Robert Cray is one of the few blues artists who managed to cultivate a mainstream following in the 1980s and 90s. During the course of a long-running career that began in the 1970s, he uniquely blended elements of rhythm & blues, pop and traditional blues to win fans over to a more contemporary blues sound.

In 1988 Cray consolidated his burgeoning reputation with the excellent album ‘Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark’, which featured some raucous saxophone sounds care of David Sanborn. For the follow-up ‘Midnight Stroll’, Cray adopted a new line-up that made for a tougher sound, moving him away from mainstream blues towards R&B and soul.

Robert Cray continues to record and perform live, and to date has received five Grammy Awards for his innovative style.

This double CD, set for UK release on January 28th, 2008, features the very best of Robert Cray’s BBC Concert performances, recorded between 1988-1991 during the tours to promote the Grammy Award winning albums ‘Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark’ and ‘Midnight Stroll’, both of which made the UK and US charts.

Robert Cray Live at the BBC tracklisting:

I Guess I Showed Her (1988)
Foul Play (1988)
Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark (1988)
Baby You Don’t Even Care (1988)
Night Patrol (1988)
Nothing But A Woman (1988)
Phone Booth (1991)
These Things (1991)
My Problem (1991)
The Forecast Calls For Pain (1991)
Consequences (1991)
Right Next Door (1991)
Acting This Way (1991)
Smoking Gun (1991)

“Robert Cray is not only making great music, he’s making history. With a few exceptions…it used to be that there was the blues and there were the masses and never the twain shall meet. But Cray, who obviously is respected in blues circles, is a press darling and crossover smash.” (Dan Forte - Guitar Player)

Watch Robert Cray - “Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark” video

Robert Cray: Live at the BBC on amazon.co.uk

Robert Cray - Live At The BBC on amazon.com (US)

Robert Cray on Myspace
Robert Cray Official Website

Newton Faulkner is set to release his cover of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop”, off of his debut album, ‘Hand Built By Robots’ on December 10, 2007.

The first time that I heard the name Newton Faulkner, for some reason I pictured an older conservative type with short hair, playing music that wouldn’t excite.

I was way off. Newton Faulkner is a young, twenty-something with dreads, soulful vocals, catchy tunes and is a brilliant guitarist. That’s what I found out when I first watched the video for his single, “UFO”.

Newton Faulkner is indeed making a name for himself, with a steadily growing fan base, a #1 platinum album and sell-out UK tours. It’s interesting that he would choose to go for a cover of someone else’s song, after the success he’s had with his own original releases. Some might say it’s a daring move, and loyal Massive Attack fans may not be as receptive to Newton’s “Teardrop” - at first.

I’ve been listening to Newton’s version for the last few days. He’s done such a good rendition of the song, that I found it difficult remembering the original, and actually think it sounds more like a Crosby, Stills and Nash song with a modern twist, than Massive Attack’s own version from 1998.

Watch Newton Faulkner - “Teardrop” video:

It’s amazing what Newton has done with the song. He’s given it a rustic feel and great harmonies.

If you played his acoustic version from his live shows for someone who wasn’t familiar with it (there are quite a few live “Teardrop” performances on YouTube), I bet they would find it easy to believe that it could be something from the late 60’s, Woodstock era.

Newton Faulkner - Teardrop on amazon.co.uk

Newton’s live shows are highly recommended!

Shows for 2008 are already beginning to sell out, so if you want to go, book early!

Newton Faulkner 2008 tour dates:

Dates and information could change! Go to Newton Faulkner’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

7 January 2008 Paradiso - Amsterdam
8 January 2008 Doornroosje - Nijmegen
9 January 2008 Tivoli - Utrecht
14 January 2008 Uptown Bar - Minneapolis
15 January 2008 Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto
16 January 2008 Radio Radio - Indianapolis
21 January 2008 Soiled Dove - Denver, Colorado
24 January 2008 Joe’s Pub - New York
29 January 2008 Hotel Cafe - Los Angeles, California
21 February 2008 University SOLD OUT Exeter
22 February 2008 Guildhall - Portsmouth
23 February 2008 Corn Exchange SOLD OUT Cambridge
24 February 2008 Academy - Birmingham
26 February 2008 Academy - Newcastle
27 February 2008 Music Hall - Aberdeen
28 February 2008 Barrowlands - Glasgow
29 February 2008 University - Leeds
2 March 2008 Apollo - Manchester
3 March 2008 University - Liverpool
5 March 2008 Roundhouse SOLD OUT London
6 March 2008 Roundhouse - London
7 March 2008 Colston Hall - Bristol
9 March 2008 St Georges Hall - Belfast
10 March 2008 Dublin Olympia - Dublin

Newton Faulkner Official Website
Newton Faulkner on Myspace

By: Jenny May - Band Weblogs

Guitar Center and Charlie Sexton will join Gibson Guitar for a special event to launch the world’s first guitar with robotic technology, the Gibson Robot Guitar.

The event takes place on Monday, December 3, 2007 at 3 p.m. at Guitar Center, 2525 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 200, Austin, Texas. True to the spirit of innovation, Gibson Guitar is set to make musical history with the invention of the world’s first Robot Guitar.

Austin-raised singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Charlie Sexton made his debut with ‘Pictures For Pleasure’ in 1985 at age 16. He followed up that release with a self-titled second album when he was 20. As a prodigy guitar player, Sexton is known for his live and session guitar work with Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, David Bowie and Don Henley; his album production for Lucinda Williams, Edie Brickell, Los Super Seven and Shannon McNally; and his own projects, both as a member of Arc Angels and a solo artist, including his fourth album, ‘Cruel And Gentle Things’.

The public and press are invited to attend this sneak peak and exclusive event hosted by Charlie Sexton, who will demonstrate and perform with the world’s first run limited edition version of the Gibson Les Paul Robot Guitar. A question and answer session will follow.

The Gibson Robot Guitar goes on sale at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2007, with a very limited number of guitars at each of the participating dealers.

To find the list of exclusive Robot Guitar dealers go to: Gibson Robot Guitar Dealers.

Guitar Center at 2525 Anderson Lane, Austin, will take reservations for the Gibson Robot Guitar during the special event. Once the limited supply is sold out, Gibson Guitar will not reproduce. Only ten robotic guitars per store are available.

For more information on this special event go to www.gibson.com or contact Guitar Center at 512.891.0297.

Charlie Sexton

Guitar Center

Gibson Official Website

One of the best things about discovering bands and listening to new music online is when you can turn what initially begins as a virtual experience into a live music experience. The first time that I heard Souljacker was on their Myspace page after I was tipped off by a friend to check them out. I really liked their sound and had to wait about three weeks to see them play live at the Temple Bar in Oxford, England - and last Saturday the wait was finally over.

The Temple Bar has been around for quite a few years now, and in the “old days” was a place where a lot of musicians would gather and hang out. Over the years, there hasn’t been much going on there and I never really heard anyone talking about the Temple Bar - good or bad.

Things are different now. New owner Barry has opened the doors to musicians and has set up an open mic night on Wednesdays and live music on Saturday nights. There’s a great atmosphere, the bar staff are friendly and you can’t beat Barry’s enthusiasm toward live music and helping bands and musicians hone their craft, while entertaining the punters.

It was good to see the room begin to fill up as Souljacker started their set. They play guitar rock - originals that sound like old classics (“Jimmy Drank My Tea”), along with classic covers by bands like Free, Motorhead and Jimi Hendrix Experience. They even played a funky cover of “Ghostbusters”, which caught me by surprise. The crowd loved it.

Souljacker played two sets - and for each set, the crowd was engrossed. The band is full of confidence which, considering how young they are, is refreshing to see. Singer/guitarist Patrick Burley (and his soulful vocals) is entertaining and interacts with the crowd like an old pro. Same goes for guitarist Hamish Denny. The guitar solos are stand-out and drummer Josh Catling is incredible. As a unit they’re tight and sound like they’ve been playing for years.

I think that it’s easy to forget that while the area (Oxford) tends to be over-saturated with indie bands, that there are other styles out there. Saturday night proved to me that the public is hungry for something else.

If steered in the right direction, Souljacker could reach many more people who have missed hearing new rock bands on the scene. They are definitely a band to watch out for, and if they’re playing in a town near you, I highly recommend going to check them out.

Souljacker Band Members:

Patrick Burley - Guitar/Vocals
Hamish Denny - Guitar
Rowan Mayo - Bass
Josh Catling - Drums
Robbie Moore - Keyboards

For more information and live show dates go to:

Souljacker on Myspace

Photo Credit: Dave Tommo

By: Jenny May - Band Weblogs

Brad Paisley has released his latest single, “Letter To Me” off of his album ‘5th Gear’. It’s about what he would say to himself at age 17 if he could write a letter to himself today. The lyrics are full of advice and encouragement and I’m sure that the song will touch the heartstrings of many who can relate.

For the filming of the video, Paisley invited his classmates from his 1991 graduating class at John Marshall High School to be involved. Over 140 classmates from his old school participated in the video, as well as one of his most supportive teacher’s, also the policeman who gave him his first ticket and current students from John Marshall.

I think the video concept is a great idea. It just confirms what I’ve been thinking all along - that not only is Brad Paisley a huge talent (keeping in mind his great guitar playing and cool Telecaster guitars), but he also seems like one of the nicest guys in country music today. Inviting old classmates to be in a video is quite the gesture - and I can’t think of many artists that would do something like this.

After watching his performance at the 41st Annual Country Music Awards (CMAs), my interest in Brad Paisley and his music has been reignited. It was good to watch him perform “Online”, also off of ‘5th Gear’, and after being nominated seven times, he finally took home the Best Male Vocalist Award at the CMAs. I found it surprising that he hadn’t won Best Male Vocalist before, but then again, there has been some stiff competition in the Country Male category over the years.

Two songs off of Brad’s latest album ‘5th Gear’ have hit #1 in the Country Music Singles Charts - “Ticks” (watch video), the first single, and “Online” (watch video). Now with third single, “Letter To Me”, it will be interesting to see if he can get another #1.

Watch Brad Paisley - “Letter To Me” video on YouTube

Brad is currently touring with opening acts Taylor Swift and Rodney Atkins on the Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour.

For more information go to Brad Paisley Official Website

He even has a blog:

Brad Paisley’s Blog

By: Jenny May

Grammy Award-winning Santana is set to release ‘Ultimate Santana’ on October 15th, 2007 in the UK on Arista Records. This is the first ever Santana collection that encompasses a recording career of almost 40 years, covering the cream of his Columbia and J recordings.

(Read the ‘Ultimate Santana’ review + watch “Into The Night” video!)

Having sold in excess of 90 million records worldwide, performed to over 100 million people globally and having 10 Grammy Awards under-their-belt, Santana is now well into their fourth decade of recording and performing their own fusion of Rock, Jazz, Latin and Blues. ‘Ultimate Santana’ celebrates the awe inspiring career of a legendary band who have stayed with the times - highlighted by the inclusion of two previously unreleased tracks - separate collaborations with Chad Kroeger of Nickelback - which will be the first single “Into The Night” (out October 8th) and Tina Turner - “The Game Of Love”.

Along with these previously unreleased tracks ‘Ultimate Santana’ contains all the essential tracks from vintage albums ‘Santana’ (1969), ‘Abraxas’ (1970), ‘Santana III’ (1971), ‘Amigos’ (1976) through to industry phenomenon ‘Supernatural’ (1999), multi-platinum ‘Shaman’ (2002), and ‘All That I Am’ (2005) and features collaborations with some of the biggest names in music such as: Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Tina Turner, Chad Kroeger (Nickleback), Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) and Everlast.

2007 represents 40 years since the original Santana Blues Band played its first shows in San Francisco. Today, Santana is virtually unique, being one of the only bands to have sustained their success on the charts and on the road as a sold-out stadium attraction. ‘Ultimate Santana’ pays homage to the full spectrum of Carlos Santana’s longevity, creativity, and soulful musical conscience.

Buy Ultimate Santana on amazon.com

Carlos Santana Official Website

The Shake has become the latest band to join the impressive roster of clients celebrating an endorsement deal with First Act Guitars. Shake guitarists Jon Merkin and Eliad Shapiro bond with the likes of Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Serj Tankian (System of a Down), and Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) to use First Act Guitars.

First Act, a pioneer in musical products, offers an innovative line of musical instruments for all ages and prides itself on enhancing children’s development, and encouraging a lifelong love of music.

Merkin explains “This is a very encouraging step forward for the band because it shows that people out there believe in our music and that they want to support us in making it. Many great guitarists use these guitars, and I’m honored to be part of this family.”

Shapiro echoes his sentiments: “First Act makes beautiful custom guitars used by great groups, such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Franz Ferdinand, Cheap Trick, the Cure, and so many others. It’s really great to know that we’ve been accepted into the same ranks.”

The Shake will play the initial concert with their new First Act guitars on August 29th 2007 in New York City. The band has been asked by Columbia University to headline their year-opening celebration. The concert, a groundbreaking event for the band, will find them playing for over 1,000 people in the Registry Room of historic landmark Ellis Island. “It’s a really meaningful place for us to play,” says Merkin “We’ve all got family that came to America, passing through the same Hall that we will be performing in. It’s a special opportunity.”

Shapiro concurs, “It’s almost like the Lower East Side circa the early 20th century takes over Ellis Island. Never in a million years could our grandparents have envisioned that their grandchildren would be in a rock band playing in front of thousands of people in that hall. Funny how things can come full circle like that.”

Fans can also find The Shake in record stores and on iTunes, as their track “Let Me Take You Far Away” is included on the Bulletproof Records soundtrack License to Wed from the recent film of the same name starring Robin Williams and Mandy Moore. The CD also features music from The Beach Boys, The Righteous Brothers and Al Green.

The Shake was recently featured on Breakthru Online Radio where they performed a full set live in the Breakthru studio. The performance is available for streaming in www.breakthruradio.com’s archive under DJ Jeff K.

The Shake Official Website
The Shake on Myspace

“This CD has it all…” - Behind The Scenes, Buffalo, N.Y

Upcoming Gigs Reach Out to Even More Fans:

Joyce Cooling August 2007 tour dates

September 2007 shows:

9/2 Sunday: Las Vegas, NV; Spring Mountain State ParkSpring Mountain State Park (just outside of Las Vegas); Blue Diamond , NV, 8000 Blue Diamond Road; tel: 702-875-4141

9/15 Saturday: Mableton (Atlanta), GA; WJZZ Smooth Jazz Under the Stars; Mablehouse - Barnes Amphitheater; 5239 Floyd Rd; Joyce & band play at 8:00pm

9/29 Saturday: Fayetteville (Raleigh), NC; WFSS Jazz on the River; Campbellton Landing; 1122 Person St

Joyce Cooling Official Website
Joyce Cooling on Myspace

I wonder if there are kids still selling papers on street corners yelling out the headlines over and over to passersby. If they still exist that’s what they will be yelling this Sunday in England.

If you haven’t already heard the news, Prince will be giving away his new ‘Planet Earth’ CD in the Mail on Sunday. That’s this Sunday (July 15th 2007) mind you. There’s been so much talk about this free CD that every Sunday for the last month or so, I’ve been stealing cheeky glances at the papers to see if the Prince CD has been packaged yet.

Actually the hype has reached its peak this week and now the story has been all over the major TV news channels. I admit - the hype has worked it’s magic and I will be taking a trip to my local Londis early Sunday morning to buy my copy of the Mail on Sunday.

The negativity surrounding Prince’s decision to give away his CD for free in what the Mail on Sunday calls “The World’s Greatest Newspaper Giveaway Ever”, has created what I would call an interesting intentional or unintentional publicity stunt.

There have been many stories and articles mentioning that Sony BMG in the UK is so upset with this move that they have “refused to handle the release”.

Music retailers in the UK are upset with the concept of giving away CDs for free in the paper, that this devalues music. Virgin is angry with HMV for deciding to stock the papers in their stores this Sunday.

This is certainly interesting dinner table conversation for music industry types. Going over the pros and cons of the move. Prince apparently wants to reach as many people as possible with his music - so at least his fans are happy.

(Update: I’ve listened to the CD - Read my review of Planet Earth!)

Watch Prince “Guitar” video preview:

Buy: Prince - Planet Earth on amazon.com.

Prince will be playing his 21-date “The Earth Tour” at the new O2 Arena in London beginning August 1st 2007. Apparently a copy of ‘Planet Earth’ will be included with each ticket sold for the O2 Arena dates.

Prince: The Earth Tour dates at the O2 Arena are as follows:

Dates could be added or changed! For the latest tour dates and information go to Prince’s Official Website.

August 2007 - Wednesday 1st, Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th, Tuesday 7th, Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, Tuesday 14th, Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, Friday 24th, Saturday 25th, Tuesday 28th, Friday 31st.

September 2007 - Saturday 1st, Thursday 6th, Sunday 9th, Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th, Sunday 16th, Thursday 20th, Friday 21st.

The O2 Arena

Mail on Sunday

Prince Official Website - 3121.com

Prince on Myspace

By: Jenny May

A portion of the sales of Revolving Door will go directly to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Just by buying a copy of the CD, you’ve donated!

We thank you deeply for that.

www.nami.org

Joyce Cooling - Revolving Door on amazon.com.

Check out Joyce Cooling - new single “Cool of the Night” video:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Joyce Cooling’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

JULY 14, 2007
SPACE COAST JAZZ FESTIVAL
WICHAM PARK AMPH.
MELBOURNE, FL

JULY 15, 2007
SUMMER JAZZ SERIES
SEA WALK PAVILLION
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL

JULY 18, 2007
RAM’S HEAD ON STAGE
ANNAPOLIS, MD

JULY 19, 2007
JAZZ BASE
SHERATON READING HOTEL
READING, PA

JULY 20, 2007
COMMUNITY HOUSE JAZZ FEST
BIRMINGHAM, MI

JULY 21, 2007
GREATER HARTFORD
FESTIVAL OF JAZZ
BUSHNELL PARK
HARTFORD, CT

JULY 27, 2007
BOB HOPE THEATER
STOCKTON, CA

AUGUST 5, 2007
KWJZ FESTIVAL
CHATEAU STE MICHELLE
WOODINVILLE, WA

AUGUST 10, 2007
JAZZ FESTIVAL
NORFOLK, VA

AUGUST 26, 2007
GARDENA JAZZ FESTIVAL
GARDENA, CA

Joyce Cooling Official Website
Joyce Cooling on Myspace

Tinariwen has been a band that I’ve had my eye on since I saw them on the cover of a magazine a couple months ago. Their look alone intrigued me enough to look forward to finding them on the internet as soon as I got home.

Listening to their music for the first time, I remember thinking that this is a band that is perfect for outdoor music festivals. After reading about them, I learned that they were in fact “noticed by the western world” because of their performance at a music festival. The festival was the Festival in the Desert (Festival au Desert) held in Tin-Essako, Mali, a remote region of the Sahara Desert in 2001.

Since then they’ve continued to play festivals around the world with many more scheduled for 2007, including their recent appearance at the Glastonbury Music Festival which I was fortunate to have watched. I also caught their performance last month on Later with Jools Holland, as I pointed at the TV yelling to Dave, “There’s that band I was talking about!” Santana has played with them and they’ll be supporting the Rolling Stones on August 18th 2007 at Slane Castle in Dublin, Ireland.

As I naively romanticize of the Sahara, camels and Tinariwen, the actual reality is that before their music was introduced to the west, members of Tinariwen were soldier-musicians in Libya, living a difficult life, dreaming of the modern world and the freedom that comes along with it. They come from the Sahara desert and although they struggled, they are proud of their identity. Their ancient and contemporary cultures of the nomad and Touareg people are very important to them.

The lyrics in Tinariwen’s songs are French and Tamashek and their sound is guitar based with elements of rock, American blues and the traditional African sounds of the Niger bend.

There is a lot to learn about this band and their music.

Watch Tinariwen Aman Iman: Water is Life documentary video:

Tinariwen 2007 music festivals and tour dates:

*Dates could be added or changed! Go to Tinariwen’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

June 25 2007 Exeter Festival Exeter
June 29 2007 Festival Mediterraneo Loule
June 30 2007 Open Air Festival St. Gallen
July 1 2007 Furia Festival Cergy Pontoise
July 2 2007 Festival Les Nuits de Gignac Gignac
July 4 2007 Festival Les Hauts de Garonne Bassens
July 5 2007 Africa Festival Lisbon
July 6 2007 Evora Festival Evora
July 7 2007 Festival Mar de Musica Cartagena
July 9 2007 Piazza Della Republica Monfalcone
July 10 2007 Villa Arconati Milan
July 11 2007 Fiera Cagliari
July 13 2007 Latitude Festival Southwold
July 14 2007 Nuke Festival St Polten
July 15 2007 Teatro Greco (w/ Robert Plant) Taormina, Sicily
July 16 2007 Festival Sotto Le Stelle Ferrara
July 17 2007 Villa Ada Rome
July 19 2007 Italia Wave Festival Firenze
July 22 2007 Lovebox Festival London
July 23 2007 Festival de Radio France Montpellier
July 24 2007 Festival de Radio France Montpellier
July 25 2007 Festival de Radio France Montpellier
July 26 2007 Festival de Neoule Neoule
July 28 2007 Paleo Festival Nyon
July 29 2007 WOMAD Festival Charlton Park
August 1 2007 Pilldamms Park Malmo
August 2 2007 Savoy Theatre Helsinki
August 3 2007 Berns Stockholm
August 4 2007 Urkult Festival Urkult
August 5 2007 Tragarn Gothenburg
August 7 2007 Voxhall Arhus
August 8 2007 Oya Festival Oslo
August 9 2007 Sziget Festival Budapest
August 10 2007 Festival Les Nuits Secretes Aulnoyes-Aymeries
August 11 2007 Le Festival Du Bout Du Monde Crozon
August 14 2007 Festival Musique De La Rue Luxey
August 18 2007 Slane Castle (supporting Rolling Stones) Dublin
October 12 2007 Shibuya AX Tokyo
December 7 2007 L’Olympia Paris
December 9 2007 The Olympia Dublin
December 12 2007 Shepherd’s Bush Empire London
December 13 2007 Rohstofflager Zurich
December 14 2007 Kesselhaus Berlin
December 15 2007 Gloria Cologne
December 16 2007 WUK Vienna

More information: Official Tinariwen Website
Tinariwen on Myspace

By: Jenny May - Band Weblogs

Where have you heard Jay?

Episodes of American Idol including Kenny Rogers, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Pickler and Martina McBride, this years TV Land Awards, notable motion picture soundtracks such as Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Six Days and Seven Nights, and Team America as well as national commercials including McDonalds and Mercedes Benz. Jay has also recorded or performed with Gladys Knight, Roy Orbison, John Denver and Patti Labelle.

As a solo artist, Jay has performed hundreds of concerts at churches and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Chances are you’ve already heard Jay Leach. He was Barry Manilow’s guitarist in the late 70s and has done studio work that includes Matlock, Jake and the Fatman, Denny’s ads, the film Urban Cowboy, Black Angus ads, the film Down ond Out in Beverly Hills, Budweiser ads, and a whole lot more.” - L.A. Jazz Scene

For more information please visit Jay Leach Official Website

Patrick Yandall has performed live or in the studio with such artists as Randy Brecker, Carl Evans Jr. (Fattburger), Tommy Emmanuel, Ready Freddie Washington, and was offered the guitar seat for Kieko Matsui. He has been acknowledged several times during his career with Jazz Times, JAZZIZ Magazine, Smooth & Soul, Smooth Jazz News, City Beat, San Diego Reader, and many smooth jazz internet publications.

Yandall quickly learned to let his music do all the talking while growing up in a military family that was constantly changing. Playing the trumpet provided an outlet for the young musician, and the loneliness associated living with a traveling family subsided. The advent of a football accident would lead Yandall to the guitar. A three-month hospital stay and a sympathetic father, who loved jazz, would encourage Yandall to pick up a guitar book. It did not take long for his life-long obsession with the six-string to develop and as the saying goes-the rest is history.

“Deception Point” showcases the Yandall expertise with the guitar and the classic Curtis Mayfield track “People Get Ready” takes on a new meaning without words. Yandall personifies the magic of instrumental music on every occasion on the recording.

New York Blues has a good mixture of vocal tracks and instrumentals; it is the kind of blues, rock, and jazz that offers everything for the demanding listener. The CD features the essential rudiments of jazz and rock, providing plenty of emotion and motivation for the performer and the listener. Yandall does what he does best, play some amazing guitar licks and produce a fitting tribute to the blues.

Stop by Patrick Yandall’s home on the internet to learn more about other releases, downloads, performance dates and more. New York Blues is available on Patrick’s site and at CD Baby and Amazon.com.

Contact: Patrick Yandall
Company: Zangi Records
Address: 11377 Swan Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92131
Tel: 619-507-3753
Email
Website

PR Created and Distributed By MuzikReviews.com

Jazz and blues are kissin’ cousins and nobody knows that better than Yandall, in fact he does a great job of combining both genres at times during the run of this CD.

Although I am not accustomed to hearing any vocals on a Yandall release, I found it to be a refreshing switch of the gears and he did not disappoint, offering a bevy of fine instrumental cuts as usual.

“People Get Ready” the Curtis Mayfield classic, came as a pleasant surprise, probably because I have never heard an entirely instrumental version of it. Yandall plays it beautifully and I found myself singing the words anyway so my hat is off to him for pulling that off in such a convincing fashion. I have noticed over the last several months that guitar virtuosos that lean towards playing all instrumental recordings are playing a lot of Jeff Beck material from the groundbreaking albums Blow By Blow and Wired. Both albums were light-years ahead of their time and proof that what Beck did still leaves people with their jaw dropping to floor, particularly musicians with a penchant for jazz-rock-fusion.

Yandall pulls out all the stops on “Cause We Ended As Lovers,” and strangely enough I find myself listening to the original version as I write this now. Music provides passionate inspiration and a great album like New York Blues had me reaching into my archives for more music of the same, not to mention having the desire to hear this album repeatedly. Another barn burner is an Allman Brothers favorite “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” one of the best sessions Dicky Betts ever produced. Again, Yandall does it justice.

I think the one track that really shows off his chops is “Deception Point.” It runs just shy of five minutes, but every second of it is a crescendo of instruments assaulting your senses, albeit in very pleasing way. Yandall peels of some licks that are amazing on this track; he plays with style and grace and rocks the house all at the same time. Not an easy task for any player worth their salt. My favorite out of the entire lot is the mellow front porch toe tapping acoustic blues of “So Low.” That one really grabbed me because of its clean playing and live feel. You can hear Patrick’s fingers squeaking up and down the fret board.

This recording has a good mixture of vocal tracks and instrumentals; it is the kind of blues, rock, and jazz that offers it all for the listener. This is primarily blues however the rudiments of jazz and rock cannot be understated here, they provide plenty of juice for Mr. Yandall to do his thing, and does he ever do it well.

Artist: Patrick Yandall
Title: New York Blues
Genre: Blues-Rock
Label: Zangi Records
Website
New York Blues

Tracks:
01. Wrap It Up (3:43)
02. New York Blues (4:23)
03. Blues For Buddy (4:36)
04. So Low (3:32)
05. People Get Ready (4:23)
06. Fire In The Hole (3:59)
07. The Blue Room (5:24)
08. There’s Blues In This House (4:05)
09. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (4:41)
10. Shakeys Blues (4:20)
11. Deception Point (4:58)
12. Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers (4:25)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

An album filled with memorable melodies and impeccable technique, his successful debut release, Long Time Coming, received outstanding reviews from critics across the nation and opened many doors for the young and rising star. Harvey Cline of Smooth Views said, “It is understandable to see why he has won so many guitar competitions…I’d suggest you find a copy soon.”

This self-produced debut caught the attention of producer greats Jeff Lorber and Paul Brown. Lorber and Brown would go on to produce his sophomore release, Stay A While out May 1, 2007. Other producers on the album include Darren Rahn (Wayman Tisdale, Jonathan Butler) and Mario Mendivil (Nelson Rangell). With the likes of Jeffrey Osborne, Euge Groove and Michael Lington on his release, Soto is in star-studded company and sure to catch the attention of Smooth Jazz fans everywhere.

Jay Soto recently signed with the smooth jazz label, nuGroove (Michael Lington and Down To The Bone). With all these factors favoring Soto, it won’t be long before his music and his guitar reach the ears of thousands of awaiting fans.

Jay Soto Official Website
Jay Soto on Myspace