Latest Updates
Monday, April 28, 2008
Calvin Richardson Bio
THE SOUL PRINCE CALVIN RICHARDSON DELIVERS SEX, SOUL AND ROMANCE WITH SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT DEBUT WHEN LOVE COMES
You know you're in for something different the moment you hear "Sang No More," the catchy, provocative lead single from Calvin Richardson's new album, When Love Comes. Over a Fifties-style doo-wop ballad pulse, Calvin sings frankly about the hard choices a singer must make given the trade-offs between being an artist, a star, and an authentic human being. His choice? If fame and fortune means forgetting what's important—love and the core values of life—then he doesn't want to sing anymore, doesn't want to be "successful." The price would be too high. Spoken like a true soul man, which is what Calvin Richardson is—a contemporary, hip-hop generation version of a classic soul singer. Richardson, who grew up with K-Ci and Jo-Jo, sang alongside fellow soul crooners Angie Stone and Raphael Saddiq and appeared on numerous soundtracks including "Bringing Down the House" starring Queen Latifah and Steve Martin, demonstrates why he is one of the best singers to emerge in R&B in years on his new Shanachie recording When Love Comes to be released May 27, 2008. Affectionately known as ‘The New Prince of Soul', Calvin Richardson demonstrates that he is a worthy heir to the tradition of Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack and Marvin Gaye.
With When Love Comes Calvin had a vision of embracing the essence of classic soul. To achieve that vision, he wrote and produced all the tracks himself. "I wanted to highlight the vintage soul sound and reconnect with the Curtis Mayfield sound, the Betty Wright sound and put it into a contemporary context," Calvin explains. "I had done that before but this time I wanted to try to make it a more coherent statement than previously when different producers were bringing me tracks. A lot of the songs were inspired by samples, digging in the crates and listening to old music that put me in the mood to create this album. It helped me to take a sample and build off of that. When I hear that music it speaks to me in a way that just having some musicians sitting around trying ideas does not. It's sort of a road map back to the way things used to be. I took it to another level."
When Love Comes is notable for its wide-ranging lyrical themes. Tracks such as "Fire In The Attic," "Nobody's Gonna Love You" and "When Love Comes" are sure to become classic love anthems suitable to set the mood for any late-night rendezvous. Then there are the songs with a more subtle message, such as "Daddy To My Kids," in which Calvin sings of a man's simple desire for a strong, positive relationship with his children, or "She's Hurtin'," a sensitive portrait of a lonely woman looking for love in the midst of the party atmosphere of a club.
The songs highlighted on When Love Comes are personal to Calvin, who explains the story behind "Daddy To My Kids." "I'm really, really close with my kids but I'm not with any of the mothers…and it's tough sometimes when others are controlling the situation. The overall desire is just to be there without the restraints of the mother in the way. A lot of guys deal with that. A lot of guys could be great dads if the situation let them."
""She's Hurting" was inspired by a real situation. I was with a friend of mine and she had just gotten out of a relationship. We were talking and I recognized her pain. A lot of women when they break up become vulnerable and guys prey on that. I'm letting some guys know maybe that's not the best thing." At the same time, he's not afraid to celebrate a woman's sexuality on the booty bumping "Give It To Me," which is one of several tracks that reinforce Calvin's image as a "ladies man. "I don't have a problem with that. I'm not a one-dimensional guy. I'm somewhat of a ladies man. I like women. I love whatever they bring to the table and I can match whatever they bring to the table."
-OVER-
The variety of lyrical themes is matched by the variety of the grooves. The fresh conga-driven groove of "Give It To Me" is miles away from the intimate, acoustic textures of "Make Friends With Love" or the lush textures of "Fire In The Attic." Most impressive is the fact that Calvin wrote or co-wrote all the tunes. The centrality of finger-picked or strummed guitar, often acoustic, reflects the fact that Calvin plays the instrument, writes with it and can go into a radio station and accompany himself for an impromptu performance if need be. It's all held together by Calvin's impressive vocalizing—an ability that is all-too-rare these days. He can move from the guttural growls of a Bobby Womack to the joyous arpeggios of Sam Cooke. He can sing hard, sweet, rough or tender. He's not a copyist though; he has absorbed his influences and delivers an authentic rooted soul voice with a contemporary sensibility.
Calvin Richardson came by his soulful style honestly. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, the first of nine children, Calvin had a strong musical upbringing. His mother sang in the local gospel group, The Willing Wonders, and he sang with them as a youth. But he was able to listen to secular soul music and funk and was particularly inspired by Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway. Singing on the gospel circuit he met and became friends with Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey and Joel "Jo Jo" Hailey, who went on to form the hit-making group Jodeci in the early Nineties and later as K-Ci and JoJo scored numerous hits. Calvin was encouraged by their success to form the urban contemporary vocal group, Undacova, whose song "Love Slave" was included in the New Jersey Drive soundtrack in 1995. When Undacova folded, Calvin launched a solo career that resulted in his debut solo album Country Boy on Uptown/Universal Records in 1999. Despite strong material, including a great cover of Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much," the album failed to sell, despite notable guests such as Chico DeBarge, Monifah and K-Ci, possibly due to confusion occasioned by the album title. While Calvin was working on his follow-up, Angie Stone heard a demo of his song "More Than A Woman" and invited him to duet with her on a version of the song for her album Mahogany Soul. A second album for Universal was shelved before release but Calvin's second album release 2:35, named after the time one of his children was born, was released by Hollywood Records in 2003. The album went on to sell more than 250,000 copies and generated significant adult urban radio play. Though lumped in with the rising crop of new-soul singers, 2:35PM revealed Calvin as an authentic soul singer bringing a classic vocal style to a contemporary production sound. With When Love Comes, Calvin Richardson delivers at last an unfettered musical vision, a compelling statement of his true artistic identity.
"Working on this album before I got a new label deal was an opportunity to express myself, to let my voice be heard without hearing too many opinions about what the music was," Calvin says. "Sometimes it takes you a while to discover your voice and your soul. I had found my way before but sometimes it can be hard when there's a lot of people with opinions. So that was the great part for me this time around. I was able to just do me without any pressure."
www.myspace.com/calvinrichardson
You know you're in for something different the moment you hear "Sang No More," the catchy, provocative lead single from Calvin Richardson's new album, When Love Comes. Over a Fifties-style doo-wop ballad pulse, Calvin sings frankly about the hard choices a singer must make given the trade-offs between being an artist, a star, and an authentic human being. His choice? If fame and fortune means forgetting what's important—love and the core values of life—then he doesn't want to sing anymore, doesn't want to be "successful." The price would be too high. Spoken like a true soul man, which is what Calvin Richardson is—a contemporary, hip-hop generation version of a classic soul singer. Richardson, who grew up with K-Ci and Jo-Jo, sang alongside fellow soul crooners Angie Stone and Raphael Saddiq and appeared on numerous soundtracks including "Bringing Down the House" starring Queen Latifah and Steve Martin, demonstrates why he is one of the best singers to emerge in R&B in years on his new Shanachie recording When Love Comes to be released May 27, 2008. Affectionately known as ‘The New Prince of Soul', Calvin Richardson demonstrates that he is a worthy heir to the tradition of Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack and Marvin Gaye.With When Love Comes Calvin had a vision of embracing the essence of classic soul. To achieve that vision, he wrote and produced all the tracks himself. "I wanted to highlight the vintage soul sound and reconnect with the Curtis Mayfield sound, the Betty Wright sound and put it into a contemporary context," Calvin explains. "I had done that before but this time I wanted to try to make it a more coherent statement than previously when different producers were bringing me tracks. A lot of the songs were inspired by samples, digging in the crates and listening to old music that put me in the mood to create this album. It helped me to take a sample and build off of that. When I hear that music it speaks to me in a way that just having some musicians sitting around trying ideas does not. It's sort of a road map back to the way things used to be. I took it to another level."
When Love Comes is notable for its wide-ranging lyrical themes. Tracks such as "Fire In The Attic," "Nobody's Gonna Love You" and "When Love Comes" are sure to become classic love anthems suitable to set the mood for any late-night rendezvous. Then there are the songs with a more subtle message, such as "Daddy To My Kids," in which Calvin sings of a man's simple desire for a strong, positive relationship with his children, or "She's Hurtin'," a sensitive portrait of a lonely woman looking for love in the midst of the party atmosphere of a club.
The songs highlighted on When Love Comes are personal to Calvin, who explains the story behind "Daddy To My Kids." "I'm really, really close with my kids but I'm not with any of the mothers…and it's tough sometimes when others are controlling the situation. The overall desire is just to be there without the restraints of the mother in the way. A lot of guys deal with that. A lot of guys could be great dads if the situation let them."
""She's Hurting" was inspired by a real situation. I was with a friend of mine and she had just gotten out of a relationship. We were talking and I recognized her pain. A lot of women when they break up become vulnerable and guys prey on that. I'm letting some guys know maybe that's not the best thing." At the same time, he's not afraid to celebrate a woman's sexuality on the booty bumping "Give It To Me," which is one of several tracks that reinforce Calvin's image as a "ladies man. "I don't have a problem with that. I'm not a one-dimensional guy. I'm somewhat of a ladies man. I like women. I love whatever they bring to the table and I can match whatever they bring to the table."
-OVER-
The variety of lyrical themes is matched by the variety of the grooves. The fresh conga-driven groove of "Give It To Me" is miles away from the intimate, acoustic textures of "Make Friends With Love" or the lush textures of "Fire In The Attic." Most impressive is the fact that Calvin wrote or co-wrote all the tunes. The centrality of finger-picked or strummed guitar, often acoustic, reflects the fact that Calvin plays the instrument, writes with it and can go into a radio station and accompany himself for an impromptu performance if need be. It's all held together by Calvin's impressive vocalizing—an ability that is all-too-rare these days. He can move from the guttural growls of a Bobby Womack to the joyous arpeggios of Sam Cooke. He can sing hard, sweet, rough or tender. He's not a copyist though; he has absorbed his influences and delivers an authentic rooted soul voice with a contemporary sensibility.
Calvin Richardson came by his soulful style honestly. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, the first of nine children, Calvin had a strong musical upbringing. His mother sang in the local gospel group, The Willing Wonders, and he sang with them as a youth. But he was able to listen to secular soul music and funk and was particularly inspired by Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway. Singing on the gospel circuit he met and became friends with Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey and Joel "Jo Jo" Hailey, who went on to form the hit-making group Jodeci in the early Nineties and later as K-Ci and JoJo scored numerous hits. Calvin was encouraged by their success to form the urban contemporary vocal group, Undacova, whose song "Love Slave" was included in the New Jersey Drive soundtrack in 1995. When Undacova folded, Calvin launched a solo career that resulted in his debut solo album Country Boy on Uptown/Universal Records in 1999. Despite strong material, including a great cover of Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much," the album failed to sell, despite notable guests such as Chico DeBarge, Monifah and K-Ci, possibly due to confusion occasioned by the album title. While Calvin was working on his follow-up, Angie Stone heard a demo of his song "More Than A Woman" and invited him to duet with her on a version of the song for her album Mahogany Soul. A second album for Universal was shelved before release but Calvin's second album release 2:35, named after the time one of his children was born, was released by Hollywood Records in 2003. The album went on to sell more than 250,000 copies and generated significant adult urban radio play. Though lumped in with the rising crop of new-soul singers, 2:35PM revealed Calvin as an authentic soul singer bringing a classic vocal style to a contemporary production sound. With When Love Comes, Calvin Richardson delivers at last an unfettered musical vision, a compelling statement of his true artistic identity.
"Working on this album before I got a new label deal was an opportunity to express myself, to let my voice be heard without hearing too many opinions about what the music was," Calvin says. "Sometimes it takes you a while to discover your voice and your soul. I had found my way before but sometimes it can be hard when there's a lot of people with opinions. So that was the great part for me this time around. I was able to just do me without any pressure."
www.myspace.com/calvinrichardson
Labels: calvin richardson, press release, soul
Thursday, April 17, 2008
DJ Logic & Jason Miles - Global Noize
audio streams:
A Jam For Joe: http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/GlobalNoize/globalnoize_ajamforjoe.wma
Quero Dancar: http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/GlobalNoize/globalnoize_querodancar.wma
Jason Miles & DJ Logic Join Forces to Obliterate Borders on New Shanachie CD Global Noize
All-Star CD Serves Up An Intoxicating Brew of Jazz, Electronica Funk and World Music Featuring Some of Music's Most Creative Players: Meshell Ndegeocello, Billy Martin (Medeski, Marin & Wood) , Vernon Reid (Living Colour), John Popper (Blues Traveler) Cyro Baptista (Herbie Hancock), Bernie Worrell (Talking Heads, Parliament Funk), Karl Denson (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Lenny Kravtiz), Christian Scott & Others
The signs are everywhere: MTV launches a channel on the Arabian Television Network. African hip-hop groups mix the postures and style of American rappers with homegrown lyrical messages and M.I.A., a Sri Lankan refugee now living in Brooklyn, scores one of the year's most critically acclaimed albums--sound bites recorded around the world mixed in an electronica blender with hip hop beats. Multi-tasking cell phones, cheap lap tops, Kindle Ebooks, YouTube, internet radio, and of course the multifaceted internet itself, have engendered a cultural interchange of unprecedented scope and speed. Music, which resonates across every cultural barrier, leads the charge. The result is a grand "global noise," a spectacular sea of interchanging and mutating beats, sounds and melodies from all directions. It is precisely that reality that Jason Miles and DJ Logic set out to capture with their collaboration Global Noize. Keyboard extraordinaire Jason Miles, who has worked with everyone from Miles Davis and Luther Vandross to Ivan Lins, and Turntable guru DJ Logic, who has collaborated with diverse artists like Phish, Vernon Reid, ?uestlove and Don Byron, join forces on Global Noize to create a thrilling mix of free-wheeling tracks that take listeners on a wide-ranging journey through the minds of some of creative music's most innovative musicians such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Billy Martin (Medeski, Marin & Wood) , Vernon Reid (Living Color), John Popper (Blues Traveler) Cyro Baptista (Herbie Hancock), Bernie Worrell (Talking Heads, Parliament Funk), Karl Densen (Tiny Universe, Lenny Kravtiz).
"This is a special project as the world is a Global Noize and we need to come together in difficult times and great music has the power to do this," states Grammy Award-winning and Emmy nominated keyboardist, producer and composer Jason Miles. "The artists and musicians on the project represent a great diversity and this is what the world is really about. The beauty in this diversity is something that we all need to appreciate."
Global Noize is a project that has long been brewing in Jason Miles' mind but the idea was solidified when he got a call from friend his DJ Logic last year to join him for a performance at the Blue Note in NY. "On that day I had a horrible root canal and was mourning the loss of a close relative. I thought that this could be just the tonic I needed to pick myself up," recalls Miles. The night was exactly what Miles had hoped and from this experience he knew that he and Logic had a special connection. The duo later worked together in Morocco at The Casablanca Jazz Festival and had the opportunity to venture off to Marrakech. Miles shares, "We went through life-altering experiences. It was so new to us -- mysterious, crazy and another view of the world. We both knew we had to make this project happen. The picture on the CD over of the both of us with the camel in the desert says it all!"
Global Noize is an organic, free-spirited sonic brew of some of the best elements of jazz, funk, electronica and world fusion – it is music without borders.
Miles says, "We started with Cyro Baptista and Billy Martin jamming in the studio and built up the tracks from there. Logic and I pooled our musical resources and had some of the best cutting-edge artists play on the record." From the album's opening track, "A Jam 4 Joe" (dedicated to the late piano/keyboard wizard Joe Zawinul) to its concluding statements on "What I know," Global Noize takes listeners on a mind-bending, global adventure featuring all original compositions.
"A Jam 4 Joe" features Logic and Miles along with guitar wizard and founding member of Living Colour, guitarist Vernon Reid, musical chamelon and bass player Meshell Ndegeocello, percussion maestro Cyro Baptista and the stunning Indian vocal diva Falu. The groove is relentless and is supercharged with magnetic energy. Bernie Worrell joins the mix on "Spice Island' playing the clavinet and organ. Worrell, who is best known for his contributions to George Clinton's Parliament Funk and The Talking Heads, lays down a serious funk heavy groove that reverberates throughout the track. The slow-burning "The Souk" highlights Falu and Blues Traveler's John Popper on the Harmonica in a seductive dance with one another, along with percussionist Braheim. "We were lucky to get John Popper on a day off in NYC," adds Miles. "He just kills on the ‘Souk!'" "Quera Dancar/I Wanna Dance With You" is a cool breezy Bossa Nova that beckons you to move your hips and dance to the music's delight along with Brazilian bombshell and chanteause Vanessa Fallabella, celebrated Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo and season jazz bassists James Genus.
Global Noize, which DJ Logic describes as "a hip and eclectic musical journey crossing all boundaries," further delights with such tracks as "Dar'abesque" (named after the villa Miles and Logic inhabited in Marrakech) featuring trumpet icon Herb Albert. "When I got the track back from Herb Alpert," confides Jason Miles, "I knew that any musician who had imagination and a great musical voice would love to be a part of this. Herb just really brought the track to life. "Bollyhood" is an ear catching trip-hoppy track showcasing the haunting vocals of Falu and "Planetery Beat" joins multi-instrumentalist Karl Denson and guitarist Dean Brown together for a soul jazz romp with killer break-beats and groovin' horn riffs. "Having Karl Denson involved with this album made us happy because we knew there would be great playing, brilliant horn arrangements as well as fantastic compositions all at the same time." Christian Scott is showcased on "Exotic Thoughts," an ethereal meandering piece featuring the young hot trumpeter along with guitarist Carl Burnett and Tabla player Suphala while "Pool of Honey" is as sweet as its title with its uptempo swinging melody and feel good vibe featuring Burnett and Suphala once again along with Karl Denson on flute. "Christian Scott is one of the most exciting young artists on the scene," states Miles. "He really stepped up and showed what a young cat at the beginning of his career has got going on." "Spin Cycle," brings back a 70s funk flavor with its insatiable drum licks from Gene Lake and "What I Know" features spoken word artists Aline Racine.
Jason Miles concludes "When I hear music I love I want to be involved with it. It would be boring for me to stay in one place musically so I love to explore different music. I know Miles Davis felt that way and I'm just trying to keep the grooves hot, the melodies great and collaborate with the best artists I know. Hopefully Logic and I will be bringing Global Noize to the world and show people our musical vision."
Global Noize will make its live debut this Spring. Don't miss the opportunity to catch this unique experience in a City near you!
Street Date: April 29, 2008
www.myspace.com/globalnoizejazz
A Jam For Joe: http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/GlobalNoize/globalnoize_ajamforjoe.wma
Quero Dancar: http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/GlobalNoize/globalnoize_querodancar.wma
Jason Miles & DJ Logic Join Forces to Obliterate Borders on New Shanachie CD Global Noize
All-Star CD Serves Up An Intoxicating Brew of Jazz, Electronica Funk and World Music Featuring Some of Music's Most Creative Players: Meshell Ndegeocello, Billy Martin (Medeski, Marin & Wood) , Vernon Reid (Living Colour), John Popper (Blues Traveler) Cyro Baptista (Herbie Hancock), Bernie Worrell (Talking Heads, Parliament Funk), Karl Denson (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Lenny Kravtiz), Christian Scott & Others
The signs are everywhere: MTV launches a channel on the Arabian Television Network. African hip-hop groups mix the postures and style of American rappers with homegrown lyrical messages and M.I.A., a Sri Lankan refugee now living in Brooklyn, scores one of the year's most critically acclaimed albums--sound bites recorded around the world mixed in an electronica blender with hip hop beats. Multi-tasking cell phones, cheap lap tops, Kindle Ebooks, YouTube, internet radio, and of course the multifaceted internet itself, have engendered a cultural interchange of unprecedented scope and speed. Music, which resonates across every cultural barrier, leads the charge. The result is a grand "global noise," a spectacular sea of interchanging and mutating beats, sounds and melodies from all directions. It is precisely that reality that Jason Miles and DJ Logic set out to capture with their collaboration Global Noize. Keyboard extraordinaire Jason Miles, who has worked with everyone from Miles Davis and Luther Vandross to Ivan Lins, and Turntable guru DJ Logic, who has collaborated with diverse artists like Phish, Vernon Reid, ?uestlove and Don Byron, join forces on Global Noize to create a thrilling mix of free-wheeling tracks that take listeners on a wide-ranging journey through the minds of some of creative music's most innovative musicians such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Billy Martin (Medeski, Marin & Wood) , Vernon Reid (Living Color), John Popper (Blues Traveler) Cyro Baptista (Herbie Hancock), Bernie Worrell (Talking Heads, Parliament Funk), Karl Densen (Tiny Universe, Lenny Kravtiz). "This is a special project as the world is a Global Noize and we need to come together in difficult times and great music has the power to do this," states Grammy Award-winning and Emmy nominated keyboardist, producer and composer Jason Miles. "The artists and musicians on the project represent a great diversity and this is what the world is really about. The beauty in this diversity is something that we all need to appreciate."
Global Noize is a project that has long been brewing in Jason Miles' mind but the idea was solidified when he got a call from friend his DJ Logic last year to join him for a performance at the Blue Note in NY. "On that day I had a horrible root canal and was mourning the loss of a close relative. I thought that this could be just the tonic I needed to pick myself up," recalls Miles. The night was exactly what Miles had hoped and from this experience he knew that he and Logic had a special connection. The duo later worked together in Morocco at The Casablanca Jazz Festival and had the opportunity to venture off to Marrakech. Miles shares, "We went through life-altering experiences. It was so new to us -- mysterious, crazy and another view of the world. We both knew we had to make this project happen. The picture on the CD over of the both of us with the camel in the desert says it all!"
Global Noize is an organic, free-spirited sonic brew of some of the best elements of jazz, funk, electronica and world fusion – it is music without borders.
Miles says, "We started with Cyro Baptista and Billy Martin jamming in the studio and built up the tracks from there. Logic and I pooled our musical resources and had some of the best cutting-edge artists play on the record." From the album's opening track, "A Jam 4 Joe" (dedicated to the late piano/keyboard wizard Joe Zawinul) to its concluding statements on "What I know," Global Noize takes listeners on a mind-bending, global adventure featuring all original compositions.
"A Jam 4 Joe" features Logic and Miles along with guitar wizard and founding member of Living Colour, guitarist Vernon Reid, musical chamelon and bass player Meshell Ndegeocello, percussion maestro Cyro Baptista and the stunning Indian vocal diva Falu. The groove is relentless and is supercharged with magnetic energy. Bernie Worrell joins the mix on "Spice Island' playing the clavinet and organ. Worrell, who is best known for his contributions to George Clinton's Parliament Funk and The Talking Heads, lays down a serious funk heavy groove that reverberates throughout the track. The slow-burning "The Souk" highlights Falu and Blues Traveler's John Popper on the Harmonica in a seductive dance with one another, along with percussionist Braheim. "We were lucky to get John Popper on a day off in NYC," adds Miles. "He just kills on the ‘Souk!'" "Quera Dancar/I Wanna Dance With You" is a cool breezy Bossa Nova that beckons you to move your hips and dance to the music's delight along with Brazilian bombshell and chanteause Vanessa Fallabella, celebrated Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo and season jazz bassists James Genus.
Global Noize, which DJ Logic describes as "a hip and eclectic musical journey crossing all boundaries," further delights with such tracks as "Dar'abesque" (named after the villa Miles and Logic inhabited in Marrakech) featuring trumpet icon Herb Albert. "When I got the track back from Herb Alpert," confides Jason Miles, "I knew that any musician who had imagination and a great musical voice would love to be a part of this. Herb just really brought the track to life. "Bollyhood" is an ear catching trip-hoppy track showcasing the haunting vocals of Falu and "Planetery Beat" joins multi-instrumentalist Karl Denson and guitarist Dean Brown together for a soul jazz romp with killer break-beats and groovin' horn riffs. "Having Karl Denson involved with this album made us happy because we knew there would be great playing, brilliant horn arrangements as well as fantastic compositions all at the same time." Christian Scott is showcased on "Exotic Thoughts," an ethereal meandering piece featuring the young hot trumpeter along with guitarist Carl Burnett and Tabla player Suphala while "Pool of Honey" is as sweet as its title with its uptempo swinging melody and feel good vibe featuring Burnett and Suphala once again along with Karl Denson on flute. "Christian Scott is one of the most exciting young artists on the scene," states Miles. "He really stepped up and showed what a young cat at the beginning of his career has got going on." "Spin Cycle," brings back a 70s funk flavor with its insatiable drum licks from Gene Lake and "What I Know" features spoken word artists Aline Racine.
Jason Miles concludes "When I hear music I love I want to be involved with it. It would be boring for me to stay in one place musically so I love to explore different music. I know Miles Davis felt that way and I'm just trying to keep the grooves hot, the melodies great and collaborate with the best artists I know. Hopefully Logic and I will be bringing Global Noize to the world and show people our musical vision."
Global Noize will make its live debut this Spring. Don't miss the opportunity to catch this unique experience in a City near you!
Street Date: April 29, 2008
www.myspace.com/globalnoizejazz
Labels: electronica, funk, global noize, jazz, press release, world music
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Darfur Now College Tour
For Immediate Release
DARFUR NOW COLLEGE TOUR ANNOUNCES THE FIRST 9 CAMPUSES
STAND and the Genocide Intervention Network are proud to partner with Participant Media in the college tour of the acclaimed documentary, Darfur Now...
and performances by musical acts Cool Kids, Goapele, Zion 1, Janelle Monae, Anthony David, Wale, Asheru, DJ Drama and more.....
www.darfurnowtour.com
STAND and the Genocide Intervention Network are proud to partner with Participant Media in the college tour of the acclaimed documentary, Darfur Now...
and performances by musical acts Cool Kids, Goapele, Zion 1, Janelle Monae, Anthony David, Wale, Asheru, DJ Drama and more.....
www.darfurnowtour.com
Los Angeles, CA, March 28th, 2008 - STAND and Participant Media are proud to sponsor a nationwide tour of the critically acclaimed new documentary, Darfur Now, which will be available on DVD May 27th. Schools around the country, chosen for their outspoken efforts to fight genocide, will host a special screening of Darfur Now and a concert to raise awareness, funds, and send the message that NOW is the time to end genocide in Darfur. Across the country, tens of thousands of students have shown that they will not stand idly by in the face of genocide. From passing legislation to fundraising for relief and protection efforts in Darfur, they have declared that they are the anti-genocide generation. But we can do more...
TOUR DETAILS
Boulder, CO April 12, 2008
University of Colorado at Boulder
Boston April 13, 2008
Northeastern University
Berkeley April 24, 2008
University of California Berkeley
ft. Zion I, DJ Fuse, Goapele
Atlanta April 25, 2008
Emory University
ft. Janelle Monae, Anthony David, Novel, DJ Drama
St. Paul, MN April 27, 2008
William Mitchell College of Law
Minneapolis April 28, 2008
University of Minnesota Law School
Washington D.C. April 28, 2008
Georgetown University
ft. Wale, Asheru, DJ Yzo, Mastamind DJ
Chicago May 21, 2008
University of Chicago
Los Angeles May 29, 2008
University of California Los Angeles
STAND and the Genocide Intervention Network are proud to partner with Participant Media in the college tour of the acclaimed documentary, Darfur Now. With more than 700 chapters at schools around the globe, STAND is the fastest-growing student anti-genocide coalition in the world today. STAND chapters actively organize to prevent and stop genocide wherever and whenever it may occur. In partnership with the Genocide Intervention Network (GI-Net). STAND's long-term goal is to establish a permanent anti-genocide constituency that holds elected officials accountable for doing all that they can to prevent and end genocide.
Participant Media is the leading provider of entertainment that inspires and compels social change. It is a Los Angeles-based production company that focuses on socially relevant, commercially viable feature films and documentaries. Participant Media is headed by CEO Jim Berk and President Ricky Strauss and was founded in 2004 by philanthropist Jeff Skoll, who serves as Chairman. Their films include George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck, Stephen Gaghan's Syriana, Niki Caro's North Country, Louise Hogarth's Angels in the Dust, Jonathan Demme's Jimmy Carter Man From the Plains, Ted Braun's Darfur Now, Marc Forster's The Kite Runner, Mike Nichol's Charlie Wilson's War and Davis Guggenheim's Academy Award-winning An Inconvenient Truth. Upcoming films for 2008 include Brett Morgen's Chicago 10, Tom McCarthy's The Visitor and Errol Morris' Standard Operating Procedure.
Darfur Now was released by Warner Independent Pictures. Written and directed by Ted Braun, the film explores the Darfur conflict through the first-hand experiences of Don Cheadle, Hejewa Adam, Pablo Recalde, Ahmed Mahmoud Abaker, Louis Moreno-Ocampo and Adam Sterling. The DVD will be out on May 27th, 2008.
The Marketing Division is producing the college tour. They are is a full service marketing agency with a dynamic team dedicated to the delivery of solutions individually tailored to the needs of each client. Its co-founders, Evan Cerasoli and Eddie Donaldson, not only have committed to providing exceptional work that shows impressive results, they also believe deeply in the organization they now run to deliver them.
For more information and ticketing details please visit:
www.darfurnowtour.com
darfurnowtour.imeem.com
Labels: darfur, press release
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Living Legends - The Gathering
LIVING LEGENDS GATHERING SETS THE PACE FOR HIP HOP IN '08
Setting the pace for 2008, the entire Living Legends crew locked down at Encore Studio (Dr Dre's The Chronic 2001, Eminem Marshall Mathers LP, etc.) to record The Gathering, set for nationwide release on their own Legendary Music label, Tuesday April 8th. Each song in this brand new collection features every single MC on every single track, and it is definitely the most well crafted batch since their inception.As a collective, the prolific Legendary crew has sold well over a quarter million records between them. The line-up includes Murs, The Grouch, Luckyiam, Eligh, Scarub, Sunspot Jonz, Aesop, Bicasso,. Legendary Music has been owned and operated by the members themselves for nearly a decade. Recently, the Legends brought on a full label staff of qualified industry veterans known for an expertise in grass roots marketing and label development, signed a new distribution deal with the leading independent record distributor in the US (ADA Distribution), and signed with the forefront agency in booking independent and transcendent Hip Hop, The Kork Agency. As a unit, the group is thriving more than ever and making distinct moves to further awaken an already rabid and devout fanbase.
Since signing with Kork, the Legends have a headlining theater tour booked in March that is punctuated with a headlining showcase at SXSW and a featured performance on the 3rd annual Paid Dues Festival, co-founded by Legends member Murs with Hip Hop juggernaut promoters, Guerilla Union (Rock the Bells, Smokeout, etc). Along with the Legends, the bill includes Sage Francis, Little Brother, Dilated Peoples, Jedi Mind Tricks, Hieroglyphics, Boot Camp Click, POS, and others.
The Gathering is a 7 song collection highlighted by a socially conscious anthem for peace, in which the Los Angeles via San Francisco area crew are doing their civic duty, while not forgetting to move the crowd with heavy bangers, catchy hooks and fire-spitting verses on all tracks, celebrating all of their true roots. The record was mastered by Grammy Nominated Mike Lazer (Gnarls Barkely "St. Elsewhere") at Paramount Mastering and Recording and has a sound bigger than anything coming from the independent hip hop movement.
The Gathering, a precursor to a full length coming in late '08, serves to warn the greater hip hop massive: Don't forget the longtime leaders of the Wild West coast!
Upcoming tour dates:
Mar 6 2008 THE CATALYST Santa Cruz, California W/ LUCKYIAM
Mar 7 2008 THE FILLMORE San Francisco, California W/ LUCKYIAM
Mar 8 2008 THE NEW OASIS Sparks, Nevada W/ LUCKYIAM
Mar 9 2008 KILBY COURT Salt Lake City, Utah W/ LUCKYIAM
Mar 10 2008 THE OGDEN THEATRE Denver, Colorado W/ LUCKYIAM
Mar 13 2008 VOLUME Austin, Texas SXSW Showcase
Mar 16 2008 THE SUNSHINE THEATER Albuquerque, New Mexico W/ LUCKYIAM
Mar 17 2008 OLD BRICKHOUSE Phoenix, Arizona W/ LUCKYIAM
Mar 22 2008 Paid Dues @ NOS Events Center San Bernardino, California Living Legends, Sage Francis, Little Brother, Dilated, Hiero & more
Apr 25 2008 Luckyiam & MURS @ Coachella Indio, California (each have solo sets)
Labels: hip-hop, living legends, press release
The Grouch - Show You The World
Good musicians express themselves through music. Great ones push themselves beyond the limits of what they have done before. And that's exactly what the Los Angeles-based Living Legends member The Grouch has done on his stunning new record, Show You The World. The 15-track album features guest appearances from neo soul singer Raphael Saadiq, hip hop powerhouse MURS, as well as Mike Marshall (Timex Social Club), Abstract Rude, Marty James (One Block Radius) and fellow Living Legends members Bicasso and Scarub.
On his first solo record in five years, The Grouch offers his usual well thought out, yet straight forward rhymes. But his production is more varied, sophisticated and polished than ever before.
"I worked on this record for almost three years," notes The Grouch of how he's developed as an artist. More, this record was an idea that sprang to mind after the birth of my daughter, Rio, in 2006. As soon as she arrived all I could do is think about wanting to show her everything that I love. I was quickly humbled when I realized I was learning as much from her as she was from me."
As a founding member of the original do-it-yourself rap crew, The Living Legends, The Grouch has been at the forefront of the west coast's independent rap movement for over a decade. The Living Legends continue to amass a devoted following of fans and have sold over 300,000 albums world-wide. As an artist outside the Legends, The Grouch has released 7 solo projects and 5 collaborative efforts including albums such as Fuck the Dumb (2000), Crusader for Justice (2003) and No More Greener Grasses (2004), and Heroes in the City of Dope (2006) with Bay Area stalwarts Zion I.
See the world through The Grouch's eyes this spring. Show You the World drops April 8th, 2008.
The Grouch is available for interviews.
Track Listing:
01. Microphone Intro
02. Watch Watch (featuring Mike Marshall)
03. Clones
04. Artsy
05. Favorite Folks
06. Yardwork
07. God Bless The Elephant (featuring Abstract Rude)
08. Show You The World (featuring Raphael Saadiq)
09. The Bay To LA ( Featuring MURS)
10. Mom & Pop Killer
11. Never Die
12. Shero
13. Bring It Back
14. Hot Air Balloons (featuring Bicasso and Scarub)
15. The Time (featuring Marty J)
16. Breath
01. Microphone Intro
02. Watch Watch (featuring Mike Marshall)
03. Clones
04. Artsy
05. Favorite Folks
06. Yardwork
07. God Bless The Elephant (featuring Abstract Rude)
08. Show You The World (featuring Raphael Saadiq)
09. The Bay To LA ( Featuring MURS)
10. Mom & Pop Killer
11. Never Die
12. Shero
13. Bring It Back
14. Hot Air Balloons (featuring Bicasso and Scarub)
15. The Time (featuring Marty J)
16. Breath
Labels: grouch, hip-hop, legendary music, press release, video
Friday, March 07, 2008
Robin Danar - Altered States
Streaming Links
Jesca Hoop sings "Yell":
http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/AlteredStates/alteredstates_yell.wma
http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/AlteredStates/alteredstates_yell.wma
Pete Yorn & Kinky perform "Use Me":
http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/AlteredStates/alteredstates_useme.wma
http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/AlteredStates/alteredstates_useme.wma
Lisa Loeb & Steve Reynolds perform "Video Nasty":
http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/AlteredStates/alteredstates_videonasty.wma
In the rapidly shifting contemporary landscape, lines blur quickly between musical genres, between musical roles (music fans create their own re-mixes now), and between platforms for cutting edge music (a MySpace page or a television commercial may be where it's at). The very idea of a "record" is nearly obsolete. Enter a new kind of artiste, a producer/musician/songwriter who assembles a visionary work from many fluid assorted parts. Harking back to more halcyon days in the music business, a time when the likes of Arif Mardin, Al Kooper, and Isaac Hayes made ground-breaking records, Robin Danar steps to the fore at a propitious moment. With ALTERED STATES, (Due out on Shanachie Entertainment March 18, 2008) Robin Danar's debut recording as an artist, he is a true auteur, shaping a soundtrack for some unmade film out of disparate and surprising elements created in dozens of time/space modules-a distinctive group of highly talented artists both known and emerging, a set of mostly well-known songs radically re-imagined, and evocative arrangements and production. The cutting edge artists - Rachael Yamagata, Pete Yorn, Inara George (The Bird And The Bee), Paul Buchanan (The Blue Nile) and others - are asked to go far outside of their normal genre as they enter Robin's world and his re-interpretation of much loved songs. Lisa Loeb sings on an acoustic-punk rendition of The Damned's "Video Nasty" for instance, while Pete Yorn collaborates with Kinky in the reconstruction of Bill Withers' "Use Me."
http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/AlteredStates/alteredstates_videonasty.wma
Robin Danar Makes Shanachie Debut with Altered States featuring Pete Yorn, Lisa Loeb, Rachael Yamagata, Paul Buchanan of the Blue Nile and more!
Soundtrack for unmade movie captures the cutting edge Los Angeles virtual music community
Soundtrack for unmade movie captures the cutting edge Los Angeles virtual music community
"Robin Danar has created something fresh and reflective of the moment."
-Nic Harcourt, Host of Morning Becomes Eclectic & Music Director of KCRW
In the rapidly shifting contemporary landscape, lines blur quickly between musical genres, between musical roles (music fans create their own re-mixes now), and between platforms for cutting edge music (a MySpace page or a television commercial may be where it's at). The very idea of a "record" is nearly obsolete. Enter a new kind of artiste, a producer/musician/songwriter who assembles a visionary work from many fluid assorted parts. Harking back to more halcyon days in the music business, a time when the likes of Arif Mardin, Al Kooper, and Isaac Hayes made ground-breaking records, Robin Danar steps to the fore at a propitious moment. With ALTERED STATES, (Due out on Shanachie Entertainment March 18, 2008) Robin Danar's debut recording as an artist, he is a true auteur, shaping a soundtrack for some unmade film out of disparate and surprising elements created in dozens of time/space modules-a distinctive group of highly talented artists both known and emerging, a set of mostly well-known songs radically re-imagined, and evocative arrangements and production. The cutting edge artists - Rachael Yamagata, Pete Yorn, Inara George (The Bird And The Bee), Paul Buchanan (The Blue Nile) and others - are asked to go far outside of their normal genre as they enter Robin's world and his re-interpretation of much loved songs. Lisa Loeb sings on an acoustic-punk rendition of The Damned's "Video Nasty" for instance, while Pete Yorn collaborates with Kinky in the reconstruction of Bill Withers' "Use Me."Robin Danar knows about scenes. For many years, in New York he was doing live sound and recording at CBGB's for the likes of Blondie, Television, Patti Smith and The New York Dolls, during its glory years at ground zero for one of the most influential music scenes ever. At the same time, he was engineering studio sessions for such mentors as Steve Lillywhite, Phil Ramone, Gary Katz and Russ Titelman on artists as diverse as Paul Simon, Donald Fagen, Chaka Khan, Billy Joel and Material. Danar's credits also include house sound mixing on tour for such artists as Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Cyndi Lauper, The Church, The B-52's and more. The hot-house creativity of the New York scene was unbeatable but at a certain point producer/engineer/musician/songwriter Robin felt it was time to make a move-to New York's polar (some would say spiritual) opposite - Los Angeles.
"In New York City," Robin says, "people were on a page with each other and a lot of people were-and are-very creative but at a certain point only able to be known in the East Village. They're playing to each other's fans and friends. In LA a major difference is things get heard here. And KCRW is a major reason for that. The radio station is a hub for listening to new music. People want to get heard here....they want to be understood and their creativity appreciated. The scene is scattered but people do get together."
In his new role as technical producer of many special events, such as KCRW's "A Sounds Eclectic Evening," which has featured the likes of Beck, Norah Jones, Beth Orton, Zero 7, Coldplay and Franz Ferdinand among others, and the Shortlistofmusic Award, Danar has formed relationships with an extraordinary array of artists, both established and emerging. Inspired by the array of musical creativity he was hearing in Los Angeles, he decided take the initiative to get them heard by a larger audience as well as making a creative statement himself.
"I wanted to get a lot of these artists heard by more people," he notes, " One way to do that was to use really well-known songs as a vehicle to get attention but one of the rules was that it would sound nothing like the original version. I also wanted the artists and musicians to get to know one another, because often they didn't."
"I wanted to get a lot of these artists heard by more people," he notes, " One way to do that was to use really well-known songs as a vehicle to get attention but one of the rules was that it would sound nothing like the original version. I also wanted the artists and musicians to get to know one another, because often they didn't."
Another key to Robin's approach was to record spontaneously and organically wherever was convenient. None of ALTERED STATES was recorded in a studio. "We didn't go into a studio for any of these tracks," he says. "Everyone in LA has a two-car garage with pre-amps. Basically the studio was a fire-wire drive that I carried around." The final element of Robin's vision for the album was that it would reflect a cinematic sensibility.
"One of the things I thought of when making this record is that everyone has had something in a film or commercial. There's a new generation that hears new music in films, on television and in commercials and buys music by the song. I'm fine with that."
ALTERED STATES has the flow and textures of a film soundtrack, even if the film does not yet exist. The surprising twists and turns in the music come from taking the artists out of their comfort zone and trying things they might not try on their own.
"Everyone said they didn't have the pressure of their own record so they were open to things and got into character," shares Robin. "Rachael Yamagata had never heard the Stones' "2000 Light Years From Home." Lisa Loeb doesn't usually fit into KCRW's format so I chose the Damned tune for her. I had Inara George do Johnny Mathis' "Chances Are" the way Patsy Cline would do it. With Quincy Coleman, we worked on a Pink Floyd song as an Andrews Sisters tune...but being a Pink Floyd tune it's like the drugs kicked in half way through and things got a little crazy."
But even the cover song concept was not sacrosanct as there are two original compositions on ALTERED STATES. ""Yell" came about because Jesca Hoop is a brilliant artist and I always wanted to do something with her that took advantage of her sense of rhythm and harmony and using her voice as an instrument. I brought her a track that I wrote and we started messing with it."
Considering the variety of songs and the diverse group of collaborators, ALTERED STATES plays through with remarkable coherence as a true album, best experienced in one listen. It begins and ends with dreamy, romantic atmospheres on "Chances Are" and "The Last Waltz/Such A Night" respectively. In between, the tracks ride peaks and valleys of edgy rock textures and evocative electronic atmospherics, telling an unfolding story that different people will interpret different ways. "In the end," Robin Danar says, "it is not about LA but it is about the creativity on the LA scene."
ALTERED STATES FEATURED VOCALISTS:
--INARA GEORGE "Chances Are": Daughter of Lowell George of Little Feat and goddaughter of Jackson Browne, Inara is part of the edgy duo The Bird And The Bee on Blue Note. The intoxicating vocalist has also released her own solo recordings and has collaborated with other bands. On ALTERED STATES, she brought a Patsy Cline vibe to Robin's version of the Johnny Mathis evergreen "Chances Are."
--JESCA HOOP "Yell": Tabbed by New York Times critic Jon Pareles as the best thing he saw at SWXW, Jesca's debut album has been released by Columbia. A KCRW favorite, she has a song featured on the soundtrack of the film Shoot 'Em Up starring Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti among others. "Yell," co-written by Jesca, Robin Danar and John O, is one of two original compositions on ALTERED STATES.
--PETE YORN/KINKY "Use Me": One most critically acclaimed and interesting singer-songwriters to emerge in recent years, Yorn has experienced major success via his three album releases for Columbia. Lately he has been touring with Crowded House. Kinky is a brilliant Mexican band known for fusing Latin music with rock and electronica. Robin used Yorn and Kinky together to help turn Bill Withers' funky classic inside out.
--HOLLY PALMER/ANDY LEVIN "Fool": After one solo album for Warner Brothers, Holly Palmer has been the vocalist of choice for many notable artists including Gnarls Barkley and David Bowie, while continuing a firm presence in NY and LA. Andy Levin is a new artist unheard of on the scene that had approached Robin as a producer. Together the duo delivers on a highly distinctive original composition.
--LISA LOEB/STEVE REYNOLDS "Video Nasty": Lisa Loeb has been one of the most successful and recognizable female singer/songwriters to emerge in the past fifteen years since her breakthrough hit song "Stay." The multi-talented singer/songwriter has been visible in film and on television in recent years, most recently with a children's television show. Joined by singer/songwriter and guitarist Steve Reynolds, who is known for his emotional lyrics and emotive and stunningly powerful voice, Loeb takes on Robin's rendition of a classic punk song by The Damned.
--INARA GEORGE "Chances Are": Daughter of Lowell George of Little Feat and goddaughter of Jackson Browne, Inara is part of the edgy duo The Bird And The Bee on Blue Note. The intoxicating vocalist has also released her own solo recordings and has collaborated with other bands. On ALTERED STATES, she brought a Patsy Cline vibe to Robin's version of the Johnny Mathis evergreen "Chances Are."
--JESCA HOOP "Yell": Tabbed by New York Times critic Jon Pareles as the best thing he saw at SWXW, Jesca's debut album has been released by Columbia. A KCRW favorite, she has a song featured on the soundtrack of the film Shoot 'Em Up starring Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti among others. "Yell," co-written by Jesca, Robin Danar and John O, is one of two original compositions on ALTERED STATES.
--PETE YORN/KINKY "Use Me": One most critically acclaimed and interesting singer-songwriters to emerge in recent years, Yorn has experienced major success via his three album releases for Columbia. Lately he has been touring with Crowded House. Kinky is a brilliant Mexican band known for fusing Latin music with rock and electronica. Robin used Yorn and Kinky together to help turn Bill Withers' funky classic inside out.
--HOLLY PALMER/ANDY LEVIN "Fool": After one solo album for Warner Brothers, Holly Palmer has been the vocalist of choice for many notable artists including Gnarls Barkley and David Bowie, while continuing a firm presence in NY and LA. Andy Levin is a new artist unheard of on the scene that had approached Robin as a producer. Together the duo delivers on a highly distinctive original composition.
--LISA LOEB/STEVE REYNOLDS "Video Nasty": Lisa Loeb has been one of the most successful and recognizable female singer/songwriters to emerge in the past fifteen years since her breakthrough hit song "Stay." The multi-talented singer/songwriter has been visible in film and on television in recent years, most recently with a children's television show. Joined by singer/songwriter and guitarist Steve Reynolds, who is known for his emotional lyrics and emotive and stunningly powerful voice, Loeb takes on Robin's rendition of a classic punk song by The Damned.
--PAUL BUCHANAN "Message Of Love": Paul Buchanan has been the lead singer/main songwriter of the critically-acclaimed cult ambient pop favorites The Blue Nile, known for integrating acoustic and electronic textures. Buchanan's songs have been used in many films and television shows. On ALTERED STATES, he delivers an unforgettable vocal on "Message Of Love," originally done by The Pretenders.
--QUINCY COLEMAN "Fearless": The daughter of actress Dabney Coleman, the LA-based singer/songwriter Quincy Coleman has had several songs featured in major motion pictures including the Academy Award-winning Crash and most recently the film Waitress starring Keri Russell. "Fearless" comes from the Pink Floyd canon.
--RACHAEL YAMAGATA "2000 Light Years From Home": One of the most exciting alternative singer-songwriters to emerge in the past few years, Yamagata's debut album positioned her as an artist on the verge of a major breakthrough. "2000 Light Years From Home" is one of the most successful songs from The Rolling Stone's brief 1967 fling with psychedelia Their Satanic Majesty's Request.
--JULIAN CORYELL "Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough": Singer/guitarist Julian Coryell is the son of legendary
jazz-rock fusion guitarist Larry Coryell and has made his mark in a wide variety of musical contexts. Juilian has toured with everyone from Carole King to Jewel and Aimee Mann. Robin's version of Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough" uses a drum loop that he put together and Julian's multi-instrumentalist skills to create a whole new take on Jackson's hit.
--MINIBAR "First of the Gang to Die": The UK rootsy blues influenced UK band Minibar have released two albums on their own and have been touring as opening act for Pete Yorn's national tours as well as backing him. Robin knew that a bunch of Brits would get the joke when it came to a warm version of a dark Morrissey song.
--JIM BIANCO "Life During Wartime": A rising singer-songwriter who often headlines the Hotel Café, and also the Hotel Café tours, Jim tours widely both here and abroad. He has toured and recorded with Tim Davies Big Band and was the winner the Los Angeles acoustic music competition, "Acoustic Live." Robin wanted him to sing The Talking Heads song "Life During Wartime" as an angry veteran of war and he did it justice.
--GARY JULES/SECTION QUARTET "Weirdo": Gary Jules scored a #1 pop hit in he UK with "Mad World" and had a well-received album on Universal in the U.S. Robin wanted Gary to sing on Weirdo because they're also faves in the UK. The Section Quartet, although active playing live and on everybody's records, hadn't done an industrial type track with electronic drums before. Their new album is out on Decca.
--QUINCY COLEMAN "Fearless": The daughter of actress Dabney Coleman, the LA-based singer/songwriter Quincy Coleman has had several songs featured in major motion pictures including the Academy Award-winning Crash and most recently the film Waitress starring Keri Russell. "Fearless" comes from the Pink Floyd canon.
--RACHAEL YAMAGATA "2000 Light Years From Home": One of the most exciting alternative singer-songwriters to emerge in the past few years, Yamagata's debut album positioned her as an artist on the verge of a major breakthrough. "2000 Light Years From Home" is one of the most successful songs from The Rolling Stone's brief 1967 fling with psychedelia Their Satanic Majesty's Request.
--JULIAN CORYELL "Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough": Singer/guitarist Julian Coryell is the son of legendary
jazz-rock fusion guitarist Larry Coryell and has made his mark in a wide variety of musical contexts. Juilian has toured with everyone from Carole King to Jewel and Aimee Mann. Robin's version of Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough" uses a drum loop that he put together and Julian's multi-instrumentalist skills to create a whole new take on Jackson's hit.
--MINIBAR "First of the Gang to Die": The UK rootsy blues influenced UK band Minibar have released two albums on their own and have been touring as opening act for Pete Yorn's national tours as well as backing him. Robin knew that a bunch of Brits would get the joke when it came to a warm version of a dark Morrissey song.
--JIM BIANCO "Life During Wartime": A rising singer-songwriter who often headlines the Hotel Café, and also the Hotel Café tours, Jim tours widely both here and abroad. He has toured and recorded with Tim Davies Big Band and was the winner the Los Angeles acoustic music competition, "Acoustic Live." Robin wanted him to sing The Talking Heads song "Life During Wartime" as an angry veteran of war and he did it justice.
--GARY JULES/SECTION QUARTET "Weirdo": Gary Jules scored a #1 pop hit in he UK with "Mad World" and had a well-received album on Universal in the U.S. Robin wanted Gary to sing on Weirdo because they're also faves in the UK. The Section Quartet, although active playing live and on everybody's records, hadn't done an industrial type track with electronic drums before. Their new album is out on Decca.
--JULIANNA RAYE The Last Waltz/Such A Night": Juliana Raye has been a highly visible singer-songwriter on the Los Angeles scene. She has been singing and touring with Rufus Wainwright and was opening act for two tours by The Eagles. Here Robin did a sort of "Last Waltz" tribute, melding two songs from The Band and Dr. John in an arrangement that he says "I wanted to be sung in a sexy, romantic mood while the girl is saying nasty things like "I'm gonna take you away from your bitch!"
Labels: alternative, indie, press release, robin danar
Friday, January 04, 2008
SCION PRESENTS: SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
SCION PRESENTS: SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
Curated by the Scrawl Collective
Curated by the Scrawl Collective
Los Angeles - December 2007 - In conjunction with the U.K.'s Scrawl Collective, Scion presents Special Relationship at its 4,500 square foot Installation L.A. Gallery. This show, Scrawl's biggest to date, is dedicated to exploring the light and dark side of the famous "Special Relationship" that exists between the U.K. and the U.S.A. The Scrawl Collective exhibition will feature specially created installations and new work by artists. Featured Scrawl Collective artists will include Will Barras, Mr Jago, Steff Plaetz, PhlAsh, DistOne, David Walker, Nick Purser, RYCA, Hutch, Ian Stevenson, Will Ainley and Felix Kiessling.
Scrawl Collective is an art and design collective from the U.K. Growing from a small tight-knit group of young English artists who banded together with Scrawl founder Ric Blackshaw in 1999, Scrawl Collective is known for pioneering a doodley, scratchy style of urban art that today has many adherents and can be seen everywhere from street art to mainstream advertising. While remaining true to these roots, Scrawl has expanded over the years picking up new artists along the way and developing the breadth and scope of their work as they go. Scrawl Collective has built up a formidable global reputation for its live art and installation shows and a ready market for its paintings and prints. For more information on the Scrawl Collective, visit:
www.scrawlcollective.co.uk
The opening reception takes place January 19, 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. at the Scion Installation L.A. Gallery, 3521 Helms Ave. (at National), Culver City, Calif., 90232. The show will run until February 9. A selection of screen prints from the ongoing Scrawl Editions series will be available.
Dedicated to fostering independent artistic expression, the Scion Installation L.A. Gallery is a space that allows artists to explore their creative visions. The Scion Installation Gallery hosts art shows and art-related events for cutting-edge artists from across the globe. Due to success and growth, the Scion Installation L.A. Gallery recently moved from its Washington Boulevard location to Helms and National in the Hayden Tract area. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM and by appointment - 310.815.8840. For more information, visit www.scion.com/space.
About Scion:
Scion is the newest line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind, Scion’s mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three groundbreaking models: the all-new xD subcompact five-door; the xB, an urban utility vehicle with an iconic shape; and the tC sports coupe. For more information, visit www.scion.com.
Labels: art, event, press release, scion
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
London Underground Footwear Launches
LONDON UNDERGROUND FOOTWEAR LAUNCHES
Tough but Feminine shoes Hit boutiques and key department stores
Tough but Feminine shoes Hit boutiques and key department stores
El Segundo, Calif., December 15, 2007 -- London Underground Shoes, a division of Dynasty Footwear, announced the launch of its new range of shoes and boots that redefine femininity in today's world. Product became available in select department stores and boutiques in early October.
"London Underground has redefined its tough roots," said Jack Silvera, President and CEO, "by injecting its new shoes and boots with unique, handcrafted details, we are providing a quality alternative to the sameness in the market. This will appeal to the independent individuals who have been missing our look in the market. This what the brand stands for."
Silvera added that London Underground is an affordable lifestyle brand taking inspiration from the emerging mix, worldwide, of music, art, design and fashion. In addition to department stores, the products are available now at independent boutique retailers nationwide. Price points range from $70 to $120.
Based in El Segundo, Calif., the Dynasty Footwear Group is a leading designer, manufacturer and wholesaler in the fashion footwear industry. For the more than 30 years, the company has been an innovator in both branded and private label footwear for women, men and children. Other Dynasty Footwear brands include BC Footwear, Seychelles, Self Esteem and Seven7.
Labels: london underground, press release
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Installation4 Art Tour Arrives In Miami For Art Basel
For Immediate Release
Scion's National Art Tour - INSTALLATION 4: It's A Beautiful World-
Arrives in Miami during Art Basel
Scion's National Art Tour - INSTALLATION 4: It's A Beautiful World-
Arrives in Miami during Art Basel
Los Angeles - November 2007 - Scion's fourth installment of the innovative Scion Installation Art Tour, entitled "It's A Beautiful World," arrives in Miami for the prestigious Art Basel event on December 7. The opening reception for the public will take place from 7:00 - 10:00 P.M. at The Raleigh Hotel Penthouse on South Beach, preceded by a private press reception, 5:00 -7:00 P.M. All "Beautiful World" artists will attend both of these events. Six of this year's artists designed custom balloons, each eight-feet in diameter, which will fly over the grounds of the Raleigh Hotel. Also on display will be the custom designed Scion art cars from Dalek, Sage Vaughn, and Ron English.
Art Basel is the largest art event in North America - each year Miami plays host to galleries, art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world. All of the Installation artists will have the opportunity to attend and take advantage of all the opportunities that Art Basel offers.
The theme "It's a Beautiful World" was interpreted by each artist, in one of four mediums- painting, photography, sculpture, and collage.
This year's artists include: Andrew Pommier, Andy Mueller, Angela Boatwright, Blaine Fontana, Blek LeRat, Books llll, Caia Koopman, Chris Yormick, Cody Hudson, Dalek, David Choe, David Ellis, Eye One, Francesco LoCastro, Freddi C, J. Shea, James Jean, Jeff Soto, Joshua Krause, Kelsey Brookes, Kenton Parker, Kofie, Mel Kadel, Michael Sieben, Mike Giant, Rammellzee, RETNA, R. Grimes, Ron English, Sam Flores, Sage Vaughn, The London Police, Tim McCormick, Travis Millard, Yoskay Yamamoto and more.
Scion Installation 4 will visit the following cities around the country: Austin, Texas; Chicago; Minneapolis; Los Angeles; Miami; New York; Philadelphia; Seattle; and Boston. Each tour stop will kick off with an opening event for local art aficionados, press, and other urban tastemakers.
The final tour stop and auction will be in Los Angeles, at the new Scion Installation L.A. space in the Culver City Arts District. All of the artwork will be auctioned off to the public, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward art related charities. In previous years, the auctions have raised more than $110,000 for charity.
Launched in 2003, Scion Installation is a revolutionary art tour affirming Scion's ongoing commitment to supporting independent artistic expression and featuring work from an unprecedented collective of contemporary artists. Previous participants have included: Andre from Paris, Gary Baseman, Mr Cartoon, Crash, Daim, Daze, Blaine Fontana, Sam Flores, Friendswithyou, Futura, Mike Giant, Justin Hampton, Krush, Mear One, Ricky Powell, Persue, Revok, Retna, Rostarr, Saber, Kenny Scharf, Seak, StayHigh 149, Wearesupervision, and more. The program is designed to give exposure to both established and emerging artists.
For four years the tour has evolved, and each year the medium with which the artists showcase their work changes. The first year featured Scion xB panels and xA sculptures, while the second year presented art on three foot by eight foot wood panels. Each artist’s unique style was introduced on three-foot long polyurethane Scion tC sculptures for the third tour.
For more information on the tour, the artists, the artwork and details from past tours please visit: http://www.scion.com/installation
For more information on the tour, the artists, the artwork and details from past tours please visit: http://www.scion.com/installation
About Scion:
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., was developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind. Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three ground-breaking models. The xD is an urban subcompact five-door, featuring a muscular stance and accentuated wheel flares. The xB, an urban utility vehicle, combines remarkable interior space with iconic styling. And the tC sports coupe surprises the buyer with the convenience of a hatchback and the luxury of a standard all-glass panorama moonroof, complementing the usual wide array of features on all Scions. For more information, visit
www.scion.com
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., was developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind. Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three ground-breaking models. The xD is an urban subcompact five-door, featuring a muscular stance and accentuated wheel flares. The xB, an urban utility vehicle, combines remarkable interior space with iconic styling. And the tC sports coupe surprises the buyer with the convenience of a hatchback and the luxury of a standard all-glass panorama moonroof, complementing the usual wide array of features on all Scions. For more information, visit
www.scion.com
# # #
Remaining Installation Tour Schedule
December 7, 2007 (during Art Basel)
Miami, FL
The Raleigh Hotel Penthouse
www.raleighhotel.com
Miami, FL
The Raleigh Hotel Penthouse
www.raleighhotel.com
January 17 - February 15, 2008
Austin, TX
Gallery Lombardi
www.gallerylombardi.com
Austin, TX
Gallery Lombardi
www.gallerylombardi.com
March 7 - 21, 2008
Philadelphia, PA
F.U.E.L. Gallery
www.fuelcollection.com
Philadelphia, PA
F.U.E.L. Gallery
www.fuelcollection.com
April 2008
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN
April 2008
Los Angeles, CA
Scion Installation L.A.
www.scion.com/space
Los Angeles, CA
Scion Installation L.A.
www.scion.com/space
Labels: art, press release, scion, street art
Friday, November 02, 2007
Anime Returns The Voice of Hip-Hop Back To The People With The Release of "Tell Myself I'm Happy"
Streaming Tracks
Anime - Tell Myself I'm Happy (Dirty)
Anime - The Day After (Dirty)
Anime Returns The Voice of Hip-Hop Back To The People With The Release of "Tell Myself I'm Happy"
Nowhere has this policy of "eat it until you like it" become more evident than in today's music. What was once the lone voice of the people has become nothing more than hollow images of commercialism and violence. It is now designed to take the people's minds off of what is really going on, and desensitize them to the real life violence taking place all over the world everyday. What was once our parent's spirit of revolution has become a symbol of exactly how corrupted and apathetic our generation has become.
All is not lost however. Since the late 1990's a movement has been brewing. In basements and on street corners the essence of freedom remains strong, ready to bubble to the surface and give the people their voice back. Among this guerrilla movement stands Anime. An emcee as unpredictable and gritty as the animated films that he draws his name from and inspired by the pioneers of the hip-hop culture as well as revolutionary artists from all genres. He has spent over 10 years in the underground perfecting his craft. This time spent paying dues allowed Anime to develop a well balanced style that is as full of classic hip-hop braggadocio as it is full of story telling and social commentary.
Possessing the swagger of an east coast b-boy; combined with an aggressive delivery, and superior wordplay - Anime stands out from the pack. Always pushing the limits of what he is capable of as an emcee, and what hip-hop music is capable of being; Anime is set to strike the industry with a laser guided dose of reality. All in an effort to give a voice back to the people.
Anime's first single, "Tell Myself I'm Happy" is everything that a hip-hop single should be. The feel good (yet thought provoking) beat is provided by German super-producer Shuko. Anime paints a picture with his lyrical imagery taking us through "just one of those days". The track is anchored by a contagious chorus sung by rock singer Mike Maven. The light hearted vibe of the main single is balanced by the sinister B-side "The Day After". For this track, Anime is joined by crewmates Animal Cracka and A.D. "The Day After" sets the scene of what life would be like the day after a presidential assassination.
www.myspace.com/animehiphop
The Buzz On Anime
"Solid material no doubt. Crazy production on both joints, Anime attacks the mic with mad charisma...definitely feels like circa '95...hot ish!"
- Shareef Hakim, WRFL/88.1 fm
"Dope man, i dig both sides...particularly the A-side, "Tell Myself I'm Happy"."
- DJ Hyphen, KUBE 93.3 FM Seattle
"Great track, well produced... Great lyrics too!"
-Laurie Gail, Promo Only MPE
"Tell Myself I'm Happy" breathes life in an oversaturated industry full of line dance crunk and fluff. This track speaks to me, as well as gives me and my audience something to relate to.
-DJ PrizMatiK, Focuson The DJ (Sprint Mobile / US Cellular)
"For a guy spitting righteous vitriol at The Man, Anime sure has a fun time with it. Boppy, jazz-inflected beatscapes set up flows that are darkly resigned without ever being bitter. That's an essential balance for this (and any) conscious rhymer: getting serious without losing a sense of humor."
- Editor Review from Download.com
"The Anime joint Shuko did is absolutely banging!"
-Eric Jordan, WWVU, Morgantown, WV (University of West Virginia)
"This is Hotness!"
-Mr. Groove, KGNU Boulder / Denver, CO
"Yeah I'm digging this track. I'm feeling the beat, and feeling the rhymes. This is one of those feel good tracks with the vibe, and I'm digging homies flow. I even like the hook."
-Nesto, WODU , Norfolk, VA (Old Dominion University)
Labels: hiphop, press release
Friday, October 26, 2007
Scion Presents: Rugs During Wartime and Peace Time, Opens Nov 17
Scion Presents: Rugs During Wartime and Peace Time, Opens Nov 17
The opening reception takes place November 17, 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. at the Scion Installation LA Gallery, 3521 Helms Ave. (at National), Culver City, CA 90232.
Opening Reception:
Nov 17th, 2007
7 - 10pm
Scion Installation LA Gallery
3521 Helms Ave. (at National)
Culver City, CA 90232
SCION PRESENTS: RUGS DURING WARTIME AND PEACETIME
Los Angeles - Oct. 2007 - Scion, in conjunction with Mark Mothersbaugh, one of the founding members of the band DEVO, presents RUGS DURING WARTIME AND PEACETIME at Scion's 4,500 square foot Installation L.A. Gallery. This show is an exploration of the imagery we choose to bring into our homes and how we interact with it for the purposes of comfort and peace-of-mind rather than an esoteric sense of art for art's sake.
Mothersbaugh's love of art started early in his childhood, just after it was discovered that he was extremely nearsighted and legally blind. After he received his first pair of correctional glasses Mothersbaugh had a new view of the world that inspired his obsession with imagery and illustrations. His first works, which he began creating in the late 60s and into the 70s, consisted of many different mediums, predominantly drawing and printmaking. He participated in local showings, and received recognition for his work in his home town of Akron, Ohio.
With DEVO, his most successful music project, Mothersbaugh was able to showcase his artistic abilities on a larger scale, and to millions of people. Through their films, videos, costumes, LP covers, stage shows, and printed materials, Mothersbaugh and DEVO forever altered commonly held preconceptions of how a rock band should function in popular culture.
During his downtime on early worldwide tours with DEVO, he began illustrating on postcards to send to his friends, which he still creates, and has been creating every day for over 30 years; a very obsessive habit which still yields anywhere from one to 25 new images per day. These cards were originally created as his personal diaries, and were never intended for public viewing. That all changed when Mothersbaugh decided to share his postcard works in his critically acclaimed solo shows during the 80s and 90s, and then with his gallery tour in 2003 titled HOMEFRONT INVASION! This marked the beginning of many solo shows to come. Mothersbaugh followed the 2003 tour with his BEAUTIFUL MUTANTS tour in 2004, which showcased his photographic symmetrical creations and 'corrected' imagery. The tour distributed many more of Mothersbaugh's works throughout the world, and attracted more first-time gallery visitors and art buyers to his shows.
Mothersbaugh's gallery tours since 2005 have featured new works from both his Postcard Diaries Prints and Beautiful Mutants photographs, giving each gallery a choice of either visual theme. His busy life includes spending time with his wife and children, scoring music for movie, TV, and computer games at Mutato Muzika Studios (www.mutato.com), performing with DEVO (www.clubdevo.com), and creating artwork for his Visual Art Gallery Tours (www.mutatovisual.com).
The opening reception takes place November 17, 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. at the Scion Installation LA Gallery, 3521 Helms Ave. (at National), Culver City, CA 90232.
Dedicated to fostering independent artistic expression, the Scion Installation L.A. Gallery is a space that allows artists to explore their creative visions. The new Scion Installation Gallery hosts art shows and art-related events for cutting-edge artists from across the globe. Due to success and growth, the Scion Installation L.A. Gallery recently moved from its Washington Boulevard location to Helms and National in the Hayden Tract area. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM and by appointment -310.815.8840. For more information, visit www.scion.com/space.
About Scion:
Scion is the newest line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind, Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three groundbreaking models: the all-new xD subcompact five-door; the xB, an urban utility vehicle with an iconic shape; and the tC sports coupe. For more information, visit www.scion.com.
Scion is the newest line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind, Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three groundbreaking models: the all-new xD subcompact five-door; the xB, an urban utility vehicle with an iconic shape; and the tC sports coupe. For more information, visit www.scion.com.
Labels: art, opening, press release, scion
Friday, October 19, 2007
Indie-Hop Artist Domer Announces 'Open Source' Music Project "My Favorite EP"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Indie-Hop Artist Domer Announces 'Open Source' Music Project "My Favorite EP"
Brooklyn-based indie-hop innovator Domer is back with a brand new kind of musical project. Only a few months after the April release of his critically acclaimed genre-bender "Work With Me" on Skipping Beats Records, Domer has decided to push the limits even further by inventing a whole new kind of interactive album.
The vocals for the five songs on My Favorite EP were recorded with no beat underneath, just rapped to a metronome and have been posted online for producers all over the world to run with. By keeping a carefully ambiguous tone in lyrical content and delivery, Domer allows producers to take the EP in any musical direction they choose. Once Domer collects the various versions of the EP (which already range from party tracks to introspective electro to minimal electro-dub), they will all be posted online for free download and listening.
But that's not the best part.
The twist is that the actual choice of the My Favorite EP lineup and song order will be left in the hands of every journalist, blogger and fan who participates. Everyone is invited to choose their favorite version of each song and create a custom-made version of My Favorite EP according to their own tastes. And of course, everyone is encouraged to post their favorite EP for free download on their own site.
"I wanted to blur the line between artist and listener," Domer said. "The direction of the album is in everyone's hands but mine and will continue to be till the project is over. It's cool because it really gets people involved in the process and kind brings the open-source philosophy to music in a new way."
The vocal tracks can currently be found in Domer's blog at iamDOMER.com and he expects to post the finished versions by mid-November, following his return from an October '07 national US tour.
MP3s of the vocal tracks can be downloaded at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/MyFavoriteEP
To download the vocal tracks as .wav files, click here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/3076740492b203/
www.iamdomer.com
www.myspace.com/domer
For more info, or if you are a blogger/writer/producer and wish to participate, please contact:
lucy@elemental-consulting.com
Email track submissions to:
MyFavoriteEP@gmail.com
Indie-Hop Artist Domer Announces 'Open Source' Music Project "My Favorite EP"
Brooklyn-based indie-hop innovator Domer is back with a brand new kind of musical project. Only a few months after the April release of his critically acclaimed genre-bender "Work With Me" on Skipping Beats Records, Domer has decided to push the limits even further by inventing a whole new kind of interactive album.
The vocals for the five songs on My Favorite EP were recorded with no beat underneath, just rapped to a metronome and have been posted online for producers all over the world to run with. By keeping a carefully ambiguous tone in lyrical content and delivery, Domer allows producers to take the EP in any musical direction they choose. Once Domer collects the various versions of the EP (which already range from party tracks to introspective electro to minimal electro-dub), they will all be posted online for free download and listening.
But that's not the best part.
The twist is that the actual choice of the My Favorite EP lineup and song order will be left in the hands of every journalist, blogger and fan who participates. Everyone is invited to choose their favorite version of each song and create a custom-made version of My Favorite EP according to their own tastes. And of course, everyone is encouraged to post their favorite EP for free download on their own site.
"I wanted to blur the line between artist and listener," Domer said. "The direction of the album is in everyone's hands but mine and will continue to be till the project is over. It's cool because it really gets people involved in the process and kind brings the open-source philosophy to music in a new way."
The vocal tracks can currently be found in Domer's blog at iamDOMER.com and he expects to post the finished versions by mid-November, following his return from an October '07 national US tour.
MP3s of the vocal tracks can be downloaded at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/MyFavoriteEP
To download the vocal tracks as .wav files, click here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/3076740492b203/
www.iamdomer.com
www.myspace.com/domer
For more info, or if you are a blogger/writer/producer and wish to participate, please contact:
lucy@elemental-consulting.com
Email track submissions to:
MyFavoriteEP@gmail.com
Labels: hiphop, press release
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Mudville - IrisNova - 6/12
Free Download
Eternity:http://www.mudvillemusic.com/downloads/Mudville_Eternity.mp3
Audio Streams
Wicked:
http://link7.streamhoster.com/?u=elemental&p=%2Fmudville-wicked.wma&odaid=4873
Wonder Boy:
http://link7.streamhoster.com/?u=elemental&p=%2Fmudville-wonderboy.wma&odaid=4873
Spirits In The Material World:
http://link7.streamhoster.com/?u=elemental&p=%2Fmudville-spiritsinthematerialworld.wma&odaid=4873
MUDVILLE - IRIS NOVA (06/12/07)
Where else can you hear...
* R.E.M's Mike Mills
* Tabla player/producer Karsh Kale,
* Telecaster maestro Jim Campilongo, (The Little Willies),
* Ethel, the maverick string quartet,
* Avant-jazz saxophonist Michael Blake (Lounge Lizards), and
* Buddy Cage, pedal steel guitar legend (Bob Dylan, New Riders of the Purple Sage)
...together on one record?MUDVILLE reaches ever more stirring and soulful musical heights with their third release, Iris Nova. This meticulously crafted album features collaborations with an eclectic array of great artists.
This modern masterwork from songwriter/vocalist Marilyn Carino and producer/instrumentalist Benny Cha Cha furthers the retro-futuristic excursions of 2005's acclaimed The Glory of Man is Not in Vogue (hailed by Nylon as "enchanting...a testament to the healing powers of rhythm" and called "poetic" and "other-worldly" by the New York Post). With eleven original tunes plus a cover of The Police's "Spirits in the Material World," Mudville seamlessly blends old-school soul and hip-hop grooves with a jazz sensibility, electronica flourishes, and live orchestral arrangements. The songs on Iris Nova paint captivating portraits of spiritual ambivalence, anguish and liberation, all on a palette of juicy grooves.
Outside of Mudville, Carino has co-written with and loaned her strange, fearless voice (compared to Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Annie Lennox) to projects produced by Billy Talbot of Neil Young and Crazy Horse and Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.
Benny Cha Cha, whose profile is on the rise, has lent his skills as a producer, bassist, and composer to artists such as Wu-Tang Clan's Killah Priest, Brazilian Girls, Karsh Kale, Marshall Crenshaw and the Dred Scott Trio.Mudville's music has been heard on more than 150 U.S. and Canadian radio stations including KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, NPR programs Morning Edition and Studio 360, in the feature film Slutty Summer, and on the Gemini Award-winning Canadian TV show ReGenesis.
Iris Nova will be available from iTunes worldwide, eMusic, Rhapsody, Napster and other major e-tailers. Limited-edition signed and numbered CDs (some which include original watercolors by Marilyn) will be available only at live performances or directly from the band.
http://www.mudvillemusic.com/ www.myspace.com/mudville
PURCHASE:
itunes
emusic
Labels: mudville, press release
Monday, May 21, 2007
2Tall Presents Dudley Perkins & Georgia Anne Muldrow "Beautiful Mindz" - June 12th
Download the "Beautiful Mindz" Promo Sampler Mega Mix (mixed by Dj 2-Tall) MP3:
http://www.dj2tall.com/BM/2tall_beautifulmindz_promomix.mp3
2 TALL PRESENTS DUDLEY PERKINS & GEORGIA ANNE MULDROW "BEAUTIFUL MINDZ" IN STORES JUNE 12th 2007
Recognized for releasing the Pro X Fade advanced cross fader technology (http://www.eclecticbreaks.com/proxfade) and promoting one of the largest club nights in the UK, the Eclectic Breaks label strikes once again forming an alliance with the independent hiphop distribution powerhouse, boutique label, & digital retailer; Amalgam Entertainment to unleash a new LP entirely produced by DJ 2tall featuring Dudley Perkins (aka Declaime) and Georgia Anne Muldrow on vocal duties. This is a unique UK/USA collaboration project that combines intelligent lyrics, free thinking, poetic verse and skilled studio productions, to result in an incredibly fresh, poignant and positive album.
The album's title 'Beautiful Mindz' is a message to the listeners that we are capable of much more than we think, and the project itself reflects that it's not difficult to put together a unique album of music with people from other parts of the planet. From their initial acquaintance to the albums completion, the whole experience was natural and organic as all great partnerships are.
Dudley Perkins is best known for his releases on US label Stones Throw Records, where he lends his unique voice to many of Madlib's productions. Highlights from his releases include the single 'Flowers' and album 'Expressions (2012 A.U.)', plus the album 'Illmindmuzik' as Declaime on Good Vibe Recordings. Georgia Anne Muldrow is also associated with Stones Throw, and is their only female signing. Noticed early on by fellow LA hip hop trendsetters Sa Ra, as well as Detroit's Platinum Pied Pipers, the buzz created saw her sound reach the airwaves of Worldwide with Gilles Peterson on the BBC, and to Peanut Butter Wolf, who signed her to a two-album deal on Stones Throw, where she recently released 'Olesi: Fragments Of An Earth'. Originally known for his accolades in the DJ championship world, where he took home the title of UK DMC Team Champions in 2003 with his crew the Trusicians, 2tall has been making a name for himself as a producer over the past few years. 'Beautiful Mindz' is the first ever project from these three combined talents.
Beautiful Mindz is Available Worldwide June 12th 2007 (Eclectic Breaks/Amalgam)
TRACKLISTING:
01. Introduction
02. ATall
03. Time
04. Mic Check
05. A Beautiful Mind
06. Coils
07. Interlude
08. Newniss
09. The Fonk Will Set You Free
10. Fonkwitme
11. Holy Skit
12. Poet Past The Weak
13. Ain't That Strange
14. Wakin Up
15. Messagez
16. U R
17. Outro
2 tall / Dudley & Georgia are available for booking, interviews, & general press inquiries
www.AmalgamDigital.com
www.EclecticBreaks.com
www.dj2tall.com
Labels: hiphop, press release, soul
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Return of Strictly Rhythm Records
Todd (the God) Terry is back with 'Get Down' the first major crossover release on the newly re-launched Strictly Rhythm.
"The label was the starting point for anybody who is anybody in today's house scene" -- Simon Dunmore.
After a five year hiatus the label that defined house music throughout the 1990s announces its return to the dance music community with a track forecast to have huge crossover success – Todd Terry All Stars feat Tara McDonald 'Get Down', a cool vocal house track co written with house music heavy weights Kenny Dope, DJ Sneak and Terry Hunter. It features the talents of Tara McDonald, the voice of Armand Van Helden's – My My My and Axwell's 'Feel the Vibe'. Already championed by BBC Radio 1's Pete Tong, with two successive week's plays and further initial support by Radio 1Xtra's Aaron Ross. Already an underground club hit due to frequent spins from international Dj's including Dimitri from Paris and Roger Sanchez, this record is sure to grow from the grass roots upward. That is not all. Since Strictly first announced its re-launch in Feb 07 and to date has already notched up over 30,000 downloads of its back catalogue. Now the label switches attention towards brand new productions and signings. "It's not about us doing what Strictly have done, it's about us taking it to the next level," says Simon Dunmore, Strictly A & R.
Strictly's new roster now includes exciting new signings and forthcoming releases from Masters at Work, Quentin Harris, Osunlade Tiefschwarz, Mood II Swing and Grand High Priest. A dedicated website has been built and is ready to go live. www.strictly.com will provide a direct facility to download all Strictly product and will provide all the latest news, information on all new releases and exclusive interviews from classic artists like Roger Sanchez, Erick Morillo & Barbara Tucker. Other features include regular podcasts, videos and a newly designed merchandise range.
About Strictly:
Strictly Rhythm the New York label first opened its doors in 1989 and quickly gained a following among club DJs thanks to a series of high quality underground tracks by the likes of Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry and Kenny Dope. In 1994 Strictly notched up its first crossover hit with Real 2 Real's 'I Like To Move It', a feat it was to repeat throughout the rest of the decade with Wink's 'Higher State of Consciousness', Ultra Nate's 'Free' and Wamdue Project's 'King of My Castle'. In between the hits the label provided a steady output of club tracks by a huge array of respected artists from Barbara Tucker and Masters At Work to Erick Morillo, Josh Wink, Armand Van Helden, Danny Tenaglia, David Morales and DJ Pierre. Almost every house producer of repute who was active in the 1990s is represented in the catalogue. 'I am often quoted saying that Defected aspires to be as revered as Strictly Rhythm was back in the day' says Dunmore. 'The label was the starting point for anybody who is anybody in today's scene, be it as a producer, a dj or a collector; Strictly Rhythm has left on them an indelible mark'.
www.strictly.com
www.myspace.com/strictlyrhythmrecords
Labels: labels, press release, strictly
