A Refreshing Take on 21st Century Christmas

The critically-acclaimed UK singer-songwriter Thea Gilmore has just released a holiday collection ‘Strange Communion’ via Rykodisc.

This carefully crafted album is a stirring, poignant journey into the heart of the winter season filled with twists and turns of celebration, introspection and often skepticism. With deep humanist joy at its core, ‘Strange Communion’ reflects on the rituals and contradictions that come with the trimmings of the holidays.

Buy Music:

Thea Gilmore on amazon.com

Thea Gilmore on amazon.co.uk

From the choral splendor of “Sol Invictus”, her acappella opening ode with the award-winning Sense Of Sound choir, to the ethereal beauty of “Midwinter Toast” and “December in New York”, to cover versions of obscure songs by Elvis Costello (The St. Stephens Day Murders”) and Yoko Ono (“Listen The Snow Is Falling”), Thea Gilmore’s crystalline voice and dazzling lyrics shine throughout this collection.

Rounding off the festivities on a cheerful note, the catchy single “That’ll Be Christmas” indubitably adds more spice into the mix as Gilmore lightheartedly sings “French beer and mistletoe…faith, hope and gluttony…me missing you again, that’ll be Christmas.”

Since making her debut album at 18 years old, Thea Gilmore has blazed a fiercely independent path while earning critical acclaim and admiration from renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and Martha Wainwright.

She is also hailed by press as the “most prolific and intelligent wordsmith of her generation” according to The Independent, and “the most coherent, literate and charged British singer-songwriter of her generation” says Mojo Magazine.

Thea Gilmore MySpace
Thea Gilmore Official Website

Seating Tickets Sold Out!!!
Wainwright/McGarrigle Family Christmas Concert
Royal Albert Hall, December 9, 2009

Limited Number Of Exclusive VIP Packages Released

With all seating tickets sold out for the hotly anticipated first Wainwright/McGarrigle Family Christmas concert in London, ‘A Not So Silent Night’ – a limited number of exclusive charity VIP Packages have been released.

These rare packages include excellent seats for the concert, entry to a post-show cocktail with all the performers, and unique gift bags.

Boy George, Dawn French, Guy Garvey, Jennifer Saunders, and The Thompsons (Teddy, Kami, Linda) are just a few of the special guests and friends announced for this special seasonal show.

The show will also include performances by Ed Harcourt, International soprano and ‘Prima Donna’ star Janis Kelly, Jenni Muldaur plus human beatbox Shlomo.

These packages can be obtained by making a donation of £500 to benefit cancer research through the Kate McGarrigle Fund from:

Telephone: 00-1-514-931-5656
Website: A Not So Silent Night OR www.muhcfoundation.com/en/not_silent

This is organised by the McGarrigle/Wainwright family and friends, a supporter of Cancer Research UK.

The Kate McGarrigle Fund is a non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer care and research and affiliated with the McGill University teaching hospitals and Cedars Cancer Institute in Montreal, Canada.

The Kate McGarrigle Fund Official Website

Rufus Wainwright Official Website
Martha Wainwright Official Website

Golden Shoulders is a collective of talented musicians from Nevada City, California, lead by songwriter Adam Kline.

Formed in 2001, the group operates with a constantly rotating lineup with the contributors varying from performance to performance, song to song.

On the band’s recent full length called ‘Get Reasonable’, the music embraces the crescendoing pop opuses of the 70’s, toes tapping and heads bobbing by the end of the first track.

FREE Download: “Mountain” MP3

Golden Shoulders has released three full-length albums to date, Let My Burden Be (2002), Friendship is Deep (2004), and this year’s Get Reasonable (earning a 4-star review from Mojo), as well as two EPs, Bee 17 (2005) and Kin (2006), with all songs written by Adam Kline and arranged by all musicians on the recordings.

The band has toured across the United States several times, performing completely acoustic versions of their songs, without electricity, microphones or amplifiers used. Live arrangements differ from the recorded versions based on the whims of the performers. A true musical brainchild of Kline and his talented counterparts.

Tracklisting:

1 Mountain
2 Let My Burden Be
3 Make No Mistake
4 Golden States
5 Little Nixon
6 Unconcerned Is Not Impressive Anymore
7 Know What I Think
8 Explain Yourself
9 I Was Robbed
10 Patience Darling, Patience
11 Settle Down
12 Listen Closely (I Will Fight You Now Liar)

Golden Shoulders MySpace
Golden Shoulders Official Website

Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More is comprised of 14 songs from artists including Juliette Lewis, The Walkmen and Youssou N’Dour, in addition to an exclusive unreleased live track from Third Eye Blind, and an exclusive cover track from Peter, Bjorn & John.

On November 17, 2009, the digital-only release will launch on Amie Street with a four week exclusivity period. The album will then be available to all participating digital service providers.

RED and Amie Street will be donating 100% of the proceeds to Malaria No More.

Malaria No More is determined to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. Malaria kills a child in Africa every 30 seconds, but it doesn’t have to be this way – malaria is a treatable and preventable disease.

Luckily, the world is mobilizing to end the disease. In the past few years, new tools and increased awareness have pumped new energy into the fight against malaria. Individuals all over the world are helping parents keep their children safe from the deadly bite of a malarial mosquito with a simple, $10 mosquito net. Millions of individuals across the globe are helping to make malaria no more once and for all.

Said Bob Morelli, President of RED, “We are very excited to work together with Malaria No More on this fantastic compilation, which has the potential to save thousands of lives.”

Amie Street will also make the compilation available at multiple price points, effectively giving consumers the option to make a donation in the amount of $10, $20, $50 or $100.

“The Indie Rocks! CD is a great way to show how easy it is to help save a life,” said Scott Case, CEO of Malaria No More. “For just $10, music fans receive a one-of-a-kind compilation album and send a mosquito net to help families protect their children from malaria. The generosity of the artists and their fans will have real impact in the lives of children in Africa – showing how music has the power to change the world.”

Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More features an outstanding line-up of Artists.

Third Eye Blind, which just made an impressive comeback in 2009 by charting at #3 on the Top 200 Billboard Charts with Ursa Major, has generously contributed the exclusive live track “Bonfire.”

Acclaimed Swedish indie rock band Peter, Bjorn, and John donated an incredible exclusive cover track “Summer Breeze,” originally written by Seals & Crofts.

The multi-talented Juliette Lewis came on board with “Fantasy Bar,” off her new album Terra Incognita.

The Walkmen have given the riveting “Four Provinces,” off 2008’s You & Me, which in a similar charitable spirit, was released as an exclusive with Amie Street, with all proceeds for the album going to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

The renowned singer, songwriter, composer, cultural icon, and 2005 Grammy Award Winner Youssou N’Dour is one of the most celebrated African musicians in history. Having already worked very closely with Malaria No More, he recorded the song “Fight Malaria,” and allowed this track to be part of Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More.

In releasing Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More, RED, Amie Street, and all of the Artists who have generously donated their music will significantly reduce malaria infections and help make malaria-related deaths a thing of the past.

About Malaria No More:

Malaria No More is determined to end malaria deaths in Africa – and we’re helping the world get it done. We use breakthrough communications, global advocacy and smart investments to help us reach our goal: providing universal access to malaria interventions by the end of 2010 and ending deaths by 2015. Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria, but a simple net can save lives. Find out how you can help at www.MalariaNoMore.org.

Track Listing:

1. Peter Bjorn & John – Summer Breeze (Exclusive)
2. Juliette Lewis – Fantasy Bar, from Terra Incognita
3. Jeff The Brotherhood – Bone Jam, from Heavy Days
4. The Grates – Two Kinds Of Right from Teeth Lost, Hearts Won
5. Third Eye Blind – Bonfire (Exclusive, Live in NYC)
6. Dirty Little Rabbits- Hello, from Simon
7. Wild Light – Adult Nights, from Adult Nights
8. The Walkmen – Four Provinces, from You & Me
9. State Radio – Let It Go, from Calling All Crows
10. Those Darlins – Wild One, from Those Darlins
11. Great Lake Swimmers – Pulling On A Line, from Lost Channels
12. Kate Miller Heidke – Politics in Space, from EP Kate Miller-Heidke
13. Yonder Mountain String Band – Fingerprint, from The Show
14. Youssou N’Dour – Fight Malaria

For more information, go to:

Amie Street Official Website

RED Distribution Official Website

Malaria No More

1. Is What It Is (Psycatron Remix); 2. Is What It Is (’So It Is’ Mix)

“Is What It Is” marks the culmination of what has been a remarkable year for Psycatron.

The Irish duo, made up of BBC Radio DJ and producer Paul Hamill and producer Dave Lievense have seized taste-makers’ attention over the last 12 months with a string of exceptional releases including “Deeper Shades of Black” (Planet E) and “Directions / Tipping Point” (Tronic Music).

Now joining forces with legendary dance label R&S for the double A-side single “It Is What It Is” they’re set to finally break out and achieve the widespread acclaim they so richly deserve.

As is so often the case, Psycatron’s overnight success is built on years of honing and refining their craft, most famously as long-time residents at Belfast’s Shine and Stiff Kitten clubs. Though their music is ostensibly ‘dance’, and in particular the techno for which these clubs are famous, they bring to it a much greater musicality and range of influences than the confines of a single genre would suggest.

Take the Psycatron Remix of “Is What It Is” for example. On one hand it’s a driving piece of big-room techno, all driving bassline and skipping, crisply programmed drums, on the other it’s uplifting but harmonically ambiguous chord sequence would be right at home in one of Radiohead’s more out-there experiments.

Put these elements together, mix in a skillfully handled and rewardingly emotive breakdown and you have not only an outstanding record by any measure but one that in its various aspects updates perfectly the legacy of R&S (Aphex Twin, Derrick May, Joey Beltram et al.) for the future.

The “So It Is” Mix meanwhile is a very different but again unusually intelligent take on things, this time with a backdrop of cool and very contemporary minimal beats taking on an old-school Detroit style arrangement elsewhere.

All in all this is a double-header of unusual quality; powerful cutting-edge techno with a psychedelic edge that like all the best R&S records is capable of conquering the big-room and the inner-space alike. Better yet as it’s heralded as the start of an ongoing collaboration between artist and label it means we’ll have more of the same to look forward to in 2010. Happy New Year!

Single release date: November 30th, 2009 (R&S Records)
Catalogue number: RS0906 (Vinyl) and RS0906DB (digital)

Psycatron MySpace

Illustrious Cuban singer Omara Portuondo has made history twice this year.

In October, the remarkable vocalist, and only female star of the Buena Vista Social Club™, became one of the first Cuban artists in six years to obtain a visa to perform in the U.S., marking a cultural breakthrough in the strained relations between her homeland and the U.S.

On November 5, 2009, she also became the first Cuban resident to present at the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, where she delivered the prestigious Song of The Year award.

She was honored again as the winner for Best Contemporary Tropical Album or “Mejor Album Tropical Contemporaneo” with her latest release ‘Gracias’ produced by Montuno Productions and released on World Village.

Although Omara Portuondo is a four-time Latin GRAMMY nominee, and won a “Premio Musica Brasileira” Brazilian Music Award last year for her duets album with Maria Bethania, as well as a Billboard Latin Music Award in 2005, this is her first GRAMMY award.

“I’m going to represent Cuba, because I think I’m going to be the only one that will be there,” Portuondo told the New York Daily News the day before the awards ceremony. “I’ll be there for all of the others.”

Portuondo performed two U.S. shows in October, for the first time since 2003, at UCLA’s Royce Hall and at the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Of her San Francisco show the Oakland Tribune wrote, “It’s impossible to say whether she handles the fast or slow numbers better. Whatever kind of song she’s singing at the time is the one that best suits her.” Portuondo returns in February of 2010 with concerts in Washington DC, Boston and New York City, among other major cities.

‘Gracias’, which was also awarded the Cubadisco 2009 Grand Prix in May, is Portuondo’s third solo album, and it marks a professional musical career spanning 60 years.

The New York Times declared that at 79 “her voice …is rich, shapely, dynamic, and still sultry”, and the Los Angeles Times called her “still a vibrant contemporary performer”.

She first found fame in her home country with Las D’Aida quartet, and throughout the 1970s and ’80s was a highly acclaimed solo vocalist. It was the Buena Vista Social Club™, however, that launched her into worldwide fame, along with such major figures as Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González and Compay Segundo.

‘Gracias’ was produced by Ale Siqueira, with musical direction from Swami Jr., and it features “some striking collaborations” (Songlines), with such guest artists as Jorge Drexler, Richard Bona, Cachaíto López, Chico Buarque and Chucho Valdés. It is a special gift from the artist to herself and to the songwriters for whom she feels the highest regard.

As the Montreal Gazette writes, it is “a highly personal collection of ballads… she packs a lot of feeling into this tender and nostalgic album.”

These are the songs she has always longed to sing.

Buy Music:

Omara Portuondo on amazon.com

OMARA PORTUONDO Tour Dates 2010

(Dates and information subject to change.)

February 2010

24 – Washington, DC – Lisner Auditorium
26 – Boston, MA – Harvard University Sanders Theater
27 – New York, NY – Town Hall

More Dates TBA

Omara Portuondo Official Website
Omara Portuondo MySpace

Multi-instrumentalist/pianist Seth Glier, discovered at 19 and signed to MPress Records makes his label debut with ‘The Trouble With People’, now available in stores.

‘The Trouble With People’ is both timeless and modern and has drawn comparisons to Billy Joel, Marc Cohn, Gavin DeGraw, Elton John and Paul McCartney. A sophisticated collection that shows surprising maturity and self-reflection, the album weaves understated tales of real people in quiet pain.

Produced by Seth Glier and Ryan Hommel; mixed by Kevin Killen, John Shyloski and Alan Evans.

Described as having “the vocal prowess of a performer with a lifetime of singing experience” and as a “huge musical talent” in early reviews, Glier is gaining awareness amid U.S. press for his soaring falsetto, surprising showmanship and insightful songwriting, recently praised as “direct and full of clarity.”

‘The Trouble With People,’ is a diverse album, which features 12 original songs, showcases his rich falsetto, his Cat Stevens-esque hushed storytelling, and a prodigious vocal range in between. THE ALBUM PROJECT recently buzzed “I really loved the song “Gotta Get Away” as soon as I heard it.”

20-year old phenom Seth Glier has appeared on television five times in the past four weeks, as national outlets such as The CW Network and regional programs including FOX-TV in Connecticut, FOX-TV Birmingham, CBS-TV Charlotte and more have embraced his label debut ‘The Trouble With People’ as well as his ambitious, eco-friendly ‘Green Tour’.

Buy Music:

Seth Glier on amazon.com

More about Seth Glier:

Singer-songwriter Glier was raised on the music of Joni Mitchell, Martin Sexton, and Jeff Buckley, but he considers his brother to be his greatest influence. “My brother is autistic and non-verbal. I learned to communicate with words better once I realized how to communicate to someone without them.”

Perhaps it’s that unique sensitivity that gives Glier’s songwriting such resonance. His folk/pop album weaves understated tales of real people in quiet pain. It’s a sophisticated collection that shows surprising maturity and self-reflection. Maybe the term ‘old soul’ has meaning after all…

Boston-based Glier is already a seasoned troubadour, having shared stages with John Mayer, Martin Sexton, Erin McKeown and Cheryl Wheeler.

Other notable supporters of Glier’s music include acclaimed singer-songwriters Marc Cohn, Ellis Paul and Livingston Taylor, as well as legendary producer Russ Titelman (Steve Winwood, Cyndi Lauper, Eric Clapton).

Seth Glier’s accomplishments surpass his age — he has performed hundreds of shows, including a set for more than 25,000 people on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Livingston Taylor says “Listening to Seth’s music gives me hope for what’s to come. The next generation is alive and well.”

Glier released several DIY albums before catching the attention of MPress founder Rachael Sage last fall. Upon signing Glier, Sage brought in Grammy® Winner Kevin Killen (U2, Tori Amos, Elvis Costello), to re-mix Glier’s original tracks, which he’d famously recorded in his basement over a three-month stretch.

Highlights of the album include the soaring “Gotta Get Away”, the Beatles-influenced instrumentation on “Naia”, Glier’s commanding title track, and the insightful “Someone Else To Crown”.

Seth Glier Official Website

Radio 1’s Rob Da Bank and Sunday Best Recordings give us a taste of some of the exciting projects they have lined up for your pleasure next year!

For this White Heat Special, Rob Da Bank will be presenting Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, David E. Sugar, The Correspondents and Sound of Rum, all from his label Sunday Best, as well as giving us a DJ set before the White Heat boys take you through till 3am.

This showcase event is your chance to catch these acts live in an intimate setting and to preview the exciting future for Sunday Best Recordings in 2010!

Lineup:

Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip
AKA musician/producer Dan Stephens, and emcee/vocalist David Meads. Returning in February 2010 with a new single and their highly-anticipated second album ‘The Logic of Chance’, tonight they will be airing many of these new tracks for the first time – White Heat has heard many of their almost-finished demo versions and they sound incredible! This will be the first opportunity to hear many of these new tracks. Don’t miss!
www.myspace.com/lesacvspip

David E. Sugar
One of the finest new talents on the electronic music scene. A gifted guitarist, drummer and bassist, David’s live sets, either remixing live with his laptop show or with full band ensemble, have cemented his status as one of the most exciting new artists in his field. www.myspace.com/davidsugar

The Correspondents
MC Mr Bruce and DJ/producer Mr Chuckles, who collaborate to make Hip Hop for the 1930s, Big Band music for the 2010s. Splicing swing samples with squelchy synths over dusty drum loops, they’ve depicted a modern-day journey into a time of rogues, lust, affordable clowns and foot-tapping toe curling “get your brogues on” dance floor swing hop.
www.myspace.com/thecorrespondentsmusic

Sound of Rum
Sound of Rum are: rapper and spokenword poet Kate Tempest, drummer Ferry Lawrenson and guitarist/bassist/loop-pedalist Archie Marsh. Kate Tempest is already a seasoned and prolific lyricist and live performer, and Sound of Rum are undoubtedly one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the UK live hip-hop and spoken word scenes yet.
www.myspace.com/soundofrumband

With: Rob Da Bank (DJ set)

Please note! Tonight’s White Heat starts earlier than usual! Please arrive early as the bands will start soon after 7pm.

Now White Heat gives you the ultimate aural pleasure with Madame Jojo’s fantastic new PA system!

White Heat
Tuesday 1st December 2009
Time: Showcase 7pm-10.30pm, regular White Heat 10.30pm-3am.
Tickets: £5 advance, £6 on the door (advance from www.viewtickets.co.uk/club-tickets-16717.html). This ticket allows attendance from 7pm – 3am but you must arrive before 9pm to gain entry!
Madame Jojo’s
8–10 Brewer Street
London, W1F 0SE
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
020 7734 3040
Madame JoJo’s

Sunday Best Official Website

MySpace Music premieres the brand new video from Muse for “Undisclosed Desire.”

From the band’s fifth album, ‘The Resistance’, watch the debut of the video for “Undisclosed Desire” here on BandWeblogs.com:

Muse – “Undisclosed Desire” video

Visit Muse on MySpace for more information about the band.

Muse Official Website

Buy Music, DVDs:

Twilight on amazon.com

Twilight on amazon.co.uk

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Exclusives

The Twilight Saga: New Moon takes over the MySpace homepage today.

The entire homepage is dedicated to the film and features exciting exclusive content debuts, including Anya Marina’s music video premiere of her song off the soundtrack and a Featured Playlist from acclaimed music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Music Playlist from Alexandra Patsavas
MySpace Music presents a Featured Playlist from Alexandra Patsavas, music supervisor of The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack. Stream the songs for free that have been chosen personally by Alexandra, who’s worked on over sixty films and television series, most notably The O.C., Grey’s Anatomy and Gossip Girl.

Anya Marina Music Video Premiere
Check out the Anya Marina music video premiere for “Satellite Heart” from The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack.

Volturi Featurette
Meet the Volturi vampires in this brand new video, featuring interviews with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, director Chris Weitz and more.

Brand New TV Spot
Check out the new TV spot with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner.

Exclusive Photo
Behind-the-scenes photo of Kristen Stewart and director Chris Weitz.

Status Updates
Status updates from cast members and soundtrack artists may be found on the Celebrity Update tab on the homepage.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, and directed by Chris Weitz will be released November 20, 2009.

For more information about the Twilight series, visit the official MySpace profile:

Twilight on MySpace

Disco Electro Pop Queen Roisin Murphy has been busy, as the almost 9 month pregnant singer is ready to unleash her new single, as well as become a new mother.

After nearly two and a half years of promoting her critically-acclaimed ‘Overpowered’ album, Roisin Murphy has been in the studio working diligently on her new music.

“Orally Fixated” will be one of three singles that Murphy will be distributing via AWAL into iTunes with a release date of November 16th in the UK and November 17th in the US.

Murphy is also taking a more viral approach with these releases than ever before through video blogs, remix competitions, and some other special surprises.

“My fans are so loyal and I am really excited to have them more involved in my creations” says Murphy.

New music has been hinted to as Murphy has made special appearances recently DJ’ing in clubs throughout London and was this year’s musical muse for VIKTOR & ROLF’s Paris Fashion Show.

“Orally Fixated” will first stream on her social networking pages – myspace.com/roisinmurphy and facebook.com/roisinmurphy first and then a global 48 hour free download promotion will be launched with guardian.co.uk/music.

As Murphy will be tending to motherhood during the later part of this year she urges her fans to be patient as the upcoming singles will be rolled out in early 2010 in a special way virally for her loyal fan base and others.

The new music to come will tread on a new departure for Murphy as she explores a new edge mixing a bit of key note British urban beats and MC’s to her notable pop sensibilities.

For more information please stay tuned to both Myspace and Facebook pages alike.

What the blogs are ALREADY saying…

“My first impression: I love every second of “Orally Fixated” – from the way it builds with that propulsive, gritty rhythm track and the melodic chorus with those sleek and subtle synth flourishes. The electric guitar riff is a fitting, welcome surprise that complements the electro-pop arrangements very well. Ah, and those lyrics, so Roisin. This is so good. Drink it up.” – ArjanWrites.com

“Roisin Murphy continues to deliver what her fans crave with the release of “Orally Fixated”. Get lost on the dancefloor and consumed by your headphones in this dirty, electronic track which is sure to ignite a frenzy as we are introduced to the new soundscape that Murphy has been relentlessly working on.” – ElectroQueer.com

“…exquisitely excellent and suggestively sexy track…” – SheenaBeaston.com

Roisin Murphy Facebook
MySpace
Roisin Murphy Official Website

Victoria B.C. atmospheric rockers Jets Overhead, are about to embark on a cross-Canadian tour as the support act for synthpop sensation LIGHTS.

The 17-date tour begins in Vancouver on Saturday November 7th, travels as far east as Montreal and ends in London, Ontario on December 3rd.

Jets Overhead are touring in support of their sophomore album No Nations, out now on Vapor Records.

Watch video – “Weathervanes” @ Pianos, NYC:

FREE Download: “I Should Be Born” MP3

Earlier this year the band travelled to Beijing, China for a series of festival dates and have also toured across the U.S., Canada and Europe sharing the stage with Sam Roberts, Our Lady Peace, Tegan and Sara, Broken Social Scene, The Dears, The Stills, The Temper Trap, The Dandy Warhols, Powderfinger and The Frames.

Jets Overhead have also performed at the prestigious Neil Young Bridge School Benefit as well as at the CMJ, SXSW and Bonnaroo music festivals.

November/December 2009 Tour Dates – support for LIGHTS

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Nov 07 2009 The Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, British Columbia
Nov 09 2009 Alix Goolden Hall Victoria, British Columbia
Nov 10 2009 Mary Irwin Theatre Kelowna, British Columbia
Nov 12 2009 MacEwan Ballroom Calgary, Alberta
Nov 13 2009 Myer Horowitz Theatre Edmonton, Alberta
Nov 14 2009 Red Deer Memorial Centre Red Deer, Alberta
Nov 16 2009 The Distrikt Regina, Saskatchewan
Nov 18 2009 Louis’ Pub Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Nov 19 2009 The Garrick Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nov 20 2009 The Outpost Thunder Bay, Ontario
Nov 22 2009 Capitol Centre North Bay, Ontario
Nov 26 2009 Kool Haus Toronto, Ontario
Nov 27 2009 Bronson Centre Ottawa, Ontario
Nov 28 2009 Studio JPR Montreal, Quebec
Nov 30 2009 Studio Theatre Hamilton, Ontario
Dec 02 2009 Ale House Kingston, Ontario
Dec 03 2009 Music Hall London, Ontario

Jets Overhead Official Website

Vote Today; Top vocalists to be included in year-long series beginning 2010

Whitney Houston. Bob Marley. Edith Piaf. Placido Domingo. Busta Rhymes. Joni Mitchell. Whether influencing a genre or providing the soundtrack that defined a generation, each of these artists has established a firm place in music history.

NPR is asking audiences to help decide which voices rise to the top for “50 Great Voices” – a year-long exploration of iconic, distinct and memorable vocalists in recorded history, set to launch on-air and online in January 2010.

Voting is now open at the “50 Great Voices” site (npr.org/greatvoices): a striking interactive lets visitors listen to more than 100 nominated artists, and select their five favorites. Polling begins today and will remain open through November 16.

With “50 Great Voices,” NPR is hoping to discover and rediscover awe-inspiring vocalists from around the world and across time. Last month, listeners and visitors to NPR.org were asked to nominate artists; NPR and a panel of experts whittled down the nearly 8,000 submissions to about 100 singers – a mix of familiar names (we see you, Elvis Presley and Biggie Smalls) and surprising discoveries (like singer Alim Qasimov from Azerbaijan).

Audience votes will influence the final 50 artists to be profiled in the series – which will spotlight the lives and legacies of these voices through radio pieces on all of NPR’s programs, and online at NPR Music. The music discovery web site will offer additional content for all of the featured artists, including archival material, live performances, interviews and news.

For more information and to vote, go to:

NPR 50 Great Voices Series Official Website

Soundtrack Released on November 9th

New Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) comedy Taking Woodstock, released in the UK on November 13, 2009 vividly captures the unique spirit of the legendary Woodstock music festival and now the film’s much-talked about soundtrack looks set to take music fans of all ages back to the summer of ‘69.

It’s 1969, and Elliot Tiber, a down-on-his-luck interior designer in Greenwich Village, NY, has to move back upstate to help his parents run their dilapidated Catskills motel, the El Monaco. The bank is about to foreclose; his father wants to burn the place down, but hasn’t paid the insurance; and Elliot is still figuring how to come out to his parents. When Elliot hears that a neighbouring town has pulled the permit on a hippie music festival, he calls the producers, thinking he could drum up some much needed business for the motel. Three weeks later, half a million people are on their way to his neighbour’s farm in White Lake, NY, and Elliot finds himself swept up in a generation-defining experience that would change his life, and American culture, forever.

Below is a video from the premiere of Taking Woodstock. The video footage includes a quick interview with director Ang Lee, stars Henry Goodman and Imelda Staunton and screenwriter / producer James Schamus.

Watch video:

Stream video – link

IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 13TH

Whether you can remember tracks by such seminal Sixties acts as The Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Jefferson Airplane like it was yesterday or you are discovering their music for the first time, the Taking Woodstock soundtrack provides a sonic time capsule that powerfully evokes the spirit of a time that has passed into musical folklore. It is also a release that marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic event.

Richie Havens who opened the event 40 years ago has recorded a new version of “Freedom” specially for the film and other highlights include the anti-war anthem by County Joe McDonald “I-Feel-Like I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag”, and live performances from other Woodstock performers including Arlo Guthrie (Coming Into Los Angeles), The Band (I Shall Be Released) and Melanie (Beautiful People).

So get ready to turn on, tune in and drop out to what is set to be the Soundtrack sensation of the summer – and don’t worry if you can’t remember the 60’s. The Taking Woodstock soundtrack will fill in all the musical gaps!

Buy Music, DVDs:

Taking Woodstock on amazon.com

Taking Woodstock on amazon.co.uk

‘Taking Woodstock’ Soundtrack listing

1. “Freedom (2009)” – Richie Havens
2. “Opening” *
3. “Wooden Ships” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
4. “China Cat Sunflower” (Live) – Grateful Dead
5. “Maggie M’Gill” – The Doors
6. Elliot’s Place*
7. “Coming Into Los Angeles” (Live) – Arlo Guthrie
8. “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag” (Live) – Country Joe McDonald
9. “Going Up The Country” (Live) – Canned Heat
10. “Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)” (Live) – Janis Joplin
11. A Happening (Office #2)*
12. “The Red Telephone” – Love
13. “Beautiful People” (Live) – Melanie
14. “I Shall Be Released” (Live) – The Band
15. “Perspective” *
16. “One More Mile” – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
17. “Volunteers” – Jefferson Airplane

* Score written and produced by Danny Elfman

Taking Woodstock will be in cinemas November 13th. Find out more at:

Taking Woodstock Official Website

Cadbury Celebrates Ghana with Music

Cadbury Dairy Milk Launch Record Label with Zingolo

Zingolo feat. Tinny – Remixes; Released – 8th November

Glass and a Half Full Productions, the clever people behind the genius adverts such as the Phil Collins drumming Gorilla, The Racing Airport Trucks to the Kids dancing Eyebrows has launched Glass and a Half Full Records to bring some musical magic to Cadbury Dairy Milk’s campaign celebrating their Fairtrade certification.

Cadbury has been sourcing cocoa from Ghana Cocoa Farmers for 101 years and Ghana is the heart of Cadbury Dairy Milk’s Fairtrade cocoa. In homage to this relationship it was obvious that the track would feature one of Ghana’s hottest music superstars, Tinny.

Working with 2009’s most exciting producer Paul Epworth (the man behind records by Florence & The Machine, Friendly Fires, Jack Penate and The Big Pink) has produced an exclusive track featuring Ghanaian MC Tinny for the latest Glass and a Half Full Production from Cadbury Dairy Milk, which celebrates Cadbury Dairy Milk becoming Fairtrade certified.

Epworth teamed up with Tinny to produce a track called “Zingolo” which is the soundtrack for a dazzling music video. The track and 5 minute video promo were all inspired by Ghanaian culture and the love for music.

Shot on location in Ghana it involves local communities, cocoa farmers and some of the hottest Ghanaian dancers.

Watch “Zingolo” full length video promo:

“Zingolo was written and recorded in a marathon 29 hour session in Ghana’s capital Accra, featuring some of the hottest musicians in Ghana” commented Paul, “it was really exciting, trying to capture something of the spirit of the place, from the intricacies of typical Highlife guitar to more traditional regional percussion flavours.”

The track is accompanied by 5 remixes which can be heard directly on SoundCloud and will be available exclusively on Beatport on 8th November, 2009.

60 and 30 edits of the video have been running as an advert on UK TV and cinema since 19th September, which have received a great response. The full single has been available on iTunes since Friday 18th September.

Cadbury profits from the sale of the single will go to the charity Care International to fund education programmes in cocoa growing communities in Ghana.

1. Zingolo (Doorly Remix)
2. Zingolo (Pempi Remix)
3. Zingolo (South Rukkas Crew Remix)
4. Zingolo (Will Saul & Mike Monday Remix)
5. Zingolo (Will Saul & Mike Monday Dub Mix)

For further information on Care International:

Care International Official Website

For further information on the project and Cadbury, visit:

Glass and a Half Full Productions – Cadbury Official Website

Robert Cray has announced his UK tour dates. For thirty plus years Robert Cray has laid down track after track of good-time, uptown, low-down blues. He’s won five Grammy’s and been nominated for 11 more.

From classic titles ‘Phone Booth’, to highlights from his more recent releases ‘Poor Johnny’, whether addressing timeless themes of heartache and romance ‘The Things You Do To Me’ or this morning’s headlines ‘Twenty’, Cray delivers on a promise he’s been making since his first trip into the studio.

Robert Cray’s virtuosity has led to collaborations with luminaries such as Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry and Bonnie Raitt.

His new album ‘This Time’ is realised on his own imprint Nozzle Records and arrives at a vital juncture in the musician’s career, marked by creative renewal and a key reunion with an old performing partner, bassist Richard Cousins.

Buy Music:

Robert Cray on amazon.com

Robert Cray on amazon.co.uk

Robert Cray July 2010 UK tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change. Go to Robert Cray’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.)

Fri 2 Jul Liverpool Philharmonic Hall £28.50 – £33.50
Sat 3 Jul Leicester De Montford Hall £28.50
Sun 4 Jul Norwich Theatre Royal £22.00, £25.50, £28.50
Mon 5 Jul Brighton Dome £24.50, £28.50, £38.50
Wed 7 Jul London Barbican £32.50, £38.50
Thu 8 Jul Manchester Bridgewater Hall £28.50, £38.50
Sat 10 Jul Cambridge Corn Exchange £28.50, £38.50
Mon 12 Jul Birmingham Symphony Hall £28.50, £38.50
Tue 13 Jul Glasgow Royal Concert Hall £28.50, £38.50
Wed 14 Jul Gateshead Sage £28.50, £38.50

Ticketmaster 0870 534 4444, Ticketline 0870 444 5556 and See Tickets 0871 220 0260

Robert Cray Official Website