Multi-Disc CD/DVD Special Package Features Dazzling Performances of Beatles, Wings and Solo Classics From Citi Field, Formerly Shea Stadium, Historic Site of The Beatles’ Landmark 1965 Concert

“It was three great nights for the band and for me personally it was very exciting to be back opening a new stadium on the site of the old Shea Stadium where we had played 44 years previously. Even more exciting because this time round you could hear us!”

Paul McCartney’s historic three-night musical christening of New York’s Citi Field, witnessed by 120,000-plus attendees and universally hailed as a concert experience for the ages, will be immortalized November 17, 2009 when Hear Music/Concord Music Group releases Good Evening New York City.

This momentous musical experience will be available in two formats: a 3-disc (2 CD + 1 DVD) standard edition and a 4-disc (2 CD + 2 DVD) deluxe version featuring expanded packaging and a bonus DVD including McCartney’s traffic-stopping, headline-making July 15 performance on the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee (including bonus numbers not aired on the Late Show with David Letterman broadcast). The set will also be made available in high quality vinyl.

In any configuration, the 30+ songs and nearly 3 hours of music comprising Good Evening New York City are a must-have for attendees wishing to relive the July 17, 18 & 21 shows, those who couldn’t get tickets and/or anyone interested in an audiovisual document of a living legend. Good Evening New York City marks McCartney’s 2nd release for Hear Music. The first was 2007’s highly acclaimed Memory Almost Full.

The standard version of Good Evening New York City will be available at participating Starbucks company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada and wherever music is sold.

As the inaugural musical event at Citi Field, the site of the former Shea Stadium, the July 2009 shows held special significance not only for McCartney but for generations of his fans. The shows were performed on the same hallowed ground that The Beatles, in 1965, played the 34-minute show that would set the precedent for the modern day stadium rock show–and where in 2008 McCartney joined Billy Joel for the final rock show before the original stadium’s demolition.

As documented on Good Evening New York City, “I’m Down” from the 1965 set list was revived for the Citi Field shows, albeit this time played through a PA that was not overpowered by screaming fans (though there were still several thousand who tried).

Other highlights of Good Evening New York City include faithful takes on Beatles classics “Drive My Car,” “Got To Get You Into My Life,” “The Long And Winding Road,” “Blackbird,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Back In The USSR,” “Paperback Writer,” “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” “Helter Skelter” and more, plus “Something” rendered on ukulele gifted to Paul by George Harrison, and a tribute to John Lennon in the form of a medley of “A Day In The Life” and “Give Peace A Chance.” Wings era chestnuts include “Band On The Run,” “My Love,” “Let Me Roll It” and the pyrotechnic tour de force of “Live And Let Die,” while timeless McCartney solo material ranges from “Here Today” to the upbeat “Flaming Pie” and “Dance Tonight” to a pair of numbers from Electric Arguments, the 2008 album released under the alias of The Fireman.

The concert footage featured on Good Evening New York City standard edition features concert footage directed by Paul Becher, who has overseen live visuals for McCartney for some 200 performances and counting. The 33-song 2 hour 40 minute performances were shot in High Definition using 15 cameras and digital footage incorporated from 75 Flipcams handed out to fans over the course of the three night stand. The audio mix, in both stereo and 5.1, was handled by longtime McCartney engineer Paul Hicks, whose credits include the recent Beatles remasters, The Beatles Anthology, Let It Be… Naked and two Grammy awards for his mixing work on the Beatles’ Love album.

The deluxe edition bonus DVD will feature footage of McCartney’s July 15 performance on the outdoor marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater, previously available only as a webcast on the Late Show with David Letterman website. The marquee set, which marked McCartney’s return to the site of The Beatles U.S. television debut, generated front page headlines and literally stopped traffic as word of mouth generated a crowd that packed Broadway from Columbus Circle to Times Square.

Paul McCartney’s July 17-21 Citi Field stand has already been unanimously hailed by critics and audiences alike as the concert experience of a lifetime. On November 17, Good Evening New York City will document it for the ages.

Buy Music:

Paul McCartney on amazon.com

Paul McCartney on amazon.co.uk

About Hear Music

Hear Music is an innovative record label operated by Concord Music Group exclusively for Starbucks. Rooted in quality, authenticity and passion, Hear Music works directly with artists, both emerging and established, to bring quality music to the widest possible audience, in both Starbucks locations and traditional music retailers worldwide. Hear Music

Paul McCartney MySpace
Paul McCartney Official Site

(L) Eric Idol, Sir Paul McCartney, Olivia Harrison, Tom Hanks, Dhani Harrison

CD and Digital Collection Features Harrison’s Solo Hits, Remastered, Plus Live Recordings from 1971 Concert For Bangladesh

The Late George Harrison Honored Yesterday with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Presentation

(L) Jeff Lynne, Sir Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Olivia Harrison and the son of the late George Harrison, Dhani Harrison

As music legend George Harrison was celebrated yesterday with a new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, Capitol/EMI announces Harrison’s first ever career-spanning solo hits collection, ‘Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison’, to be released June 16, 2009.

The new title will feature digitally remastered tracks in deluxe packaging, including an extensive booklet featuring previously unseen and rare photos. The collection will also be available for download from all major digital service providers.

‘Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison’ is the first release that will span his entire solo recording career, including the #1 Billboard Pop singles “My Sweet Lord,” “Isn’t It A Pity,” “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth),” and “Got My Mind Set On You.”

Watch “Here Comes The Sun” video:

The new title will also feature live recordings of three Harrison-penned Beatles songs, “Something,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Here Comes The Sun” from his 1971 all-star Concert For Bangladesh benefit at Madison Square Garden. The complete track list will soon be announced.

George Harrison is a twice-inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a solo artist and as a member of The Beatles, and an 11-time Grammy Award winner for his recordings with The Beatles, Traveling Wilburys and as a solo artist.

George Harrison on amazon.com

George Harrison on amazon.co.uk

Photo Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

George Harrison Official Website

WHO: The late music legend George Harrison
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler
Accepting the star will be George Harrison’s wife Olivia and Dhani Harrison Speakers tba

WHAT: 2,382nd Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

WHERE: 1750 Vine Street in front of the legendary Capitol Records building

WHEN: Tuesday, April 14, at 11:30 a.m.

George Harrison was born on February 25, 1943 in Liverpool. After a stint playing with his group the Rebels, George, together with his schoolmate Paul McCartney, joined John Lennon’s Quarrymen. He was fifteen at the time, and the stage was set for The Beatles to emerge as the best possible news in post-War Britain.

Over the course of The Beatles’ career, Harrison played the role of guitarist, singer and songwriter. His contributions to The Beatles’ catalogue include “I Need You”, “Taxman”, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun”, to name only a few. His lifelong interest in Indian culture advanced considerably through his friendship with Ravi Shankar and affected all of The Beatles and their musical explorations.

In the years immediately following the break-up of The Beatles, George released his first solo album ‘All Things Must Pass’ to worldwide acclaim, followed by further major recordings, the bulk of which went gold or platinum. One could argue that The Concert for Bangladesh, featuring George’s friends Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Leon Russell, Ringo Starr, and others, has had the greatest impact. As a response to a world crisis, it was like nothing that the music business had witnessed up to that point and earned a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1973.

In 1987 on the heels of George’s top ten album ‘Cloud Nine’ he formed the Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. “Handle with Care” was the Wilburys’ first single and it caught the world by surprise. The Wilburys would go on to earn a Grammy and are still remembered as the “supergroup” with no equal.

After a life of excursions in the arts and spiritual adventures, George Harrison passed away in 2001. The following year, A Concert for George was organized by Eric Clapton and Olivia Harrison. Filmed at The Royal Albert Hall his former bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne created a magical night. The event captured something of the warm and intense impact George had on those fortunate enough to know him well.

His songwriting was powerful enough to generate standards in the field. His love for humour and film turned him, almost inadvertently, into an important movie producer. And, without a doubt, his contribution to The Beatles left an indelible mark on that band’s music and character—we hear it still.

Martin Scorsese is currently directing a documentary feature about George’s remarkable life, and on April 14, 2009, Capitol/EMI will announce plans for a new George Harrison music release.

George Harrison on amazon.com

George Harrison on amazon.co.uk

Photo Credit: Chris Cuffaro/JGB Photo

George Harrison Official Website

The Fireman returns after a 10-year break with ‘Electric Arguments’, scheduled for U.S. release on November 18th, 2008, via MPL/ATO Records. The follow-up to 1998’s ‘Rushes’, ‘Electric Arguments’ is the duo’s third studio album – and its first to feature vocals.

The Fireman – Electric Arguments on amazon.com

Electric Arguments amazon.co.uk

With the release of its 1993 debut, ‘Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest’, the identities of the musicians behind The Fireman were initially unknown. But soon the press revealed them as none other than Paul McCartney and Youth. “Paul McCartney has discovered dance music – the results are staggeringly brilliant,” said Melody Maker. “They take a melody and, with dexterous genre-hopping through ambient, trance and house, evolve a number of breathtaking variations.”

Last year, McCartney and Youth went into the studio with no master plan, no record company restraints and no set release date to work to. Thus ‘Electric Arguments’ emerged organically: 13 eclectic tracks, each written and recorded in the space of one day.
The record opens with a stylistically diverse trifecta: the classic rock attention-grabber “Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight,” the acoustic driven “Two Magpies” and, in another hairpin turn, the euphoric, melodic “Sing The Changes.”

‘Electric Arguments’ continues in this fashion, each track exhibiting an entirely different personality yet all meshing perfectly. “Lifelong Passion” – a track The Fireman donated earlier this year to the charity Adopt-A-Minefield – showcases a traditional, song-based sound with vocals, completely unlike anything on the duo’s previous two albums.

Other standouts include “Light From Your Lighthouse,” “Sun Is Shining” and “Dance ‘Til We’re High,” all demonstrating McCartney’s unending interest in pure musical possibilities.

The track listing for The Fireman’s Electric Arguments is as follows:

1. Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight
2. Two Magpies
3. Sing The Changes
4. Traveling Light
5. Highway
6. Light From Your Lighthouse
7. Sun Is Shining
8. Dance ‘Til We’re High
9. Lifelong Passion
10. Is This Love?
11. Lovers In A Dream
12. Universal Here, Everlasting Now
13. Don’t Stop Running

Produced By Paul McCartney & Youth
All tracks written by Paul McCartney

The Fireman Official Website

Paul McCartney

On June 23, 2008 Apple Corps Ltd./Cirque du Soleil will release the feature-length documentary ‘All Together Now’ on DVD, which will be marketed and distributed worldwide by EMI Music.

The film details the story behind the unique partnership between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the creation and launch of “LOVE,” the stage production still wowing audiences at The Mirage in Las Vegas, and the double Grammy-winning album of the same name. The film is dedicated to the memory of Neil Aspinall, an Executive Producer of the DVD.

The DVD’s total running time is 122 minutes, including the 84-minute documentary film and bonus features. The film and extras are presented in DTS & Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and Dolby Digital Stereo.

‘All Together Now’ faithfully recounts how the “LOVE” project came into being, borne from the personal friendship between George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. George saw how the twin talents of Cirque’s artistry and The Beatles’ music could be fused into something new and totally original.

The director, Adrian Wills, records early meetings between the Cirque & Apple Corps Ltd. creative teams, as well as contributions from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison discussing how The Beatles’ music can be used in a different way. We hear about the decision to utilize the combined talents of Sir George Martin and his son Giles Martin to produce what became a 90-minute soundscape created from The Beatles’ multi-track recordings and how this new audio adventure was being quietly worked on in the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, England whilst the first creative ideas for the show were being formulated in Montreal, Canada.

These early stages of the project were all filmed, as were the first rehearsals at the Mirage Hotel theatre in Las Vegas, which was completely rebuilt with a one-of-a-kind sound system and complex round staging to house the “LOVE” show. George and Giles Martin, the show’s Musical Directors, were involved every step of the way with the remarkable Cirque du Soleil creative team, performers and backroom staff.

It wasn’t all “plain-sailing” and there has been no attempt to disguise some of the disagreements that took place along the way regarding how some of the songs would be portrayed visually. These creative differences, a necessary part of the overall process of bringing “LOVE” to its most vibrant life, illustrate the participants’ love and respect for the music and vision of The Beatles.

In addition to their roles within the main feature, George and Giles Martin, along with engineer Paul Hicks, also pop up in another piece titled “Changing The Music” which reveals in fascinating depth how the music was created and the challenges they faced. They explain how they sourced some of the individual instruments and effects and how they were encouraged to experiment.

The ‘All Together Now’ documentary and bonus features provide a fascinating insight into the creative skills and passion that went into making this project a groundbreaking critical and commercial success.

DVD contents

‘All Together Now’ documentary (84:00)

Bonus Features:

Changing The Music (22:00): A behind-the scenes look at the decision-making process for the “LOVE” concept and music production.
Music In The Theatre (07:00): A look at the process of creating the “LOVE” show’s unique audio design.
Making ‘LOVE’ (09:00): A backstage pass to explore the design of “LOVE,” including the art direction, costumes, props, screen imagery and the use of The Beatles’ voices in the “LOVE” stage production and its soundtrack.

DVD technical details
1 x DVD-9
PAL and NTSC
All regions

The Beatles – All Together Now on amazon.co.uk

All Together Now on amazon.com

Cirque du Soleil

The Beatles

“The Girl Is Mine” is one of the best known tracks from Thriller (who of a certain age doesn’t know the Paul McCartney / Michael Jackson exchange by heart?) and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the world’s best-selling album, Black Eyed Peas maestro Will.i.am gives the single a brand new super fresh feel.

Taking over duetting duties from Sir Paul, on the “The Girl Is Mine 2008″, will.i.am mixes in a funky, updated sound to the track which will appeal to younger fans approaching the song with fresh ears, as well as keep the original Michael Jackson crowd mighty pleased.

A couple of sneak previews from the ever-supportive MJ News Online (Michael Jackson Fan Club) and Michael Jackson News Network have drawn highly positive reactions:

“This track is much more than a classic remix – Will and Michael have made it a song in its own right” – MJ News Online

“The Girl Is Mine 2008 (with Will.i.am)”:

Digital release date, UK (1 track) – 14th January 2008

Physical CD Single / 12″ and Digital (3 tracks) UK Release Date – 28th January 2008

Track listing:

1.The Girl Is Mine 2008 (with will.i.am)
2. The Girl Is Mine 2008 club remix featuring will.i.am
3. The Girl Is Mine (original demo)

Upcoming Events:

25th Anniversary Year: There are all sorts of activities lined up for the 25th anniversary year of Thriller. This single will be followed with…

11th February 2008 – Thriller – 25th Anniversary Edition, a newly expanded deluxe edition of multi-platinum Grammy-winning album with new & previously unreleased bonus tracks including remixes by Akon, Will.i.am & Kanye West plus a bonus DVD featuring digitally restored short films & Michael Jackson’s historic breakout performance from “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” television broadcast.

27th March 2008 – Thriller LIVE is a full budget mega-show that takes the audience on a journey through the music of the World’s Greatest Entertainer. With choreography from Michael Jackson’s own live show team (LaVelle Smith Jnr.) the production starts its 3-month UK tour on March 27th and is nothing short of spectacular. Thriller Live

More events and fan activities to be announced.

Michael Jackson – The Girl Is Mine 2008 (Featuring Will.I.Am) on Amazon.com

The Girl Is Mine: 2008 on Amazon.co.uk

Michael Jackson Official Website

I woke up this morning with Eddie Floyd’s “634-5789″ soul song going around my head. Better than a hangover, that’s for sure. Last night he and a few others performed on Later with Jools Holland for the annual Hootenanny New Year’s Eve show on the BBC.

Rather than go out, which is what we were planning to do, Dave and I stayed in for New Year’s. A very kind and generous friend had given us tickets to go out to see a few bands play at the Carling Academy Oxford and we ungraciously didn’t show up. Very naughty indeed. Hopefully he’s still talking to us.

So, we settled for a couple bottles of bubbly and the TV instead. Later with Jools was pretty good. Of course, the show isn’t filmed live, which is a bit of a let down, but it’s still fun to watch.

After Jools Holland arrived to the Land of the Hootenanny via Dr. Who’s Tardis (sounds crazy, I know) “Boogie Woogie Queen” Ruby Turner opened the show with “Jumpin’ at the Jubilee” along with Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Soul legend Eddie Floyd followed with “634-5789″. I used to sing that song in a band called Soul Wagon…crikey…about 15 years ago. The band was only together a couple of months, but that’s another story.

Other guest performers on the show included Kaiser Chiefs, Lulu, Madness, Duffy, Kate Nash, Kylie Minogue, Seasick Steve, Mika and Paul McCartney. Jools also spoke to a few guests in the audience like Lenny Henry, Dawn French, David Tennant, Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone, Gabby Logan and more.

Duffy performed a superb cover of the Cat Stevens song, “The First Cut Is The Deepest”. I’ve mentioned on several occasions, here on Band Weblogs, how much I like Duffy and that she’s the cat’s meow. Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra accompanied Duffy, for her classy rendition of “The First Cut Is The Deepest”, which could easily be released as a single. Duffy’s been on Later with Jools two times now – sometimes she reminds me of Lulu, who Jools will often perform with, so it’s apropos that he would seem to be enamored with her.

Speaking of Lulu, she sounded great, as always, singing “Where Have All The Good Guys Gone”. It would have been good to see her sing more songs, though.

Kylie Minogue was the star of the night. For her first number, Jools reminded viewers of Kylie’s recent stint on Dr. Who before she vamped it up with “Come On Strong”. She spent the song being sultry, sitting on the piano and singing, whilst Jools played along with the band.

The other “big star of the night” was Paul McCartney. Who would have thought that one day Sir Paul McCartney and Kylie Minogue would be introduced together for a duet? That they were, and they sang Paul McCartney’s “Dance Tonight”. Later, Kylie performed “2 Hearts” from her album ‘X’, with Dr. Who’s David Tennant dancing along in the audience. She also sang a jazzed up lounge version of her hit song “I Could Be So Lucky” with Jools Holland on piano.

The Duffy and Eddie Floyd “Bring It On Home To Me” duet was a treat and Mika performed “Grace Kelly”, playing the piano – as I had first heard him play the song for his debut on Later with Jools Holland about a year ago. This time he played along with the Jools Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. It’s too bad the song gets so overplayed on the radio, because I really liked it the first time I heard it. Especially the stripped down piano version.

There were many more performances throughout the night and if you missed the Hootenanny on the BBC, luckily the Later with Jools Holland website has added video footage of the complete show.

For some reason, Ruby Turner doesn’t have a section on the Hootenanny page. Hopefully they’ll add one soon. In the meantime, you can go to Ruby Turner Official Website for more information about her.

Watch Hootenanny videos from Later with Jools Holland

Later with Jools Holland BBC Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

The night began with a special midweek charitable auction of gifts donated by Sir Paul – an autographed copy of his latest limited edition CD/DVD ‘Memory Almost Full’ and promotional poster, in addition to a signed lobby card from “A Hard Day’s Night.” One lucky fan paid $2,600 for the package, which coupled with Amoeba’s pledge to match all donations up to $1,000 dollars, yielded $3,600 in support of Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts.

As the ebullient fans crowded the aisles of CDs in anticipation, they were joined by Sir Paul’s mythic partner Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach, George Harrison’s widow Olivia, Roy Orbison’s widow Barbara and a number celebrity fans such as Rick Rubin, Jeff Lynn, Alanis Morissette, Woody Harrelson, Rosanna Arquette, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Amoeba Records’ first signing Brandi Shearer. All were here to pay homage to rock’s greatest.

Then the modern day hero surfaced.

For close to ninety minutes, Sir Paul and his supporting band delighted fans, rocking through 21 songs – including “Drive My Car,” “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Here Today,” and “Back in the USSR” – culled from his vast repertoire with The Beatles, Wings and as a solo artist – leading up to the moment with a number of selections from his latest album. It was an amazing event, those fortunate enough to be present, will never forget – Sir Paul McCartney included. After a stirring rendition of “The Long and Winding Road” he said, “I’d like to take a little moment to take this all in. I was there. I was there at Amoeba.”

For the hundreds of millions of fans unable to be at Amoeba Music, in Hollywood, CA on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, they will be able to share the experience as footage from the event will be streamed on the Amoeba website (www.amoeba.com) and Sir Paul McCartney’s website (www.paulmcartney.com) in the coming weeks. In addition, with every purchase of the ‘Memory Almost Full’ CD at Amoeba, customers will receive a special limited edition 11×17 poster designed exclusively for the event while supplies last.

Amoeba Music is the world’s largest independent record store. They are dedicated to fostering a loyal community supporting the arts, freedom of expression and goodwill toward all. In their commitment, Amoeba Music sponsors every Saturday afternoon an auction of music memorabilia for local and global relief efforts such as Hurricane Katrina Rebuilding, Conservation International and the Sierra Club’s LA chapter. The event is hosted by comedian Brently Heilbron.