Heeding the admirable, longstanding tradition of music artists’ entertaining U.S. troops abroad, R&B superstar Avant is currently performing in Iraq.

The platinum selling R&B star, recently signed to Capitol Records, was motivated and honored to make the trip in order to raise the morale of U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Iraq and Kuwait. The show dates run from August 23rd to September 1st, 2008.

The series of shows, orchestrated by AKA Productions, is a logistical feat. In addition to performing at larger bases in Iraq and Kuwait, Avant is being whisked by helicopter to Forward Operating Bases. Singing in secret locations to audiences of undisclosed sizes, Avant is literally going the extra mile for his country and his career. But his sincerity and his passion are nothing new.

The album, ‘Avant’, drops October 28th, 2008 on Capitol Records.

The lead single, “When It Hurts,” which impacted radio on August 4th, displays the singer at his soulful, introspective best. An accompanying video, shot by exalted director Billy Woodruff (Outkast, R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige) is up next.

Avant MySpace

The Bobby in question is the enormously influential singer Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, sometimes referred to as the ‘Lion of the Blues’. ‘Tribute to Bobby’ is a twelve track master class in soul, blues and R&B and a tribute to one of Mick Hucknall’s most important inspirations and musical idols.

Along with such artists as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Junior Parker, Bland developed a sound that mixed gospel with blues and R&B. He sang classics such as big-band blues number “Farther Up The Road” (US R&B top 10 hit in 1957) and perfected his craft in the 1960’s with a series of releases including “Cry Cry Cry” and “I Pity The Fool”.

Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland perhaps achieved his greatest recognition much later in his career; in 1992 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 1997 he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

On the album ‘Tribute to Bobby’, Hucknall’s compelling vocals emphasise the sentiment of each of the twelve cover songs, whilst masterfully adopting the songs and making them entirely his own.

Mick Hucknall’s passion and respect for Bobby Bland is unquestioned; “I’d been listening to Bobby’s songs for so long that is was almost second nature to try and do these tunes”, he says.

The 2008 UK tour dates are:

29 June Bristol Colston Hall
30 June Wolverhampton Civic Hall
1 July Summer Pops (Liverpool)
3 July Manchester Apollo
4 July Newcastle City Hall
5 July Oxford New Theatre
7 July Leicester De Montfort Hall
8 July Ipswich Regent
9 July London Indigo 02 Arena

Tickets on sale Friday 29 February, 2008 9am. Ticket prices vary, see individual venues for details. Tickets available from: Tel: 0844 888 9991/ 0871 220 0260 www.ticketline.co.uk , www.seetickets.co.uk, www.gigantic.com

Mick Hucknall on amazon.co.uk

Mick Hucknall on amazon.com

Mick Hucknall/Simply Red on Myspace
Mick Hucknall/Simply Red Official Website

Valentine’s Day is nearly here! Show that special someone just how much you care with R&B Lovesongs 2008, set for UK release on 28th January 2008 on Sony BMG. R&B Lovesongs 2008 is an album packed full of the most powerful, romantic and meaningful songs of the past decade.

This is THE one stop shop for all the biggest down tempo R&B tracks of recent times, led by the massive No. 1 hit “Umbrella” from the delectable Rihanna.

There really is something for everyone, including huge number ones from Timbaland (“Give It To Me”) and Usher (“You Make Me Wanna”) and Sugababes (“About You Now”). If that isn’t enough to entice you the romantic collection also features love classics from Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and Christina Aguilera.

As it says on the front of the album this is “The very best of R&B love Songs 2008″.

Tracklist:

CD 1

1. Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z – Umbrella
2. Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own
3. Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry
4. Christina Aguilera – Beautiful
5. Justin Timberlake – LoveStoned/I Think She Knows
6. Akon – Don’t Matter
7. Amerie – Take Control
8. Mario – How Do I Breathe
9. Usher – You Make Me Wanna…
10. Nelly – Hot in Herre
11. Ralph Tresvant – Sensitivity
12. Angie Stone – I Wanna Thank Ya
10. Lumidee – Never Leave You – Uh Ooh, Uh Oooh!
14. Solange – White Picket Dreams
15. Chris Brown featuring T-Pain – Kiss Kiss
16. Cassidy featuring R. Kelly – Hotel
17. R. Kelly featuring T.I. & T-Pain – I’m A Flirt Remix
18. John Legend – Ordinary People
19. Luther Vandross – Stop To Love
20. Michael Jackson – Rock With You

CD 2

1. Alicia Keys – No One
2. Timbaland Featuring Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado – Give It To Me
3. Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon – The Sweet Escape
4. Sugababes – About You Now
5. Ne-Yo – Because Of You
6. Jennifer Lopez – Baby I Love U!
7. Beyonce – Crazy In Love
8. The Game – Dreams
9. Mary Jane Girls – All Night Long
10. The Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started
11. Kelly Rowland – Can’t Nobody
12. Brownstone – If You Love Me
13. Taio Cruz – I Just Wanna Know
14. Shakira – Underneath Your Clothes
15. SWV – Right Here
16. Robin Thicke – Lost Without U
17. Ashanti – Only U
18. The Pussycat Dolls feat. will.i.am – Beep
19. Marvin Gaye – My Love Is Waiting
20. Mary J Blige – Family Affair

R&B Lovesongs 2008 on Amazon.co.uk

R&B Love Songs [Import] on Amazon.com

In a grand commemoration of the 50th Celebration of the GRAMMY® Awards, Shout! Factory and The Recording Academy®’s GRAMMY Recordings announce an electrifying 7-CD series encompassing GRAMMY winners from four of the legendary awards’ major genres.

With a personal introduction written by 27-time Grammy winner and 50th Celebration Ambassador Quincy Jones, this series is a sumptuous ode to the biggest hits in music history and a must-have for music lovers and collectors alike.

“We look forward to celebrating the past five decades of GRAMMY-winning music with music fans everywhere through our comprehensive CD compilations,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “It is exciting to have such classic recordings in the marketplace all at once; we hope people enjoy listening to some of the best music of the last half century as much as we did when compiling this remarkable catalogue of material.”

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to join The Recording Academy in celebration of this historic milestone,” says Shout! Factory CEO Richard Foos. “For 50 years, the GRAMMY Award has been recognized as music’s highest honor. This series pays tribute to the artists who have helped make it so.”

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary R&B and Contemporary Pop was recently released on Nov. 27, 2007.

Just in time to get music fans primed and ready for the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards to be held on February 10, 2008, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, five more Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection CDs will be released on January 8, 2008. Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Classic R&B, Classic Pop, Contemporary Rock, Classic Country and Contemporary Country.

A portion of the proceeds from the Ultimate GRAMMY Collection CD series will benefit the MusiCares Foundation® and The GRAMMY Foundation®, two charitable arms of The Recording Academy. MusiCares provides a safety net of critical health and human services and financial assistance for music people in times of need. The GRAMMY Foundation cultivates the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture through music education programs for young people and activities that promote and preserve music’s rich cultural heritage.

Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras.

The company’s audio catalogue boasts boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica , California. Its fine products are distributed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment Inc. For more information, visit Shout! Factory Official Website

The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards – the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music – The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit GRAMMY.COM.

Track Listings:

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary R&B (November 27, 2007)

1. Anita Baker “Giving You The Best That I Got” (Single Version)
2. Terence Trent D’Arby “Wishing Well”
3. Soul II Soul Featuring Caron Wheeler “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)”
4. Luther Vandross “Here And Now”
5. Ray Charles “A Song For You”
6. Sade “No Ordinary Love”
7. Toni Braxton “Breathe Again”
8. Boyz II Men “I’ll Make Love To You”
9. Blackstreet Featuring Dr. Dre “No Diggity”
10. R. Kelly “I Believe I Can Fly”
11. Brandy & Monica “The Boy Is Mine”
12. TLC “No Scrubs”
13. Whitney Houston “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”
14. D’Angelo “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
15. Usher “U Remind Me”
16. Beyonce Featuring Jay-Z “Crazy In Love”

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Contemporary Pop (November 27)

1. k.d. lang “Constant Craving”
2. Seal “Kiss From A Rose”
3. Annie Lennox “No More I Love You’s”
4. Eric Clapton “Change The World”
5. Shawn Colvin “Sunny Came Home”
6. Sarah McLachlan “Building A Mystery”
7. Jamiroquai “Virtual Insanity”
8. The Brian Setzer Orchestra “Jump Jive An’ Wail”
9. Madonna “Ray Of Light”
10. Macy Gray “I Try”
11. Nelly Furtado “I’m Like A Bird”
12. Norah Jones “Don’t Know Why”
13. Justin Timberlake “Cry Me A River”
14. Los Lonely Boys “Heaven”
15. Kelly Clarkson “Since U Been Gone”
16. John Mayer “Gravity”

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Classic R&B (January 8, 2008)

1. Aretha Franklin “Respect”
2. Sam & Dave “Soul Man”
3. Otis Redding “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”
4. The Isley Brothers “It’s Your Thing”
5. Ike & Tina Turner “Proud Mary”
6. Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine”
7. Billy Paul “Me And Mrs. Jones”
8. The Temptations “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” (Single Version)
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips “Midnight Train To Georgia”
10. Natalie Cole “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”
11. The Emotions “Best Of My Love”
12. Donna Summer “Last Dance”
13. Earth, Wind & Fire “After The Love Has Gone”
14. Marvin Gaye “Sexual Healing”
15. Rufus and Chaka Khan “Ain’t Nobody”
16. Commodores “Nightshift” (Album Version)

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Classic Pop January 8

1. Petula Clark “Downtown”
2. The Mamas & The Papas “Monday, Monday”
3. Jose Feliciano “Light My Fire”
4. Harry Nilsson “Everybody’s Talkin’”
5. The 5th Dimension “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”
6. Dionne Warwick “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”
7. Captain & Tennille “Love Will Keep Us Together”
8. Janis Ian “At Seventeen”
9. Bee Gees “How Deep Is Your Love”
10. The Doobie Brothers “What A Fool Believes”
11. Kenny Loggins “This Is It”
12. Toto “Rosanna”
13. Tina Turner “What’s Love Got To Do With It”
14. Phil Collins “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)”
15. Steve Winwood “Higher Love”
16. Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Contemporary Rock January 8

1. Living Colour “Cult Of Personality”
2. Melissa Etheridge “Ain’t It Heavy”
3. Soul Asylum “Runaway Train”
4. Stone Temple Pilots “Plush”
5. Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun”
6. Blues Traveler “Run-Around” (Album version)
7. Tracy Chapman “Give Me One Reason”
8. The Smashing Pumpkins “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”
9. The Chemical Brothers “Block Rockin’ Beats”
10. Fiona Apple “Criminal”
11. Lenny Kravitz “Fly Away”
12. Coldplay “In My Place”
13. Dave Matthews “Gravedigger”
14. The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army”
15. Evanescence “Bring Me To Life”
16. Green Day “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams”

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Classic Country January 8

1. Roger Miller “King Of The Road”
2. Jeannie C. Riley “Harper Valley P.T.A.”
3. Tammy Wynette “Stand By Your Man”
4. Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue”
5. Lynn Anderson “Rose Garden”
6. Ray Price “For The Good Times”
7. Johnny Cash & June Carter “If I Were A Carpenter”
8. Jerry Reed “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot”
9. Donna Fargo “Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A.”
10. Crystal Gayle “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”
11. Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”
12. Kenny Rogers “The Gambler”
13. The Charlie Daniels Band “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”
14. George Jones “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
15. Dolly Parton “9 To 5″
16. Willie Nelson “Always On My Mind”

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Contemporary Country January 8

1. Vince Gill “When I Call Your Name”
2. Mary Chapin Carpenter “Down At The Twist And Shout”
3. The Judds “Love Can Build A Bridge”
4. Brooks & Dunn “Hard Workin’ Man”
5. Dwight Yoakam “Ain’t That Lonely Yet”
6. Asleep At The Wheel and Lyle Lovett “Blues For Dixie”
7. The Mavericks “Here Comes The Rain”
8. LeAnn Rimes “Blue”
9. Alison Krauss and Union Station “Looking In The Eyes Of Love”
10. Trisha Yearwood “How Do I Live”
11. George Jones “Choices”
12. June Carter Cash “Keep On The Sunny Side”
13. Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying”
14. Gretchen Wilson “Redneck Woman”
15. Emmylou Harris “The Connection”
16. Carrie Underwood “Jesus, Take The Wheel”

Ultimate Grammy Collection: Contemporary Pop on amazon.com

For more information, please visit the Ultimate GRAMMY Collection Official Website

Mary J Blige, the high priestess of soul is back with another album, ‘Growing Pains’, on February 4th, 2008 in the UK (December 18th, 2007 – US). The lead track from the record will be the hugely infectious smash-in-the-making, “Just Fine”, which will be released in the UK on January 28th, 2008.

“Just Fine” is a break from the norm for Mary who usually leads a new album release with a ballad. The single is an upbeat, feel good record with the lyrics “no more negative vibes/got my head on straight/I wouldn’t change/my life’s just fine” and was produced by “Tricky” Stewart (Rihanna “Umbrella”) and Jazze Pha (Notorious B.I.G.’s Nasty Girl).

She’s the woman Mya calls “the queen,” and Nelly Furtado attributes her music career to. She has proved herself as one of the most important and successful female artists of the last decade selling more than 40 million albums across the world. Most of the details about ‘Growing Pains’ – Mary’s eighth studio album – are still under wraps, but will follow shortly.

Mary J released her last album ‘The Breakthrough’ in December 2005. It debuted at #1 in the US selling 727,000 copies in its first week making Soundscan history. It was the biggest first week sales from an R&B female solo artist ever and the album went on to sell over seven million copies worldwide.

Mary was nominated for eight Grammy Awards announced in December 2006 (the most any artist achieved that year) and took home Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song (both for “Be Without You”), and Best R&B Album for ‘The Breakthrough’ at the awards ceremony held in February of this year. Mary also won nine Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, two BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Award in conjunction with ‘The Breakthrough’.

Watch Mary J Blige – “Just Fine” video

Mary J Blige Official Website
Mary J Blige on Myspace

“It’s a new day for our company, DRUM! itself, and the drumming community,” says editor in chief, Andy Doerschuk. “Over the lifespan of DRUM!, we’ve always tried to be open to change in terms of content, design, and now distribution. DRUM! Digital carries on our editorial philosophy and will make it possible for us to extend our worldwide readership.”

The first issue of DRUM! Digital features stories from the magazine’s special Urban Music October issue, featuring The Roots’ Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson on the cover. It includes all of the features from that special issue. In addition, there are multimedia extras that make this version of the magazine more useful to an online audience.

As with all of Enter Music Publishing’s print magazines, DRUM! Digital is diverse and loaded with innovative, content-rich material. “There are ten embedded videos in the issue,” says publisher Phil Hood. “And most of the ads are linked, so an online user can visit the advertiser’s web sites, view instructional videos and interviews, or zoom in and read the stories.”

DRUM! Digital is produced using technology developed by iDigital Editions, a Temecula, California-based software company. iDigital’s technology made it possible to publish DRUM! Digital to look just like the print version with the editorial advantage of being viewed by anyone, anywhere, anytime over the Internet. “We looked at many software solutions but felt that iDigital provided a better reading experience than competing solutions, as well as superior marketing and advertising opportunities for our clients,” says Hood.

The iDigital Edition digital magazine does not require users to download and install additional client reader software. They can access it through their current Internet browser and the standard flash plug-in already present in nearly every Internet-enabled computer today!

DRUM! Digital versions of the magazine will be available approximately 45 days after subscribers receive their print copies. Plans call for print subscribers to get early notification as to when an issue is available and, eventually, exclusive access to certain DRUM! Digital features.

“I don’t see the digital magazine as a replacement for print or for the web site,” says Hood. “In many ways, it’s completely separate, offering the great writing of print along with some of the interactivity of the web. As we post more issues, readers will have an easier time finding archived features. Also, advertisers will have a chance for their ads to keep pulling response, long after the print edition has been removed from newsstand shelves.”

With the launch of DRUM! Digital, Enter Music Publishing is well positioned to capitalize on the growing drum industry. According to figures from the American Music Conference and Music Trades magazine, the drum industry has annual global sales of approximately $1.25 billion, and the United States accounts for up to 45 percent of that total.

About Enter Music Publishing
Founded in San Jose, CA in 1992, Enter Music Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of drum/percussion magazines, with distribution in 40 countries. DRUM! is the flagship publication of Enter Music Publishing, Inc. and continues to set the industry standard for editorial quality and innovation. In addition to DRUM! And DRUM! Digital, the company publishes TRAPS and HOW TO PLAY DRUMS. Additional information about the company can be found at:

drummagazine.com
trapsmagazine.com

drumdigital.com

Leona Lewis has just released new single, “Bleeding Love” off of her debut album ‘Spirit’, set for release November 12th, 2007 on SonyBMG. The X-Factor 2006 winner has been in LA recording her album, working with Simon Cowell, Clive Davis as well as top producers and songwriters.

After performing on X-Factor last Saturday night, Leona was on GMTV’s LK Today this morning talking about the new single and the upcoming album release. She said that she was involved in the songwriting process on some of the songs and was happy to release original material rather than all covers. She also performed “Bleeding Love” live. From what I could see it was just Leona and a backing track – no band.

Leona Lewis’ voice still sounds great – if not better than when she was on the X-Factor. “Bleeding Love” is catchy and is sure to make a grand entrance into the UK pop charts, especially considering her fans have been waiting quite some time for the opportunity to go out and buy her new single.

Watch Leona Lewis – “Bleeding Love” video:

Bleeding Love YouTube video link

Leona Lewis – “Bleeding Love” on amazon.co.uk

Spirit on amazon.co.uk

Leona Lewis Official Website

By: Jenny May

Thelma Houston, the dynamic voice behind the disco anthem “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” is back with her first album in over 17 years. In a clever twist, Houston uses A Woman’s Touch (in stores August 14th 2007 via Shout! Factory) to transform songs made famous by some of the biggest singers – male singers – in R&B and pop.

The new Cd was entirely conceived by Thelma Houston, as well as executive produced by Thelma in association with Stephen Ford of Diva Central, Inc. A Woman’s Touch is filled with songs she has long been a fan of. “They are songs I always wished I had recorded,” she explains, “and I loved doing them from a woman’s standpoint.” But Houston doesn’t just put a female spin on the lyrics, she takes over and completely reworks the songs through soul, R&B, blues and dance floor filters. “Ain’t That Peculiar,” and Sting’s “Brand New Day,” get bluesy, sassy make overs, while “Disco Heat/Mighty Real” (a nod to Houston’s disco past and tribute to her old friend Sylvester) starts out a poignant gospel song and closes with Studio 54-era exuberance.

Thelma Houston revisits another friend from her early career, covering Jimmy Webb’s “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” (Webb wrote and produced Houston’s 1969 debut album), rebuilding it with incredible old school R&B flair. And then there’s Thelma’s triumphant return to her dance floor roots with a fierce version of Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much.”

A Grammy Award winning artist who has released more than 21 albums, “I feel blessed because I’ve never stopped working and I love what I do. I can truly say that I appreciate my career and sometimes it really feels like I’m just getting started,” says Houston.

In the years since “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” topped the pop and dance charts, Houston has toured incessantly, performing over 200 shows each year, including an opening slot on Cher’s Farewell tour. She was recently inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame and honored on the television show Showtime at the Apollo as an Apollo Legend.

Most recently she was cast in the role of Madam Zin Zanni in the highly popular play, Teatro Zin Zanni, performed internationally in the touring cast of Fame, starred in the musical Big Otis’ Jump Up Blues Revue (by Tony Award winning director Otis Sallid) and appeared in Oprah Winfrey’s Beloved. A tireless supporter of AIDS related charities, Houston was honored by the City of West Hollywood (CA) in 2003, when it declared January 29th “Thelma Houston Day.”

Born in Leland, MS, Houston moved to Long Beach, CA as a child and continues to reside in Los Angeles today. She signed with Motown Records in 1971 and in 1977, won the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Female Vocal Performance” for “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” Her other hits include “If It’s the Last Thing I Do,” “Lean On Me,” “I’m Here Again,” “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning,” “If You Feel It,” and a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced Top 20 R&B dance track “You Used to Hold Me So Tight.”

Contact: Chip Schutzman
Company: Miles High Productions
Address: 6622 Delongpre Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tel: 323-806-0400
Fax: 323-462-0829
Email
Thelma Houston Website
Thelma Houston MySpace Link
Thelma Houston Amazon Link

PR Distributed By MuzikReviews.com for Miles High Productions

Fans will be treated to a sizzling musical lineup onboard and in port that ranges from R&B to blues to smooth jazz. The cruise will be hosted by Grammy award winner Norman Brown. Highly acclaimed saxophonist Boney James will be tearing up the stage during this week-long extravagana as well.

The excitement will build with guitarist Nick Colionne serving up hot and unpredictable jam sessions with a cast of your favorite artists every night. Very special invited guest Warren Hill brings his talent and cruise experience to this year’s sailing. As well as performing, multi-platinum pianist/vibist Alan Hewitt will be giving guests an insider’s sneak peek into the backstage life of the artists with informal and fun interviews.

Appearing as part of the entertainment packaage will be Kool and the Gang, Four Tops, The Spinners, Acoustic Alchemy, Marion Meadows, Larry Carlton, Shilts from Down to the Bone, Paul Taylor, Steve Oliver, Cheili Minucci, Althea Rene and several more major artists still to be announced!

With packages starting out for as little as $999 per person, cruisers will experience the hottest musical ship on the ocean. Ports of call include Cabo San Lucas (where you can experience golf, deep sea fishing, diving or relax on the beaches amongst the hidden coves) and Ensenada (with activities on land). Additionally, guests will have the opportunity as part of the cruise package to immerse themselves in a music festival for TWO days in beautiful San Diego prior to setting sail.

Headed by Bob Jamieson (former RCA CEO) and Eddie Wenrick (formerly with Epic, Sony Columbia and bands like the Beach Boys, Kiss and Moody Blues), the cruise is designed to be the ultimate party by land and at sea. Haven Entertainment will be producing not only the cruise shows, but the pre-cruise concerts and festival.

All Star Smooth Cruise Official Website

In support of the coast-to-coast Tour, a pink and blue logo-wrapped RV will stop at dozens of locations including hospitals, festivals, college campuses, sporting events and shopping centers. The complete journey including survivor stories across America will be filmed for a DVD, the Survivor Celebration website and an inspirational documentary.

The three programs to be promoted by the Tour include:

* Survivor Celebration inspirational music CD featuring Marcus Johnson (jazz keyboardist); Rick Seratte (formerly of the rock group Foreigner); Aharon (Rock/Pop); contemporary artists Franki Love and Jon Waller; R&B artist Gordon Chambers; Jazz vocalist Allan Harris; Jazz artists Pamela Williams and Alan Hewitt and other gifted popular music artists. The CD will include 12 songs and retail for $14.99. In addition to the CD being inspirational for breast cancer survivors, a significant portion of the gross profit will benefit breast cancer survivor support programs.

* SurvivorCelebration.com is a website launching September 10th 2007 to inspire, educate and empower cancer survivors. The website will include social networking, links to nonprofits and companies serving families that are dealing with cancer and many other features to help people survive the disease and thrive in life.

* Swing for Survivors Pink Scorecard Days Golf Program. As an integral part of the Tour, A.J. Ali is personally taking part in a golf marathon by playing 360 holes at 20 courses during the 23 days to promote “Swing for Survivors Pink Scorecard Days.” In each city, 12 local golfers and two celebrities will have an opportunity get on the tee with A.J. Ali to help promote the program and raise money for their favorite breast cancer charity. Through the program, golf courses can participate in an ongoing effort to help breast cancer survivors. Courses choose which months, weeks or days are Pink Scorecard Days. A Pink Scorecard will allow people who get pledges to play all day for one price on designated days. The golf courses agree to contribute a small referral fee per golfer to cover the program costs, enabling 100% of the pledge donations to go to breast cancer support organizations and survivors.

Created by breast-cancer survivor Jane Ali and her husband, Eclipse Sports & Entertainment CEO Ajom (”A.J.”) Ali, the Tour is working its way across America with a powerful goal: to educate, inspire and empower breast cancer survivors as well as friends and family affected by the disease.

The Tour schedule includes stops in the New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Charleston, Orlando, Atlanta, Memphis, Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Dallas, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Los Angeles areas. An exciting finish is planned in October at the tour’s Los Angeles stop, where the tour team, sponsors, volunteers and breast cancer survivors will celebrate the journey and its impact on breast cancer survivors throughout the U.S. Tour finale highlights include a concert at BB King’s in Los Angeles, a celebrity-pro-am golf tournament at The Riviera Country Club and several other high profile events.

National Tour sponsors to date include Under Armour, Dr. Travis Fox/Beat the Bogey Man, The Golf Nut Society and Xellent Swiss Vodka. Additional sponsor opportunities are available nationally and locally. Sponsors enjoy benefits including event hospitality, celebrity networking, event signage, brand exposure and goodwill.

Cancer Hits Home, A Personal Story

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today, according to the World Health Organization, with more than 213,000 women in the U.S. and 1.2 million worldwide diagnosed each year. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer during a woman’s life is approximately one in eight (roughly 13%), and it’s estimated close to 41,000 women will die of breast cancer this year.

It was A.J. and Jane’s close personal experiences with cancer, as well as A.J.’s passion for and knowledge of golf and cause marketing, that led to the creation of the Survivor Celebration Tour. Over the past 10 years, A.J. lost his father, brother, grandmother, grandfather, stepfather and several very close friends to cancer. Jane lost her mother to cancer-related complications. Jane, as well her daughter Amy and father Ted, recently survived battles with cancer, providing both A.J. and Jane with the inspiration to carry out the Foundation’s mission.

About The Marathon of Miracles Foundation

Money raised will benefit nonprofit organizations through the Marathon of Miracles Foundation (MOM). The MOM Foundation is a 501C3 nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate and empower breast cancer survivors. The MOM Foundation’s long term goal is to help meet the financial, emotional, spiritual, physical and medical needs of survivors throughout the world and to open a retreat center in Malibu, California for Survivors and their families to experience all-expense-paid life-changing visits. The retreat center will embrace a holistic approach to surviving and thriving including equine therapy, natural remedies, environmental detoxification, healthy diet, mental and physical training, music, laughter, walks on the beach and other therapeutic activities.

About Eclipse Sports & Entertainment

Eclipse Sports & Entertainment, LLC is an experiential marketing and multi-media company dedicated to making a positive difference in the world daily through sports and entertainment while helping communities, organizations and individuals achieve maximum performance. Eclipse Sports owns and operates Eclipse Business Golf Academy, and produces celebrity golf events and multi-media projects through television, film, Internet, print and music. Eclipse is managing the Survivor Celebration Tour.

For more information go to Eclipse Sports & Entertainment.

********

Pianist Alan Hewitt will also be a part of the All Star Smooth Cruise.

All Star Smooth Cruise / Alan Hewitt Official Website.

With their own blend of pop, urban soul and hip-hop, TLC merged genres to produce the funky R&B of the 90s that propelled them to worldwide stardom. Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, rapper Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozondae “Chilli” Thomas were famed for their impressive hooks, their strong sexual personas and daring fashion sense and were always at the forefront of the urban music scene. Having sold 2 million records in the UK alone and knocking up a staggering 37 million records worldwide, TLC also have under-their-belt a Brit Award for Best International Group (2000) and 6 Grammy awards.

‘Crazy Sexy Hits’ showcases the best of TLC; from smash hit singles, “Creep”, “Waterfalls”, “Unpretty”, and old fan favourite, “No Scrubs” and features collaborations with the biggest names in R&B and hip-hop such as Babyface, P. Diddy, Timbaland, Raphael Saadiq, Missy Elliot and the legendary Jermaine Dupri to name but a few.

Combining the best tracks from debut album Oooh…On The TLC Tip (1992), the bestselling CrazySexyCool (1994), six time platinum Fanmail (1999) and 3D (2002); ‘Crazy Sexy Hits’ contains all the essential TLC tracks, plus many many more.

Most definitely one for the collection!

Crazy Sexy Hits is set to include the following tracks:

No Scrubs (3 Apr 99 – no. 3)
Waterfalls (5 Aug 95 – no. 4)
Creep (13 Jan 96 – no. 6)
Red Light Special (22 Apr 95 – no. 18)
Diggin’ On You (4 Nov 95 – no. 18)
Baby-Baby-Baby
Come Get Some – Feat. Lil’ Jon and Sean Paul
Girl Talk
Damaged
Whoop De Woo
In Your Arms Tonight
Turntable
Kick Your Game
Silly Ho
Hat 2 Da Back
Get It Up
What About Your Friends
Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg (20 Jun 92 – no. 13)
Unpretty (28 Aug 99 – no. 6)

Buy Crazy Sexy Hits on amazon.com.

After listening to Cummings’ debut, I think it is safe to say that the man has found a new home for his many talents. The music is rhythm and blues-pop (urban adult contemporary) and it reflects the audience listening in the 35-45 year old age group-particularly those with a long commute to work either driving or taking public transportation, that need a nice diversion to help the transit go by a little faster.

Cummings has a pleasant vocal style that is very smooth, reminiscent of the late great Marvin Gaye. The recent single release from the album “Marvin’s Vibe” is a great track that highlights the singer’s magnetism and appeal. The tracks on this CD give you the scope of the T.C. vocal a style. He emanates warmth and a confident male sensuality that comes across as spiritual (listen to “To Serve You Lord”) and focused. I am sure women will love this recording and men can respect it while finding a nice groove along the way. I definitely enjoyed it all and was impressed with the talent Cummings has as an all around entertainer. I checked out some videos on his website and it looks as though he has a strong presence on the stage so he will be able to deliver the goods to his audience in a live setting.

Other tracks that I felt were exceptional are “More, More, More,” “Sugar,” and “You Are The Love Of My Life.” Listening to the words, I found a very sincere message from a man that obviously respects and appreciates the relationships in his life. It was nice to hear some earnest messages rather than references to infidelity, partying, and other negative experiences that lead to pain and destruction in people’s lives. It helps to have a nice funky groove to go along with the words and this album offers musical quality to match the lyrical content perfectly. Terry Cummings says “Take A Chance On Love” and I say take a chance on his music, you will be glad you did.

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Tracks:
01. Feeling You
02. Love Takes Time
03. You Are The Love Of My Life
04. One Last Tear
05. All I Want
06. I’ll Do It For You
07. I Still Believe (Mama’s Song)
08. More, More, More
09. Take A Chance On Love
10. The Right Time
11. Butterflies
12. Marvin’s Vibe
13. He Said, She Said
14. Lonely
15. Sugar
16. Finally
17. To Serve You Lord

Artist: Terry Cummings
Title: T.C. Finally
Genre: R & B-Pop-Urban AC
Label: R.N.L.G. Llc
Website
Amazon Link

Comprised of drummer Jim Bridges, bassist Phil Raney, guitarist Joe Gothard, keyboardist Brandon Howard, percussionist Hector Maldonado, saxophonist Keith Newton, and trumpeter Lee Savory, these accomplished musicians have shared bills with jazz heavyweights like Spyro Gyra, The Rippingtons, Al Jarreau, Larry Carlton, Rick Braun, Paul Taylor, and Jonathan Butler.

A high-energy, jazz/R&B/soul sound that is compared with the likes of Spyro Gyra, & The Ohio Players, JAZZIZ declared UJC as “a blend of smooth jazz textures and fiery funk.”

Flushed with lushly rhythmic grooves, funky bass lines, a smokin’ hot brass section, UJC has created an URBAN JAZZ revolution. Don’t miss your chance to catch them live in 2007!

Urban Jazz Coalition
www.urbanjazzcoalition.com

Cummings is as dedicated in the studio as he was on the court; trading in his sneakers for piano keys and platinum plaques. His new album T.C. Finally, is a worthy effort very much in the tradition of some of his favorite vocalists such as Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Al Green, and Gerald Levert. The album is a sublime song cycle performed by a man who has lived a dream and experienced the soul, gospel and jazz essence…it is everything that Terry Cummings is.

In addition to basketball and musical skills, Cummings is a multimedia all-star. He has produced, written, and directed several television commercials, acted in a Spike Lee Joint film, and has toured the world as a motivational speaker. Although retired from the NBA, Terry Cummings shows no sign of slowing down; the young-at-heart philanthropist and recording artist will perform his music on the world stage this year with the help and support of RNLG.

About RNLG Distribution, LLC: RNLG Distribution is distributed exclusively throughout North America by Koch Entertainment, the number one ranked independent distributor in North America. RNLG has a simple philosophy–”distribute the best.” RNLG seeks the best labels, with the best staff and most importantly the best music. RNLG was launched to extend national distribution opportunities to independent labels that are financially capable of sustaining their own marketing and promotion campaigns. The company’s primary function will be to provide support to its label’s releases with the expertise and staff needed for each project. Consistent with his past performance, Rob Nonies and R.N.L.G. Distribution is enjoying conspicuous growth and is actively looking for labels and partners to continue their aggressive distribution schedule for the remainder of 2007 and beyond.

Contact: Chip Schutzman
Company: Miles High Productions
Address: 6622 Delongpre Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tel: 323-806-0400
Fax: 323-462-0829
Email
Website

PR Distributed By MuzikReviews.com For Miles High Productions