"Genius: A Night For Ray Charles" is available on DVD exclusively in France and Europe this week (and not yet in the States) (on Universal Pictures).

This DVD features performances shooted during "Genius : A Night For Ray Charles" and features on TV October 8, 2004 in The U.S.A. (recorded at the Staples Center in Los Angeles) by B.B. King, Norah Jones, Quincy Jones, Kenny Chesney, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise, Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Bruce Willis, Kanye West, Billy Preston, Al Green, David Newman, Usher, Jamie Cullum, Elton John, Zucchero, Joe Cocker, Beyonce, Lara Fabian, Eros Ramazzotti.
So, 90 minutes of the concert and also "Ray" film making-off and an introduction by Jamie Foxx.

You can ORDER IT NOW.

Ray Charles has the distinction of being both a national treasure and an international phenomenon. He started out from nowhere; years later finds him a global entity.

Hundreds of thousands of fingers have hit typewriter and word processor keyboards telling and retelling his story because it is uniquely American, an exemplar of what we like to think is the best in us and of our way of life.

The Ray Charles story is full of paradoxes, part and parcel of the American Dream.

Rags to riches. Triumph overcoming tragedy. Light transcending darkness.

The name Ray Charles is on a Star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame. His bronze bust is enshrined in the Playboy Hall of Fame. There is the bronze medallion cast and presented to him by the French Republic on behalf of its people. There are the Halls of Fame: Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll. There are the many gold records and the 12 Grammys...

Cowboy Junkies "Open Road" DVD+CD is reissued this week (see here).

Spend a year on the open road with the Cowboy Junkies. From a lavish multi-camera shoot of the band in concert at an outdoor festival before thousands of fans, to the hushed intimacy of a duo performance from Margo Timmins and Mike Timmins that recalls the haunting beauty of "The Trinity Sessions," (see here) "Open Road" depicts a year in the life of this unique band.

With 3 hours of DVD footage and a bonus live audio CD, "Open Road" stakes a claim as one of the most content-rich music DVDs available today.

Tracks:
Lay It Down (Quebec City), Hard to Explain (Quebec City), Bread and Wine (Quebec City), River Waltz (Quebec City), I'm So Open (the Temple), Bea's Song (Quebec City), Dragging Hooks (Quebec City), Blue Moon Revisited (Quebec City), Anniversary Song (Quebec City), Anniversary Song (the Temple), Sun Comes Up, It's Tuesday Morning (the Temple), Misguided Angel (the Temple), Small Swift Birds (the Temple), Thousand Year Prayer (the Temple), Hollow as a Bone (the Temple), Murder, Tonight in the Trailer Park (Live), Lay It Down (Live), This Street That Man This Life (Live), Thousand Year Prayer (Live), Bread and Wine (Live), Witches (Live), Something More Besides You (Live), Escape Is So Simple (Live), Dragging Hooks (Live), Anniversary Song (Live).

This DVD covers the tour in America and Europe, that the Cowboy Junkies made to promote their "Open Road" CD. So, this DVD and CD set (also recorded on the Open tour) is really the best present that any Cowboy Junkies aficionado could receive this year, especially if one happens to live in Europe and spend most of ones time in a country which the Cowboys Junkies haven't toured so far.

The contents of the DVD are split into four separate programs:
1. Cowboy Junkies live from the Quebec city summer festival (by the time you get to the last song on this section, "anniversary song", you just want to go back and hear them all again);
2. a documentary in music, ones and zeros, which follows the Cowboys Junkies on the road in music, video and pics; 3. Margo Timmins and brother Michael Timmins live at the Temple;
4. an open conversation with Margo Timmins and Michael Timmins.

The sound and video quality are very good, the production is more than acceptably excellent and the songs, as always, are simply brilliant. The accompanying CD is grand too, and contains some of the new Cowboy Junkies classics, as well as a couple of tracks we hadn't heard untilthis DVD/CD set. Those new tracks are "Witches" and "Escape" is so simple. Another truly wonderful CD.

Cowboy Junkies "Open Road" DVD+CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Jean Jacques Goldman's long time friend and partner in music, Michael Jones released a new solo album under the title "Prises et reprises". Michael delivers 11 new great folky/bluesy songs surrounded by ones of finest french musicians including Francis Cabrel (vocals on duet "Des nuits trop longues"), Jean Jacques Goldman (vocals on duet "P'tit blues peinard), Emile Vandelmer (Gold, Emile et image), Mario Ramsany & Jean Louis Pujade (Emile et image), Gildas Arzel (Canada), Chris Lancry, etc...

As a good surprise, Michael Jones covers Marc Cohn's hit "Walking in Memphis" on Francis Cabrel's french lyrics. "La demoiselle" is one of my favorite tune. The guitars intro reminds you ZZTop's "La Grange" and gives an energic rythm. It is a duet with Sandrine Regot, and the amazing background (harmony) vocals of Emile & Image on the chorus!!

Tracklist:
1/ Un dernier blues pour toi
2/ Le frère que j'ai choisi
3/ Window
4/ Marcher dans Memphis
5/ Vole
6/ Des nuits trop longues
7/ La demoiselle
8/ Dans la fumée
9/ Il croyait
10/ P'tit blues peinard
11/ J'aime les autres
12/ Boogie man

Little Richard "King Of Rock 'N' Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings" is now available on Rhino Handmade (see here).

Three years after the earthmoving 1955 sessions for "Tutti Frutti," Rock 'n' Roll legend Little Richard had a brush with death that left him indebted to God. He swore off his jewelry-and-mascara evil ways and enrolled in Bible school in Huntsville, Alabama. But by the end of the '60s, having met The Beatles and witnessed Elvis' comeback special, Richard was ready to record again -- and not just rehashes of his early singles.

Richard's friend Mo Ostin signed him to Reprise, and the singer hunkered down in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to record what would become one of the greatest comeback albums in rock history, 1970's "The Rill Thing". A collection of originals and covers of Hank Williams and Beatles tunes, the album was a brilliant update of the classic Little Richard sound, but it sold poorly.

Resolved to try again, Little Richard recorded a more overtly commercial effort in 1971's "King Of Rock 'N' Roll," another example of the artist's diverse taste in repertoire (The Rolling Stones, John Fogerty, Hoyt Axton). He also worked with Quincy Jones on the $ movie soundtrack, contributing two songs clearly inspired by Isaac Hayes' Shaft.

The following year Little Richard took a completely different route, adopting a stripped-down, back-to-basics approach to what would become 1972's "The Second Coming". The sessions also produced ten songs for an album to be titled Southern Child, which, for reasons unknown, was never released. The tracks make their debut on this set.

Rhino Handmade's three-disc anthology "King Of Rock 'N' Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings" collects his early-'70s work for Reprise, including the albums "The Rill Thing" (1970), "King Of Rock 'N' Roll" (1971), "The Second Coming" (1972), and the never-issued "Southern Child" (1972). Also included are the 1972 $ soundtrack cuts, as well as assorted rarities and unreleased tracks from his Reprise sessions.

Little Richard "King Of Rock 'N' Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings" is available as an individually numbered limited edition of 2,500 copies on Rhino Handmade (feat. 54 Tracks, 20 Unreleased, 3 Discs).

Little Richard "King Of Rock 'N' Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings" CD-box set: ORDER IT NOW.

Patti LaBelle in Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, an evening of inspiration, brings one sensational night to the city of Jacksonville during Super Bowl XXXIX. With an evening of inspirational music, soul-stirring testimonies from NFL players and a chance to win a pair of tickets to the game, the concert kicks off Super Bowl Weekend on Friday, Feb. 4, at 8:00 p.m. at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church.

In May 2004, Patti LaBelle new album "Timeless Journey" has been released in The States (on Def Soul Classics) (see here).

This year's event will feature award-winning singing sensation Patti LaBelle, who will share the stage with top gospel artists Donnie McClurkin, Karen Clark Sheard, Byron Cage and Kierra KiKi Sheard. Patti LaBelle will serenade the audience with some gospel favorites and a few inspirational tunes of her own. Also, there will be surprise guest appearances.

"The 2005 event is going to be phenomenal," says Melanie Few, concert founder and manager, and owner of Results Inc., an Atlanta-based marketing and entertainment agency. "We are taking this event to another level. Our show promises to be a true highlight of Super Bowl weekend from the inspirational music and testimonies to the ticket giveaways. The audience will be wowed with this soul-stirring, star-studded event."

In its sixth year, The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration evolved from Christian NFL players wanting an inspirational, family-oriented event during Super Bowl Weekend. The event has drawn thousands and has proven to be one of the most attended events during Super Bowl Weekend. Each year, the gospel concert features the industries top artists joined by several current and former Christian NFL players. In the past, NFL greats Cris Carter, Curtis Martin, Kurt Warner, Michael Barrow, Troy Vincent, Qadry Ismail, Aeneas Williams, Deion Sanders, Quincy Carter, LaVar Arrington, Bryan Scott and more have given their time to the event. Players share their testimonies and inspirational messages with the audience.

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration also serves as a fundraiser for a non-profit organization in the Super Bowl host city. A portion of the 2005 event proceeds will benefit the NFL YET Center in Jacksonville. Additionally, over the years, more than $150,000 has been given away to the event beneficiaries.

Tickets are $50 and available at TicketMaster locations in Jacksonville, (904) 353-3309 and the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church (a nonrefundable service fee will apply).

Patti LaBelle "Timeless Journey" CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Debbie Gibson nude in Playboy Magazine, Deborah Gibson nude in Playboy Magazine.

One-time teen Pop sensation Deborah Gibson/Debbie Gibson will be posing nude in the March issue of Playboy magazine, reports Liz Smith in The New York Post. The pictorial will coincide with a new single titled "Naked." Debbie Gibson or Deborah Gibson is also readying a remake of the Daryl Hall & John Oates classic "Rich Girl" for a forthcoming album.

So there will be an 8 page pictorial featuring Deborah Gibson in the March issue of Playboy Magazine on newsstands February 11th!

Deborah Gibson is a creative force in the entertainment industry who does it all! She has single handedly transcended music and entertainment trends and fads. Deborah stands poised at the top, embarking on the second phase of her hugely successful pop career.

Deborah Gibson (Debbie Gibson) exploded on the pop music scene at the tender age of 16. She quickly became the youngest person ever to write, produce and perform a #1 single ("Foolish Beat"), a record which she still proudly holds to this day. Deborah Gibson has sold over 16 million albums worldwide to date. Her extraordinary career has garnered her #1 Billboard hits, Platinum albums, ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honors, sold-out audiences around the world and rave reviews for her starring roles on Broadway.

Growing up in Long Island, Deborah Gibson began performing with her sisters in Community Theatre at the age of five. By the time she was twelve years old she was already a professional Broadway actress pursuing a recording career. The dream was realized by sixteen, when Deborah was signed to Atlantic Records. Her first single "Only In My Dreams" went right to the top of the charts around the world.

Following were several more top five hits and the #1 single "Foolish Beat". Her debut album "Out of the Blue" (see here) sold over five million copies. With this, Deborah Gibson established herself as a household name and immediately confirmed that position with her triple platinum follow up #1 album "Electric Youth" (see here) and the #1 single "Lost In Your Eyes". Deborah Gibson's recording legacy includes 1990's Gold album "Anything Is Possible," 1993's "Body Mind Soul," 1995's "Think With Your Heart," (see here) 1997's "Deborah" and 2001's "M.Y.O.B." (see here).

In 1992, Deborah Gibson returned to her theatrical roots by taking a star turn in the Broadway production of Les Miserables as "Eponine." She broke box office records in the London West End production of Grease as "Sandy," then took the stage in the U.S. Broadway Tours of Grease and Funny Girl playing "Rizzo" and "Fanny Brice" respectively. Deborah Gibson returned to Broadway as "Belle" in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," followed by her critically acclaimed performance as "Gypsy Rose Lee" to Betty Buckley's "Mama Rose" in "Gypsy" at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

In February 2000, Deborah Gibson starred as "The Narrator" in the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Then, in December 2001, Deborah starred, in a 3 month engagement, as "Cinderella" in the national production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" to Eartha Kitt's "Fairy Godmother". In October, 2002, Debbie Gibsongraced the stage as "Velma Kelly" in Boston's North Shore Theatre's production of "Chicago", a role she will do again at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City, July, 2003. Deborah Gibson returned to Broadway in February 2003, for a 4 month stint as the "saucy, sexy Sally Bowles" at Studio 54 in "Cabaret".

Debbie Gibson "Greatest Hits" CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Steve Howe "Live Legends:Careful With That Axe" is available February 1st (on Music Video Distribution) (see here).

An intimate portrait on DVD of one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock. Join us on a journey into the world of Steve Howe as Steve explains his relationship with the guitar and how he helped to shape the extraordinary sound of Yes, Asia and GTR (see here). Featuring rare performance footage, extensive interviews and unique film of Steve at home and at work in the studio. This is an indispensable guide for lovers of great guitar playing.... and great Rock music. Previously unavailable on DVD.

Tag along on an intimate journey into the world of one of the world's greatest rock 'n' roll guitarists -- Steve Howe. Be there as Steve explains in detail his relationship with the guitar and how he helped shape the extraordinary sound of such groups as Yes, Asia and GTR. Features rare performance footage, extensive interviews and one-of-a-kind film clips of Steve Howe at home and hard at work in the studio laying down his distinctive tracks.

Steve Howe "Live Legends:Careful With That Axe" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Ray DVD, Ray Charles biographical film "Ray" starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Richard Schiff is available in DVD February 1st (on Universal Studios) (see here).

"Ray" is the musical biographical drama of American legend Ray Charles. Born in a poor town in Georgia, Ray Charles went blind at the age of seven shortly after witnessing his younger brother's accidental death. Inspired by a fiercely independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world, Ray Charles found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard.

Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered incorporating Gospel, Country, Jazz and orchestral influences into his inimitable style. As he revolutionized the way people appreciated music, he simultaneously fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business. "Ray" provides an portrait of Ray Charles' musical genius as he overcomes drug addiction while transforming into one of this country's most beloved performers.

"Ray!" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack feat. 17 tracks of Ray Charles (in studio or live) (see here).

Starring:
Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Richard Schiff, Aunjanue Ellis, Curtis Armstrong, Larenz Tate, David Krumholtz, Patrick Bauchau, Rick Gomez, Bokeem Woodbine, Kurt Fuller, Harry J. Lennix, Robert Wisdom, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Terrence Dashon Howard, Ralph Tresvant, Chris Thomas King, Denise Y. Dowse, Afemo Omilami, Kimberly Ardison, Elizabeth Omilami, Renee Wilson, Julian Bond, Clifton Powell, Tequan Richmond, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Warwick Davis.

Director: Taylor Hackford.

Ray DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

"Shall We Dance" now in DVD! "Shall We Dance" starring Jennifer Lopez, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci and Bobby Cannavale will be available on DVD February 1st (Buena Vista Home Video) (see here).

John Clark (Richard Gere) has all he could ever ask for, including a successful career and a loving wife (Susan Sarandon). Even so, he can't find true happiness and becomes intrigued by stunning dance teacher Paulina (Jennifer Lopez). Drawn by her allure, John Clark heads to the studio and signs up for lessons. As John's friendship with Paulina grows, so does his love for dance, renewing his lease on life. Based on the 1995 Japanese film.

The "Shall We Dance" soundtrack features Jamie Cullum, Rachel Fuller, Mya and Peter Gabriel (see here).

Starring:
Jennifer Lopez, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Bobby Cannavale, Richard Jenkins, Anita Gillette, Nick Cannon, Mya, Lisa Ann Walter, Omar Benson Miller, Stark Sands, Tamara Hope, Len Cariou, Deborah Yates

Director: Peter Chelsom
Producer: Simon Fields
Screenwriter: Audrey Wells
Cinematographer: John de Borman
Composer: John Altman, Gabriel Yared

"Shall We Dance" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Lou Reed Signs Worldwide Recording Deal With Sanctuary Records and Lou Reed Two Rare UK Concerts in April 2005.

Lou Reed has announced his full 2005 European Tour Dates, including three newly added dates in Finland. The legendary musician, whose career has spanned four decades - from his very first album "The Velvet Underground and Nico," (see here) will be performing two rare concerts in the UK during his European visit. UK dates include Leicester De Montfort Hall on Thursday April 21st, and the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Friday April 22nd.

Over the last 40 years as composer, poet, lyricist, musician, vocalist and sound pioneer, Lou Reed has constantly pushed the envelope with his art - and through his lack of compromise transformed many seemingly impossible barriers. In the process he has created not just one, but many of the greatest albums and songs of all time, straight through to his top 10 single success with the dance remix of Satellite Of Love in the UK in 2004. Recently, Lou Reed signed an exclusive worldwide recording deal with Sanctuary Records Group

Over the years he has recorded some of the most outstanding rock'n'roll albums including "Berlin," "Street Hassle," "New York," "The Blue Mask," "Coney Island Baby," "Transformer," "The Bells," "Rock'n'Roll Heart," and "Sally Can't Dance".
His most recent album releases include "The Raven," "Animal Serenade," and "NYC Man: Lou Reed - The Collection" (see here). "Emotion In Action," a double book edition of Reed's photographs was published in October 2003 by 7L and Gerhard Steidl.

Lou Reed UK Concerts:
- April 21, 2005 - Leicester De Montfort Hall
Doors Open 7pm / On stage 7:30pm
Street Address: Granville Road, Leicester, UK LE1
- April 22, 2005 - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Doors open 7pm / On stage 8pm
Street address: Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP

Lou Reed 2005 European Tour:
April 14 Portugal Oporto Casa de Musica
April 16 Spain San Sebastian Kursaal
April 18 France Paris Grand Rex
April 19 Holland Amsterdam Concertebouw
April 21 UK Leicester De Montfort Hall
April 22 UK Liverpool Philharmonic
April 24 Germany Frankfurt Alter Oper
April 25 Germany Berlin Tempodrom
April 27 Germany Hamburg CCH
April 29 Norway Bergen Grieghallen
April 30 Norway Stavanger Concert House
May 1 Norway Oslo Concert House
May 3 Denmark Copenhagen Royal Theatre
May 4 Denmark Copenhagen Royal Theatre
May 5 Denmark Arhus Music House
May 7 Sweden Malmo Concert House
May 8 Sweden Gothenburg Concert House
May 9 Sweden Stockholm Circus
May 11 Finland Lahti Sibelius Hall
May 12 Finland Tampere Concert Hall
May 13 Finland Helsinki Finlandia Hall

Lou Reed "NYC Man: The Collection" CD (31 tracks): ORDER IT NOW.