Friday, September 23, 2011

Jess Franklin Trio 4 18 9 LONG HAIRED COUNTRY BOY

One of my favorite performers, serving up on of my favorite songs. A wonderful birthday-eve gift for Fred...

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Tony Lucca's "Under The Influence" Recalls Past Hits

Tony Lucca will be releasing his covers album, Under The Influence, on September 27, 2011, via Rock Ridge Music.  A 10-song compilation of tunes (see full track listing below) by artists that influenced Lucca as a musician and songwriter, the album was produced by Mike Vizcarra (Brian Wright, Ladies Gun Club, Truth & Salvage Co.).  Under The Influence is the next entry in Lucca's catalogue and follows on the heels of 2010's Rendezvous With The Angels.
 
Says Lucca of his latest musical undertaking:  "Under The Influence was originally going to be called Wish List, consisting of songs I wish I had written. These, of course, would have been songs I've spent the last 20 or so years learning and playing for people. However, when it came time to make the record, I realized that what I could stand to benefit from more would be something a bit less conventional, maybe say, a little less predictable. After some great discussions with my producer Mike Vizcarra and our friend Brian Wright, we decided to dig a little deeper, come up with a set of songs that might pay a greater 'homage,' songs that could possibly reflect a deeper sense of well, influence." 
 
After appearing on the "Mickey Mouse Club" for six years in the early '90s, Lucca went the Internet route and sold his first two independent releases, his debut So Satisfied (1997) and the follow-up Strong Words, Softly Spoken (1999), through his own website. His first commercially distributed album, Shotgun, arrived in 2004. It was succeeded by his Rock Ridge Music debut Canyon Songs (2006), Come Around Again (2008), and the aforementioned Rendezvous With The Angels (2010).  His songs have been featured on TV's "Friday Night Lights," "Brothers & Sisters," "Shark," and "Felicity" and in Kevin Costner's feature "Open Range." He has been seen on E! Entertainment Television and A&E, and performed numerous times on NBC's "Last Call With Carson Daly." 
 
Over the course of his career, Lucca has shared stages with *Nsync, Marc Anthony, Macy Gray, Johnny Lang, the late Chris Whitley, Sara Bareilles, and Tyrone Wells.  Lucca has also completed several cooperative tours with Jay Nash and Matt Duke (which resulted in TFDI, a collaborative EP recorded at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois, and released by Rykodisc in late 2009, and When I Stop Running, a full-length album by the trio that was released by Rock Ridge Music in the summer of 2011).
 
Under The Influence Track Listing:
  1. Find The Cost Of Freedom (Crosby, Stills & Nash)
  2. State Trooper (Bruce Springsteen)
  3. Dirty Work (Steely Dan)
  4. Grandma's Hands (Bill Withers)
  5. That's The Way (Led Zeppelin)
  6. You Got Lucky (Tom Petty)
  7. Baby Driver (Simon & Garfunkel)
  8. Waiting On A Friend (Rolling Stones)
  9. Angel (Jimi Hendrix)
  10. Dirt Floor (Chris Whitley)
 
Under The Influence Song-By-Song, by Tony Lucca:
 
"Find The Cost of Freedom" (Crosby, Stills & Nash) - "Find The Cost of Freedom" is one of the most poignant songs ever crafted by one of my earliest influences, Crosby, Stills and Nash. The weight of the lyric, matched only by the strength of their signature harmonic structure, left an indelible mark on my early years of music appreciation/understanding. 
"State Trooper" (Bruce Springsteen) - I never knew I was a Bruce Springsteen fan until I heard the record "Nebraska." "State Trooper" hit me from the very first listen and the imagery stayed with me ever since. Again, Bruce might not have been someone I would think to cover but I can say without reservation that my songwriting improved immensely after hearing this song. 
"Dirty Work" (Steely Dan) - I'm a huge Steely Dan fan and have always considered Donald Fagan a strong lyrical influence. Trying to find something by them to cover for this project was somewhat of a challenge because most of their work falls outside my personal musical vocabulary. However, "Dirty Work," aside from being the only Steely Dan song NOT sung by Fagan (and ironically their only #1 hit, I believe) had a familiar sense of melancholy to it that I thought might lend itself well to the project. Ultimately, we left no trace of the melancholy on this cover but rather created what I feel to be the stand-out, feel-good track of the record.
"Grandma's Hands" (Bill Withers) - "Grandma's Hands" is not only one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite vocal influences, but it also reflects my love and reverence for one of my greatest influences ever, my Grandma, Eunice Stevenson. She was the mother of 12 music-making children and had a voice every bit as compelling as Sarah Vaughan's. Her spirit has been an inherent element in my career from the very beginning.  
"That's The Way" (Led Zeppelin) - "That's The Way" has always been one of my favorite Zeppelin songs. There was always something so contemplative about Robert Plant's tone in that recording that it almost begs you to examine the meaning of the lyric. There are so many layers to it. Of course, it's almost sacrilege to attempt to out-rock Zeppelin, so we were content to tackle something more on the acoustic side of their catalogue.
"You Got Lucky" (Tom Petty) - One of the cooler things about growing up in Generation X was that I can fully recall the advent of MTV. The songs and videos that were introduced to the world at that time were some of the most ground-breaking works in music history, and remain so today. When I saw Mike Campbell reach for that hollow-body Gretsch in Tom Petty's "You Got Lucky" video, I swore someday I would have that very guitar and maybe even be half as cool as Mike Campbell when I played it. I've yet to acquire that guitar but we did take an honest stab at the song from which the dream was born.
"Baby Driver" (Simon & Garfunkel) - I would say that of all the great lyricists of the past four or five decades, no one has had as strong an impact on me as Paul Simon. I knew I wanted to cover something by him (and possibly Art Garfunkel) but was excited to find something a bit more obscure. Brian Wright actually brought "Baby Driver" to the project and I knew we'd have a lot of fun recording it.
"Waiting On A Friend" (Rolling Stones) - "Waiting On A Friend" always struck me as the coolest dude's anthem. Mick Jagger has a great way of painting contrast, and this song really reflects that. Again, this was one of those early-on MTV images that never slipped away from my memory. I love how the video starts off with Mick out on the stoop with Peter Tosh, in front of the same brownstone that was photographed on the cover of Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti." Lotta rock-n-roll trivia in there. 
"Angel" (Jimi Hendrix) - "Angel" was the ideal duo for this record: me singing to Mike's raw solo electric accompaniment. I have always been amazed at how vulnerable Jimi allowed himself to be. His lyrics are so vivid and otherwordly, of course to say nothing of his earth-shattering guitar work. Putting a Jimi Handrix cover on the record is an honor I could never take lightly. 
"Dirt Floor" (Chris Whitley) - It took me some time to fully appreciate the work of Chris Whitley. However, it took only a couple listens to his Dirt Floor record before I started stealing little things here and there. I've always been a fan of alternate guitar tunings and Chris seemed to have taken this to a whole other level, not to mention his almost crooner-like melodic sense, featured prominently here in this a cappella version of the title track. 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Marissa Nadler Collaborates with Cloud Seeding On "Ink Jar"

Boston-based songstress Marissa Nadler and NY collaborative project Cloud Seeding have released a brand new video for the track "Ink Jar," as Nadler prepares for a set of North American dates with James Vincent McMorrow and a European fall tour. Spearheaded by Brooklyn-based guitarist Kevin Serra (This Ascension, Lot 49), Cloud Seeding is a music singles project conceived as a space of collaboration to showcase vocalists he admires. Nadler is the first vocalist to team up with Serra, penning the vocals for this song.Directed by Christopher Arcella, the video features actors Ray Lorini and Vera Arcella on a cosmic love journey and can be watched at YouTube or Vimeo    

 

After releasing several albums with Kemado (and having one of her songs inspire the name for vinyl start-up Mexican Summer), Nadler ventured out independently for her critically acclaimed self-titled album, which has been featured on NPR "World Cafe: Next," NPR First ListenVogue, KEXPPitchfork 'Overlooked Records of 2011' with an 8.1 album review, and as one of SPIN's "5 Best New Artists for June," among others. 

     

Marissa Nadler On Tour

 

09/09 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom*
09/10 - Boston, MA - Bright Music Hall*
09/11 - Montreal, QC, Canada - La Sala Rossa*
09/13 - Toronto, ON, Canada - Elmo
09/15 - Chicago, IL - Hideout Inn*
09/16 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall*
09/17 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center*
09/23 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live w/ Sharon Van Etten
10/04 - London, United Kingdom- Bush Hall
10/06 - Berlin, Germany - Comet
10/07 - Hamburg, Germany - Uebel & Gefährlich/Turmzimmer 
10/08 -  Copenhagen, Denmark- Pumpehuset 
10/09 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser 
10/10 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Hendriksberg 
10/11 - Oslo, Norway - Revolver 
10/12 - Bergen, Norway -  Perfect Sounds Forever 
10/14 - Tampere, Finland - Klubi 
10/15 - Turku, Finland - Dynamo
10/16 - Helsinki, Finald - Kuudes Linja  

*with James Vincent McMorrow

Primus to Stream "Green Naugahyde" on South Park Facebook Page

Primus is pleased to announce that Green Naugahyde, its first studio album in 11 years, is now streaming exclusively on South Park's Facebook page, a week before release on September 13 on ATO Records/Prawn Songs. Primus has a longstanding history with South Park, having written and recorded the Comedy Central show's theme song over 10 years ago. The album stream, which will be available for two weeks, is part of South Park's "Year of the Fan" promotion.

 

On August 30, 750 copies of Green Naugahyde were released in a batch of limited edition vinyl, available in independent record stores. The rubber-stamped and hand-numbered double LPs were pressed on green vinyl and featured a white sleeve. 

 

Primus will also be heading out on a fall tour later this month. An Evening with Primus, featuring two full sets, begins on September 23rd in Boston, makes its way west, and ends on October 29th as part of the Oddity Faire at the Greek Theatre in Berkley, CA. Tickets are currently on sale.

 

Green Naugahyde was produced and engineered by Les Claypool in his personal studio, Rancho Relaxo, in Northern California, and features Claypool, long-time guitarist Larry LaLonde and drummer Jay Lane. Lane was in an early lineup of the band, and was also in Sausage, a 1994 reunion of the 1988 Primus lineup. Green Naugahyde expands on Primus' incomparable sound and also sees them bringing it into the next millennium. It is a cerebral and complex album that, like all of the band's output, is teeming with the band's signature blend of whimsy and underlying darkness.

 

For the past 27 years, Primus have followed in the footsteps of boundary-pushing artists like Frank Zappa and Pink Floyd to create some of the most original and inventive music in existence.Green Naugahyde is a Primus record with all of the magic and mystery that phrase entails-and while no one can say for sure what the future will hold in store for the band, the most important thing is that the album exists and will inevitably hold its own in the band's impressive cannon of music.

 

Primus Fall Tour Dates:

 

9/23 - The Orpheum - Boston, MA

9/24 - The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD

9/26 - The National - Richmond, VA

9/27 - Palace Theatre - Albany, NY

9/30 - Roseland Ballroom - New York, NY

10/1 - Tower Theatre - Upper Darby, PA

10/2 - State Theatre - Portland, ME

10/4 - Metropolis - Monteal, QE

10/5 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON 

10/7 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA

10/8 - Main Street Armory - Rochester, NY

10/10 - Louisville Palace - Louisville, KY

10/11 - Michigan Theater - Ann Arbor, MI

10/13 - Orpheum Theater - Madison, WI

10/14 - The Congress - Chicago, IL

10/15 - Val Air Ballroom - Des Moines, IA

10/17 - Ogden - Denver, CO

10/18 - Ogden - Denver, CO

10/20 - Mesa Amphitheater - Mesa, AZ

10/21 - Arlington Theatre - Santa Barbara, CA

10/22 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA

10/29 - The Greek Theatre - Berkley, CA 


Noah and the Whale announce Fall tour dates

The London band Noah and the Whale are pleased to announce new Fall North American tour dates for November, including stops in the United States, Canada, and Mexico . The tour will include stops at major markets including Philadelphia, Boston, and San Francisco, as well as two straight nights at Chicago's Lincoln Hall. Tickets for the tour will go on sale this Friday, September 9. A complete list of tour dates can be found below.

 

Playing at this year's Lollapalooza, the band found their set to be a huge success, with Time Out Chicago singing the band's praises, noting "Noah and the Whale has moved far beyond the folk-centric sound of its debut Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down, which paved the way for bands like Mumford & Sons, and here the combo synth/acoustic sound world sounded positively brilliant on tunes like "Just Before We Met." Others, like "Blue Skies," abounding in introspection and pathos, translated effectively even under the midday sun. Bands may be at the mercy of their assigned time of day, but Noah and the Whale proved once again that great music is, quite simply, great music."

 

This tour is part of continued support following the 2011 release of the band's third album, Last Night On Earth. The album was released on March 15th via Mercury/Island Def Jam. The first single from Last Night On Earth, "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N."has an accompanying music video which you can watch HERE . You can also watch the band's impressive in-studio live performance of new song "Give It All Back" HERE.

 

The band recently premiered Yuksek's remix of "Life Is Life," which is available for free download via SoundCloud.  GottaDanceDirty.com says the remix is "smiles and sun all around" and we couldn't agree more.  Listen to Yuksek's fantastic remix and then check out the most recent music video for the album version of the single. 

 

"Life Is Life" (Yuksek Remix) via SoundCloud 

(approved to post)

 

"Life Is Life" music video 

 

You can purchase Last Night On Earth at Amazon and iTunes.

 

Noah and the Whale Tour Dates:

 

Nov 05 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club 

Nov 06 Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre Of Living Arts

Nov 08 Toronto, ONT @ Phoenix Theatre

Nov 09 Grand Rapids, MI @ Calvin College

Nov 11 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall

Nov 12 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall

Nov 13 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall

Nov 14 Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave Nightclub

Nov 17 Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre

Nov 18 Vancouver, BC @ Venue ??????

Nov 19 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom

Nov 21 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall

Nov 22 Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues

Nov 24 Monterrey, MEX Escenica

Nov 25 Guadalajara, MEX Teatro Diana 

Nov 26 Mexico City, MEX Plaza Condesa

 

www.NoahAndTheWhale.com 

Friday, September 9, 2011

Glen Campbell's "Ghost on the Canvas" Has Stellar Chart Debut

Glen Campbell has made an impressive chart debut with his remarkable new Surfdog Records release, Ghost On The Canvas.  The album - which marks the iconic singer/guitarist/songwriter's final studio recording - entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #23.

In the UK, Ghost On The Canvas entered the chart at #27 - the highest charting debut album in the UK.  All told, the multiple Grammy Award-winner has charted 13 albums in the UK in just over four decades, reaching #1 with the 1976 compilation, Twenty Golden Greats.  What's more, the success of Ghost On The Canvas marks the 75-year-old Campbell as one of the oldest artists ever to chart an album of new recordings, placing him alongside such icons as legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker and famed composer/bandleader James Last.

In addition to its popular success, Ghost On The Canvas has been greeted with unprecedented critical acclamation from all corners.  USA Today declared the album to be "a museum-quality masterpiece," further extolling it as "not simply a coda to an impressive career but also the sort of artistic swan song that might receive serious consideration for album of the year come Grammy Awards time." The Boston Globe called the album "gorgeous and charming," while Pitchfork noted that "Campbell conveys a certain nostalgia for that defining sound of his prime...His voice remains strong enough that he doesn't need your pity to put these songs across."

In its four-starred review, American Songwriter observed "Glen's voice has barely lost a shade along the way...With the right material, this man as an artist has few flaws." "Campbell is in near-top vocal form," declared the Washington Post, while the L.A. Times hailed the album as "polished and full-bodied, with frequent echoes of Campbell's old countrypolitan hits." The years have added an edge to his singing," said Rolling Stone, noting "Dude's definitely not going out softly."

The A.V. Club praised Ghost On The Canvas as "emotionally hefty," with its "touching rendition" of Guided By Voices' "Hold On Hope" singled out as a "real highlight."  The Wall Street Journal suggested "with his talent intact, and his seemingly native ability to appeal to pop and country audiences at the same time, the new album may find new fans for the 75 year old (Campbell)."  The New York Daily News' Jim Farber waxed rhapsodic, suggesting that Campbell "has given his fans a final portrait of himself so vivid it feels like his prime."  Perhaps The Village Voice summed it up best: Ghost On The Canvas is "maybe the finest album (Campbell's) ever made."

Ghost On The Canvas has met with similar acclaim across the Atlantic, where The Telegraphapplauded the album's title track for possessing "the spacious, yearning quality of 'Wichita Lineman,' and sounds like Campbell's last classic.  Superb."  The Independent's Andy Gill commended the album's "profound valedictory tone" while BBC Music declared the collection to be "the real deal, musical and emotionally true and sometimes devastating, on a par with (Johnny) Cash's performance on 'Hurt.'" "His voice is rich and clear," acclaimed The Guardian, "the songs intimate reflections on his 75 years."  Uncutawarded the album four-out-of-five stars, applauding Campbell's "majestic storytelling" and "soaring vocal(s)."  Mojo praised the album as an "ambitious attempt at telling a life's story via new compositions, choice covers, and instrumental interludes," noting "the man's glorious undiminished tones, particularly his reckoning with the hereafter on 'A Better Place.'"

As if all that weren't enough, the Associated Press hailed a recent Campbell concert in Biloxi, Mississippi - his first live date since announcing his illness - as no less than "a triumph," noting that "the 75-year-old Campbell brought the crowd to its feet after acing the delicate runs in the middle of his classic 'Wichita Lineman.'"

Campbell - who recently discussed the album, as well as his recent diagnoses of early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Terry Moran - will herald Ghost On The Canvas with a series of live TV performances, including NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on September 12th and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 19th. You can also watch Campbell's interview on PBS's The Tavis Smiley Show tonight, check your local listings for show times.

Furthermore, Campbell will celebrate the new album - as well as his extraordinary five-decade-plus career - with a valedictory concert tour, dubbed "The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour."  Among the highlights is a hugely anticipated show at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre, set for October 6th.  Campbell will then travel to Ireland and the UK for a major series of dates, including an October 22nd concert at London's Royal Festival Hall.  A slate of additional shows will be announced.

* * * * *

Ghost On The Canvas sees Campbell capping his brilliant career with one of his moving and energized works to date, a powerfully emotional song cycle that sees him accompanied by a truly dazzling line-up of songwriters and musicians.  Among the tunesmiths contributing original songs to the collection are such modern luminaries as Paul Westerberg, Jakob Dylan, Robert Pollard, and Teddy Thompson, backed by a roster of players that includes Chris Isaak, Dick Dale, Billy Corgan, Brian Setzer, Rick Nielsen, Roger Manning, and The Dandy Warhols.  The album is produced by Julian Raymond, who also co-wrote a number of new songs with Campbell.

The acclaimed collection is also being offered in a number of limited edition deluxe packages, featuring such exciting extras as an exclusive lithograph, a vinyl pressing, lyrics, rare photos, and five bonus tracks including versions of some of Campbell's greatest hits as performed on his classic TV show,The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.  What's more, an extremely limited number of lithograph editions hand-signed by Campbell himself are currently available.  Please see http://surfdog.com/glencampbellshow/index.html for full details and ordering information.

Moody Bluegrass II Featuring Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush and More

 Following 2004's critically and commercially acclaimed tribute to the legendary Moody BluesMoody Bluegrass, along with the highly successful Moody Bluegrass Live, Nashville's finest came together again to honor the Moody Blues with Moody Bluegrass Two…Much Love available now at iTunes. Since it's release this summer the Moody Bluegrass sequel has received praise from critics:  

"...it's nice to see this ultra-talented group of musicians step away from genre conventions to produce something wonderful." - Elmore

"On this outing the results are more stylistically unified..." – Country Weekly

"…as on the first volume cleverly parlays prog-rock into prog- string band." – No Depression

"If you are a fan of the Moody Blues or bluegrass, you'll find plenty to like on MB2…it proves something worth doing once is worth doing twice."  - Vintage Guitar

"The 16 tracks on this CD are all executed with precision." – Americana Gazette

"We have had so many cover versions of our songs over the years, but none have stood out like Moody Bluegrass. Nashville's most outstanding musicians have once again brought a new dimension to our songs, " said Ray Thomas, co-founder of the Moody Blues.

Producer David Harvey returns for this second volume, which perfectly blends the brilliant songwriting of the Moody Blues with the bluegrass sounds of mandolins, banjos and even clogging. The collection of bluegrass covers includes Moody Blues members Justin HaywardJohn Lodge and Graeme Edge, as well as band co-founders Mike Pinder and Ray Thomas and a wide assortment of Music City's finest including Vince GillRicky SkaggsSam Bush and more.

The record spans the entire Moody Blues catalogue, and includes fan favorites such as "Tuesday Afternoon" and "I Know You're Out There." Moody Bluegrass Twotranslates the Moody Blues' original songs seamlessly and much like the first bluegrass tribute, the beauty of the original Moody Blues music shines.

Moody Bluegrass Two also features the talents of Tim O'Brien, Harley Allen, Peter Rowan, Jan Harvey, Ronnie Bowman, Emma Harvey, Larry Cordle, John Cowan, Jon Randall, David Harvey, Tim May, Andy Hall and Andy Todd.

For more information visit www.moodybluegrass.com.

Game's "The R.E.D. Album" debuts at #1 on Billboard 200

With 97,528 copies sold since it was released on August 23rd, Game's fourth studio project The R.E.D. Album dethroned Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne as the #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. The R.E.D. Album (short for REDedication) is Game's third chart topping debut following 2005's The Documentary and 2007's Doctor's Advocate which both went on to sell millions of copies worldwide. Game's last album, LAX, started at #2 in 2008 and went on to gold certification.

 

"It feels amazing to be back on top," exclaims Game. "My fans are incredibly loyal.  I was able to step away from music for some much needed personal time with my family.  And now that I've returned with a new album, they've come out strong to support me.  I wouldn't be where I am today without my fans.  Period."

 

The official lead single "Pot of Gold," featuring Chris Brown, charted on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and soared at urban radio. The music video, shot on location in downtown Los Angeles, reached more than 2 million views just days after its VEVO debut.

 

The album is executive produced by Pharrell Williams and co-executive produced by Game and producer extraordinaire Mars of 1500 or Nothin'. It also features legendary producers Dr. Dre and DJ Premier and established south region stunners Big Boi, Young Jeezy and Rick Ross, complimenting Game's west coast collaborations with Snoop Dogg, E-40 and newcomers Kendrick Lamar and Odd Future's Tyler the Creator. Drake and Nelly Furtado round out the heavy hitting features. The Compton-bred MC delivers the type of Hip-Hop unification album we have come to expect in a classic.

 

Fans have eagerly waited for a Game and Dr. Dre reunion in the studio. "Drug Test" showcases Game straight west coastin' alongside his gangsta' rap mentor Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, over a speaker rattling Dr. Dre production that reminds listeners of the three G's collective California chemistry.

 

Game created a viral buzz for The R.E.D. Album with "Red Nation" which featured long time collaborator Lil Wayne. After being banned from BET and MTV networks, the "Red Nation" music video, debuted on VEVO debut and went on to garner more than 9.4 million views. MTV has since included the music video in rotation due to its high demand.

Second Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Announced - Begins Oct 26th

Monster Energy and Idol Roc have announced the line-up and itinerary for the 2011 Monster Energy Outbreak Tour.  Headliner Of Mice & Men will be joined by direct support act Iwrestledabearonce, I See Stars, That's Outrageous! on the entire run.  Abandon All Ships and For The Fallen Dreams will join the bill for half of the dates each.  Tour Producer Steve Glazer (Idol Roc Entertainment) shared, "The Monster Energy OUTBREAK Tour returns this Fall to once again provide a premium touring platform that showcases the best new talent in Rock.  Staying true to the inaugural trek, we've paired emerging talent with an affordable ticket to give fans the value and opportunity to discover the rock stars of tomorrow."
 
From the origination of the Hardcore movement in the late 1970's through today, the scene has been fueled by independent labels and the underground.  The genre's impact on metalcore, grunge, thrash, metal, emo, post-hardcore and other evolutions in sounds in indisputable.  The structure of songwriting forever changed, dispelling the notion that repertoire needed to fall within the rigid confines of traditional verse-chorus rock.  This package recalls the days of community bills where artists come together and create a collective event with the audience on hand, much like the matinees of the past.  The future of the movement is defined by these bands and others, continuing to build upon the legacy created by Black Flag, Circle Jerks, the Dead Kennedy's and countless others.  Of Mice & Men vocalist Austin Carlile and drummer Valentino Arteaga collectively shared, "We're very happy to announce Of Mice & Men headlining the Monster Energy Outbreak tour! We couldn't be more excited to team up with such a phenomenal company and lineup of bands as well! We think this tour will be much more of an experience rather than just coming out to another show, so do not miss this tour!"  Iwrestledabearonce vocalist Krysta Cameron shared, "We are looking forward to hitting the road this fall to support our Friends in Of Mice & Men on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, and to promote our latest release Ruining it for Everybody. This should be yet another exciting tour for us! We'll be seein' y'all Bear Brats soon! Don't forget to bring a jacket!" 
 
The itinerary includes appearances in:
10-26              San Francisco, CA                                                             Regency Ballroom
10-27              Ventura, CA                                                                       Majestic Ventura Theater
10-28              Pomona, CA                                                                       Glasshouse
10-29              Bakersfield, CA                                                                  Dome
10-30              Sacramento, CA                                                                 Ace of Spades
11-01              Portland, OR                                                                      Hawthorne
11-02              Seattle, WA                                                                        El Corazon
11-04              Salt Lake City, UT                                                             In The Venue
11-05              Denver, CO                                                                        Summit
11-07              Austin, TX                                                                         Emos East
11-08              Tulsa, OK                                                                          Cains
11-09              Houston, TX                                                                      Warehouse
11-11              Ft. Lauderdale, FL                                                             Rocketown
11-12              Tampa, FL                                                                         Orpheum
11-13              Orlando, FL                                                                        Firestone
11-15              Atlanta, GA                                                                        Masquerade
11-16              Raleigh, NC                                                                        Lincoln Theater
11-17              Richmond, VA                                                                   Canal Club
11-18              Lancaster, PA                                                                     Chameleon
11-19             Albany, NY                                                                         Northern Lights
11-20             Buffalo, NY                                                                         Xtreme Wheels
11-22             Cleveland, OH                                                                    Peabodys
11-23             Grand Rapids, MI                                                               Intersection
11-25             Sauget, IL                                                                           Pops
11-26             Detroit, MI                                                                         St. Andrews
11-27             Cincinnati, OH                                                                  Bogarts
11-29             Pittsburgh, PA                                                                   Altar Bar
 
Note:            
For The Fallen Dreams will appear on all dates from 10/26 - 11/9
Abandon All Ships will appear on all dates from 11/11 - 11/29

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Foreigner Create 'No Limits' Theme Song For Texas Motor Speedway With 'Hot Blooded' Remix

rock legends FOReiGNER CREATE 'NO LIMITS' THEME SONG FOR TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY WITH 'HOT BLOODED' REMIX

Remix of Foreigner Hit Song To Become Focal Point Of Speedway's "No Limits" Marketing Campaign 

 

Free Song, Ring Tone Downloads Available At www.texasmotorspeedway.com  

 

Foreigner Also To Release New Three-Disc Set, Feels Like The First Time, on Sept. 13 

    

Dallas, TX - There truly are "No Limits" to the relationship between legendary rock-n-roll band Foreigner and Texas Motor Speedway.

 

Foreigner and Texas Motor Speedway collaborated on a remix of the band's hit song, "Hot Blooded," that incorporates lyrics supporting the speedway's "No Limits" marketing campaign and NASCAR racing in general.  The song, which will be known as "Hot Blooded-No Limits," was unveiled to a throng of fans and special guests Tuesday evening during Texas Motor Speedway's 2012 Schedule Announcement Party at Gilley's Dallas.  A free download of the song is available at www.texasmotorspeedway.com  

 

Texas Motor Speedway plans to feature the remix of the chart-topping hit in its 2012 television and radio event advertising; position it as the theme song for race weekends and special events; offer downloads and ringtones of the song to its fans; and engage in further discussions with the band on additional ideas to utilize the speedway-specific anthem.  Foreigner has pledged to donate royalties from the song in continuing support of Speedway Children's Charities for whom the band has raised thousands of dollars as part of its NASCAR relationship.

 

"A couple of years ago we introduced one of the most legendary rock-n-roll bands of all time, Foreigner, to NASCAR and they fell in love with the sport and the 'No Limits' attitude at Texas Motor Speedway," Gossage said. "Now we have entered into a unique creative arrangement with their legendary leader Mick Jones, lead singer Kelly Hansen and the guys in the band.  They have rewritten one of the classic rock songs of all time.  'Hot Blooded' is now 'Hot Blooded - No Limits.'  Who would have thought - Foreigner, No Limits, Texas Motor Speedway - all together.  They just cut the song in the studio and it's hot for race fans.  It's been cool to work with them on the project."

 

"Whether we are watching the race from our friend (and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver) Carl Edwards' pit or playing our set for the fans on the start/finish line, the thrill of a Texas Motor Speedway event is a real rush," said Foreigner's leader and founder Mick Jones, who performed with the band for a NASCAR pre-race show at Texas Motor Speedway in April 2009. "It truly is Hot Blooded - No Limits."

 

The 4-minute, 10-second song opens as the traditional "Hot Blooded" smash hit, but at the 1-minute, 15-second segment lead singer Kelly Hansen begins the "No Limits" verses.

 

Now it's up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous  Just me and you, I'll show you racin' like you never knew

 

Now there's No Limits, check it and see

Hear my engine running one ninety three

Come on baby, why don't you take a chance?

It's No Limits, No Limits

 

If it feel alright, maybe we can race all night

Shall I leave you my key?

But you've got to give me a sign, come on now, some kind of sign  Tell me, should we start revving? Yeah that flag looks green to me

 

Now it's up to  you - fender grindin' is what we're gonna do

If your timing is right you can see the checkered flag tonight

 

Now there's No Limits, check it and see

Hear my engine turning one ninety three

Come on maybe you'll be lucky tonight

It's No Limits, No Limits

 

Hansen then closes the song with a shout-out to NASCAR legend Richard Petty with the verse of "Richard Petty is King. Yeah, this racin' is my thing."

 

"Hot Blooded" was released as a single in July 1978 and reached a high of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by September.  The single, from the seven-time Platinum album "Double Vision," was certified Platinum (one million units sold) by the Recording Industry Association of America.

 

Texas Motor Speedway is allowing fans the opportunity to download the song for free for 24 hours beginning this evening on www.texasmotorspeedway.com  

 

To coincide with the release of Foreigner's new album Feels Like The First Time, "Hot Blooded-No Limits" will soon become available at iTunes where charges are applicable.

 

A free download of a special ring tone of "Hot Blooded-No Limits" will be available on the speedway website beginning this evening and throughout 2012.  Fans will also be able to share the song from the speedway site with their friends through social networks Facebook and Twitter.

 

bRock legends Foreigner will release a new three-disc set, Feels Like The First Time, on Sept. 13 through Razor & Tie.  The set includes two audio discs - CD One: Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged and CD Two: Juke Box Heroes: Brand New Digital Recordings of Foreigner's Greatest Hits and one live concert DVD: Live in Chicago.  The three-disc set will be available exclusively at all Walmart stores and Walmart.com with additional digital configurations available on digital service providers (iTunes, Amazon, etc.).  Foreigner is currently on tour with Journey and Night Ranger through October 2011.

 

More than 30 years after releasing their first multi-platinum album, Foreigner's music resonates globally across generations with album sales exceeding 70 million.  An impressive run of 14 Top-20 hits includes worldwide number one hit "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Cold As Ice," "Double Vision," "Head Games," "Urgent," "Waiting For A Girl Like You" and video-game staples such as "Hot Blooded" and "Juke Box Hero."  Foreigner's tours continue to electrify audiences and establish the group in its rightful place as one of the top touring attractions.  Formed in 1976 by English rocker Mick Jones, the current lineup includes: Jones (lead guitar), Kelly Hansen (lead vocals/percussion), Jeff Pilson (bass guitar), Tom Gimbel (guitar/saxophone/flute), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), and Mark Schulman (drums). 

   

For more Foreigner information, click here.

Lady Antebellum Set To "OWN THE NIGHT" With Release Week Plans!

Six time GRAMMY winning group Lady Antebellum will release their third studio album OWN THE NIGHT next Tues., Sept. 13.
 
After spending more time writing and recording than ever before, Lady A will kick off their international release schedule in Green Bay, WI tomorrow for a pregame performance airing live on NBC, USA Network and NFL Network from the NFL's Kickoff 2011 (re-airs in primetime on Sept. 10 on NBC). The trio's schedule from there includes TV appearances on GAC's Backstory: Lady Antebellum (Sept. 11), a special 9/11 performance of the National Anthem on NBC before the Jets and Cowboys open their season at MetLife Stadium (Sept. 11), TODAY (Sept. 13), The Ellen DeGeneres Show (Sept. 16), The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (Sept. 16), CBS Sunday Morning (Sept. 25) and Saturday Night Live (Oct. 1).

Throughout release week, Lady A will host a select number of lucky fans at their "Own The Night: Unplugged"concert series in Chicago (Sept. 10), New York City (Sept. 13) and Los Angeles (Sept. 15).  Lady A will also travel to Canada and Europe with more television appearances and fan events lined up over the course of the next month.  

"We've literally been working towards these next few weeks all year," says Charles Kelley.  "The anticipation of being able to FINALLY share these songs with our fans is killing us.   Hopefully, those who have been with Lady A for a long time will see this as the next chapter for us as songwriters and performers; and the people who aren't as familiar with us will check it out and maybe find something on the album they dig.  We're really just excited to get it out, and then kick off the new tour."

Fans can catch Lady Antebellum on the upcoming first leg of their headlining OWN THE NIGHT 2011 TOUR beginning on Nov. 11 in Knoxville, TN.  Both the tour name and trio's upcoming album OWN THE NIGHT were inspired by their new second single, the anthemic "We Owned The Night." The album's record breaking lead single "Just A Kiss" recently spent multiple weeks at the top of radio charts in the U.S. and Canada. OWN THE NIGHT is the follow-up to the band's triple PLATINUM and GRAMMY winning second disc NEED YOU NOW. 

For a full list of appearances and tour dates, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

Tony Lucca to release "Under The Influence" in September

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Tony Lucca will be releasing his covers album, Under The Influence, on September 27, 2011, via Rock Ridge Music.  A 10-song compilation of tunes (see full track listing below) by artists that influenced Lucca as a musician and songwriter, the album was produced by Mike Vizcarra (Brian Wright, Ladies Gun Club, Truth & Salvage Co.).  Under The Influence is the next entry in Lucca's catalogue and follows on the heels of 2010's Rendezvous With The Angels.
 
Says Lucca of his latest musical undertaking:  "Under The Influence was originally going to be called Wish List, consisting of songs I wish I had written. These, of course, would have been songs I've spent the last 20 or so years learning and playing for people. However, when it came time to make the record, I realized that what I could stand to benefit from more would be something a bit less conventional, maybe say, a little less predictable. After some great discussions with my producer Mike Vizcarra and our friend Brian Wright, we decided to dig a little deeper, come up with a set of songs that might pay a greater 'homage,' songs that could possibly reflect a deeper sense of well, influence." 
 
After appearing on the "Mickey Mouse Club" for six years in the early '90s, Lucca went the Internet route and sold his first two independent releases, his debut So Satisfied (1997) and the follow-up Strong Words, Softly Spoken (1999), through his own website. His first commercially distributed album, Shotgun, arrived in 2004. It was succeeded by his Rock Ridge Music debut Canyon Songs (2006), Come Around Again (2008), and the aforementioned Rendezvous With The Angels (2010).  His songs have been featured on TV's "Friday Night Lights," "Brothers & Sisters," "Shark," and "Felicity" and in Kevin Costner's feature "Open Range." He has been seen on E! Entertainment Television and A&E, and performed numerous times on NBC's "Last Call With Carson Daly." 
 
Over the course of his career, Lucca has shared stages with *Nsync, Marc Anthony, Macy Gray, Johnny Lang, the late Chris Whitley, Sara Bareilles, and Tyrone Wells.  Lucca has also completed several cooperative tours with Jay Nash and Matt Duke (which resulted in TFDI, a collaborative EP recorded at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois, and released by Rykodisc in late 2009, and When I Stop Running, a full-length album by the trio that was released by Rock Ridge Music in the summer of 2011).
 
Under The Influence Track Listing:
  1. Find The Cost Of Freedom (Crosby, Stills & Nash)
  2. State Trooper (Bruce Springsteen)
  3. Dirty Work (Steely Dan)
  4. Grandma's Hands (Bill Withers)
  5. That's The Way (Led Zeppelin)
  6. You Got Lucky (Tom Petty)
  7. Baby Driver (Simon & Garfunkel)
  8. Waiting On A Friend (Rolling Stones)
  9. Angel (Jimi Hendrix)
  10. Dirt Floor (Chris Whitley)
Under The Influence Song-By-Song, by Tony Lucca:

"Find The Cost of Freedom" (Crosby, Stills & Nash) - "Find The Cost of Freedom" is one of the most poignant songs ever crafted by one of my earliest influences, Crosby, Stills and Nash. The weight of the lyric, matched only by the strength of their signature harmonic structure, left an indelible mark on my early years of music appreciation/understanding. 
"State Trooper" (Bruce Springsteen) - I never knew I was a Bruce Springsteen fan until I heard the record "Nebraska." "State Trooper" hit me from the very first listen and the imagery stayed with me ever since. Again, Bruce might not have been someone I would think to cover but I can say without reservation that my songwriting improved immensely after hearing this song. 
"Dirty Work" (Steely Dan) - I'm a huge Steely Dan fan and have always considered Donald Fagan a strong lyrical influence. Trying to find something by them to cover for this project was somewhat of a challenge because most of their work falls outside my personal musical vocabulary. However, "Dirty Work," aside from being the only Steely Dan song NOT sung by Fagan (and ironically their only #1 hit, I believe) had a familiar sense of melancholy to it that I thought might lend itself well to the project. Ultimately, we left no trace of the melancholy on this cover but rather created what I feel to be the stand-out, feel-good track of the record.
"Grandma's Hands" (Bill Withers) - "Grandma's Hands" is not only one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite vocal influences, but it also reflects my love and reverence for one of my greatest influences ever, my Grandma, Eunice Stevenson. She was the mother of 12 music-making children and had a voice every bit as compelling as Sarah Vaughan's. Her spirit has been an inherent element in my career from the very beginning.  
"That's The Way" (Led Zeppelin) - "That's The Way" has always been one of my favorite Zeppelin songs. There was always something so contemplative about Robert Plant's tone in that recording that it almost begs you to examine the meaning of the lyric. There are so many layers to it. Of course, it's almost sacrilege to attempt to out-rock Zeppelin, so we were content to tackle something more on the acoustic side of their catalogue.
"You Got Lucky" (Tom Petty) - One of the cooler things about growing up in Generation X was that I can fully recall the advent of MTV. The songs and videos that were introduced to the world at that time were some of the most ground-breaking works in music history, and remain so today. When I saw Mike Campbell reach for that hollow-body Gretsch in Tom Petty's "You Got Lucky" video, I swore someday I would have that very guitar and maybe even be half as cool as Mike Campbell when I played it. I've yet to acquire that guitar but we did take an honest stab at the song from which the dream was born.
"Baby Driver" (Simon & Garfunkel) - I would say that of all the great lyricists of the past four or five decades, no one has had as strong an impact on me as Paul Simon. I knew I wanted to cover something by him (and possibly Art Garfunkel) but was excited to find something a bit more obscure. Brian Wright actually brought "Baby Driver" to the project and I knew we'd have a lot of fun recording it.
"Waiting On A Friend" (Rolling Stones) - "Waiting On A Friend" always struck me as the coolest dude's anthem. Mick Jagger has a great way of painting contrast, and this song really reflects that. Again, this was one of those early-on MTV images that never slipped away from my memory. I love how the video starts off with Mick out on the stoop with Peter Tosh, in front of the same brownstone that was photographed on the cover of Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti." Lotta rock-n-roll trivia in there. 
"Angel" (Jimi Hendrix) - "Angel" was the ideal duo for this record: me singing to Mike's raw solo electric accompaniment. I have always been amazed at how vulnerable Jimi allowed himself to be. His lyrics are so vivid and otherwordly, of course to say nothing of his earth-shattering guitar work. Putting a Jimi Handrix cover on the record is an honor I could never take lightly. 
"Dirt Floor" (Chris Whitley) - It took me some time to fully appreciate the work of Chris Whitley. However, it took only a couple listens to his Dirt Floor record before I started stealing little things here and there. I've always been a fan of alternate guitar tunings and Chris seemed to have taken this to a whole other level, not to mention his almost crooner-like melodic sense, featured prominently here in this a cappella version of the title track. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Orianthi will be touring with Alice Cooper

Aussie phenom Orianthi, who gained tremendous exposure when dubbed to be the guitarist on Michael Jackson's farewell tour, will now be touring with Alice Cooper. Here's how that came about:

* Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell had been playing with Thin Lizzy. He left to put his focus back on Def Leppard.
* Richard Fortus left Guns N Roses to fill Cambell's spot in Thin Lizzy.
* However, Fortus left Thin Lizzy to play with Guns N Roses again. GNR is apparently preparing for a US tour.
* So, Damon Johnson left Alice Cooper's band to join Thin Lizzy, and that opened up the slot that Orianthi is going to fill.

Orianthi is currently in the studio recording her new album. She confirmed the Alice Cooper news via Twitter.

Abstract Logix to release New Universe Music Festival double-DVD compilation featuring John McLaughlin, Jimmy Herring, Lenny White, Wayne Krantz, Zakir Hussain and more on September 20, 2011

On November 20 and 21, 2010, maverick record label Abstract Logix hosted a series of spectacular performances, featuring an array of artists who handily defy genre categorization in favor of unbridled expression. The first New Universe Music Festival, primarily sponsored by Godin Guitars and DIY Music was a die-hard music lover's dream, defined by artists who seamlessly mingle compositional ingenuity and improvisational grace and fervor.  

  

A 2 DVD Compilation featuring the music on the CD, along with over 60 minutes of the grand finale Jam tribute to John McLaughlin featuring all the artists of the festival along with behind the scenes footage and extensive interviews will be released on September 20, 2011.  

  

The release features pioneering guitarist John McLaughlin and his current band the 4th Dimension with special guest, world music legend tabla maestro Zakir Hussain; Widespread Panic guitar hero Jimmy Herring with his electric band; Return to Forever Drummer Lenny White; the all-star quartet Human Element (keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matt Garrison, percussionist Arto Tunçboyaciyan; fearless guitarist and improviser Wayne Krantz appearing with the amazing Anthony Jackson on bass; visionary Indian composer and drummer Ranjit Barot; and emerging guitar visionary Alex Machacek.  

  

A 2 CD Set of the festival featuring 131 minutes of music was released on July 19, 2011 to rave reviews:  

  

"The final guitarist on the album is the Mahavishnu himself, John McLaughlin. His band, the Fourth Dimension, is a tight and nimble unit that can change directions at will as if all the members are a single organism. It will take most listeners some time to work through both discs, but the chance to hear the evolution of jazz/rock guitar in a live setting is well worth the investment." - Premier Guitar   

   

"For those who like their jazz hard, loud, filled with killer chops and intricate writing, the 2010 New Universe Music Festival was like manna from heaven. - All About Jazz  

  

This thing is amazing!!!! UNREAL!!!! - Voice of America  

   

Here's praise for the event itself:  


"The New Universe Music Festival brought together an astonishing roster of legendary and upcoming jazz-fusion musicians-especially guitarists-in an intimate setting charged with excitement. As might be expected, the music was superb, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to fusion and world music pioneer John McLaughlin. I look forward to attending the next NUMF, though the first one will be very tough to top." -Barry Cleveland, Guitar Player  


JazzTimes editor Lee Mergner attended the festival, observing, "It was a veritable smorgasbord of fusion, with many of the top-notch artists in the genre coming together for a series of performances. Jazz-rock fans attending the inaugural event heard legends like John McLaughlin and Lenny White, established names such as Wayne Krantz, Human Element and Jimmy Herring, as well as up-and-comers like Alex Machacek and Ranjit Barot. From start to finish, the music was electric, even when it was being played acoustically. There was also a palpable sense of community as artists generously participated in listening sessions and sat in with each other throughout the event. I highly recommend this festival and look forward to seeing and hearing its second incarnation in 2012."  

Dierks Bentley Returns to #1 with "Am I The Only One" in US & Canada!

 Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley's "Am I The Only One" takes the No. one position on both the Billboard Country Singles and the Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts this week.  The fan-favorie track also spent last week in the top spot on the Billboard Canada Country chart.  The track becomes Bentley's eighth career No. one hit as a singer and a songwriter and is the lead single from his upcoming sixth Capitol Nashville studio project, scheduled for release in early 2012.

"'Am I The Only One' has been the perfect bridge between the 'Ridge' album and my next project," says Bentley.  "I wanted to give radio and fans a fun party song to set the tone for summer, and I am so grateful that they helped take it all the way to No. one.  Now we're ready to start peeling back more layers of the new album and get geared up for the Country & Cold Cans tour!"
 
Bentley announced last week that he will kick off the first leg of his Country & Cold Cans Tour beginning Oct. 6 in Lacrosse, WI.  Special guests Jerrod Niemann and Eli Young Band will open for Bentley on the 22 city run that wraps in Denver, CO on Nov. 19. DBTV will continue to give fans all the behind the scenes action from the tour atwww.dierks.com

"Am I The Only One" is the lead single off his upcoming sixth Capitol Nashville studio project.  Bentley's new album follows in the footsteps of his critically acclaimed UP ON THE RIDGE, which earned Album of the Year nominations at the ACM, CMA and GRAMMY Awards this year. His previous five albums have sold over five million copies, earned 10 GRAMMY nominations, have spawned seven No. one hits (What Was I Thinkin," "Come A Little Closer,"  "Settle For A Slowdown,"  "Every Mile A Memory,"  "Free and Easy (Down The Road I Go)," "Feel That Fire," "Sideways") and 12 Top 10 hits. 
 
For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com