Artist development and marketing firm MusicDish announced that four new acts have signed on to its roster over the last month, including 2008 GMA Dove Award winning Ryan Farish, gospel singer Desmond Pringle, jazz fusion artist Gary Paul Bryant, and NY rocker Tim Young.

Each artist will be supported by a customized mutli-pronged marketing campaign incorporating a mix of PR, syndication, online street and viral distribution. Marketing will be coordinated a variety of platforms, from its business music portals and syndicated network to MP3 blogs, webradio and groups/forums. For more information, visit http://www.musicdish.net/marketing/

Ryan Farish
Grammy nominated, 2008 GMA Dove Award winning songwriter/producer/composer Ryan Farish, first launched his music career on the first generation mp3.com, where his music quickly took to the masses obtaining a whopping 1,800,000+ downloads of his trademark, electronic-jazz-world music.
http://www.ryanfarish.com

Desmond Pringle
Tommy Boy Gospel artist Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. Whether delivering his signature-smooth ballads, thought provoking lyrics or energetic choir songs, Desmond has already taken his place among the ranks of great gospel artists of his generation.
http://www.desmondpringle.com

Gary Paul Bryant
Veteran jazz fusion artist Gary Paul Bryant has released his latest (10th) album “WildLife.” Applying the rock energy of artists like Joel, John and Keith Emerson with lighter touches of Jazz and New Age artists like David Arkenstone and David Lanz, Bryant creates a unique blend of rock, pop jazz and world music that’s very unique and appealing.
http://www.wildlifethecd.com
http://www.garypaulbryant.com

Tim Young
Rocker Tim Young, veteran to the New York music scene, has been performing in Manhattan for years. Tim Young’s third CD The Cost features twelve new songs and a brand new version of his own tune “Renegade” from RED. On the album, Tim takes guitar, bass and drums and puts them together in a classy classic kind of way to create music that envelopes not only rock, but also country and folk influences woven into the fabric of rock ‘n roll.
http://www.timrocksweb.com

MusicDish, LLC has been at the forefront of the digital music sector, publishing some of the industry’s leading music magazine, including MusicDish.com and Mi2N.com, as well as dynamic white label content solutions. MusicDish also offers artist development and label management support, combining saturated online marketing with business networking and consulting.
http://www.musicdish.net

Recently featured on the iTunes music store, BFM Digital and SRI Records announces Ray Brown Jr’s new album, “Friends And Family”. The new CD is an all-star duets album with Ray joined by Dionne Warwick, Jane Monheit, James Moody, Dr. John, Freda Payne, Melba Moore, David “Fathead” Newman, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paul Williams, Maria Muldaur, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terry Gibbs, Sally Kellerman, Dave Somerville, Haylee and Kim Hoyer. “Friends And Family” was produced by Shelly Liebowitz.

Born in New York City, Ray Brown Jr. was raised in a family of musical royalty (the son of singer Ella Fitzgerald and legendary jazz bass player Ray Brown). “Friends and Family” reflects the amazingly diverse musical pedigree that Ray possesses.

Original and unconventional arrangements and song choices set the tone and unique style of this release. Friends And Family shows a completely different dimension of Ray Brown, Jr. with these artists who have come together to create this historic album.”

It also includes two very special tracks:

* Haylee (Ray’s daughter) doing a duet with her Dad on Grandma’s first hit “A Tisket A Tasket”

* A live version of “How High The Moon” with Ray joining his mother (Ella Fitzgerald) and father (Ray Brown).

“What pleased me the most was seeing the talent of Ray Brown Jr. hold up so well with all these brilliant and different sounding artists. As a result of his versatility and the unique arrangements of the songs, we were able to capture a wide variety of flavors, which I think offers something for everyone on this album,” says producer Shelly Liebowitz.

To honor our veterans, a portion of the proceeds from the download sales of the duet by Ray Brown Jr. and Dr. Lonnie Smith on “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy” will be donated to the National Veterans Foundation.

The album will be available at all digital outlets via SRI’s digital distributor, BFM Digital.

About SRI Records
SRI Records and SRI Jazz (www.srirecords.com) are divisions of the SRI Entertainment Group. It is our mission to bring great music to the public at reasonable prices. The core audience for our music is the baby boomer generation, but by no means is it limited that group alone. Our record companies market recordings by major artists, many of which have never before been available. We offer the opportunity for established artists with completed albums to be distributed and retain ownership of their masters. We also produce and distribute recordings by talented new artists. The management of SRI Records is made up of experienced music industry professionals. SRI can provide private label CDs for companies that require them for premiums and give-a-ways.

In addition to being an active record company, through SRI Entertainment we produce concerts, tours, television specials and other events. Plus we have a video division (SRI Video) for VHS and DVD releases and a music publishing division, Golden Shellsongs Music.

About BFM Digital, LLC
Connecting music to the world since 2004, BFM Digital (www.bfmdigital.com) is an innovative digital distribution company committed to serving the independent music community by helping them maximize their catalog’s potential through global digital distribution. BFM Digital offers labels, artists and content providers access to all major online and mobile store fronts. BFM represents hundreds of catalogs in every genre and works closely with labels to ensure top placements through ongoing promotions with retailers and target campaigns for key releases. BFM is also affiliated with leading global publishing companies such as The Royalty Network, Inc.

Living Down River is a ten track recording encompassing real life situations and feelings all set to a tasteful mix of folk, Americana and blues. Tamara has a clear and thoughtful vocal style that is convincing while very pleasing and inviting regardless of what style of music she is playing. She also writes all of her own material and maintains her independence as an artist with no attachments to any third parties. Ok, I am really starting to like this woman, everything about her is real and original and she is indie - that is the entire package for me, well the music needs to be good too and in this case, it is the icing on the cake.

This CD is solid in every way, the production is good, the musicianship exemplary - all of the most important aspects are in focus so we have ourselves a captivating group of songs to listen to. I have no doubt after reading about the life of this artist that she truly is living the songs performed.

When you hear “Better Day”, it echoes with emotion and the feeling of someone that has gone through, experienced, and endured some hardships only to come out the other side and step into the light then be able to share that experience with someone that needs some inspiration to do the same. “Big City Blues” is my favorite, which comes as no surprise because I do love the blues and it is a very upbeat track. Tamara and her friends really strut their stuff on this one.

I think a prerequisite to listening to this music and understanding it is to be in a reflective and somewhat serious mood but also lighthearted enough to enjoy the warmth and sunshine it can put in your heart because of all the hope and emotion that comes down the river, just as the title and closing track says. It is a bluesy number with a harmonica that is longing for a friend. A perfect closer to these stories told so well. “That Leavin’ Sound” is a lament to a relationship getting ready to end as the singer anticipates a break up by that sound of leaving in the person’s voice. These particular songs made a noticeable impact on me musically and emotionally.

To relate to music is to know it, and to know it is to understand the artist presenting it. I think I connected on Living Down River.

Artist: Tamara Lewis
Title: Living Down River
Genre: Folk-Americana-Blues
Label: Independent
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01.I’ll Come Home
02.Better Day
03.Love Song To The Midwest
04.Don’t Look At The Mountain
05.That Leavin’ Sound
06.Big City Blues
07.With My Eyes
08.Cold Coffee, Warm Beer
09.Key of Lonely
10.Living Down River

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

On Saturday, August 23rd, 2008, at Club Soda in Montreal, Quebec, a collaboration of Canadian musicians joined forces with Confront Magazine to help create awareness for the charity ((( MAPMUSIC ))) - Musicians Against Parkinson’s founded by diagnosed Parkinson musician Robbie Tucker.

The event included performances by upcoming Canadian artists Arthur Kall, Monday Rose, Polar Eyes, The Hot Streak, La Confrerie and The New Cities as well as presentations by MapMusic founder, Robbie Tucker, Craig Buntin (currently the Canadian Pairs bronze medalist ranked 6th in the world) and MusiquePlus VJ Mathieu Marcotte.

The benefit’s main goal was to create strong awareness to all those in attendance and to educate that Parkinson’s disease doesn’t just affect the elderly but young adults and children.

“I was really pleased with the turn out and the generosity shown by all. It was a great cause and it was a privilege for our event as producers to be an Awareness Concert for MapMusic. We can’t wait to do it again.” Says Confront Editor Angel Karmazenuk.

The involvement of the music community and grateful work by the band The Hot Streak behind the scenes in aiding MAPMUSIC & Confront Magazine is highly appreciated.

Many music fans walked into the event uneducated of the disease and the common notion that Parkinson’s is a disease that causes shaking in the elderly. But as the night proceeded, the over 300 music fans of all ages walked away with a better understanding of Parkinson’s symptoms and effects as they were informed throughout the night by the many members of MAPMUSIC.

ABOUT: Canadian musician, Robbie Tucker, began 2008 with a promise. He pledged to create an organization to aid in his fight against Parkinson’s disease; and through this organization, to raise $1,000,000.00 to help others who are living with the illness.

MapMusic (((Musicians Against Parkinson’s))) aims to accomplish the following:

- Educate and change the way people think about Parkinson’s
- Help in Finding a cure
- Assist and motivate individuals living with Parkinson’s

MapMusic founder, Robbie Tucker, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 28. Now 31 years old, the musician is fully aware that there might come a time when his disease will permanently prevent him from performing live music. So now, with his medicated 2nd chance, he is pushing himself and his re?established abilities to the limit to avoid any future musical loss.

Craig Buntin, currently the Canadian Pairs bronze medalist, ranked 6th in the world has joined forces with MapMusic ((( Musicians Against Parkinson’s ))) to aide in the fight against Parkinson’s. Craig represented Canada at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and, in addition to winning three Canadian National Pairs titles, has been an international competitor for ten years. His mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years ago. This is not only his way of helping his mom, but all those affected with Parkinson’s.

Contact: Jon Asher - Music Publicist
514-581-5780 - ashermedia@gmail.com

MapMusic Official Website

Confront Magazine

Contact:

Cheryl Hughey Promotions

cherylhughey@charter.net/314-660-1755

St. Louis, Missouri

Dwayne Kerr (Erykah Badu Flutist) Releases New Video Produced by Kerwin DeVonish (Spike Lee)

Dwayne Kerr (Erykah Badu’s Funky Fluteman) has teamed up with Kerwin DeVonish (Spike Lee producer) to release a new video that was filmed on the beaches of Barbados. Click on the link below to view. Available for preview on YouTube, this scenic video features the single “Smooth” (Top 15 Radio and Records and Top 30 SmoothJazz.com) from Dwayne’s 2008 release Higher Calling.

Higher Calling, which features stellar guest appearances by Erykah Badu and Kirk Whalum has received accolades from reviewers. Susan Frances of the Jazz Review proclaimed, “… makes jazz music Higher Callingas beautiful as it comes…” and Abkar Nour of Smooth Jazz Now declared Kerr “an extraordinary groovy flutist.” Lovingly received by radio, the single “Ain’t No Sunshine” with Erykah Badu reached the Top 10 on Radio and Records.

www.dmannsmusicgroup.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNoCZyAlk9w

More about the artist:

Kerr was hired to play as a band member for Grammy Award-winning Erykah Badu in 1998. While touring with Erykah, Dwayne has played in Africa, Italy, Japan, throughout Europe and Scandinavia, on the all-female artists Lilith Fair Tour and television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, MTV’s Real World, The Oprah Show, Live! With Regis and BET Live.

While touring and recording with Erykah Badu for the past several years, Dwayne added his sound to recordings including Ms. Badu’s version of the Chaka Khan hit, “Hollywood,” which is on the soundtrack/CD to the Spike Lee movie, Bamboozled, on Motown Records and Erykah’s song, “Today,” which is on the Red Star Sounds compilation CD on Epic Records. Kerr played on Erykah’s latest CD, Worldwide Underground, and her previous CD, Mama’s Gun, on Motown Records.

Raised and still residing on Long Island, New York, Kerr attended New York colleges Nassau Community College, SUNY-Stony Brook and SUNY-Old Westbury, where he was trained classically and in jazz. Kerr is a brilliant flutist who is moving the flute into other genres of music not often explored. Connecting with the audience both in a live setting and on recordings is a trait well-respected by others in the industry. “I’ve seen Dwayne inspire many people all over the world with his sound,” said RC Williams, Producer/co-songwriter Higher Calling and Producer/Songwriter/MD for Erykah Badu.

A by-product of his ascending career, Kerr signed a deal with AKG Acoustics in 2001 to endorse an AKG wireless headset system. When not touring with Ms. Badu, Kerr is active in his venture as a solo artist, most notable having performed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the Jazz & Broadway Concert at the United Nations and at halftime of several National Basketball Association games. Dwayne has performed on shows with or opened shows for Erykah Badu, Regina Belle, Roy Hargrove, Marion Meadows, Stephanie Mills, Vanessa Rubin and other noted artists.

“As I watch my friend in amazement,” Erykah said of Dwayne, “the high tones and the trills become part of me, helping me to grow on stage. I don’t know which is sweeter, his tone or his soul.”

The release of Higher Calling is indeed a new chapter in the life of this astounding artist. The making of the project was an organic process that evolved into a musical diary of the musicians involved.

Jeff Feinstein, producer & keys, said, “I think I could write a novel on my experiences with Dwayne and “the cast” of Higher Calling. The most important chapter would be on how much your work can intertwine with life, love and believing in yourself. To me, working on the project represented strong earthly proof of why not to give up on my dreams and God…no matter what.”

“It’s been a few years since I’ve focused on being a “player” but my involvement with www.totonetwork.com has made me realize how much fun this kind of music can be. In the meantime I’ve been busy making movies like “Local Color”, “Senior Skip Day“, “Payback”, “Spykids” etc. I’m looking forward to doing more of this and I thank you for your support.”

Recorded just prior to 9-11 this collection of songs features some the most famous and talented musicians of this generation:

Greg Bissonette - Drums (currently performing with Ringo Starr)
Luis Conti - percussion (from Dancing with the Stars and James Taylor)
Paul Jackson Jr. - Guitars (from American Idol)
Jimmy Johnson - bass (from James Taylor)
Abraham Laboriel - (the list is too long)
Eric Marienthal - sax (Chick Corea, David Benoit)

Recorded and mixed by Tom Vicari

All songs composed and produced by Chris Boardman

Chris Boardman on myspace

Chris Boardman’s blog

Stepping Stone Approach Brings Electronic Drumming and Music Within Anyone’s Reach — No Computer or Audio Knowledge Necessary

Synesthesia Corp. (http://www.mandaladrum.com) today announced the release of a new EZ Version of its Virtual Brain software, designed to allow anyone — even those with no musical or technical knowledge — to be able to make music using the company’s wildly popular, patented high-def drum and synthesizer, the Mandala 2.0. The EZ Version will be available starting Thursday, July 3, 2008.

‘If you can listen to a QuickTime movie or iTunes on your computer, then this software will make sound for you — there’s nothing more you need to do except install it onto your computer,’ said Vince De Franco, Synesthesia founder and CEO, and inventor of the Mandala.

The software comes with 75 presets offering pre-arranged musical combos, with self-explanatory names like piano only, piano scale, piano and bass, snare only, snare + position pitch, snare + velocity pitch, etc.

The software automatically detects and configures the Mandala. With the ‘help’ function activated, the EZ software provides rollovers to explain everything that appears on the screen, helping users change the pre-configured settings if they want: they can choose instrument combinations (drawing from sounds and instruments that are built into the computer already), configure up to four different zones of sound across the drum pad, choose scales, modify sound effects and more.

The EZ Version also has:

* 175 instruments and drums (accessed from within Windows or Mac operating systems)
* One operating window for ease of use
* 21 musical scale choices, and nine scale pattern choices
* Three different adjustable sound effects: pitch, pan and modulation
* The ability to alter sound effects with strike position and velocity
* Graphic representation of zone strikes and position ring strikes, so users can see the various zones of sound across the drum pad
* Ability to save new presets
* A panic button to immediately stop all sound
* A ‘Get Started’ button takes users directly to the Mandala Virtual Brain EZ Webpage for help and updates

‘There are a lot of features in our standard Virtual Brain software that only advanced players would want to use,’ said De Franco. ‘So we’ve created a lighter version that streamlines the core function of the software, while maintaining the features that have made the Mandala so popular with beginners and pros alike.’

Both the EZ and Standard Versions of the Virtual Brain software will be included with every Mandala; both are available online for free download at http://www.mandaladrum.com. In fact, even without buying the Mandala, anyone can download the software and tinker with it — on its own, or with other PC or Mac-compatible musical devices.

Whenever they’re ready, players using the EZ Version can step up to the standard version of the Virtual Brain software. It includes 10x more sound effects, can handle up to five different drums plugged into the computer, increases the range to seven configurable zones of sound per drum pad, and comes with a custom library of professionally produced, proprietary sound samples derived from more than 100 other instruments. It’s professional audio software, allowing players to synthesize a host of new sounds and expand their drum kits and sample libraries at will.

Synesthesia also is producing a series of video tutorials for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The company will make them available on its website and on YouTube later this year. The series of videos will walk users through the entire process of using the Mandala — from physically connecting the drum to a computer, to using the EZ software, on through to setting up advanced audio techniques using the pro version of the Virtual Brain software.

The Mandala 2.0 retails for $349, and is available online at mandaladrum.com. Each Mandala is hand-crafted and thoroughly tested before it is shipped.

About Synesthesia
Synesthesia Corporation (www.synesthesiacorp.com) is exploring new sonic terrain with the Mandala™, its patented high-def drum and synthesizer — the only electronic drum that faithfully emulates an acoustic drum, and then transcends it. A new kind of synthesizer, the Mandala offers the world’s fastest trigger, precise strike detection across the entire pad, and a musical range so wide it can be the top of the line Black Beauty® Snare Drum or virtually any other instrument imaginable. The Mandala plugs into PC or Mac via USB cable, and works seamlessly with most major mixing programs. Co-developed with professional drummer Danny Carey of Tool, Mandalas are used by professionals and hobbyists the world over. Vince De Franco — inventor, physicist and musician — founded Synesthesia to develop his state-of-the-art electronic sensor technology and to use it to create products that inspire imagination and exploration. Based in Laurel Canyon, Calif., the company currently has several other products in development.

For more news and information you can also check his fan site in America FSH.com and The Bands official MySpace.

For some reviews:

John Rhys Eddins of Blue-Power and his take on Fredrik and the Band BluePower review

Tor Ottesen of Blues World his take on and interview with Fredrik Halland 2006 interview

Previous posts: HiHat Presents Fredrik Strand Halland takes Europe by Storm!

Maybe you’ve noticed that America’s debt industry — based on legalized loan-sharking — has created an economic crisis that threatens to go global. On a more local level — millions of families are facing home foreclosures and bankruptcy. And the credit card offers just keep flowing into our mailboxes.

“The avalanche of propaganda from the US debt industry with offers of ‘cheap’ credit is downright immoral as millions of families see their homes foreclosed,” noted NY-based multi-instrumentalist/arranger/composer/producer Polarity/1. “Having long worked on the subject, I felt I had to do something in order to educate Americans and counter the propaganda”

Polarity/1, a multi-instrumentalist/arranger/composer/producer, was one of the early voices warning of the impending debt crisis, having composed most of the score and served as Music Supervisor for Danny Schechter’s feature-length documentary IN DEBT WE TRUST. Focused on America’s dangerous addiction to debt and the predatory nature of our credit and loan industry, the film predicted over two years ago the economic meltdown being experienced today. And he’s now making the message available to the public, offering all his tracks from the documentary - including “Free Money,” “Charge It,” “Free Money Blues,” and “I’m So Broke” - as free MP3 downloads at www.reverbnation.com/polarity1

The music of Polarity/1 is exactly what the name suggests: conjoined opposites — a mash up of new: cutting edge electronica/hip hop/nu-jazz and old; roots music of America (blues, funk, country, early jazz), Brazil (samba, pagoda, etc.) and West African groove science. Polarity also describes the dual streams of Polarity/1’s musical output: songs and instrumentals.

After a few years of playing percussion in samba bands at S.O.B.’s and other venues. Polar landed in hip hop which combined his interests in grooves, samples and wordplay into one form. He and rapper D.A.V. became Medicine Crew. In the aftermath of 9/11, Polar was asked to do a remix of Nile Rodgers’ We Are Family Project released on a compilation by Tommy Boy Records. His experience of 9/11 which was perpetrated in his neighborhood led to a collaboration with multi-platinum Pakistan rock band Junoon resulting in their hit song ‘No More’. John Hollander has choreographed four Polarity/1 compositions for New York’s Battery Dance Company’s fall season opening in November 2006 and has been touring extensively with the piece. In 2008, he scored “The Other Side” for the Quorum Ballet from Lisbon, Portugal. P/1’s new collaboration, Koko Dozo, released their first album Illegal Space Aliens in February 2008.

Check out IN DEBT WE TRUST — the scariest movie of the century. www.indebtwetrust.com (Better hold the butter on the popcorn.)

To get more information on these issues, assistance with debt problems and ways you can fight back — go to www.stopthesqueeze.org

The CD’s hooky lead-off song, “The Man Nobody Knows,” could very well be Cutler’s theme song. He’s been in the music business since he was a teenager. He was signed to Mercury Records at age 13 with his band the Young Executives, went on to produce a total of 29 albums, perform in the original Godspell band off-Broadway and on Broadway for 800 performances, see his albums break the Billboard Top 100 and go gold and platinum; he posed as the centerfold for Playgirl and, with his million-selling Disco Diet, presaged the advent of disco. Still, he’s not a household name.

”The Man Nobody Knows” leads effortlessly into Test of Time’s other 21 original cuts, which include several fearless—and ageless—ballads with “Hear Here” and “California Nights” and an array of catchy pop tunes like “Moonlight” and “Back to Kansas” made substantive by Cutler’s gravelly voice. But the disc also demands equal time for showcasing jazzy rhythm and blues on “Live On,” the down-and-dirty rock ’n’ roller “People” and the memorable “Father and Son.”

“World Keeps on Turning,” “I Can’t Breathe” and “Innocent Love,” all originally recorded in the ’70s, feature Cutler’s Godspell band mate Paul Shaffer on keyboards, while the late jazz trumpeter Don Ellis can be heard on “Live On.” And the hits just keep coming. Cutler’s love for mixing it up comes through loud and clear with the electronic disco pulse of “Automatic Man,” while “Middle of the Mountain” is worthy of a month of gospel Sundays. Ultimately, this eclectic collection demonstrates the type of strength and versatility that can only come from a seasoned pro adept at moving forward while honoring the past. And Cutler’s Test of Time will most likely do just that.

Cutler was inspired to release Test of Time as a companion to his forthcoming autobiography, StarLust: The Price of Fame, an intimate self-portrait. From posh private parties studded with celebrities to the bright lights of Broadway as a musician in the original Godspell to the allure of Tinsel Town in the 1980s and ’90s, Cutler saw his star rise and fall and rise again. In StarLust Cutler reflects on his long and successful career, the risks he took and those he didn’t. It’s an insightful and timely look back on 40 years of playing the fame game.

Test of Time and Cutler’s autobiography are imbued with the sounds and culture of the changing times, the effect a mirror of Cutler’s life in and out of the spotlight. “StarLust and Test of Time,” he says, “paint the same story of survival in a fiercely unforgiving world.”

# # #

Test of Time by Jesse Cutler
Gourmet Records, June, 2008
CD, $12.95, download $9.99
Available through iTunes, CDBaby and DigStation.com

StarLust: The Price of Fame by Jesse Cutler
Morgan James, September, 2008
Hardcover, $29.95
ISBN 978-1-60037-418-0
Audiobook, $44.95
ISBN 978-1-60037-419-7

Web site: www.jessecutler.com

For more information, and to schedule an interview with Jesse Cutler, contact Mantra Public Relations, +1-212-645-1600.