westcoastmusic

Anders Norman "Just Another Mile"

The new album ”Just Another Mile” from Anders Norman will be out February 2012. With convincing songs, a unique voice, and some of Scandinavias top musicians, you have a recipe for success. On the menu youʼll find a nice rockdish with some spices of Nashville. Mastering by the 5 X Grammy Award winner Richard Dodd.

In these times of ”Idol”, ”The voice”, ”European Song Contest” and other talentshows, Anders Norman chooses a different path. He goes his own way. And it works. In the hands of Marcus Liliequist, the music reaches itʼs full potential.

This is Anders Norman ́s third album. He has performed live on TV, Guested several major radiostations. Played numerous festivals in Sweden, Germany, Finland and USA. Not to mention the many pubs and clubs he has played in. He has paid his dues.

There will be a Tour this spring. And it will rock. Anders will do a different rockshow. He will play his own songs, but he will also play songs from the bands that has influenced him over the years. The evening will contain songs from Anders Norman and familiar songs from: Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Lou Gramm, TOTO, John Mellencamp,Steve Miller, Tony Carey, Joey Tempest etc...You get it?

It will be a night to remember! How many has seen ”Rain on the Scarecrow” live?

Bill Evans "Dragonfly"

Bill Evans returned to the studio to produce and record the third Soulgrass album "Dragonfly", his latest effort. Recorded between April and June of 2011, "Dragonfly" features Evans (saxes, vocals); dynamic drummer and new lead singer Josh Dion; audience favorite Ryan Cavanaugh on banjo; Mitch Stein on guitars; Clifford Carter on keyboards; and Andy Hess on bass. On “Tit for Tat” the musicians are: Bill Evans, tenor sax; song co-writer Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule and Warren Haynes Band) on guitar; Keith Carlock on drums; Tim Lefebvre on bass; and Danny Louis on B3. Other special guest appearances on Dragonfly include: guitar legend Steve Lukather on two tracks; Vaneese Thomas, background vocals on several tracks; John Medeski on organ for a track; Mickey Raphael on harmonica for two tracks; and percussionist Roger Squitero on six.

Peter Friestedt's new Scandinavian tour featuring Bill Champlin & Joseph Williams!

Peter Friestedt will tour with Bill Champlin & Joseph Williams end of March in Scandinavia. A few concerts featuring Tamara Champlin, Herman Matthews, Per Mathisen and Stefan Gunnarsson on stage. More infos here!

Andreas Aleman "It's The Journey"

“It’s the journey” is the name of Andreas Aleman's new upcoming album. It’s packed with cool new songs and for those who liked his previous album “This is life”, this one will not let them down. 100% Funk, Soul & Westcoast style. Release date is not set yet but it will be sometime in March this year. Stay tuned!

Van Halen "A Different Kind of Truth"

After all the years of discussing of a Van Halen reunion with original band lead singer David Lee Roth, it finally happened! "A Different Kind Of Truth" marks the return of Roth with brand new songs since the album "1984" and the megahit "Jump". The first single is "Tattoo"

Bonnie Raitt "Slipstream"

With the release of her nineteenth album, Slipstream, Bonnie Raitt is starting anew. The album marks her return to studio recording after seven years; it's coming out as the launch of her own label, Redwing Records; and it delivers some of the most surprising and rewarding music of her remarkable career, thanks in part to some experimental sessions with celebrated producer Joe Henry.

The album's title is very significant for Bonnie —Slipstream isn't just a beautiful sounding word, but an indication of her place in the music community.

"I'm in the slipstream of all these styles of music," she says. "I'm so inspired and so proud to continue these traditions, whether it's reggae or soul or blues. I'm in the slipstream of those who came before me, and I'm leaving one for those behind me. I'm holding up the traditions of the music that I love."

Bill Champlin sings "Step Up", the theme song on the radio show "The Caring Effect"

The Caring Effect's goal is to make those who care aware of the needs of others and plug them into the ways they can make a difference. Their song “Time to Step Up” was written and performed exclusively for The Caring Effect by Bill Champlin, formerly of the Band Chicago.

“When I was told about the project I thought that it was a great idea. Focusing on the “people” aspect of charities. Thanks for having me on board for this project. Good luck with everything. Be good.” – Bill Champlin

Jack Mack and the Heart Attack "Soul Meeting"

Los Angeles Rock'n Soul stalwarts, JACK MACK AND THE HEART ATTACK, return with a fabulous collection of raw, gritty, and soulful rhythm and blues. This long-awaited 30th Anniversary recording project from Jack Mack and the Heart Attack features 12 amazing tracks--7 originals and 5 “re-imaginations”, including two by the late, great Solomon Burke.

“Don’t Give Up On Me” has a wonderful Lee Thornburg horn arrangement a la Ray Charles, and “Soul Meeting” features five incredible singers: Bill Champlin, Max Carl, Mike Finnigan, Tim Scott and Mark Campbell all sharing the lead.

The Rolling Stones classic “Under My Thumb” is reimagined in the spirit of Otis Redding, circa 1969. Also included are Burt Bacharach’s, “Walk On By” and Otis Redding’s, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” – featuring 2010 America’s Got Talent winner, Michael Grimm. 

The original songs include: “Ride The Rocket”, describing lead singer Mark Campbell’s high school days; “Soul Man”, a tribute to all the legendary soul singers who have passed away; “Sha La La”, an ode to street corner singers; and “I Just Need You”, sung by bassist Bruce Atkinson, a Sam Cooke-influenced shuffle. The bluesy, funky track “A New Past”, is a song penned for this album and sung by former Jack Mack and 38 Special lead singer, Max Carl.

“Hard To Fall” is a gritty get-down-to-the-bone Rock and Soul groove. Former band members John Paruolo, Lee Thornburg, Tim Scott, Rick Shlosser, Kevin Cloud, Tony Braunagel and Jim Coile all appear on the project in addition to a special guest appearance by blues legend, Curtis Salgado, 2010 Blues Foundations Soul/Blues Male Artist of the Year.

WHITEHORSE

Six Shooter Records' Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet tie the musical knot with the debut of their new band, Whitehorse, marrying their talent and chemistry on stage as an undeniably smoldering duo.

Individually, they have been recognized with awards and nominations from the Juno Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Hamilton Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards and the Polaris Prize. Gutsy and resolute in their pursuits of sound and substance, Luke and Melissa's fusion of the personal and professional brings to mind the road-tested romance of Johnny and June.

Whitehorse breaks headlong and heartstrong in pursuit of it all, cards on the table, everything on the line. Whitehorse figures the odds the way travelers count miles, undaunted by twists and turns of luck and road, so let dice and wheel roll.

Jenai Huff "Transitions"

Jenai Huff began singing as a child. Her favorite piece of furniture was the stereo cabinet that her father built. Music moved her from the inside out and it still does. Although she stopped singing for almost 2 decades, there were periods where she managed bands because she felt that music could impact the world in a positive way.

Now with her first CD, "Transitions", released, she wants to do just that. And certainly the world could use some positive impressions these days. Her pure and soulful voice touches people and stirs their souls. Her style is a little bit folk, a little bit country, with a touch of bluegrass.

"Transitions" was produced by two-time Grammy Winner, Ben Wisch. His two Grammy Awards were for 'Album of the Year' with Marc Cohn, for the album of the same name, and for Mexican superstar, Ricardo Arjona. He, also, plays piano and keyboards on the album.

Jeff Pevar, internationally known multi-instrumentalist plays multiple instruments on the album – acoustic, electric, bass, resonator and classical guitars, banjo and mandolin.
 Jeff has performed and/or recorded with James Taylor, Ray Charles, Marc Cohn, Jennifer Warnes, Rickie Lee Jones, Crosby Stills & Nash, to name only a few.

Background vocals were sung by Eugene Ruffolo, Shawn Thies and Doug Ingoldsby. Sammy Merendino, Tom Lackner and Chris Marshak played drums and percussion. All of the musicians who accompany Jenai Huff on the album are triple A players, as well as her friends.

Each of the songs can be listened to separately and certainly have a stand alone quality. However, when listened to as an album there is a feeling created. Almost as though you had just read a good book.

Thanks to Peter Holmstedt at Hemifran