New Collection is NEA Jazz Master’s Follow-Up to 2006’s Grammy Winning ‘Giving It Up’

National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master and 10X Grammy-winning, legendary musician George Benson will release his new album on August 25, 2009 entitled ‘Songs and Stories’, his second for Concord Records / Monster Music.

The album is a collection of tunes penned by some of the most prolific and enduring songwriters of the last half-century.

Some were written specifically for this new recording, such as Bill Withers (who came out of retirement to write “A Telephone Call Away” for George), Rod Temperton’s “Family Reunion” and Lamont Dozier’s “Living in High Definition”; while others, including James Taylor’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”, Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and Tony Joe White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” were hand-picked by Benson for their ability to convey simple but universal truths about the human experience.

‘Songs and Stories’ was produced by Concord’s Grammy winning, creative head John Burk and renowned bassist /composer / producer Marcus Miller.

Benson, Miller, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, guitarist Jubu and drummer John Robinson make up the core unit for the project. They were joined by special guests: guitarists Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, Wah Wah Watson and Norman Brown, vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Patti Austin, keyboardist David Paich, saxophonists Tom Scott and Gerald Albright along with several others.

“Brother, with that team, you can do just about anything,” said Benson. “We recorded in the studio for three days straight, and everything we touched had something on it that made us all glad we were there. It was just the right mix of people and material.”

And yet, for all of the high-caliber musicians on hand, the most important guests are the songwriters, says co-producer Miller. “Smokey Robinson doesn’t perform on this record, but he’s still a guest,” he says. “Lamont Dozier is a guest. Bill Withers, Rod Temperton and James Taylor are guests. If you take great songs from writers like these, and you put them in the hands of George Benson and a great band, you’d better just get out of the way and let things happen, because the result is going to be something great.”

Indeed, the record captures the somewhat underappreciated essential brilliance of his storied career; the ability to simply touch people through authentic lyrics and beautiful melody. On ‘Songs and Stories’, George Benson’s musical artistry has perhaps never been on sharper display.

To celebrate the release of ‘Songs And Stories’, fans can currently visit the official Benson website, georgebenson.com and receive a free mp3 download of “Living In High Definition”, the new song written by legendary composer Lamont Dozier. Additionally on the website, fans can view “The George Benson Sessions: The Making Of Songs And Stories”, a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new record. The series will be updated with a new video each week leading up to and through the August 25th release.

Concord Records is proud to once again partner with Monster Music® on presenting the newest George Benson album ‘Songs and Stories’ on High Definition Surround™ Sound SuperDisc™. The Monster® version, also available August 25th, is a specially priced two-disc package that consists of Songs and Stories on compact disc mixed in traditional stereo and a bonus DVD, containing Monster’s High Definition Stereo and Surround mixes. In addition, the bonus DVD features behind-the-scenes video footage of the making of the record including an in-depth interview with George Benson.

With its innovative High Definition Surround technology Monster Music is revolutionizing the listening experience. Mastered in the highest resolution possible, HDS SuperDiscs are specially engineered to capture the true harmonic depth and tonal richness of the music. THX certified HDS SuperDiscs deliver the music through a 5.1 speaker system just the way the artist heard it in the studio when it was recorded, the way they intended you to hear it.

Buy Music:

George Benson on amazon.com

George Benson on amazon.co.uk

TRACK LISTING:

1. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight – (James Taylor)
2. Family Reunion – (Rod Temperton – Catero Colbert)
3. Show Me the Love – (David Paich – Steve Lukather)
4. A Telephone Call Away – (Bill Withers)
5. Someday We’ll All Be Free – (Donny Hathaway – Ed Howard)
6. Nuthin’ But a Party – (Roger Troutman – Larry Troutman – Marlon McClain – Robert Harris – Christopher Lomax)
7. Come in From the Cold – (Marc Broussard-Radney Foster-Justin Tocket)
8. Exotica – (Marcus Miller)
9. Rainy Night in Georgia – (Tony Joe White)
10. One Like You – (William “Smokey” Robinson – David Garfield)
11. Living in High Definition – (Lamont Dozier)
12. Sailing – (Christopher Cross)

Photo credit: Greg Allen

George Benson Official Website
George Benson on Twitter

Photo Credit: Dave Tommo

After listening to Benjamin Taylor’s music on his website and MySpace page, I was quite interested to see him perform live.

Ben is Carly Simon and James Taylor’s son, so the idea of seeing him and hearing him in person was intriguing. Also, he’s from New England (Martha’s Vineyard), which is always a treat for me – running into fellow New Englanders in England.

The intimate showcase took place last Monday night downstairs at The Social in London. The Social is a great place for an acoustic show. There’s limited seating, but the stage is always in view as the room is quite small.

Before Ben started the set, his latest CD, ‘The Legend Of Kung Folk Part 1 (The Killing Bite)’ was playing through the speakers. You can look at this idea in two ways. Some might find his live show a repeat of what they just heard on the overhead. For me though, I liked the idea of hearing his tunes before the live show. It gave me a chance to get more acquainted with his music, and actually, made the night seem even more intimate.

Ben Taylor is a soft spoken guy, humble on stage and seems like he would fit right in with some of my friends from back home in Vermont – like by a fire at night…in the woods by a river. But I digress.

He played songs off of ‘The Legend Of Kung Folk’, along with David Saw, also on acoustic guitar, and there was bass (played left handed and upside down – or reverse headstock) and box drummer. One stand out of the night was David and Ben’s smooth harmonies. When singing in unison they sound almost as one – as though the same voice was layered in the studio. It’s always good to hear vocal harmonies in acoustic settings, but when their voices come together in unison, it makes the sound even warmer. David performed a song as well. His album, ‘Broken Down Figure’ features Ben, Christopher Thomas and Larry Ciancia. I’m looking forward to hearing it, which I have here, next to the computer.

Photo Credit: Patrik Andersson

One of my favorite songs of the night “Wicked Way”, is a song that had previously caught my ear from listening online. Now that I have Ben’s CD ‘The Legend Of Kung Folk’ and am listening to it now, I think it probably is one of the best tracks on the album. Although, the song did catch me off guard when I first heard it. With Ben’s gentle voice, and if you’re familiar with his parents, you can even hear them in there a little, I wouldn’t have expected a song with opening lyrics, “Well I just want to take you out and get you drunk so I can have my wicked way with you”. In the song he tells it like it is, maybe a bit harsh, but it’s how he feels about the girl and the three hours that he wants to spend with her. Blunt and real to life. Feminists won’t love it, but in this “wicked” world we live in, these things do actually happen, even if the song may be “tongue in cheek”.

“It’s Only Love” off of the album is also a winning track as is the laid back, sultry even, “Dangerous Girl”. Some well thought out placement of instruments, use of vocal effects and harmonies. The lyrics leave me wanting to know more about this dangerous girl, and what did she do? Excellent.

Jamie Cullum plays piano on three tracks – the intimate “After It’s Over”; the groovy “Wilderness” and – “Space”, which has a bit of an old school country feel, lovely guitars, bass and backing vocals by Ben’s sister Sally Taylor (who also contributes backing vocals on “Something For Nothing”) and yearning lyrics.

‘The Legend Of Kung Folk Part 1 (The Killing Bite)’ is set for UK release April 6, 2009.

The first single set for UK release is the radio friendly “She’s Gone” on April 20th.

Watch “She’s Gone” video:

Ben Taylor on amazon.com

Ben Taylor on amazon.co.uk

Ben Taylor will be playing in the UK in April. The live show was a great night out, and I would recommend seeing him – and why not buy the CD while you’re at it!

Ben Taylor Official Website
Ben Taylor MySpace

By: Jenny May – BandWeblogs.com

Kung Folk seeks not to know the answers but rather to understand the questions. Benjamin Taylor’s memorable melodies, immaculate acoustic guitar playing and insightful, honest lyrics demand your attention with 10 songs that come straight from the heart.

With his third full-length album, ‘The Legend of Kung Folk, Part 1 (The Killing Bite)’, Taylor puts the “kick” back into folk music to reveal the humour, wit and skill of a singer-songwriter who’s comfortable in both his own skin and with his impressive musical legacy.

The son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben’s life was always centred on music, although he spent several years travelling the world, developing a deep appreciation for the earth and the outdoors.

Watch “Nothing I Can Do” video from ‘Another Run Around The Sun’:

Ben Taylor on amazon.com

Ben Taylor on amazon.co.uk

His acclaimed previous releases include his debut album, ‘Famous Among the Barns’, and ‘Another Run Around The Sun’. Both were released on Iris Records, owned and run by Ben and his drummer, Larry Ciancia (Everlast, Ray LaMontagne). It’s a place where the duo is able to control their artistic decisions and create opportunities for other like-minded artists.

Highlights from this era included appearances by Ben on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The CBS Morning Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, and Howard Stern. He also made his acting debut with a recurring role on NBC’s American Dreams as Cal, a struggling singer/songwriter, and has appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Making music has become as natural as breathing to Ben. Accordingly, this approach has coloured his songwriting on The Legend of Kung Folk – “Once you write it, a good song stands up on its own. You just have to be careful not to dress it in anything that will inhibit its natural potential. This time around I’m trying to focus less on making music and more on helping the music to make itself.”

On The Legend of Kung Folk, his songs run the gamut from the sonically spacious acoustic piano/vocal duet with Jamie Cullum, “After It’s Over”, to the enormous stack of background vocals on “She’s Gone” and from the tongue-in-cheek, lusty “Wicked Way” to the earnest, uplifting “You’re The One For Me”.

Ben will be on tour in Britain in April 2009, with special guest David Saw.

Ben Taylor April 2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Mon 20 Bristol, Fleece & Firkin £10 0117 929 9008 www.fleecegigs.co.uk
Tue 21 Birmingham, Glee Club £10.50 0871 472 0400 www.glee.co.uk
Thur 23 Manchester, Lowry Theatre £12 0870 787 5796 www.thelowry.com
Fri 24 Glasgow, ABC £11 0871 231 0827 www.seetickets.com
Sat 25 Nottingham, Bodega £10 08713 100 000 www.alt-tickets.co.uk
Sun 26 London, Union Chapel £11 0871 230 5595 www.seetickets.com

Album: ‘The Legend Of Kung Folk’ – released April 6, 2009
Single “She’s Gone” – April 20 2009
UK tour April 20 – 26

Ben Taylor Official Website
Ben Taylor MySpace

Musicians On Call (MOC) announces Grammy award winner, James Taylor as the headliner for their 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction which will take place at the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square on February 24, 2009.

The exclusive V.I.P. event will include a red carpet, with special appearances by artists and celebrities committed to the cause.

As music and philanthropy are at the core of the brand, Hard Rock International has partnered with Musicians On Call for the benefit event, helping the charity to continue its mission of room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities.

In partnership with Hard Rock International, Musicians On Call’s 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction will kick off Hard Rock’s month-long March On Stage charitable celebration. March On Stage is a global live music series featuring both iconic and emerging artists as a philanthropic initiative to support music healing organizations. Committed to its “Love All, Serve All” creed, Hard Rock will donate proceeds from its March on Stage events in North America to Musicians On Call.

“Musicians On Call’s campaign to bring music straight to the bedsides of patients in hospitals would not be able to continue to expand without the donations made at our annual event.” says Leslie Faerstein, Executive Director Musicians On Call. “It’s an exciting night made even more special by a performance by James Taylor. The impact of this one night has a profound effect throughout the rest of the year improving the health and spirits of thousands of patients one song and one bed at a time.”

For the past four years, the Musicians On Call Benefit Concert & Auction has produced the most exciting and rewarding experiences for music fans bringing the best in music to the stage of their events and exciting items to their auctions. Following are just a few items that will be available for bidding at www.musiciansoncall.org beginning on February 10, 2009: a one-hour personal painting lesson from the renowned entertainer and revered painter Tony Bennett at his private studio in New York City; a visit to the set of Nickelodeon’s hit series iCarly; and autographed guitars from Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Loggins, Black Crowes, Kings of Leon, Kanye West, David Cook, & Brooks & Dunn.

The annual Musicians On Call Benefit Concerts have raised over a million dollars for the organization in the past four years; helping them to continue their mission of bringing music to patients in healthcare facilities. While aiding Musicians On Call, lucky music fans have walked away with a myriad of signed guitars and other treasures including a signed 1952 reissued Telecaster from Bruce Springsteen, a played harmonica from the Johnny Cash Estate, time in the studio with Maroon 5, artwork from John Lennon, and a signed basketball from Justin Timberlake. Tickets for this unparalleled benefit with a special performance by James Taylor are available at www.musiciansoncall.org.

About James Taylor:
Over the course of his long career, James Taylor has earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and 5 Grammy Awards for a catalog running from 1970’s Sweet Baby James to his Grammy Award-winning efforts Hourglass (1997) and October Road (2002). Taylor’s first Greatest Hits album earned him the RIAA’s elite Diamond Award, given for sales in excess of 10 million units in the United States. For his accomplishments, James was honored with the 1998 Century Award, Billboard magazine’s highest accolade, bestowed for distinguished creative achievement. The year 2000 saw his induction into both the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences selected James its MUSICARES Person of the Year in 2006 and most recently, James Taylor’s One Man Band (2007) was nominated for an Emmy® Award for “Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special,” in September 2008. The last two years have seen two remarkable releases; Taylor’s “One Man Band” CD/DVD accompanied by a world tour and his most recent “Covers” album which has been nominated for two Grammy® Awards.

About Musicians On Call (MOC):
Musicians on Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities to enhance the healing process. To date, their volunteers have played for over 125,000 people. Musicians On Call continues their mission through room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities, and their CD Pharmacies and Project Playback programs.

About Hard Rock: International
With 124 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and nine Hotels/Casinos in 50 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world’s most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya and Bali. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both scheduled to open in 2009; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2010; Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011; and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc.

Photo credit: Rob Fortunato

For further details go to:

Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos

Hard Rock International

Musicians On Call

James Taylor Official Website

Originally from New York, Willy Mason grew up on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and hearing his music I naturally think of other famous residents of the island like Carly Simon and James Taylor. I’ve been there before and actually visited Carly Simon’s shop which was nice. Anyway – it was Willy’s parents, both folk singers, that brought him to Martha’s Vineyard and I can certainly understand why they were drawn to the island.

“Save Myself” is the latest release by Willy Mason and it’s a great song. Now that Virgin UK has taken him under their wing, I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from this young man. He’s already been playing the festival circuit and last year supported Radiohead, Beth Orton and KT Tunstall.

Watch the video for Willy Mason’s new single, “Save Myself”

*Dates could change! Go to Willy Mason’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

February 20 – Preston, England @ Action Records (free show)
February 21 – Brighton, England @ Resident (free show)
February 22 – London, England @ Sister Ray (free show)
February 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord (Noisepop Festival) (18+)
March 14 – New Orleans, LA @ The Parish (w/ Sondre Lerche, 18+)
March 19 – Phoenix, AZ @ Clubhouse (w/ Sondre Lerche, All Ages)
March 20 – San Diego, CA @ Belly Up (w/ Sondre Lerche, 21+)
March 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey (w/ Sondre Lerche, All Ages)
March 23 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore (w/ Sondre Lerche, All Ages)
March 24 – Eugene, OR @ Sam Bond’s Garage (w/ Sondre Lerche, 21+)
March 25 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge (w/ Sondre Lerche, 21+)
March 26 – Seattle, WA @ Crocodile (w/ Sondre Lerche, 21+)
March 29 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room (w/ Sondre Lerche, All Ages)
March 30 – Chicago, IL @ Double Door (w/ Sondre Lerche, 21+)
March 31 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry (w/ Sondre Lerche, 21+)
April 2 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club (w/ Sondre Lerche, 19+)
April 4 – Philadelphia, PA @ TLA (w/ Sondre Lerche, All Ages)
April 5 – Washington, DC @ Birchmere (w/ Sondre Lerche, All Ages)
April 6 – Boston, MA @ Paradise (w/ Sondre Lerche, 18+)
April 7 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall (w/ Sondre Lerche, 18+)
May 4 – Leicester, England @ Charlotte (16+)
May 5 – Liverpool, England @ Carling Academy (14+)
May 7 – Cardiff, England @ The Point (18+)
May 8 – Oxford, England @ Zodiac (14+)
May 9 – Sheffield, England @ Leadmill (18+)
May 10 – Norwich, England @ Waterfront (14+)
May 11 – Bristol, England @ Trinity (tbc)
May 12 – Nottingham, England @ Rescue Rooms (18+)
May 14 – Leeds, England @ Cockpit (14+)
May 15 – Manchester, England @ Academy 2 (12+)
May 16 – London, England @ Shepherds Bush Empire (14+)
May 18 – Brighton, England @ Pavillion Theatre (18+)
May 19 – Birmingham, England @ Academy 2 (14+)
May 21 – Edinburgh, Scotland @ Liquid Rooms (18+)
May 22 – Northumbria, England @ University (Stage 2) (14+)
May 23 – Glasgow, Scotland @ QMU (14+)
May 24 – Aberdeen, Scotland @ Moshulu (14+)
May 25 – Belfast, Ireland @ Speakeasy (18+)
May 26 – Dublin, Ireland @ Temple Bar Music Centre (18+)
*Dates could change!

Willy Mason’s Official Website
Willy Mason on Myspace

By: Jenny May

James Taylor on amazon.co.uk

James Taylor on amazon.com

I wonder why he’s not coming to Oxford? It would have been great to see him here, but I suppose for fans in this area London will be the next best thing as it’s closest.

Watch Fire and Rain video:

Following are James Taylor’s upcoming 2007 tour dates:

Dates could change! Please refer to James Taylor’s Official website for the latest dates and information.

Feb 13 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Orpheum Theater Francisco, California
Feb 14 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Orpheum Theater Francisco, California
Feb 16 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Orpheum Theater Francisco, California
Feb 17 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Orpheum Theater Francisco, California
Feb 20 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Wilshire Theatre Los Angeles, California
Feb 21 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Wilshire Theatre Los Angeles, California
Feb 23 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Wilshire Theatre Los Angeles, California
Feb 24 2007 One Man Band Tour (Leg 2) @ The Wilshire Theatre Los Angeles, California

Apr 6 2007 European Tour @ Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton
Apr 8 2007 European Tour @ Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham
Apr 9 2007 European Tour @ Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham
Apr 12 2007 European Tour @ Glasglow Royal Concert Hall Glasglow
Apr 14 2007 European Tour @ Manchester Apollo Manchester
Apr 15 2007 European Tour @ Manchester Apollo Manchester
Apr 18 2007 European Tour @ Brighton Dome Brighton
Apr 19 2007 European Tour @ Bristol Colston Hall Bristol
Apr 21 2007 European Tour @ Sheffield City Hall Sheffield
Apr 23 2007 European Tour @ London Hammersmith Apollo London
Apr 24 2007 European Tour @ London Hammersmith Apollo London
Apr 26 2007 European Tour @ Blackpool Opera House Blackpool
Apr 27 2007 European Tour @ Leicester de Montfort Hall Leicester
Apr 29 2007 European Tour @ Newcastle City Hall NewCastle
Apr 30 2007 European Tour @ Glasglow Royal Concert Hall Glasglow

Aug 24 2007 Summer Tour 2007 @ Tanglewood Lenox, Massachusetts

Visit James Taylor’s Official Website for music, news, latest tour dates & information and more.

By: Jenny May