their own. It takes a special producer with real passion to do that.”

Track List - Before

Enough To Try - Mira Goto / Derek Garten

Before - Mira Goto

Bright Eyes - Mira Goto / Greg Barnhill

Wanted - Mira Goto / Steve Seskin

Loving You Is Killing Me - Mira Goto / Philip White / Kent Blaze

ABOUT MIRA

MIRA GOTO, formerly known as Mira Parfitt, discovered her passion for music in the Santa Cruz Mountains, playing the violin from a young age. Transitioning to the guitar as a teenager, it was the encouragement of her sister Danielle that convinced her to take the stage. MIRA's journey epitomizes the singer-songwriter, crafting songs that tell compelling stories, where lyrics harmonize seamlessly with her music.

Distinguishing her unique brand of music from the conventional country twang, MIRA GOTO refers to her style as “Diet Country” – a philosophy that encourages authenticity and doing what one does best. Explaining her approach, she says, “There are always going to be better guitar players, better singers, and better songwriters. So it’s absolutely about telling that story you need to tell, that’s unique to you, and telling it in the best way you know how.”

At 35 years old, MIRA GOTO has developed a distinct language in her music that is fresh, authentic, and original, drawing influences from artists like Kacey Musgraves, Jaimee Harris, Katy Perry, and the early work of Jack Johnson.

Her debut album, "NEW PLAID SHIRT," released in 2013 under the name Mira Parfitt, showcased her potential for success, winning the West Coast International Songwriting Competition. The single "NEXT LIFE (video)" (2018), featuring Marc Broussard, hinted at what was to come. MIRA GOTO was recognized as the Santa Cruz GoodTimes NEXTies "Musician of the Year."

Periscope, a live performance platform popular in the USA, played a pivotal role in expanding MIRA GOTO's public awareness, with up to 60K people watching her live performances. Although the service was discontinued in 2021, Periscope videos are still accessible via Twitter (Now called X). MIRA embarked on a nationwide tour, building on her massive online community.

In 2020, she released her debut album "NOBODY WARNED ME" (video) co-produced by the legendary Ken Caillat (Grammy® winning engineer for Fleetwood Mac Rumours project) and Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat), Douglas Romanow, with Mastering by Marc Daniel Nelson (Colbie Caillat). The title track went on the Country music charts on #24 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart and CDX Traction True Indie Chart in the top 10. She played in cities nationwide and even extended her reach to her devoted fan base in Northern Ireland.

As MIRA GOTO continues to make waves in the country and pop rock scene, her journey is a testament to her talent, passion, and commitment to crafting music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Keep up to date with MIRA GOTO on social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, TikTok as well as YouTube for her latest videos and her website www.miragoto.com. Stream and download her music on digital music platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.

ROBERTO TOLA – ‘BOSSA AMOR (WAVE OF LOVE)’

BOSSA AMOR (Wave Of Love) is a delicate and adorable Bossa Jazz song composed and arranged by Roberto Tola, a declaration of the author's love for this musical genre, omnipresent in the repertoire and in all of Roberto's musical albums.

The light rhythm, the delicate harmony and the sinuous melody give the listener a refined and enveloping atmosphere. BOSSA AMOR still showcases the compositional talent of Roberto Tola on the guitar, as in the previous works of the Italian composer, originally from the island of Sardinia (Itay).

For this new musical project Roberto has called around him some of his favorite musicians, already present in other recordings of the Sardinian guitarist, such as the Italian-Argentine pianist Luciano De La Rosa and the omnipresent Maciek Szczyciński on electric bass. Completing the band is also the drummer, also of Italian-Argentine origin, Lucio Cheli, in his first collaboration with the Sardinian artist.

Roberto Tola's inspiration for this song comes from his trip to Brazil, completed in 2015, which definitively sealed Roberto's love for Bossa Nova and Latin American music, a path that began at a young age, consolidated and enriched over time also through his travels to Central America: Cuba, Santo Domingo and Mexico among all.

The release of BOSSA AMOR is a prelude to Roberto Tola's next album, scheduled for release in 2024, the title of which still remains secret so far. Fans of the artist can, however, be reassured by the fact that this new ongoing project is a new musical journey that extends beyond the boundaries of conventional jazz, of which the extraordinary soundscapes that will characterize this new work can already be revealed.

Roberto Tola's compositions have always received international critical acclaim, and his mastery of the guitar is widely recognized. With numerous awards to his name, Tola continues to push and extend the boundaries of contemporary jazz, infusing his music with passion, innovation and an unmistakable Italian flavor. Finally, in addition to the musical aspect of this new single by Roberto, the author is keen to underline some other elements that moved him to compose BOSSA AMOR.

The title already includes two of these elements, they are the “Bossa Nova”, which we have already mentioned above, and represented by the image of the acoustic guitar in the official cover of the song, and “Amor”(Love), represented, again on the cover, by a red rose.

It is a very significant image which arises from the awareness that love is a precious commodity and which is in short supply in our society today.

Through the sweetness of Bossa Nova, Roberto wishes to convey a positive message, like a “wave of love” and hope.

CREDITS

Roberto Tola: Acoustic & Jazz Guitar, Voice, Digital Sound Programming and Percussion, Composition and Arrangement;

Luciano De La Rosa: Piano

Lucio Cheli: Drum;

Maciek Szczyciński: Electric Bass;

Mixing & Mastering: Roberto Tola;

Conceived and released at the Eden Beach Studio - Sardinia Island, Sassari (Italy)

www.robertotola.com

A SPECIAL EFX LEGACY OF ‘LOVE’

The contemporary jazz-world fusion band releases a collection of live recordings recorded in Hungary on the album “Return to Budapest with Love,” which is out now.

NEW YORK CITY (18 March 2024): Grammy nominated world jazz fusion group Special EFX has deep ties to Budapest as co-founder and master percussionist George Jinda was Hungarian as was his frequent songwriting partner Bela "Szakcsi" Lakatos. Along with the band’s co-founder and guitarist Chieli Minucci, the US-based Special EFX returned to Budapest to perform at the famed Petőfi Csarnok twice. Those 1990 and 1992 concerts were recorded by a local Hungarian radio station and are now available digitally and via CD from Chieli Music as the album “Return to Budapest with Love.”

When the concerts took place, there weren’t any plans to release a live album from the shows. In fact, Special EFX’s then label, GRP Records, felt that a live album would cut into sales of the crystalline digital CDs they were releasing at the time. Hungarian jazz fusion supergroup Djabe bandleader/guitarist Attila Egerhazi recently approached Minucci with the idea to release a live collection from the archived recordings.

“I decided it was long overdue to let our fans hear a live CD recording. Years earlier, we’d lobbied for a live concert release. At the last minute, our label declined, yet the artist in me just wanted to let folks hear what I heard every night on that stage. Well, all these years later, here it is!” enthused Minucci. 

After listening to the two concerts, Minucci selected ten songs that he felt best captured the collaborative magic between him and Jinda, who passed away in 2002. In the spirit of Special EFX's artistic direction, much of the music on the live album was improvised, particularly the duet pieces featuring Minucci and Jinda.

“This project, which I believe came from two-track to tape recordings, will give our fans a rare glimpse into the duo performances that George and I always included in our shows. Here there are many of them as well as full-band ensemble pieces,” said Minucci.

The full-band ensemble Minucci referenced consisted of him on electric and acoustic guitars, Jinda playing an array of multicultural percussion instruments (percussion, African talking drum, shakers, caxixi, tuned temple blocks, energy chime, crotales), Szakcsi on acoustic piano and keyboards, drummer Lionel Cordew and bassist Gerald Veasley.    

Prior to the two Hungarian concert dates, Szakcsi had never performed with Special EFX although he had a lengthy history of writing with Jinda.

“A real treat for us was the inclusion of the famous jazz pianist and composer Bela ‘Szakcsi’ Lakatos who’d never actually performed our music before. Fans of the group will remember Szakcsi as co-composer of many earlier-period Special EFX compositions. With only a soundcheck to rehearse, the band performed for about 2,000 excited fans that evening,” said Minucci who reunited with Szakcsi for another Hungarian concert date five years ago prior to the keyboardist’s death in 2022.

“Return to Budapest with Love” opens with “Looking for Seventh Heaven,” a fiery Szakcsi and Jinda composition that Minucci describes as influenced by The Police and Sting. A rare live version of the 1986 album title track duo piece, “Slice of Life” contains a digital-delay loop effect that Minucci used quite often around the time of the live recording. The album contains the only existing version of the Minucci-Jinda duet “Forever,” an ethereal exploration piloted by Minucci’s frenetic guitar. 

Minucci said that he and Szakcsi improvised the impassioned guitar and piano dalliance, “Chance Encounter,” “spontaneously in the middle of the concert. This is the only time Szakcsi and I ever played it.”

“The Toy Shop” is faithful to the studio recording of the track that Minucci describes as another meditative loop song. Named for someone Jinda knew, the fusion foray “Sabariah” was a concert favorite from Special EFX’s early touring days. The sprawling journey that is “Nature Boy Pt. 1 & 2” clocks in generously at more than ten minutes. 

“A classic we played at all our shows, ‘Nature Boy’ beautifully demonstrates George’s talent on the African talking drum, not to mention my own Pete Townsend-influenced strumming. I still perform this as a solo piece at the end of Special EFX concerts,” said Minucci.

The brisk “Uptown East” was one of Special EFX’s first singles. At one of the Hungarian concerts, Special EFX hadn’t planned to play “Festival,” yet spontaneously Jinda and Minucci broke into the tune, and it made it onto the album. “Return to Budapest with Love” closes with the first composition the band ever recorded, “Sambuca Nights,” which was issued as their first single in 1982. The track displays Minucci’s fervent finger work on acoustic guitar.

Special EFX’s surviving member Minucci keeps the band’s 42-year legacy relevant and thriving via prodigious recording projects that are supported by busy concert itineraries, including treks with a revolving cast of special guests who join the guitarist under the name Special EFX All-Stars. A highly respected and in-demand guitarist known for his blazing speed, dexterous technique and meticulous detail, Minucci has performed or recorded with a plethora of pop, R&B, rock and jazz stars, the list of which includes Celine Dion, Lou Reed, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Marc Anthony, Michael Bolton, Eartha Kitt, Kirk Whalum, Maysa, Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Marion Meadows, Mindi Abair, Rick Braun and Omar Hakim. He’s also a three-time Emmy-winning composer who can be heard on films such as “No Country for Old Men,” “Bowfinger,” “Legally Blonde” and “Panic.” A longtime New York City resident who lives close to Broadway, Minucci’s whimsical theater work includes classic live productions of “Peter Pan,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Thomas the Tank Engine,” and others.

“Return to Budapest with Love” contains the following songs:

“Looking for Seventh Heaven”

“Slice of Life” – “Timeless Mood”

“Forever”

“Chance Encounter”

“The Toy Shop”

“Sabariah”

“Nature Boy Pt. 1 & 2”

“Uptown East”

“Festival”

“Sambuca Nights”

For more information, including tour dates, please visit https://chielimusic.com.

'DAVE‘DAVE KOZ DOES DISNEY’ EP OUT TODAY!

Vibrant interpretations of classic songs from Pinocchio, Mulan, Frozen and Encanto

GRAMMY®-nominated, chart-topping saxophonist Dave Koz puts a modern spin on beloved songs from classic animated Disney films on his new EP, Dave Koz Does Disney. Listen HERE. The EP includes songs from a wide range of Disney eras – from Pinocchio’s “When You Wish Upon A Star” and Mulan’s “Reflection” to “Let It Go” from Frozen and “Dos Oruguitas” from Encanto, a song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“As a lifelong Disney fan, I always knew there would come a time I’d do a project centered around the amazing songs in the Disney repertoire. This year being the 100th anniversary, it seemed like the perfect time,” explains Dave Koz. “I absolutely loved putting my sax to some of the most wonderful melodies from different eras for this EP, making it one of the most complete musical experiences of my professional life.”

“When You Wish Upon A Star” – the classic Disney song that debuted in the 1940 film Pinocchio – takes on fresh meaning as Dave Koz and his dog, Buddy Boy Koz, go on an adventure in the animated video for the song. Buddy is an adorable, two-year-old Chihuahua mix that Koz adopted from a California animal shelter. View “When You Wish Upon A Star” HERE and see how many nods to classic Disney movies you can spot.

“When You Wish Upon A Star,” “Reflection” and “Dos Oruguitas” were produced by Darren Rahn. “Let It Go” produced by Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken, was the first Disney song that Koz recorded. He recalls, “I owe a debt of gratitude to my four nieces for this idea – and I must say, I too have fallen in love with the song!” View the lyric video for “Let It Go” HERE.

UDO EN GÜNTHER NEEFS ZIJN GASTARTIESTEN OP DE ‘PUR SANG BRENGT ODE AAN ROB DE NIJS’ CONCERTEN

20 september 2024 - Capitole Gent
14 december 2024 - Koningin Elisabethzaal Antwerpen

De belangstelling voor de ‘Pur Sang brengt ode aan Rob de Nijs’-concerten, die plaatsvinden op vrijdag 20 september 2024 in Capitole Gent en op zaterdag 14 december 2024 in de Antwerpse Koningin Elisabethzaal, is groot. Goedgekeurd door de grootmeester en gesteund door zijn echtgenote Jet, brengt de Pur Sang Band, die Rob meer dan 40 jaar begeleidde, opnieuw zijn allergrootste hits zoals o.a. ‘Malle Babbe’, ‘Het Werd Zomer’, ‘Banger Hart’, 'Zondag' en nog een reeks vergeten pareltjes.

 “We doen dit niet alleen, maar samen met enkele fijne gastartiesten. De exclusieve concerten in Vlaanderen krijgen met Udo en Günther Neefs alvast twee ijzersterke zangers op het podium. Udo is al jaren een vaste en zeer gewaardeerde stem binnen de Vlaamse singer-songwriterswereld. Hij heeft een krachtig, doorleefd stemgeluid en weet hoe je een publiek moet inpakken”, zegt Rob’s bandleider, manager en vriend Frank Jansen.

Voor Günther Neefs wordt het een prettig weerzien met de Pur Sang Band, want drie jaar geleden was hij van de partij op het Vlaamse afscheidsconcert dat Rob de Nijs gaf in een uitverkocht Sportpaleis. “Dat was een geweldige ervaring, waar ik met het veel plezier aan terugdenk. Het was voor mij toen een grote eer om liedjes van Rob te mogen zingen. Ik vind het fijn dat ik nu opnieuw door Rob, zijn band en entourage gevraagd ben om nogmaals in dat prachtige repertoire te duiken voor de twee bijzondere ‘Ode aan Rob de Nijs’-concerten”, zegt Günther enthousiast. 

Het doet Frank Jansen een groot plezier dat de Vlamingen de figuur en de muziek van Rob de Nijs nog steeds genegen zijn en een warm hart toedragen. “Uit de vele reacties die we regelmatig kregen en de vraag naar avonden met het repertoire van Rob, wisten we dat er interesse was, maar we hadden nooit gedacht dat het allemaal zo snel zou gaan. Met meer dan 60 jaar carrière op de teller heeft Rob een prachtig muzikaal repertoire verzameld. Met zijn steun en betrokkenheid achter de schermen wordt het een stevige opdracht om een selectie te maken. Zoveel bekende liedjes zijn er inderdaad (lacht), maar da’s net het mooie hé. Ja, dit worden unieke avonden in Gent en Antwerpen, waar wij met de Pur Sang Band enorm naar uitkijken”, besluit Frank. 

Tickets voor de ‘Pur Sang brengt ode aan Rob de Nijs’-concerten, op vrijdag 20 september 2024 in Capitole Gent en zaterdag 14 december 2024 in Koningin Elisabethzaal Antwerpen, kan je bestellen via www.robdenijs.nl.

OLLI AHVENLAHTI – ‘PAINT IT BLUE’

Legendary pianist and composer Olli Ahvenlahti shares the first single from his upcoming new album 'Mirror Mirror'

A master of hard-grooving jazz funk, Ahvenlahti continues the evolution of his style, much-beloved since the legendary 1970s albums such as The Poet and Countenance

His new group highlights some of the best talent on the Finnish scene, including trumpeter Jukka Eskola, saxophonist Joonatan Rautio, bassist Ville Herrala and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen

First single 'Paint It Blue' shows what he and his hard hitting band does best. The track is a cooker of an uplifting jazz funk piece, rolling ahead effortlessly and as a natural continuation of legendary Ahvenlahti cuts such as "Granma's Rockin' Chair"

Album ‘Mirror, Mirror’

19/4/2024 | We Jazz Records | LP / CD /

We Jazz (@wejazzhelsinki) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Mirror Mirror | Olli Ahvenlahti | We Jazz Records (bandcamp.com)

Live Dates 27th April, April Jazz Festival, Espoo FI

More TBA

'Mirror Mirror' is the new album by the Finnish jazz legend, pianist-composer Olli Ahvenlahti.

Championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson and Kenny Dope, Ahvenlahti is a master of hard-grooving jazz funk. Here, he continues the evolution of his style, much-beloved since the legendary 1970s albums such as The Poet and Countenance. Ahvenlahti's new group highlights some of the best talent on the Finnish scene, including trumpeter Jukka Eskola, saxophonist Joonatan Rautio, bassist Ville Herrala and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen.

"I'm always striving to make one more great record", Ahvenlahti says. "I'm 75 years old this year and as the years pass, this goal seems all the more concrete. Thus, Mirror Mirror feels a bit like 'now or never', an album that reflects all of my career and searches for something new at the same time.”

For fans of the classic Fender Rhodes driven Ahvenlahti jazz funk sound, 'Mirror Mirror' is manna from heaven. Earlier performances of the current group were billed as "The Poet II", which speaks of Ahvenlahti's desire to continue on the lineage of his classic '70s period, while adding new layers and hues into his signature sound. The present album is a further continuation of the idea, the next step for the band tried and tested on such sought-after performance spots as Helsinki's Flow Festival, Odysseus Festival, and Pori Jazz.

'Mirror Mirror' is a well-balanced affair for Ahvenlahti & group, showcasing both their hard-driving funky edge and Ahvenlahti's knack at composing effortless and melodic "slow music", which strolls along at its own pace. The singles "Paint It Blue" and "Rhythm and Rhymes" drive the groove hard, with each band member bringing their soul into it, while especially on the album's last two selections, an honest form of serenity reigns supreme.

Perhaps "honesty" is the key here. At 75, there is no extra effort to gain recognition or short-term goals with Olli Ahvenlahti. This is "simply" beautiful new work from a seasoned artist and a scene legend, whose wisdom extends beyond mere composition and performance into the social workings of a jazz quintet. He knows how to make music where everyone can bring in their core musicianship and also be challenged to top what they knew before getting in.

About Olli Ahvenlahti

Born in Helsinki, 6 August 1949, Olli Ahvenlahti, a pianist, composer, and conductor, has been one of leading Finnish Jazz artists since the 70s. He has recorded with several artists and groups, including UMO Jazz Orchestra. In the 1990s, he conducted the orchestra for all Finnish Eurovision Song Contest entries. His recorded output includes classics such as The Poet and Bandstand, plus appearances on various key Finnish jazz releases. Ahvenlahti has appeared on stage with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Benny Golson, Arthuro Sandoval & Sam Rivers. Ahvenlahti's previous new album under his own name is 2017's Thinking, Whistling on We Jazz Records

Tracklist

1. Mirror Mirror (FIWJZ2400011)
2. Paint It Blue (FIWJZ2400012)
3. For Dizzy and Lionel (FIWJZ2400013)
4. A House In Montagnola (FIWJZ2400014 )
5. The Opening Game (FIWJZ2400015)
6. Rhythm and Rhymes (FIWJZ2400016)
7. The Redwood Story (FIWJZ2400017)
8. Bedtime Snack (FIWJZ2400018)

Credits Olli Ahvenlahti, Fender Rhodes, Seventy Three Electric Piano and Oberheim Synthesizer

Jukka Eskola, trumpet and fluegelhorn

Joonatan Rautio, tenor saxophone

Ville Herrala, electric bass

Jaska Lukkarinen, drums and percussion

Composed by Olli Ahvenlahti

Arranged by Olli Ahvenlahti New Quintet

Produced by Olli Ahvenlahti, Jukka Eskola, Jaska Lukkarinen and Matti Nives

Fender Rhodes tuning and maintenance by Olli Kaske

Recorded in September and October 2023 at E-Studio Söderkulla by Jyri Riikonen

Mixed in January 2024 by Jyri Riikonen

Mastered by Juho Luukkainen

Original artwork by Eeva-Riitta Eerola, "I looked at her and she looked back IV" (Oil on canvas, 2019)

Design by Matti Nives

BELGIAN DANCE ICOON JESSY KEERT GLORIEUS TERUG MET ‘HEARTBEAT’

Belgian Dance Icoon Jessy keert glorieus terug met 'Heartbeat'

Jessy De Smet, a.k.a. Jessy MacKenzie, de Grand Dame van de Belgische Dance, is terug met een betoverend liefdeslied dat je hart onvermijdelijk sneller doet slaan. 'Heartbeat' bezingt het bedwelmende effect van liefde, de essentie van extase en passie. Geen beter stemgeluid daarvoor dan de unieke herkenbare zang van Jessy, in combinatie met de disco-infused beats van producer Wekho. Hou je klaar voor de hartslag van "Heartbeat"!

Heeft Jessy nog een introductie nodig? Als frontvrouw van The MacKenzie (‘I Am Free’, ‘Innocence’, ‘Falling In Love’, ‘All I Need’, …) en nadien ook solo (‘Look @ Me Now’, ‘Head Over Heels’, …) rijgde ze hit na hit aan elkaar en domineerde ze de charts en de radiogolven in de nineties en nillies.  Records sneuvelden, awards werden opgestapeld en de populariteit was ongezien. Haar eigen kenmerkende stemgeluid werd iconisch en het succes verspreidde zich tot ver buiten de landsgrenzen. Nog steeds is Jessy dan ook een graag geziene en veel gevraagde gaste op Europese podia en tikken de streams internationaal nog steeds vlotjes door tot in de vele miljoenen!
 
Maar Jessy kijkt zeker niet enkel naar het verleden. Als influencer op Instagram, Youtube en TikTok blijft ze ook muzikaal gefocust aan de slag en nieuwe producties blijven een absolute prioriteit. Toen Jessy producer Wekho ontmoette, klikte het onmiddellijk en zo rijpte het plan om samen een nieuwe single te maken. 'Heartbeat' is het eerste resultaat van die samenwerking en laat horen dat Jessy in bloedvorm verkeert en ieders hart nog altijd moeiteloos sneller kan laten slaan!

'Heartbeat', de nieuwe single van JESSY , komt uit op Sancover en kan je vanaf 15 maart beluisteren op alle grote streamingplatformen.

JEFF ‘SKUNK’ BAXTER – ‘DO IT AGAIN’

Unquestionably one of the rock/pop world's leading guitarists, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter also has a life story so unusual it recalls the title of Alton Delmore's autobiography, “Truth is Stranger Than Publicity.”

Born in Washington D.C., but raised partly in Mexico City, partly in a Connecticut prep school and partly in late '60s Boston, Baxter was delivering amps to a session in New York City when the guitarist didn't arrive. He grabbed a guitar then and thus, at age 16 began a recording career that has spanned over 55 years and continues to this day.

After stints with Tim Buckley, The Holy Modal Rounders and Ultimate Spinach, in 1972 he attracted his first notoriety, as a founding member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted Steely Dan, delivering scintillating and sizzling guitar licks to such legendary tracks as "Do It Again", "My Old School" and "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number.”

He joined the Hall of Fame inductees The Doobie Brothers in 1974, later bringing Michael McDonald to the band and helping that group craft such enduring treasures as "Takin' It To The Streets", "It Keeps You Runnin'" and "What A Fool Believes".

During the ‘70s, '80s, '90s and 2000+, he continued his high-level session work, contributing key guitar and pedal steel work to recording projects by Ringo Starr, Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, Freddie Hubbard, John Cougar Mellencamp, Cher, Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Julio Iglesias, Barbara Streisand, Harry Nilsson, Gene Simmons, Elton John, Carly Simon, Donna Summer, The Ventures, Edgar Winter and The Beach Boys, (to name a few), as well as touring with Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Julian Lennon and Linda Ronstadt.

As producer, he can count projects with artists like Carl Wilson, Nazareth, Billy & The Beaters, (#1 single “At This Moment”), Nils Lofgrin and the Stray Cats among his accomplishments.

 As a composer, he co-wrote and produced the original theme for “Beverly Hills 90210”, as well as composing, performing and producing score for a number of TV and movie projects including “King of the Hill”, “Class of 1984”, (with Lalo Schifrin), “Roxanne” and “Bull Durham.”

He composed and produced jingles for a number of major brands, including Wrangler Jeans, Johnny Walker, Motorola, Southern Comfort and Mitsubishi Audio Products and performed as a session musician for countless others.

In 2022 he achieved on of those life goals and released his first solo recording "Speed of Heat". His first tour as band leader took place in the Spring and Summer of 2022 was successful and he was invited to perform in Japan in August of that year. On "Speed of Heat" he sings (a rare occurence) on the Steely Dan staple "My Old School", which makes sense since he used to do the vocals when Steely Dan did live shows. Guest voaclists and writers include Michael McDonald (My Place In The Sun), Clint Black (Bad Move) and Johnny Lang (I Can Do Without).

Through all this he has earned numerous Gold and Platinum albums, two Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, in the process. He was also a consultant with AKAI Digital as their Senior Technical Advisor, and held consulting positions with Gibson, Bedell Guitars, Fender, Epiphone, Audio-Technica, D’Angelico Guitars and has been with Roland Corp for over 40 years, involved in on-going design/consulting work on numerous Roland and Boss products including the first commercially successful Guitar Synthesizer and its progeny. He continues to pursue his career as a guitarist, producer, engineer, composer and technical consultant and has no intention of slowing down.

CHRIS GODBER – ‘MEANT 2 BE’

Florida-based sax-man, Chris Godber has released his latest project, "Meant 2 Be," a collection of soulful and uplifting Gospel Jazz tracks. The EP features 7 tunes (5 covers + 1 original that contains both vocal and instrumental versions) that showcase Godber's signature sound and style.

Faced with the discouraging thought that his asthma would prevent him from playing the saxophone, Chris turned to his faith as a source of strength and determination. With his unwavering trust in God's plan, he embarked on a remarkable journey that would not only prove his skeptics wrong, but also inspire countless others along the way. "Meant 2 Be" is a musical testimony of his journey. From the very uplifting lyrics of the title track, "Meant 2 Be" to the funky horn sections and grooves of "Glorious," the EP is a masterclass in combining the elements of Gospel music and Contemporary Jazz.

"This is different than anything I've done before. Though all of my music has some gospel elements; with this one we didn't hold back," said Godber. "Meant 2 Be" is available on all major streaming platforms.

ILYA SEROV – ‘GLOW’

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 first encountered jazz as a teen, exchanging tapes and records with fellow musicians. His earliest jazz influences were Arturo Sandoval, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole, and he eventually incorporated their sounds and vocal stylings into his own music.

When not on stage, Ilya spends his time in the recording studio. His debut album, September in the Rain (2013), was a Big Band outing of classic jazz standards that highlighted both his horn and vocal skills. That album was followed by the release of Back in Time (2018), featuring classic tunes and instrumental collaborations with legendary pianist Roger Kellaway, and acclaimed saxophonist Eric Marienthal, and GRAMMY®-winning percussionist Poncho Sanchez.

“Ilya is a great, great trumpet player and I love his voice,” said Sanchez. “He has a great thing here because it’s commercial enough for the mainstream to enjoy, but hip enough for the jazz folks to like. He can sing the tunes and play them; that’s the edge he’s got.” 

After hearing Serov perform, Dave Koz invited him to be a guest artist on his popular Dave Koz and Friends at Sea Jazz Cruise. From 2017 – 2019 he played on cruises throughout Europe and Australia with Koz and other Smooth Jazz greats, sharing the stage with the likes of Jonathan Butler, David Benoit, Larry Graham, Peter White and BeBe Winans. Ilya will again be a featured guest artist on Dave Koz & Friends in Amsterdam and the British Isles in May 2022. 

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. 

Serov's new single "Glow" is mixed and produced by Adam Hawley.

BELOVED SINGER-SONGWRITER GENE-O AKA “CLASSIC TWIST” RELEASES ‘HOLDING BACK THE YEARS’ MARCH 12TH

When renowned veteran R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-o launched his genre-defying Classic Twist concept in 2023, the vision was twofold - to draw on his lifelong passions for pop and rock and later country to both write empowering anthem-like songs centered on and driven by our collective potential for change and put his own trademark, emotionally soul-searing “Gene-o” vocal spin on classic pop and rock songs from the 70’s and 80’s. His latest track – and the second lead single from Classic Twist’s highly anticipated upcoming debut album – is a stunning re-imagining of Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years,” featuring explosive harmonies and a powerhouse solo by Marietta, GA based saxophonist J. Henry, a former winner of Showtime at The Apollo, who in recent years toured with the comedic legend Sinbad.

“Holding Back the Years” continues the momentum Gene-o has following the first two Classic Twist singles – the inspiring call to action song “Time for Change” and a special updated rendition of his earlier warmhearted solo holiday single “Just Like Christmas Before.” 

Penned by Simply Red lead singer Mick Hucknall and Neil Moss, the original version of “Holding Back the Years” – which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1986 – has become so familiar via years of airplay on Adult Contemporary and urban/smooth jazz stations over the decades that its deeper meaning is easy to overlook. It reflects the troubled upbringing Hucknall had in his youth and the difficulty he had finding support from a stern father and a mother who wasn’t there often enough. The upbringing he had failed to offer him confidence or a sense of value, so he’s afraid to move forward with his life.

Hucknall, whose mother left the family when he was only three years old, once said the song is about the upheaval this event caused in his life: “It’s about that moment where you know you have to leave home and make your mark, but the outside world is scary. So you’re holding back the years.”  

Early in the recording process for Classic Twist, Gene-o wasn’t sure about highlighting “Holding Back the Years” as a potential single because it was one of his jazziest tracks. The other tunes he had recorded – Journey’s “Faithfully,” Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind,” Bread’s “Make It with You” – were from established rock bands and he thought the Simply Red tune was a bit of an outlier. But he now realizes its jazzy qualities along with the deep meaning of the song are facets of Classic Twist he wants people to embrace.

“The reason I gravitated to it in the first place was because it was a great song, very well known by music fans everywhere, and I felt I could do a great job creating a version of it in mystyle,” says Gene-o. “My original recording of it didn’t have the sax. A friend had introduced J. Henry and me but I never heard him perform until he came to San Diego and invited me to sit in with him at his gig at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. Later I let him hear my original version and we looked at each other and thought, ‘Why not try it with the sax?’ J’s brilliant playing on this newly recorded update, takes the song to the next level, and I’m very proud of it – and excited about letting people hear this amazing collaboration.”  

Though Gene-o appreciates the stories Mick Hucknall has toldabout the song’s inspiration, he also feels the lyrics will have a certain universal resonance for audiences today. “For me, the song is about how difficult life can be sometimes for everyone, and all it takes to survive is to just keep holding on, doing all you can to make changes and hope and pray for better days in our individual lives and collectively as humanity. Every song we do, from the originals to the retro pieces, will have a message connected to the concept of change.”  

The final lineup for Classic Twist's debut album is set to feature an array of exhilarating songs, including the dynamic pop-rock anthem "Sharing the Sky." This uplifting track encourages listeners to join Classic Twist on a journey to view the world through a lens of renewed vision and grand optimism. Additionally, "Loves Me for Me" brings a vibrant, soul-infused melody with a touch of classic rock essence. This heartfelt ode celebrates the transformative power of love in nurturing our greatest potential.

https://gene-o.com/classic-twist

AMERIKAANSE SINGER-SONGWRITER ERIC CARMEN OVERLEDEN

De Amerikaanse singer-songwriter Eric Carmen is op 74-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dit trieste nieuws werd gisterenavond bekendgemaakt. De in Cleveland geboren Eric Howard Carmen werd bekend als de zanger van The Raspberries. In Nederland kennen we Carmen vooral van zijn solohits ‘All By Myself’ uit 1975 en ‘Hungry Eyes’ uit 1988. Eric Carmen groeide op in Lyndhurst, Ohio. Al op jonge leeftijd was hij geïnteresseerd in muziek. Op driejarige leeftijd kreeg hij ritmelessen op het conservatorium van Cleveland en op zijn zesde kreeg hij vioolles van zijn tante die in The Cleveland Orchestra speelde. In zijn middelbare schooltijd kreeg Eric pianoles en leerde hij zichzelf gitaar spelen. Hij werd hierbij beïnvloed door Britse bands als The Beatles en The Rolling Stones. Op de universiteit speelde Carmen in de band Cyrus Erie. Daarin speelde hij samen met Wally Bryson. Toen eind jaren zestig zowel Cyrus Erie als The Choir uit elkaar vielen, besloten Carmen en Bryson in 1970, samen met nog twee andere oud-muzikanten van The Choir, de band The Raspberries te vormen. Deze groep bracht tussen 1972 en 1974 vier albums uit en had zeven hits, waarvan ‘Go All The Way’ de Top 5 van de Amerikaanse Billboard Hot 100 haalde. Een andere grote hit van The Raspberries was ‘Don’t Want To Say Goodbye’/ In 1975 gingen The Raspberries uit elkaar en begon Carmen aan een solocarrière. Hij scoorde in 1976 meteen een grote hit met de single ‘All By Myself’, die de tweede plaats van de Billboard Hot 100 bereikte. De opvolger ‘Never Gonna Fall In Love Again’ haalde de elfde plaats van de Billboard Hot 100. Beide nummers waren gebaseerd op werken van de Russische componist Sergej Rachmaninov. Tot 1980 bracht Carmen nog een aantal singles uit, waarvan ‘She Did It’ uit 1977 en ‘Change Of Heart’ uit 1978 het bekendst werden. Tussen 1975 en 1980 bracht hij vier soloalbums uit: ‘Eric Carmen’ (1975), ‘Boats Against The Current’ (1977), ‘Change Of Heart’ (1978) en ‘Tonight You're Mine’ (1980). In 1977 en 1978 scoorde hij Top 10-hits als componist: ‘That's Rock ’n Roll’ en ‘Hey Deanie’ (Shaun Cassidy). In 1980 trok Carmen zich enkele jaren terug uit de muziek. Nadat in 1984 zijn compositie ‘Almost Paradise (Love Theme From Footloose)’ in de uitvoering van Mike Reno en Ann Wilson een Top 10-hit werd, pakte hij echter de draad weer op met zijn tweede titelloze album. Dit leverde hem twee bescheiden hits op. De grote comeback kwam in 1987, toen hij het nummer ‘Hungry Eyes’ zong voor de film ‘Dirty Dancing’. Deze film werd een wereldwijd succes en ‘Hungry Eyes’ werd naast ‘(I've Had) The Time Of My Life’ van Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes en ‘She's Like The Wind’ van Patrick Swayze & Wendy Fraser een van de drie grote hits die de film opleverde. Carmen wist zijn succes in 1988 voort te zetten met de single ‘Make Me Lose Control’, die de Amerikaanse Top 3 haalde. Ondanks zijn hernieuwde succes nam Carmen geen nieuw album op en na het kleine hitje ‘Reason To Try’ raakte hij langzaamaan weer in de vergetelheid. Pas in 2000 nam hij zijn voorlopig laatste studioalbum ‘I Was Born To Love You’ op. Datzelfde jaar was hij toetsenist in Ringo Starrs All-Starr Band. In deze tournee zong Carmen ook enkele van zijn eigen nummers, waaronder ‘All By Myself’, ‘Hungry Eyes’ en de Raspberries-hit ‘Go All The Way’. In 2004 (na een eerdere poging in 1999) kwamen The Raspberries weer bij elkaar. Aanvankelijk was het de bedoeling alleen een reünieconcert te geven, maar de belangstelling motiveerde de vier bandleden zodanig dat er in 2005 een minitournee georganiseerd werd. In 2007 verscheen er een livealbum van de groep en werden nieuwe optredens gepland. Eric Carmen ruste in vrede!

Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ GUITARIST CHRIS STANDRING SHARES HIS JOY AND OPTIMISM ON ‘AS WE THINK’, DROPPING APRIL 5

LOS ANGELES (12 March 2024): While a kid growing up in the United Kingdom, contemporary jazz guitarist Chris Standring read James Allen’s “As a Man Thinketh,” and it sowed the seeds of positivity and optimism, leading to a transformation that occurred in his early sixties when the musician got married for the first time last year. Acknowledging how his mindset inspires the music he composes and records, Standring’s upbeat nineteenth album, “As We Think,” captures his marital bliss and hope on the eleven songs that he wrote and produced on the Ultimate Vibe Recordings release that arrives on April 5.

“Allen’s little book from way back in 1902 had a lasting impact upon me. As an excessively positive thinker, albeit with a very realistic, often dark, typically British outlook, I thought ‘As We Think’ might just be the perfect title to describe where I sit in the universe right now. I recently got married, an influence that emanates loudly from these recordings,” said Standring who created his distinctive brand and unique sound using retro jazz, seventies soul and funk, vintage R&B grooves and modern electronic nuances in the mix that surrounds his guitar tone and technique, distinguishing himself from other contemporary jazz guitarists.  

Standring opens the new album in a quartet configuration backed by the taut rhythm section comprised of bassist Andre Berry (David Sanborn, Dave Koz, Rick Braun), drummer Chris Coleman (Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Babyface), and Grammy nominated percussionist Lenny Castro (Joe Sample, Eric Clapton, Toto). The album contains four songs featuring this core lineup, the first of which is “Chocolate Shake” that Standring stirs with a talk box.

“As We Think” is a departure from recent Standring recordings in that the album is horn powered with most of the arrangements constructed by Grammy and Emmy winner Walter Murphy. “Good Gracious” introduces the horn section made up of Aaron Janik (trumpet), Brandon Fields (alto sax), Katisse Buckingham (tenor sax) and Ido Meshulam (trombone).

“This is the kind of song I love to play because it is challenging to improvise on and it

allows me to build a story in a solo. Plus, it feels really good,” said Standring who plays London’s Pizza Express Jazz Club on March 14-16 before returning to gig south of Los Angeles at Spaghettini on March 23.

The Earth, Wind & Fire elements on the seductive R&B groove “Come Closer” are undeniable, prompting Standring to say, “This whole album has a very retro feel about it, as do many of my albums, but I have a particular fondness for the soul of the 1970's. This feelgood track instantly takes you to that time.”

In addition to his agile lead guitar licks, Standring adds organlike keyboards to the invigorating “Top Hat & Tails.” The first radio single, “Alphabet Soup,” is a groovy funkster accompanied by a slick black and white video that can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ-Z_LL0k7w.  

“It’s an ensemble piece featuring one of my label artists, Dino Soldo, on tenor sax, Rodney Lee on organ, and a Los Angeles-based horn section. Quite an elaborate arrangement, which is possibly why I named it ‘Alphabet Soup’ because everything's in there. I'm always looking for new fun songs to add to my live show and this will no doubt be in the 2024 live setlist,” enthused Standring.

On “Bedtime Story,” the guitarist intended to create a Steely Dan-like tune, but that’s not exactly how the story unfolded.

“I'm a sucker for ballads and chord sequences that allow me to express myself while improvising. I actually wanted to try and write something like ‘Babylon Sisters’ because of the distant chords that take you on a little journey, but I ended up going in quite a different direction once I got in there. This is what came out. Clearly nothing like Steely Dan,” said Standring with a laugh.

Coleman is featured on “Michael’s Watch,” pounding out a timely drum solo midtrack in juxtaposition to Standring’s lyrical electric jazz guitar. The instrumental song recounts the unlikely story of how a watch running ten minutes late led to his parents meeting for the first time at a wedding and how he wouldn’t be here if that watch ran on time.  

“This Life” satisfies Standring’s long-held desire to pen a tune that has a reggae vibe.  

“I always wanted to write a reggae track but twist it somehow to my style. I have tried unsuccessfully in the past, but ‘This Life’ came out great. It’s fun and joyful,” he said.

Showcasing another one of his label artists, Terry Disley, “Monday Madness” grants the acoustic pianist the platform to rip a swinging solo. Standring challenges himself on “Swings and Roundabouts.”

“Sometimes I like to take a sample of something strange and make a whole song out of it,

forcing myself to choose harmonies that have to match the musical sample. In this case,

the opening scratchy keyboard lick is that sample. Sometimes having to work within tight parameters makes for very creative writing,” reflected Standring.

Closing with “Too Good To Be True,” Standring serenades his new bride with an assist from Soldo’s reassuring harmonica embrace and Larry Steen’s elastic upright bass rhythms. 

“There is something very longing and hopeful about this song, but also romantic,” described Standring.

After playing in the jazz and hip-hop band Solar System, Standring debuted as a solo artist with 1998’s “Velvet” album. A dozen years later, he scored his first of seven Billboard No. 1 singles with “Bossa Blue,” which also was Billboard’s contemporary jazz track of the year. Standring notched an additional four more Billboard No. 1 singles as a featured guest soloist on singles by Thom Rotella, Cindy Bradley, Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. Eager to explore the unconventional and unexpected, he’s challenged himself by recording a live album in London with an orchestra and a collection of standards culled from the great American songbook that he recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios. Mixing things up literally last year, Standring issued a remixed set of his more sensual tracks titled “The Lovers Remix Collection.”

A popular performer on concert and festival stages throughout the U.S. and Europe, Standring is eager to share the joy, positivity and celebration he infused into the music on “As We Think” during his concert itinerary that presently contains dates through October.

“As We Think” contains the following songs:

“Chocolate Cake”

“Good Gracious”

“Come Closer”

“Top Hat and Tails”

“Alphabet Soup”

“Bedtime Story”

“Michael’s Watch”

“This Life”

“Monday Madness”

“Swings and Roundabouts”

“Too Good To Be True”

Go inside the “As We Think” recording sessions with Standring in the EPK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H4SQpbi5vs.

For more information including tour dates, please visit https://chrisstandring.com.

BOHEMIAN PRODUCTIONS LANCEERT AUDITIES VOOR MUSICAL ‘CATS’

Bohemian Productions kondigt met trots de audities aan voor hun hedendaagse versie van de wereldberoemde musical CATS. Voor dit uniek locatieproject transformeert Bohemian Productions het Bauhuis in Sint-Niklaas tot een betoverend decor voor deze onvergetelijke productie.

De musical CATS, een meesterwerk van componist Andrew Lloyd Webber, wordt opgevoerd van 1 tot en met 11 mei 2025, met minstens 10 geplande voorstellingen. Dit magische spektakel belooft een unieke en eigentijdse interpretatie te zijn en Bohemian Productions nodigt iedereen uit om deel te nemen aan de audities of mee te werken aan dit unieke project.

Verschillende rollen, diverse talenten, grote cast

Alle geïnteresseerden kunnen deelnemen aan de audities, als zanger/danser of als zanger of als danser. Voor deze productie hoopt Bohemian Productions een erg grote cast samen te stellen en in totaal tot 75 mensen op het podium te zetten. Daarnaast wordt de live muziek gespeeld door een 20-koppig orkest.

Wie graag wil meewerken achter de schermen kan zich ook reeds aanmelden.

Unieke locatie: Bauhuis Sint-Niklaas

Na het vorige locatieproject Jesus Christ Superstar (in de Christus Koningkerk te Sint-Niklaas) zet Bohemian Productions een stap verder in het creëren van meeslepende theaterervaringen op locatie door het Bauhuis in Sint-Niklaas volledig om te bouwen tot een sfeervolle setting voor CATS. Dit unieke locatieproject biedt deelnemers en publiek een buitengewone ervaring die een totaalervaring garandeert.

Aanmelden en informatie

Alle informatie over de audities en de productie is beschikbaar op www.bohemianproductions.be

Geïnteresseerden kunnen zich daar registreren en ontdekken hoe ze deel kunnen uitmaken van CATS.

Audities vinden plaats op volgende data:

zaterdag 25 mei ’24 – ronde 1 voor zang

zondag 26 mei ’24 – ronde 1 voor zang

zaterdag 8 juni ’24 – dans

zondag 9 juni ’24 – ronde 2 voor zang

MAIKE BOERDAM VERVANGT ANN VAN DEN BROECK IN MAMMA MIA!

Lage Landen wisselen leading ladies musical uit:

Maike Boerdam vervangt Ann Van den Broeck in 'MAMMA MIA!'

Vanaf 22 maart 2025 - Antwerpen, Gent, Hasselt

Vanaf 22 maart 2025 blaast de fel gesmaakte Vlaamse versie van musicalsensatie 'MAMMA MIA!' het dak er weer meermaals feestelijk af in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Niet van de partij ondanks eerder aangekondigd, is Ann Van den Broeck die opnieuw in de huid van Donna zou kruipen. Ann kreeg een mooie kans aangeboden om in Nederland in een langlopende productie mee te spelen. Na overleg met en de zegen van Deep Bridge, besloot Ann deze te grijpen.

Regisseur Stany Crets, die overigens opnieuw de rol van Bill zal vertolken in 'MAMMA MIA!', moest dus op zoek naar een 'nieuwe' Donna. Die vond hij tot ieders grote tevredenheid in niemand minder dan Maike Boerdam. De in België geboren (Knokke-Heist), maar van nationaliteit Nederlandse Maike, verwierf in het begin van haar carrière bekendheid bij het grote publiek door haar rol als Betsy in de kinderserie 'Big & Betsy'. Later groeide ze uit tot één van de meest gelauwerde musicalartiesten van de Lage Landen. 

Die Lage Landen wisselen dus voor een tijdje hun leading ladies van de musicalwereld uit. Een moeilijke, maar weloverwogen keuze van Ann:

"Met pijn in het hart en een knoop in mijn maag neem ik afscheid van 'MAMMA MIA!'. Er kwam een opportuniteit op mijn pad die ik niet kon laten liggen. Ook al komt er iets moois in de plaats, afscheid nemen blijft moeilijk. Dank aan Deep Bridge om me de kans te geven zo lang Donna te spelen, én om het nu mogelijk te maken ook deze kans te grijpen.
Met vochtige ogen, maar met de glimlach geef ik de fakkel door aan Maike Boerdam. Donna is bij haar in veilige handen. Ze zal stralen op ons Grieks eiland, daar heb ik alle vertrouwen in. Geniet, lieve Maike! 

En mijn liefste publiek, het spijt me, maar ik maak het dubbel en dik goed. Dat beloof ik! Tot gauw!"

Maike is op haar beurt maar wat blij met de kans om in de huid van Donna te kruipen en kijkt alvast enorm uit naar haar 'MAMMA MIA!'-avontuur:

"Sinds ik de voorstelling de eerste keer zag in 2003 in Hamburg, hoopte ik dat ik ooit Donna zou kunnen spelen. Het feit dat ik dat nu hier in België mag doen én met deze mensen is een heerlijke kers op de taart!!"

Maike wordt in het warme, Griekse bad van MAMMA MIA! verder verwelkomd door o.a. Nathalie Meskens (Tanya), musicaldebutante Els Dottermans (Rosie), Jan Schepens (Sam) en Helle Vanderheyden en Dorian Liveyns, die opnieuw de rollen van aanstaande bruid Sophie en haar verloofde Sky op zich nemen.

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 

LARS TAYLOR - ‘SPACE JOURNEY’

The eye-popping and thematically spot on cover of Lars Taylor’s latest instantly infectious contemporary jazz single “Space Journey” has the guitarist and multi-instrumentalist in full Han Solo mode, bundled in a heavy jacket, hipster shades on, ready to explore the vast reaches of the universe while equipped with some of his most important studio gear, including several keyboards and an acoustic guitar hanging on the wall. At a time when cover art is often reduced to a thumbnail shot on streaming sites, this is definitely the perfect image to reflect to dreamy, atmospheric, seductive, laid back and hypnotic track. But the title and image also gives us a moment to reflect on how since releasing his debut single “Sweet Onion” in 2019, Taylor’s releases – all 13 non-holiday tracks till now – are the musical equivalent of transcending time and space by taking us on many unexpected stylistic journeys that soar into different genres without ever losing his core melodic and rhythmic vibe. Three of his recent singles – the funk rocker “Electric Night,” the tropical exotica tune “Carioca” and the synth-pop flavored “Sound of Freedom” (featuring a mystery UK vocalist) – are perfect examples of Taylor’s freewheeling approach to his career. “Space Journey” invites us into the experience by wrapping its swirling atmospheres around our senses just as the funky, hypnotic mid-tempo beat kicks in via Taylor’s drum programming and Charles Berthoud’s electric bass. Once the main keyboard hook takes hold, however, it’s done deal. We’re on board, our bodies grooving sensually as Taylor’s chill, sexy earworm – enhanced in key spots by an ethereal voice whispering romantically in an unidentifiable language - carries us deeper into the multi-faceted sonic experience. A few minutes in, Taylor matches his fluid guitar textures to the synth, making the impact of the motif even more emotionally powerful. One of the highlights along the way happens when he holds back on the keyboard melody for a moment and unleashes a beautiful, intricate acoustic guitar solo, then achieves the same effect later with a soaring electric solo that taps into his love for rock music. Those are just two of the incredible ways that Taylor - who also produced, arranged and mixed the track – takes us on his next adventure. Though it’s a more subtle part of the mix, Dumindu Dassanayaka flute playing also contributes depth to the overall aural experience.

CREDITS
Music written by Lars Rüetschi © 2024

Lars Taylor  (Legal Name Lars Rüetschi) - All Guitars, Keyboards, Synths, Drum Programming, Arrangement, Production, Mixing

Charles Berthoud - Electric Bass
Dumindu Dassanayaka - Flute

GERMAN GLOBAL GROOVE OUTFIT OLUMA DROPS THE TITLETRACK OF THEIR DEBUT ALBUM ‘COOKING TIME’

It’s time to cook up something tasty!

The third single from German global groove outfit OLUMA is called “Cooking Time” and is the title track of their upcoming debut album, a recipe that includes afrobeat, funk, jazz and Brazilian music, perfect to satiate your hunger for all things groovy!

The nine-piece global groove band from Leipzig presents their very own 9-course menu with the third single from their upcoming debut album, title track "Cooking Time".

Inspired by afrobeat, funk, jazz and Brazilian music, the song is perfect for the hunger for old Afrobeat songs and modern club culture. It‘s easy to digest and will get every cell in your body moving. The instrumental track features two very expressive horn solos carried by a joyful and floating groove from the rhythm section.

OLUMA was founded by Gregor Nicolai and André van der Heide, who share a common passion for danceable music. Afrobeat, jazz, funk and Brazilian influences flow together and form their musical environment. Carried by the rhythm section, the four wind players create a versatile sound, often virtuoso snappy lines, sometimes floating and free. Driving rhythms unfold and make you move - it's all about the experience with each other.

ARTIST: OLUMA
TITLE: Cooking Time (single)
LABEL: One World Records
RELEASE DATE: March 8th 2024
FORMAT: Digital
GENRES: afro-jazzy groove

TOCO'S NEW SINGLE ‘CORAGEM’

Brazilian Singer-Songwriter Toco to Release New Single ‘Coragem’ via Schema Records on March 8, 2024.

‘Coragem’ is an exciting folk-pop song inspired by the poetic universe of one of the best-known albums of Brazilian popular music of the 1970s, Milton Nascimento’s 'Clube da Esquina’.

Produced by Toco’s long-term collaborator, the talented Stefano “S-Tone Inc” Tirone, the new single ‘Coragem’ was written in collaboration with Dario Bracaloni (Aquarama). It is embellished by the unique and fascinating sound of Danilo Moraes’ ‘viola dinâmica,’ an instrument with surprising characteristics that blend perfectly with the sound fabric, giving the composition an engaging atmosphere.

The song features Ramiro Levy on guitars and backing vocals, Eduardo Taufic on keyboards, Mauro Martins on drums, Edu Hebling on bass, Dario Bracaloni on acoustic guitar, and Marquinho Baboo on percussion.

Credits: Written by Tomaz Di Cunto, Leonardo Milan and Stefano Tirone Toco - vocals Ramiro Levy - guitars Eduardo Taufic - keyboards Mauro Martins - drums Edu Hebling - bass Dario Bracaloni - acoustic guitar Marquinho Baboo - percussion Danilo Moraes - viola dinâmica Produced by Stefano “S-Tone Inc.” Tirone Recorded and mixed by Francesco Borrelli at Blue Spirit Studio - Milan Mastering by Giovanni Versari.

T o c o (@tomazdic) • Instagram photos and videos

Tomaz Di Cunto | Facebook

https://schemarecords.bandcamp.com/

ESTEEMED PRODUCER/COMPOSER/MUSICIAN/SONGWRITER PATRICK LEONARD (MADONNA, ELTON JOHN, LEONARD COHEN) ANNOUNCES “THE LEON PROJECT”

The Leon Project

Shortly after signing with Primary Wave,  Patrick discovered the label had purchased Leon Russell's catalog. Leonard has been a Leon fan since day one and immediately wanted to do a project with his songs and carefully chosen artists.

The first song has been recorded. Logically,  Patrick started with the first song on Leon’s  debut recording, “A Song For You” done brilliantly by Elton John.

The second track recorded was “Masquerade” sung by the incomparable Brandi Carlile. 

Leonard has a list of 13 songs, all from very early in Leon's solo career as well as a wish list of artists that he believes  will do Leon's legacy justice. There is currently no schedule. So like fine wine when it's ready, we drink. 

 Patrick Leonard   March 2024

Leon Russell song list

1. A song for you  (Elton)
2. Dixie lullaby
3. Shoot out on the plantation
4. Hummingbird
5. Delta lady
6. Prince of peace
7. Hurt somebody
8. Rollaway the stone
9.   Stranger in a strange land
10. Home sweet Oklahoma
11. Ballad of Mad dogs and Englishmen
12. Sweet Emily
13. Masquerade (Brandy)

MR. HORN FT. DAVE MCMURRAY – ‘I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU’

Keyboardist Darren Horn started performing 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.

Horn is releasing 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.

“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.

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.”

DEE LUCAS – ‘TIGHTEN UP’

National recording artist/saxophonist Dee Lucas is the illustrious pied-piper of contemporary jazz music, celebrated and adored by audiences worldwide.

Noted as the year of emergence for the creative, in 2004, Lucas embarked on the journey of what would become footprints of a music legacy--forming an independent record label known as Mo' Better Recordings along with an all new music project. Having the reigns of creative control at his advantage, Lucas launched and distributed the debut CD project, "Remembrance," independently on the new label in 2005, "Something To Ride 2," in 2007, and produced 4 more projects (from 2010-2016) in collaboration with the Mo' Better Recordings label...each record marked with serious charting status and industry recognition. Lucas accredited the success of each project to production heavyweights such as LA-based Lew Laing, Jr., Grammy-Award winner Phil Davis. Joel Del Rosario, TC Campbell and David P. Stevens.

In 2017, Lucas merged his previous catalogs with his new parent company, Dee Lucas Enterprises, home of his brand new record label ODL Music. “Going Left,” released in 2018, garnered respectable success on several smooth jazz charts. In 2020,“The Time Is Now” marked the artist's 9th worldwide release which featured Adam Hawley, Blake Aaron, Darryl Williams, David P. Stevens, Lew Laing, Jr., Gino Rosaria, & George Freeman. In 2023, “No Boundaries" spotlighted keyboardist Gino Rosari, Blair Bryant, Selina Albright, and Ragan Whiteside. Singles from the CD garnered critical acclaim, #1 smooth jazz chart positions and an indie soul award nomination. At the height of Lucas' career comes the highly anticipated 1st single from the upcoming project "TWENTY, entitled "Tighten Up," releasing nationwide on 3.8.2024!

PATRICK BRADLEY IS ‘ROAD TRIPPIN’’

The kids are grown, living on their own, and there’s a fifth wheel parked in the driveaway. Relishing the freedom to hit the road to explore and take in nature is the inspiration for jazz fusion keyboardist Patrick Bradley’s new single, “Road Trippin’, which will begin collecting radio playlist adds and Spotify spins on March 11. Bradley wrote the song with 26-time Billboard chart-topper Darren Rahn, a multiple Grammy nominated producer, songwriter and saxophonist. Rahn produced the single previewing Bradley’s “Gratitude” album, which is slated to arrive later this year from the Patrick’s Song Factory label.  

Beyond their shared musical connection, Bradley and Rahn are bonded by their devotion to their Christian faith. Blessed with a grateful heart, Bradley is thoroughly enjoying this chapter in his life after having raised two children. He and his wife of forty years, Lisa, decided to get the fifth wheel so they could travel freely and easily, enabling them to spend more time on their own in serene scenic outdoor settings. You can hear the sense of adventure on the rousing groove anchored by Rahn and Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown on “Road Trippin’.” One can almost see the fifth wheel motoring along the open road against a majestic backdrop as Bradley’s piano issues melodic flourishes. Rahn texturizes the track with energizing harmonies via his Wurlitzer, synths and programming. Further embellishments come in the form of Joel Del Rosario’s funky guitar riffs, which are dispensed liberally throughout the cut.

“The inspiration of the song is really celebrating the freedom and the joys of a road trip. Ever since Lisa and I purchased the fifth wheel a couple of years ago, we’ve been enjoying the outdoors. We’re grateful to have the opportunity at this time in our lives when we have both the freedom and the means available to get out there. For us, it’s about exploring new destinations and visiting cherished places while enjoying the beauty of God’s creation,” said the Southern California-based Bradley, who will perform on July 28 at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles.

“Road Trippin’” provides a glimpse into what’s in store on Bradley’s upcoming sixth album, “Gratitude.” It’s his first outing since 2021’s “Exhale” album, which spawned four Billboard top 20 singles, including the title track that went No. 1 and the top 10 single, “Completely Yours.” Rahn was a big part of that project as was Grammy-winning jazz fusion keyboardist Jeff Lorber, a longtime collaborator who cowrote and produced two songs on the album after producing several of Bradley’s earlier albums. Bradley debuted in 2006 with the “Come Rain or Shine” album. Over the years, he’s collaborated with Grammy nominated saxophonists Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal, Billboard hitmakers Rick Braun and Adam Hawley, and legendary guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. (Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, George Benson). 

"Road Trippin'"

Written by Patrick Bradley & Darren Rahn

Produced & mixed by Darren Rahn

Mastered by Joe Yannece at Park Street Mastering

Patrick Bradley - Piano

Darren Rahn - Wurli, Synths, Programming

Joel Del Rosario - Guitar

Mel Brown - Bass 

TWIGGII QUINN BETOVERT EN VERLEIDT MET ‘MY LOVE’

Twiggii Quinn keert na ‘Closer’ en ‘Love It’ terug met de vrolijke en dansbare oorwurm ‘My Love’, waarop de prettig gestoorde en veelzijdige Belgisch-Braziliaanse uit Ukkel zich helemaal kan uitleven.
 
Twiggii Quinn, alter ego van Isabella Maria Rafaela Gabriella Micaela Benita De Wardin, is een Belgisch-Braziliaanse singer-songwriter en professioneel paaldanseres. Als jong meisje droomde ze al van een internationale carrière als professionele ballerina. Vanaf haar vierde danste Twiggii fanatiek ballet tot een gebroken voet haar op 16-jarige leeftijd dwong die dromen te laten varen.

Het verlangen om te entertainen bleef echter borrelen. Op 16-jarige leeftijd werd ze de leadzangeres en violiste van een metalband, Wardoom. Twiggii speelde al viool sinds haar achtste en greep deze kans met beide handen om haar passie voor muziek in de schijnwerpers te zetten. Drie jaar later ontdekte Twiggii de opera en het duurde niet lang voor ze zich realiseerde dat ze hiervoor een aangeboren talent had. Vastbesloten om van zingen haar beroep van te maken, sloot ze zich op 21-jarige leeftijd aan bij een gospelkoor, wat haar inspireerde om van stijl te veranderen en een totaal nieuwe start te maken.
 
Vandaag heeft de veelzijdige Ukkelse schone een eigen YouTube kanaal waarop ze covers zingt en eigen composities. Ze bracht begin 2022 haar debuutsingle 'Closer' uit, gevolgd door de catchy single 'Love It'. Het eerste nummer ging over obsessie, het tweede over donkere fantasieën, maar dat alles telkens met een speelse knipoog. Dat speelse zit ook overduidelijk in de nieuwe ‘My Love’, een radio- en dansvloervriendelijk nummer in een aanstekelijk productie van Wekho. 

Met ‘My Love’ keert Twiggii Quinn terug in volle glorie, tovert ze instant een lach op 
je gezicht en verleidt ze je om na het beluisteren telkens weer op de repeat knop te drukken!

'My Love', de nieuwe single van TWIGGII QUINN , komt uit op Sancover en kan je vanaf 8 maart beluisteren op alle grote streamingplatformen.

JUDITH HILL - 'DAME DE LA LUMIÈRE' – NEW SINGLE BY GRAMMY-WINNING US SINGER & MUSICIAN OUT 05.03.24

JUDITH HILL | 2024 photo by Ginger Sole Photography

new single
out 05.03.24
(Regime Music Group)

stream

included on
LETTERS FROM A BLACK WIDOW
new album
out 26.04.24

pre-save/add

also includes
FLAME
stream  |  lyric video

Coinciding with Women’s History Month, GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill has today unveiled a beautiful new single entitled ‘Dame de la Lumière’ (Lady of the Light), which is dedicated to her mother and grandmother. Its accompanying video puts Hill's raw emotions front and centre as she serenades both them and indeed generations of powerful women. Not only is it a love letter to the ladies of the light who raised her, but an empowering tribute to women everywhere!

“This is the story about my mother and my grandmother, two powerful women who taught me the meaning of perseverance,” states Hill. “I remember how they overcame the impossible and survived because they were determined to be there for their families. Standing on their shoulders, I carry on. I close my eyes and see the faces of every woman in history who turned weeds into leaves of evergreen. They stand taller than the mountains. If they can do it, I can do it. Bad times make strong women! This is my mantra.”

‘Dame de la Lumière’ is included on Hill’s forthcoming new album, ‘Letters From A Black Widow’, which will be released on 26th April via Regime Music Group. Its dozen songs present a riveting story - from private pain to communal transcendence - and is her most soul-bearing work to date. The album follows ‘Baby, I’m Hollywood!’ (2021), which garnered widespread critical acclaim. Its mix of funk, rock, blues and soul was described by Record Collector as ‘breathtakingly kaleidoscopic’, while Echoes proclaimed it ‘Album of the year’ in a 5 star review. Where that album offered a rowdy coming-of-age tale of a mixed-race child of bohemian California, ‘Letters From A Black Widow’ is a formidable battle cry; a soul/funk/gospel passion play spectacularly written, arranged and performed by Hill.

Although Hill plays many of the instruments herself, the new record is not a strictly solo endeavour. Built on the unshakeable musical foundation she has enjoyed for most of her life, her band includes her parents, bassist Robert ‘Peewee’ Hill and keyboardist Michiko Hill, while she is also joined by John Staten (drums and percussion), Daniel Chae (strings) and a group of friends on backing vocals.

Hill and her band will tour extensively in support of ‘Letters From A Black Widow’, with a North American tour prior to its release followed by a European tour that commences in Norway on 7th May and concludes in London on 8th June. A recently updated full tour itinerary is as follows:

07.05.24  STAVANGER (NO) Maijazz Festival
08.05.24  TRONDHEIM (NO) Trondheim Jazz Festival
09.05.24  HAMAR (NO) Hamar Jazz Festival
10.05.24  SANDVIKA (NO) Baerum Kulturhus
11.05.24  STOCKHOLM (SE) Fasching
12.05.24  STOCKHOLM (SE) Fasching
17.05.24  COPENHAGEN (DK) DR Concert Hall
19.05.24  SCHÖPPINGEN (DE) Blues Festival Schöppingen
21.05.24  ZÜRICH (CH) Kaufleuten
22.05.24  INNSBRUCK (AT) Treibhaus
23.05.24  RUBIGEN (CH) Mühle Hunziken
24.05.24  TÜBINGEN (DE) Sudhaus
26.05.24  WEERT (NL) Poppodium Q-Factory 
29.05.24  SINT-NIKLAAS (BE) De Casino Concertzaal
30.05.24  PARIS (FR) New Morning
01.06.24  WEIZ (AT) Jazz Festival Weiz
04.06.24  ALMERIA (ES) Clasijazz
06.06.24  ANTALYA (TR) Akra Jazz Festival
07.06.24  HAMBURG (DE) Elbjazz Festival
08.06.24  LONDON (UK) Bush Hall

LETTERS FROM A BLACK WIDOW
TRACKLISTING
1  One Of The Bad Ones
2  Flame
3  My Whole Life Is In The Wrong Key
4  We Are The Power
5  Black Widow
6  Touch
7  Dame De La Lumiere
8  Let Me Be Your Mother
9  You Got It Kid
10  Runaway Train
11  Downtown Boogie
12  More Than Love
 
Official Site  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

JAZZ FUSION KEYBOARDIST PATRICK BRADLEY EXPLORES HIS FREEDOM ON ‘ROAD TRIPPIN’’

The first single from his forthcoming “Gratitude” album was produced by multi-time Grammy nominee Darren Rahn.

VISTA, Calif. (4 March 2024): The kids are grown, living on their own, and there’s a fifth wheel parked in the driveaway. Relishing the freedom to hit the road to explore and take in nature is the inspiration for jazz fusion keyboardist Patrick Bradley’s new single, “Road Trippin’, which will begin collecting radio playlist adds and Spotify spins on March 11. Bradley wrote the song with 26-time Billboard chart-topper Darren Rahn, a multiple Grammy nominated producer, songwriter and saxophonist. Rahn produced the single previewing Bradley’s “Gratitude” album, which is slated to arrive later this year from the Patrick’s Song Factory label.  

Beyond their shared musical connection, Bradley and Rahn are bonded by their devotion to their Christian faith. Blessed with a grateful heart, Bradley is thoroughly enjoying this chapter in his life after having raised two children. He and his wife of forty years, Lisa, decided to get the fifth wheel so they could travel freely and easily, enabling them to spend more time on their own in serene scenic outdoor settings. You can hear the sense of adventure on the rousing groove anchored by Rahn and Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown on “Road Trippin’.” One can almost see the fifth wheel motoring along the open road against a majestic backdrop as Bradley’s piano issues melodic flourishes. Rahn texturizes the track with energizing harmonies via his Wurlitzer, synths and programming. Further embellishments come in the form of Joel Del Rosario’s funky guitar riffs, which are dispensed liberally throughout the cut.

“The inspiration of the song is really celebrating the freedom and the joys of a road trip. Ever since Lisa and I purchased the fifth wheel a couple of years ago, we’ve been enjoying the outdoors. We’re grateful to have the opportunity at this time in our lives when we have both the freedom and the means available to get out there. For us, it’s about exploring new destinations and visiting cherished places while enjoying the beauty of God’s creation,” said the Southern California-based Bradley, who will perform on July 28 at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles.

“Road Trippin’” provides a glimpse into what’s in store on Bradley’s upcoming sixth album, “Gratitude.” It’s his first outing since 2021’s “Exhale” album, which spawned four Billboard top 20 singles, including the title track that went No. 1 and the top 10 single, “Completely Yours.” Rahn was a big part of that project as was Grammy-winning jazz fusion keyboardist Jeff Lorber, a longtime collaborator who cowrote and produced two songs on the album after producing several of Bradley’s earlier albums. Bradley debuted in 2006 with the “Come Rain or Shine” album. Over the years, he’s collaborated with Grammy nominated saxophonists Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal, Billboard hitmakers Rick Braun and Adam Hawley, and legendary guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. (Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, George Benson). 

For more information, please visit https://patrickbradley.com.

KIWANIS NIEUWPOORT POLDER EN DUIN VIERT OP 22 JUNI ZIJN 50STE VERJAARDAG MET DE WERELDBEFAAMDE EROS RAMAZZOTTI TRIBUE BAND DOVE C’È MUSICA

Van links naar rechts: Laurenzo Moerman, Peter Devisch (voorzitter), Luc Neuville (penningmeester), Elmer Keleman
foto:  PADI

Op zaterdag 22 juni 2024 kan iedereen vanaf 19u30 terecht in het Nieuwpoortse Centrum Ysara, waar de VZW Kiwanis Nieuwpoort Polder en Duin zijn 50ste verjaardag viert, ondergedompeld in een Italiaanse sfeer. Het hoogtepunt wordt het optreden van de wereldvermaarde Italiaanse Eros Ramazzotti tribute band Dove c’è Musica. 

“Na vijf mooie decennia mogen we al eens groots uitpakken met aangepaste foodtrucks met pizza, pasta en varianten, gecombineerd met Italiaanse toets. Onze top DJ en Dove c’è Musica zijn dé ingrediënten voor een heuse feestavond. Net zoals de voorbije jaren schenkt onze populaire serviceclub opnieuw de opbrengsten aan lokale goede doelen, waarmee in het verleden de kinderarmoede werd bestreden.

Het enthousiasme bij onze leden en sympathisanten is groot, waardoor we iedereen aanraden om snel tickets te bestellen. Vanaf vrijdag 1 maart 2024 kan dat, via de QR-code op onze affiches of via mail aan tickets@kiwanisnieuwpoort.be,” zegt penningmeester Luc Neuville namens de jubilerende organisatie.

Goede doelen

Met de 1112ste vergadering in het vooruitzicht, 16 kernleden en een massa steunende sympathisanten, organiseerde de populaire VZW Kiwanis Nieuwpoort Polder en Duin de afgelopen 50 jaar heel wat activiteiten en evenementen. Met die centen kon de serviceclub ondertussen heel wat lokale goede doelen ondersteunen. “We koesteren tradities. Elke euro die we besteden aan sociale projecten wordt dubbel gecheckt, maar als we erin geloven kunnen ze altijd op onze steun rekenen. We hebben het exacte bedrag niet bijgehouden, maar de geldsom die we de voorbije vijf decennia hebben weggeschonken is aanzienlijk. Ook de komende jaren wordt die lijn doorgetrokken, omdat het broodnodig is en we merken dat we met onze bijdragen ook effectief mee het verschil kunnen maken. Vanuit die positieve ingesteldheid blijven we organiseren en daar doen we met onze ‘Italiaanse avond’, tijdens ons feestjaar, nog een schepje bovenop,”zegt Luc Neuville.

Eros Ramazzotti

Na o.a. ‘Enjoy Cuba’ (2018), ‘Cuba-Licious’ (2019) en post-corona ‘J’aime la vie’ (2022), zet Kiwanis Nieuwpoort Polder en Duin nu voluit zijn schouders onder de Italiaanse avond die op zaterdag 22 juni 2024 plaatsvindt in Centrum Yasara. 

Vanaf 19u30 kan je aanschuiven bij diverse foodtrucks met een extra focus op de bekende Italiaanse specialiteiten, terwijl een top DJ in de achtergrond en tijdens de avond voor de zwoele sfeer zorgt. Het gaat crescendo, met als hoogtepunt het optreden van de wereldvermaarde Eros Ramazzotti tribute band Dove c’è Musica van zanger-frontman Gero Carlino. Dankzij de goede contacten die Nathalie Brys van het Nieuwpoortse boekingskantoor ‘The Music Office’ heeft, kon de organisatie deze Internationale topband strikken. Met z’n zessen brengen ze on stage de grootste hits van de Italiaanse wereldster Eros Ramazzotti, de man die in 1984 doorbrak als winnaar van het Festival van San Remo met zijn hitsingle ‘Terra Promessa’. Zijn eerste internationale hit was ‘Se bastasse una canzone’, maar hij scoorde ook hits met o.a. ‘Adesso tu’, ‘Musica è’ en ‘Cose della vita’, dat hij in 1998 in duetvorm uitbracht met Tina Turner. Ramazzotti werkte ook samen met o.a. Cher, Joe Cocker en Andrea Bocelli. Doorheen zijn carrière verkocht hij wereldwijd meer dan 55 miljoen albums. “Vorig jaar gaf hij nog twee uitverkochte concerten in Vorst Nationaal. Dit jaar heeft hij geen concertplannen, dus zijn we blij, fier en trots dat we met Dove c’è Musica die leegte invullen met een sterk alternatief voor de talrijke fans van Ramazzotti en het Italiaanse repertoire. Onze Italiaanse avond kan je trouwens ook ideaal combineren met een overnachting aan zee, want we werken hiervoor nauw samen met enkele lokale B&B’s en hotels die speciale voorwaarden aanbieden. Op onze website vind je hierover alle informatie”, klinkt het bij de organisatie.

Dove c’é Musica

Je mag Dove c’è Musica omschrijven als ‘de beste Eros Ramazzotti tribute band’, want die status hebben ze inmiddels verworven op basis van hun reputatie en de talrijke optredens. “Als grap ben ik begonnen met imitaties van Eros, maar dat sloeg meteen enorm aan. Vrij snel volgde mijn solocarrière en kwam ik terecht bij diverse bands. Begin 2000 werd ik uitgenodigd voor ‘Stella Gemella’, één van dé shows op de Italiaanse televisie. Later was ik ook nog te zien in o.a. ‘Tali e Quali Show’ en werd ik uitgenodigd voor ‘Michelle Impossible’, een programma dat Eros Ramazzotti zijn eerste vrouw Michelle Hunziker presenteerde. Onze verstandhouding met Eros is uitstekend. Eén van onze muzikanten speelde mee in één van zijn videoclips en we zagen hem ook life op Facebook tijdens één van onze optredens,” zegt frontman Gero Carlino. Samen met zijn 5 collega’s reist hij op zaterdag 22 juni 2024 af naar België voor het eerste optreden dat Dove c’è Musica geeft in ons land. “Meer dan anderhalf uur spelen we de grootste hits en bekendste nummers van Eros Ramazzotti. Na o.a. Frankrijk, Zwitserland, Oostenrijk, de Verenigde Staten en  optredens voor meer dan 100.000den Italianen komen we nu jullie kant uit. Naast een sterk vertegenwoordigde Italiaanse gemeenschap, zijn er bij jullie ook heel wat landgenoten die houden van de Italiaanse sfeer, het land, de cultuur en de muziek. Als je België zegt, denken wij spontaan aan bier, wafels en frieten (lacht), maar we weten dat er gelukkig nog veel meer is,” glimlacht Gero.

Vanaf vrijdag 1 maart 2024 kan je via de QR-code op de affiche of via mail tickets@kiwanisnieuwpoort.be tickets bestellen voor de Italiaanse feestavond van Kiwanis Nieuwpoort Polder en Duin. Meer info over de 50-jarige Nieuwpoortse serviceclub en deze activiteit vind je ook op www.kiwanisnieuwpoort.be

LASHAWN D. GARY FT. PENNY WELLS – ‘ EVERYTHING YOU’RE LOOKING FOR’

LaShawn D. Gary is an Emmy Award Winning Producer, Composer, Smooth Jazz Artist and Pianist. He is a native of Detroit, Michigan and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Southern University A&M College, and earned a Masters of Music Education Degree from the University of Louisville. LaShawn has released seven Smooth Jazz singles: “Now is the Time (2019) '', “Love, Peace & Praise (2020)”, “Inception, featuring Mark Whitfield (2021)”, “Line Brothers (2021)”, “On the Yard” (2022), “Transitions” (2022) and "For Your Love (feat. Willie Bradley)" (2023).

Gary's newest single “Everything You're Looking For" ft. Penny Wells is from his upcoming album Evolution, scheduled for release on March 1, 2024. LaShawn is also the featured artist and co-writer of Jeff Canady’s “Light Within.” He has also performed as a session musician on several Smooth Jazz and R&B projects. 

LaShawn has worked as a composer/arranger in commercial advertisements 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 the Louisiana Leadership Institute Drum-line 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 also released his debut album, “Love, Peace, and Praise.” 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. The team was also awarded two Detroit Music Awards for “Outstanding Music Video” and “Outstanding Urban Recording”. LaShawn is a music educator with Southfield Public Schools and serves as the Director of Music at Oak Grove AME Church. He is currently the Executive Director for the Michigan 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).

"Everything You're Looking For" ft. Penny Wells is a mid-tempo Smooth Jazz groove with beautiful lyrics, which will inspire people to look within themselves to discover the greatness that exists.

MO LOUIS FT. JEFF LORBER – ‘TO THE MAX’

We are excited to announce to announce the release of saxman Mo Louis new single, “To The Maxx” ft. Jeff Lorber! It’s the follow-up to Mo’s #1 Billboard hit, “Static”.

"To The Maxx"

Produced by Jeff Carruthers

Written by Jeff Carruthers and Mo Louis

Mixed by Jeff Carruthers

Mastered by Euge Groove

Mo Louis: Saxophone

Jeff Lorber: Piano

Gary Novak: Drums

Corney Mims: Bass

Jeff Carruthers: Guitar & Keys

Lenny Castro: Percussion

RYAN MONTANO DREAMS OF ‘ENCHANTED LANDS’

Ryan Montano is a nationally celebrated trumpeter, songwriter, bandleader and recording artist. His beautiful tone, sophisticated and memorable compositions, impactful live performances and precise technique have garnered him global radio airplay and festival performances across the United States.

A 5-time Billboard-charting recording artist, Montano’s debut contemporary jazz single "I'd Like That" found nationwide popularity and acclaim by reaching the 14th position on the Billboard National Jazz Airplay chart. His follow up single "Honey Girl" peaked at #13 on Billboard after 20 consecutive weeks on the the chart.

In addition to his musical artistry, Montano is a talented and truthful actor having appeared in several commercials and Hollywood films with speaking roles in "GoodKill" starring Ethan Hawke, Disney's "Lemonade Mouth" and "Love N' Dancing" starring Amy Smart, Rachel Dratch and Betty White. He has been a featured performer on “CSI Miami” and “Wildfire” and has several runway modeling shows and print campaigns to his modeling credits. Montano has also appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” playing the trumpet for pop stars “Hanson” as part of the “Cleto & The Cletones” horn section.

He is also a professional filmmaker, director, videographer, photographer, editor and graphic artist. His video work has been featured on national television networks including ESPN, CBS, NBC and FOX.

Specializing in music-based visual media, Montano has filmed and/or directed award-winning music videos for “Dustin Lynch”, “Kane Brown”, “Runaway June”, & “Ozomatli”. He has created video content for major global brands including Ford, Dr. Pepper & T-Mobile.

While his talents encapsulate many different passions, it is music and the trumpet that truly define Montano as an artist. With a truthful artistic vision and emotive songwriting, delivered through a graceful and soft tone, Ryan Montano is an artist creating and evolving along a path and sound all his own.

SEXY LATIN VIBES VAN NEVILLE OP ‘COMO PABLO’ DOEN DROMEN VAN DE ZOMER

Uitstekend nieuws voor al wie het gehad heeft met onze natte Belgische winterdagen: Neville debuteert met 'Como Pablo' en luidt zo, op zijn minst alvast in je hoofd, officieel de zomer in! Een debuutsingle, en dan ook weer niet, want de Geelse rapper-zanger timmert intussen al 20 jaar muzikaal aan de weg.

Je kan gerust stellen dat Neville voorbestemd was voor muziek. Als zoon van een predikant ging hij begin jaren 2000 wekelijks naar de kerk en ondervond er aan den lijve hoe begeesterend muziek kon werken. Als kind leerde hij zichzelf drummen en vanaf zijn negende (!) werd hij in tal van Afrikaanse kerken uitgenodigd om er te komen spelen. Vervolgens leerde hij zichzelf stapsgewijs ook piano spelen, want hij was vastbesloten om muzikant worden.

Oudere neven met een eigen muziekstudio (tot de dag van vandaag bekende artiesten in Duitsland) brachten hem in contact met rap en hiphop. Meer bepaald 50 Cent’s 'In Da Club' in de legendarische productie van Dr. Dre was een ware eyeopener en veranderde zijn leven. Dit moest en wou hij ook kunnen. Neville focuste zich vanaf nu op het schrijven van rhymes en produceren van beats. Het notitieboekje en pen weken niet meer van zijn zijde. Op zijn 25e besloot Neville zijn ambities naar een nieuw level te brengen en kocht hij zijn eerste materiaal voor de inrichting van een eigen muziekstudio. De microfoon werd zijn beste vriend. 

Tussen 2015 tot 2020 produceerde hij intensief rapmuziek en richtte in het jeugdhuis van Geel een studioruimte in waar hij met andere artiesten samenwerkte en kleine optredens organiseerde. Zo kwam de Mechelse Pita op zijn pad, met wie hij het nummer 'Pijn in mijn hart' uitbracht, en zijn eerste optreden deed, op het voetbalterrein van Racing Club Mechelen. 

Na 20 jaar timmeren aan de weg, kwam producer Wekho, oprichter van platenlabel ‘Sancover’, op zijn pad en sloegen ze de handen in elkaar om Neville’s eigen geluid op punt te stellen, met een mix van gospel, country, en hiphop. De eerste officiële single gaat nog een stapje verder: 'Como Pablo' is een onweerstaanbaar zomerse latin vibes track, waarop Neville laidback rapt in het Nederlands en zo het beste van de verschillende werelden combineert!

'Como Pablo', de nieuwe single van Neville, komt uit op Sancover en kan je vanaf 1 maart beluisteren op alle grote streamingplatformen.

ALEX FANJUL & TY JUAN – NEW TRACK RELEASE

It's difficult to explain what it feels like when you write a song that you love and that you know will be a great song, but as time goes by you never end up finding the voice that the song needs, and you make the decision to put it in a drawer. ...and you forget about it.
A few weeks ago, by true chance, I FOUND THAT VOICE, and suddenly what was a great song became a wonderful song. That voice belongs to TY JUAN.

He has not only sung the song, but has written the verses, the choruses, the backing vocals and everything that concerns the lyrics of Whatever You Want.

This is the first collaboration between the famous Asturian guitarist, musician, composer and producer from Gijón (Spain) of numerous international neo soul, funk and house bands. Singles and remixes... ALEX FANJUL (Alejandro Fanjul) And the illustrious singer, composer of international R&B soul and number one on the charts of many countries, from U.S.A and GRAMMY NOMINATED as songwriter TY JUAN.

The Production Credits comprises an 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:

• Alex Fanjul on Lead Guitar, Drums, Programming & Original Production.
• Ty Juan on Lead  & Background Vocals
• Baltasar G. Casanovas AKA @bassbarcelona on Bass.
• DJ Ale Rossi 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.

https://alexfanjul.com/

MAYSA – ‘SPIRIT 222’

Fueled by inspiration from the Legendary George Benson’s 2009 sonic masterpiece, Living in High Definition, Maysa and her longtime producer, Chris “ Big Dog” Davis, created a musical story titled, “Spirit 222”, expressing the idea that we are all connected by THE SOURCE: LOVE and if we all truly led with love, our world could be a heaven on earth..

When the time came to decide who would be featured on Spirit 222, Maysa instantly knew that master musicians, guitarist Chieli Minucci ( Special EFX) and percussionist Thomas Dyani Akuru( Incognito, Shakira, The Lion King ), would be perfect to carry the song to the highest of heights.

The musical arrangement of "Spirit 222" perfectly complements the introspective nature of the lyrics. The smooth jazz instrumentation, including gentle piano chords, soulful guitar solos, and powerful percussion, creates a soothing and contemplative ambiance. The interplay between Maysa's vocals and the instrumental sections adds depth and dimension to the song, creating a lush sonic landscape.

The essence of Maysa's 8th track "Spirit 222" ,from her highly acclaimed 19 song double album, MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL, captures the quintessential vibe that Smooth Jazz Lovers cherish, prompting a nostalgic reminder of the genre's core appeal.

SANTANA RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘LET THE GUITAR PLAY’ FEATURING DARRYL “DMC” MCDANIELS

Out Now on Candid Records

January 12, 2024: Today, legendary guitarist Carlos Santana released "Let The Guitar Play," a reimagination of his 2021 song "Song for Cindy." Teaming up with producer Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey), and remix producer Lino Nicolosi, “Let The Guitar Play” brings the original song to new heights  —  Run DMC's Darryl McDaniels delivers a poetic rap over an EDM-style drum beat, serving as a dynamic catalyst for Santana to intricately weave his signature guitar magic.

“Now, more than ever, it is essential that we heal life, people, and the planet,” says Carlos Santana. “This music is assigned and designed to touch your heart, take you out of your misery, and to remind you that you are significant, meaningful, and can make a difference in the world. It is a joy to collaborate with brother Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, producers Narada Michael Walden and Lino Nicolosi, Cindy Blackman Santana, and with our partners at Candid. Our collective vision is to heal and to bring light and peace. Please join us!”

The release features three distinct remixes—The Radio Version, The Soul Radio Version, and The 70's Version—each showcasing Santana's commitment to pushing musical boundaries and extending his legacy to captivate a fresh generation of listeners. As reflected in the music, Santana's work continues to be a beacon of positivity. His mission of healing the planet and touching people's hearts through art reinforces Santana's legacy as an artist committed to spreading positive messages and making a lasting impact on the world.

“Let The Guitar Play” is out now via Candid Records.

About Carlos Santana:

For more than five decades — from Santana’s earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco — Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural, and geographical boundaries. To date, Santana has won ten GRAMMY Awards and three Latin GRAMMY Awards, with a record-tying nine GRAMMY Awards for a single project for 1999’s Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Smooth”). He has received the Billboard Century Award (1996), was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998), received the Billboard Latin Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement honor (2009), and was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award (2013). Among many other distinctions, Carlos Santana has been cited by Rolling Stone as #11 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time;” and has joined The Rolling Stones as one of only two bands to have an album reach the Top 10 in every decade since the 1960s. In 2018, he released his first MasterClass, and recently celebrated three epic milestones — the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking album Supernatural, the 50th anniversary of his legendary performance at Woodstock, and the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece Abraxas. His most recent album, the powerful, energy-infused Blessings and Miracles (2021) features collaborations with Rob Thomas, Chris Stapleton, Steve Winwood, and many others. Santana continues his residency at the House of Blues Las Vegas where he recently celebrated his 10th anniversary of performing in the intimate venue.

Carlos Santana:

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R&B/JAZZ KEYBOARDIST JEFF LOGAN’S TRANSFORMATIONAL ‘INDIGO’ SET FOR APRIL 12

Two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown produced the vulnerable album chronicling the process of growth.

BOWIE, MD (28 FEBRUARY 2024): Indigo is a natural plant-based hue produced through a transformational process that unfolds over time. R&B/jazz keyboardist Jeff Logan has been going through his own transformative process that inspired the title of his long-germinating second album “Indigo,” which will drop on April 12 via the Fire and Ice Network label. Two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown (Boney James, Norman Brown, Al Jarreau, Bob James) produced the ten-song set written by Logan who opened his heart to reveal intimate moments, introspective reflections and personal stories of love, heartbreak and hope culled from the process of real life.  

Logan has always been a prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, constantly composing and recording new material in his home studio, playing all the instruments himself. As a composer, he has an innate way with melody. However, he hasn’t shared any of his recordings publicly since his 2011 debut album, “Black Tie Affair.” Since that project, he went through a painful divorce, was distanced from his daughters, and logged innumerable high-stress hours serving as the Chief of Population Management for Prince George's County, Maryland Department of Corrections.

Daily, Logan found solace sitting at his keyboard, strumming his guitar, and thumping his bass to create new music, amassing a catalogue of over four hundred songs. The creative outlet enabled him to remain hopeful and optimistic while his spirituality kept a bright smile on his face through the tumult. But to grow as an artist, Logan had to take a leap of faith: surrender production duties to someone else and bring in additional musicians. 

“Anyone who knows me, knows I try to do everything myself. I can be a control freak and will always try to figure out things for myself first before asking for help. Artistically speaking, I learned how to play multiple instruments and to self-produce. However, I was encouraged to consider collaborations, including working with a producer. I didn't think Paul (Brown) would oblige me, but he graciously agreed to work with me, initially for one song. One song became a few songs, and a few songs evolved into an entire album. Paul helped to craft the songs, production-wise, into masterpieces that I believe will stand the test of time,” said Logan.

With Brown in the producer’s chair while adding guitars and percussion to the “Indigo” tracks, he brought in his A-team of veteran session players to elevate Logan’s vibrant piano and keyboard harmonies. Shane Theriot is virtually a one-man band who played bass, drums, guitar and keyboards on the album. The rhythm section consisted of drummer Gorden Campbell and bassist Roberto Vally. Multi-horn man Ron King and saxophonist Greg Vail completed the lineup.

Recalling hot days spent with family and friends, Logan opens the album by serving up thirst-quenching “Lemonade.” Sweet piano melodies stir the drink of a chill R&B groove poured over horns aplenty as a refreshing chaser.

“During an unusually sweltering day last spring, I heard a rhythm and melody (in my head) begging me to get to my piano. The lead melody came first and then the bassline quickly followed. As I sat at the piano, memories of summers gone by, and summers I hope to be blessed to spend with family and friends, flooded my emotional space, and the song wrote itself,” recalled Logan.

“Chill Factor,” which will be released as a single in April, began when Logan heard in his head a guitar riff playing in unison with his piano.

“It's hard to get good melodies out of my head once the creative process starts. So, I picked up my guitar and worked on the riff until I thought I had perfected it, and then I played the piano part against the guitar part. However, Paul Brown is not only a top-shelf producer, but he is a top-tier guitarist thus I was really stoked when he added his signature style by playing the lead guitar riff. The collaboration of his guitar against my piano riff is magical to me. The perfectly titled song creates an atmosphere of being able to relax from the troubles of my life by sitting back and being moved to a simple place of tranquility via music,” Logan shared.

The elegant jazz sounds heard on “Tears of Hope” belie the intense introspective feelings Logan delves into on the track that evokes the influence of the late great contemporary jazz keyboardist Joe Sample.

"I wrote ‘Tears of Hope’ several years ago during a period when I questioned if I would ever reconnect with my daughters in a way where they would still love me and want to spend time with me after their mom and I divorced. I wanted them to live with me for an equal amount of time as with their mom, but the court said no. As I sat at the piano working on the song, it took on a greater meaning. There have been instances throughout my life when I've experienced not only sad tears of hope but exhilarating tears of hope at seeing situations in my life turn out for the better. It's definitely a reflective piece of music on which I made myself totally vulnerable,” revealed Logan.

Varying the lead instrumental voice, Logan adds warm flute sounds atop his keyboard hooks and melodies on “Let It Go,” the album’s preview single that was soft launched in January. It’s another track that King and Vail filled with muscular horn section parts under Brown’s skillful direction.

Logan said, “I was trying to create a song that would beckon me to let go of anything and anyone that was and/or is bogging me down. Life is short, so the message in this song is that we have to let go of things impeding us from being a better us. I wanted to write something that would have a subtle flute as a lead, creating an echo effect in my mind that I wouldn't be able to escape, much like a loop. It's not often that a song comes out the way you hear it in your mind, but ‘Let It Go’ is one of those songs for me.”

“Bread and Wine” exudes a calming sense of joy, which Logan said emanates from nurturing his spirit via cherished time spent with family and friends.

“It's my life's blood and sustenance to be connected to my family and friends. It means everything to me, so I spend a considerable amount of time trying to match my creative side to music themes that embody the spirit of being connected to family and friends. When we get together, we break proverbial and literal bread and wine together,” shared Logan.

On “I Love You,” another melody rich expression of affection spoken through his keyboards and flute, Logan ties together the themes underlying the entire album into one song.

"‘I Love You’ is a simple, poignant and honest expression of affection and appreciation for my family, friends and listeners. There are several themes that are interwoven throughout this album: family, friends, hope, communing with one another; loving those we call family, letting go of some people and things keeping you down so you can have more of your time to spend meaningfully with those who truthfully matter to you. Moreover, if you love someone, show them. And one of the best ways I can show my love for those I profess to love is to make myself vulnerable by sharing my music,” said Logan.

Not only does Logan share his music, but he also shares his emotional journey and the difficult inner work he did to heal and learn to love again on the gentle “Fall In Love.” His sensitive keyboard seems to gain reassurance from Vail’s soothing sax.  

“It’s a song that I wrote for me, to me, about me, on which I give myself permission to love again. The track is supposed to feel like a crisp breath of fresh air that I am breathing in, filling my spirit. I spent years doubting whether or not I had the capacity to love again at the level I had once committed myself to loving my then wife. I gave everything I had, but unfortunately it still wasn't enough. But I did the work on myself, and I continue to work through the hurt, the pain, the regret and the self-loathing. I've worked through all the stages of matrimonial grief that accompany the severing of a marital relationship. Going through that process, I've realized I still do have the capacity to love at that level and perhaps even deeper,” Logan disclosed.

In the process of creating the album, Logan did what he calls “a heart audit.” He set his soul-searching to music on the gorgeous mellifluous piano reflection titled “If Only.”

"‘If Only’ embodies me taking an inventory of my life. I am reflecting on some opportunities missed, loves lost, and family members who are no longer with me on this journey of life. I challenged myself not to waste God's time. I am determined to minimize procrastination and spend my time creating, loving, and being there for those in my life who matter the most.”

The foundation of the uplifting title track is a funky R&B groove, bouncy, hopeful and feel-good, cleansing and purifying after the intense feelings, emotions and revelations Logan examined and stirred up.     

“I wrote ‘Indigo’ while reflecting on the process, how most things go through a time continuum in order to become aesthetically pleasing to the heart, the mind, the body, and the soul. I came up with the concept of writing songs for this album several years ago that I knew was going to be titled ‘Indigo.’ The indigo plant is used to create a deep blue-violet color that is so beautiful, but there is a process involved that takes time to create that unique color. The indigo color is a metaphor for my life and the process that I go through to reveal my musical art,” said Logan.

The album closes with the contemplative “A Soul’s River,” an existential rumination on which Logan ponders his impact.

"Our time on this earth is fleeting and none of us truly know how much time we have to make an impact. Who did I touch? How did I touch them? How did we flow? I want to flow beautifully into as many people as God had intended for me to do, and in such a way as that I added to their life in a positive way before I evaporate and return to the source that created me.”

Logan’s growth – artistically and professionally as well as personally and emotionally - in the nearly thirteen years since his last album is nothing short of remarkable. No doubt it took a lot of challenging work and nurturing self-care. The time-honored processes that he’s been through over the years served to develop and hone his craft. “Indigo” is the product of a composer-keyboardist who has evolved into a uniquely gifted and expressive instrumental voice capable of communicating powerfully via distinctively colored musical hues.  

Logan’s “Indigo” album contains the following songs:

“Lemonade”

“Chill Factor”

“Tears of Hope”

“Let It Go”

“Bread and Wine”

“I Love You”

“Fall In Love”

“If Only”

“Indigo”

“A Soul’s River”

For more information, please visit https://www.jeffloganindigo.com.

BICKLEY RIVERA’S NEW SINGLE ‘SO DEEP’

The American reggae, soca and calypso artist Bickley Rivera releases her new chill Deep House single featuring her epic steel pan treasures and velvet vocal touches in this "trip to the outer limits of imagination".

SO DEEP

Deep House Chill Music

​Release Date: February 23, 2024

Label: Tropic Heat Music 

Publisher: Caribbean Xpress (BMI)

​

"Love the deep vibes from the moment the music starts; You are drawn into a world of rich, immersive soundscapes. The whispers in the background add a layer of intrigue, creating an alluring atmosphere that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Love it!"
Danny Lynn
Owner and Radio Host at Tiki Man Radio

​

"Good to see Bickley Rivera back on the scene, with a new super-hot jam. This is one to get you moving and bobbing your head, whether you're cruising down the Boulevard or jamming on the floor. I just love the high energy that she is bringing to the mix this time for music lovers!"

https://www.bickleyrivera.com/

MATTEI & OMICH, RE-TIDE FEAT. KATY ALEX ‘GIVE ME YOUR LOVE EP’

Italian powerhouse Mattei & Omich, alongside their Re-Tide guise member Andrea Prezioso, return to Fool’s Paradise armed with a double helping of funky discofied dance-floor fever on their ‘Give Me Your Love EP’, featuring Liverpool’s shining vocal star, Katy Alex. Powered by Katy’s irresistibly seductive vocals, ‘Give Me Your Love’, is a catchy funk fueled affair with a little nod to the 80’s. Also on the package is the peak-time Disco House groover, ‘Work It Out’, peppered with sweeping strings, a funky bass and garnished with Katy’s candied tones.

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.

Katy Alex has risen up the ranks in the Dance scene over the last couple of years with her sought-after collaborations with the likes of Piero Pirupa, Roger Sanchez, Laidback Luke, PS1 and Martin Trevy going on to amass more than 15 million streams on Spotify alone, with countless BBC Radio 1 plays and playlist adds to Capital and Kiss FM.

Track Listing
1 Give Me Your Love
2 Work It Out
3 Give Me Your Love (Extended)
4 Work It Out (Extended)

‘Give Me Your Love EP’ will be released on March 1st 2024 on Fool’s Paradise.

Mattei & Omich, Re-Tide feat. Katy Alex
‘Give Me Your Love EP’
Fool’s Paradise / FP012
https://www.instagram.com/mattei_and_omich/
https://www.instagram.com/re.tide.music/
https://www.instagram.com/katyalexmusic/
http://www.instagram.com/foolsparadiserecs

CHRISTOPHE GOZE’S NEW SINGLE ‘REVERSED EMOTION’

His latest release, ‘Reversed Emotion’ isn't a Smooth Jazz or Jazzy Lounge single. Instead, it's an attempt of blending lounge orchestral elements with chill vibes, aiming to evoke feelings of tranquility and sophistication. Lately, Christophe’s been delving into orchestral compositions, and this marks his initial endeavor to seamlessly integrate it with his lounge influences in a more cinematic approach.

Released on all platforms on 5th Mars 2024

Genre: Lounge / Chillout

Written, performed & produced by Christophe Goze
Guitar, Piano & Orchestration by Christophe Goze
Recorded & mixed by Christophe Goze at Earth Studio

FERGE X FISHERMAN - 'WHAT HAVE WE BECOME (FEAT. MICK JENKINS)' – NEW SINGLE BY GERMAN HIP-HOP & RAP DUO OUT 23.02.24

FERGE X FISHERMAN | photo by Steffen Metzger

new single
out 23.02.24
(Ferge X Fisherman/Membran)

stream

included on
GOOD MOTHER
new album
LP | digital
out 22.03.24
includes features from
MICK JENKINS  |  TAKUYA KURODA  |  JEROME THOMAS  |  CEEOPATRA

German hip-hop/rap duo Ferge X Fisherman have previously released three well received jazz-infused albums. Their forthcoming fourth full-length record, ‘Good Mother’, is a concept work about facing and embracing various life stages and sees them deploy gospel choirs, vintage strings, soulful Rhodes chords and wah-wah guitar pedals to give the entire record a distinctly ‘70s film soundtrack vibe.

The album song ‘What Have We Become’ has been released today as a single. Featuring the Chicago-based rapper Mick Jenkins, it orbits around the topic of growing up as he and FXF rapper Fritz Fisherman reminisce about specific moments, experiences and impressions of their past and paint a detailed picture of what it means to leave youth behind and progress into adulthood. The search for love, the realisation of social responsibilities and acceptance of change are all part of the song.

Coming across like a last late night drive through your hometown on a warm summer night, knowing you might not be returning for a while, a warm and soulful production with just the right amount of melancholy make ‘What Have We Become’ a track to think, sing and vibe to all at once. An artful drum groove meets vintage warm strings, a complex bass line and warm but melancholy Rhodes make it a must listen for all alternative hip-hop fans.

'What Have We Become’ follows ‘Lace Up’ VIDEO, ‘Adults’ VIDEO and ‘Racing’ VIDEO in being issued as singles ahead of the full album.

GOOD MOTHER
TRACKLISTING
1 Good Mother
2 Lace Up
3 Supposed (feat. Ceeopatra)
4 Summer
5 Fall
6 Caterpillar / Butterfly
7 Adults (feat. Jerome Thomas & Takuya Kuroda)
8 Cost
9 Racing
10 What Have We Become (feat. Mick Jenkins)

FERGE X FISHERMAN
 short biography
Vocalist Fritz and musician Ferge originally met as teenagers while skateboarding in their home city of Nuremberg. An immediate chemistry between the two swiftly extended to involve crack jazz quartet Nujakasha, who have become an integral part of the FXF set-up both live and in the studio. It is a partnership that has already seen the release of ‘Gone Fishing’ (2018), ‘Blinded By The Neon’ (2020) and ‘Duality’ (2022), on which the likes of Noah Slee, Black Milk, Takuya Kuroda and Hunter Rose have also guested.

‘Good Mother’ kicks things up to another level, boasting a reappearance from Kuroda plus features from Mick Jenkins, Jerome Thomas and Ceeopatra on a multi-dimensional coming-of-age album that explores the complexities involved in the process of growing-up; formative experiences, evaluation of past decisions, sexual insecurity, financial and emotional concerns, as well as the acknowledgement of universal fears as time ticks by.

FERGE X FISHERMAN
Official Site  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  TikTok

THE MUSICAL ACADEMY BRENGT LITTLE LIARS CLUB VAN AUTEUR JONAS BOETS NAAR DE MUSICALPLANKEN

Helle Vanderheyden regisseert jong talent

Little Liars Club: 'Het Fopidool - Een Echte Musical'

Vanaf 7 september 2024 - Deep Bridge THEATERke - Wilrijk

Vanaf 7 september 2024 presenteren Deep Bridge en The Musical Academy met 'Het Fopidool - Een Echte Musical' de eerste musical van het zeer succesvolle, multimediale concept Little Liars Club van auteur Jonas Boets (o.a. boekenreeks 'Sam Smith' en sinds 2023 'Aspe'). Dat het wel degelijk om 'Een Echte Musical' gaat rond de club die kinderen en jongeren helpt om kleine, onschadelijke leugentjes te verzinnen en/of verdoezelen, blijkt niet enkel uit het feit dat Jonas er een gloednieuw Little Liars Club-verhaal voor schrijft. Ook Helle Vanderheyden zal als regisseur het jonge talent (vanaf 8 jaar) dat mag schitteren in de productie bijstaan én er wordt in een echt THEATERke - waarvoor de repetitiezalen van Deep Bridge worden omgetoverd - in Wilrijk gespeeld. Tickets & info Little Liars Club: 'Het Fopidool - Een Echte Musical' via deepbridge.be 

Na 'Ridders van de Ronde Keukentafel' (2017) en 'Het Geheim van Te Veel Torens' (2021), geeft productiehuis Deep Bridge hun jonge talenten van The Musical Academy in september 2024 opnieuw de kans om te schitteren in een volwaardige musicalproductie. Deze keer werd er gekozen om het heerlijke universum van Little Liars Club voor het eerst naar de musicalplanken te brengen in de gloednieuwe productie Little Liars Club: 'Het Fopidool - Een Echte Musical'.

Jonas Boets - Little Liars Club 

Little Liars Club is ontsproten uit het creatieve brein van succesvol auteur Jonas Boets (42, Wilrijk). Jonas, zoon van bekend Vlaams acteur Herman Boets, verdiende als kinder- en jeugdauteur zijn strepen en kreeg na de dood van Pieter Aspe van diens familie de toestemming om de boekenreeks 'Aspe' verder te zetten. In 2023 verscheen met 'Reünie' het eerste 'Aspe'-boek van de hand van Jonas Boets.

In 2019 zag zijn Little Liars Club het levenslicht met als eerste boek 'De Vloggende Aap'. Little Liars Club is de club die kinderen helpt wanneer ze in de problemen komen door een leugentje. Heb je gelogen dat je je witloof hebt opgegeten, maar zit die eigenlijk nog in je mouw verstopt? Heb je stiekem alle snoep opgegeten? Ben je gaan voetballen, maar heb je gezegd dat je bij een vriend ging studeren? Of heb je weer tot een stuk in de nacht gegamed? Heb je tegen je vriendjes opgeschept dat je een olifant hebt thuis? Op het moment dat je leugen dreigt uit te komen, komt de Little Liars Club van Wally en zijn liegleraars  je te hulp!

Er zijn al de boeken (6), de filmpjes/sketches op alle sociale media, de website met extra verhalen, er is een game in ontwikkeling en nu volgt er met 'Het Fopidool- Een Echte Musical' ook de eerste musical van Little Liars Club. Een natuurlijk gevolg zo zegt creator/schrijver Jonas Boets zelf:

"Dat we de Little Liars Club naar de planken kunnen brengen is een fantastisch gevoel. Het verhaal zit vol unieke, uitbundige figuren en die zullen zich helemaal kunnen uitleven in een musical. Ook het feit dat we hiermee getalenteerde kinderen de kans kunnen geven om in een echte musical op te treden, past helemaal bij de Club: kinderen centraal zetten is waar het voor de Little Liars Club allemaal om draait. En dankzij de musical en de liedjes, kan de fun zich alleen maar verder verspreiden"

Ook regisseur Helle Vanderheyden kijkt enorm uit naar dit nieuwe avontuur:

"Dit wordt zo leuk! Jongeren iets bijleren, hen sturen en hen dan zien groeien, geeft erg veel voldoening. Bovendien brengt zo'n jonge bende heel veel energie en enthousiasme in gans het proces. De wil om er iets van te maken zal enorm zijn en dat is heerlijk om mee aan de slag te gaan. We gaan proberen onze kleine sterren van morgen groots te laten schitteren!"

Het verhaal

In het nieuwe Little Liars Club-verhaal 'Het Fopidool - Een Echte Musical' draait alles om een auditie uitgeschreven door de koning. Hij wil dat op zijn verjaardagsfeest de beste zanger of zangeres van zijn land komt optreden. De lakeien van de koning besluiten een grote talentenjacht op te zetten, waar iedereen aan mag deelnemen. Om alles zo eerlijk mogelijk te laten verlopen, worden de audities anoniem gedaan.

Alice kan helemaal niet zingen, maar liegt dat één van de inzendingen van haar is. Een onschuldig leugentje, toch?

Tot ze wordt uitgekozen en heel het land naar haar kijkt... Hoe moet ze dat oplossen?

Verwacht je niet aan een brave kindermusical, maar ééntje doorspekt met absurde humor en situaties die op het randje van te gek zijn. Ondeugend is geen probleem, zolang het maar funny is. Humor, avontuur, dubbele bodems, de ‘gelaagdheid’ van liegen en ook heerlijke knipogen en verwijzingen naar de leefwereld van de volwassenen…het zit allemaal in deze Little Liars Club-musical!

Deep Bridge en The Musical Academy presenteren Little Liars Club: 'Het Fopidool - een Echte Musical' vanaf 7 september in het kleine, maar fijne Deep Bridge THEATERke, dat opgetrokken zal worden in Wilrijk.

Tickets & info: deepbridge.be

UB40 ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM ‘UB45’

OUT 19 APRIL 2024

1 APRIL @ ANCIENNE BELGIQUE, BRUSSELS
1 DECEMBER @ LOTTO ARENA, ANTWERP

UB40 have released “Gimme Some Kinda Sign”, the first single from their forthcoming new album UB45 out via SRG Records (Universal/Virgin) on 19 April. The album celebrates 45 years of the world’s biggest selling reggae band and is available for pre-order now. Listen to the new single from today on all major streaming platforms, and watch the music video on the UB40 YouTube channel.  

“Gimme Some Kinda Sign” breathes new life into a 1968 classic UK Top 10 hit. It’s a cover of Brenton Wood’s soul staple “Gimme Little Sign”, given a fresh UB40 twist. Combining the band’s insouciant grooves, a breezy melody and trademark effervescence, “Gimme Some Kinda Sign” is a bona fide triumph. The song was chosen by lead vocalist Matt Doyle, who suggested it to Robin Campbell, unaware that it had been sitting on his wish list since the Labour of Love (1983) album days four decades ago. The music video was shot at Capture Studios, a state-of-the-art facility in Birmingham.  

Robin Campbell said: “I was delighted when Matt suggested “Gimme” as a song he’d like to cover as it had been on my to do list for 40 years and I still have the 7” 45 vinyl. It says something about his musical knowledge that he picked a song recorded more than 20 years before he was born.” 

Matt Doyle added: “”Gimme Some Kinda Sign” is easily one of my favourite tunes on the new record and is incredible fun to play live. Recording was an absolute blast and I love what we’ve done with this song by an incredible old soul singer, who’s 83 now, and if he hears it, I think Brenton Wood would be happy with it for sure!”  

“Gimme Some Kinda Sign” is the first single from UB40’s forthcoming studio album, UB45. The album features seven brand new songs plus seven fresh recordings of some of the band’s best loved tracks. It opens with “Home”, a song that’s complete with trademark UB40 beats and the powerful themes of inequality and bigotry. Other new recordings include a beautiful rendition of Bill Withers’ “Hope She’ll Be Happier” (1971), “Trouble”, “Say Nothing”, “Fool Me Once”, and the single “Champion” which was the official anthem of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.  

UB40’s iconic tunes “Food For Thought”, ”King”, “Tyler”, “Red Red Wine”, Cherry Oh Baby”, “Sing Our Own Song” and “Kingston Town” have all been given a fresh recorded treatment while retaining the spirit, timbre and melodies that fans know and love.  

 Over the course of 45 years, UB40 have garnered over 100 million album sales, 50 UK Top 40 singles and 10 UK Top 10 albums. The band has stood the test of time, touring the world together and recording music shot through with an unbreakable bond, fostered by their long-standing friendships and shared Birmingham roots. The line-up proudly boasts all but one of the surviving founding members, now bolstered by the reinvigorating presence of vocalist Matt Doyle.  

The 45-year celebrations will continue well into 2024, with the guys heading out on the road later this year for a headline UK arena tour with special guests Soul II Soul. Kicking off in London on 1 November, they will visit Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, before finishing in Belfast on 23 November.  

Listen to “Gimme Some Kinda Sign”, the new single from UB40 now on all major streaming platforms and watch the music video on the UB40 YouTube channel. UB45, the brand-new studio album, is out on 19 April and can be pre-ordered now. A special UB45 Record Store Day vinyl will also be available.
 

www.UB40.global 
X: @UB40OFFICIAL 
Facebook: @ub40official 
Instagram: @ub40official 
Tik Tok: @ub40official 

About UB40:  
UB40 is Robin Campbell (vocals & guitar), James Brown (drums), Earl Falconer (vocals & bass), Norman Hassan (vocals & percussion), Martin Meredith (keyboards & saxophone), Laurence Parry (trumpet & trombone), Jahred Gordon (keyboards), Ian Thompson (saxophone), Gilly G (MC vocals) Matt Doyle (lead vocals & guitar) and Matt Campbell (backing vocals).  

PAUL MICHIELS DRAAIDE EEN OPVALLENDE VIDEOCLIP VOOR ‘THE GAME’

Met 'The Game' uit zijn recente EP 'I Welcome You' brengt Paul Michiels deze week een nieuwe single uit waarvoor hij samenwerkte met de 31-jarige Lierse regisseur Yannick Van den Bergh. Deze laatste is erg goed bevriend met Gestapo Knallmuzik, een band waarvoor hij de videoclips regisseert. “De vader van een vriend van mij is al lang bevriend met Paul. Hij had de nummers van Pauls EP gehoord en hem voorgesteld dat daar beelden bij gemaakt moesten worden. Hij heeft ons met elkaar in contact gebracht. We zijn dan eentje gaan drinken in het Lierse café 't Goed Voorbeeld, waar ik Paul wat van mijn werk heb laten zien. Vrij snel was het beklonken om op één dag lyric-video’s te filmen bij alle nummers van zijn EP, met vooral de focus op zijn nieuwste single 'The Game',” zegt Yannick Van den Bergh. “Na al die jaren ga ik nog steeds af op mijn gevoel,” vult Paul Michiels aan. “Tijdens het gesprek met Yannick voelde ik dat hij de juiste kerel was waarmee we dit konden realiseren. Vijf video’s op één dag draaien is pittig, zeker als je al wat ouder bent (lacht),” – Paul Michiels is inmiddels 75 – “maar het was een fantastische ervaring met een heel mooi eindresultaat.”

Triumph TR6

Naast de samenwerking met Paul Michiels was ook de locatie voor regisseur Yannick Van den Bergh bijzonder: “Mijn overgrootvader was vroeger buschauffeur. Voor de Tweede Wereldoorlog reed hij op zelfstandige basis tussen Lier en Herentals. Hij had dus een grote garage nodig naast hun huis om zijn bus te kunnen onderhouden. Na zijn overlijden is het huis een tijd verhuurd geweest en in 1998 hebben mijn ouders dit huis gerenoveerd en zijn we daar ingetrokken. Deze garage is voor mij al vaak van pas gekomen als repetitieruimte, feestzaal of filmstudio. Paul zingt onder andere ‘The Game’ voor een Triumph TR6. Een 2500cc 6 cilinder uit 1970, het model waar mijn vader momenteel aan sleutelt. Hij is een grote oldtimerfanaat, dus bij het herstellen van motors en auto’s kwam deze garage ook altijd goed van pas voor hem.”

Thunderbirds

Als kind had Yannick al een fascinatie voor technische films. Van zijn vader mocht hij al op jonge leeftijd meekijken naar de films ‘Alien’ en 'Predator' en de 'Thunderbirds' uit de jaren 60 waren zijn favoriete films en tv-serie. Vandaar zijn voorliefde voor ouderwetse filmlooks. “Als middelbare school student heb ik de meeste technieken geleerd via YouTube-tutorials. Tijdens mijn studies als industrieel ingenieur in Leuven raakte ik goed bevriend met de mannen van Gestapo Knallmuzik. Dankzij hen heb ik enorm veel ervaring kunnen opdoen door hun muziek te voorzien van de nodige videoclips, bijbehorende content en zelfs een documentaire. Video’s maken bleef altijd een droom, dus na mijn studies heb ik uiteindelijk toch nog gekozen voor een filmstudie aan het RITCS in Brussel waar ik naast het technische wat meer ben kunnen ingaan op het theoretische aspect van het filmmaken. Momenteel ben ik fulltime aan de slag als 3D-artiest bij Uncanny, een postproductie studio in Herentals waar we aan allerlei soorten content werken. Mijn vrije tijd vul ik met clips maken voor Gestapo Knallmuzik of Paul Michiels, waar ik mij ook mee amuseer.”

Vocale uithaal

Samen met de single brengt Paul Michiels ‘The Game’ uit, een song die ontstond na een vocale uithaal toen hij routineus musiceerde in zijn muziekkamer. “Lukraak sloeg ik de beginakkoorden aan op mijn piano. Vervolgens ben ik erop beginnen zingen: 'There's No Game. There's No Game Of Love The Same', en we waren vertrokken (lacht). Met al die muzikale bagage die ik in mijn heb, en die ik uit mijn denkbeeldige valies kan toveren, kom ik regelmatig muziekstijlen tegen die mij regelrecht naar de Rock-‘n-roll leiden. Na mijn ingeving ging ‘The Game’ verder met de woorden die de Amerikaanse rockzangeres en vriendin BJ Scott bedacht. De single is een prima opwarmer voor de 'His Body and Soul'-tournee die we begin volgende maand hervatten,” zegt Paul Michiels. Meer informatie over de videoclip, de muziek en de tournee vind je op www.paulmichiels.be.

ANTOINE KNIGHT – ‘STEP 2 ME BABY’

After coming off his hit single in 2023, "The Drive on 285," Antoine Knight has done it again with his latest release, "Step 2 Me Baby." This hot new track is filled with a soulful groove that will get you moving out on the dance floor.

Antoine is a highly recognized recording artist who's climbing his way up the Smooth Jazz charts. "Step 2 Me Baby" will not disappoint you. The song is co-written by Antoine Knight and produced by multi-award-winning Smooth Jazz guitarist Adam Hawley.

If you like to party, "Step 2 Me Baby" is that tune for all you steppers.

TERRY WOLLMAN FT. NAJEE – ‘HIPSTER’

Terry Wollman is a Billboard charting American Jazz/Pop musician. He is a music director, guitarist, producer, arranger, and composer currently living in Los Angeles. Wollman has released nine albums including Bimini (1988), Say Yes (1998), Baila (2000), Sleep Suite (2004), Buddha's Ear (2011), A Joyful Noise (2012), Silver Collection (2014), Cassini's Last Dance (2020), and Surface (2023). His radio hit "What Is Hip?" (2022) debuted #1 Most Added on Billboard and spent four months on the charts.

"'Hipster' was inspired by a conversation I had with my friend Najee. We first performed together on TV in the early 90's and years later reunited on stage to perform my song 'Mandela,' leading us to decide to record together.

During the pandemic, I invited Najee to record remotely and play on my Surface album. To my surprise, he asked to play flute. Seizing the inspiration, I wrote "Hipster," which became one of my favorite cuts.

Fun fact: There are no drums on the song! Instead, we feature legendary percussionist Luis Conte." - Terry Wollman

BYRON MILLER – ‘STRIDE (GRANBY HILLS)’

In 1966, Jazz legend Julian “Cannonball” Adderley famously stated, “Sometimes we are not prepared for adversity – Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” In 2002, Gospel great Donnie McClurkin added, “We Fall Down (But We Get Up).” Within that world class trajectory, modern electric bass master Byron Miller delivers the single “Stride (Granby Hills),” literally taking the trials of life into his phenomenal fingers, administering all the healing his music can bring then giving the rest to God so He can work The Master Plan.  

“Stride (Granby Hills),” co-composed and co-produced by Miller and his current ace collaborator Chris “Big Dog” Davis, is the third single leading to the fourth chapter of Byron’s acclaimed PsychoBass series, PsychoBass 4: Motor City Love, slated for a summer of 2024 release.  

“Stride (Granby Hills)” is a feel-good song with a breezy swing that is perfect for radio, created to bring a lift to people’s spirits when they hear it. Davis sent an early version if the song to Miller, expressing that he wrote it to inspire himself as he was battling cancer…an illness he triumphantly beat. Miller added his signature electric bass sound to the piece creating yet another winning instrumental from the duo for the world of Contemporary Jazz. Simplicity and space – via the elements of ambient flute and keyboard textures - are the keys to the song’s healing power of refreshed reviviscence in a state of divine gratitude. Miller’s bass adds the sanctified Hallelujah vibration. The parenthetical title, Granby Hills, alludes to the place in Connecticut where Davis lives and rehabilitated his health. 

Miller already whetted the appetites of the masses with two earlier teaser singles: the lowdown low-end theory jam, “Say it Ain’t Good to Ya,” and the sun-kissed “To The Floor” - both collaborations with multi-instrumentalist Chris “Big Dog” Davis. The next courses will include a surprise cover of a female Soul-Pop icon’s super sexy song from the `90s as well as the title track, “Motor City Love,” showing unwavering support for Detroit as only PsychoBass can bring it. 

Even more exciting: Byron ‘PsychoBass’ Miller – alumnus of George Duke, Roy Ayers, Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye - returns to solo performing in 2024. Fans have waited decades for Byron to bring his spaceship and MTB line of electric basses to intimate club stages, Jazz AND Funk festivals, and cruise ships around the planet. Let the healin’ feelin’ begin…PLAY!

JAZZ GUITARIST BLAKE AARON INDULGES HIS LOVE OF RHYTHM

The diverse “Love and Rhythm” album, dropping April 19, has already produced two Billboard No. 1 hits.

LOS ANGELES (22 FEBRUARY 2024): The heartbeat of jazz guitarist Blake Aaron’s forthcoming Innervision Records album, “Love and Rhythm,” is his passion for creating music from a wide array of sounds and styles. The expansive scope of music he explores and experiments with on the ten-tracker he wrote and produced with Billboard hitmakers Adam Hawley and Greg Manning spans his winning blend of contemporary jazz, R&B, funk and pop music along with a couple of audacious departures that venture into fusion and Brazilian jazz. The album releasing April 19 has already notched two Billboard No. 1 singles, “Dreamland” and “Feels So Right,” and the top three hit “Crush.” Aaron’s current single, the R&B romancer “She’s the One,” is already in the Billboard top 5.

“‘Love and Rhythm’ is all about my musical journey and my love for all kinds of rhythm and music. I have spent my life in pursuit of exploring the beauty of every genre of music there is. I will probably never be bored and because of my vast experience in so many different genres, I will likely always be in demand as a musician. Even if I never retire and spend my entire life in music, I will not even scratch the surface of the depth and beauty of the performance, composition and production of all genres of music,” said Aaron, a five-time Billboard chart-topping musician, songwriter, producer and popular concert performer.

“Love and Rhythm” is Aaron’s first outing since his 2020 disc, “Color and Passion,” which earned him three Billboard No. 1 singles and Radiowave’s Song of the Year, “Drive.” In the intervening years between albums, Aaron wrote and recorded new music, releasing singles along the way, maintaining his presence on the national charts, radio and Spotify playlists. The singles released since “Color and Passion” are now available on “Love and Rhythm.”  

As he always does, Aaron’s seventh album highlights the first-call guitarist keeping company with the cream of the crop session musicians. He uses plenty of horns and horn section décor to underscore his guitar-driven melodies and harmonies. David Mann, Trevor Neumann, Donald Hayes, Michael Stever, Bob Mintzer, Jimmy Reid, Andrew Neu and Nick Lane provide the firepower saxophones, trombones and trumpets. The rhythms are deftly constructed by drummers Eric Valentine, Tony Moore and Will Kennedy; anchored by bassists Mel Brown, Alex Al and Hussain Jiffry; and enhanced by percussionist Ramon Yslas. Manning plays keyboards and piano along with Tateng Katindig and Carnell Harrell. Adding to the lush backdrops are strings crafted by Tyries Rolfe. 

“Love and Rhythm” opens with the energizing “Dreamland,” which Aaron said, “captures the imagination, excitement, fun and unbridled curiosity of a dream come true.” He wrote it with Hawley who produced it. It’s one of the tunes that resulted from one of their in-person writing and recording dates.

“Working with another Billboard No. 1 producer inspired ideas and concepts that I may not have thought of on my own. Having a writing and production partner whom I respect but has a different style than mine opens up new musical and creative doors through different approaches and compromises. Utilizing a producer challenges an artist to go to another level with an idea they may have thought was already ‘making the cut’ or conversely, encourages the artist to run with an idea they were ready to throw out, and that can take the song in a whole new direction. In the internet age when most artists are collaborating online, Adam (Hawley) and I have found a certain magic of writing ‘old-school’ by actually meeting in the studio, locking the door, and not leaving until we have a fully recorded rough mix of a hit single,” said Aaron, who has concert dates booked in the coming months to support the album release throughout the U.S., United Kingdom and the Netherlands.  

The sunny and smiley “Feels So Right” is an overtly happy Aaron-Manning collab that shines via the bright vocal touch of Ken Turner. Aaron said that when Manning first presented the concept for the song, with the luminous vocalizations, he was inspired to “compose a melody

that would capture the innocence of a woman dancing outside in the sun ‘like nobody is watching.’”   

Writing the melody and remaining sections of the song from a chorus, groove and rhythm track constructed by Hawley and Carnell, Aaron said “‘She’s the One’ captures the feeling of the moment when you realize that the special person you have been with is ‘the one.’ I wanted to create a song that has the perfect combination of romance, elegance, passion, and uninhibited groove.”

Aaron explained that “Crush,” another song that he wrote with Hawley who produced the track, “captures the feelings of summer and driving to the beach with the top down while celebrating a major accomplishment, knowing that you ‘crushed’ it. It’s about adding color to an otherwise black-and-white day.”

Katindig’s piano adds grace and elegance to the sensual groove that is “Irresistible.” Aaron’s guitar play takes on sultry qualities.

“Most of the songs I write are largely up-tempo, made to hopefully be a bright spot in

what could otherwise be a dull day, but ‘Irresistible’ is all about sexy. Sexy groove,

sexy melodies, sexy production and sounds. ‘Irresistible’ captures that feeling of a magnetic, chemical attraction to someone you just can't stay away from. Sometimes that can be incredibly good, and sometimes that can be…well…not so much,” said Aaron with a smile.

Tipping the cap to high-energy, horn-powered acts like Tower of Power; Earth, Wind & Fire, and David Sanborn, “Big Bounce” features Hayes on sax on this danceable joint. The horns stay hot on “The Way You Sway,” a retro 70s R&B/soul groove.

Shining brightly with a motivational message, “Diamond in the Sun” reflects the wisdom and encouragement that Aaron provides to his children.

“Sometimes we all lose confidence in our talents and abilities to shine in a challenging situation. I tell my kids that not everyone can recognize or appreciate the beauty of a

diamond all the time, but when the dawn comes, your talent, abilities, and inner and

outer beauty will shine like a diamond in the sun. ‘Diamond in the Sun’ captures the feeling of when it's finally your turn to shine,” said Aaron, a father of two.  

The deep cuts “Rise” and “Alter Ego” reveal seldom-heard sides of Aaron’s artistry, both of which feature a rhythm section comprised of Grammy winner Jiffry (Herb Albert) and Kennedy (Yellowjackets). Along with a gauzy electric guitar, Aaron plays acoustic guitar and mandolin on “Rise.” The brisk Brazilian jazz cadence blends with a spacey fusion excursion into the abyss, braised with an elegant piano solo from Manning.      

“Both “Rise” and “Alter Ego” are an exciting adventure and somewhat of a departure for me into other musical influences that I love,” shared Aaron, who went on to explain the meaning of “Rise.”

“Actually, the ‘Rise’ in my career as a solo artist wasn't due to a direct pursuit on my part of having such a career at all, but rather a love for teaching music. Years ago, one of my students, who was an Olympic gold medal winner, heard one of my first demo EP’s because he was looking for unique musical gifts to give out during his popular motivational speaking seminars. He decided to invest in my career to help me go from being a sideman to being a solo artist, which is how my first full CD, "With Every Touch," was born. Six albums and five Billboard No. 1 hits later, plus three No. 1 hits as a producer, here I am with ‘Love and Rhythm.’”  

“Alter Ego” ventures deep into the fusion stratosphere with a hint of a spirited South African cadence. Amidst Aaron’s fast and feverish fusion guitar play comes a storming sax solo from Mintzer, best known for his work in the Grammy-winning fusion outfit Yellowjackets. Aaron has a long history of collaborating with urban-jazz icon Najee and the two musicians have discussed one day forming a jazz fusion band together, an “alter ego” that would allow them the freedom to make records like Yellowjackets and Brecker Brothers.

“I wrote ‘Alter Ego’ in dedication and with inspiration from Najee’s vision of a jazz fusion band. With our busy schedules, we have yet to form that band together, but ‘Alter Ego’ is a tribute to what will hopefully be another wonderful musical experience in my life. I knew the song ‘Alter Ego’ had to be an important part of the musical journey I am calling ‘Love and Rhythm,’" Aaron said about the album closer. 

In addition to summiting the Billboard chart a handful of times as a solo artist and three times as a producer, Aaron was a featured soloist on two No. 1 singles, including 2022’s Billboard Song of the Year by flutist Kim Scott (“Shine”). As an in-demand guitarist, he’s recorded and/or performed with such diverse R&B, jazz and rock headliners as Philip Bailey (EWF), Sheila E., The Alan Parson Project, The Gap Band, Lakeside, Ronnie Laws, Keiko Matsui, Warren Hill, and Bobby Womack and Carlos Santana. Aaron has film and television music credits that include “MAD TV,” “Super Dave Osborne” and “The Ben Stiller Show.” For more information, please visit https://www.blakeaaron.com.

“Love and Rhythm” contains the following songs:

“Dreamland”

“Feels So Right”

“She’s the One”

“Crush”

“Irresistible”

“Big Bounce”

“The Way You Sway”

“Diamond in the Sun”

“Rise”

“Alter Ego”

GUITARIST JOE TAYLOR RETURNS TO JAZZ ON ‘WESTSIDE CHILL’

His NYC and Lowcountry environs seep into the music on his newly released album.

BENNETTS POINT, SC (21 FEBRUARY 2024): Like his sound and style, guitarist Joe Taylor’s inspiration balances big city grit and hustle with gentle and slow downhome charm. His sixth album, “Westside Chill,” captures his ardor and appreciation for both primary influences in his musical muse as well as in his lifestyle. Taylor wrote all ten songs on the new Moonwatcher Music release produced by four-time Grammy winner Steve Rosenthal and the collection marks the guitar slinger’s first contemporary jazz outing in seventeen years. The haunting nocturnal title track is collecting Spotify playlist adds and is moving up the radio singles chart.

For decades, Taylor split his time between living in New York City and escaping to the coast in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Now he spends most of his time nestled in by the water in the Lowcountry, his rural coastal surroundings informing the material he wrote for “Westside Chill.” Equally present is the New York City metropolis’s influence on the setlist. Taylor is joined on the album by jazz pianist Jeff Franzel, bassists Woody Lingle and Brian Stanley (Bryan Adams), drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney & Wings), percussionist Blair Shotts, and flutist John Ragusa.

Opening the record with the title cut that he wrote with Franzel, Taylor said, “This melody came to me on a quiet late-night walk home up Broadway on the Westside of New York City, feeling that chill wind blowing off the Hudson, seeing the streetlights in the snow.”

Decades ago, Taylor used to see the late bass legend Jaco Pastorius playing hoops in a Big Apple playground. Written with Lingle, who is featured prominently on “Jaco’s Court,” the track evokes those vivid memories and concludes with the sounds of a present-day basketball game played on that court.

“Back in the day, I would pass by this court, and there would be Jaco (Pastorius), in the twilight, playing a pickup game, perhaps before his gig at Seventh Ave. South or some other Village haunt. I go by there occasionally these days, and it feels like something of him still lingers,” recalled Taylor.

Taylor remembers another late icon, Glen Campbell, on “Mr. Campbell,” a soothing melodic and congenial tribute befitting the singer-songwriter country-pop crossover star.

“Menemsha Fog” showcases Taylor in a jazz trio configuration flanked by Holley and Stanley, playing his cool electric guitar in a dark, misty, tension-riddled soundscape.

“I used to run my old wooden trawler up Long Island Sound, from Greenport to Menemsha Harbor in Martha’s Vineyard every summer. Often, upon approaching the Menemsha Bight, the fog would roll in, making everything quiet and spooky, ‘til I heard that always welcome sound of bell buoy No. 1 at the mouth of the Bight,” Taylor said in his colorful Southern drawl.

Taylor lets his imagination loose on “Twenty-Two Rivers,” a vocal tune featuring Jordan Trotter as the female protagonist on this unnerving straight-ahead jazz prowl.

“In the grand old tradition of murder ballads, this tune is a story about a girl in New York City. Weary of being abused, she does away with her abuser, taking all his money and his vintage convertible, and makes her escape. It’s said that there are twenty-two major river systems across the continental U.S., and she must cross them all as she journeys west,” said Taylor who penned the song with Franzel.

“She’s The Moon” is an ode capturing the radiantly glowing spirit of Taylor’s wife, Stacey. Taylor played a McGill Resonator guitar, a rare instrument that was made for the late guitar great Chet Atkins. 

“I was a member of Chet’s Saturday morning breakfast club in Nashville a few years before he passed, and the guitar came to me from its builder, Paul McGill. It is my single favorite and most cherished instrument,” said Taylor.

“Available Light” moves at a relaxing pace, written about a photographer friend who “is always seeking that magic, elusive available light.” Referencing the intro to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star” is how Taylor opens the vibey “The Cooper and the Thief.” 

“A wine cooper is the fellow that makes the cask. A wine thief is the tool used to ‘steal’ wine from the barrel to test the wine throughout the winemaking process. This song is my unabashed attempt to curry favor with my favorite vintner: Cooper & Thief,” Taylor admitted with a sly smile.

Taylor’s instrumental storytelling tells the tale of seeing a bobcat in the wild from his boat on “The Cut.”

“Stacey and I were aboard the boat one evening heading home through the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff when we spied, up ahead, a rather large bobcat, casually swimming across the cut, stepping out on the other side and giving us a nonchalant stare as we passed. Cool,” shared Taylor.

Dedicated to his friend, Captain Baldwin, the album closes with “The Waterman,” a soulful, bluesy rhythmic cruise. Taylor explains, “There is a long tradition of shrimpers, oystermen and others who pull a living from the saltwater down here in the Lowcountry where I now live. They’re up before dawn and out on the salt all day.”

“Westside Chill” is Taylor’s first album since 2015’s “Sugardust in the Devil Wind” and his first contemporary jazz project since 2007’s “Accidental Sugar.” In the interim, he’s played, written, produced, recorded and performed in a variety of settings spanning rock, pop, blues, country, classical and Celtic music along with signing and developing artists for his Moonwatcher Music label.

Taylor debuted as a solo artist in 1988 with the ProJazz label release “Mystery Walk,” eventually signing with RCA/Victor to release “Spellbound” in 1995. His contemporary jazz recordings maintained a consistent presence on the Billboard charts. As a session player and producer, Taylor has collaborated with an eclectic list of artists – from Dave Koz and Donna Summer to Nile Rodgers, Al B. Sure! and Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Crafting music for television and film, his credits include “Stephen King's Golden Years,” Discovery Channel's “SpyTek” with Roger Moore, ABC Television's “Turning Point” and A&E's “Spies.”

Taylor’s “Westside Chill” album contains the following songs:

“Westside Chill”

“Jaco’s Court”

“Mr. Campbell”

“Menemsha Fog”

“Twenty-Two Rivers”

“She’s The Moon”

“Available Light”

“The Cooper and the Thief”

“The Cut”

“The Waterman”

For more information, please visit http://www.joetaylormusic.com.

GERO & ÉVI FT. STEX – ‘SAN FRANCISCO STREET’ (PEET REMIX)

LEGENDARISCH TYPETJE KAMIEL SPIESSENS DUIKT THEATERS IN MET FONKELNIEUWE THEATERSHOW

Kamiel Spiessens gaat vanaf oktober opnieuw op theatertour door het hele land met zijn nagelnieuwe voorstelling "Spiessens Spartelt". Wat doen de veranderende tijden met een mens? Wat doen ze met Kamiel? De meest geliefde moestuinier van het land neemt het publiek bij de hand en bewandelt een pad vol vragen in het hoofd van Kamiel. Stuntelig, al sukkelend en spartelend, maar immer sympathiek. Spiessens op zijn best.

Kamiel Spiessens gaat dit najaar terug op tournee, dat kondigde hij gisteren zelf aan in Capitole Gent. Het succes van de vorige tour, Spiessens Spijbelt, zindert na en de lokroep om met nieuw materiaal te komen is dan ook groot. In deze voorstelling vraagt Kamiel zich af wat hij tegenwoordig mag of kan, en wat niet. Hij graaft in zijn eigen hoofd naar de wortels van zijn bestaan. Hoe kan Kamiel omgaan met de veranderende tijden en technologie? Wie kunnen we nog vertrouwen? Zelfs de VAR lijkt niet meer te vertrouwen… Uiteraard doorspekt Spiessens elk antwoord met de nodige humor. Want Spiessens spartelt zelf ook, en geeft ook graag de belangrijke vragen ook graag lik op stuk. Kamiel gaat niet alleen op tour, hij heeft vrienden bij. Bovendien wist hij in primeur te vertellen dat er ook een bijzonder gastoptreden zal zijn. “Wie kan ik nog niet zeggen, ik moet het hem nog vragen” grapt Spiessens.

Kamiel Spiessens breit dus een verlengstuk aan zijn comeback. In 2022 kwam hij terug met een eerste theatervoorstelling en wegens succes komt er nu een tweede: Spiessens Spartelt. Vanaf oktober 2024 op tournee door Vlaanderen. Tickets en info via: www.comedyshows.be

Levende legende

Chris Van den Durpel kan gerust gezien worden als een van ’s lands grootste komieken uit de jaren ’90 en ’00. Met zijn typetje Kamiel Spiessens maakte hij verschillende muzikale evergreens, waaronder de nummer één hit: “Het isj nie moeilijk, het isj gemakkelijk!”. Al de Spiessens-singles samen zijn goed voor maar liefst 70 weken aan Ultratop-50 noteringen. De film rond Kamiel Spiessens die uitkwam in 1997, Oesje, staat eveneens nog steeds in de top tien van kassuccessen in de Belgische bioscopen. Inmiddels is Kamiel aan zijn tweede avondvullende theatershow toe: Spiessens Spartelt.

Tickets en info via www.COMEDYSHOWS.be.

DIGITALE SINGLE ‘CHAN CHAN’ DOOR KENN COLT

Kenn Colt neemt je mee op reis naar Latijns-Amerika met het zomerse “Chan Chan”

De succesvolle Limburgse dj en producer Kenn Colt (‘Sun Goes Down’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Be Alright’) woont al enkele jaren als Hasselaar in Spanje en is vastbesloten de winter te verdrijven met zijn zonovergoten dance remake van het iconische “Chan Chan”. Het wereldberoemde nummer van de Cubaanse muzikant Compay Segundo, onsterfelijk gemaakt door de Buena Vista Social Club, blijkt een perfecte match voor de warme deephouse beats van Kenn Colt. Het resultaat? Instant happiness en zomerse partyvibes!

Met meer dan 40 miljoen streams ), duizenden volgers op social media, gesmaakte passages op Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, Ultra Music Festival, ...  en de hits ‘Sun Goes Down’, ‘Be Alright’ plus het gouden ‘Come Back to Me’, alle terug te vinden op het eerder verschenen album ‘BALANCE’, is de Hasseltse dj en producer Kenn Colt al jaren een vaste waarde in de internationale muziekwereld. In volle coronatijd verkaste de resident-dj van Club Versuz naar het Spaanse Valencia, een gouden move om de zon nog meer te laten doorstralen in zijn muzikale producties. 

Geïnspireerd door zijn Latijns-Amerikaanse reizen - de hoesfoto laat Kenn Colt zien op de zoutvlakten van Uyuni in Bolivia - en de onweerstaanbare sfeer van Buena Vista Social Club’s klassieker ‘Chan Chan’, wilde Kenn Colt een oprecht eerbetoon brengen in zijn gekende eigen stijl. Zijn versie is opgedragen aan de magie van reizen, de inspiratie die het met zich meebrengt en de pure beats, recht uit het hart.  

‘Chan Chan’ is Kenn Colts muzikale uitnodiging om de warmte te voelen en mee te reizen, zowel op de dansvloer als op de radio, ‘de alto Cedro voy para Marcané’!

De nieuwe single ‘Chan Chan’ van Kenn Colt verschijnt op zijn FEELS LIKE HOME label en is nu overal digitaal beschikbaar.

BILLBOARD CHART-TOPPING GUITARIST JIMMY B FONDLY REMEMBERS ‘MY OLD STREET’

The follow up to his first Billboard No. 1 single is one of the most added new releases.

HOUSTON (20 February 2024): Mixing nostalgic memories from childhood when he discovered his passion for music and honoring his siblings’ strength and his mother’s courage are the inspiration for R&B/jazz guitarist Jimmy B’s newly released single, “My Old Street.” The follow-up to his first Billboard No. 1 single, “It’s Personal” featuring 9-time Grammy nominee Gerald Albright, “My Old Street” was written and produced by Kerry Wilkins. The WKM Records single was one of the most added new singles on the Billboard/Mediabase chart in its debut week of release.

Jimmy B is an instrumental storyteller, using his lyrically expressive guitar-play to tell tales chronicling his youth, family life and seminal moments. “My Old Street” pays tribute to formative lessons he learned from his siblings. His 2018 album, “I’m Still Standing,” reflects the tenacity and persistence that his family exemplified. The new track, which features Wilkins on rhythm guitar and a piano solo by Ted Wenglinski that illuminates the soulful midtempo groove, is an uplifting lesson about the strength and courage instilled in all of his siblings.

“My mother had towering strength and courage. Whenever she faced adversity, she did so head on. She stood up and made a change for our family,” explained Jimmy B, recalling when his older siblings orchestrated his mother to move them into a much better neighborhood in Canton, Ohio when the guitarist was ten.

“On the particular street she moved us to is where I first embraced my love of music, making me who I am today,” said Jimmy B, who now resides in Houston.

Jimmy B debuted in 2010 with “Just The Way I Feel.” He collaborated with Grammy nominated saxophonist/flutist Najee and Emmy nominated urban-jazz pianist Bobby Lyle. On stage, Jimmy B has shared the spotlight with R&B/soul singer Glenn Jones, sophisticated soul singer Phil Perry, and R&B crooner Eddie Levert of The O’Jays. “My Old Street” will appear on “Jimmy B & Friends Two,” his fifth album, which he expects to release in April.

Many of the people in Jimmy B’s life try to guess what street “My Old Street” is about. He is amused about the intrigue and speculation, but he declines to reveal the exact street name in order to keep the focus on the song’s broader message.

“Many people from my hometown think they know which street I’m referring to, but let it be known, it is still a mystery and I’m going to keep it that way because which street is not really important. Everyone can relate to ‘My Old Street’ because everyone has a past and a journey to get to the street that they are on now.” 

For more information, please visit https://wkmrecords.com.

DAVID MARGAM FT. ROBERTO VAZQUEZ – ‘SERENITY’

Welcome to a journey of musical serenity! We are thrilled to present our new single, «Serenity» a delicate piece that seamlessly blends David Margam's masterful guitar skills with the emotive piano performance by Roberto Vazquez. Immerse yourself in the gentle notes that will transport you to a state of calm and tranquility. The collaboration between these talented artists has given birth to a melody designed to caress your senses and provide a moment of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Mark your calendars for March 1st, as this enchanting composition will be released on all digital platforms, offering you a unique opportunity to experience the serenity of this musical journey. Don't miss the chance to be captivated by the harmonious collaboration of David Margam and Roberto Vazquez. Let yourself be embraced by the soothing melodies on this special release date!

DAVID MARGAM AND HIS ALBUM IMMUNE AT THE TOP OF WORLD SMOOTH JAZZ

«Immune» includes the hit single of the same name, which became an instant classic. Margam's fusion of haunting melodies, smooth arrangements, and instrumental prowess contributed significantly to the album's appeal. Her ability to combine jazz with accessible elements appealed to a wide audience and cemented its status as one of Smooth Jazz's most listened to albums.

www.drfunkproducciones.com

LOTTE STEVENS WORDT ICONISCHE JEANNE D’ARC IN GROOTS MUSICALSPEKTAKEL

Schrijversduo Jelle Cleymans en Jef Hoogmartens onthult eerste namen cast 'Jeanne d'Arc': Lotte Stevens wordt iconische Jeanne d'Arc in groots musicalspektakel

"Lotte blies ons echt omver tijdens haar auditie. Zij was gewoon de Jeanne die Jef en ik voor ogen hadden, we hebben dan ook geen moment getwijfeld."
- Jelle Cleymans - 

Vanaf 14 augustus 2024 - Kasteel de Merode - Westerlo 

Lotte Stevens als Jeanne d'Arc (c: Photography Seppe)

Na eerdere historische openluchtspektakels als ‘Marie-Antoinette’, 'Albert I’, ‘Rubens' ‘1830’ en ‘Damiaan’, presenteert Historalia vanaf 14 augustus 2024 het grootse musicalspektakel ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ op het domein van Kasteel de Merode in Westerlo. Het schrijversduo Jelle Cleymans (liedteksten) en Jef Hoogmartens (script) moest de knoop nog doorhakken over wie in de huid mag kruipen van de iconische Franse oorlogsheldin en na intense audities, waarin deze kandidate Jelle en Jef bijna letterlijk omverblies, viel hun keuze op zangeres en actrice Lotte Stevens.

Met de in Geel geboren en getogen Lotte, die naast een mooi musicalpalmares (o.a. Evita, Rubens, Rocky Horror Show, 40-45, Red Star Line) natuurlijk als 'Mega Mindy' ook al de nodige ervaring heeft als (super)heldin, letterlijk een keuze 'dicht bij huis' voor deze productie die de stille Kempen ongetwijfeld in vuur en vlam zal zetten. Al zit er ook een wat wreed kantje aan de beslissing van Jelle en Jef, want nu zal regisseur Luc Stevens wel zijn eigen dochter naar de brandstapel moeten begeleiden...

"Voor Jef en mezelf was het eigenlijk meteen duidelijk", zegt Jelle Cleymans. "Lotte kwam binnen, wervelde als een orkaan door haar auditie en liet ons alle aspecten zien van de Jeanne d'Arc zien die wij voor ogen hebben."

"Dat we hiermee onze regisseur verplichten om zijn eigen dochter naar de brandstapel te begeleiden...tja, daar konden wij geen rekening mee houden. Sorry Luc!", besluit Jef Hoogmartens met een brede glimlach.

v.l.n.r.: Luc Stevens (regisseur), Sam Gevers (componist), Jelle Cleymans (liedteksten), Lotte Stevens (Jeanne d'Arc), Jef Hoogmartens (script), Simon de Merode (producent) - c: Photography Seppe

Mix van ervaring en jong talent 

Naast hun Jeanne d'Arc losten Jelle en Jef ook nog enkele andere namen die deel zullen uitmaken van de cast en dat wordt een mooie mix van ervaring en jong talent.

Met Pieter Jan de Paepe (28, Lier), die afgelopen zomer nog schitterde als Damiaan in het gelijknamige musicalspektakel van Historalia, krijgt Lotte nog een extreem getalenteerde Kempenaar in de hoofdcast naast zich. Pieter Jan neemt de rol van nobelman Jean de Metz voor zijn rekening. Musicalacteur Floris Devooght (Hulste), assistent-regisseur van 'Marie-Antoinette' in Wijnendale vorig jaar, wordt Dauphin Karel VII. Gentenaar Steven Colombeen injecteert de cast als aartsengel Michaël verder met de nodige musicalkwaliteit en ervaren Antwerps acteur Jos Dom (59, Wilrijk) neemt als vader van Jeanne d'Arc (Jacques) en Filips de Goede maar liefst twee rollen op zich.

Dat de Kempense grond rijk bezaaid ligt met jong musicaltalent, blijkt in de rest van de cast. Zo mag de 23-jarige Neel Hannes uit Olen zich opmaken voor zijn rol als biechtvader van Jeanne d'Arc. Speelt de 13-jarige Lien Crab uit Merksplas afwisselend (wet op kinderarbeid) met Sam De Kerf (12, Hoboken) de rol van Francoise en mag de 10-jarige Lio Cuypers uit Dessel in de huid kruipen van de jonge Jeanne d'Arc. Een rol die Lio deelt met Hebe Hansen (11, Langdorp). De rest van de cast wordt later nog bekendgemaakt.

Beleef de epische reis van Jeanne d’Arc in dit nieuw, adembenemend musicalspektakel van Historalia. Laat je meeslepen door het verhaal van deze legendarische Franse heldin en ontdek de strijd, moed en opoffering die haar tot een icoon maakten. Met indrukwekkende decors en krachtige symfonische muziek, brengt Historalia Jeanne d’Arc tot leven zoals nooit tevoren!

Tickets & info ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ via historalia.be

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

IAN ARNEY (TICH VAN DAVE DEE, DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TICH) OVERLEDEN

De Engelse muzikant en zanger Ian Arney is op 15/2 op 79-jarige leeftijd overleden. Arney werd in de tweede helft van de jaren zestig bekend als ‘Tich’ van de Engelse band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. De band werd in 1964 in Salisbury opgericht als Dave Dee & The Bostons. Het vijftal kwam in 1965 onder de aandacht van het componistenduo Ken Howard & Alan Blaikley, die de managers van The Honeycombs waren. Pogingen tot plaatopnamen in de studio van producer Joe Meek mislukten, maar desondanks volgde een platencontract bij Fontana Records. De groepsnaam werd gewijzigd in Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. De groep bestond uit David John ‘Dave Dee’ Harman (leadzang), Trevor Leonard ‘Dozy’ Ward-Davies (basgitaar), John ‘Beaky’ Dymond (ritmegitaar), Michael ‘Mick’ Wilson (drums) en Ian Frederick Stephen ‘Tich’ Amey (leadgitaar). De eerste en tweede single ‘No Time’ en ‘All I Want’ deden niets. De derde single ‘You Make It Move’ bereikte eind 1965 de 26e plaats van de Britse hitlijst en hierna volgde in recordtempo de ene Britse, Australische, Nieuw-Zeelandse en Nederlandse hit na de andere. In 1966 en 1967 stonden D D, D, B, M&T meer weken in de Britse Top 30 dan welke andere act ook. Sterker nog, in de periode 1966 tot en met 1968 stond de groep meer weken in de Britse hitlijst dan The Beatles. Het jaar 1966 was goed voor vier hits: ‘Hold Tight’, ‘Hideaway’, ‘Bend it’ en ‘Save Me’. In 1967 en 1968 volgden respectievelijk drie en twee hits: ‘Touch Me Touch Me’, ‘Okay’ en ‘Zabadak’, ‘The Legend Of Xanadu’ en ‘Last Night In Soho’. In september 1969 verliet Dave Dee de groep voor een solocarrière, die mislukte. In datzelfde jaar scoorden Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich (zonder Dave Dee) als DBM&T met ‘Tonight Today’ nog een laatste hit. In 1972 ging de groep uit elkaar. Ian Arney ruste in vrede!

Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

VON STUPART – ‘LOVE YOUR SMILE’

"After many years of performing and honing my musical craft, the year 2020 was the jump start of my recording career. In collaboration with guitarist/producer Adam Hawley, I was able to create wonderful tunes to share with the world. I’ve released ten songs so far with more to come!

My newest release is "Love Your Smile". It is a song that is dear to my heart. We need more joy and laughter in this world. A smile is contagious and leaves us all in a feel-good place! Try it! I hope this song brings warmth and joy to your heart!

I’m forever grateful for all the wonderful support I’m receiving throughout this awesome journey." - Von Stupart

"Love Your Smile"

Written by Von Stupart and Adam Hawley

Produced by Adam Hawley

Saxophones and EWI: Von Stupart 

Bass: Mel Brown

Drums: Eric Valentine

KAY-TA HOLDS HIS ‘DISTANCE’

Osaka, Japan born guitarist Kay-Ta has supported/performed with artists ranging from pop/R&B artists like Grammy Winner Lalah Hathaway, Jenifer Hudson, Jody Watley, Amerie & Chante Moore; Contemporary Jazz artists including Jackiem Joyner, Keiko Matsui, & Michael Lington; to Jazz Fusion artists like Japanese drum prodigy, Senri Kawaguchi.

Along with US artists, he worked/toured with top Japanese artists like Chikuzen Satoh, Junko Yagami, Marlene. His classical crossover group Quattrosound was nominated for a 2013 Latin Grammy Award in the Best New Artist category. His solo debut album "ARRIVAL" won the 2016 15th annual Independent Music Award in The Best Jazz Instrumental Album category, and it's single “Synch With Me” ranked up to No.22 on Billboard Top Jazz Songs Chart. 2018 his song “Spring in Lviv” won USA Songwriting Competition in Instrumental Music category. His current project “Kay-Ta Crypto String Society” has performed many shows in US, Austria and Japan and getting great reviews.

GREG MANNING – ‘BROTHER TO BROTHER’

A two-time GRAMMY award nominee with over a dozen Billboard #1 hits to his credit as a primary artist or producer, Greg Manning has had a remarkable career since moving to the USA from Switzerland in 2002.

An in-demand producer/composer and a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Greg is a three-time certified platinum Producer for Universal Music Switzerland with several Swiss chart toppers. He is the former keyboardist and Music Director for legendary GRAMMY award nominated artist Jonathan Butler and served as keyboardist for genre nobles Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Will Downing, Richard Elliot, Brian McKnight and Chante Moore.

His own music is a joyful union of jazz, soul, and funk and has been describe as "Soul-Jazz at it's best".

"Brother To Brother is my first single for 2024 and I wanted to ring in the new year with an upbeat, energetic tune. I love the combination of piano and saxophone so I called tenor player Jimmy Reid to support the melody. Morris O'Connor who plays with Earth, Wind & Fire is the rhythm guitar player on the song. I hope your listeners enjoy listening to it as much as we did creating it." -Greg Manning

AKUA NARU - 'POETRY – HOW DOES IT FEEL??? (ALL ABOUT LOVE VERSION)' – NEW SINGLE BY US RAPPER OUT 14.02.24

akua naru
POETRY: HOW DOES IT FEEL???
[All About Love Version]
feat. TAKUYA KURODA & EDSON SEAN

new single
out 14.02.24
(OHA! Music/Membran)

stream 

included on
ALL ABOUT LOVE: NEW VISIONS
new album
2xLP | digital
out 05.04.24

UK TOUR | APRIL 2024
22.04.24  BRISTOL Lantern Hall TICKETS
23.04.24  LEEDS Headrow House TICKETS
24.04.24  MANCHESTER The Blues Kitchen TICKETS 
25.04.24  LONDON Jazz Cafe TICKETS

akua naru is a rapper whose distinctive brand of hip-hop incorporates Soul, Jazz and Blues elements. Her new album, ‘All About Love: New Visions’, is both inspired by and an ode to the late Black feminist icon bell hooks and her classic text ‘All About Love’, which examines society and its ideals of love.

To honour and take up hooks' understanding of ‘love as a practice of freedom’, especially in the present day, naru has realised a new vision for her love songs, which have been recorded live by a large band with additional embellishment from Ensemble Resonanz, one of the world’s best known chamber orchestras.

The new All About Love Version of ‘Poetry: How Does It Feel???’ has been made available as a single to coincide with Valentine’s Day and can be heard HERE. Stretching out over 7+ minutes, it features stunning contributions from Japanese trumpeter Takuya Kuroda and US singer/emcee Edson Sean.

The album also sees naru reimagine other fan favourites like ‘Seraphim’, alongside deep cuts such as ‘(Love) Right Now’, ‘Joy’ and ‘Run Away’. An exploration of all the various iterations of love, the record also includes new tracks that among other things celebrate the enduring power of unconditional love through the tenderness of motherhood. An emotional audio experience for those who understand the urgent and fortifying power of love, it is also intended to provide a sonic balm to listeners, especially during these dark and troubled times.

Perhaps best described as a global poet, naru entered the music scene with ‘The Journey Aflame’, her 2011 debut album that revealed a titanic force of Liberation politics with beats, a true wordsmith whose deeply nuanced, poetic and wise music centred the experience of Black women through rhyme via a sonic spectrum from Jazz to Soul. Dubbed the ‘Toni Morrison of Hip-Hop’ by American philosopher Cornel West, who recognised a kinship with the acclaimed novelist, naru’s subsequent journey has indeed been set aflame and she has to date issued two more acclaimed studio albums: ‘The Miner’s Canary’ (2015) and ‘The Blackest Joy’ (2018).

naru has also collaborated with fellow musical luminaries that include Tony Allen, Eric Benét, Angelique Kidjo, Tuneyards, Questlove, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Christian Scott, Rah Digga, Mulatu Astatke, Bernard Purdie and Cody ChesnuTT. Known for her electrifying live shows, she has performed in 50+ countries across five continents with her band. Her lyrical and musical artistry is a testament to the legacy of the powerful and trailblazing Black female artist tradition upon which it builds.

ALL ABOUT LOVE: NEW VISIONS
TRACKLISTING
1  Urgency 1:09
2  (Love) Right Now [All About Love Version] 3:44
3  Joy [All About Love Version] 4:24
4  Sugar (Honeyicetea) [All About Love Version] 5:09
5  Falling [All About Love Version] 5:21
6  Run Away [All About Love Version] 3:50
7  Somebody Mama 4:32
8  Surrender (Masi’s Joint) 1:05
9  The Question 3:24
10  Mr. Brownskin [All About Love Version] 3:54
11  Seraphim [All About Love Version] 5:24
12  Poetry: How Does It Feel??? [All About Love Version] 7:29
13  Affirmation 0:55

Official Site  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

DANIEL CHIA – ‘GET UP AND GO’

Saxophonist Daniel Chia burst onto the smooth jazz scene in 2017 with his debut album ‘In The Moment’, finishing the year being named as the Top 25 album of the year by smoothjazz.com. Following this, he went on to perform with 4-time Grammy Award winning guitarist Larry Carlton and embarked on a world tour to Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Korea, Japan and the USA.

His new single ‘Get Up and Go’ features an infectious melody and feet-tapping groove. Produced by guitarist extraordinaire Adam Hawley, this tune will get you up on your feet and anticipating his full album, which will arrive in 2024.

"Get Up And Go"

Written by Daniel Chia and Adam Hawley

Produced and mixed by Adam Hawley

Mastered by Steve Hall

Saxes: Daniel Chia

Guitars, keys, key bass, programming: Adam Hawley

Additional Synths: Carnell Harrell

Drums: Eric Valentine

ROBBY KRIEGER SPENDS ‘A DAY IN L.A.’

Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages released their debut studio album via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group on January 19, 2024. Today, they present the lead reveal with the visualizer for “A Day in L.A.”

Robby Krieger knows that when you assemble the right bunch of musicians, and trust in the creative process, magic happens. As a founding member of The Doors, the guitarist intuitively understands the beauty of free-flowing collaboration and telepathic group interplay. This is evident on Robby’s self-titled debut release from his new band, Robby Krieger And The Soul Savages.  

Robby Krieger And The Soul Savages was recorded old school style with a bunch of friends jamming and recording in a relaxed studio setting. Tracked at Robby’s own Love Street Studios in Glendale, California, it finds Robby stretching out over cinematic groove music inspired by classic soul, 1960s jazz, blues, rock, psychedelic rock, and beyond.  

“I’ve had this studio for the last six or seven years, and it’s really made me branch out as a musician,” Robby says. “We wrote together, and soul music became a big part of this album. These guys are world-class players—they’ve worked with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn, Lenny Kravitz—they have that great groove pedigree.” 

Robby is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and he is listed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. He wrote or co-wrote many of The Doors’ most enduring compositions, including “Light My Fire,” “Love Me Two Times,” “Touch Me,” and “Love Her Madly.” Since the 1970s, Robby has emerged a successful jazz-fusion guitarist with a well-received catalog of solo albums, including the Grammy-nominated record, Singularity. Robby has also stayed active jamming with artists such as Gov’t Mule and Alice In Chains. Recently, he released the revealing memoir, Set the Night on Fire: Living, Dying, and Playing Guitar With the Doors. 

Fans of the guitarist’s singular style will rejoice that his latest album is filled with Robby-isms. Robby Krieger And The Soul Savages brims with his celebrated fingerstyle fretwork, including Robby’s adventurous jazzy and microtonal slide guitar playing; his slinky, funk-inspired rhythm work; and his silky Wes Montgomery-style octave playing. The 10-song album explores the soul-jazz, dirty blues, and noir-ish roots of The Doors while also furthering Robby’s career as a jazz-fusion guitarist. 

“This band inspired a style of playing I hadn’t done in a while, and it also inspired me to do new things. For example, in the past, I reserved my slide playing for more of the bluesy stuff, but I stretched out on the album playing slide over jazz, funk, and soul grooves. I want to keep evolving, and these guys really inspire me.” 

Joining Robby on this all-instrumental odyssey of psych-rock soul are top-shelf composers, instrumentalists, and bandmates. Bassist-songwriter Kevin “Brandino” Brandon co-wrote and recorded with Robby on the Singularity album, and he has won over half a dozen Grammy awards as well as three Emmy awards. His extensive resume includes credits with James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Beyonce. Keyboardist-songwriter Ed Roth is a Grammy-nominee known for his work in jazz, rock, and pop, and a robust resume that includes working with Ringo Starr, Brothers Johnson, Coolio, Shuggie Otis, and Annie Lennox. And drummer-songwriter Franklin Vanderbilt brings savage to the band’s soul with his fatback groove and jazzy nimbleness. Among others, his credits include drumming for legendary Chaka Khan, recording with fusion jazz pioneer Stanley Clarke, and touring worldwide with Lenny Kravitz. 

"Once people hear this music, they get really into it,” Robby says. “When the record comes out the connection with the audience will be even stronger.”

TOCO'S NEW SINGLE – ‘CARNAVAL PRIMEIRO’

Schema Records is proud to share singer/songwriter Toco's latest single, 'Carnaval Primeiro,' which serves as a fourth single of his highly anticipated album 'Riviera,' set to be launched in April.

This enchanting samba beautifully captures the intricate emotions of heartbreak within the vibrant carnival season of Brazil, offering a heartfelt remedy for loneliness and pain while inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the exhilarating revelry of the streets and carnival balls.

Drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of Brazil, 'Carnaval Primeiro’ showcases Toco's exceptional artistry and evocative songwriting. Noteworthy contributions by renowned musicians elevate the musical landscape, with Ramiro Levy's cavaquinho and Gianluca Petrella's trombone adding soulful brilliance to the composition. Priscila Ribas lends her captivating vocals, while Eduardo Taufic's skillful touch on keyboards, Marquinho Baboo's rhythmic finesse on percussion, Mauro Martins' dynamic drumming, and Edu Hebling's grooving bass work seamlessly complement the ensemble.

Leading the production of 'Carnaval Primeiro' is the experienced Stefano 'S-Tone Inc.' Tirone, known for his expertise in creating immersive musical experiences. Tirone ensures a perfect fusion between Toco's emotional lyrics and the infectious rhythms of the track, resulting in an irresistible sonic journey that captivates and moves the listener.

With 'Carnaval Primeiro,' Toco and Schema Records invite music lovers worldwide to experience the vibrant energy and emotional depth of Brazilian carnival. Prepare to be enthralled as Toco's soul stirring vocals and the ensemble's exceptional musicianship transport you to the heart of the celebration.

• 'Carnaval Primeiro' is an enchanting samba that captures the intricate emotions of heartbreak within Brazil's vibrant carnival season, offering listeners an immersive experience of the carnival happiness to conquer their loneliness and pain
  
  • Produced by Stefano “S-Tone Inc.” Tirone and written by Toco
  
  • Featuring Ramiro Levy, Gianluca Petrella, Priscila Ribas, Eduardo Taufi, Marquinho Baboo, Mauro Martins and Edu Hebling

AMERIKAANSE SOULZANGER HENRY LEE FAMBROUGH (THE (DETROIT) SPINNERS) OVERLEDEN

De Amerikaanse zanger Henry Lee Fambrough is woensdag op 85-jarige leeftijd overleden. Fambrough was van 1954 tot april 2023 lid van het R&B kwintet The (Detroit) Spinners. Hij was het laatste nog levende lid van de originele bezetting van The Spinners (vanaf 2013 tot zijn overlijden). The Spinners werd in 1954 opgericht in Ferndale, Michigan als The Domingoes voordat de naam werd gewijzigd in The Spinners. Fambrough moest in 1961 in militaire dienst en kwam twee jaar later weer terug bij The Spinners. Het gezelschap tekende een contract bij Motown Records, maar scoorde geen echt grote hits in de volgende zes jaren. Fambrough werkte in die tijd ook als privéchauffeur van de moeder van platenbaas Berry Gordy Jr. Tijdens de hoogtijdagen van The Spinners in de jaren zeventig was Henry een van de drie leadzangers van de groep (samen met Philippé Wynne en Bobby Smith) en zijn rijke bariton verzorgde de leadzang op de klassieker ‘I Don't Want To Lose You’. Hij deelde de leadzang met Wynne op de hitsingle ‘Living A Little, Laughing A Little’. Dat deed hij ook op ‘Ghetto Child’, maar dan met Wynne en Smith. Hij was ook prominent te horen op het duet met Dionne Warwick, getiteld ‘Just As Long As We Have Love’ van het album ‘Pick Of The Litter’ (1975) en was de leadzanger op ‘If You Can't Be In Love’ van het album ‘Happiness Is Being With The Spinners’ (1976). Met de release van het meest recente album ‘Round The Block And Back Again’ in 2021 werd Fambrough het enige lid van The Spinners dat op alle albums te horen was. The Spinners scoorden met Henry Fambrough diverse Top 5 hits in de Billboard Hot 100: ‘I’ll Be Around’ (1972), ‘Could It Be I’m Fallin’ In love’ (1972), ‘Then Came You’ (1974), ‘Games People Play’ (1975), ‘The Rubberband Man’ (1976), ‘Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl’ (1979), ‘Cupid/I’ve Loved You For A Long Time’ (1980). ‘Then Came You’, met Dionne Warwick, bereikte zelfs de eerste plaats van de Billboard Hot 100. Henry Fambrough ruste in vrede!

Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

PATIENT VALENTNE - R&B/JAZZ GUITARIST 2UNES RELEASES ‘LET’S WAIT AWAHILE’, PRODUCED BY TWO-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE CHRIS “BIG DOG” DAVIS

ATLANTA (2 February 2024): In a world of instant gratification, R&B/jazz guitarist 2unes aka North Woodall invites pausing, patience and peace. Releasing just ahead of Valentine’s Day, his new single, “Let’s Wait Awhile,” encourages listeners to savor the beauty and anticipation of romance with his sensual instrumental remake of Janet Jackson’s Billboard hit. Two-time Grammy nominee Chris “Big Dog” Davis (Will Downing, Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Gerald Albright) produced the single dropping on 2uneswave Records that will begin collecting playlist adds on Monday (February 5).     

2unes plays an electric jazz guitar on “Let’s Wait Awhile,” soulfully intertwining with Davis’s swooning keyboard melodies, seductive rhythmic groove, lavish horns and dreamy strings. Releasing in conjunction with the single is an accompanying video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLbrBkxY5YE.  

“Recording ‘Let's Wait Awhile’ was a deliberate choice stemming from a desire to encapsulate a moment in music that transcends the fast-paced nature of our world. In a society often rushing from one moment to the next, I felt compelled to create a space for patience and reflection. This recording is my way of inviting listeners to pause, to reflect, and to find joy in the moments of quietude,” said 2unes about his latest collaboration with Davis, following last summer’s “Sensual,” on which he played an intimate acoustic guitar.

Jackson penned “Let’s Wait Awhile” with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for her “Control” album. The song topped Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked in the second spot on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart in 1987. The song lyrics are about sexual abstinence, but reimagined as an instrumental by 2tunes, the tune takes on different meaning and undertones that embrace stillness and serenity.

"‘Let's Wait Awhile’ is not just a song; it's a musical sanctuary where time slows down, and where the simple act of waiting becomes a celebration in itself. The song, to me, represents more than just musical notes and lyrics; it's a plea to savor the beauty of anticipation, to embrace the power of waiting, and to find solace in the stillness between breaths. In a world that often rushes towards the next big thing, ‘Let's Wait Awhile’ is a reminder that some experiences are worth the patience, and that the journey itself holds a beauty that can only be discovered by allowing time to unfold naturally,” said 2unes, a Dayton, Ohio native who is a longtime Atlanta resident.

Woodall has been recording as 2unes for nearly twenty years. He’s released four albums, mixing up an alchemy of R&B, jazz, soul and hip-hop. 2unes has shared the concert stage with Brian McKnight, Lakeside, Ohio Players, Roger Troutman and Zapp, Roy Ayers, Millie Jackson, Tom Browne and Will Downing.

2unes’s “Let’s Wait Awhile” is available at https://ffm.to/letswaitawhile.

For more information, please visit https://2unes.net.

GINO ROSARIA – ‘STRAIGHTEN UP’

Keyboardist Gino Rosaria, born and raised in Curaçao, developed an interest in music at an early age. Growing up on a very culturally diverse island, Gino learned to speak four different languages fluently. The influence of the many cultures allowed him to learn and play many different kinds of music, which became a part of his identity. Later on, he grew to enjoy Jazz, Latin, and Classical music the most. Gino started performing regularly in his early teens.

Gino moved to the US in 2003 to study music under the world-renowned Daisy De Luca Jaffe. In 2009, he graduated with a Master’s degree in Classical Music Performance. Gino then started taking private Jazz lessons with Jazz pianist David Shelander, who studied with Bill Evans. During his time in the US. Gino went on to win many competitions and appeared on national TV and radio stations performing solo, chamber, and with orchestra. Today Gino performs and does studio work regularly with some of the best musicians around, including award-winning artists such as violinist Karen Briggs, Jazz clarinet player Tim Laughlin, flutist Kim Scott, jazz guitarist Adam Hawley, and flutist Althea Rene.

In 2016, Gino started a new project called Groove Symphony where he released all original music inspired by his newborn Simon. In 2017 Gino’s Groove Symphony project won an award for Best Funk/Fusion EP from the Akademia in Los Angeles. Today Gino travels as an educator teaching master classes, as a producer producing music for clients all over the world, as a sideman/musical director for many national acts, and as a performing artist continuously writing and performing original music. Gino also holds an artist-in-residence position at a mega-church in Pensacola FL.

Gino released his first contemporary jazz album in the summer of 2019. On that album, he features several heavy hitters such as Marcus Anderson, Althea Rene, Elan Trotman, Adam Hawley, and more. His radio single “Night Groove” made it onto Billboard within the first week! The single made it onto the top 30 on most of the contemporary jazz charts.

“My goals are to continue giving virtuoso piano performances in both Jazz and Classical music,” says Gino. His Curaçao roots are heard all over his music, and Gino is very proud of that.

SHAOLIN-MONNIKKEN BRENGEN WAANZINNIGE JUBILEUMSHOW ‘KUNG FU’ IN GENT EN ANTWERPEN

30 april 2024 - Capitole Gent
1 mei 2024 - Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen

In de afgelopen drie decennia bewonderden meer dan vijf miljoen mensen op vijf continenten, tijdens meer dan 6.000 voorstellingen, de mystieke krachten van de ongeëvenaarde Shaolin-monniken. Ter gelegenheid van hun jubileumtour ‘Kung Fu’, komen de beste Shaolin-meesters en shamis (leerlingen) eind april 2024 eindelijk weer naar België. Tijdens een waanzinnig twee uur durend spektakel vertonen de Shaolin Monks hun ongelofelijke Kungfu- en Qi Gong-kunsten. Beleef dit unieke, interactieve spektakel op 30 april in Capitole Gent en op 1 mei in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen. Tickets & info: ticketkopen.eu . 

De Shaolin-monniken staan wereldwijd bekend om hun toewijding aan het behoud van de traditionele Chinese cultuur en hun indrukwekkende fysieke vaardigheden. Ter ere van het 30-jarig jubileum van hun spectaculaire shows, presenteren 19 van de beste meesters en shamis (leerlingen), onder leiding van hun 75-jarige oppermeester, hun onwaarschijnlijke lichaamskunsten in de gloednieuwe show ‘Kung Fu’.

Voorbij de grenzen van wat fysiek normaal mogelijk is, weten de Shaolin-monniken te verbazen met de uitstekende beheersing van hun Qi, hun lichaamsenergie die ze activeren door middel van doelgerichte ademhalingstechnieken en speciale training. Hierdoor wordt het schijnbaar onmogelijke mogelijk: ze breken stenen platen, houten planken en ijzeren staven op hun lichamen en hoofden, leggen zich op speren, zwaarden en spijkerborden, en werpen zelfs naalden door glasplaten. Deze verbazingwekkende demonstraties tonen niet alleen hun buitengewone fysieke kracht, maar benadrukken ook de legendarische controle over hun eigen lichamen en de transformerende kracht van Qi, die ze meesterlijk beheersen

Showproducent Herbert Fechter, die sinds 1995 de shows met de originele meesters, leerlingen en monniken uit Shaolin over de hele wereld presenteert, stelde een spectaculaire jubileumshow samen die het publiek zal verbazen. De show biedt een fascinerend inzicht in de mysterieuze wereld van de Shaolin-monniken en het zenboeddhisme. Ze vertelt het verhaal van de Shaolin-tempel en toont meeslepende opnames die werden gemaakt op de heilige berg Song Shan en in de originele tempel. Bovendien biedt ‘Kung Fu’ ook inzicht in de training van de monniken en volgt ze de sporen van de Zen-grondlegger Bodhidharma.

Dit is geen circusvoorstelling, de monniken zijn geen acteurs, de oefeningen zijn geen trucs; de show is een respectvolle poging om een traditie van anderhalf millennium aan mysterieuze kennis over te brengen aan mensen buiten China. De interactieve deelname van het publiek garandeert een geheel nieuw gevoel voor de opwindende wereld van de Chinese monniken en hun mystieke krachten. 

Mis deze unieke ervaring niet en boek je tickets voor de jubileumshow ‘Kung Fu’ van de Shaolin Monks, op 30 april 2024 in Capitole Gent en 1 mei 2024 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen, via ticketkopen.eu .

JAZZ GUITARIST KAY-TA MATSUNO EXPLORES THE SOUNDS OF ‘DISTANCE’

The new album’s title track begins collecting playlist adds on February 12.

LOS ANGELES (5 FEBRUARY 2024): Nearly four years ago, the word distance took on an entirely new and different meaning when the coronavirus pandemic forced the world to practice social distancing – i.e., maintain a “safe” gap between people. As the pandemic raged,  economic fear and uncertainty, divisive politics, and civil unrest also gripped the U.S., creating more “distance” between people. Contemporary jazz guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno journaled his feelings, experiences and observations during this unprecedent period of isolation and turmoil into songs, writing and producing his third solo album, “Distance,” which was released by LCR Music. The title track, an exploration of ethereal jazz and melody, is the first single that will begin collecting playlist adds on February 12.

Recording in his home studio near Los Angeles, the Osaka, Japan-born Matsuno performed all the music and instrumentation heard on the ten-track “Distance” album with the exception of “Kraken” that includes drummer Channing Holmes. Known for his gifted guitar artistry in jazz, fusion, R&B, pop, classical, new age and Japanese music settings, Matsuno brings elements from his diverse repertoire to the project. The heart of the songs’ subject matters reflect what was happening throughout the world four years ago with a particular focus on what was happening in America at the time.

The album opens with “Distance,” which feels like an emotional journey guided by Matsuno’s reassuring acoustic guitar. Melding atmospheric new age nuances and contemporary jazz sensibilities, Matsuno delivers his thesis using riffs and runs etched with dazzling speed and technical brilliance.    

“The word distance means something completely different since the pandemic. It used to have a romantic/melancholic tone to it. But during the pandemic, no matter how much you want to come close to someone, you had to maintain six feet of distance from each other. You can see them, but you can’t touch them. The more you maintain that six feet of distance, the more strongly you realize how important we are to each other. Including the title track, the entire album is based on songs I wrote during the pandemic to stay positive, both as a person and as a musician,” said Matsuno.

Matsuno’s desire to find positivity through adversity becomes a sonic affirmation on “Hope Within,” offered in the form of the song’s luminous and rousing melody.

There were benefits inherent in the stay-at-home order issued at the onset of the pandemic, with the precipitous reduction in pollution and significantly improved air quality being just two. Matsuno noticed the cleansed and purified Los Angeles skylines, capturing the beauty in a jazz fusion meets neo classical composition titled “Smog-Free.”

“During the pandemic, the sky in Los Angeles was as clear as ever before because almost no cars were driving around. The contrast between the clear sky and the gloominess inside our hearts was quite interesting,” said Matsuno.

Amidst the pandemic, the climate in the U.S. took on another heated dimension after the beating death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. “Elbows & a Knee” musically memorializes that moment with a futuristic electronic contemporary jazz groove tinged with a country guitar twang and hip-hop turntable scratches. 

“The season of pandemic changed the meanings and sentiments of a lot of words. ‘Elbows’ became a word symbolizing friendship since we couldn’t shake hands with each other and we were told to bump elbows instead, and Derek Chauvin’s knee on George Floyd’s neck brought a lot of chaos to the entire world. To me, ‘Elbows & a Knee’ is a post-pandemic way of saying ‘love and hate.’ In this song, I mixed slide guitar, which represents country music, and an electronic beat inspired by N.W.A., representing hip-hop, finding a way to seamlessly merge with each other,” Matsuno explained.

The uncertainty of the pandemic era felt disjointed, disconnected and dystopian. Matsuno said that his song “‘Uncertainty’ represents the sentiment prevalent during the pandemic. You feel depressed, but when you see your own seven-year-old daughter having a blast communicating with people through a tablet, you start to feel like this world shouldn’t be so bad.” 

“Push It Back!” is a fast, frenetic fusion foray that Matsuno said he wrote “to shake off the gloom.”

On “Kraken,” the guitarist shifts his sights to the political chaos that inflamed the nation, culminating in the presidential election. The track is a frenzied rock and jazz fusion exposition, ignited by fiery electric guitar solos and licks that include snippets of the American National Anthem.

“The 2020 presidential election was a total nightmare. I have never had that many arguments with my colleagues before. In the middle of all the crazy tsunamis of information and news from TV, social media and daily conversations, I just had to write this song to let my thoughts out without using words. This song literally saved my sanity during that time,” shared Matsuno.   

Two of the original songs on the “Distance” album were written prior to the pandemic, but Matsuno included them in the setlist because he felt they fit the sound, feel or theme of the collection. The first is “Silky,” a compelling sonic collage of fusion, rock and new age textured by Matsuno’s impassioned electric and acoustic guitars. “Magic Hour” was written for his wedding fourteen years ago and recorded here for the first time.

“It would have been so difficult to go through this pandemic without family, so it felt appropriate to include this song (“Magic Hour”),” concluded Matsuno.

Near the end of the pandemic, Matsuno’s older sister passed away from heart failure. He remembers her on “Arabesque No. 1,” which closes the album.

“She used to play this piece by Debussy often on the piano in the living room. This is my way of commemorating her life.”

Matsuno is a first-call session and touring guitarist who has recorded and/or performed with R&B singers Lalah Hathaway, Jennifer Hudson, Jody Watley, Amerie and Chante Moore;  contemporary jazz artists Keiko Matsui, Jackiem Joyner and Michael Lington; and Japanese artists Senri Kawaguchi, Chikuzen Satoh, Junko Yagami, and Marlene. He released his solo debut in 2016 titled “Arrival,” which won the Best Jazz Instrumental Album statue at the Independent Music Awards and spawned his Billboard top 25 single, “Synch With Me.” Two years later, he won the Best Instrumental award for “Spring in Lviv” at the USA Songwriting Competition. In group settings, Matsuno’s classical crossover band Quattrosound was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in the Best New Artist category in 2013. His current configuration, Kay-Ta Crypto String Society, performs throughout the US, Austria and Japan, the latter country being where they’ll tour again in July. On Valentine’s Day, Matsuno will join trumpeter/vocalist Ilya Serov for a concert in Mumbi, India. The guitarist will perform aboard the all-star Dave Koz Cruise this spring.

Matsuno’s “Distance” album contains the following songs:

“Distance”

“Hope Within”

“Smog Free”

“Elbows & a Knee”

“Uncertainty”

“Push It Back!”

“Kraken”

“Silky”

“Magic Hour”

“Arabesque No. 1”

For more information, please visit https://www.kay-ta.com.

ANN VAN DEN BROECK EN IVAN PECNIK NAAST JONGEREN IN ‘MAGDALENA’

The Singing Factory brengt geloofde musicalproductie eindelijk terug!

Ann Van den Broeck en Ivan Pecnik naast jongeren in 'Magdalena'

30.000 vrouwen wasten hun zonden weg in kloosters. Dit is hun verhaal.

Vanaf 19 april 2024 - Blikfabriek Antwerpen

In 2018 verbaasde The Singing Factory de Vlaamse musicalwereld met hun eerste creatie 'Magdalena'. De voorstelling, die je meeneemt naar het Ierland van de twintigste eeuw, vertelt het schrijnende en waargebeurde verhaal van meer dan 30.000 vrouwen die gedumpt werden in door God vergeten kloosters, waar ze in barre omstandigheden handarbeid moesten verrichten. Het laatste klooster sloot pas de deuren in 1996 en sindsdien werden al verschillende massagraven met honderden babylijkjes ontdekt. Allemaal kinderen die geboren werden in de kloosters. 

Vanaf 19 april 2024 keert 'Magdalena' eindelijk terug en zal te zien zijn in de Blikfabriek in Antwerpen. De karrenvracht aan jong talent in cast en ensemble krijgt met Ann Van den Broeck, die in de huid van de gevreesde Zuster Margaret kruipt, en Ivan Pecnik (pastoor Albert Walsh), twee doorwinterde professionals naast zich in deze meeslepende, vaak hartverscheurende, maar bloedmooie productie.  Tickets & info: singingfactory.be

Magdalena
'Magdalena' was in 2018 de eerste creatie van The Singing Factory, met muziek van Sam Verhoeven (November 89, MUERTO, Lelies,…) en een script van Wanne Synnave (Kamp Delta, June Foster, November 89,…). De voorstelling combineerde een getalenteerde jongerencast met enkele doorwinterde professionals (An Lauwereins en Dieter Troubleyn). Dit bleek een ware succesformule, want intussen volgden nog tal van creaties die hetzelfde stramien volgden.

Dat 'Magdalena' een schot in de roos was, bleek uit de vele lovende recensies van pers én publiek. De cast schopte het zelfs tot in de halve finale van Belgium’s Got Talent.

De voorstelling wordt grondig herwerkt naar een 2.0-versie door het originele creatieve team en zal vanaf 19 april 2024 spelen in de Blikfabriek in Antwerpen.

Het verhaal
In Magdalena maken we kennis met Rose, Emma en Sarah, drie meisjes die elk om een andere reden naar het klooster worden gestuurd. Rose is ongewenst zwanger, Emma heeft een vriendje, wat haar moeder niet kan verkroppen, en Sarah’s vader kan de eindjes nog amper aan elkaar knopen en ziet geen andere optie dan zijn dochter naar het klooster te sturen.

In het klooster zwaait Zuster Margaret de plak. Ze voert er een schrikbewind, en alle meisjes die er terechtkomen, breken vroeg of laat. Tot Emma’s vriendje Aeden aan de kloosterpoort verschijnt…

Hoofdcast
Ook in 'Magdalena' geeft The Singing Factory weer heel wat jong talent de kans om te schitteren en in deze te leren van de ervaren professionals Ann Van De Broeck, die in de huid van de gevreesde Zuster Margaret kruipt en Ivan Pecnik, die als pastoor Albert Walsh, tegen beter weten in, meisjes die in een slechte thuissituatie zitten naar het Magdalena-klooster van Zuster Margaret stuurt. 

Lotte Villays (17, Wilrijk) speelt Rose Clarke. Rose wordt door haar moeder en stiefvader naar het klooster gestuurd omdat ze ongewenst zwanger is. De rol van Emma Hynes is weggelegd voor de 20-jarige Emma Vanthielen uit Nijlen. Emma wordt in het klooster gedropt omdat ze een verboden relatie heeft met Aeden, gespeeld door Mauro Janssens (18, Merksem). Sarah Brady, neergezet door de 18-jarige Mona Theuwissen uit Antwerpen, belandt samen met haar jongere zusje Alice in de klauwen van Zuster Margaret omdat hun vader niet meer de middelen heeft om voor hen te zorgen. De rol van Alice is voor de absolute benjamin van de hoofdcast, de 10-jarige Leonie Gysen uit Schilde. Louis Geldof (15, Oostkamp) mag in de huid kruipen van Daniel Flynn, de jongere broer van Aeden. Musicaldebutante Yinte Verhoeven (20, Heist-op-den-Berg), wist bij haar eerste auditie ooit meteen een hoofdrol weg te kapen als Zuster Stella. Esse Synnave (24, Mechelen/Wilrijk), die in 2018 nog deel uitmaakte van het ensemble, maakt nu de sprong naar de hoofdcast van 'Magdalena' als Zuster Lois.

Kelly Van Hove (36, Mechelen) en Sofie Theunis (25, Lier) vervolledigen de zustergilde van het klooster als Zuster Kathleen en Zuster Anne. Sepp Mertens (Rijkevorsel)  en Timo Hertoghs (Lint), beiden 16 jaar, zijn Ryan en Rowan. Zij zijn de misdienaars van Eerwaarde Walsh, die meer interesse tonen in de meisjes in het klooster en de miswijn, dan in God. De 17-jarige Ruth Boelaert uit Hamme mag zich uitleven als de geniepige Keira en Erik Goyvaerts (Antwerpen), met zijn 60 jaar met voorsprong de ouderdomsdeken van de ganse cast, is Desmond, de stiefvader van Rose die haar misbruikt.

Ensemble
Antwerpen: Bo Elisabeth (16, Mechelen), Emilie Elisabeth (18, Mechelen), Maxine De Baets (18, Rijmenam), Jasmijn Vinck (19, Reet), Saar Adriaensen (20, Vremde), Sin Jonkers (21, Vosselaar), Jasper Van Hees (17, Mol), Liesbeth Houtain (21, Mortsel), Lize Coppens (19, Schoten), Noah Apers (17, Hemiksem), Coumba Thiam (18, Deurne), Renzo Olivier (20, Berchem).

Oost-Vlaanderen: Fien Adank (22, Buggenhout), Hannah Thyssen (21, Beveren), Levi Van Overtveldt (16, Beveren), Julie Leemans (17, Waasmunster), Kato Coppens (19, Sinaai), Roos Brusselmans (17, Dendermonde), Xan Tonnelier (18, Laarne)

West-Vlaanderen: Lucas Geldof (17, Oostkamp), Elise Lagrou (11) uit Wingene. (West-Vlaanderen).
 
Limburg: Pieter-Jan Hoessels (23, Zutendaal)

Creatives
Muziek: Sam Verhoeven
Script & liedteksten: Wanne Synnave
Regie: Jervin Weckx
Choreo: Kylian Campbell

Producent: Diederik Van Durme
Koorleiding: Tinne De Groot & Ronny Plovie
Arrangementen & MD: Thomas Vanhauwaert

Regie-assistentie: Maud Hanssens
Regie-assistentie: Bas Bossaerts
Kostuum: Els De Mot

‘Magdalena’ speelt vanaf 19 april in de Blikfabriek in Antwerpen. Tickets & info: singingfactory.be

De voorstelling wordt afgeraden voor kinderen jonger dan 12, tenzij onder begeleiding van een volwassene.

FAHRENHEIT 702 – ‘CAN’T STEP AWAY’

Fahrenheit 702 brings a sultry, high energy and party vibe to their debut GETTIN' IN THE GAME, Vol. 1! Named for Producer/bassist/group founder Greg Radford’s triumphant return to the music industry after a near-decade hiatus, the colorful Las Vegas centric themes and slick ensemble action make it the perfect soundtrack to a winning streak with a frolicsome night on The Strip.

The core members of this Smooth Jazz collective include G Radford, power vocalist Diane 'Dedae' Patrise' Spann (Righteous Brothers, Shirelles) and saxophonist Keith Marlo are complemented by Grammy & Emmy Award-winning singer/trumpeter Skip Martin, keyboardist Mike Clark, bassist Walter Jones, guitarists Michael Hengan, James Davis, vocalists Princetta Saray, Serena Henry, Ines Zak, Tyriq Johnson plus Ronnie Foster (organ) and John Wedemeyer (guitar) infuse blues excitement into the delirious swirl of urban jazz, Prince-like funk and Brazilian coolness. 

2UNES FT. CHRIS ‘BIG DOG’ DAVIS – ‘LET’S WAIT A WHILE’

In his teens, axe-man 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 of 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 Ayers, Millie Jackson, Tom Browne and Wil Downing. He 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.

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."

BILZEN EN HOESELT BLINKEN UIT MET OPVALLEND BLOESEMPROGRAMMA

Foto (van links naar rechts): Hoeselts schepen van toerisme Johan Schoefs, Bilzers jeugdauteur Stijn Moekaars, Bilzers schepen van cultuur Griet Mebis, Bilzers schepen van toerisme Véronique Jans, Brecht Bobbaers coördinator van Fietsfabriek 3740, Patrick Cornelissen, directeur Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, yogalerares Romina Theunis. 
© Stad Bilzen

Van maart tot mei 2024 organiseren Bilzen en Hoeselt samen meer dan 30 bloesemactiviteiten. De blikvangers: het Dauwconcert met Gabriel Rios, bloesemfestival Lumineus, een zintuigenwandeling of meditatie tussen de bloesems en belevingswandeling Bloesemmagie. Naast de gekende fiets- en wandeltochten en wondermooie picknickplekken valt er dus heel wat nieuws te ontdekken. Bilzen en Hoeselt werkten voor het eerst een gezamenlijk aanbod uit en pakken het groots aan met een gevarieerd programma voor jong en oud. Zo is er aandacht voor meer beleving, bekende artiesten en een betere toegankelijkheid.  De ticketverkoop start op vrijdag 2 februari om 9 uur. 

Toegankelijkheid

Tussen 23 maart en 5 mei kan je zes weken lang genieten van de bloesempracht in de Haspengouwse regio, met Bilzen en Hoeselt als absolute publiekstrekkers. “Dit jaar zetten we extra in op mobiliteit en inclusie. Mensen met een beperking kunnen bij Fietsfabriek 3740 in Bilzen-centrum na reservatie een driewieler of rolstoelplateaufiets huren. In combinatie met een aangepaste fietsroutekaart krijgen ze zo maximale kansen om de bloesems te ontdekken. Ook tandems, duofietsen en e-steps zijn verkrijgbaar, alsook de populaire groene wagentjes”, zegt Bilzers schepen van toerisme Véronique Jans. 

Fiets- en wandeltochten

Wie het idyllische bloesemlandschap graag vanop de fiets verkent, kiest best voor De kapeltocht,  een bewegwijzerde route van 21, 32,5 of 41,4 kilometer langs de Hoeseltse kapelletjes en fruitplantages. Voor fervente stappers is er Expeditie Bloesem, een langeafstandswandeling van ruim 27 kilometer langs unieke vergezichten, bijzondere natuurgebieden en historische bezienswaardigheden als de Kluis van Vrijhern en de Landcommanderij Alden Biesen. Beide activiteiten worden gratis en dagelijks aangeboden. Liever een kindvriendelijke tocht? Op paasmaandag 1 april, woensdag 10 april en elke zondag vanaf 7 april kunnen kinderen t.e.m. zes jaar samen met hun (groot)ouders helemaal opgaan in de speurtocht met Bilzers jeugdauteur Stijn Moekaars. 

Zintuigen- en meditatiewandeling

Voor viervoeters en hun baasjes is er op paasmaandag, dankzij De Bilzerse Viervoeters, een georganiseerde hondenwandeling met verkoelende versnapering. Nieuw dit jaar zijn de zintuigenwandelingen van de Bilzerse gidsen en de meditatiewandelingen onder begeleiding van yogalerares Romina Theunis. “De meditatiewandelingen zijn bedoeld voor volwassenen die even in het hier en nu willen zijn. We focussen op de schoonheid van de bloesems en de natuur via yogaposes, ademhalingsoefeningen en meditatie. We sluiten de sessie af met een lokaal gemaakte bloesemthee”, aldus Romina. 

De zintuigenwandelingen worden begeleid door lokale gidsen en zijn ook toegankelijk voor slechtzienden. De focus ligt immers op wat men onderweg ruikt, voelt en proeft: de prikkels van bloemen- of bloesemgeur, de bodem en de smaak van het eindproduct. 

Deze uitzonderlijke activiteiten worden telkens twee keer georganiseerd: de zintuigenwandeling op zaterdag 13 en 20 april en de meditatiewandeling op zondagochtend 14 en 28 april. 

Picknick

Een streekgebonden- of kaaspicknick haal je af in het Toeristisch Onthaal van Alden Biesen, dé plek waar ook de bloesemwandeling met gids start. Smul van de lekkernijen tussen de adembenemende bloesems en pittoreske hoogstamboomgaarden. Het houten vlonderpad is voor iedereen toegankelijk. Zo kunnen ook rolstoelgebruikers in alle comfort gebruikmaken van de picknicktafels.

Lumineus

Na het succes van de afgelopen edities kan je op zaterdag 6 april al voor de derde keer je ogen uitkijken tijdens Lumineus. Het bijzondere bloesemfestival wordt dit jaar nog spectaculairder met livemuziek, acrobatie, vertellers en veel meer. Patrick Cornelissen, directeur Landcommanderij Alden Biesen: “De prachtige hoogstamboomgaarden van Alden Biesen vormen een uniek decor waarin beleving centraal staat. Dit jaar worden het kasteel en de voorburchten nog meer betrokken. Naast verlichte kunstwerken wordt het opnieuw een totaalbeleving voor jong en oud dankzij o.a. vuurelfen, lichtprojecties en LED-schommels.”

Gabriel Rios

Vroege vogels kunnen op zondagochtend 21 april om 6 uur in Alden Biesen terecht voor een beklijvend Dauwconcert met Gabriel Rios. “Na Absynthe Minded en Jef Neve hebben we dit jaar een tweevoudige MIA-winnaar van internationale allure gestrikt. De zanger-muzikant met Puerto Ricaanse roots  neemt ons op sleeptouw met een openluchtconcert tussen de bloesems. Hij speelt bekende nummers uit zijn rijke repertoire zoals ‘Broad daylight’ en ‘Gold’. Met zijn intimistisch stemgeluid raakt hij mensen tot in het diepst van hun ziel. Wie dit optreden wil bijwonen moet er snel bij zijn, de plaatsen zijn beperkt. Bovendien ontvangen de eerste 250 ticketkopers een slechtweergarantie, waardoor zij het concert sowieso kunnen bijwonen. Voor alle anderen worden de tickets terugbetaald bij slecht weer. Uiteraard gaan we net zoals de voorbije jaren uit van dartel lenteweer”, zegt Bilzers schepen van cultuur Griet Mebis. 

Bloesemmagie

Naast de sfeervolle pop-upbloesembar Bar Bloei in het hart van het Haspengouwse fruitlandschap is het ook uitkijken naar Bloesemmagie op zaterdagavond 4 mei. “Om 20 uur starten we aan het Hoeseltse Ter Kommen voor een laatste bloesemtocht van anderhalf uur. Een belevingswandeling langs de bloesempracht met onderweg heel wat kunstcreaties en verrassende acts. Afsluiten doen we met een drankje op een magisch uitzichtpunt”, zegt Hoeselts schepen van toerisme Johan Schoefs. 

Het uitgebreide bloesemprogramma ‘24 vind je op www.visitbilzen.be/bloesems. Op die website zijn vanaf vrijdag 2 februari om 9 uur tickets verkrijgbaar voor o.a. het Dauwconcert met Gabriel Rios, bloesemfestival Lumineus, de zintuigenwandeling en de meditatie tussen de bloesems. Voor Bloesemmagie kan je vanaf hetzelfde moment tickets reserveren op www.hoeselt.be/bloesem-magie.

ClASSIC ISAAC HAYES ‘HOT BUTTERED SOUL’ ALBUM WILL BE RE-ISSUED

THE SIXTH TITLE IN THE SERIES IS ISAAC HAYES’ SEMINAL 1969 CLASSIC HOT BUTTERED SOUL. SET FOR RELEASE MARCH 1ST AND AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW.

Handpicked from Craft Recordings’ wide catalog, each Small Batch release features lacquers cut from the original tapes (AAA), using a one-step lacquer process as opposed to the standard three-step process. This technique allows for the utmost level of musical detail, clarity, and dynamics while reducing the amount of surface noise on the record.

The limited nature of these pressings guarantees that each record is a true representation of the original lacquer and is as close as the listener can get to the original recording.

“[a] kind of you-are-there intimacy...” – Absolute Sound

“more realistic, full-bodied, natural, and richer” – Analog Planet

Limited to 3,000 copies worldwide

Pressed at RTI using Neotech’s VR900 compound and a one-step lacquer process for optimum sonic clarity and detail

Lacquers cut from original tapes (AAA) by engineer Bernie Grundman

Each pressing individually numbered and encased in foil-stamped, linen-wrapped slipcase with an acrylic inset of the original album artwork

Vinyl disc is housed in a reproduction of the original tip-on jacket from Stax Records and protected by an archival quality inner sleeve

In-depth liner notes are written by music writer and journalist A. Scott Galloway.

https://craftrecordings.com/pages/small-batch?utm_source=Stax+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Stax_1_31_24

WEGENS SUCCES – EXTRA SHOW IERSE DANSSENSATIE 'RHYTHM OF THE DANCE' IN ANTWERPEN

25 april 2024 - Capitole Gent
26 en 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 wegens groot succes wordt een extra show aan hun Belgische schema toegevoegd. Naast de eerder aangekondigde shows op 25 april in Capitole Gent, 27 april in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen en 28 april in Concertgebouw Brugge, presenteert het fenomenale gezelschap met trots een extra show op 26 april 2024 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen. Tickets & info 'Rhythm of the Dance - 25th Anniversary Tour': ticketkopen.eu  

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. Met hun ongelooflijke '25th Anniversary Tour' creëren ze een nieuw tijdperk in Iers entertainment.

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 deze bijzondere reis doorheen de boeiende Ierse geschiedenis: 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, 26 en 27 april 2024 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen en 28 april 2024 in Concertgebouw Brugge.

Tickets & info: ticketkopen.eu  

ADAM HAWLEY IS ‘UNSTOPPABLE’

Guitarist and 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) he first debuted on the legend's label Kalimba Music. In all, Adam’s four albums and work as a producer have spawned an incredible 14 Billboard #1 hits. In it's first week, the 3rd record Escape was the #1 selling album in the nation, outselling every other Contemporary Jazz album as per Nielsen. The debut single went on to become the Billboard and Smooth Jazz Network Song of the Year for 2020.

Hawley followed this up with the 4th album Risin' Up; it's 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. 

Select Tour Date Highlights: 

• Seabreeze Jazz Fest
• Java Jazz 
• Mallorca Jazz Fest 
• Berks Jazz Fest
• Dave Koz Cruise 
• Newport Beach Jazz Festival 
• Catalina Jazz Fest 
• Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 
• Smooth Jazz Cruise 
• Cancun Jazz Fest 
• Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz 
• Rehoboth Jazz Festival 

In addition to touring as a leader, he has also played for Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole, Lalah Hathaway, The Manhattan Transfer, Brian McKnight, and appeared on American Idol in the house band to name a few. He also is an educator holding a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

We think you and your listeners will love Adam's new single, "Unstoppable"!

BOLD PARADE - ‘CORE’ EP

Hot off the heels of his widely acclaimed album, ‘Two Leaves Falling’, Bold Parade, aka Paul McMahon, continues wow us with his unique blend of Soul, Funk, Latin, and Jazz with heartfelt songs with his wondrous new EP, ‘Core’.

Opening with a divine Afro Disco vibe, ‘Foundation’ is an addictive smoking groove laced with upbeat brass hooks, funky guitars and drizzled with a catchy positive vocal from Africa’s Yanmife Ajolore. ‘Proxy 17’ is a snazzy Latin Jazz outing, where sublime vibes and trumpet solos from Antonie Veskovski and Jesse Ibidun glide over a backdrop of upbeat keys and percussive drums. The EP title track, ‘Core’, opens with a profoundly emotive piano intro before jumping into a brassy Trip Hop style affair, baited with an alluringly seductive vocal by Janessa J. Closing out the package, Marti Buchanan lends her stunning ethereal vocal tones to the classy retro-tinged downtempo excursion, ‘The Promise’.

Bold Parade is the latest project from London based, Belfast born producer and multi-instrumentalist 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. Having made his Bold Parade debut releases with ‘Flowers In The Dirt’ EP, ‘Heat’ EP and his full album, ‘Two Leaves Falling’, last year, so far the project has received great acclaim from the soulful and jazz fraternity. His productions have received lots of airplay on Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Show on BBC 6Music where Paul was also invited to do a guest mix for the show.

Track Listing
1 Foundation ft Yanmife Ajolore
2 Proxy 17
3 Core ft Janessa J
4 The Promise ft Marti Buchanan

Bold Parade ‘Core EP’ will be released on February 5th 2024 on Suzume Recordings

Bold Parade
‘Core’ EP
Suzume Recordings / SR005
https://www.instagram.com/boldparade
https://twitter.com/BoldParade
https://www.youtube.com/@boldparade

AMIGO THE DEVIL - 'YOURS UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER' – NEW ALBUM BY ACCLAIMED US SINGER-SONGWRITER

AMIGO THE DEVIL - YOURS UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER

new album
out 23.02.24
(Liars Club/Regime Music Group)
pre-order/save

includes the singles
THE MECHANIC  &  CANNIBAL WITHIN
stream                   stream

AMIGO THE DEVIL | Yours Until The War Is Over artwork : painting by Joan Lalucat

The acclaimed singer-songwriter Amigo the Devil (aka Danny Kiranos) will release his third studio album, ‘Yours Until The War Is Over’, on 23rd February 2024. ATD’s most disarming and inspired collection of songs to date, it includes the singles ‘Cannibal Within’ (October 2023) and 'The Mechanic’ (January 2024).

The latter sees hauntingly soft strings and Spanish-style acoustic guitar complement lyrics that reflect on a broken relationship, searching for a happiness lost to the painful reality of time spent together. An accompanying video reveals intimate insights behind the making of the new album. Created in a basement bar-turned-studio in the middle of Tennessee, it depicts the bare-bones of ATD’s recording process, from scribbling lyrics on the pages of a journal, to the natural dynamics with songwriting partner and guitarist David Talley, to experimenting with oddball percussion from his homemade recording den. THE MECHANIC | VIDEO

Its predecessor is a song of honesty without pity and a profound insight into the depths of the human experience, albeit one with ATD’s renowned darkly humorous wordplay in plain sight. Experimental percussion – the repetitive dropping of a pick, tinking of a bottle and clacking of toy teeth – immerse the listener within an internal dialogue of self-doubt and insecurity.

‘Yours Until The War Is Over’ is the first studio album by ATD that was entirely recorded, produced and engineered in-house, with the collaborative nature of the new recording process shining throughout. Kiranos’ songs serve as cinematic vignettes that thread together stories of the human condition, trauma bonding and the method of using relationships for survival, whether by addiction, doubt, death, or narcissism. All heart with no boundaries, it is an album to be experienced from beginning to end in order to recognise the perspective it offers.

The album title is a reference to the love affair between Ernest Hemingway and his nurse Agnes von Kurowsky in the closing months of World War I, a (trauma) bond that developed after the future novelist was severely wounded in Italy just after becoming a Red Cross volunteer at the age of 18. She would sometimes end her love letters by writing “Yours until the war is over,” a sign-off that proved prophetic. Her ultimate rejection devastated and scarred him.

The new album coincides with ATD’s latest US tour, his second since a successful summer 2023 European visit (his first with a full band) to promote 2021’s darkly romantic and hauntingly melodic ‘Born Against’ album. Earning acclaim from UK publications such as Classic Rock, Shindig!, Blues Matters, RNR and Louder Than War, Folk Radio UK neatly summed up everyone else’s thoughts in stating that “it reinforces the adage that the devil truly does have all the best tunes.”

A UK and European tour is currently being planned for mid-2024.

https://www.amigothedevil.com/

NAAR HET HEELAL MET NIEUWE BELEVING ‘PLANET HAPPINESS’ VANAF 26 MAART

De immersieve tentoonstelling Planet Happiness maakt de astronaut in iedereen wakker. Terminus? De verre sterrenstelsels. Vanaf 26 maart opent het interstellair avontuur de deuren in Plein Publiek Brussel voor Planet Happiness - Unleash Your Inner Astronaut. Deze nieuwe beleving bouwt verder op de succestentoonstelling Happiness, met als thema de ruimtevaart, een van de ambities van het Belgisch voorzitterschap van de Raad van de EU tijdens de eerste helft van dit jaar. Deze leuke en leerzame ervaring laat jong en oud wegdromen!

Congé en Beyond.Culture, in samenwerking met prestigieuze partners zoals ESA, EUMETSAT, Belspo en het creatieve bureau Studio Irma, nodigen jong en oud uit op de belevingsexpo Planet Happiness in Plein Publiek Brussel. Het gebouw werd ter beschikking gesteld door Regie der Gebouwen onder de bevoegdheid van staatssecretaris Mathieu Michel. Met de hulp van experts zoals astrofysica Nancy Vermeulen en emeritus astronoom Conny Aerts, combineert deze unieke tentoonstelling spitstechnologie, wetenschappelijke kennis en een ongebreidelde creativiteit om de bezoeker mee te nemen naar de verste uithoeken van de Melkweg.

"Ik ben verheugd dat ESA, BELSPO en EUMETSAT samenwerken aan deze tentoonstelling, die de Europese en Belgische ruimtevaartsector in de kijker zet. Dit project kadert in het groeiende belang van ruimtevaart in België, een thema dat centraal staat in de ambities van het Belgische voorzitterschap van de Raad van de EU. Grote dank aan NV Congé, die deze tentoonstelling in recordtijd heeft kunnen opzetten, evenals aan BELSPO, ESA en EUMETSAT voor hun onschatbare bijdrage aan dit project," legt Thomas Dermine uit, staatssecretaris voor Herstel en Strategische Investeringen, en verantwoordelijk voor Wetenschapsbeleid.

De expo bestaat uit een reeks immersieve ruimtes die, met behulp van kunstmatige intelligentie, augmented reality en 360° projecties, zowel inspelen op het educatieve als esthetische. Zo zijn er ruimtes gewijd aan de oorsprong van de aarde, andere planeten, de maan en de zon. De bezoeker zal zich daarnaast ook kunnen verwonderen over de schoonheid van het heelal, door de spectaculaire kinetische lichtinstallaties.

Verder zijn er ook de interactieve themakamers rond ESA, in het bijzonder gewijd aan het International Space Station (ISS). Deze kamers stellen een waaier aan ruimte-initiatieven voor, waaronder missies voor weer en klimaat van EUMETSAT. De reis besluit zich tot slot met de Dream Room, een ruimte ontworpen om jong en oud volledig te laten wegdromen aan de hand van geleide meditaties in verschillende talen.

De makers van Planet Happiness willen een portaal naar het universum creëren voor zoveel mogelijk mensen door educatie en entertainment met elkaar te verbinden. De ervaring is erop gericht om bezoekers nieuwsgierig te maken naar de wondere wereld van de astronomie, astrofysica en ruimteverkenning, en tegelijkertijd toegankelijk te blijven voor alle doelgroepen.

Door in de ruimtes niet alleen wetenschappelijk gerelateerde onderwerpen te presenteren, maar ze ook als een bron van artistieke inspiratie en filosofische reflectie te zien, wil Planet Happiness de nieuwsgierigheid en de verbeelding prikkelen. Bovendien biedt deze tentoonstelling dankzij de bijdragen van gerenommeerde specialisten en astronauten een authentiek en zeer realistisch perspectief op het leven van mensen die werken in de ruimte.

Planet Happiness is niet zomaar een tentoonstelling, maar een perfect voorbeeld van hoe wetenschap, kunst en technologie samen voor een onvergetelijke ervaring kunnen zorgen. Het is een unieke kans voor jong en oud om het heelal te zien en versteld te staan van diens schoonheid en onmetelijkheid, dankzij tal van interactieve installaties en de bijdragen van experts. Dus neem je innerlijke astronaut mee en klim aan boord. Planet Happiness stijgt op vanaf 26 maart.

PRAKTISCHE INFO
Planet Happiness
Vanaf 26 maart
Plein Publiek (Paleis van de Dynastie)
Info en reservaties: www.planethappiness.be

Tarieven
adult €17 (online) €18 (kassa)
16 - 25 years €14 (online) €15 (kassa)
7 - 15 years €12 (online) €13 (kassa)
0 - 6 years €0 (online) €0 (kassa)
65+ years €13 (online) €14 (kassa)
Group (min. 6 persons) €15 (online) €16 (kassa)
Extra voordelige tarieven voor groepen vanaf 10 personen (scholen, bedrijven, verenigingen)

EXTRA KERSTCONCERTEN ANDRÉ RIEU IN MECC MAASTRICHT OP 21 EN  22 DECEMBER 2024

Wegens enorm succes:

Tickets nu verkrijgbaar via andrerieu.com !

Nu de tickets voor zijn eerste drie kerstconcerten in het MECC Maastricht al zo goed als uitverkocht zijn, kondigt André Rieu met veel plezier twee extra data aan in deze magische locatie. Naast tijdens de eerder aangekondigde concerten op 13, 14 en 15 december 2024, kan je nu ook op 21 december om 20u en op 22 december 2024 om 15u komen genieten van de Koning van de Wals, de prachtige solisten en natuurlijk het onnavolgbare Johann Strauss Orkest. Tickets zijn vanaf nu verkrijgbaar via andrerieu.com.

Laat je betoveren door sfeervolle kerstmuziek, romantische walsen en talloze verrassingen, met de Walskoning, zijn Johann Strauss Orkest, het koor, honderden dansers, schaatsers en internationale solisten. 

Op de super gezellige kerstmarkt in het MECC kun je heerlijk eten en drinken, vóór het concert, tijdens de pauze en na afloop.

Beleef Kerst met André Rieu live in het magische, middeleeuwse Maastricht. Een romantische en vrolijke kerstbelevenis voor het hele gezin!

Data:
13,14,15 december 2024
21, 22 december 2024 (NIEUW!)

Verzeker je nu al van de beste plaatsen voor André Rieu's spectaculaire kerstconcerten via www.andrerieu.com !

André Rieu – Muziek voor je hart, herinneringen voor je hele leven!

Bekijk HIER de aftermovie van de kerstconcerten 2023!

THE FROST DUO – ‘SATURATE’

The Frost Duo is back and taking on 2024 with their newly instrumentally driven single "Saturate." The song which was produced and co-written with Adam Hawley  and showcases Christian's slick and smooth guitar skills with a slight sprinkle of background vocal. "Saturate" is a bright and uplifting song bound to beat the winter blues and get us all looking forward to the warmer months ahead. 

The Frost Duo is comprised of vocalist LeahBeth Evans and multi-instrumentalist Christian Gratz. The group resides in the suburbs of Scranton, Pennsylvania and perform all throughout central and northeast PA, NY,NJ and TN.

NICK STEFANACCI FT. CARNELL HARRELL – ‘THE MASQUERADE’

Pop Fusion Saxophonist, Nick Stefanacci, has toured the world for over two decades. As a sideman, Nick, has shared the stage with legends such as Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Derek Trucks, and Hip-Hop Icons, Ja Rule and DMC (RunDMC) to highlight a few. As a leader, Nick has toured Europe and North America, bringing a new vision and swagger to the music industry. Driven by passion, Sweet Lion Music Group brilliantly takes music to the next level. Whether Nick is the producer, artist or philanthropist, it is clear that his vision is the same.

Nick's passion is at the very heart of Sweet Lion Music Group. Producer, Pop Fusion Saxophonist, Festival Developer and Philanthropist, Nick's endless pursuit to balance life and music is the roar behind Sweet Lion Music Group. As a producer, bringing an artist's vision to sound and achieving the highest level of musicianship is what Nick strives to accomplish every time he steps behind the glass.

Stefanacci simply tears down musical stereotypes as a saxophonist bringing a new focus to what music can be.

Stefanacci illuminates 2024 with his first single, “The Masquerade” featuring Carnell Harrell, in this electrifying dance.

"The Masquerade"

Written and Produced by Nick Stefanacci

Mixed and Mastered by Nick Stefanacci

Nick Stefanacci - Sax and Vocals

Rich Aveo - Vocals - Christmas Eve

Carnell Harrell - Keys/Synths

Mel Brown - Bass

Eric Valentine - Drums

AMERIKAANSE SINGER-SONGWRITER MELANIE OVERLEDEN

De Amerikaanse singer-songwriter Melanie Safka is eergisteren op 76-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat hebben haar drie kinderen bekendgemaakt. Melanie scoorde in de periode 1969-1973 grote hits, waaronder ‘Beautiful People’, ‘Brand New Key’, ‘Stop! I Don’t Wanna Hear It Anymore’, ‘Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)’, ‘Ruby Tuesday’, ‘Peace Will Come (According To Plan)’ en ‘Look What They’ve Done To My Song, Ma’. Melanie Safka wordt in 1947 geboren in New York en geeft als kleuter een optreden in een radio-uitzending. In 1969 geeft ze op 22-jarige leeftijd solo een optreden op het Amerikaanse Woodstock Festival. Een van de liedjes die ze zingt is ‘Beautiful People’, dat alleen in Nederland een hit wordt. Het nummer staat steevast in de NPO Radio 2 Top 2000. Eind jaren negentig wordt de hit gecoverd door Mathilde Santing, die er eveneens succes mee heeft. Tijdens haar optreden op Woodstock heeft het publiek kaarsen aangestoken en dat inspireert Melanie tot het schrijven van een andere grote hit: ‘Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)’, een coproductie met The Edwin Hawkins Singers. Korte tijd later volgt het succesvolle ‘Brand New Key’, over een meisje op rolschaatsen dat de aandacht probeert te trekken van een jongen. Melanie was 45 jaar samen met producer en manager Peter Schekeryk. Hij overleed in 2010. Een aantal jaren later verscheen een musical over hun leven samen. Het was lange tijd de gewoonte van Melanie om jaarlijks een album uit te brengen. De laatste jaren werd de zangeres door haar zoon, Beau 'Virtuoso' Jarred Schekeryk, begeleid op gitaar. Melanie Safka ruste in vrede!

Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

CAROL ALBERT FT. PETER WHITE – ‘SUNSHINE YELLOW’

Riding high on the momentum of the three Top 5 Billboard singles from her album Magic Mirror that dominated contemporary jazz radio throughout 2022-23, multi-talented pianist/composer Carol Albert sets a purposefully hopeful tone for 2024 with her latest track, soothing all the chaos and anxiety of the world with an infectious burst of "Sunshine Yellow."

Co-written, produced and arranged by Carol and bassist Roberto Vally, the vibrant Latin-influenced pop tune–follow-up to her recent bossa-flavored single "Sol Ipanema"–features the exciting interaction of Carol's piano and the snappy trademark acoustic guitar of guest artist Peter White over the exotic, high-spirited grooving of Vally and drummer Lil John Roberts.

"This song has a really nice, easy, very melodic flow to it," Carol says. "I wrote it with the vision of a romantic, passionate, flamenco-ish dancing couple on the beach on a sunny day, just having fun and being joyful and free. I didn't start thinking about creating something on the mellower side of Brazilian music but that's how it evolved. To me, 'Sunshine Yellow' represents a warmth, a clear day when all is in focus and everything seems right with the world."

WINNAAR VAN VTM-SHOW STARSTRUCK GAAT MET QUEEN TRIBUTEBAND OP TOURNEE DOOR VLAANDEREN

Sinds afgelopen vrijdag kent Vlaanderen de winnaar van het VTM-programma Starstruck. In deze talentenshow transformeren mensen in de meest legendarische artiesten om te schitteren en hun wereldhits te brengen. Sonny Vande Putte wist uiteindelijk de beste prestatie neer te zetten met zijn imitatie van Freddie Mercury (Queen). De winnaar van het programma kondigde vandaag een concerttournee aan met zijn Queen tribute band Mother Mercury. De tournee start in februari, de eerste voorstellingen zijn nu al uitverkocht.

Sinds vrijdag mag Gentenaar Sonny Vande Putte zich trots winnaar noemen van Starstruck. De VTM-talentenshow ging op zoek naar de beste imitatie van verschillende muzikale wereldsterren. Sonny’s imitatie van Freddie Mercury kwam als beste uit de bus. Dat zijn imitatie zo treffend is, hoeft ook geen wonder te heten. Hij is al jaren zanger en frontman van de Queen tribute band Mother Mercury. Sonny gaat vanaf februari met zijn band op tournee door de culturele centra in Vlaanderen, maar speelt ook in de grootste theaters van het land. Vandaag stelde hij die tournee voor in de Gentse Capitole, niet toevallig in de thuisstad van winnaar Sonny Vande Putte. De eerste voorstelling staat gepland op 17 februari in Kapellen, maar die is ondertussen hopeloos uitverkocht. Ook de volgende show op de tourlijst, op 1 maart in Izegem, is reeds tot de nok gevuld. De eerstvolgende show waar nog tickets voor te vinden zijn is in Capitole Gent op 21 maart 2024. Tickets, speeldata en info voor de tournee via www.show-time.be

Dé laureaat van 72 kandidaten

Starstruck liep zeven weken op VTM. In zes voorrondes en één finaleaflevering gingen juryleden Guga, Nathalie Meskens, Nora Gharib en Bart Kaëll op zoek naar de beste imitatie van verschillende wereldsterren. Van de 72 kandidaten werden er uiteindelijk twaalf doorgestuurd naar de grote finale waar ook het publiek mocht mee stemmen en zijn rol spelen in de einduitslag. Eenmaal alle stemmen en punten geteld waren kreeg Sonny Vande Putte dus het verlossende nieuws te horen: hij was de winnaar van Starstruck. De jury gooide met complimenten en lofbetuigingen. “Die moves, die stem,... het is om de vingers van af te likken. Ge moet van heel goeden huize komen om te durven wat Sonny doet. Hier word ik blij van! De max! Mega goe!” aldus Guga. Maar ook Nathalie Meskens gaf een open doekje: “Ik vind het straf. Die movekes, dat theatrale, alles wat Freddie tot Freddie maakt, gebruikt Sonny en voert hij zo ontzettend goed uit”.

Tribute tendens zet zich door

De hype rond de tribute acts krijgt ook voet aan de grond in Vlaanderen. In Nederland en Frankrijk is het al jaren een fenomeen en nu lijkt ook Vlaanderen er klaar voor. In de Franse concertzalengroep Zénith, die grote concertarena’s in beheer heeft, bulkt de programmatie van tributes van Queen, Pink Floyd en andere. Er is één grote constante: nostalgie. Fans van dat soort muziek kunnen hun idolen en helden niet langer aan het werk zien. Dan biedt een muzikaal perfecte show met een bijhorende superact een waardig alternatief, zeker met het comfort van een zachte gestoffeerde zetel in de Vlaamse theaters. Daar is Mother Mercury, de band van Starstruck winnaar Sonny, een perfect voorbeeld van. Tickets en info voor Mother Mercury via www.show-time.be

DUITSE PRODUCER FRANK FARIAN OVERLEDEN

Frank Farian, de producent en stem van bands als Milli Vanilli en Boney M., is vandaag op 82-jarige leeftijd in zijn woonplaats Miami overleden. Dat heeft zijn management laten weten aan Duitse media. Farian, die eigenlijk Franz Reuher heette, groeide op in de buurt van Amerikaanse militaire bases waardoor hij een publiek vond voor zijn souloptredens. Farian begon in 1961 zijn carrière met de groep Frank Farian und Die Schatten en bracht zijn eerste plaat, ‘Shouting Ghost’, uit in 1963. Hij coverde wat soul- en rocknummers, maar moest zich – om in zijn levensonderhoud te kunnen voorzien – lanceren als Schlagerzanger. Hij verscheen enkele jaren met wisselend succes in het Duitse televisieprogramma ‘ZDF-Hitparade’ van Dieter Thomas Heck. Daarnaast produceerde Farian in zijn begincarrière ook nummers voor anderen, waaronder een bescheiden succes voor de rockgroep The Falcons. In 1974 ging Farian zijn eigen geluid ontwikkelen. Dat begon met een project, dat hij ‘Exodus’ noemde. Qua geluid was ‘Exodus’ de voorloper van Boney M. Boney M. begon als een studioproject en was meteen succesvol met de internationale hit ‘Do You Wanna Bump’. De mannelijke stem was van Farian zelf. Om aan de groeiende vraag voor optredens te voldoen, rekruteerde Farian de zangeressen Liz Mitchell, Maizie Williams en Marcia Barrett en de danser annex slangenmens Bobby Farrell. De optredens waren een succes en de hits van Boney M. gingen de hele wereld over: ‘Daddy Cool’, ‘Sunny’, ‘Ma Baker’, Belfast’, ‘Rivers Of Babylon/Brown Girl In The Ring’, ‘Rasputin/Painter Man’, ‘Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord’, ‘Hooray! Hooray! It’s A Holi- Holiday’, ‘El Lute/Gotta Go Home’… De ene hit was nog groter dan de ander. In 1976 scoorde Farian zelf ook een nummer 1 hit in Duitsland met de single ‘Rocky’, in Nederland een nummer 1 hit voor Don Mercedes. Voor Boney M. trok Farian gerenommeerde studiomuzikanten aan, zoals Keith Forsey die ook voor Donna Summer werkte. Nogmaals, de mannenstem op de platen van Boney M. was van Farian. Bobby Farrell playbackte de hits. Van de zangeressen kon alleen Liz Mitchell echt zingen, maar ook dat was geen probleem. Dezelfde tactiek veroorzaakte in de jaren negentig wel een groot mediaschandaal toen bekend werd dat de leden van de groep Milli Vanilli niet zelf zongen op hun hits ‘Girl You Know It’s True’, ‘Baby Don’t Forget My Number’, ‘Blame It On The Rain’, ‘Girl I’m Gonna Miss You’, ‘All Or Nothing’ en ‘Keep On Running’. Toen het playbacken tijdens een optreden niet goed ging, gaf Farian toe dat Robert Pilatus en Fabrice Morvan niet zelf zongen. Door de ophef rond dit incident moest het duo zijn Grammy Award uit 1990 teruggeven. Later produceerde Farian nog voor groepen als La Bouche en No Mercy. Met beide bands had hij hits in de jaren negentig. In 2006 werd er een musical gemaakt over Boney M. en andere groepen met wie de producer had gewerkt. Frank Farian ruste in vrede!

Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

JUDITH HILL - 'FLAME' – NEW SINGLE BY GRAMMY-WINNING US SINGER & MUSICIAN FUSES FUNK, ROCK, BLUES & SOUL

JUDITH HILL
FLAME

new single
out 23.01.24
(Regime Music Group)

stream 

included on
LETTERS FROM A BLACK WIDOW
new album
out 19.04.24

pre-save/add

Grammy-winning vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill has today announced that her new album, ‘Letters From A Black Widow’, will be released on 19th April via Regime Music Group. The 12 song record presents a riveting story - from private pain to communal transcendence - and is her most soul-bearing work to date. A single from it entitled ’Flame’ is available from today.

‘Flame’ showcases a powerful vocal and an incendiary musical arrangement, while lyrically the song stares down darkness and pain with a telling revelation about Hill's inner reserves: ‘Give me chaos and give me pain/but you can never kill my flame.’

“I am more resilient than I thought I was,” explains Hill. “After every blow that knocks me to the ground, I discover an inner power that emerges stronger and more defiant than before. Like iron and steel, my core has become impenetrable. On my darkest days, I plug into the amp and hear the throbbing pulse of the guitar like a surge of energy reviving my spirit. I am convinced that I will never be defeated.

‘Letters From A Black Widow’ is the follow-up to ‘Baby, I’m Hollywood!’ (2021), which earned widespread critical acclaim for its mix of funk, rock, blues and soul that was described by Record Collector as ‘breathtakingly kaleidoscopic', while Echoes proclaimed it ‘Album of the Year’ in a 5 star review. However, where that album offered a rowdy coming-of-age tale of a mixed-race child of bohemian California, ‘Letters From A Black Widow’ is a formidable battle cry; a soul/funk/gospel passion play spectacularly written, arranged and performed by Hill.

Although Hill plays many of the instruments herself, the new record is not a strictly solo endeavour. Built on an unshakeable musical foundation she has enjoyed for most of her life, Hill's band includes both her parents, bassist Robert ‘Peewee’ Hill and keyboardist Michiko Hill, while she is also joined by John Staten (drums and percussion), Daniel Chae (strings) and a group of friends on backing vocals.

Hill and co will be touring extensively to promote ‘Letters From A Black Widow’, with a US tour prior to its release followed by a European tour commencing on 7th May that will include a TBC show in London. Confirmed dates in mainland Europe are:

07.05.24  STAVANGER (NO) Jazzfestival
08.05.24  TRONDHEIM (NO) Jazzfestival
09.05.24  HAMAR (NO) Jazzfestival
10.05.24  SANDVIKA (NO) Baerum Kulturhus
11.05.24  STOCKHOLM (SE) Fasching
12.05.24  STOCKHOLM (SE) Fasching
17.05.24  COPENHAGEN (DK) DR Concert Hall
19.05.24  SCHÖPPINGEN (DE) Bluesfestival
21.05.24  ZÜRICH (CH) Kaufleuten
23.05.24  RUBIGEN (CH) Mühle Hunziken
24.05.24  TÜBINGEN (DE) Sudhaus
29.05.24  SINT-NIKLAAS (BE) De Casino Concertzaal
30.05.24  PARIS (FR) New Morning
01.06.24  WEIZ (AT) Jazzfestival
04.06.24  ALMERIA (ES) Clasijazz
06.06.24  ANTALYA (TR) Akra Jazzfestival

LETTERS FROM A BLACK WIDOW
TRACKLISTING
1  One Of The Bad Ones
2  Flame
3  My Whole Life Is In The Wrong Key
4  We Are The Power
5  Black Widow
6  Touch
7  Dame De La Lumiere
8  Let Me Be Your Mother
9  You Got It Kid
10  Runaway Train
11  Downtown Boogie
12  More Than Love

Official Site  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

BLUES ROCK GUITARIST ORIANTHI TEAMS WITH WOODWARD AVENUE RECORDS FOR THE ‘FIRST TIME’

“First Time Blues,” featuring guitarist Joe Bonamassa, drops February 23.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (23 January 2024): Blues rock guitar virtuoso Orianthi wanted to create something special to celebrate her 25th anniversary as a professional musician. The Australian-born, Los Angeles-based Orianthi entered The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger’s Love Street Sound studio where she wrote, produced and recorded her debut single for Woodward Avenue Records. “First Time Blues” will be released on February 23. 

Orianthi has been performing “First Time Blues” in concert with her band for the past year and was able to cut it live in the studio in just a few takes. She burns up “First Time Blues” with her impassioned vocals and blazing guitar licks. Joining her on track are Justin Andres (bass, vocals), Carey Frank (keyboards), Nick Maybury (electric and acoustic guitar) and Elias Mallin (drums).

“‘First Time Blues’ is about that feeling of when you first feel brokenhearted. It doesn’t change throughout life if you really have the strength to love and be all-in every time. I'm guilty of that…throwing myself into the fire just to get burned, heal, then get burned again…or not. You never know. Love is a gamble!” said Orianthi.

To add a second guitar solo to “First Time Blues,” Orianthi invited a friend to record with her: three-time Grammy nominated blues rock guitar prodigy Joe Bonamassa. They had played together many times, but “First Time Blues” is their first recording together.

“My good friend and legend Joe Bonamassa put down his fire leads on the second solo section. Joe is such a great musician. We have jammed many times in the past and I’m grateful he came in and added his magic to ‘First Time Blues,’” said Orianthi who also wrote, produced and recorded her second single for Woodward Avenue Records, “Bad For Each Other” (release date TBA), at Love Street Sound.

Orianthi (Orianthi Panagaris) looks as much like a rock star as she does a supermodel. But it’s her extraordinary guitar chops that turn the most heads. She began playing professionally when she was thirteen years old before going on to perform and/or tour with Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, Richie Sambora and Dave Stewart. She was hired by Michael Jackson for his “This Is It Tour” before his untimely death and was a member of the supergroup Hollywood Vampires (Cooper, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp and Tommy Henriksen). Orianthi’s debut album, “Violet Journey,” was released in 2005 and she has issued five solo albums to date. She was featured accompanying Carrie Underwood during a Grammy Awards telecast, performed on American Idol, and appears in Jackson’s documentary concert film, “This Is It.” Elle magazine named Orianthi one of the “12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists” and she won the 2010 “Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year” award from Guitar International magazine.   

The Florida-based Woodward Avenue Records is a boutique independent label committed to producing and distributing unique, collaborative musical projects that masterfully fuse genres. From jazz, R&B, soul, blues and gospel to rock, pop, country, Americana and Latin music, Woodward Avenue Records supports standout artists releasing exceptional recordings.   

Woodward Avenue Records founder and president Mark Nordman said, “As a label, we've always been about supporting great artists in making the kind of music that's in their heart and soul, without commercial or arbitrary requirements to simply ‘fit’ in some preconceived genre box. We believe that if the music is great and created with passion and excellence, it will find its own lane with our help. There is no one who represents those ideals more than Orianthi, and we are absolutely thrilled to be working with her and her team. I promise you, there is some really awesome and memorable music on the way, and we can't wait for people all over the world to hear it!”

For more information about Orianthi, visit https://www.orianthi.me.

For additional information about Woodward Avenue Records, visit https://woodwardavenuerecords.com.

IGOR GERZINA RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘GEORGY PORGY’

Igor Gerzina and Anya Alu join forces for a sensational cover of Toto's "Georgy Porgy" 
 

Renowned musician Igor Gerzina has once again captured the essence of musical brilliance, teaming up with the talented singer Anya Alu for new single. The duo has crafted a remarkable cover of the iconic Toto hit "Georgy Porgy" infusing it with their own unique style, featuring exceptional saxophone melodies and captivating vocals. 

The inclusion of sensational saxophone elements elevates the single to greater heights, showcasing Igor Gerzina's instrumental virtuosity. The synergy between Gerzina's musical finesse and Anya's soft vocals results in a rendition that pays homage to the original Toto hit while offering a fresh and invigorating experience for contemporary listeners.

▶︎ 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 

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).

WORLD JAZZ GUITARIST REZA KHAN EMBARKS ON A “MYSTICAL” JOURNEY THROUGH COLLABORATION

The March 8th album release will be led by the first single, “Language of Love,” featuring legendary keyboardist Bob James.

NEW YORK CITY (17 JANUARY 2024): The element of the unknown is inherent when artists come together to collaborate. World jazz guitarist Reza Khan is intrigued by that mystery, seeing magic in the creative process and finding the results to be mystical. Putting his eager  curiosity and desire to experiment into practice, he invited a handful of Grammy-recognized musicians and Billboard hitmakers to join him and producer, songwriter and horn player David Mann on a collaborative recording adventure. The resultant collection, “Mystical,” will arrive on March 8.    

Khan has a lengthy history of collaborating with Mann, who as a saxophonist, flutist and woodwinds player has worked with superstars - from Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga to Sting, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Madonna, Billy Joel, The Eagles and Tower of Power along with seminal jazzers Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, Michael Franks, Dave Koz and The Rippingtons. Mann was Khan’s first call to cowrite and produce the album when he conceived the project. On Khan’s six albums, he had never before turned the producer’s duties completely over to anyone, but he trusted Mann to helm “Mystical” after having had a really positive experience on his previous outing, 2021’s “Imaginary Road.”

“David Mann and I have a great musical chemistry and share a vision of creating music that is innovative and eclectic. David played saxophone, flute, keyboards, and percussion on some of the tracks, adding his signature touch of groove and melody to the songs,” said Khan, who will celebrate the album release with a concert date at New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club on March 23.

With Mann aboard, Khan decided to do something else he never did before: begin composing music for the album with specific featured artists in mind – even before asking if they would be willing to guest on the album. Khan’s leap of faith paid off when every single one of them - two-time Grammy winner Bob James, Grammy winner Lorber, three-time Grammy winner Jimmy Haslip, Grammy nominees Keiko Matsui and Philippe Saisse, and Billboard chart-topper Nils Jiptner - eagerly accepted the invitation to collaborate with the guitarist on “Mystical” based on the lofty standards of musicianship, songwriting and production exhibited on Khan’s well-crafted contemporary jazz, fusion, world music and new age albums.

“‘Mystical’ is a collection of ten original songs that display musical versatility and creativity. The album is also the result of my collaboration with some of the most talented and renowned musicians in the jazz and world music scene. Each of these musicians has contributed their own style and flair to the songs, creating a musical synergy that is both captivating and inspiring,” said the Bangladesh-born, New York City-based Khan about the album made up of seven new songs and three reimagined tunes culled from his catalogue.

Lorber’s fusion-y keyboards and mini-Moog feature on the album opener, “Falcon.” Khan’s nylon and electric guitars soar majestically on the track that gets a power boost from Mann’s horn section.

“The song is inspired by the falcon, a symbol of freedom, courage, and vision, setting the tone of the record with a bird’s eye view of the album,” explained Khan.

The enchanting title track possesses atmospheric qualities with Mann’s mid-tune soprano saxophone flight adding humanlike emotion to the lush, ethereal arrangement. Wielding his acoustic and electric guitars, Khan pays tribute to the “mystical and spiritual aspects of music, and how it can connect us to a higher reality.”   

The first single, “Language of Love,” initially appeared on Khan’s 2011 “Simple Plan” album. His electric guitar and Mann’s tenor sax provide the parlance on the updated version, which is bolstered by James’s ardent piano poetry and bassist Brendan Rothwell’s plunging rhythm pockets.

“Bob James adds his signature touch of elegance and sophistication to the song about the universal language of love, and how it can overcome any barriers and differences. In this case, it depicts the foreplay between the piano, guitars and the sax,” said Khan.  

“Catalina’s Dream” is a romantic tryst brought into focus by Khan’s exotic nylon guitar riffs and rhythms. Saisse’s storming piano solo erupts fancifully amidst the cascading playground of horns deployed with precision by Mann.    

Vocalist Jennifer Grimm sang “Bahia’s Mama” on Khan’s 2009 debut album, “Painted Diaries.” Her voice track remains on the lively remake that pays homage to Khan’s love of Brazilian jazz. He uses his nimble nylon guitar play and the sensual qualities of Grimm’s voice to relish in the joy and romance of Brazilian music and culture.    

Mann wrote the initial ideas for “Rising,” a motivational tune about rising above challenges and difficulties while striving for dreams and goals. He asked Khan to write additional passages while incorporating an electric guitar solo that engages Mann’s tenor sax in empowering banter.

The positivity continues on “Look at the Bright Side,” which beams energetically via the duet between Jiptner’s electric guitar and Khan’s nylon guitar affirmations. Khan and Jiptner’s previous collaboration, “Drop of Faith,” became Khan’s first Billboard top ten single, which appeared on Khan’s 2019 album, “Next Train Home.”

Matsui’s appearance on the album is quite personal to Khan, who has another career, that of a program manager for the United Nations. While getting caught in a dangerous sandstorm on the drive from Kuwait City to the Iraqi border, he listened to the Japanese pianist’s music to soothe his nerves. Matsui lends her distinctive blend of contemporary jazz, world fusion, classical and Asian music to “Strum.”

Providing another bolt of optimism, “Positivity” is a rousing, life-affirming tune enriched by a trio of solo voices: Khan’s jubilant electric guitar, Mann’s sunny soprano sax and lyrical basslines etched by Mark Egan (Pat Metheny Group, Gil Evans Orchestra). 

Khan plays acoustic guitar to close the collection with a serene stroll amidst swatches of sweeping orchestral strings crafted by Mann on “Whispering Trees.” Khan said, “Whispering trees is a metaphor for the secrets and wisdom of nature, and how they can calm and heal us.”

Throughout “Mystical,” Khan’s agile guitarwork shines while collaborating with legends and icons, chart-topping soloists, and esteemed first-call session musicians. Collaborating on the compelling compositions that make up the setlist that are vividly realized through Mann’s production palette bodes to elevate Khan’s stature with his global brand of contemporary jazz meets world music.      

“‘Mystical’ is a musical journey taking the listener to various places and exploring a variety of moods and emotions. The album is a testament to my musical vision that plays out in an aural theater. It is an album that will take you on a musical adventure, making you feel and think along the way.”

Khan’s “Mystical” album contains the following songs:

“Falcon”

“Mystical”

“Catalina’s Dream”

“Language of Love”

“Bahia’s Mama”

“Strum”

“Rising”

“Look at the Bright Side”

“Positivity”

“Whispering Trees”

For more information, please visit https://rezakhanmusic.com.

SOULZANGERES MARLENA SHAW OVERLEDEN

De jazz- en soulzangeres Marlena Shaw, wier ‘California Soul’ een vast onderdeel is geworden van advertenties en hiphopnummers, is overleden. Ze was 81.

Shaws dochter, Marla Bradshaw, maakte de dood van de legendarische zangeres bekend in een Facebook-video die afgelopen vrijdag werd geplaatst.

“Het is met een heel zwaar hart dat ik voor mijzelf en mijn familie aankondig dat onze geliefde moeder, uw geliefde icoon en kunstenaar, Marlena Shaw, vandaag om 12:03 uur is overleden. Ze was vredig; we hadden vrede”, zei Bradshaw in de video.

“Ik weet dat je net als gisteren berichten over [een] verjaardagsviering hebt gezien. En mijn tweelingzus en ik waren erg dankbaar, en onze familie, dat ze hier was om dat te vieren. Uiteraard ga ik niet te veel in details treden, maar [tegen] haar fans … ze heeft er vrede mee. Ze is in de hemel. Dat weet ik wel.”

Shaw’s ‘California Soul’ uit 1969 zal voor velen vandaag de dag direct herkenbaar zijn vanwege het gebruik ervan in televisiereclame (zoals voor Dockers, KFC en Dodge Ram trucks) en sampling in hiphopnummers. WhoSampled.com somt 35 nummers op die het samplen, waaronder 'Check the Technique' van Gang Starr, 'Sofisticated' van Stereo MC's en Diplo's remix van het nummer.

Hoewel ‘California Soul’ waarschijnlijk het bekendste nummer van Shaw is, is haar ‘Woman of the Ghetto’ nog vaker gesampled, met 54 nummers die er elementen van lenen, aldus WhoSampled.

Shaw's album met de hoogste hitlijsten in de VS was 'Sweet Beginnings' uit 1977, met op memorabele wijze haar chique cover van 'Go Away Little Girl' van Gerry Goffin en Carole King in het nummer 'Yu-Ma/Go Away Little Boy', waarmee ze enkele hits opleverde. Succes in de R&B-hitlijst. Het album piekte op nummer 62.

Ze werd geboren als Marlina Burgess (Shaw, evenals ‘Marlene Bradshaw’ waren artiestennamen) in New Rochelle, N.Y., op 22 september 1942. Haar oom, Jimmy Burgess, was een jazztrompettist die haar had voorgesteld aan “goede muziek” – van Miles Davis en Dizzy Gillespie.

Shaw nam uiteindelijk opnames op voor het Chess-label Cadet Records en jazzgigant Blue Note Records, evenals voor Verve, Concord Jazz en Columbia (ondanks dat ze vele jaren eerder een auditie voor de legendarische John Hammond uit Columbia had verprutst).

Verve Records zei in een Facebook-bericht: “We zijn bedroefd door het overlijden van Marlena Shaw, een geweldige zangeres wiens 'California Soul' vandaag de dag net zo populair is als ooit tevoren en wiens album 'It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.' hielp bij de herlancering van het Verve-label in 1987.”

“Ze ging heel vredig heen en luisterde naar enkele van haar favoriete liedjes”, zei Bradshaw in haar videoboodschap. “Bedankt dat je deel uitmaakte van haar leven, vooral de afgelopen drie jaar, wat haar erg blij maakte, om de Facebook-pagina te hebben en met jullie allemaal te communiceren.

‘Tot het einde was ze Marlena.’

Shaw had vijf kinderen.

UNSTOPPABLE – BILLBOARD CHART-TOPPER ADAM HAWLEY SIGNS NEW R&B/JAZZ ARTISTS TO GROW HIS MBF ENTERTAINMENT LABEL

Jason Jackson, Brandon Marceal and Kat Hawley have new projects on the release schedule.

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (19 January 2024): R&B/Jazz guitarist Adam Hawley’s rocket ride continues as the 14-time Billboard chart-topping artist, songwriter and producer inked three artists to bolster his boutique record label, MBF Entertainment. The title track to his sixth album, “Unstoppable,” launches the imprint’s 2024 release slate that includes forthcoming releases from saxophonist Jason Jackson, flautist Brandon Marceal and vocalist Kat Hawley.  

Hawley’s career path and chart successes in the eight years since he released his debut album, “Just the Beginning,” have been nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to releasing the 2016 collection on Maurice White’s Kalimba Records that earned him three Billboard No. 1 hits, Hawley was a first-call touring and session musician, playing guitar on stage and in the studio to accompany Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole, Brian McKnight, Backstreet Boys, Lalah Hathaway, Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, and Manhattan Transfer. Three more albums followed as did the No. 1 Billboard hits – for his solo releases as well as for music that he wrote and/or produced for other artists.

After White passed and Kalimba Records dismantled, Hawley began releasing his albums via his own label, MBF Entertainment. First, he reissued his first two albums, “Just the Beginning” and “Double Vision,” in 2019. His third album, “Escape,” was the first new album released by MBF Entertainment. It was 2020’s best-selling jazz album in 2020 according to Nielsen, driven by two more Billboard No. 1 hits.

Although Hawley initially created MBF Entertainment to release his own records, as he continued to experience success as a producer, he decided to bring everything together under one roof and sign other artists to the label.

“I was the last person to get onboard with doing a label,” admitted Hawley with a laugh. “But the more music that I wrote and produced for other artists, I saw the opportunity to combine all these elements of creating music and then releasing it in a way that would build the careers of these artists.”

Hawley produced several tracks for Jackson’s 2021 debut EP, “Movin’ On,” and the R&B/jazz saxman’s first full-length album, “All In,” the following year. Jackson’s first single for MBF Entertainment will arrive in April.

Hawley produced two singles for Marceal, a soulful contemporary jazz artist who adds urban and gospel nuances to his repertoire. The flutist’s debut single for MBF Entertainment will drop in June.

Kat Hawley, Adam’s wife, released her debut single for the label, “Keep On, Keepin’ On,” last June featuring saxophone star Steve Cole. Her sophomore single, “Never Too Busy,” was released earlier this month and offers a second glimpse into what’s to come when her debut album streets in July.      

“The thing the first few artists signed to MBF Entertainment have in common is that they put the music first. They’re all fantastic players and good people. They are devoted to learning their craft and each one of them has something to say artistically,” said the Los Angeles-based Hawley, who earned a doctorate in music arts from the University of Southern California.

Last month, Hawley toured the U.S. performing a Christmas-themed concert setlist in support of his newly released “What Christmas Means To Me” album. The “Unstoppable” single will be released next month followed by the album of the same name in March. Featured guests on the project include Jackson, Kat Hawley, saxophonist Judah Sealy, and vocalist L. Young.

MBF Entertainment releases are distributed by A-Train Entertainment. For more information, please visit https://www.mbfentertainment.com. 

JACK SAX DAVIES IS ON A ‘LATE NIGHT DRIVE’

Jack Sax Davies is a British 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, Lance Van Lenten, George Garzone and Ed Tomassi.

Jack's new single "Late Night Drive" has been described as “a throwback to what Smooth Jazz used to be”. The type of funky yet seductive instrumental jam for a long road trip with an open highway ahead.

As well as being the composer and producer Jack showcases his tenor saxophone and keyboard skills on this track. Supported by a group of musician friends from across the globe, the track is a fusion of retro nostalgia and modern production which is bound to take you on a memorable journey.

DOC POWELL FT. KIRK WHALUM – ‘SOUTHERN WINDS’

Grammy-nominated guitarist/producer/songwriter and go-to guitarist for some of the biggest names in music, Doc Powell has already carved out a space in music history with chart-topping songs.

Powell's latest self-penned single "Southern Winds" features Kirk Whalum on flute and jazz pianist Myron McKinley (Earth Wind & Fire MD), and proves once again his ability to write and produce chart-topping songs.

ELDON T. JONES – ‘RIP CITY’

Side 2 Music is proud to present “Rip City”, the brand new radio single from saxophonist Eldon T Jones. This time out, Jones pulls out all the stops with a bona fide funk-filled hit! It grooves deep and oozes vibe as Eldon pays tribute to “Rip City”, his hometown of Portland, Oregon.

The nickname came about many years ago as legendary sports announcer Bill Schonely called a Trailblazer’s game versus the LA Lakers on February 18th, 1971. At a pivotal turnaround moment in the game for the Trailblazers, Schonely exclaimed “Rip City!” That name stuck and has become a part of sports history.

The energy and excitement that was present in the arena that day is reflected in this feel-good jam. Get on your feet and enjoy the latest from Eldon T Jones.

"RIP CITY" (4:06)

Written by Darren Rahn and Eldon T Jones (Odipantz Music/ASCAP, Eldon T Jones Music/BMI)

Produced and mixed by Darren Rahn

Eldon T Jones–Tenor Sax

Allen Hinds–Guitar

Mel Brown–Bass

Darren Rahn-Keys, Synthesizers, Programming

SOUL MUSIC LEGEND JOHN ELLISON’S "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL" ALBUM SET FOR A GOLDEN DROP ON JANUARY 26

The collection featuring eleven new songs and a remake of his classic hit will be released as a limited-edition gold vinyl disc.

TAMPA, FL (16 JANUARY 2024): Singer-songwriter John Ellison wrote one of the most recorded and most played songs in music history, “Some Kind of Wonderful.” On his 82nd birthday last August, Ellison previewed his new album by releasing a newly recorded version of the 1967 smash hit that he originally recorded with his band, Soul Brothers Six. The “Some Kind of Wonderful” album, featuring eleven new songs written by Ellison and produced by Roger Heijster, finally releases on January 26 from PopMi Music.

Ellison’s signature song that has earned him multiple lifetime achievement awards from BMI, his native West Virginia, and his second homeland, Canada, “Some Kind of Wonderful” 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.

Just prior to New Year’s Eve, Ellison released a second single to preview the coming set. “If I Had Just One Wish” offers feel-good vibes for 2024 via a reggae groove and a luminous horn section. Ellison’s optimistic and hopeful wish calls for more love, peace and harmony in the new year despite rising tensions, wars and unrest. 

“If I had just one wish, this is what it would be.

I wish that the whole world could live in peace and harmony.

There be no more wars, there be no more hate.

I’ll make this world a better place, I’ll make this world great.

If I had just one wish!”

Ellison recorded the “Some Kind of Wonderful” album at PopMi Music’s studio in the Netherlands. The dozen tunes are a blend of soul, blues, R&B, funk, gospel and reggae music. Armed with an electric guitar, Ellison’s well-worn and expressive vocals tell tales of love, hope, celebration, romance and reflection. Heijster cowrote a couple of songs on the album and provided the majority of the instrumentation (drums, percussion, bass, guitars, keyboards and programming). Bassists Lucien Matheeuwsen and Peter Bergman and drummer Wiktoria Bialic enhance the rhythm tracks, and singers Angela Walls and D’MAR contribute to the vocals. Trumpeter Serge Plume, trombonist Jel Jongen, and baritone and tenor saxophonist Allard Buwalda form the Jay Horns, adding fire power, texture, depth and emotion to the album.

Next month during Black History Month, the historic hitmaker Ellison will release the third single from the album. Two days after Valentine’s Day, “Let Me Be the One” delivers a romantic bouquet.

The “Some Kind of Wonderful” album is available now for digital preorders and will be released as a CD, in black vinyl and as a limited-edition gold vinyl record for collectors. For more information, please visit https://www.johnellisonmusic.com.

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”

'PUR SANG BRENGT ODE AAN ROB DE NIJS’ IN CAPITOLE GENT (20/09) EN KONINGIN ELISABETHZAAL ANTWERPEN (14/12)

Originele band van Rob de Nijs brengt zijn hits en vergeten pareltjes

20 september 2024 - Capitole Gent 
14 december 2024 - Koningin Elisabethzaal Antwerpen 

Ticketverkoop start woensdag 17 januari 2024 om 9.00 uur via robdenijs.nl  

Op 21 juni 2022 nam Rob de Nijs in de Amsterdamse Ziggo Dome definitief afscheid van het publiek. Een ontroerend en emotioneel afscheid van één van de beste en meest geliefde zangers van de Lage Landen. Zijn strijd tegen de ziekte van Parkinson maakte een abrupt einde aan een indrukwekkende 60-jarige muzikale carriere. Iets wat bij de Nederlandse en Vlaamse fans een enorme indruk heeft gemaakt. Dagelijks laten mensen via brieven en sociale media weten dat ze Rob en zijn liedjes missen. Om dat gemis te verzachten, zal de Pur Sang Band die Rob de Nijs meer dan 40 jaar begeleidde, dit jaar met een aantal gastartiesten enkele avondvullende concerten geven waarin het repertoire van Rob centraal staat. Dit allemaal met de zegen en onder toeziend oog van Rob zelf. In Vlaanderen zal je op 20 september in Capitole Gent en op 14 december in de Antwerpse Koningin Elisabethzaal opnieuw kunnen komen genieten van vergeten pareltjes en klassiekers, zoals ‘Malle Babbe’, ‘Ritme van de Regen’, ‘Het werd zomer’ en ‘Banger Hart’. Kortom, een avond vol verrassingen, melancholie en jeugdsentiment. De ticketverkoop voor deze bijzondere concerten start op woensdag 17 januari 2024 om 9.00 uur via www.robdenijs.nl

“Het idee voor deze concerten komt deels van Rob en zijn trouwe fans”, aldus Frank Jansen, jarenlang Rob de Nijs zijn vaste pianist en manager. “Bijna dagelijks komen er nog berichten binnen, met de post of via sociale media, van mensen die Rob en zijn muziek missen en die ook met bijzonder veel heimwee en nostalgie terugdenken aan de vele optredens die hij gaf. Inspelend op dat grote gemis, hebben we met Rob overlegd en kregen we meteen de goedkeuring om de ‘Pur Sang brengt ode aan Rob de Nijs’-concerten te gaan organiseren. Deze concerten zijn voor ons ook een mooie gelegenheid om met het publiek herinneringen op te halen aan vroeger, maar ook om unieke en minder bekende stukken te spelen uit Rob zijn indrukwekkende repertoire.

Samen met zijn collega-muzikanten van de Pur Sang Band kijkt Frank Jansen uit naar deze ode aan Rob de Nijs:

“De zoektocht naar gastartiesten is al een tijdje opgestart. Ik ga nog geen namen noemen, maar dat zullen mensen zijn die affiniteit hebben met Rob zijn repertoire. In de achtergrond hebben we de steun van Rob, die meekijkt naar de invulling. Met deze concerten vullen we niet alleen een leegte, maar brengen we ook een warm eerbetoon aan een groot artiest die met zijn muziek nog steeds erg geliefd is in Vlaanderen. Omdat het prachtige repertoire van Rob de Nijs niet verloren mag gaan, krijgt zijn uitverkochte afscheidsconcert van november 2021 in het Antwerpse Sportpaleis dit jaar dus een vervolg met twee unieke concerten in Gent en Antwerpen.”

Tickets voor de ‘Pur Sang brengt ode aan Rob de Nijs’-concerten op vrijdag 20 september 2024 in Capitole Gent en op zaterdag 14 december 2024 in de Koningin Elisabethzaal Antwerpen, kan je vanaf woensdag 17 januari 2024 bestellen op robdenijs.nl

Deze concerten zijn een organisatie van House of Entertainment i.s.m. Trix Theater & Muziek.

FUNDRAISING SINGLE FOR KATHY BROWN - WH0, MARK KNIGHT, JAMES HURR FEAT. KATHY BROWN – TURN ME DEEPER

Late last year, the internationally celebrated house music vocalist and chart-topping diva Kathy Brown was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which has now spread to her brain. The news came as a total shock to her family, friends and fans as it resulted in an emergency operation. Kathy is currently undergoing a course of radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and the road ahead is going to be a challenge unlike any she has faced before.

Kathy and her family are now facing the harsh reality of what this means - not only the physical and medical challenges, but also the many financial ones. Like most artists who have devoted their careers to dance music, without being able to perform, there’s little to no chance of Kathy being able to earn an income. Kathy has poured her heart and soul onto stages and dancefloors all over the world for more than thirty years, and is now asking for help.

Kathy’s daughter Chanta Joyner has set up a GoFundMe to help support the family at this extremely difficult time. To aid the fundraising effort, Toolroom have announced a charity single from Wh0, Mark Knight & James Hurr featuring Kathy’s iconic vocals titled, ‘Turn Me Deeper’. The single oozes fun and good times, which is what Kathy’s music has always been about.

All the original writers have allocated all publishing earnings, with the artists and Toolroom also pledging all of their royalties to help get Kathy the best treatment possible.

Originally hailing from South Carolina, Kathy Brown originally found fame as the chart-topping lead singer of the group Praxis before having US dance hits on her own. In 1999 she climbed to #4 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart with "Joy" and in 2004 was the credited lead vocalist on the British act Soul Central's "Strings Of Life (Stronger On My Own)", a track that samples Rhythm Is Rhythm's 1989 House classic. Over the years she featured on dozens of house and club singles and has become one of the best-loved voices of house ever to have graced the scene.

To donate to the Kathy’s GoFundMe, head to https://www.gofundme.com/f/kathy-browns-battle-with-cancer

Track Listing
1 Turn Me Deeper
2 Turn Me Deeper (Extended Mix)

Wh0, Mark Knight & James Hurr feat. Kathy Brown ‘Turn Me Deeper’ will be released 19th January 2024 on Toolroom, with all proceeds going to Kathy’s GoFundMe campaign.  

ICONIC HOUSE MUSIC VOCALIST KATHY BROWN DIAGNOSED WITH STAGE 4 CANCER – GOFUNDME APPEAL AND FUNDRAISING SINGLE

Wh0, Mark Knight, James Hurr feat. Kathy Brown
‘Turn Me Deeper’
Toolroom / TOOL1235
https://www.gofundme.com/f/kathy-browns-battle-with-cancer
https://www.instagram.com/kathybrowndiva
https://toolroomrecords.com

JOE TAYLOR – ‘WESTSIDE CHILL’

Guitarist Joe Taylor's new album Westside Chill, co-produced with multiple Grammy winner Steve Rosenthal, is a funky collection of original tunes with the big, memorable melodies and deep grooves guitarist Joe Taylor has been known for since his days as a chart-topping RCA Victor recording artist.

With radio focus on the title cut, "Westside Chill", Taylor brings the same heat and elegance that drove his RCA and Moonwatcher releases into the Billboard and Gavin top-five. Featuring an all-star group of friends (Steve Holley, Jeff Franzel, Woody Lingle, Brian Stanley, John Ragusa), and dynamic young-blood vocalist Jordan Trotter, this record represents Joe’s “best work since his collaboration with B. Sure! and the late-great Keith Diamond."

D.S. WILSON HAS SOME ‘POCKET CHANGE’

Saxman D.S. Wilson teamed up with Artist/Producer Steve Oliver as well as Gold and Platinum Producer Jeff Carruthers, along with an all-star cast to produce Wilson’s fourth solo Smooth Jazz album entitled “Metamorphosis”. The album features a contemporary sound with catchy melodies, along with solid grooves and influences from Wilson’s background in Rock, Pop, and Blues. Buoyed by the Top 20 success of his previous album “Skyline” (produced by Adam Hawley), Metamorphosis represents Wilson’s growth journey from being a part-time musician in the corporate world to leaving the corporate world for full-time music career. The single “Pocket Change” was released on Jan. 5th, 2024 and is the first advance single from the new album.

"Pocket Change"

Produced by Steve Oliver & Jeff Carruthers

Mastered by Euge Groove

D.S. Wilson: Saxophone, Piano, Keys

Jeff Carruthers: Guitars, Keys, Programming

Steve Oliver: Guitars, Programming

Eric Valentine: Drums

Chris Miskel: Drums

Maurice Fitzgerald: Bass

Cornelius Mims: Bass

BIG MIKE HART FT. BONEY JAMES SITS IN A ‘CIGAR LOUNGE’

Michael “BIG MIKE” Hart Jr. is a talented musician, producer and songwriter with a modern sound and classic feel. The Sacramento native developed his love for music at a young age, gravitating to the guitar identifying it as the “Holy Ghost”. Mike has taken a piece from all of his influences and fused them together, creating his own individual style. He has been afforded the opportunity to tour, produce and write for some of the world's favorite artists and TV shows.

"Cigar Lounge"

Written by Michael B. Hart Jr. & Greg Curtis Jr.

Produced by Bigs & Bangs

Mixed & Mastered by Michael B. Hart Jr

Big Mike Hart: Horn Arrangements, Guitars, Rhodes, Programming

Marus Paul: Horn Arrangements, Trumpet

Brandon Harris: Drums

Derek "DOA" Allen: Bass Guitar

Boney James: Saxophone

Greg Curtis Jr.: Organ, Wurley

ANDRÉ RIEU KEERT OP 12 JANUARI 2025 TERUG NAAR SPORTPALEIS ANTWERPEN

Ticketverkoop start vrijdag 19 januari 2024 om 10 uur op www.andrerieu.com

Een uitverkocht Antwerps Sportpaleis genoot op zondag 7 januari met volle teugen van  André Rieu zijn ondertussen traditionele en geliefde Nieuwjaarsconcert. Voor de vele fans is er goed nieuws, want op zondag 12 januari 2025 keert André Rieu maar wat graag terug naar Antwerpen voor zijn vertrouwde Sportpaleis-concert bij de start van het nieuwe jaar. De ‘Koning van de wals’ en zijn 60-koppige Johann Strauss Orkest presenteren zoals steeds een avond vol magische muziek, dans, ongeëvenaard spektakel én André’s fijnbesnaarde humor. De kaartverkoop voor dit Nieuwjaarsconcert 2025 in Sportpaleis Antwerpen start op vrijdag 19 januari 2024 om 10 uur op www.andrerieu.com. 

André Rieu, bij miljoenen over de hele wereld bekend als de ‘Koning van de Wals’, is een muzikaal fenomeen als geen ander. Een echte grootmeester van de romantiek, met maar liefst 40 miljoen verkochte cd's en dvd's, 30 nummer 1-posities in hitlijsten over de hele wereld, meer dan 500 platina awards en 3 Classic Brit Awards. Samen met zijn 60-koppige Johann Strauss Orkest (het grootste privé-orkest ter wereld) heeft André een wereldwijde heropleving van de walsmuziek gecreëerd, met spectaculaire acts die ongeëvenaard zijn.

De Nieuwjaarsconcerten van de sterviolist creëren een zeer memorabele sfeer en begroeten het nieuwe jaar met traditionele walsen van Johann Strauss en andere componisten, maar ook met populaire melodieën en evergreens. Naast de fenomenale kerstconcerten en de buitengewone openluchtconcerten op het Vrijthof (Maastricht) in de zomer, behoren de Nieuwjaarsconcerten tot de meest geliefde concerten. Dit jaar waren deze drie concerten volledig uitverkocht met zo'n 40.000 geboeide toeschouwers van over de hele wereld.

André Rieu en zijn orkest zijn momenteel op tournee in Duitsland en zullen daarna optreden in Frankrijk, Bahrein, Zwitserland, het Verenigd Koninkrijk en Ierland, Polen en Oost-Europa. Bijzondere hoogtepunten in 2024 zijn de eerste concerten in Griekenland en Abu Dhabi en natuurlijk het jaarlijkse openluchtconcert op het historische Vrijthof  in juli.

Met veel plezier kondigt André Rieu nu al de nieuwe data aan voor zijn traditionele Nieuwjaarsconcerten in Amsterdam en Antwerpen in januari 2025. De concerten, waarmee zijn wereldtournee 2025 begint, vinden plaats in de Ziggo Dome Amsterdam op 11 januari en in Sportpaleis Antwerpen op 12 januari 2025. 

Deze concerten zijn de perfecte start voor het nieuwe jaar. Fans kunnen wederom een avond vol walsen, opera- en operettemelodieën, musical, romantiek, plezier en heel veel verrassingen verwachten.

Verzeker je vanaf 19 januari 2024 van de beste plaatsen en aantrekkelijke reisarrangementen voor André Rieu's traditionele Nieuwjaarsconcerten 2025 via www.andrerieu.com

BELLE PEREZ VIERT ‘25 JAAR HITS’ OP 8 NOVEMBER 2024 IN DE LOTTO ARENA

Ticketverkoop start vrijdag 12 januari 2024 om 10u.

Voor dé ultieme fiesta moet je op vrijdag 8 november 2024 in de Antwerpse Lotto Arena zijn. Daar viert Belle Perez haar succesvolle carrière tijdens het vurige jubileumconcert ’25 Jaar Hits’. Dit jaar is het inderdaad precies een kwarteeuw geleden dat de wereld letterlijk met haar kennismaakte dankzij Hello World, de hitgevoelige debuutsingle van de ravissante Spaans-Belgische artieste. Met 5 overwinningen op rij, waaronder met de classics Que Viva La Vida, Enamorada en Ave Maria, is ze nog steeds de absolute recordhoudster van Zomerhit. In de Lage Landen is Belle Perez al jaren een gevestigde waarde met ook nog hits als Honeybee, Me and You, Dime en El Mundo Bailando op haar indrukwekkende palmares. Al haar ervaring, klasse, positieve latin-vibes, energie en 25 jaar aan heerlijke hits, komen nu op vrijdag 8 november 2024 samen op het podium van de Lotto Arena. Verwacht je aan zwoele latin-klassiekers, nieuwe songs, muzikale pareltjes en uiteraard haar fantastische liveband. 

Tickets voor ‘Belle Perez – 25 Jaar Hits’ op vrijdag 8 november 2024 in de Lotto Arena, zijn vanaf vrijdag 12 januari om 10u verkrijgbaar via ticketkopen.eu 

Met het nodige tromgeroffel, maar vooral met veel enthousiasme is Belle Perez begonnen aan het nieuwe jaar. Dat wordt bijzonder, want ze viert in 2024 een kwarteeuw carrière. Begin februari start in Nederland haar gloednieuwe theatertournee ‘Diferente’, waarmee ze ook bij ons zal touren, maar de absolute apotheose van dit feestjaar volgt in Vlaanderen met ‘Belle Perez - 25 Jaar Hits’, hét jubileumconcert waarmee ze op vrijdag 8 november 2024 in de Antwerpse Lotto Arena staat. 

“Ik ga er nog niet te veel over verklappen, maar het wordt een productief jaar”, zegt ze glimlachend. “In het nieuwe jaar pakken we in de Lage Landen gelijktijdig uit met nieuwe muziek. Met het resultaat van enkele schrijfsessies trokken we de afgelopen maanden naar de studio, waar we nieuwe nummers hebben opgenomen. De komende weken verschijnt de eerste single en dat wordt meteen al iets heel bijzonders”, zegt Belle mysterieus.

Nu eens lichtvoetig en opgewekt, dan weer intiem en ontwapenend, of net heel uitbundig en explosief. Belle weet hoe ze die uitersten moet verzoenen. Het typeert haar veelzijdigheid. De Spaanse latino-vibes zijn haar unieke handelsmerk. Haar krachtig, betoverend stemgeluid, verpakt in een ravissante, oprechte, hartverwarmende persoonlijkheid, haar troeven waarmee ze charmeert. Belle is puur, onversneden en vooral nog steeds één van onze absolute topartiesten. Haar jubileumconcert ‘Belle Perez - 25 Jaar Hits’ wordt op vrijdag 8 november 2024 een nieuw hoogtepunt in haar carrière. Het is de afsluiter van een jubileumjaar waarin Belle ook vooruitkijkt naar de toekomst.

“Wie mij kent, weet dat ik het fijn vind om af en toe eens buiten de traditionele muzikale lijntjes te kleuren. Wel, die avond gaan we dat zeker doen, met veel hits, veel sfeer en vooral heel veel positieve vibes en energie. Het wordt een avond met mijn bekende nummers, maar ook andere pareltjes. Surprises horen er ook bij, want voor mij is dit concert het ideale moment om mijn talrijke, trouwe fans en het publiek dat mij de afgelopen jaren heeft gesteund nog eens oprecht te bedanken. Daarnaast geef ik een voorsmaakje van wat ze van mij in de toekomst mogen verwachten, met ook nieuwe nummers die we in aanloop naar dit concert uitbrengen. Naar ’25 Jaar Hits’ in de Lotto Arena kijk ik zelf enorm uit, want dit wordt het hoogtepunt en de absolute apotheose van mijn jubileumjaar”, klinkt het enthousiast.

Het concert ‘Belle Perez – 25 Jaar Hits’ op vrijdag 8 november 2024 in de Antwerpse Lotto Arena is een organisatie van House of Entertainment en Gracia Live. De ticketverkoop start aanstaande vrijdag 12 januari 2024 om 10u via ticketkopen.eu.

'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' MET WEERGALOZE LUCAS VAN DEN EYNDE KEERT IN KROKUSVAKANTIE TERUG NAAR STADSSCHOUWBURG ANTWERPEN

Nadat ze er in november 2023 al eens try-outgewijs mochten warmdraaien, keren cast & crew van de hartverwarmende familiemusical 'A Christmas Carol' van 17 tot en met 25 februari 2024 terug naar Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen. Lucas Van den Eynde, die een werkelijk fenomenale Ebenezer Scrooge neerzet, en zijn ijzersterke, maar ook zeer geestige collega's, mogen dat doen na een uiterst succesvolle eerste run in Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt. Met nu al 40.000 bezoekers, extra shows en lovende reacties van pers en publiek in de tas, zijn ze meer dan klaar om tijdens de krokusvakantie het publiek in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen opnieuw helemaal in te pakken.

Bekijk HIER het premièreverslag

'A Christmas Carol' in februari? "De vraag voor mij is vooral: waarom niet?", zo zegt schrijver-regisseur Stany Crets:

"'A Christmas Carol' is zoveel meer dan een kerstmusical. Het is een tijdloos verhaal over verdraagzaamheid, liefde, zorg voor familie en vrienden,... . We hebben een hedendaagse familievoorstelling gemaakt, met respect voor het originele verhaal van Charles Dickens, nieuwe muziek en doorspekt met de nodige humor en een vleugje romantiek. Een hartverwarmende productie die toevallig 'Christmas' in de titel heeft staan, maar die het ganse jaar gebracht kan worden en relevant is. Dus ja, wij spelen die ook in februari (lacht)."

Geniet van de laatste voorstellingen van ‘A Christmas Carol’, van 17 tot en met 25 februari 2024 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen. Tickets & info: www.deepbridge.be.

ELBERT PHILIPS & ANDRE ESPEUT - ‘TEARS’

The original release of 'Tears', released 34 years ago by Satoshi Tomiie, Robert Owens and the Godfather of House Music, Frankie Knuckles has left a lasting impression on all of us. Long-time friend and regular cohort of Frankie Knunckles, Elbert Phillips, has joined forces with London soul brother, Andre Espeut, on a beautiful, fresh 'loving tribute' of this cherished classic. This fabulous revision respectfully brings the 'Tears' into 2023, Andre embodies the spirit of the song with a stunning vocal delivery, as Elbert provides an emotive soundtrack with the help of top quality musicians William Kurk (keys), Tom Laroye (percussion and Prophet 5 Synthesizer), Shamrock Guitor (guitar), and Evans Tate on Soprano Saxophone.

"After hearing him make magic, I knew that my band and I had to go in and create something special to back Andre’s embodied vocals!" - Elbert Phillips

Personally selected by Frankie Knuckles to be the House Godfather's warm-up DJ, Chicagoan native Elbert Phillips is mined from the seam of the Chicago House music scene. Elbert is a producer and remixer who has worked with Josh Milan, Ursula Rucker, Andre Espeut, Shamrock Guitor, and Carla Prather, to name a few. His productions and remixes have landed on labels such as Chillifunk, Soul N Pepa, King Street Sounds, Peppermint Jam, Street King and more. Elbert produces the Monthly Statement show for UK station Soul-Power Radio, and a weekly broadcast for Passion Ibiza Radio.

Track Listing
1 Tears (Loving Tribute Mix)
2 Tears (Acid Dub)
3 Tears (Loving Tribute Instrumental)
4 Tears (Radio Edit)

Elbert Phillips & Andre Espeut 'Tears' will be released on Traxsource promo on January 5th / Full Release January 18th 2024 on Chillifunk Records.

Elbert Phillips & Andre Espeut
‘Tears’
Chillifunk Records / 097
https://www.instagram.com/dj_elbert_phillips/
https://www.facebook.com/andre.espeut.5
https://chillifunkrecords.bandcamp.com
https://www.mixcloud.com/elbertsp1/stream/

INNERVISION RECORDS CELEBATES ANOTHER SUCCESFUL BILLBOARD CHART YEAR

The No. 3 Smooth Jazz Label of the Year for the fifth consecutive time will showcase its roster at the After NAMM JAMM at Spaghettini on January 28.

LOS ANGELES (3 January 2024): Innervision Records’s depth and consistency won the boutique label the honor of being Billboard’s No. 3 Smooth Jazz Label of the Year for the fifth consecutive year, which was made possible by having four different artists land five Billboard top ten singles in 2023.

After scoring Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Song of the Year in 2022 with “SHINE!,” flutist Kim Scott continued her winning ways in 2023 by issuing two Billboard top ten singles: “Magic City Streets” and “Off The Top.” Innervision Records opened the year at No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart courtesy of saxophonist Will Donato’s “Good On You.” A pair of the Southern California-based label’s guitarists went top ten last year with Blake Aaron crushing it with “Crush” and JJ Sansaverino cruising up the chart with “Ride With Me.”

“We are so proud of Innervision Records earning the No. 3 Smooth Jazz Label of the Year at Billboard for five consecutive years. Innervision is truly the most artist-friendly record label around with a business model that has stood the test of time. Our artists are like family and our team is dedicated to ensuring the success of each and every one of our artists,” said Innervision Records’ A&R and radio promotions executive Adam Leibovitz.

Aaron, one of the first artists inked to Innervision Records when the label launched 26 years ago, will kick off the 2024 release slate on Friday (January 5) with “She’s the One.” The tune produced by Billboard hitmaker Adam Hawley and written by Aaron, Hawley and Carnell Harrell is the latest single culled from Aaron’s “Love and Rhythm” album, which drops on April 19. It’s a romantic groove buoyed by lush melodies and bodes to become the third Billboard No. 1 single from Aaron’s forthcoming collection.  

“As soon as I heard this beautiful track from Adam Hawley and Carnell Harrell, it immediately inspired me to write a captivating and infectious guitar melody, which I sang into my iPhone and later became the single, ‘She’s the One.’ It’s the second single to come from an old-school recording session that I did with Adam (Hawley) when we locked ourselves in the studio and vowed not to emerge until we finished two new songs,” said Aaron. 

For the eleventh year, Innervision Records will proudly highlight their roster at their After NAMM JAMM held at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles on January 28, the closing night of the NAMM Convention. Among the label’s artists scheduled to take the stage to perform are Aaron, Sansaverino, Donato, Erin Stevenson, Tom Braxton, Dean James, Keith Andrew, Rick Habana, Charles A. Kelly, Aysha and Dean Grech.

2024 promises to be another dominant year for Innervision Records with new albums coming from Aaron, Scott (“Livin’ It Up”), Stevenson (“UnderCover Girl”) and Cal Harris Jr. (“Bridges”). 

Innervision Records’ general manager Steve Belkin said, “At Innervision Records, we are very grateful for the continued growth and success this 'artist family label’ has experienced over the last two-and-a-half decades and look forward to reaching new heights in 2024 with a record number of exciting, new releases and lots of great music from our outstanding and talented roster."

For more information, please visit www.innervisionrecords.com. 

TOMMY DAVIDSON – ‘LAUSANNE’

Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range – from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments – have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show In Living Color, his visibility has allowed him to become a household name known for his innovative talent. Davidson started his career as a standup comedian in Washington DC, earning an ardent following. Spotted by major concert promoters, he was first booked as the opening act for Patti LaBelle, Kenny G and Luther Vandross. It wasn’t long before he came to Hollywood and was headlining the biggest rooms and met Robert Townsend. This led to his first national TV appearance and starring role in Partners in Crime, the conduit to Keenan Ivory Wayans, who proved instrumental in Davidson’s career.

Tommy’s film debut started opposite Halle Berry in Strictly Business. A range of feature film roles from Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, where he received acclaim and praise for his turn as “Womack/Sleep ‘N Eats,” to Juwanna Mann (Morgan Creek) and the pivotal cameo in Jim Carrey’s Ace Ventura II: When Nature Calls, followed. Recently, he starred in the landmark, award-winning documentary, I Am Comic, opposite Tim Allen, Lewis Black and in the feature doc, Dying Laughing, alongside Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman.

In addition to his acting accolades, Tommy Davidson is a talented vocalist. You're sure to enjoy his new single, "Lausanne".

ROMAN STREET – ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GROOVE’

Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since the college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed 'the next generation' of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street, named for an old roman street in the Alps where they studied guitar, 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 title for their new single "It's All About The Groove" is something that the group's bass player Jo Jo Morris has always said when talking about what makes people feel music. That saying has always resonated with Roman Street so they decided to use it as the name for their new single. Roman Street will be playing it live in February when they open up for the legendary Gipsy Kings!

KAT HAWLEY IS ‘NEVER TOO BUSY’

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. 

In 2023, Kat released her debut single, “Keep On, Keepin’ On” feat. Steve Cole. Not only did it get airplay on eleven Billboard and Mediabase stations, it also landed in the top 40 on the Smooth Jazz Network chart at #38.

Following up with her second single, "Never Too Busy," Kat showcases her diversity with her vocal sound and delivery. She never fails to uniquely and soulfully express vocals with an intrinsic ability to infuse emotion into her performances.

"Never Too Busy"

Written by Kat Hawley and Adam Hawley

Produced and mixed by Adam Hawley

Mastered by Steve Hall

Kat Hawley: Lead & Background Vocals

Michael Stever: Trumpet

Adam Hawley: Guitars, Rhodes, Keys, Bass & Programming

Carnell Harrell: Additional Synths

Ramon Yslas: Percussion

Eric Valentine: Drums

DARREN RAHN HAS A ‘TABLE FOR TWO’

Side 2 Music is proud to present “Table For Two”, the brand new radio single from veteran saxophonist and hitmaker Darren Rahn. This time out, Rahn presents a deeply meaningful and romantic cut with an infectious foundation and soaring tenor sax melody. It’s time to relax and enjoy with that special someone as you soak up the blissful musical vibes together.

INNOVATIEVE JAZZMUZIKANT LES McCANN OVERLEDEN

Les McCann, een productieve en invloedrijke muzikant en artiest die hielp bij het vinden van het souljazz-genre, en een favoriete bron werd voor sampling door Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest en honderden andere hiphopartiesten, is overleden. Hij was 88.

McCann stierf afgelopen vrijdag in Los Angeles, een week nadat hij in het ziekenhuis was opgenomen met een longontsteking, aldus zijn oude manager en producer, Alan Abrahams.

McCann, geboren in Lexington, Kentucky, was een zanger en autodidactische pianist wiens carrière teruggaat tot de jaren vijftig, toen hij een zangwedstrijd won toen hij bij de Amerikaanse marine diende en verscheen in ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’, het topprogramma. van zijn tijd. Met bewonderaars als Quincy Jones en Miles Davis ging hij wereldwijd op tournee en bracht tientallen albums uit, te beginnen in 1960 met ‘Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Truth’.

Hij werd vooral bekend door 'Compared to What', een funky protestlied waarop hij voor het eerst samenwerkte met zijn toekomstige muzikale partner, saxofonist Eddie Harris. 'Compared to What', geschreven door Eugene McDaniels en live opgenomen op het Monteaux Jazz Festival in 1968, mengde jazzy riffs en McCann's gospelachtige zang. Het lied veroordeelde oorlog, hebzucht en onrecht met coupletten als “Nobody gives us rhyme or reason/Have one doubt, they call it treason.”

Onder degenen die 'Compared to What' coverden, bevond zich Roberta Flack, een McCann-protegé wiens carrière hij hielp lanceren door een auditie te organiseren bij Atlantic Records. McCann was een pionier in het samenvoegen van jazz met soul en funk. Hij zou opnemen met Flack en toeren met populaire muzikanten als Wilson Pickett, Santana en de Staples Singers.

Andere albums van hem waren 'Talk to the People' (1972), 'Layers' (1973) en 'Another Beginning' (1974). Vorige maand bracht Resonance Records “Never A Dull Moment! - Live from Coast to Coast (1966-1967)” uit.