westcoastmusic

Discover The LSB Experience...

In the summer of 2010 Marcel Luntungan, Hans Sligter and Sjoerd van den Broek performed together for the first time during a session in cafe "De Peuk" in Bussum, The Netherlands. These three men being good singers individually and holding a respectable track record as musicians in various bands and projects was already a known fact, but this spontaneous joint action appears to be a classic example of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. And so a new band arises; The LSB Experience.

A binding factor and an important musical inspiration for the new band is the American so called “West Coast Sound". Several British acts that are known for using rich harmony vocal arrangements also form a common passion. The LSB Experience setlist now includes songs from: Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, The Eagles, Venice, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac and Crowded House, to mention just a few names. Obviously, this cover/tribute repertoire is still expanding as the band is now exploring the possibilities of performing original material as well.

While the original trio formation is more focused on the harmony vocals and acoustic instruments, the LSB Experience also appears with a rhythm section. This 5-piece band, with on drums Peter Deiman and on bass Rob Hendriks, shifts toward the more dynamic, arranged and swinging songs within the repertoire, thus creating an even greater variation in the sound and making the band more versatile.

Thanks to Louie Van Der Stuyft

Miles Of Will "Wild Ride"

Regarding from Melodicrock.com: Musicians Will Champlin and Miles Schon recently joined forces in a new band they are calling Miles of Will. The duo's debut EP is out now and available via Facebook.com/milesofwill. Digital Downloads will be made available shortly. Here is a little background info on the pair, as reported in Marin Independent Journal (San Rafael, CA), interview by Paul Liberatore.

"They have mixed emotions about being the sons of rock stars. "We've got a little bit of a push because of that, which is great," said Champlin, whose dad, singer-songwriter Bill Champlin, is a former member of Chicago and a founder of the legendary Marin band the Sons of Champlin. But, as a 28-year-old lead singer and keyboard player, just like his dad, being his father's son can also be a source of considerable insecurity. "It can be pretty overwhelming sometimes," he admitted. "You want to pretend like you're not, and then you think, 'But would people still like me?'"

When Schon, who's 23, first picked up the guitar when he was 13, he knew the comparisons with his father, Journey guitarist Neal Schon, would be unfair but inevitable. "There's no comparison," he said. "My dad is a guitar god, and I'm just a kid who picked up a guitar many years later than he did." The Marin School of the Arts, the magnet campus at Novato High, started its first rock band class for him when he was a student there. "They let us do some classic rock tunes," he recalled. "It was a great experience for me at the time."

It helped him get past the paralyzing fear that he could never be as good as his father. "I had a big mental block about that at first," he recalled. "After I'd been playing about a year, I realized I was a fast learner, but also how hard it is to play guitar. I don't remember who said something that snapped me out of it, but I think it was encouragement from my family to keep playing and learning." Schon met Champlin, who grew up in Los Angeles, through Champlin's management connections. With singer Lara Johnston of Novato, daughter of Doobie Brother Tom Johnston, they opened for Kiss last summer.

After Johnston went her own way, Champlin, who inherited his father's soulful voice, stepped up as lead singer of Miles of Will. Schon says he reminds him of Maroon 5's Adam Levine. "Will has a pop-friendly voice," he said. "It's easy to like." They just finished their first EP and will have it in time for the Voices of Latin Rock concert Jan. 26 at Bimbo's in the city, their first major Bay Area show. Everyone there will know who their fathers are, but the sons are determined to sound like no one but themselves. "The truth is that you can't sound like anybody but yourself anyway," Schon said. "You can do your best impersonation, but that's really just going to make for a better sounding you."

Silence "City Days" & "City Nights"

The project "SILENCE" was created in 1996 by guitarist / keyboardist Bruno Levesque. In 1997, Bruno recorded the first SILENCE CD called "The fifth season", an instrumental album only released in CD-R format. In 2000, Bruno recorded an instrumental album called "Trouble in Paradise", under the french Melodic Metal label BRENNUS MUSIC. The good reactions of people encouraged him to carry on with the SILENCE experience, in the company of a singer.

The meeting with the Jerome Cazard's voice took place in early 2001 and 2 albums were released : "Utopia" (MTM Music - 2002), and "Nostalgia" (Vinny Records -2005).

A new chapter opened in 2008 with the arrival of new singer Ben Venet from the belgian band JAYHAWKERS. The first result of this new collaboration was the album "Open Road", released by Kivel Records in 2008.

Early 2012, the duet is proud to announce the release of their brand new albums City (Days) and City (Nights) by Perris Records! This will be the labels first time is releasing two CDs at once by the same artist. Perris Records President Tom Mathers was very excited to hear enough great music from one artist to accomplish this. Recommended for fans of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Bonfire, Nelson.

 

"Rock Of Ages" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

"Rock of Ages" tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

On french cinema June 13, don't miss that movie directed by Adam Shankman starring Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough (footloose), Catherine Zetta-Jones, Russel Brand, Alec Baldwin…

Tracklist:

01) Rock of Ages - Def Leppard

02) Sister Christian - Night Ranger (Performed by Julianne Hough)

03) Just Like Paradise/Nothin' But A Good Time - David Lee Roth & Poison (Performed by Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin & Mary J. Blige)

04) Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar (Performed by Catherine Zeta-Jones & Bryan Cranston)

05) Juke Box Hero - Foreigner (Performed by Diego Boneta)

06) I Love Rock 'N Roll - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (Performed by Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Diego Boneta & Julianne Hough)

07) Waiting For A Girl Like You - Foreigner (Performed by Diego Boneta & Julianne Hough)

08) Heaven/More Than Words - Warrant & Extreme (Performed by Diego Boneta & Julianne Hough)

09) Wanted Dead Or Alive - Bon Jovi (Performed by Tom Cruise)

10) I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner (Performed by Tom Cruise & Malin Akerman)

11) I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister (Performed by Diego Boneta)

12) Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard (Performed by Tom Cruise)

13) Harden My Heart/Shadows Of The Night - Quarterflash & Pat Benatar (Performed by Julianne Hough & Mary J. Blige)

14) Here I Go Again - Whitesnake (Performed by Diego Boneta, Julianne Hough, Paul Giamatti, Tom Cruise & Mary J. Blige)

15) Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon (Performed by Alec Baldwin & Russell Brand)

16) Any Way You Want It - Journey (Performed by Mary J. Blige & Paul Giamatti)

17) Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison (Performed by Diego Boneta, Julianne Hough, and Mary J. Blige)

18) Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions (Performed by Julianne Hough & Tom Cruise)

19) We're Not Gonna Take It/We Built This City - Twisted Sister & Jefferson Starship (Performed by Russell Brand & Catherine Zeta-Jones)

20) Don't Stop Believin' - Journey (Performed by Diego Boneta, Julianne Hough, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, & Mary J. Blige)

21) Oh, Sherrie - Steve Perry

22) Paradise City - Guns N’ Roses

Malted Milk "Get Some"

"True, the great Soul sounds of Black America have rocked our lives for the past fifty years, but it doesn’t mean that this precious musical heritage shouldn’t be revitalized, that its groove couldn’t be reinvented!"

Malted Milk’s unrivaled soulfulness is more than a sign of their respect for this glorious past. The boundless energy you will find on this album is a mere sample of their ability, a glimpse of their electrifying potential on stage. Blues purists, funk freaks and avid listeners alike will testify to the authenticity of Malted Milk’s musical might.

Inspired compositions, precise arrangements, elegant vocal harmonies, and clever production… who could ask for more? Chances are their artistic honesty will conquer new adepts among those whose ears haven’t yet been polluted by artificial pop sounds. You can bet on it, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke and Howard Tate wouldn’t have remained unmoved by these recordings. But this is not the least of Malted Milk’s achievements, who have managed to impose their soul-drenched repertoire in Europe.

With so many dull imitators and usurpers around, this insistence on originality sanctions the work of creators who insist on making their way, regardless of the commercial consequences of their musical acts. The group’s objective has remained unchanged since its inception in 1998: share its love and convictions, bring fun and pleasure, and honor with taste the soul greats of yesteryear.

As this album amply proves, Malted Milk hasn’t strayed from its goal. And if you still entertain any doubts about the worth of these superlative players, try a simple experiment: let yourself be drawn by the strong pull of their dazzling horns and impeccable tempo… A handful of seconds should be enough; you will end up begging for more. “C’mon, get some! You won’t regret it!”

Joe Farmer – RFI / France INTER

David & Rachel Diggs "Black Coffee"

"Black Coffee" is the new CD that unites Top Ten Billboard jazz artist David Diggs with his daughter Rachel, whose Hands of Time from her CD, Center of the Earth, was featured in ABC Family TV's Pretty Little Liars. Rachel and David create an unbeatable team, and one that you will surely not forget!

With her rich, vocal quality and passionate delivery, the music and voice of Rachel Diggs immediately captivates the listener. Calling on her compositional gifts, Rachel creates her songs about life and love, as heard on her CD “Center of the Earth” produced by David Hodges (of Evanescence) and Will Hunt.

Her vocal stylings have been featured on numerous CD’s. Her song, “Hands of Time” was featured on the new ABC TV show “Pretty Little Liars”, and continues to sell world-wide. She was also a finalist for American Idol and made it to the top 40. While she found that TV reality show competitions weren't quite her thing, it was still a fun experience to be a part of. Rachel also won a singer-songwriter contest sponsored by Atlantic Records and Pantene Pro-V, and was flown to New York to open for Jewel in New York’s Central Park.

Rachel also performs live in the Los Angeles area with her own band, the Rachel Diggs Band, and with her father’s jazz band, Jazzwerk.

Under the diverse influences of Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Eva Cassidy, electronic and country music, Rachel began writing poetry at a young age. Eventually she transformed the poems into songs, and a songwriter was born. Her passion for music and communication is evident in each work of art she creates and delivers.

Inspired by his passion for living, David Diggs’ music is revealing and realistic, unrestrained and upbeat. Under the influence of Michel Legrand, Bob James, Claus Ogerman and Quincy Jones, Diggs polished his arranging and producing talents, which were eventually featured on projects by Pat & Debby Boone, Irene Cara, Richie Furay, The Brothers Johnson, Jonathan Butler, as well as David’s own albums. David’s album "Streetshadows" was a top ten entry on BILLBOARD’S Jazz Album Chart for 26 weeks.

Love and Theft's New album!

Love and Theft is a bit different from the group that scored a Top 10 hit two years ago with “Runaway.” But the changes that have affected the group—most notably, signing with RCA Records and downsizing to a duo—have actually brought Love and Theft closer to what it originally set out to be: a band that writes, records and performs honest, soulful country music.

While Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson are proud of their successful first effort, they are excited to have teamed with producer Josh Leo (Alabama, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) on their RCA effort. "We love performing" says Stephen. "The way we are recording now is the way our influences made records: live with a band. It's a lot more organic."

Eric’s earthy voice is the perfect complement to Stephen’s high-altitude tenor. The guys happily share lead vocals, harmonize like a church choir, and bolster their band with their own guitar work. “Stephen and I have always been on the same page as far as the vision for Love and Theft and what we want it to be,” says Eric. “We feel like we have made the record we’ve always wanted to make.”

The result is a nod to the duo’s varied influences. “She’s Amazing” evokes the brilliant harmonies of the Eagles. The seductive “Amen” channels all the yearning of Roy Orbison. And the rollicking first single “Angel Eyes” brings to mind Elvis Presley’s “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise.”

While Johnny Cash and Orbison are both enormous influences, it might surprise fans to learn who the duo’s favorite artist is. “Hands-down, Elvis,” says Stephen. “My dad was really into him, so I got into him. I was all over Elvis growing up.”

Coincidentally, both Stephen and Eric—who didn’t meet until they were in their early 20s—were raised as pastors’ kids, and their respective fathers fed them a steady diet of gospel, oldies and country.“Our parents didn’t want us listening to secular music that much. But they’d let us listen to Elvis, Roy, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band…,” says Eric. “It was cool to grow up that way, and that’s still my favorite kind of music.”

It isn’t lost on the guys that they’re now recording for the very label that released some of their hero’s biggest hits. “We’re excited to be on RCA, the same label Elvis was on,” Stephen says with a smile.

Perhaps it was some divine intervention that led the friends to this point in their career. Eric and Stephen, after all, will be the first to tell you that their shared spirituality is a cornerstone of Love and Theft. In fact, both used to lead worship at their churches.

“That’s how we got our start playing music. Our faith is a huge part of our lives,” says Eric, pondering the fate of it all. “I feel like it was meant to be this way from the beginning. Our journey over the past four years was preparing us for where we’re at now.”

Which is squarely at the doorstop of a prosperous career in country music. With a young, vibrant sound, a captivating live show, and a passionate fan base, Love and Theft are poised to become the genre’s next great duo.

Pat Green "Songs We Wish We'd Written II"

Pat Green announces the release of "SONGS WE WISH WE’D WRITTEN II", due in stores May 2012. The album marks Green’s first release on his new record label Sugar Hill Records and is the follow-up to his 2001 collaboration with friend Cory Morrow, "SONGS WE WISH WE’D WRITTEN".

Nearly a decade after releasing the first tribute-collaboration with Morrow, Green has sold over 2 million albums, earned three Grammy nominations, released a string of Top 10 hits and created a well-earned reputation for bombastic live shows. Tapped in People magazine as “the Springsteen of the South West,” he has become a cultural force selling out venues from House of Blues in Los Angeles to Nokia Theater in Time Square, down to the Houston Astrodome in Texas.

Known for his infectious enthusiasm for music and life, Green’s energy is contagious and sends a charge through a live audience. That energy has been captured once again on record with his new album "SONGS WE WISH WE’D WRITTEN II".

“We hope our fans enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed recording it”, said Green, who recorded the album with his longtime road band in Texas. “You’ll hear a few songs you already know and may notice others that are unfamiliar; which was by design. I enjoy spreading the word about great talents and great music”.

The album gives Green opportunity to pay tribute to a wide range of writers from Texas troubadours Joe Ely, Lyle Lovett, Walt Wilkins, Will Alan Sexton and Todd Snider, to some of Nashville’s finest including Will Kimbrough and Jon Randall. It gives Green a chance to interpret some of his favorites written by well known artists such as Tom Petty, Shelby Lynne, Ross Childress and Ed Roland. It also shines a light on music from hitmakers Glen Ballard and Liz Rose along with up-and-coming talent Aaron Lee Tasjan.

Green’s diverse musical palate was developed at an early age surrounded by a blended family of nine children. “In a home with that many kids I listened to a little bit of everything from country and 80's music, to the best of Motown and Classical”, said Green. “I’m just a fan of music, period. I’m beyond lucky to do what I do for a living and thankful I get to record songs that I love”.

Delivered with his signature “let the good times roll” attitude and guy-next-door charm, "SONGS WE WISH WE’D WRITTEN II" is a collection of ten songs that fans are sure to enjoy. Green is currently writing new material for his next album and will head into the studio early next year to record.

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at HEMIFRAN

Chris Antblad "A New Dawn"

The swedish grammy nominated artist, producer and composer Chris Antblad delivers a smashhit album for all lovers of well produced american rock in the same vein as Journey, Foreigner, Bryan Adams, Stan Meissner and Toto to name a few comparisons...

Chris Antblad has worked as a professional songwriter and producer, now going on 17 years. This has been a fruitful venture, with co-operations with many of the greatest writers and producers in the world. His work spans over many different genres, both domestically and internationally. 
Successful co-operations with masters of the trade like Paul Carrack, Joe Lynn Turner, Randy Goodrum, Eric Martin, John Bettis, Brett James, Jennifer Kimball, Gary Baker, Matt Johnson, Walt Aldridge, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Jay Graydon, Michael Jay, Michael Garvin, Andre Pessis as well as production services for Major labels and independents, has lead long standing working relationships, resulting in multi-platinum record sales.

As a writer, Chris has sold over 1M records.

In the last years, Chris has enjoyed success on the domestic market, with a number of hugely popular songs and major singles, as well as gold and platinum selling albums, with a handful of the most successful artists in Sweden ever.

On top of this, Chris has on the side of the writing and producing, enjoyed the artist side of the industry, as a prolific singer in several AOR projects, as well as country and rock. The critically acclaimed Spin Gallery album "Standing Tall", the brain-child of Chris, as well as the Timberville project, that reads as a who's who of the last 30 years of popular music, about to be released by Atenzia records in the spring of 2012. The album holds collaborations with songwriting greats, such as Desmond Child, Andreas Carlsson, Gary Baker, TIm Ryan, Sharon Vaughn, Eric Bazilian, John Bettis, Brett James, as well as legendary musicians like, Brent Mason, Stuart Duncan and Dan Dugmore.

Most recently, Chris has turned his attention to more solo-oriented material, and will on the 1st of Feb, 2012, release his second solo rock-album, titled "A new dawn". This following the popular "Century" album, has already been received very well, and time will tell what the future has in store.

He was also the singer, producer and songwriter in the cult-rated Swedish hi-tech AOR band Spin Gallery.

Kiki Ebsen "The Beauty Inside"

Kiki Ebsen, an accomplished singer and songwriter, known for backing up such artists as Christopher Cross, Wilson Phillips, Boz Scaggs, Tracy Chapman and many more, introduces her first original CD in five years.

Already with four CD's under her belt, her latest endeavor is an impressive collection of thirteen self-penned tunes inspired by her own real life stories. The CD is beautifully packaged in a full color digipack filled with pictures and lyrics for each song. Taking a candid look at her own relationships, Kiki carries the listener on an emotional journey of honesty, passion, purpose and peace as she negotiates her way through her own darkness and eventually back into the light. This CD is sure to connect with everyone who wishes to dig deeper for the truth in their heart, past the superficial, to find....The Beauty Inside

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at HEMIFRAN

Richard Marx "Inside My Head" European release Exclusively.

Frontiers Records is honoured to welcome Richard Marx to the label for the exclusive release of “Inside My Head” - a 2 CD album set featuring rare and new material along with new recordings of his greatest hits - on June 1st in Europe. The first single “Wouldn't Let Me Love You” will be released digitally on May 1st and can be exclusively streamed in full on the Frontiers Records webradio www.frontiers.it/webradio.

A gifted singer and consummate songwriter Richard Marx has left a powerful mark on the music industry over the past 20 years. With 30 million records sold, 3 Grammy Awards nominations, a Grammy Award for “Song of the Year” and an American Music Award nomination for favourite male singer Marx, who has written fourteen #1 songs and had thirteen US #1 songs on the Billboard charts, has remained a fixture on pop and adult contemporary radio for years. Marx was the first male solo artist in history to have his first 7 singles reach the top 5 on Billboard’s singles chart, including the 1 hits “Hold On to the Nights,” “Satisfied” and the worldwide classic “Right Here Waiting.”

The first CD of the “Inside My Head” set is a new studio record. It features two bonus tracks as well as collaborations with some of the most talent singer songwriters in the business including Chris Daughtry (“Had Enough” and “On The Inside”), Chad Kroeger of Nickelback (who also co-wrote “On The Inside”), Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon (who played and co-wrote “Always on Your Mind”), Jason Wade of Lifehouse (who co-wrote “Had Enough”, also released by his band on “Smoke and Mirrors”), Fee Waybill of The Tubes (“Come Running”), Dann Huff (co-producer and guitarist on “Loved”) and many others.

Marx said: “I'm excited to be putting out a new release in Europe. My fans there have been incredibly loyal and I hope they like this new music and I hope to be back over touring there soon.”

The second, bonus CD contains amazing new versions of 12 of Marx’s greatest hits, including “Right Here Waiting”, “Angelia”, “Don’t Mean Nothing” and “Keep Coming Back”. Marx added: “I wanted to have new recordings of my classic tracks because, while they were all fun to revisit and sing and play again, in a few cases I felt they needed some updating. After playing these songs live for so many years I wanted to incorporate some of the ways the songs have evolved but still retain what people seemed to like about them to begin with.”

"Player" to come back with a new EP and album

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of PLAYER to the label for the release of a yet untitled new album. Best remembered for "Baby Come Back," a song which topped the US single charts in 1978, Player original lineup included Peter Beckett (guitarist, lead vocalist), J.C. Crowley (guitarist, vocalist), Ronn Moss (bassist, vocalist) and John Friesen (drummer). After extensively playing the club scene in Southern California, Player began to develop a very distinctive edgy, yet very melodic rock style, and was signed by Robert Stigwood to his legendary RSO Records, home to The BeeGees, Eric Clapton, “Saturday Night Fever”, and “Grease”.

Among several notable accolades, Player was named Billboard's Best New Singles Artist of 1978. Eric Clapton became so impressed with Player that he invited them to be the special guest on his 1978 North American tour. They also performed with Heart, Boz Scaggs, Kenny Loggins and Gino Vannelli to name a few.

Player went on to release four albums during their active touring years until 1982. Moss left in 1981 to pursue an acting career, and has starred for the past 25 years on the daytime soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful”. JC Crowley pursued a career in country Music, while Beckett continued writing for other artists and movie soundtracks. He also did an eight year stint with Little River Band starting in 1990, while releasing an acclaimed solo cd 'Beckett' in 1991.

Beckett got back together with Ronn Moss in 1995, and recorded Player's fifth album, “Lost in Reality” and toured the United States. Since then, Peter has produced, written and played on two solo CDs for Ronn Moss and composed music for “The Bold And The Beautiful”. Player restarted working on new songs and touring together in 2010. The new lineup features again original members Peter Beckett and Ronn Moss together with Rob Math (guitars), Johnny English (keyboards) and Craig Pilo (drums).

“Player has not released a cd for over 10 yrs. It's great to actually be creating in the studio for the band once again, as opposed to our many other projects”, says Peter Beckett. “The new album will feature Player's three part harmony very prominently and include the usual blend of rock and big melodies”. 

Ronn Moss adds: “It’s been quite a while since our last record release. Feels great to finally be making new music. I’d say the “stuff of life” has played an integral part of influencing all non-musical activities the last several years. Personal endeavours, other work related ventures, and just being downright lazy, have all played a part in why we haven’t done this sooner than now. But in “now’s” defense, sometimes one has to wait until “now” happens before you can actually be there.”

As a special appetizer to the new release, and in connection with a promotional trip in Italy where Peter and Ronn will appear on several major radio and TV shows in the first week of May, Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the worldwide digital release only of a 3-songs EP entitled “My Addiction” on April 30th.

The EP will also include, along with the title track, “Too Many Reasons” and a new recording of “Baby Come Back” and sets the pace for the new album’s release which is planned for the second half of 2012.

“My Addiction - as well as “Too Many Reasons” - came from co-writing sessions between Beckett and Steve Plunkett. “ I have written tons of songs with "Plunk" over the last 20 years and will continue to do so. We sifted through our joint efforts to see what would fit Player” tells Peter. "Addiction" seemed to be a great choice. This song title was actually stolen from one of our other songs. The other song was actually about addiction. This one is a love song and a lot easier to listen to.

You can order / preorder “My Addiction” now on iTunes following this LINK! 

Katrin "Frail To Fearless"

It’s been three years since the release of her last CD, "Soul Wide Open", and now Boston-based singer-songwriter Katrin is eagerly gearing up for the late spring release of her 4th self-released studio disc, "Frail To Fearless". Marking her first national release, the new album features some of the most respected players in the industry - Legendary drummer and producer Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Hall & Oates, among many others), bassist Tony Levin (John Lennon, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), guitarist Bill Dillon (McCartney, Robbie Robertson, Sheryl Crow, King Crimson) and guitarist-harmonica player John Sebastian (Lovin' Spoonful).

Described by Metronome Magazine’s Douglas Sloan as having a voice “thick and resonating with body and soul, Katrin sings with the passion of a woman using her last breath on earth”, her career highlights include opening for Joan Armatrading, Chris Isaak, Huey Lewis & The News, and the Fixx, plus touring through Europe to the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. She also played the Sunset Jazz Club in Paris, and won a songwriting award from the Mountain Stage Newsong Festival.

The essence of a self-made musician, Katrin (last name Roush), grew up in the suburbs of Boston and started performing as a busker in Harvard Square and Faneuil Hall, where she stayed and played for three summers. "It toughened me up and made me more comfortable interacting with people'', she recalls. That journey is reflected in her voice and pure, raw and honest songs.

"Frail To Fearless" was produced by Jerry Marotta, who was first introduced to Katrin in 2009. In addition to producing the disc, Marotta plays drums throughout, as well as bass on a few songs.

On "Frail To Fearless", in addition to Marotta on drums and her band of longtime friends Scott Tarulli (electric and high strung guitars), John Harrington (acoustic, electric and high strung guitars) and bassist Alison Keslow, Katrin is backed on various tracks by a dream team of Marotta’s fellow band mates, Levin and Dillon, as well as Sebastian, who makes a special guest appearance on the track “Dreams”. The record has a singer-songwriter base, but also a soulfulness that came from her rock, soul and R&B influences. According to Katrin, "I don't consider myself just a singer-songwriter. I always felt a little too edgy for that''.

"Frail To Fearless" is a consummate project with all-original songs gleaned from Katrin's experience (notably about love's ups and downs) and all of it is rendered with the ultimately positive tone that is her calling card. According to Katrin, "I've always tried to maintain a sense of being positive even if it's a negative situation. I never write end-of-the-world type songs. I always try to find the light at the end of the tunnel''.

The first single from "Frail To Fearless", “Far Away” is Katrin’s insight on the end of a previous relationship and the video for the track was directed by Adam Moyer, a director from the top-rated cable show "American Chopper”. The new disc spans the evocative ballad "Cobblestones'' (a glimpse back at her busking days in Boston, which she co-wrote with Marotta and features guest vocals by longtime Styx band member and chart topping solo artist Lawrence Gowan, in addition to backing vocals by singer-songwriter and Leonard Cohen collaborator Anjani Thomas), the love song "Breeze'' ("the tide will take us where we need to be'', she sings), a rearranged version of her powerful anti-war track "Blame'', and a beautiful cover of Led Zeppelin’ “That’s The Way”.

Ever the hard worker, Katrin is poised to reach a new level with "Frail To Fearless" and producer Marotta envisions a bright future ahead. "She is phenomenally talented. I have worked with Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow, but I've never worked before with anyone who could do 10 takes or more on a five-and-a-half minute song and every take is consistently solid. Katrin can do that''. Enhanced by her steady work ethic, the future will be bright indeed as she continues to develop into an artist with an exceptional ability to connect to live audiences and listeners in a way that few singer-songwriters can.

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at HEMIFRAN

Jeff Larson "The World Over"

"Imagine a virtual living room filled with ringing guitars, velvet-toned singing, and sure-handed playing as you experience the warm-grained musical journey that is Jeff Larson's The World Over.

This set of ten original songs washes over you in melodic waves, pulsing with strong emotions and genuine feeling. There is a special quality to Larson s music that listeners can trust.

Anyone seeking respite from the often jarring clamor of day-to-day life in the 21st century can find safe harbor throughout this album. With a painterly eye for detail, Larson tells stories with themes of searching and finding, losing and longing, capturing everyday life through a clear-eyed lens, journeying near and far, ultimately leading, from song to song, to wherever listeners call home.

The music on The World Over is enriched by such top-flight vocalists as Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of the band America, Jeddrah Schmit, the daughter of Eagles bassist/singer Timothy B. Schmit, and Jeffrey Foskett, music director and part of the Brian Wilson Band.

The way Bunnell and Schmit, in particular, blend with Larson's crystal-clear vocals in shimmering harmony makes you smile and sway with the sound. Album co-producer Hank Linderman's stirring electric guitar lines span a kaleidoscope of sonic colors that arc across the landscape of Larson's songs.  World music string-man extraordinaire Bob Brozman also brings unique instrumental elements to the mix that deepen certain textures that span genres and stretch into different cultures. Fluidly flowing from chiming acoustic ballads to Latino-laced folk to cantering pop-rockers, these songs weave together beautifully.

The World Over was produced by Larson and Linderman, with the exception of This Morning in Amsterdam, which was co-produced by Gerry Beckley, and part of I Like It Better Here: Music From Home, a 2010 compilation that also included tracks from Jackson Browne, Graham Nash and Jack Tempchin, among others. This Morning in Amsterdam, an atmospheric, dream-like song, was my first introduction to Larson and his music, and it is also featured on this album. What struck me then and I hear again now is a true sense of melody, awareness and insight. Larson is a musician who has that rare ability to transform life experiences into music that engages, intrigues and resonates. Tune into The World Over and it will transport you."

Dave Zimmer, author of Crosby, Stills & Nash: The Biography

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at Hemifran

Mietek Szczesniak "Signs"

Mietek Szczesniak, a critically acclaimed recording artist and long established superstar in Poland, has achieved notable milestones throughout his vocal career, including several Polish Fryderyks for Best Singer and a coveted slot representing his country at the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest in Jerusalem.

His newest studio recording, "Signs", is also his first English language album, co-produced with American songwriter-producer Wendy Waldman. Recorded on two continents with a crew of brilliant Polish and American musicians and songwriters - and ranging in content from Arabic and Eastern influenced songs to American-style gospel tracks recorded with the legendary HB Barnum and Life Choir in Los Angeles - the album's bold vision casts Mietek as storyteller and guide to a musical world without borders. During the album's sessions, Barnum (who has arranged music for icons such as Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Frank Sinatra and numerous others) noted to Mietek and Waldman that they are "building a new culture" with this powerful new project.

Hailing from the ancient city of Kalisz, one of the oldest in Europe, Mietek started singing in front of live audiences by the time he was six. As a very gifted singer. at the age of twenty one, he made his official debut at the Polish Song Festival, where he won the main prize. Hitting the charts immediately after beginning his recording career in 1990, Mietek has released numerous hit records as an artist as well as a songwriter for other acts.

Together with Edyta Gorniak, Mietek recorded "Dumka Na Dwa Serca", the most popular Polish film soundtrack song of all time and a vocal tour-de-force for both artists. The track cemented Mietek's reputation as the finest male singer in Poland, an opinion which is widely held today.

As a Pole, he sits at the crossroads of many rich musical traditions, both eastern and western, all of which appear in his vocal style, the production values in his recordings, his superb songwriting, and the wide variety of artists with whom he has collaborated. His insatiable curiosity to explore new musical worlds has led him to work in many fields: world music, pop, gospel, jazz, classical, soul, funk, and Brazilian music. His influences come both from the west and the east - a passion for American pop and jazz combines with a love of Arabic and Asian music, all reflected in his vocal approach.

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at HEMIFRAN

Josh Abbott Band "Small Town Family Dream"

The Josh Abbott Band has rapidly grown from a local West Texas act to one of the fastest rising independent bands in country music. With their single 'Oh, Tonight" rising to #44 on the Billboard Country Chart and playing in upwards of 230 shows a year to packed houses across the West Coast, Southeast, and Mid-West as well as their home state of Texas, The Josh Abbott Band continues to garner success with the recent release of their new album "Small Town Family Dream" & single "Touch".

Jon Cleary "Occapella!"

"Having fun with the songs of Allen Toussaint" is how Jon Cleary describes his new record... a celebration of great songs put through Cleary's unique set of funky filters.

Featuring Mac Rebbenack (Dr. John), Bonnie Raitt and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, there are unexpected twists and turns on this journey through the Toussaint songbook that will keep suprising you till the last piano glissando fades away.

New Old Project for Richard Page...

"Recently, I've been going through old songs, some of which I haven't heard for years. Some gave me that "oh wow...that's pretty good" moment and I started to think how I could create an album of these older songs? It occurred to me, and this is something my wife has always maintained, that many of the demos I've done would be difficult to improve on, especially vocally. When I'm writing and recording at the same time, the first burst of energy and excitement tends to create an indelible vibe. How can you reproduce something that just spontaneously happened? Oh sure, you can go back and try to duplicate it, but many times it falls short. So I thought, why not just pick an albums worth of these demos, polish them up a bit with some mastering and put them out? That's what I'm working on now and I'm really excited about it.  As you may know, I've written songs for many other artists, and most of these were intended for that purpose. Also, as with the Mr. Mister album PULL, some of these songs are already being bootlegged around on the Internet, but the audio quality is awful. So that's what I've been doing. I'm hoping to get this finished in the next month or so, before the summer Ringo tour. I think you'll enjoy many of these songs as I do. I've decided to add some written anecdotes along with each song about where, when and why they were written. Might make it a bit more interesting. Hope everyone is well and happy. Talk soon."  Richard Page   

Pat Mastelotto "Recidivate"

Pat Mastelotto, the internationally-renowned drummer whose pioneering work with King Crimson, Mr. Mister and XTC has cemented him as one of experimental music and pop/prog-rock's most talented percussionists, releases "Recidivate", a collection of outtakes, rarities and highlights from the past 20 years of his career on Mar. 20 via Trey Gunn's 7d Media.

"I've been making records for about 35 years," explains Mastelotto, "but never put one out under my own name.  I've never had that desire.  I like to collaborate, to exchange energy with musical pals, to start with nothing and leave hours later with something.   Over the years, I've been blessed to get to play on some wonderful music, with some special friends and felt it was time to let others hear these special moments."

The Warren Haynes Band "Live From The Moody Theater"

The Warren Haynes Band: Live From The Moody Theater, (Stax/Concord Music Group) a stunning 2-disc DVD/CD package capturing the band's blazing performance in Austin, TX late last year will be released on April 24th, 2012. The 2.5-hour show, shot in HD and recorded in 5.1 audio, features several cuts from Haynes' GRAMMY-nominated, Billboard Top 20 solo release Man In Motion as well as Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic," Steely Dan's "Pretzel Logic," Sam Cooke's classic "A Change Is Gonna Come," Warren's live staple "Soul Shine" and more.

Guests include the Groove Line horns and 2012 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Ian McLagan of The Faces.

Don't miss Warren Haynes in concert with Gov't Mule on July in Paris. Check out VERYSHOW for more infos!

Our selection of great concerts to come...

Cold Chisel "No Plans"

No Plans – Cold Chisel’s first new album in 14 years – is out right now. It features Everybody, All For You and 11 other stunning new Cold Chisel tracks. No Plans also features the final recordings of Steve Prestwich and is closed by Steve’s haunting song I Got Things To Do.

“In late 2009 the five of us made plans to record together again and do a tour,” said frontman Jimmy Barnes. “After lots of twists and turns that’s exactly what we’ve ended up doing but due to Steve’s passing those plans changed a lot along the way. The last two years have reminded all of us that sometimes life deals up things you don’t expect. You can’t take anything or anyone for granted. Sometimes it’s best to have no plans.”

COLD CHISEL 
Jimmy Barnes: Vocals 
Ian Moss: Guitars / Vocals 
Steve Prestwich: Drums / Vocals 
Phil Small: Bass / Vocals 
Don Walker: Keyboards / Vocals  Charley Drayton: Drums/Vocal

Kate Campbell "1000 Pound Machine"

Singer-songwriter Kate Campbell learned the piano at age seven before switching to the guitar as a teenager during the folk-rock heyday of the 70s'. Since then she has written, recorded and performed almost exclusively on the acoustic guitar.

On "1000 Pound Machine" Campbell returns to the instrument of her childhood and enlists Will Kimbrough (2004 Americana Music Association’s 'Instrumentalist Of The Year') to produce the eleven-song disc.

Campbell’s subtle piano and crystal-clear voice are accentuated by sparse arrangements featuring Kimbrough’s consummate guitar playing and soulful sounds from the legendary Spooner Oldham. Muscle Shoals ace David Hood (electric bass) and Americana stalwarts John Deaderick (keyboards), Dave Jacques (string bass), David Henry (strings), and Paul Griffith (percussion) add to the mix.

Emmylou Harris lends haunting harmony on a true narrative about death-row prisoners who find peace through meditation while Sloan Wainwright’s exquisite background vocals lift “Wait for Another Day” to emotional heights.

Campbell’s southern-flavored tunes weave cohesively throughout the album and include a gem that imagines Rosa Parks and George Wallace sitting side by side on a bus ride (Montgomery to Mobile), a paean to the Alabama landscape ("Red Clay After Rain"), a tribute to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Spooner Oldham ("Spoonerville"), and a beloved civil rights anthem ("Walk With Me").

"1000 Pound Machine" is Kate Campbell’s note of gratitude to piano teachers everywhere who believe that “a simple pair of hands” can inspire and carry us to “the music of the spheres”.

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at Hemifran

Silence "City Days" & "City Nights"

Regarding Melodicrock.com, The duet Bruno Levesque and Ben Venet are proud to announce the release of their brand new Silence albums City (Days) and City (Nights) by Perris Records! This will be the labels first time is releasing two CD's at once by the same artist.

Perris Records President Tom Mathers was very excited to hear enough great music from one artist to accomplish this. The project Silence was created in 1996 by guitarist / keyboardist Bruno Levesque. In 1997, Bruno recorded the first Silence CD called The Fifth Season, an instrumental album only released in CD-R format. In 2000, Bruno recorded an instrumental album called Trouble in Paradise, under the French Melodic Metal label Brennus Music. The good reactions of people encouraged him to carry on with the Silence experience, in the company of a singer. The meeting with the Jerome Cazard's voice took place in early 2001 and 2 albums were released: Utopia (MTM Music - 2002), and Nostalgia (Vinny Records -2005).

A new chapter opened in 2008 with the arrival of new singer Ben Venet from the belgian band Jayhawkers. The first result of this new collaboration was the album Open Road, released by Kivel Records in 2008.

Glenn Frey "After Hours"

The Eagles’ Glenn Frey will release his first solo album since 1992 in May. Titled After Hours, it will be a collection of pop standards, re-recorded by Frey in a “cocktail lounge” style. Apparently, Frey was motivated enough by Rod Stewart’s recent Great American Songbook covers albums to make one of his own, and it will be released on May 8.

Among the songs covered on After Hours are Caroline, No (originally by the Beach Boys), The Look of Love, Route 66, and The Shadow of Your Smile.