Ashanti, the multi-platinum Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter and actress and singer/songwriter Jason Mraz, along with Natasha Bedingfield, Moby, Chuck D, Chris Cornell, Tony Hawk, Colbie Caillat, Darius Rucker, Sara Bareilles, Sean Kingston, Matt White, Julie Roberts, Diana Page, and Krista, joined with Strong American Schools and YouCast to launch a series of public service announcements by top talent and music artists.

They’re raising awareness of the American education crisis and to urge America’s leaders to fix failing schools throughout the United States.

Watch messages from the artists:

Jason Mraz

Watch Jason Mraz video:

Ashanti

Watch Ashanti video:

Colbie Caillat

Watch Colbie Caillat video:

Join Now And Support Education

Test your knowledge against 8th graders throughout the world! Sign the petition in support of strong schools, join in our Hot Topic of the week and learn how you can support education.

To join and for more information, go to:

Great Schools Quiz page

After the brilliant performance last time by the boys from Bognor, next up on Red Bull Bedroom Jam are DissolvedIn. Formed in 2006, this exciting Reading based quartet create a pop/punk sound with an unique hint of electro. They put on up-beat and energetic live shows with great confidence.

Together the band have had press coverage in national and international rock magazines, and wide label interest including major label showcases. They have already performed live shows with bands such as Fightstar, Saosin, Attack Attack!, The Computers, Killerpilze, We Are The Ocean and Tonight is Goodbye.

DissolvedIn released their Debut EP ‘Proudly Dressed’ in April 2008, which includes songs such as “Egocentric”. The band is currently touring through the UK, just remember you heard them live on-line at Red Bull Bedroom Jam!

Check them out 7pm Thursday 16th October 2008
www.redbullbedroomjam.com

What is Red Bull Bedroom Jam?

Red Bull Bedroom Jam aims to give wings to new musical talent, of any genre, aged 19 years or younger. Every week the Red Bull Bedroom Jam panel of experts choose one band to be the focus of a LIVE webcast. Then, with the help of local young promoters, Red Bull produced marketing materials are distributed around the local area in order to raise awareness ready for show time!

How do artists or viewers get involved?

Artists and musicians can register and upload a music video or live performance at: www.redbullbedroomjam.com. Once moderated, the content appears in the ‘Watch and Rate’ section of the website. Bands can then ask their mates and fans to watch the content and rate it. There is no registration process to rate tracks but there is an optional newsletter sign up so viewers can be alerted when bands are selected for LIVE performances.

For more information, go to:

Red Bull Bedroom Jam Official Website

“That kid [Luke] is incredible…” – Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi

“How does a 19-year old know so much about life and loss, the trials of the working man, and blues rock? We have no idea, but we love Luke Mulholland’s sound – and we’re proud to call him our own.” – Meredith Goldstein, Boston Globe

Luke Mulholland is a guitar virtuoso who, in his late teens, has already recorded and released four full-length albums and completed several tours of the United States and Canada, opening for bands such as Bon Jovi and Mountain along the way.

A prodigious songwriter and arranger as well as a gritty blues vocalist, Luke has just released his most accomplished album yet, ‘Further’, and provided nationally syndicated radio program The Joey Reynolds Show its new theme song.

He currently resides in Boston, where he is attending the world-renown Berklee School of Music.

Luke Mulholland Official Website
MySpace

Carla Bruni performed for the first time on UK TV September 16th, 2008 on Later Live…with Jools Holland.

We have a clip of her appearance on the show, which includes an interview with Jools Holland where she discusses her songwriting, her husband French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s participation, and a performance of her song “Tu Es Ma Came” from her album, ‘Comme Si De Rien N’était (As if Nothing Had Happened)’ on Downtown Records.

Watch video – Carla Bruni interview + “Tu Es Ma Came”:

According to the Guardian UK, nearly 1 million viewers tuned into the program.

On the program, she also performs Bessie Smith’s “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” with Jools Holland and her song “L’amoureuse” also from her album ‘Comme Si De Rien N’était (As if Nothing Had Happened)’, which Jools mentions will be aired later.

Metallica, Kings of Leon, VV Brown, Sway and Nicole Atkins also performed on the show.

About Carla Bruni

Born in 1967 in Turin, Italy to a concert pianist (mother) and an industrialist and opera composer, Carla Bruni moved with her family to France at the age of five to flee the Red Brigades terrorist group.

She learned to play the piano and guitar at a young age, inheriting her family’s love of music, which surrounded her from her earliest childhood. Also passionate about literature and writing, she composed songs in her spare time.

After studying architecture, Bruni embarked on a modelling career in 1985, attaining super model status and becoming the symbol for top fashion houses until 1997.

In the late 1990s, Bruni changed direction when she decided to launch a music career, first as a songwriter for Julien Clerc, for whom she wrote several songs for his album Si j’étais elle (If I Were Her), then as a singer-songwriter-composer for her first album, Quelqu’un m’a dit (Someone Told Me), released in 2002.

Composed with the help of Louis Bertignac, who also produced the album, Quelqu’un m’a dit was an instant hit. Acclaimed by critics, the album sold two million copies.

In 2003, Bruni won the Prix Raoul Breton, awarded by SACEM (French association of songwriters and composers) to recognize and encourage an up-and-coming songwriter or composer. She was awarded the Victoire de la Musique for Best Female Artist the same year.

On January 15, 2007, Bruni released her second album, ‘No Promises’, which sets English poems to music. Among the poets she selected were Yeats, Auden, Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, Walter de la Mare and Dorothy Parker. This second work, which sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide, shot to the top of the charts in both France and Europe.

On July 11, 2008, Carla released her third album entitled ‘Comme si de rien n’était (As If Nothing Happened)’, the title of a photographic work by her brother Virginio Bruni Tedeschi that appears in the album’s packaging.

Produced by Dominique Blanc-Francard, the album comprises 14 titles, most of which were written and composed by Bruni with the exception of “La Possibilité d’une Ile,” a poem by French author Michel Houellebecq and set to music by Bruni; “Déranger les Pierres,” with lyrics by Bruni set to music by Julien Clerc; and two previously performed pieces, “You Belong To Me,” a title popularized by Bob Dylan and featured in the original film score of Natural Born Killers, and “Il Vecchio e Il Bambino,” written by Italian anarchist Francesco Guccini.

Comme si de rien n’était (As If Nothing Happened) Musicians:

Denis Benarrosh: drums, percussion
Dominique Blanc-Francard: electric and acoustic guitar, tambourine, organ, vibraphone, pedal steel guitar, bass guitar, 6-string bass
Laurent Vernerey: basse électrique / bass guitar, double bass
Freddy Koella: acoustic and electric guitar, baryton, Dobro guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin
Michel Amsellem: Rhodes piano, piano, keyboards
Charles Pasi: harmonica
Benjamin Biolay: string arrangements
Thierry Farrugia: flute, soprano saxophone, clarinet
String quartet
Christophe Morin: cello
Elsa Benabdallah: 2nd violin
Florent Bremond: alto
Karen Brunon: 1st violin
Recorded by Bénédicte Schmitt at labomatic studios, Paris
Produced, mixed and mastered by Dominique Blanc-Francard at Labomatic Studios, Paris
p& © 2008 TEOREMA exclusively licensed to naïve
cover photo : JB Mondino
Inside photo : JB Mondino
Photo “comme si de rien n’était” : © Virginio Bruni Tedeschi
Drawings: Florence Deygas
Artwork: Add a dog, Paris

Comme si de rien n’était on amazon.co.uk

Carla Bruni Official Website

Are you a musician?

Looking for incredible exposure?

Want your stuff played in a national ad campaign?

Samsung is running a hunt for the hottest talent around for its next ad. All you need to do is go to www.f400share.com and upload your music! Whatever you’re into, you can take part – they’ve got a range of different styles you can enter under.

And the best bit is it’s down to a public vote, so all you need to do is gear up enough mates to be in with a chance of winning!

You’d better get your skates on – judging takes place on 20th of June, 2008.

It only takes a few minutes to do, and it could just be the break you were looking for.

Get in on the game:

F400 Share

Budweiser will be launching their True Dedication campaign, which starts with the release of Budweiser’s new ‘True Dedication’ TV ad.

In the ads, six eclectic musicians come together and use their talent, passion and some customised Budweiser instruments to create their authentic sound by doing what they love.

Inspired by the dedication that goes into brewing Budweiser, the brand’s new advertising campaign captures the passion musicians have for their craft and the social atmosphere that comes from friends getting together.

Video – Budweiser ‘True Dedication’ TV ad – watch extra footage

The ad brings you along with the band as they jam in their basement studio and develop their own version of the 1969 classic instrumental “Popcorn.”

The group also takes the stage at their local club for a rendition of Salt ‘n Pepa’s “Push It.”

To make the music all their own, the musicians have customised their instruments using Budweiser bottles, kegs and cans.

The band is encouraged and inspired by Dave Cloud, the veteran musician who the Sunday Times heralded as music’s “last genuine lost genius.”

Band Member Profiles

Lucas Leigh

Lucas Leigh began taking piano lessons at age five – only to quit months later and become a self-taught musician who plays the piano, bass, drums and ukulele. At 25, Lucas is the youngest member of the band. He realized he wanted to be a musician at a very young age after seeing the movie, “Great Balls of Fire.” He later played onstage with the source of his inspiration, Jerry Lee Lewis. At age 11, while attending a Little Richard performance, Lucas asked the world-famous performer (during the set) if he could play his piano. Little Richard not only invited Lucas up, but even sat next to him for an improvised duet on the keys. A Memphis native, Lucas cites the blues and rockabilly as his musical influences. Lucas is a huge fan of Phish, Jerry Lee Lewis and Belle & Sebastian but says the greatest gig he has attended was Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at Bonnaroo in 2004.

John Sharp

John Sharp will be the first to tell you he failed at playing most instruments – so he started building instruments he could play. John now constructs and plays unique instruments such as planks, branches and plants. He cites artists such as Organum and Willie Nelson as his musical influences and credits electronica group Skinny Puppy with helping him realize he wanted to become a musician. Like a true performer, John prefers being on the road to recording in the studio and has played gigs in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.

Rob Cureton

Rob hopes to take the UK by storm as the upright bassist for the band. He started playing at only 19 months old and began studying classical music at age nine, before going on to become a member of various cover bands. Rob’s dedication to music paid off, as he has played with high-profile performers such as Counting Crows, Jewel and Bobby Brown and currently tours with the popular country act Big & Rich. Rob’s most memorable gigs are playing packed Big and Rich shows in stadiums in his hometowns of Nashville and Detroit. He believes an excellent sense of timing, a commitment to practice and a positive attitude are the keys to becoming an amazing musician.

Brian Kotzur

Drummer Brian Kotzur certainly has high aspirations for his career as a musician – he hopes to one day play a gig on the moon. He plays the guitar, piano and drums and came to Nashville from Houston, Texas. With his tongue-in-cheek sense of humour, Brian cites “learning to play” as his greatest musical achievement thus far. His musical influences range from rock to hip-hop to “crooner,” but legendary jazz musician Al Bowlly is his favourite artist. Brian certainly recognizes the commitment it takes to become a truly amazing musician, as he modestly states he is the most dedicated musician working in the business today.

Sami Elamri

Guitar-player Sami Elamri came to Nashville from Fort Worth, Texas. He realized he wanted to become a musician when he saw Blondie perform at the Grammys in 1979. Sami grew up jamming in his buddies’ basements before joining up with a few Nashville musicians to form the band Lone Official. Sami grew up on 70s punk and new wave music and now listens to a diverse selection of artists including Slayer, Fugazi and Swans.

William Tyler

Willie Tyler plays the guitar, lute and slide whistle and “grew up twangin’” with his family band. He’s played with bands such as Gutbucket, Snakewind and Tim, Chad and Sherry. He notes his biggest musical achievement was when he opened for rock legend Ted Nugent at a state fair in Indiana. Willie believes being an amazing musician requires a great deal of practice – and usually a little financial support from the parents.

Dave Cloud

Musician Dave Cloud makes a cameo appearance as the band’s mentor. He drives the band to demonstrate their dedication to their craft encouraging them to play harder, faster and really get into the groove of the music. Dave is a larger than life legend on the Nashville music scene and the lead in eclectic band Dave Cloud and the Gospel of Power. Dave’s current album Pleasure Before Business is receiving rave reviews for it’s experimental flair and he has recently collaborated with Cardigan’s lead singer Nina Perrson and Stooges’ sax player Steve Mackay.

Visit Budweiser UK for more videos and information.

Guillemots (pictured: Aristazabal Hawkes, Fyfe Dangerfield, Greig Stewart and MC Lord Magrao) return with their second studio album, ‘Red’, released March 24, 2008.

It’s too difficult for me to compare Guillemots’ ‘Red’ album to any other CD that I’ve listened to, which is a great accomplishment for a band. The songs are lush and varied. There’s high energy pop, R&B, interesting changes within songs and sultry, intimate ballads, that when listening, my imagination takes me to a dark, smoke filled room.

The instrumentation on ‘Red’ is daring and experimental – which could have been a concern for all involved, however, old and new fans alike will be introduced to a brilliant Guillemots album, complete with talented musicians, excellent songwriting along with soulful vocals and smooth harmonies. Highly recommended. – Jenny May

Dave Tommo from BandWeblogs.com had some questions for Guillemots drummer Greig Stewart, in our second series of questions with Greig.

(Read the first exclusive interview with Greig Stewart)

Dave Tommo: What are you looking forward to the most with the release of your new album, ‘Red’?

Greig Stewart: I like playing festivals. It’s not like touring where you are out for a few months at a time. You can be at home through the week and weekends are party time. Then you get the rest of the week to recover. Also I have an 8-month-old baby which means I’m home through the week with her.

How did you come up with the name ‘Red’ for the album?

Fyfe came up with it. He felt Red can mean a lot of different things.

Does Arista play the drums on one of the tracks? Which one and how did that come about?

The song is “Take me home”, it’s the last song on the album. Arista and Fyfe just started playing together in the studio. It sounded really good. So there was no need to do it again. She plays very well.

Are there any strange percussion instruments used on the album?

A few. There are bats. Fyfe has a bat detector, which picks up their sound, which human ears cannot hear. It was really strange as it was in the right tempo and pitch for that song (Big Dog). Also on “Big Dog” there is a tour bus engine that has been processed into a beat. Two silver platter trays that have been dropped from a high stairwell to get a double crash (on Last Kiss).

Who does your hair?

Funny one, Dave.

Can we expect anything different on your next tour?

We only start rehearsals next week. So no massive thoughts on that one yet.

What’s the story behind the masks that you use on stage occasionally?

They were used for a show my wife was in a few years ago. Mc found them pretty fascinating. He also used them in a short film he made last summer.

How else have you been involved in the making of ‘Red’?

When we were demoing songs, the band would record onto our laptops. A drum track from these sessions made it on to the album, which I’m quite proud of. Adam Noble who is a very good, experienced engineer asked how we got such a good drum sound. So we took great interest on how to mic things up. Also I made a few big meals for everyone. Think the best was: cumberland sausage and garlic mash. That went down well but then the session kinda finished as everyone ate too much and couldn’t really play. The rest of involvement would be my imagination as with everyone else involved in the making of Red. The imagination runs riot which can be a blessing but also hinderance.

Have you experienced any ghostly weirdness while recording the LP in your studio?

No ghostly encounters. Just a few whack out moments when we’ve been in the studio too long. Then you slightly lose touch with what’s going on outside.

We asked you before what your favourite song is to play live and you had answered “Big Dog” and “Standing on the Last Star”. Has that changed?

Not sure yet as we only start rehearsals next week. At the moment its probably “She’s Evil” sung and written by Mc. Its got an Electronic beat which I can weave in and out of. Great fun to play and we all get to shout.

Which festivals are you playing at this year?

Not sure yet. I guess most of the ones we didn’t play last year.

In your opinion, what is the best song ever written?

“No End” by Sandy Denny.

Are there any guest musicians on your next tour?

We are looking to replace our sax player Alex Ward as he is busy with his solo stuff. ‘Alex Ward and the dead ends’ and ‘Dead days beyond help’. We are looking for a girl who can sing backing vox and play sax also.

What’s the best way to get to sleep on the tour bus?

I-Pod after a hot shower.

The Mercury nominated Guillemots are set to play three must see ‘taster’ shows in March 2008 – Ritz, Manchester (March 9th), Academy, Oxford (March 10th) and London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire (March 11th).

Guillemots Official Website
Guillemots on Myspace

The fantastic KT Tunstall has announced two concerts as part of the Forestry Commission’s forest tour this Summer.

The past 3 years have been a hectic time for KT Tunstall as she has become established as a phenomenally successful artist both sides of the Atlantic. Her debut album ‘Eye To The Telescope’ has sold over 4 million copies to date including over 1.5 million in the UK alone.

Critical acclaim includes a Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist, The Ivor Novello Best Song award for writing “Suddenly I See” and a Q award for Track of the Year for “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”. Chart success continues with the release of her latest album ‘Drastic Fantastic‘ including the hit singles “Saving My Face” and “Hold On”.

KT Tunstall is extremely committed to green issues, has signed up to the GlobalCool campaign and even has her own 6,000-strong forest of trees in Scotland. These concerts will be supporting the Forestry Commission’s valuable social and environmental programmes.

Special guest support for both KT’s forest concerts comes from the much praised singer-songwriter Tom Baxter.

KT Tunstall will be performing at:

High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Near Brandon, Suffolk, Friday 6th June, 2008

Delamere Forest, Near Linmere, Cheshire, Sunday 15th June, 2008

Tickets £27.50 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 15th February from ticket hotline 01842 814612 or buy online at Forestry Commission Live Music Website.

KT Tunstall on Myspace
KT Tunstall Official Website

I just watched a funny interview on the BBC news. Classical violinist David Garrett must have a pretty good PR person working for him, because I think this was the first time that I’ve seen a musician play in the studio, on the news. Plus – I hadn’t heard of him until today, and the the story that got him there was that he fell down a flight of stairs onto his priceless Stradivarius violin, that actually cost him $1,000,000, and now the repair bill will be for around £60,000.

He was also able to get a plug in for his upcoming album, ‘Virtuoso’, which is released in March, and that he’s currently on tour. Pretty clever stuff – all because of his fall, a cracked Stradivarious and of course, the fact that he’s an incredible performer. I’m sure he’ll gain many new fans from this, including me.

The BBC interview was funny because the female news reader was all in a tither as David played his violin, and the other news reader, a man, was making fun of her. She had noted Garrett was once a model (to supplement his student income) and that people call him the David Beckham of the violin…which is a bit silly. He is very nice looking though – and he plays a great violin! The violin that he was playing in the studio was another Stradivarius that was brought over from Milan so that he can continue his tour. Hopefully he’ll keep that one intact.

David Garrett has been playing the violin since a very young age, and was known as a child prodigy.

His new album, ‘Virtuoso’ is set for release March 2008.

‘Virtuoso’ track listings:

1. La Califfa
2. Carmen Fantasie
3. Nothing Else Matters
4. Csardas – Gypsy Dance
5. Duelling Banjos
6. Pachelbel’s Canon
7. Paganini Rhapsody
8. Somewhere (West Side Story)
9. The Flight of the Bumble Bee
10. Serenade
11. Toccata
12. You Raise Me Up
13. Eliza’s Song

David Garrett – Virtuoso on amazon.co.uk

David Garrett on amazon.com

For more information, go to:

David Garrett Official Website

By: Jenny May – BandWeblogs.com

Two years after the death of iconic poet and musician Ivor Cutler, his family have announced a new release of ‘A Flat Man’, Ivor’s final album.

Originally released on Creation Records in 1998, this much-sought-after album has been unavailable since 1999. The release also marks the launch of Hoorgi House Records, a new company set up by Ivor’s family, which is destined to become the major label for Ivor Cutler material.

Jeremy Cutler, Ivor’s son, says: “Ivor was a prolific artist but his work can be hard to locate. We not only aim to bring back into circulation some on the material which is currently unavailable, but also look to release new material which has never been publicly available before. Ivor has fans all over the world and Hoorgi House will help to ensure that they can continue to enjoy his work.”

Ivor Cutler, recently revealed as the inspiration behind Franz Ferdinand’s song “Jacqueline”, counted John Lennon, Bertrand Russell and Billy Connolly amongst his fans.

He recorded 21 live sessions for John Peel, appeared in the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour film, and published over 30 books and 10 albums. Often called Scotland’s alternative poet laureate, Ivor died on 3 March 2006, aged 83.

‘A Flat Man’ is released on 17 March 2008, with a new sleeve featuring Ivor’s artwork, and notes by his son Jeremy:

“This is possibly Ivor’s darkest collection of songs, stories and poems. The macabre is permeated, however, with veins of nostalgic sweetness. Ivor’s humorous mastery of the inappropriate is also here, together with his granite acuity.” – Jeremy Cutler

Title: A Flat Man
Artist: Ivor Cutler
Label: Hoorgi House Records
Release Date: 17 March 2008
Catalogue number: HHCD01
Format: Mid-price CD
Playing time: 50mins 50secs
Distribution: Proper Music
Digital Distribution: Kudos
48 Tracks including: “A Bubble or Two”, “I Ate a Lady’s Bun”, “Living Donkey”, “My Next Album”, “I Built a House”, “Knocking at My Door”.

Ivor Cutler on amazon.co.uk

About Hoorgi House Records

The label was established by Ivor’s family in 2007 to ensure the continuing availability of Ivor Cutler material for new and existing fans, and to extend the range of material available. ‘A Flat Man’ is the label’s first release; further releases are in the pipeline. The name Hoorgi House is taken from a story of that title in Gruts, Ivor’s first published work. Ivor Cutler’s own illustration of the story is the logo of the new company – an appropriate flag to hoist over the extraordinary realm of the creative and productive Cutler.

Hoorgi House Records Official Website

About Ivor Cutler

Ivor Cutler, loved by generations of fans for his unique brand of music and poetic humour, published 30 books, produced 10 record albums, and was a phenomenal stage presence for 50 years. He is also famous for his radio work – especially his 21 sessions for the legendary John Peel.

For more information, go to:

Ivor Cutler Official Website

Listening to Kathryn Williams and Neill McColl is like lying on your back outside on a sunny day, watching the clouds go by. The music is so tranquil that I couldn’t concentrate on the work I was trying to do – and instead, gave up and am now writing this review.

Their new album, ‘Two’ is out in March 2008, but I’m lucky to have it early and am happy to tell the world about it. The harmonies and musicianship throughout ‘Two’ is superb – it’s the most hypnotic and relaxing music that I’ve heard in a long time. Kathryn’s voice is gentle, and seems to float in amongst the chords of the acoustic guitar.

‘Two’ is a generous album, with 13 songs, most of them co-written by Kathryn and Neill. It was recorded in an intimate setting, and the album was unbelievably written, recorded and mixed in just over two weeks.

Opening track, “6am Corner” features Neill’s subtle vocal harmonies – just enough to add ‘a little color’ to Kathyrn’s lead. The instrumentation is tight – albeit at times the melody reminds me of the Beatles’ “Let It Be”, but only briefly. On the quaint “Innocent When You Dream” (Tom Waits), Neill and Kathryn harmonize throughout, and apparently, the song was recorded in just one take.

“Come With Me” is the first single release off of ‘Two’. The lyrics are enchanting, and the song as a whole draws me in with each note. Like some sort of spell is being cast. A brilliant choice for the first release.

“Frame” is one of my favorites, a clever song, and is the one song on the album that makes me think, “Joni Mitchell”. Maybe it’s Kathryn’s vocal phrasing, or the lyrics that include, “look at that painting on a hotel wall, seen by lonely eyes. Don’t go into hotels lookin’ for dreams, don’t go into them with thoughts of your life” – either way, it’s a stand out track. I love the story – very touching and unique.

The rustic feel of “Armchair” could be a number straight out of Gram Parson’s repertoire. Perfect around a campfire at night – and surprisingly includes a particular swear word. Excellent!

Kathryn Williams and Neill McColl’s album, ‘Two’ is highly recommended, to be consumed in it’s entirety. One of my favorite albums of the year.

Read more about Kathryn Williams and Neill McColl on Band Weblogs.

Kathryn Williams and Neill McColl Official Website

By: Jenny May – BandWeblogs.com

Evans is in the midst of some serious health challenges and all proceeds collected from the event will be donated to a Health Relief Fund in his name. Admission to the event is $12 and will feature performances by Ruby & the Red Hots, Jesse Davis, Barbara Jamerson, Mark Lessman, Reggie Smith, Janice Edwards, Jermoe Dawson, Darryl Williams, Glen Fisher, and many more of Carl’s friends.

“This event is not only a way to show support to Carl, but also a celebration of his incredible journey as an artist,” said Shauna Aguirre, Talent Buyer and Restaurant Manager at Humphreys. “Carl has been an important part of Humphreys for many years and we want to show him our support in this difficult time.”

One of contemporary instrumental music’s most popular mainstays since the dawn of what radio termed Smooth Jazz in the late 1980’s, Fattburger’s melodic and funky, blues and Latin spiced rhythm and jazz sound has helped both create and define the genre giving the band international fame. While many trends and new artists have come and gone in the last decade, Fattburger endures on the strength of what Evans calls “remaining true to ourselves, focusing on feeling rather than the latest sound.”

Humphreys is renowned for its live music every night of the week, unparalleled waterfront views and its top-notch cuisine. Executive Chef Paul Murphy has reinvented the menu at Humphreys giving the restaurant a New Attitude to compliment the chic refreshed look. The new menu features modern global cuisine with influences from around the world, including Asian, North African, American and more embellished by his classical French training.

For more information about the Carl Evans Jr. benefit or details on Humphreys in San Diego, please visit:

Humphrey’s Official Website or call (619) 224-3577

Kathryn Williams & Neill MacColl release “Come With Me” as a first single from their forthcoming ‘Two’ album on 25th February, 2008. “Come With Me” is a spine-tingling, intimate and beguiling song where two people “taken by the tide way out to sea, past the friends that we used to be”, spend the night wondering if they should go further.

Kathryn and Neill first met at the Daughters of Albion concert (part of the BBC’s Folk Britannia season) where they had been paired to perform “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, a song which Neill’s father, Ewan MacColl, wrote for his mother, Peggy Seeger. “We just clicked, we didn’t need to say anything on stage, we could read where the other was going” recalls Kathryn; “within a few hours of first saying ‘hello’ to each other, we were saying ‘yeah, lets get together and make a record’ … which was both strange and kind of liberating.”

The pair have announced a special ‘iTunes Live’ show to take place at Air Studios on Friday 22nd February.

Prior to this show they’ll play warm-up shows in the Orkneys and Highlands:

February 2008

7th Inverness, Eden Court
8th Stornaway, Woodlands Centre
9th Ullapool, The Ceildh Place

The album ‘Two’ is released through Caw on 3rd March, 2008.

As previously announced, a major UK tour follows.

Kathryn Williams & Neill MacColl March/April 2008 UK tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to their Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

16 March Sun BRIGHTON KOMEDIA
18 March Tue CARDIFF LEVEL 3, ST DAVIDS HALL
19 March Wed BURY THE MET
24 March Mon PERTH RED ROOMS @ PERTH THEATRE
25 March Tue EDINBURGH CABARET VOLTAIRE
26 March Wed GLASGOW CLASSIC GRAND
28 March Fri LONDON QEH
29 March Sat LEICESTER MUSICIAN
31 March Mon CHESTER TELFORDS
01 April Tue CARDIGAN THEATR MWLDAN
04 April Fri ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE
05 April Sat DURSLEY, GLOS PREMA ARTS CENTRE
06 April Sun WOLVES WULFRUN
08 April Tue NORWICH ARTS CENTRE
10 April Thu LEEDS CITY VARITIES
11 April Fri GATESHEAD SAGE
12 April Sat POCKLINGTON, YORKS ARTS CENTRE
13 April Sun BRISTOL ST GEORGES HALL
15 April Tue CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION
16 April Wed NOTTINGHAM RESCUE ROOMS
17 April Thu BEDFORD CIVIC THEATRE
19 April Sat MORCAMBE PLATFORM
27 April Sun BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL*
13 May Tue BRIGHTON THE DOME (as part of Brighton Festival)*
* Newly added ‘Daughters Of Albion’ shows.

Watch: Kathryn Williams & Neill MacColl video

For more information, go to:

Kathryn Williams Official Website

Kathryn Williams & Neill MacColl Official Website

Introducing…Jack McManus. See Jack McManus at his piano, and it’s hard to imagine man and keyboard apart. The musical hooks fly in from all corners on his debut album, ‘Either Side of Midnight’, but if there’s one constant it’s the part played by Jack’s take-everywhere upright.

It’s a surprise, then, to learn most of his songs started life as melody lines worked out on a trumpet. The mad-haired 23-year-old looks an unlikely candidate for a career as a professional trumpet player, but that’s the way things were heading until his demo of (brass-free) songs landed him both a publishing and record deal earlier this year.

The son of a rock & roll pyrotechnics expert from Bromley, Jack grew up listening to the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel; an un-snobby devotion to stick-in-your-head melodies is a hallmark of his song writing. Jack’s talents had their first recorded outing earlier this year on Groove Armada’s ‘Soundboy Rock’ album. He co-wrote “From The Rooftops”, and a spacey version of his voice propels the finished track on its Erik Satie-ish path.

His vocals get a warmer, live-sounding treatment courtesy of producer Steve Robson on ‘Either Side of Midnight’ (Universal Music Record Label). It’s an instantly-accessible, refreshingly “up” album, as evidenced by the joyous first single “Bang On The Piano”.

Other highlights are the unashamedly beautiful “Fine Time To Lose Your Mind” with its echoes of the Eagles and Wichita Lineman, the glorious singalong “You Think I Don’t Care” and the title track, which recalls the swoonsome pop of the Alessi Brothers.

Jack is playing live at:

19 February 2008 – Metro, London
26 February 2008 – Borderline, London

Download album track “Not The Hardest Part” for free on Jack’s u-download page.

Jack’s debut single, “Bang On The Piano” is released on Polydor Records on April 21st, 2008 with his album ‘Either Side Of Midnight’ to follow on April 28th.

“immaculate and impossibly catchy” – The Sunday Times, Culture

“more melodies than a melody factory working 24/7 to pump out melodies” – Guardian Unlimited, New Band of the Day

Jack McManus on Myspace
Jack McManus Official Website

For Mardi Gras this year (February 5th, 2008), OK Go released ‘You’re Not Alone’, a five-song digital EP featuring New Orleans brass band Bonerama (as in TROMbone, of which there are four in the band). All proceeds from this project, available exclusively at iTunes, will benefit members of New Orleans’ music community. People like R&B legend Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, who are continuing to struggle to rebuild their homes and lives almost three years after the levy failures that followed Hurricane Katrina, the costliest hurricane in US history and one of the deadliest.

The project was born when OK Go singer Damian Kulash teamed up with Bonerama to play a New Orleans benefit concert last year. Completely blown away by Bonerama’s fiercely indelicate sound, Kulash knew it would mesh perfectly with his band’s bombastic rock. They reconvened, and spent Katrina’s second anniversary at Piety Street Studios, deep in New Orlean’s Upper 9th Ward, recording what would become ‘You’re Not Alone’. Together, they re-interpret three tracks from OK Go’s most recent album, Oh No: “A Million Ways,” “It’s A Disaster” and “Oh Lately It’s So Quiet.” A pair of covers – David Bowie’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” and Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” – round out the collection.

OK Go and Bonerama continue to play together live, and their benefit concerts in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. have brought out people like Brendan Canty (Fugazi), Russ Feingold (the coolest guy in the senate), and President Bill Clinton’s Press Secretary Joe Lockhart, who personally raised $18K for New Orleans relief from friends he brought to one show.

Proceeds from ‘You’re Not Alone’ will go to Sweet Home New Orleans, an organization dedicated to helping repatriate and support the thousands of local musicians who were scattered by Katrina, as well as building a new Habitat For Humanity home for Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. Johnson wrote “Carnival Time,” the unofficial anthem of Mardi Gras, and his haunting vocals can be heard on ‘You’re Not Alone’s’ “I Shall Be Released.” His Lower 9th Ward home was washed off its foundation by the levee failures during Hurricane Katrina and later demolished by the city without his knowledge or consent. He has been living in Houston, TX for the past two years.

“New Orleans is one of the last places in America where music is truly a fundamental part of everyday life,” said Kulash. “People get together on the weekends and parade through the streets just playing songs; 12-year-old-kids learn funk on the tuba; everyone dances. Life elsewhere in the world simply isn’t as celebratory. If we allow the culture of New Orleans to die by leaving its musicians marooned around the country, America will have lost one of its great treasures.”

Bonerama with Damian Kulash are set to appear on David Letterman February 11.

Buy – ‘You’re Not Alone’ on iTunes

Bonerama Official Website
OK Go Official Website