ALTHEA RENE – ’18 KARAT’
Born on December 25th in Detroit, Michigan, Althea René began her musical journey at the age of four. She studied classical music while attending Howard University. For more than 10 years, she worked as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff (in Detroit, Michigan) during the day and performed in jazz clubs at night. Today, she endorses renowned hand-sculpted Altus Flutes as a full-time performing and recording artist.
Althea René has nine CD titles to her credit. She is also a featured guest on many recorded projects and has collaborated with several industry leaders throughout the years. In May 2013, Althea René made a significant mark in the music industry with her hit project titled 'In the Flow.' Collaborating with Grammy award-winning producer Michael Broening, she co-wrote the title track that created history as the first flute-featured single to top the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts. This scorching hot single held its #1 position for several weeks, solidifying her status as a trailblazer for other jazz flutists.
Althea's latest Smooth Jazz single is titled "18 Karat".
PAUL TAYLOR – ‘FOREVER MORE’
Over 25 years of his stellar career, Smooth Jazz superstar Paul Taylor has continued to push the boundaries of his creativity, selling millions of albums and garnering scores of contemporary jazz radio hits in the process. Having recorded and shared the stage with a who’s who of contemporary jazz stars such as The Rippingtons, Keiko Matsui, Euge Groove, and so many others, he has wowed festival and concert goers worldwide.
It's A Brand New Day is overflowing with inspiring melodies and sensuous grooves. Together with producers Barry Eastmond, who has scored megahits with Anita Baker, Chaka Kahn, Will Downing and others, and Dino Esposito, who has produced the majority of Paul’s radio hits, Paul Taylor reaches the pinnacle of his creativity.
We think you and your listeners will love the first radio single, "Forever Yours", produced by Barry Eastmond.
SPECIAL EFX FT. CHIELI MINUCCI – ‘MEANT TO BE’
Guitarist, composer, producer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is the longtime leader of Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group SPECIAL EFX featuring Chieli Minucci, a major force in the jazz and world music scene for over 40years.
Chieli has just released “Meant To Be”, his second collaboration with renowned producer Paul Brown. With its sunny, grooving, mid-tempo melody, "Meant To Be" conjures romantic memories–a walk on the beach, a kiss at sunset, a knowing glance between two lovers. Chieli’s melodies and recognizable guitar playing caps off the imagery with its ultra-smooth performance.
"Meant To Be" is the follow-up to the #1 hit, "Cool Summer".
NIEUWE SPEELDATA MUSICAL ‘MAMMA MIA’ IN VLAANDEREN BEKEND
Musical 'MAMMA MIA!' keert vanaf 6 maart 2026 terug in Vlaanderen!
Met Nathalie Meskens, Els Dottermans en Maike Boerdam
Antwerpen - Gent – Hasselt
Musicalproducent Deep Bridge kondigt met enthousiasme de nieuwe speeldata aan voor de populaire musical 'MAMMA MIA!' in Vlaanderen. Na een tijdelijke uitstelperiode zal de feelgood musical, gebaseerd op de grootste hits van ABBA, vanaf 6 maart 2026 opnieuw neerstrijken in de Vlaamse theaters en achtereenvolgens te zien in Trixxo Theater Hasselt, Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen en Capitole Gent. Bezoekers kunnen zich verheugen op een sprankelende voorstelling vol energie, humor en de tijdloze muziek van ABBA. Tickets voor 'MAMMA MIA!' zijn vanaf vandaag opnieuw beschikbaar via deepbridge.be.
"We proberen de cast die eerder werd aangekondigd maximaal aan boord te houden. We kunnen nu al bevestigen dat Nathalie Meskens de rol van de flamboyante Tanya op zich neemt, terwijl Els Dottermans haar musicaldebuut maakt als Rosie. We mochten eerder al vertellen dat Maike Boerdam de rol van Donna op zich neemt. Ook dat blijft zo."
We danken onze trouwe bezoekers voor het geduld en kijken ernaar uit het publiek te verwelkomen bij 'MAMMA MIA!', en samen te genieten van deze onvergetelijke musicalervaring!
- Koen Hendrickx, Deep Bridge –
Pretty Woman
In afwachting van 'MAMMA MIA!' in 2026 kan de liefhebber z'n musicalhonger ook dit voorjaar al stillen. Vanaf 23 maart 2025 presenteert Deep Bridge, in absolute primeur voor Vlaanderen, 'Pretty Woman - De Musical' in Antwerpen, Gent en Hasselt. In deze romantische musicalcomedy, gebaseerd op de iconische film, treden Helle Vanderheyden (Vivian Ward) en Tom Dingenen (Edward Lewis) in de iconische voetsporen van Julia Roberts en Richard Gere.
Tickets & info voor 'Pretty Woman' en 'MAMMA MIA!' via deepbridge.be.
SAXOPHONIST CHASE HUNA BELIEVES THE TIME IS ‘JUST RIGHT’ TO INJECT SOME YOUTH INTO JAZZ
The first single from his upcoming “Heart and Soul” album drops on February 10.
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (22 JANUARY 2025): As a teenager, saxophonist Chase Huna made records under the tutelage of two-time GRAMMY winner Paul Brown and Billboard chart-topper Steve Oliver, learning how to produce and focus on developing his songwriting skills. He’s also shared the stage with contemporary jazz royalty over the last decade. Having cultivated his talents in and out of the studio, now at age 25, Huna feels that the time is right to take the next step as a young emerging artist on the contemporary jazz scene. On February 10, he’ll release “Just Right” as a single to preview his forthcoming “Heart and Soul” album, which he plans to release this summer on Mirage Records.
Huna wrote and produced “Just Right,” a deep pocketed R&B groove constructed by bassist Darryl Williams and drummer Gorden Campbell. Keyboardist Carnell Harrell adds melodic shading that buttresses Huna’s tenor sax. Throughout the track, Huna’s impassioned play exhibits maturity and restraint. His horn work is cool and confident, soulful and sultry.
“I’ve always felt that rhythm lives inside of me. One of my favorite ways to feel that is for me to play it out onstage or write it out in the studio. I knew there was something special about this song when I felt the need to dance to it in my studio every chance I got. I selected the song title thinking that every piece of this recording, from the saxes and instrumentation to writing the best song I could, had to be ‘just right,’” said the Palm Springs, California-born and bred Huna.
“Heart and Soul” will be Huna’s fourth album and he’s crafting the collection with the intention of injecting a jolt of fresh energy, youth, and creativity into jazz. The set will showcase his amalgam of R&B, jazz, pop, and soul. Huna’s focus is on the song, serving and nurturing each one while exploring the unique nuance of every harmony and melody that make up his compositions.
"This new album is so special to me, and I feel that the title says it all. It’s been a fulfilling experience writing and recording every song on this project and it all truly comes from the heart. I’m excited to share the new music. My hope is to share my passion and convey the same feeling I have when playing music with anyone who appreciates the joy music brings,” said Huna.
At fifteen, Huna released his Oliver-produced debut single, “On The Chase.” The cut ended up serving as the title track to Huna’s debut album, which dropped in 2017. A year later, Brown helmed Huna’s third single, “U Best Believe.” During those formative years, Huna focused on learning the art of record production. His first self-produced disc, “Life of the Party,” released in 2020 followed a year later by “Life of the Party Volume II.” Both projects spawned radio singles and airplay, which helped Huna’s audience multiply. The saxman continued to keep the company of genre stars by performing with Peter White, Rick Braun, Marc Antoine, Brian Simpson, and Eric Darius, and hit the stage at the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Catalina JazzTrax Festival, and Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway.
Outside of jazz, Huna frequently performs alongside folk/rock singer-songwriters Al Stewart, Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, and Walter Egan.
To pre-save “Just Right,” go to https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chasehuna1/just-right-2?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid.
For more information, please visit https://www.chasehuna.com.
LEGENDARISCHE DRUMMER LIBERTY DEVITTO CONCENTEERT MET THE BILLY JOEL EXPERIENCE IN ANTWERPEN
Al de grootste hits, classics en minder bekende pareltjes van Billy Joel in één onvergetelijk concert!
18 juni 2025 – Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen
Liberty DeVitto, de legendarische drummer van Billy Joel, komt op 18 juni 2025 naar Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen. Samen met de gelauwerde tributeband The Billy Joel Experience zal DeVitto de onvergetelijke muziek van Billy Joel nieuw leven inblazen tijdens dit exclusieve optreden in België.
Het belooft een unieke samenwerking te worden, waarbij DeVitto's kenmerkende drumgrooves en knallende energie Joels rijke oeuvre nóg authentieker en intenser doen klinken. Samen met het getalenteerde team van The Billy Joel Experience, onder leiding van Alexander Broussard, zullen hits als ‘Piano Man’, ‘She’s Always A Woman’, ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘Goodnight Saigon’, ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’, ‘Honesty’, andere klassiekers die zich in ons collectieve geheugen genesteld hebben en minder bekende pareltjes, met het grootste respect gebracht worden.
Een avond vol energie, virtuoos pianospel en die onmiskenbare, unieke drumpartijen van grootmeester DeVitto kondigt zich aan. Een unieke kans voor elke fan van Billy Joel en liefhebber van onvervalste popmuziek.
Reserveer snel je tickets voor dit onvergetelijke concert via billyjoelexperience.nl
Over Liberty DeVitto:
Als drummer was Liberty DeVitto meer dan 30 jaar lang bepalend voor het iconische geluid van Billy Joel. Zijn stijl is te horen op talloze hits die wereldwijd meer dan 160 miljoen keer zijn verkocht. DeVitto's drumspel is onmiskenbaar van enorme invloed geweest op de popmuziek. Als sessiemuzikant mag hij ook nog namen als Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Karen Carpenter, Stevie Nicks, Rick Wakeman en Meat Loaf op zijn cv zetten.
Over The Billy Joel Experience en Alexander Broussard:
The Billy Joel Experience heeft zich de afgelopen jaren bewezen als dé ultieme Billy Joel tributeband. Ze toeren met groot succes in de Nederlandse theaters, op poppodia en festivals. In 2022 stond The Billy Joel Experience in ZiggoDome Amsterdam, nadat ze één van de winnaars waren van het populaire programma ‘The Tribute - Battle of The Bands’ van SBS6.
Alexander Broussard is het brein achter The Billy Joel Experience. Als veelzijdig pianist, zanger en entertainer heeft hij zich ontpopt tot één van de meest getalenteerde artiesten van de Lage Landen. Zijn passie voor Billy Joels muziek en eigen muzikale kwaliteiten maken van elk optreden een memorabele belevenis.
Tickets voor ‘Liberty DeVitto ft. The Billy Joel Experience’ op woensdag 18 juni 2025 in Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen zijn nu verkrijgbaar via billyjoelexperience.nl
PUBLIEKSLIEVELING TINA BRIDE PAKT NA 20 JAAR UIT MET DE OPVALLENDE NIEUWE SINGLE ‘HAPPY FACE’
Afgelopen zomer was Tina Bride, het alter ego van de Truiense Kim Poelmans, één van de opmerkelijke gasten in ‘Tien om te Zien’. Met de catchy pop-dance song ‘Get To You’ brak Tina in 2001 meteen door bij het grote publiek. Daarna scoorde ze hits met o.a. ‘Perfect Love’, ‘Mr. Sun’ en het heerlijke ‘Don’t Give Up’, songs die je ook terugvindt op haar debuutalbum ‘The Bride Side of Life’.
Na haar succesverhaal in de vroege nillies, pakt de goedlachse artieste met de bandana met nieuwe muziek weer de draad op. Met ‘Happy Face’ horen we een eigentijdse sound die je terecht associeert met de levenslustige, volwassen artieste die haar guitigheid niet is verloren.
“’Happy Face’ klinkt inderdaad als een catchy oorwurm”, zegt Tina lachend. “De song gaat over de complexiteit van een verbroken relatie, maar zonder dat iemand daar de schuld voor krijgt.” Met haar typerende stem raakt Tina Bride je nog steeds en moedigt ze met haar nieuwe single iedereen aan om de schoonheid van de liefde te omarmen.
Bij het begin van het nieuwe jaar is Tina Bride klaar om weer boeiende hoofdstukken toe te voegen aan haar indrukwekkende carrière. De videoclip van ‘Happy Face’ werd opgenomen in Miami, de plek die ze in haar hart draagt en waar ze voluit genoot van het leven en de vrijheid.
De fans kunnen zich voorbereiden op de terugkeer van Tina Bride die zowel nostalgie, maar ook stevige vernieuwing uitrolt. Tina is back met nieuwe muziek, maar staat ook klaar om weer voluit te gaan optreden. “Neen, het is niet eenmalig. Integendeel. Samen met mijn producer-ontdekker Marc Cortens heb ik zin in het nieuwe avontuur. Meer dan ooit besef ik dat optreden en songs delen met je publiek misschien wel de mooiste dingen zijn die er bestaan.” ‘Happy Face’ maakte Bride samen met producer Marc Cortens en is het eerste van meer nieuwe songs die eraan komen. “Met meer dan 3000 YouTube-views voor de videoclip van ‘Happy Face’ in nauwelijks 24 uur en een massa reacties op sociale media is het duidelijk dat er veel mensen blij zijn met mijn nieuwe muziek. Ja, dat raakt mij op een warme, positieve manier en motiveert mij nog meer om er keihard voor te gaan.”
De nieuwe single ‘Happy Face’ van Tina Bride verscheen op L&T Records en is digitaal beschikbaar.
'Happy Face', de nieuwe single van Tina Bride, kan u HIER beluisteren op alle grote streamingplatformen.
AMSTERDAMSE ZANGER LOBO OVERLEDEN
De Amsterdamse zanger Imrich Lobo is eergisteren op 69-jarige leeftijd overleden. Hij schreef vaderlandse popgeschiedenis met de Caribische medley ‘The Caribbean Disco Show’. Imrich Laurence Lobo overleed in Tanzania, waar hij sinds de zomer van 2024 met zijn echtgenote Sherry verbleef om van zijn pensioen te genieten. Lobo was docent natuurkunde in Vlaardingen en Schiedam. In zijn vrije tijd trad hij soms met wat vrienden op. Zo werd hij ontdekt door Henk Kramer van het Nederlands Artiesten Buro. Kramer was onder de indruk van zijn stem en besloot voor hem een echte bühne-act samen te stellen onder de naam Lobo. Imrich Lobo werd in de zomer van 1981 wereldberoemd met zijn hitsingle ‘The Caribbean Disco Show’. In navolging van het wereldwijde succes van het project ‘Stars On 45’ nam Lobo met producers Roy Beltman en Eric Boom een medley van oude Harry Belafonte successen op. De medley bevatte stukjes van calypso-klassiekers als ‘Day-O (Banana Boat)’, ‘Island In The Sun’, ‘Matilda’, ‘Coconut Woman’, ‘Jamaica Farewell’, ‘Angelina’, ‘Angelique-O’, Come Back Liza’ en ‘Judy Drownded’. De single bereikte de tweede plaats van de Nederlandse Top 40 en de achtste positie in de Britse hitlijst. Tijdens optredens liet Lobo zich meestal begeleiden door zangeressen. Hij trad dan op onder de naam Lobo & The Pearls. De opvolger ‘Lobo’s Gospel Show’ werd nog een bescheiden hit, maar daarna was het nieuwtje er wel van af. Eind 2006 ondernam Lobo opnieuw een poging met de single ‘Lobo's Caribbean Christmas Show’, maar deze kerstversie van ‘The Caribbean Disco Show’ flopte. Imrich Lobo ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
SALVATORE ADAMO KOMT MET JUBILEUMCONCERT OOK NAAR HASSELT
Na aangekondigde extra concerten in Antwerpen en Gent: Salvatore Adamo viert (meer dan) 60 jaar carrière ook in Hasselt!
31 mei 2025 - Koningin Elisabethzaal Antwerpen
15 juni 2025 - Capitole Gent
21 september 2025 - Trixxo Theater Hasselt
Na de eerder aangekondigde extra jubileumconcerten op 31 mei in Antwerpen en 15 juni in Gent, viert Salvatore Adamo zijn (ondertussen meer dan) zestigjarige carrière dit najaar ook in Hasselt. Op 21 september 2025 trakteren de Belgisch-Italiaanse wereldster en zijn liveband het publiek in Trixxo Theater Hasselt op deze prachtige concertavond. Tijdloze hits als 'Tombe la neige', 'Vous permettez, monsieur', 'Les Filles du Bord de Mer', 'Insch'Allah' en 'Dolce Paola' mogen ook in Hasselt niet ontbreken. Tickets en info voor de jubileumconcerten van Salvatore Adamo in de Koningin Elisabethzaal in Antwerpen, Capitole Gent en Trixxo Theater Hasselt zijn verkrijgbaar via ticketkopen.eu .
In 2023 vierde Salvatore Adamo, nog steeds de bestverkopende Belgische artiest aller tijden, niet alleen zijn 80ste verjaardag, maar ook zijn indrukwekkende 60-jarige carrière. Naar aanleiding van dit bijzondere dubbele jubileum, trakteerde deze levende legende zijn trouwe fans op 27 mei 2023 in de Antwerpse Koningin Elisabethzaal en op 30 juni 2024 in Capitole Gent, op twee memorabele concertavonden.
Niet alleen zijn publiek hunkerde naar meer, ook de minzame wereldster zag een extra rondje met zijn fenomenale jubileumconcert meer dan zitten en dus kondigde Salvatore Adamo eerder al aan op 31 mei 2025 terug te zullen keren naar de Koningin Elisabethzaal in Antwerpen en op 15 juni 2025 naar Capitole Gent.
Het heilige muzikale vuur brandt nog steeds zo hevig bij de ondertussen 81-jarige zanger, dat ook Limburg zich nu mag opmaken voor deze prachtige concertavond. Op 21 september 2025 komt Salvatore Adamo naar Trixxo Theater Hasselt met zijn bejubelde jubileumconcert, iets wat door de Limburgse fans vast op luid gejuich onthaald zal worden.
Op het podium laat de Belgisch-Italiaanse wereldster zich omringen door zijn eigen geweldige liveband. Naast recenter werk, mogen Adamo-klassiekers als 'Tombe la neige', 'Sans toi ma mie' (waar het in 1963 allemaal mee begon), 'Vous permettez, monsieur', 'Les Filles du Bord de Mer', 'Insch'Allah' en 'Dolce Paola' natuurlijk niet ontbreken.
Mis de fantastische, extra jubileumconcerten van Salvatore Adamo op 31 mei in de Koningin Elisabethzaal, 15 juni in Capitole Gent en op 21 september 2025 in Trixxo Theater Hasselt niet, en bestel nu je tickets via ticketkopen.eu .
Deze concerten zijn een organisatie van House of Entertainment.
PETER WHITE – ‘CATALONIA’
Gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated 17th album Light of Day in early 2025, veteran guitarist and contemporary jazz icon Peter White is celebrating a series of key personal and professional milestones. Having just turned 70, the British born artist says of the new collection, “I think this recording is one of the best I’ve ever made. I have as much enthusiasm and energy for music as I did in my twenties!”
White gets the album off to a rollicking, rip-roaring start with the buoyant first radio single “Catalonia,” whose spirit of high adventure echoes some of the guitarist’s earlier epic tunes like “Ramon’s Revenge” (from Good Day) and “Don Quixote’s Final Quest” (from Smile). At the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, White fulfills a career-long goal by having legendary saxophonist Ernie Watts join him on the soulful, sensually romantic ballad “Enchanted” and taps one of smooth jazz’s most exciting young artists, saxophonist Vincent Ingala to create a passionate duet with his guitar on the heartfelt ballad “I Love You Still.”
Over the course of his 35-year recording career, White has had four #1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums and seven #1 Smooth Jazz airplay hits.
OTHERSIDE – ELECTRONIC MUSIC LABEL ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUMS BY CRAIG PADILLA AND XAN ALEXANDER
A boutique US imprint, OtherSide is defined by the quality of both its music and packaging. Using original masters for the best sound quality and creating strictly limited edition collectible packages of 250 numbered copies for each CD and vinyl release alongside a digital format, the label is already a haven for music enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. In the UK/Europe, a deal with Burning Shed to distribute their physical titles has made it easier for fans to access them.
“I really appreciate the attention that OtherSide are bringing to the presentation of not only their vinyl releases, but also their lavishly packaged CD editions. So refreshing!” Steven Wilson.
Having debuted in early 2024 with albums by Australian electronic artist Matt Goodluck and Swedish prog quintet Twin Age that included CDs in elaborate die-cut sleeve packaging, these were followed by two 12” vinyl EPs both featuring legendary French guitarist Richard Pinhas. One was by a reformed line-up of his ‘70s electro-prog band Heldon, while the other was a previously unissued solo work from 1979.
Two brand new album titles have been announced today by the renowned solo electronic musicians Craig Padilla and Xan Alexander. From California and North West England respectively, each has spent years developing their own style after drawing early influence from classic Berlin school pioneers. Both are released on CD and digitally on 24th January, with order details below.
CRAIG PADILLA
THE PULSE OF LIFE
CD | digital
out 24th January 2025
pre-order
Burning Shed [CD] UK + MAINLAND EUROPE
Bandcamp [CD] WORLD EX-EUROPE [digital] WORLD
includes
PARTICLES IN RADIANCE
Bandcamp audio
Craig Padilla is a US electronic musician initially inspired by Berlin School pioneers such as Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream, as well as the melodic compositions of Vangelis and the atmospheric space music of Steve Roach. Developing a distinctive, organic sound that bridges the worlds of analog, digital and modular synth music, he has issued forty albums since debuting in 1996 that span from trance and space music to new age and more. His diverse and impressive catalogue offers something for all electronic music lovers, while his work with guitarist Marvin Allen - which veers into Pink Floyd territory as well as the guitar based recordings of Tangerine Dream founder Edgar Froese - has also been widely admired.
‘The Pulse of Life’ consists of five tracks of hand and ear played modular sequencer music performed on the Mattson Modular synthesizer. The sound of the past mixed with the shadows of the new, the album is wrapped up in analog beauty.
THE PULSE OF LIFE
TRACKLISTING
1 Riding The Cosmic Trails
2 Stardust Harmonies
3 Reflections
4 Particles In Radiance
5 Pulse Of Life
XAN ALEXANDER
OUROBOROS II
CD | digital
out 24th January 2025
pre-order
Burning Shed [CD] UK + MAINLAND EUROPE
Bandcamp [CD] WORLD EX-EUROPE [digital] WORLD
includes
ARCHITEKTS OF AQUILA
Bandcamp audio
The output of UK musician Xan Alexander over the last two decades has seen him develop a unique style of electronic composition. Starting out in the group The Omega Syndicate before working as part of Magnetron and issuing solo material, he has introduced a subtle English angle to the sounds and spaces in his work that sits alongside the tried and true - and predominantly German - style of electronica that is his primary influence. His thirteenth solo release, ‘Ouroboros II’ delivers six courses of syncopated rhythms and soundscapes emanating from deep inside the well of electronic sound possibility. With a myriad of tiny details embellishing the framework from which rhythms and melodies arise and evolve, the album is both a journey and an experience that results in something substantially more than the sum of its parts. The meal awaits you…bring wine.
OUROBOROS II
TRACKLISTING
1 Horn Of Monoceros I-II-III
2 The Changing Man
3 Meglos
4 Architekts Of Aquila
5 Wings Of Arke
6 ChronoGenesis I
DAVID MORALES & EMILIANO PEPE - ‘YOU DON’T LOVE ME’
‘You Don’t Love Me’ is the gorgeous fruits of a brilliant new collaboration between US producer legend David Morales and acclaimed Italian vocalist and musician, Emiliano Pepe. Emiliano pours out his broken heart, delivering a passionate and catchy song about a lost love. His smooth swoon-inducing R&B tones glide over David’s emotive soundtrack that’s garnished with lush Latin-tinged guitars, fitting Emiliano’s voice like a glove.
David Morales is a globally revered American DJ, Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, and is a true House Music legend. He has produced and remixed over 1000+ records for an all-star roster of multi-platinum artists, including Mariah Carey, U2, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. Launched in 2018, David Morales’ DIRIDIM label beams quality house music. Aside of David’s own productions and collaborations, DIRIDIM also features releases from Róisín Murphy, DJ Meme, Blakkat, Danism & Train, Buranello, Timmy Regisford, Michel Cleis, Janice Robinson, Frankie Ferrara, James Deron and more.
Singer / Songwriter / Musician Emiliano Pepe was born in Naples and later moved to Milan where he now resides. After studying classical piano, he dedicated himself to making Soul, R&B and Hip Hop, along with his distinctive soulful voice, the piano is a fundamental element in his unique live show performances. Emiliano has collaborated with an array of artists over the years including Club Dogo, D'Argen D'Amico, Clementino and Rocco Hunt, to name a few.
Track Listing
1 You Don’t Love Me (Original)
2 You Don’t Love Me (Extended)
‘You Don’t Love Me’ will be released on all platforms on January 24th 2025 on DIRIDIM.
David Morales & Emiliano Pepe
‘You Don’t Love Me’
DIRIDIM / DRD00160
https://www.instagram.com/djdavidmorales/
https://www.instagram.com/emilianopepe/
https://www.facebook.com/diridimmusic
IERSE ZANGERES LINDA NOLAN (THE NOLAN SISTERS) OVERLEDEN
De Ierse zangeres, actrice en televisiepersoonlijkheid Linda Nolan is eergisteren op 65-jarige leeftijd overleden. Linda maakte in de jaren zeventig en tachtig met haar zussen deel uit van de succesvolle zanggroep The Nolan Sisters / The Nolans. Linda verhuisde in 1962 op driejarige leeftijd met haar familie naar Blackpool. Daar leerde zij zingen met haar zussen. Dat leidde in 1974 tot de oprichting van de zanggroep The Nolan Sisters. Naast Linda, maakten haar zussen Anne, Denise, Maureen, Bernie en Coleen deel uit van die groep. Als lid van The Nolan Sisters (later The Nolans) toerde Linda in 1975 met niemand minder dan Frank Sinatra, won zij in 1981 het muziekfestival in Tokio en scoorde zij tussen 1979 en 1982 zeven Britse Top 20 hits. Dat waren ‘I’m In The Mood For Dancing’, ‘Don’t Make Waves’, ‘Gotta Pull Myself Together’, ‘Who’s Gonna Rock You’, ‘Attention To Me’, ‘Chemistry’ en ‘Don’t Love Me To Hard’. In Nederland werden ‘I’m In The Mood For Dancing’ en ‘Attention To Me’ flinke hits. Nadat zij de groep had verlaten, begeleidde Linda in 1984 Gene Pitney op zijn Britse tournee. Hierna ging zij optreden in theaters, waar zij jarenlang veel succes had in haar rollen van Maggie May en Rosie O’Grady. In die eerste rol trad Linda meer dan 1.000 keer op. In 2009 deed zij mee aan een reünie van The Nolans, waarbij een nieuw album werd opgenomen en een tournee plaatsvond. In 2014 nam Linda deel aan het dertiende seizoen van ‘Celebrity Big Brother’. In 2018 maakte zij deel uit van het panel van de Britse talkshow ‘Loose Women’. Linda Nolan ruste in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
SOULZANGER SAM MOORE OVERLEDEN
De Amerikaanse singer-songwriter Sam Moore is op 10 januari jl. op 89-jarige leeftijd overleden. Samuel David Moore kennen we als de helft van het soul- en R&B-duo Sam & Dave in de periode 1961 - 1981. Naast Sam Moore bestond het duo uit Dave Prater. Moore verzorgde de hogere tenor. Hij heeft in zijn rijke carrière ook samengewerkt met topartiesten als Conway Twitty, Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, Elton John, Phil Collins, Lou Reed, Mariah Carey, Vince Gill en Marty Stuart. Sam Moore en Dave Prater waren beiden ervaren zangers van gospelmuziek, die individueel optraden met de bands The Sensational Hummingbirds, The Majestics, The Gales en The Melionaires. De twee ontmoetten elkaar in The King of Hearts Club in Miami in 1961, waar ze werden ontdekt door de regionale producent Henry Stone. Stone contracteerde Sam en Dave voor het label Roulette Records. Het duo liet zich beïnvloeden door de muziek van Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke en Little Willie John. Na een bescheiden succes bij Roulette, kregen Sam en Dave in 1964 door bemiddeling van Jerry Wexler een contract bij Atlantic Records. Atlantic leende het duo vervolgens uit aan Stax Records om hun platen te produceren, op te nemen en uit te brengen. Het grote succes kwam in 1965 met de single ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’’, die de 21ste plaats van de Amerikaanse Billboard Hot 100 bereikte. In 1966 en 1967 scoorde het duo Top 10 hits met de singles ‘Soul Man’ (tweede plaats) en ‘I Thank You’ (negende plaats). Daarnaast werden singles als ‘When Something Is Wrong With My Baby’, ‘You Don’t Know What You Mean Me’ en ‘Soul Sister Brown Sugar’ stevige hits. De meeste van hun hits werden geschreven door Isaac Hayes en David Porter. Tijdens de meeste plaatopnamen werden Sam en Dave ook ondersteund door Hayes op piano met Booker T. & The MG's en The Memphis Horns. Sam & Dave traden het grootste deel van de jaren 1970 tot 1981 op en genoten een korte heropleving in populariteit dankzij de opname van ‘Soul Man’ in 1979 door The Blues Brothers. Hun laatste optreden samen was op 31 december 1981 in The Old Waldorf in San Francisco. Op 9 april 1988 overleed Dave Prater bij een auto-ongeluk in Sycamore (Georgia). Sam & Dave wonnen in 1968 een Grammy Award voor ‘Soul Man’. In 2019 was het duo goed voor een oeuvreprijs van The Recording Academy. Sam Moore toerde in de jaren tachtig met andere soulartiesten, waaronder Wilson Pickett. Hij trouwde met Joyce McRae, die hem hielp een langdurige strijd tegen drugsverslaving te overwinnen. Ook in de jaren negentig en na de eeuwwisseling bleef Moore toeren, optreden en platen opnemen. Op 1 september 2017 trad hij nog live op in The Royal Albert Hall BBC Proms met Jools Holland en zijn Rhythm & Blues Orchestra in een eerbetoonconcert aan 50 jaar Stax Records, synoniem voor Southern Soul-muziek. Sam Moore rustte in vrede!
Met dank aan Leo Weijers.
2UNES – ‘MAKIN’ MOVES’
Primarily a self-taught musician, it was at the age of eleven that his mom introduced him to the guitar and a love affair with music that has stood the test of time. In his teens, North “2unes” Woodall studied the playing styles of Ernie Isley, Santana, and Joe Walsh, among other R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles. Hard work, determination, and a natural gift paid off and as a result of his exceptional proficiency with the guitar, he was quickly established with popular groups in and around Dayton, Ohio, such as The Delvones and Round Trip Ticket. North has since relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and was sought to share the stage with funk masters Lakeside, The Ohio Players, Roger Troutman and Zapp, Roy Ayers, Millie Jackson, Tom Browne and Will 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. And the blessings continued to flow. 2unes has become a staple on the Atlanta music scene appearing in venues from the Ritz Carlton to Wind-Down Wednesdays at Centennial Park, bridging the generation gap with his unique music blend of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop.
“I work for the listener and my music is designed for them. It is important to me that I give them what they want.” Woodall went on to say that he defines his musical style as being like a gumbo. “I can’t be put into a box musically. I’m not one thing, but many things bringing people together from all sides of the music spectrum.”
BILLYRAY SHEPPARD – ‘MOSCATO MOON’
Introducing BillyRay Sheppard, a seasoned jazz saxophonist whose soulful melodies consistently captivate audiences.
With a career spanning since the 80s, BillyRay's musical roots delve deep into Blues, R&B, Reggae, Latin, Tejano, and Country genres, shaping his versatile and dynamic style. However, it's his unwavering love for Jazz that has become the cornerstone of his artistic expression.
Renowned as a first-call Smooth Jazz performer, BillyRay has graced stages alongside industry luminaries like Steve Oliver, Peter White, Darryl Williams, Will Donato, Nathan Mitchell, Jacob Webb, Phylicia Rae, Lin Rountree, Adam Hawley, Greg Manning, Blake Aaron, Rob Zinn, Gino Rosario, Lori Williams, Willie Bradley, Phillip “Doc” Martin, Paula Atherton, Marqueal Jordan, Ragan Whiteside, and many more, showcasing his rich, warm, and soulful saxophone tone solidifying his presence on both local and national stages.
You can also catch him on his annual Smooth Jazz Cruise where he curates exclusive concerts with national smooth jazz recording artists. Be sure to join him in 2025!
Beyond his musical endeavors, BillyRay's commitment to community shines through his popular "Second Sunday Smooth Jazz” series, benefitting charitable organizations in his community. Over the last several years, these concerts, infused with BillyRay's magnetic performances, have raised over $55,000 in donations for deserving non-profit organizations.
You can listen to BillyRay’s smooth sounds on all streaming platforms and be sure and follow his upcoming performances on social media. He invites you to join him on his exciting journey of music and philanthropy for years to come.
CHRIS STRANDRING – ‘TOP HAT AND TAILS’
Sometimes it takes a potentially life altering event to make you stop and re-evaluate what is truly important to you. In March 2021, guitarist, composer, and arranger CHRIS STANDRING found himself in the emergency room after experiencing chest pains. Although there was some history of heart disease in his immediate family, he never dreamed that he was himself a candidate for a heart attack. He was just 60 years old, kept trim, ate well, exercised, and never smoked. But he was lucky. He came through it with flying colors and a new appreciation for the simple things that make life worth living.
Standring, a native of England, has had 13 Billboard Top 10 singles and 6 singles that reached number one on the chart. Although he spent his childhood on a farm, driving tractors and feeding sheep, he began studying classical guitar when he was just six years old. He listened to a lot of West Coast American jazz growing up and became a serious jazz musician when he attended the London College of Music. Many of his fellow students were aspiring jazz musicians and hard-core, straight-ahead aficionados, and Standring soon found himself listening to the great bebop players and learning new approaches to harmony and rhythm.
Standring had visited the United States several times in the 1980s and loved the West Coast vibe. He moved to Los Angeles in 1991 and quickly became part of the local jazz scene, playing the top L.A. venues with A-list musicians. He soon caught the attention of many top music acts, and his contemporary guitar sound can be heard on recordings by Bebe and Cece Winans, Jody Watley and Rick Braun. He has also performed with Marc Antoine, Bob James, Richard Elliott, Peter White, Kirk Whalum, and Al Stewart.
Standring released his first album, Velvet, in 1998 on Instinct Records, a label out of New York City. A prolific composer, he has written or co-written over 100 compositions and produced a new album for a variety of labels every year or two. Standring is focused and intense about his work. He writes nearly every day and never married because he did not want any distractions. He says that “just 1% of my output is from inspiration and 99% is from dedication to my craft.”
ANDRÉ RIEU KEERT OP 11 JANUARI 2026 TERUG NAAR SPORTPALEIS ANTWERPEN
Tickets en reisarrangementen verkrijgbaar vanaf 11 januari 2025 om 12.00 uur op www.andrerieu.com
Een uitverkocht Antwerps Sportpaleis mocht op zondag 12 januari weer met volle teugen genieten van wereldberoemd violist en orkestleider André Rieu zijn ondertussen traditionele en geliefde Nieuwjaarsconcert. Voor de vele fans is er alvast goed nieuws, want op zondag 11 januari 2026 keert André Rieu maar wat graag terug naar Antwerpen voor zijn vertrouwde Sportpaleisconcert 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 betoverende muziek, onvergetelijke melodieën en de unieke sfeer die alleen zij kunnen creëren. Met zijn kenmerkende stijl en charme brengt André Rieu een mix van klassieke muziek, walsen, filmmuziek en geliefde popklassiekers. De kaartverkoop voor dit Nieuwjaarsconcert 2026 in Sportpaleis Antwerpen start op zaterdag 11 januari 2025 om 12.00 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.
Zijn wereldtournee van 2025 brengt André naar Duitsland, Bahrein, Bulgarije, Griekenland en Frankrijk, gevolgd door Groot-Brittannië en Ierland, Oost-Europa, Noord-Europa, Nederland en Malta, maar wordt naar mooie traditie afgetrapt met de Nieuwjaarsconcerten in Amsterdam en Antwerpen.
In aanloop naar zijn uitverkochte concert op zondag 12 januari 2025 in het Antwerpse Sportpaleis, kondigt André Rieu nu al met veel plezier de nieuwe data aan voor zijn traditionele Nieuwjaarsconcerten in Amsterdam en Antwerpen in januari 2026. De concerten vinden plaats in de Ziggo Dome Amsterdam op 10 januari en in Sportpaleis Antwerpen op 11 januari 2026.
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.
D.S. WILSON – ‘IT’S LOOKING UP’
D.S. Wilson is a Chicago-based multi-instrumental jazz musicians pecializing in saxophones and piano/keyboards. Wilson’s musical roots began in jazz, but he has played and released multiple albums (7) in various genres including rock, pop and blues. In the ‘80s, he won the North Carolina Battle of the Bands, was awarded a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and worked with Grammy-nominated producer John Custer on his band's self-titled album “Dolo” in the late '90s.
Wilson continued well into the new millennium, logging hundreds of performances. In 2017, Wilson turned his focus to his jazz roots to pursue his solo career and lifelong dream. His Top 25 album Skyline (#22) established Wilson as a consistent Top-100 charting artist, pavingt he way for his new album Metamorphosis.
KAT HAWLEY – ‘LOVE ME TONIGHT’
Kat Hawley is a Contemporary Jazz and Smooth R&B vocalist from Los Angeles, California. She is married to 15-time Billboard #1 guitarist and producer in the Contemporary Jazz genre, Adam Hawley. Together, they have collaborated on several musical projects, including all five of Adam's critically acclaimed albums.
One of Kat's favorite songs on the album, "Love me Tonight", was co-written by Kat, Adam and Tim Bailey. The tune intrigues the listener from the opening water waves to full seduction with her effortlessly smooth sound that pulls the listener into a transcendent space. Her luscious vocals carry the listener through a myriad of musical colors throughout the entire album with additional guest appearances by Judah Sealy, Greg Manning, and of course, her husband Adam Hawley.
SKIP MARTIN – ‘TOM’S DINER’
Skip Martin is a Grammy & Emmy Award winning artist, songwriter, producer and author, best known for his tenure as a lead singer and trumpeter for two legendary groups, Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band.
His achievements include MOBO Outstanding Achievement Award, Platinum & Gold Record recipient, R&B Song of the Year, six consecutive Top 100 albums, two Top 100 singles, to name a few.
Mr. Martin has also received an Honorary Degree of Doctor in Music, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Artists Music Guild, Certificates of Appreciation for his numerous tours to Iraq and Kuwait and is a Special Honorary Member of the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. Skip is Goodwill Ambassador to both Kakegawa City and Okinawa in Japan. This is the very first time a resident of a foreign country has received this honor in Okinawa. Skip's “Love Notes” CD features eclectic collaborations with 10-time Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval, 13-time Grammy Nominee Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra, Stefan Maier, lead violinist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Rocco Prestia of Tower of Power & Balaguer Urbanistic!
Skip's upcoming Smooth Jazz single is a stunning instrumental interpretation of "Tom's Diner".
DEE LUCAS FT. MICHAEL BROENING – ‘TWENTY’
Saxophonist Dee Lucas has reached a monumental landmark, celebrating 20 years as an international recording artist/entrepreneur who happens to own his master catalog of music.
As much as he is a visionary, Dee never thought he would see 20 years of longevity in this tough and competitive music industry. After releasing 10 charting albums internationally and touring across the country as a performer, he is still here.
The journey continues with the brand new single "Twenty", the title track of his forthcoming album. This hot new track features and is produced by number 1 hitmaking guru Michael Broening.
"Twenty" is a pure reflection of Dee's consistency of the past, fresh ideas and staying power in the present, and optimism for the future.
'WHISPERS' NEW SINGLE BY DAVID MARGAM FEAT. DIEGO CALCAGNO, ANDRES GARCIA AND JORGE PINELO
David Margam presents his new single "Whispers" with international collaborations. The renowned Spanish guitarist David Margam announces the release of his new single, "Whispers," an elegant composition that brings together the talent of prominent international musicians. Among the collaborations are Italian pianist Diego Calcagno, Spanish guitarist based in London Andrés García, and Miami saxophonist Jorge Pinelo. Together, they have fused their talents to create a unique piece that reflects the essence of smooth jazz with touches of sophistication and emotion. "Whispers" will be available starting January 10, 2025, on all digital platforms. Don't miss this release that promises to captivate jazz and elegant music lovers.
David Margam, an internationally renowned Spanish guitarist, is one of the most prominent figures in smooth jazz. His debut album “Immune”, released in 2023, has established itself as one of the best albums in the genre, appearing on the charts of the most important radio stations in the world. With a unique style full of elegance and emotion, David has fused his talent with internationally renowned artists, leaving his mark both in Spain and on the world's stages.
DAVID MORALES FT. RANDY ROBERTS - ‘JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH’
David Morales kicks off his 2025 release schedule with a bang, joining forces with US soulful vocal force Randy Roberts on a Bandcamp only special, ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’. Instantly elevating the love in the house, ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ comes with a big soulful vocal from Randy, topped with layers of glorious gospel style BV’s laid over an upbeat, feel-good Disco House groove, loaded with sumptuous strings, funky guitars, an irresistibly groovy bassline and foot stomping beats.
David Morales is a globally revered American DJ, Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, and is a true House Music legend. He has produced and remixed over 1000+ records for an all-star roster of multi-platinum artists, including Mariah Carey, U2, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. Launched in 2018, David Morales’ DIRIDIM label beams quality house music. Aside of David’s own productions and collaborations, DIRIDIM also features releases from Róisín Murphy, DJ Meme, Blakkat, Danism & Train, Buranello, Timmy Regisford, Michel Cleis, Janice Robinson, Frankie Ferrara, James Deron and more.
Randy Roberts is the son of Rocky Roberts - a popular singer in Europe and the US in the 60’s & 70’s. Randy started his vocal career in the early 90's and has been a backing singer for big names including Phil Collins, Craig David, Gloria Gaynor and Amii Stewart, among others, and collaborated with Corona as a composer/arranger. Randy has made a name for himself the soulful dance scene and has collaborated with DJ Spen, Thommy Davis, Teddy Douglas, Spencer Morales and more.
Track Listing
1 Just Can’t Get Enough (Original Mix)
2 Just Can’t Get Enough (Instrumental Mix)
‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ will be released on January 10th 2025 on Bandcamp.
David Morales Ft Randy Roberts
‘Just Can’t Get Enough’
DIRIDIM / DRD00159
https://www.instagram.com/djdavidmorales
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https://davidmorales1.bandcamp.com