westcoastmusic

MARAGOLD...a band that started as an idea and grew into a long awaited reality.

Renowned guitarist Greg Howe, widely known for his rock / fusion instrumental recordings, had been considering doing an album featuring vocal-driven songs for quite a while. Long time friend, bassist Kevin Vecchione, had played on Greg's "Five" album, as well as having toured with Greg previously.Through the years, over the course of their enduring friendship, Greg and Kevin had been discussing and mulling over the idea of being in a band together... They finally decided to stop talking and start acting, and the seeds of the band "Maragold" were sown. Drummer Gianluca Palmieri, who had also toured with Greg, and played on his recent album "Sound Proof", was recruited to complete their dynamic rhythm section.



All they needed was "the voice"... 



Originally, the band started working with a male singer, but due to other musical endeavors, he was unable to continue with the project. In the meantime, Kevin had discovered an amazing vocal talent while performing in the Tri-State area club circuit, and suggested the female singer as a replacement. Greg was initially hesitant, as the songs they had lined up were centered around a male vocalist.

However... 
Kevin had Greg listen to some demos he had done with the new singer, Meghan Krauss. Greg enthusiastically agreed that she had "the voice", but Meghan's presence, personality, image, and especially her ability to inject herself into a song, truly made her the "total package" that they wanted in a vocalist. Meghan agreed to take on the duties as lead singer; Greg and Kevin immediately went to work writing songs befitting her vocal style. 



The results are the ten amazing songs on the debut self-titled album, "MARAGOLD". Combining exemplary musicianship and powerhouse vocals with provocative songwriting, the album represents a daring new direction for Greg Howe, which is sure to be an exciting experience for his fans, old and new.

Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams & Peter Friestedt "Live in Concert"

TOTO singer Joseph Williams and Bill Champlin formerly of the band Chicago joins forces with renowned guitarist and songwriter Peter Friestedt. Together they did a European Tour in 2012 with an all star band featuring Bill’s wife Tamara Champlin and Herman Matthews – known for his work with Tower Of Power and Kenny Loggins. The tour was a huge success with sold out venues and great reviews.

One of the concerts was filmed and recorded, and here we have the magic captured on stage.

Bill Champlin is a two time Grammy award winning Artist that is well known for his 28 years with the group Chicago. Bill has appeared on countless of records and is also a founding member of the group Sons Of Champlin. Bill has sung on many major hit songs such as the #1 Billboard song “Look Away”

Joseph Williams is the lead singer of Toto. He is featured on the hit albums "Fahrenheit" (1986) and "The Seventh One" (1988). He has also written extensively for films and been A session singer. He can also be heard on the blockbuster soundtrack to Disney's "The Lion King" where he is the singing voice of the adult Simba with songs like "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight".

Guitarist, composer, producer and major-label artist Peter Friestedt has released two own acclaimed albums "LA Project" (2002) and "LA Project II"(2008). The album received top reviews and was called 'best Westcoast records in years. "Peter has recently toured with Chicago singer Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams and Artist Michael Ruff. In 2011 Peter and Joseph Williams released the Top charting and criticly acclaimed album Williams/Friestedt

Setlist of the cd/dvd: Goin Home, Take It Uptown
, Hard Habit To Break
, Where To Touch You
, When You Look In My Eyes, After The Love Is Gone, Turn Your Love Around
, Look Away, This Fall
, Satisfaction
.

State Cows "The Second One"

State Cows returns with "The Second One". Like their previous cd, the band led by Stephan Olofsson & Daniel Andersson, offer 10 news songs well written and played in an 80's flavored "westcoast" sound.

If you liked the first record, you will love this one remembering bands such as Steely Dan, Pages, Nielson Pierson with the incredible participation of guests Bill Champlin, Peter Friestedt, Jay Graydon, Lars-Erik Dahle and many more.

"The Second One" will be released on 24th of May.

Geyster "Down On Broadway"

Gaël Benyamin is Geyster's songwriter, producer and lead singer, and he's back with twelve timeless new songs. Strongly influenced by Steely Dan and Paul McCartney, Gaël has recorded the album he had always wanted to buy…

With a subte & sensual mixture of British pop and a sweet Californian vibe truthful to the Geyster sound, "Down On Broadway" offers its own blend of many different 70's Rock flavors mixed into a powerful modern sound and a unique style. After being a "frenchtouch" icon in the years 2000, today Geyster has become a traditional pop-rock songwriter, and he will soon be on stage to play his new songs.

John Elefante "On My Way To The Sun"

Singer/songwriter and producer extraordinaire John Elefante begin his musical career in 1981. After lead singer Steve Walsh left the rock group Kansas, Elefante auditioned for the spot and was chosen. In addition to landing the job, he saw all four of his demo tape songs make the band's next album. During his four years with the group, Elefante recorded two albums, Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures, and spent three years touring.

In his years since Kansas, Elefante and his brother, Dino, have produced numerous albums. Their production credits include artists such as Petra, Greg Long, and Scott Fairclough. Along with wearing the hat of producer, John Elefante has written numerous songs and recorded three solo albums: Windows of Heaven, Corridors, and Defying Gravity and three albums under the name "Mastodon".

His long awaited new cd will be released tomorow and listening to the samples on Itune, let me say it's an awesome cd from one of the best singer of the Christian Rock scene!

 

Amy Grant "How Mercy Looks From Here"

As a teenager nearly 30 years ago, Amy Grant began embracing fans with a heartfelt singer-songwriter style mixing elements of pop, folk and country. As Contemporary Christian music's first major crossover success, she has earned three multiplatinum albums, six other platinum albums and four more gold albums. She's scored 10 Top 40 pop singles and 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks as well as a string of Contemporary Christian chart-toppers while winning six Grammy Awards and numerous Dove Awards.

With fans clamoring for new music, Amy worked closely with highly acclaimed producer, Marshall Altman (Brooke Frasier, Natasha Beddingfield, Matt Nathanson) and is set to release her first studio album in over 10 years featuring guests Vince Gill, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Eric Paislay, Will Hoge and Carole King.

Phil Perry "Say Yes"

A great vocalist has a way of inhabiting a song, living it and making it their own. It takes especially great powers of interpretation for a singer to take a song definitively recorded by a legendary artist and give it new life with a fresh interpretation. Phil Perry takes on the ultimate challenge with the opening track of his new album, the indelible "You Send Me," recorded in classic style by the peerless Sam Cooke, whose own unique phrasing style actually shapes the melody of the tune, which he wrote. Yet Phil Perry transforms the song while still retaining its essence, opening in "old school" style and then transmuting it into contemporary soul music. Few singers around today could have done it but those who have experienced the magic of Phil Perry's talent will not be surprised.



On March 12, 2013, Shanachie Entertainment released SAY YES, Phil Perry's latest-and quite possibly, greatest-album. With special guests Chanté Moore and Najee, Phil delivers a splendid mix of originals and notable covers in a style befitting the man James Ingram who calls Perry "the most powerful singer I have ever heard."

Read more at jazzcorner.com

The Music Of Nashville vol. 2

2013 release, the second volume of songs featured in the first season of the hit TV series Nashville. The series stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, a legendary country music superstar, whose stardom begins fading, and Hayden Panettiere as rising teen star Juliette Barnes. In the series, Rayna James is the established "Queen of Country" music. However, her latest album is not selling well and her tour is playing to half empty venues. Her record label suggests that she open for Juliette Barnes, the young and sexy best selling singer of bubble gum country. However, Juliette, seeing Rayna as washed up, purposefully alienates her and Rayna, who dislikes Juliette's style of music, rejects a joint tour out of hand. The two women come into conflict as both try to get guitarist Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten), Rayna's bandmate and former lover, to sign onto their tour. The soundtrack features performances from the two starts as well as Charles Esten, Sam Palladio and others.

 

Larry Carlton & Robben Ford "Unplugged"

The New Morning club in Paris presents the incredible – and long awaited – pairing of two guitar giants for their first Unplugged show. Imagine: Larry Carlton and Special Guest Robben Ford, two legendary guitarists… one stage unplugged… a guitar lover’s dream!

This unique pairing of two all-time great guitar legends delivers an unforgettable evening of dueling guitar solos and an uncompromising evening of The Blues performed the way it was meant to be. Nineteen-time GRAMMY NOMINEE, four-time GRAMMY WINNER and all-time guitar great, Larry Carlton established himself from his first recording, A Little Help From My Friends. His studio credits include musicians and groups like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr., Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Bobby Bland, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and literally dozens of others. He went on to perform with the Crusaders and then with the multi platinum jazz super group Fourplay. With more than 30 albums to his credit and having performed on over 100 albums that have gone Gold or Platinum, Larry Carlton has set a standard for artistry that spans three decades.

Joining forces with Larry in Paris is Robben Ford who at 18 he was playing with the likes of Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Witherspoon, the L.A. Express with Tom Scott, George Harrison, and Joni Mitchell. He was a founding member of the Yellowjackets, then went on to tour with Miles Davis, Sadao Watanabe, and Little Feat. In 1992 he returned to his roots: the blues – a genre he masters in most exquisite grand style.

Bob James & David Sanborn "Quartette Humaine"

Quartette Humaine is the first creative collaboration between keyboardist-composer Bob James and alto saxophonist David Sanborn since their million-selling, Grammy-winning album, Double Vision, twenty-five years ago. With Quartette Humaine, James and Sanborn eschew the pop and R&B production values that mark large chunks of their careers and offer instead an all-acoustic quartet recital consisting of six new compositions by James, three pieces by Sanborn and a James-arranged standard.

Joined by legendary drummer Steve Gadd and bass giant James Genus, Quartette Humaine is reflective and swinging with unfailingly melodic improvising and beautiful tonalities. "We felt it's far more exciting and adventurous to move forward," James says. "Times have changed and we have changed." Adds Sanborn, "At this stage of my life, I wanted more than anything to play music that's challenging and fun, outside the style we've been associated with." It's a poignant coincidence that the recording sessions occurred a week after the death of iconic pianist-composer Dave Brubeck, and the album evokes the sound of the Brubeck quartet with Paul Desmond. Bob James and David Sanborn have produced another masterpiece.

Ed Motta "AOR"

Pure Westcoast Music from Brazil comes from latest cd by Ed Motta, "AOR".

Motta has worked with Roy Ayers, 4 Hero, Seu Jorge, Incognito, Bo Diddley and Ryuichi Sakamoto amongst others.

Ed tells: "Maybe it’s because ever since my adolescence, I’ve always been a keen record collector. So recording is the apex of my career, the moment I most look forward to, the great reason for making music.

What is AOR? A north-American expression invented by radio stations in the 70’s -“Album Oriented Rock” and also “Adult Oriented Rock”. The term AOR has several meanings and aesthetic representations: records of different kinds of music like funk, soul, Brazilian, Argentine, French, Italian, reggae music, etc, can be described as AOR. Earth Wind & Fire is one of the best examples. A legendary soul/funk band that has been called AOR because of its extremely precise production standard.

One of the AOR offshoots is the Westcoast sound, California music, from the Beach Boys (actually, sunshine pop) to the great production Midas, David Foster. Pop music at its best as far as technical quality is concerned, both musically and sonically speaking. Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Pages, Chicago, Toto, Christopher Cross, Player, Hall & Oates, Boz Scaggs, etc, etc. Thousands of artists escorted by a whole cult following of sites, parties, new bands and artists dedicated to this universe. Naturally, all the AOR hits and rarities are available on YouTube.

This has been one of the most intricate records I’ve ever made. The mixing rate, for instance, was of one week per song. On most records, especially in Brazil, one day is set aside for each song. I used to work with two, three days. One of the greatest talents that I’ve ever encountered in sound engineering, MarioLeo, was the technician in charge. A shining sound is what you want in AOR culture, just like an extremely low bass is in a reggae recording. In the world of pop music, politeness is wrongly taken for coldness, mannerism. In AOR, technical perfection is a virtue, as in jazz and classical music.

I am very lucky to have had great musicians by my side, each one’s signature and accent is indispensable so that my arrangements can take on the life and shape I imagine for them. All of them are outstanding musicians, with personality and their own sound and style. And I got lucky: Chico Pinheiro, Bluey, leader of Incognito, as well as legendary guitarist David T.Walker, who has recorded just about everything and a little more of North-American music from the 70’s to the present day.

Before listening to this record, the modus vivendi and the AOR imaginary would put on a Hawaiian shirt à la Magnum PI, slip on a pair of loafers with no socks like in Miami Vice, get inside a convertible car and drive by coconut trees at sunset. Drive through Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, Miami, Hawaii. Aloha!

Lonestar "Life As We Know It"

Multi-platinum and award-winning country quartet LONESTAR has announced that their new album, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, will be released Tuesday, June 4 via the band’s own 4 Star Records, in partnership with The Orchard.  LIFE AS WE KNOW IT marks the first full-length album release for LONESTAR in over three years and the first since the much-anticipated return of revered original vocalist RICHIE McDONALD.

The album’s second single “Maybe Someday” is currently spinning nationwide at country radio. Recently shot inNashville, the “Maybe Someday” video features the return of Sunny Mabrey (“Mad Men,” “Desperate Housewives,” “CSI: Miami”), the actress from the video for their massive hit “Amazed”.

Known both for their strong country roots as well as their multi-genre crossover appeal that’s led to a history of success on the pop/rock charts, multi-platinum-selling LONESTAR has only their own career records to break. The band has RIAA-certified sales in excess of 10 million album units since their national launch in 1995. According to Billboard, "Lonestar's chart history boasts 18 Top 10 songs, which includes three Top 5 peaks, and nine No. 1's."

2012 also marked a big year personally and professionally for LONESTAR--MICHAEL BRITT, lead guitar & backing vocals; RICHIE McDONALD, lead vocals & piano; KEECH RAINWATER, drums; and DEAN SAMS, keyboards and backing vocals--as they celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band and the return of McDONALD.

McDONALD is excited to be back with his friends and the upcoming release of LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, recently telling Digitaljournal.com they had full control of the album:  “I think what’s different about this one is that we got to produce it, so we had a little more creative control.  We actually wrote nine of the twelve songs, so we really feel--for the first time in our careers--that this is really us more than ever.”  As for re-joining the group, McDONALD says, “It’s been awesome.  When we got back together, we all said that were gonna enjoy this time and I think in years past we kind of took it for granted and didn’t really enjoy the moment.  For us, we feel like there’s no pressure.  We just want to enjoy making music, enjoy being together, enjoy playing, performing live and entertaining our fans…and that’s really what it’s all about for us.”

Amy Sky "Alive & Awake"

ALIVE AND AWAKE is Amy Sky first CD of all-new material since 2001. It’s a gorgeous and inspiring collection of 16 new songs. The CD is part of a project that also includes a newsletter, website  and performances both sung and spoken, all connected to Amy’s remarkable life and career, and her work as an advocate and activist for mental health.

ALIVE AND AWAKE is a beautiful and cohesive collection of songs, chosen to reflect Amy’s belief that “art can be tremendously healing,” And although her songs have always reflected an artist whose lyrics have come from a deep place of observing the human condition, the focus for this CD coalesced around her work as a mental health advocate; in particular, the area of mood disorders and self-care.

Believing “that secrets only have power when they are secret,” in 2006 Amy went public with her own struggles with depression and postpartum psychosis, a severe form of postpartum depression. That same year, she agreed to become one of the faces of the Transforming Lives Public Awareness campaign sponsored by the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, a decision that would prove to be transformative and pivotal for her.

As part of the campaign, giant posters of Amy were installed in bus shelters around Toronto. As Amy was absorbing the impact that her public revelation was having on her own life, a story came to her from a friend that would help cement her feelings about where she wanted to go with her career as a songwriter and performer. The friend told Amy about a woman who had been suffering from postpartum depression. As a result, her husband walked out, ending the marriage. The woman had reached such a point of despair that she had decided to take her own life. That dark day she saw Amy’s poster, and instead of harming herself, she reached out to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto and found the help she needed.

That story crystallized things for Amy. “I realized that I had a choice. I’ve been blessed with a burden. If I can choose between doing music that just gets applause, or music  that saves lives, for me there’s no contest.”

From an outsider’s perspective, it seems like a natural evolution for this therapist’s daughter. Friends and colleagues can tell you that even before her own struggles with mood disorders, Amy was a nonjudgmental and deeply compassionate friend, with a canny insight into their issues. Millions of people struggle with mental health issues, but the stigma prevents them from talking about it, or from seeking help. But no one who knows her was surprised that Amy had the courage to go public and speak openly about her own story.

The campaign had an unexpected effect. Since speaking out about her experience with mood disorders, Amy had developed parallel careers: She was suddenly not just a successful singer and a go-to songwriter/arranger/producer and actor, but now people were seeking her out to speak on issues of mental health.

For years, Amy had been writing and performing material that always seemed to dig deeper than most of the standard pop fare. Songs like “I Will Take Care of You,” or her musical interpretation of Dr. Maya Angelou’s powerful poem “Phenomenal Woman,” leapt off her CDs and became hits. People would tell her that when these songs came on the radio, they would have to stop doing what they were doing. Amy was staggered by the number of people who approached her to say that they had to pull their cars off the road, because the songs touched them so deeply that they would weep when they heard them. And so while she was building a fan base through the usual channels of radio and video airplay on multiple formats — pop, rock, country – she was also building a loyal fan base of people who would write letters or come to shows and tell her how her music inspired them, or pulled them through a difficult time and uplifted them.

READ MORE...

 

 

History Of The Eagles on DVD/Blu-ray

History of the Eagles, the iconic band's acclaimed documentary, is now available on DVD, Blu-Ray and as a limited edition super deluxe box set. This exceptional three-disc set includes History of the Eagles Part One and History of the Eagles Part Two, as well as Eagles Live At The Capital Centre - March 1977, featuring never-before-released performances from the Eagles’ two-night stand at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Center during the legendary Hotel California tour.

Poco "All Fired Up"

Brand new music from the Country Rock Pioneers Poco featuring their trademark blazing instrumentals and soaring harmonies is finally here and it's called "All Fired Up".

Susan James "Driving Toward The Sun"

Susan James earned high praise for her 2011 release, “Highways Ghosts Hearts & Home” of which Ryan Adams, tweeted about her “great songs” and killer band. Now in 2013 Susan James returns with the lushly written and well produced "Driving Toward The Sun". Although Susan has many musical influences, DJ's familiar with the music of everyone from Lucinda Williams to Byrds, Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Eagles and even Fairport Convention will hear echoes of their legacy laced throughout James' music, which sparkles with her compelling lyrics, vocals and overall sound.



Teaming up with Ryan Ulyate, producer for Tom Petty and George Harrison among others, Ulyate is just one of the many talented people who James attracts to her projects. “When Ryan and I began, we talked about how it should be as acoustic as possible, but still have a big sound. Our aim was to get the acoustic guitar to really rock like the guitars in the Rolling Stones 'Street Fighting Man', for instance… We named the sound we were attempting 'The Wall Of Intimacy’. And every song had to have it in a way, no matter how big or small the song was. I think we achieved it, and I'm proud to share it with everyone now.”



From the transitional feeling of 'Driving Toward The Sun' to the intensity of 'U-Haul In The Driveway', and 'House Of Love', listeners will be able to visualize these snapshots of a longterm relationship that has completely fallen apart. 'Anniversary' and 'Tule Fog' and 'Mission Bells' are more stripped down acoustic tracks, where listeners will sense a glimmer of hope in some of the toughest times.

James has been described by The Los Angeles Times as a “a master at exploring the emotional and sonic possibilities”, and Blurt Magazine noted, “excellent songwriting and an eye for musical details”. On "Driving Towards The Sun", she affirms the praise with insightful and big-picture stories. An adept and seasoned performer, Susan opened for both Lindsey Buckingham and Bob Weir throughout their respective six-week national tours and also supported acts from Richard Thompson, Son Volt, Rufus Wainright to Daniel Lanois just to name a few. She is currently booking tours for 2013.

Tom Kell & Emiko Woods "Glory Bound"

Music industry veteran singer-songwriter Tom Kell ('Lonely Town', 'One Sad Night', 'Angeltown', 'Complicated Luck', 'This Desert City') delivers a fresh and deeply spiritual album with a widely embraced sound. Written and performed as a collaboration with newcomer Emiko Woods, the result is like an old wine of masterful, memorable melodies captured in new wine skins of contemporary, emotional, harmonic textures.

Among the throngs of fans who have enjoyed this drink, include the famed Ben Harper, JD Souther and Karla Bonoff. Comparisons with the Civil Wars, Buddy & Julie Miller and Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell lend credibility to a style and sound that legitimately stands on its own.



"Glory Bound" is full of the kind of americana gospel music that is rare these days. Smart and rootsy, it moves your soul and lightens your spirit. Produced in a small church studio in Long Beach California, it feels as big as the heavens above, and yet stays true to the pure and simple sounds of a classic genre. Musical contributions include industry legend Bob Glaub (Jackson Browne, John Fogerty) and contemporary master composer and instrumentalist TJ Hill (Future of Forestry).



How it came to be that a seasoned storyteller (who has recorded with such legends as JD Souther, Timothy B Schmit, Valerie Carter, Karla Bonoff and Kenny Edwards) partnered with a bright young unknown singer, is as simple as the longtime friendships they share with each other’s families and their common love of Americana music. What was inevitable soon followed.



After co-writing for several months and beginning to share their songs in churches and local venues, their music found resonance in the hearts of its listeners; but more importantly solidified an undeniable chemistry as musical partners. In 2011, Tom and Emiko began to perform regularly at the First Baptist Church of Lakewood, Tom's home church. With the very first musical offering, the congregation fell in love with Tom and Emiko; and soon after, an invitation was extended to record an album with the church acting as label. A year later, "Glory Bound" was realized.

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at HEMIFRAN

Jude Johnstone "Shatter"

Jude Johnstone is one of the most respected and acclaimed songwriters of her generation. Johnstone’s lyrical depth and memorable melodies have attracted an impressive list of recording legends that have covered her songs including Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Jennifer Warnes, and Clarence Clemmons. Music supervisors have begun to spotlight Johnstone as well, with television shows Lifetime’s “Army Wives”, Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie” and Fox’s “Lie To Me” using her songs in emotional scenes and ending credits.



"Shatter" is Johnstone’s 6th release on BoJak, returning her to the early roots of her music around the time “Big Man” Clarence Clemmons discovered her. "Shatter" brings her closer to the gospel, blues and reggae tracks found on her early demos when she first arrived in Los Angeles. "Shatter" features two songs from those days, “Free Man”, and "When Does Love Get Easier”, with soaring background vocals by Maxayn Lewis.



Johnstone states “'Shatter', is about reclaiming your power by giving it up and looking deep at your shortcomings, while finding the courage to change. The old self shatters in order to find a better self”.



“Touchdown Jesus” was inspired when she visited Dr John in New Orleans. When explaining directions to his home, Dr John told Jude, “When you get to the statue of Touchdown Jesus take a left”. Johnstone could not pass up that imagery and wrote “Touchdown Jesus,” which simmers with a sultry New Orleans attitude. “The Underground Man” is reminiscent of a Tom Waits’ tune with evocative lyrics and phrasing.



Title track, “Shatter”, is a gospel prayer, of sorts, which makes use of a New Orleans style brass ensemble and the heartfelt vocals of Johnstone, and the incomparable Maxayn Lewis. It is powerful, poignant and thought provoking and a true indicator of the depth of wisdom and creativity from which Jude works.



"Shatter" is Johnstone’s most diverse collection so far, spanning several musical genres, delving honestly, and even eerily at times (i.e. Tom Waits, Randy Newman) into a world of experiences that have led her characters down a darkened path only to emerge from it, ultimately.

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at HEMIFRAN

Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams & Peter Friestedt "Live in Concert"

On 17th of May will be released a the long awaited dvd/cd "Live In Concert" featuring Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams and Peter Friestedt. The dvd captures the best of these incredibles musicians on stage, performing songs from Peter's two "L.A. project" cds, Bill & Joe's songs from their solo careers. Bill, Joe and Peter will also release a new cd of brand new material later this year. Stay tuned!

Setlist of the dvd: Goin Home, Take It Uptown
, Hard Habit To Break
, Where To Touch You
, When You Look In My Eyes, After The Love Is Gone, Turn Your Love Around
, Look Away, This Fall
, Satisfaction
.

Native Son "Son Talk"

Native SON is John RobinSON, Michael ThompSON, Bobby WatSON, and Mo Pleasure . RobisSON has become the most recorded drummer in history. ThompSON received the “Distinguished Alumni” award from The Berklee College of Music commemorating his guitar contributions to the music industry. WatSON has earned a reputation over the past decade as one of the finest bass players in todays music landscape. Pleasure, renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, has also backed some of the most accomplished talents in Jazz and R&B including George Duke, Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Jonathan Butler, and Michael McDonald. Together, Native SON has formed one of the most stellar, creative, and high energy bands on the planet!

Lars-Erik Dahle "Step Into The Water"

Lars-Erik Dahle may not be a familiar name to most people, but to TV viewers in Scandinavia, the sound of his Fender Bass is. Having served as house band on more than 150 TV shows, including Norwegian hit shows Allsang på Grensen and Torsdag Kveld Fra Nydalen, the past few years have seen Hans Orkester, of which he's a founding member, becoming one of Norway's most trusted TV and backing bands.

His other main gig is in Norwegian funk sensation Ole Børud's band. They've played together for 11 years, and Lars-Erik's deep bass grooves are an integral part of Børud's live performance, as well as his two most recent records, the critically acclaimed "Shakin' The Ground" and "Keep Movin'".

It's no surprise, then, that Dahle's debut album features appearances from Ole Børud himself and members of Hans Orkester. What is surprising, though, is that there's not a single bass note on the entire album. "I wanted to make a statement," he says. "My singing and songwriting is not something I get to showcase in my daily life as a session bass player, so for my debut album, I wanted to put the focus squarely on those two things." In fact, Lars-Erik's first entry into the Norwegian music industry was as a studio backup singer for Norwegian artists such as Return, Hanne Krogh and Åge Aleksandersen. "I also sang on demos for songwriters, all while writing my own songs on the side," he explains, "but before I could get my own material out there in any meaningful fashion, I started getting bass gigs, and suddenly I was making my living as a bass player, which I didn't mind at all."

"Step Into The Water", as the title suggests, sees Dahle stepping out into uncharted territory. Based on an eight-hour recording session with childhood friend and Ole Børud bandmate Frode Mangen, the album sounds honest and stripped-down. "There's no place to hide when there's just you and a grand piano," he muses. "The songs have to be good, and the singing has to match. It's a scary thing, but Frode's amazing piano performances carried me through."

Of course, it doesn't hurt having great players like James Taylor's organist Larry Goldings and Swedish jazz singer Viktoria Tolstoy contribute to the sound, and getting Michael Ruff on board as a pianist for one track was a major get. "I've always loved 'Seeing For The Very First Time', and after getting to tour with Michael for a brief spell last summer, I wanted to have that song on my album with his piano playing. Luckily, Michael said yes," Dahle explains.

Three of the songs on the albums are originals, and the covers that make up the rest of the set were carefully selected from Dahle's favorite songs and songwriters. The result is a deeply personal album that's easy to listen to, but hard to put down. It's the perfect soundtrack to a rainy late night or a lazy morning in bed.

"Step Into The Water" is available now at www.larserikdahle.com

 

Peppy Castro "Just Beginning"

Who knew? Back in the day music insiders referred to Peppy Castro, as the Prince of MacDougal Street. Barely through his teens, Castro was easily a vital psycho-delectic key to the entire NYC / Scene as one of the founding fathers of the legendary Blues Magoos rock group. I was Bit rabid by music and in the NYC hot-bed us kids needed local pop paladins to emulate and honorate. And with Peppy's first hit record “We Ain’t Got Nothing Yet” we had our heroes with The Blues Magoos. Peppy was point for me on that agenda by virtue of talent, persona and an easily experienced musical pledge to please us fans with his dedication to our beat-cause.

And…he continued over the years to come through with a sound pulse shocking in range, be it the pop culture side with a principal role in the Broadway show “Hair” (and his personal musical theater efforts a la “Zen Boogie”) on through and to the mainstay rock and role sounds of Barnaby Bye, Balance and Wiggy Bits all the while beefing his songwriting strengths with great artists such as Kiss, Diana Ross and Cher and many others recording his songs.

This latest from Pep comes with 12 new songs AND there’s no need for further annotation or exclamation from me because those songs are presented with 12 additional tracks featuring musical snips from the new songs, all completely introduced and described personally by … Peppy. You get track details, players involved, inspiration for the lyrics (some highly personal sentiments here for sure) AND the music, background anecdotes and basically Peppy being the artist and person that deservedly got himself dubbed as that Prince of MacDougal back in the day.

To my ears no one has ever gone here before. I’ve lived with the songs and the added sound-notes for a few wonderful weeks as I write this and my best stab at the concept would be “I tunes” as one of pop music’s most fan-sensitive songsters finds a new way to reach out to his audience. If anyone was ever going to take this step of confidence and confluence you almost know it would have to be Peppy Castro.

James J. Spina, Spinaddict

Robbie Wyckoff "Steppin Out"

Robbie is a highly sought-after Los Angeles based session vocalist and recording artist whose voice can be heard on numerous films, television shows, hit records and national jingles. Robbie has recorded and performed with an inimitable group of artists such as: Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, Clint Black, Sheena Easton, Rick Springfield, Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), Michael McDonald, Jackson Browne and Greg Rolie (Journey, Santana.)

A native of Michigan, Robbie’s passion for music led him to Los Angeles in the early 80’s, where his reputation steadily grew. Ranging from Rock & Roll, Country, Soul and R&B to Pop, Jazz and classic Big Band, Robbie has earned the reputation of a vocal chameleon.

Robbie recorded a few years back "Lose Control", a collection of edgy, groovy Pop Rock songs that showcase his gritty, soulful side and features tunes by Grammy nominated producer Marco Marinangeli and an array of talented songwriters such as Oscar nominated Michael Becker (Peter Frampton, Maxi Preist), Chaka Blackmon (Christina Aguilera, CeCe Winans, Will Smith) and Matt Bissonette (Rick Springfield, David Lee Roth). Robbie joined Roger Waters to tour around the world singing on "The Wall Tour".

Now it's time for him to make you discover his jazz/big band side through his latest release "Steppin Out".

John Fogerty "Wrote A Song For Everyone"

John Fogerty is one of the most respected songwriters in the history of Rock and Roll. On his new album "Wrote A Song For Everyone," Fogerty produces a masterpiece, drawing from his classic songbook of hits and collaborating with some of the biggest superstars in popular music. Alongside these stellar collaborations, Fogerty has also penned two brand new original songs for the album. 14 songs, 16 special guests including Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Dawes, Alan Jackson, Bob Seger, Brad Paisley and a few others, one songwriter, and one amazing album.

Bagfed "Throw It Away"

After many years playing in clubs, the french band Bagfed released their first EP "Throw It Away". Sébastien Dubail (vocals, guitar), Stéphane Dubail (Keys), Régis Humbert (Drums) Michael Higelin (Saxophone) and Rodolphe Hartig (bass) have recorded 6 songs of their catalog inspired by progressive rock, jazz-rock and funk genres, somewhere between Muse, Incubus and Toto.

The best way to discover these talented musicians is visiting their youtube channel HERE!