Bruce Springsteen "Devils & Dust" new album to debut exclusively as AOL Music first listen on March 28, Bruce Springsteen new album on AOL.

Bruce Springsteen's new album "Devils & Dust" is not due out until April 26, but only AOL Music has the title track before it goes to radio. After successfully debuting the first four singles from Bruce Springsteen's 2002 release The Rising, AOL Music will premiere "Devils & Dust" exclusively on Monday, March 28th as part of AOL Music's First Listen program. "Devils & Dust" will be accessible to anyone on the web beginning at 12:01 AM at http://www.aolmusic.com/ and will be available exclusively for 24 hours before anywhere else.

Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Devils & Dust" (Columbia Records) will be released exclusively in DualDisc format on April 26 in the US, with the full album on CD on one side of the disc and DVD content on the other side.

The DVD side will feature the first live performances of "Devils & Dust" material. Filmmaker/photographer Danny Clinch captured new, acoustic renditions of "Devils & Dust," "Long Time Comin'," "Reno," All I'm Thinkin' About," and "Matamoras Banks," each with Springsteen's extensive, personal introductions. The performances were filmed in New Jersey in February 2005.
The DVD side will also contain the entire album mixed in 5.1 channel surround sound and in stereo.

Bruce Springsteen closed shows from "The Rising" tour by showing Clinch's black and white, super 8mm film of the performer singing a country blues version of "Countin' on a Miracle," a track from "The Rising." Danny Clinch has directed several music films, including "Ben Harper: Pleasure and Pain," and has authored two books of photography.

Bruce Springsteen "Devils & Dust" new CD+DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Amos Lee "Amos Lee", Amos Lee new album now out on Blue Note Records.

Though Amos Lee's music is frequently described as a fusion of folk and soul, such an equation fails to reflect the singular artistry of this impressive debut. Like labelmate Norah Jones (who guests on two cuts), the Philadelphia singer-songwriter recognizes the power of simplicity, distilling an emotional essence that cuts across categories. The opening of his "Seen It All Before" echoes Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"; the stunning "Arms of a Woman" channels Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember"; "Give It Up" cuts a classic Bill Withers groove; "Black River" has the sound of an age-old spiritual; and the closing "All My Friends" follows Van Morrison into the mystic.
Throughout the song cycle, the bare-bones arrangements behind Lee's vocal flutter reinforce an organic unity that transcends genre. For all of the debts he owes to the music of the 1960s and '70s, the results sound timeless rather than retro. In his cautionary "Soul Suckers," Lee sings that "nothing is more powerful than beauty in a wicked world" - and proceeds to prove it

What a week it's been for Amos Lee. His debut Blue Note Records album was released on March 1 to great acclaim ("This Amos deserves to be Famous" - People Magazine; picked as one of "10 Artists To Watch" by Rolling Stone). On March 2, he made his national television debut on CBS' Late Show with David Letterman, a performance that had Letterman proclaiming "wonderful, isn't that tremendous? I'd like to be Amos Lee."

After playing three sold-out club shows in NYC last week, including an unforgettable March 4 set at the historic Bitter End - home to two of his all-time favorite recordings, seminal live albums by Donny Hathaway and Curtis Mayfield - Lee kicked off a two month run with Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard, March 7 at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA.

Now there's word that Amos Lee's debut self-titled album has cracked the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart in its first week of release, bowing at #190. The album also debuts at #9 on Billboard's Heatseeker Chart.

It's onward and upward from here: Amos Lee takes a one-day detour from the Dylan/Haggard tour to make his South by Southwest debut with two shows on March 18: sharing an afternoon bill with John Legend at the Starbucks Stage, then performing at the Austin Music Hall that evening with The Blind Boys of Alabama, Mavis Staples and Robert Randolph. And look for Amos Lee on NBC'S Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 23.

Amos Lee "Amos Lee" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Raul Midon "State Of Mind", Raul Midon new album feat. Stevie Wonder out very soon.

On June 7, 2005, Manhattan Records/EMI will release "State of Mind" the debut album by Raul Midon, a singer, guitarist and songwriter of dizzying talent and infectious spirit. The album's thirteen tracks were all written or co-written by Raul Midon, with legendary producer Arif Mardin and his son Joe helming the sessions. Jason Mraz, a major Midon booster who took Raul on tour last year, co-writes and sings on the duet "Keep on Hoping," and one of Raul Midon's idols Stevie Wonder plays harmonica on "Expressions of Love."

To see Raul Midon perform is to witness a true original. His feverishly rhythmic approach to acoustic guitar takes the likes of Richie Havens or Jose Feliciano as a starting point, and journeys to places unknown. Midon's voice, a virtuoso instrument in itself, can deliver an impassioned plea or poetic whisper before shapeshifting into a pitch-perfect mouth trumpet - sometimes all within the same song (reference the album's title track). The Washington Post recently captured the visceral excitement of a Raul Midon performance: "He tapped, plucked and strummed his guitar creating a wealth of sounds that gave the illusion of a full band behind him. Midon sang with a voice as silky as Seal's, pursed his lips to imitate a trumpet and had the audience hanging on his every word."

Raul Midon's songwriting style is another force to behold. He doesn't so much mix genres as ignore their constraints entirely. He thinks nothing of segueing from the exuberant Stevie Wonder-inspired melodic pop of "Sunshine" into the cookin' Afro-Cuban flute-and-percussion workout of "I Would Do Anything," then doubling back to the tranquil, imagistic ballad "All In Your Mind" with a central riff that recalls Jimi Hendrix and a gorgeous vibraphone solo by Stefon Harris.

Raul Midon may blur genres with abandon, but he delivers his message - live for today, see the beauty that's all around you - with powerful clarity. He arrived at these tenets through his own personal experience. Blind from birth, Midon grew up in the small town of Embudo, NM. His mother died when Raul Midon and his identical twin brother were very young, but his father, an accomplished, Argentinean-born dancer, instilled a love of music in his sons from a early age.

Raul Midon attended college in Miami, where he became a sought-after guitarist and vocalist, performing and touring with some of the brightest stars of the Latin music world. But a desire to write and perform his own material prompted a move to New York in 2002, where he's been flooring audiences in the clubs of lower Manhattan ever since. "I like to celebrate the possible," says Raul Midon. On "State Of Mind" he invites us all to join that celebration.

New Yorkers take note: Raul Midon will play the Living Room on March 29 and Joe's Pub on April 13. Stay tuned for news on other live shows and tour updates.

Raul Midon "State Of Mind" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Danni O'Neill "Picture Perfect", Danni O'Neill new album. Danni O'Neill Breaks Music Row Top 40 For Second Time.

GMV recording artist Danni O'Neill has broken the Top 40 on the Music Row chart again. Her newest single "What is Me" is the second release off her debut album "Picture Perfect" to make it onto the Top 40.

Having just celebrated the release of "Picture Perfect", Danni O'Neill is enjoying some great coverage. Already listed in CMA Close Up's "Who To Watch in 2005" February/March issue, Danni O'Neill will be featured in the same magazine next month as one of the artists in the "Debut Spotlight" section.

The British-based Country music publication Maverick will also run an interview with Danni O'Neill as well as a CD review, both due to appear in the April/May issue.

With some tour scheduling ahead of her, Danni O'Neill has already secured a spot to perform in Nashville at the Music City Marathon. Taking place Saturday, April 30, Danni will be at the 10th circle on Gay St. from 8:50 ­ 10:15 a.m.

Danni O'Neill was born in England, grew up in Toronto Canada, spent two years studying Child Psychology at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and then something happened.

"I remember when I was about six years old, I was with my grandfather at a café' in France. The owner asked me to sing for a soda. I got up on the table and put on my groove thing. It got to be my 'regular method of payment' each time we went to that café. I loved that feeling because I made people smile. I always knew in my heart of hearts this was truly what I wanted to do."

Despite her interests in travel and other studies, Danni O'Neill changed her direction and turned to music.

Danni O'Neill's passion for the music is displayed in the emotion contained within her debut album "Picture Perfect". The ten songs contained on the project are energetic, youthful, fresh, and electric. It's a project that will make you want to dance. It's a project that will make you want to sing. It may just be the record that puts Country Music back in dance clubs and broadens the Country Music audience as a whole.

Danni O'Neill "Picture Perfect" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Mariah Carey new single "We Belong Together" (on MSN Music) from Mariah Carey new album "The Emancipation of Mimi" available on April 12, 2005 (on Island Records).

Mariah Carey (Island Def Jam recording artist ) is preparing for one of the biggest success stories of her career, as "We Belong Together" jumps out as the second single from "The Emancipation of Mimi," her eagerly anticipated new album, set to arrive in stores April 12. If you want to be the first on your block to own Mariah Carey's hot new single "We Belong Together," MSN Music is the exclusive place to go. Beginning today through April 12, MSN Music is the only place U.S. fans can purchase the single.

MSN Music also will host the world online premiere of the "We Belong Together" video in April. The promotional video for "We Belong Together" provides the stunning conclusion to "It's Like That"; the two videos were filmed together in Los Angeles by famed Hollywood director Brett Ratner ("Rush Hour," "Red Dragon," "After the Sunset"). Ratner last worked with Carey in 1999 on the No. 1 Pop/No. 1 R&B "Heartbreaker" clip.

But music and videos aren't the only treats MSN Music has in store for Mariah Carey fans. In April, MSN Music will offer exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from Mariah Carey's exclusive, star-studded "The Emancipation of Mimi" party in New York. Expected to attend the party are some of the hottest names in music, film and sports, including Island Def Jam Music Group Chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri, Sean Combs, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephon Marbury, Nelly and Vince Carter, among others.

"Being Mariah Carey fans ourselves, we're excited that MSN Music is the only place that people can purchase her new single, see her new video online and get a behind-the-scenes look at her white-hot 'The Emancipation of Mimi' party," said Rob Bennett, senior director of MSN Entertainment. "MSN Music is about helping music fans find what they love, and Mariah Carey's fans are among the most devoted in music. We're thrilled to be working with Universal Music Group to help bring fans closer to Mariah and the many other great Universal artists."

Mariah Carey is an award-winning superstar with cumulative total sales of her albums, singles and long-form videos in excess of 75 times platinum in the United States alone, and 150 million worldwide, making her the top-selling female artist in history. With a record 15 No. 1 singles, two Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, Billboard magazine's Artist of the Decade Award, and the World Music Award as World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium, Mariah Carey's ongoing career remains an unparalleled success story in the history of contemporary popular music.

Mariah Carey "The Emancipation of Mimi" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Lizz Wright "Dreaming Wide Awake", Lizz Wright new album out June 14, 2005 (on Verve).

Combining timeless originals with striking interpretations of Neil Young, Joe Henry, Ella Jenkins, and others, new album heralds an artistic flowering after "regal soulfulness" (Vibe) of Lizz Wright acclaimed 2003 debut "Salt".
Jesse Harris, Toshi Reagon, Mark Anthony Thompson, Bill Frisell and others contribute.

On her 2003 debut, "Salt," Lizz Wright was hailed by People Magazine as "one of the year's most promising new voices," a "smoky, simmering" talent, according to USA Today. Lizz Wright's new album "Dreaming Wide Awake," set for June 14 release on Verve Forecast, finds that promise fulfilled.

Lizz Wright recorded "Dreaming" at Allaire Studios in Woodstock, NY, with Craig Street (Cassandra Wilson, k.d. lang) producing, and a deep well of New York talent contributing: guitarist Bill Frisell, Grammy-winning songwriter Jesse Harris, Mark Anthony Thompson (aka Chocolate Genius), Ollabelle organist Glenn Patscha, and Toshi Reagon among others.

Three of the eleven songs on "Dreaming" were written or co-written by Lizz Wright, proving that her "rapidly burgeoning writing talent" (LA Times) has now fully blossomed. From the deep-in-the-pocket, earthy soul of "Hit The Ground" (co-written with Jesse Harris and Toshi Reagon), to the buoyant Fender Rhodes groove of "Trouble," or the hazy, aching title track, each of Lizz Wright's original compositions casts an unforgettable spell.

Elsewhere she lends her "pitch-perfect, full-bodied voice" (NY Times) to a gorgeous, melancholic reading of Joe Henry's "Stop" (first popularized by Madonna on her "Music" album); turns Neil Young's "Old Man," into a dark cautionary tale; strips Ella Jenkins' "Wake Up Little Sparrow" down to a spare, zen-folk meditation; imparts the Aquarian anthem "Get Together" first popularized by the Youngbloods, with a new urgency; and recasts the Ric Marlow/Bobby Scott tune "A Taste of Honey" - best known as an early Beatles hit - as a haunting delta blues.

Lizz Wright was born in the small town of Hahira, GA. The youngest of three children, her father was a Holiness Church pastor, her mother the church organist. Wright grew up traveling the south, singing with her parents and siblings. She first came to national attention in 2002, when she played a series of tribute shows to the great Billie Holiday. Reviewing one of those shows, The LA Times proclaimed, with only a hint of hyperbole, "she walked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl a virtual unknown. Fifteen minutes later, she walked off a star."

Since then, Lizz Wright has toured with some of the greats - Ray Charles, Al Green, The Neville Brothers - and she recently headlined New York's Zankel Hall.

Lizz Wright "Salt" CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Phillip Ballou died, Phillip Ballou passed away (1950-2005).

Phillip Ballou, prolific background vocalist for a roster of high-profile artists ranging from Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin to James Taylor, passed away on Saturday, March 19 in New York due to a stroke. Phillip Ballou, who was also a member of the 1970s pop/gospel group Revelation, lived in Brooklyn and was 55 years old.

Phillip Demitrius Ballou was born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 22, 1950, and grew up there. Phillip Ballou's aptitude for singing showed itself early, which delighted his mother, Edith Washington-Ballou-Ghafoor, who wanted him to become a preacher or a gospel singer. He sang in his family's church and other churches, probably instinctively taking after his father, gospel singer Roosevelt Payne of the renowned Swan Silvertones. Ballou never really knew his father, who left the family when his son was very young.

He studied art at Carnegie Mellon University and moved to New York in the early 1970s to become a professional singer. After teaching grade school and working at several jobs, he founded Revelation in 1974 with three friends, Benny Diggs, Arnold McCuller and Arthur Freeman.

Described by the All Music Guide as "a silky New York group," Revelation toured as an opening act for the Bee Gees and was signed with RSO Records, resulting in a number of singles, including "Get Ready for This," "Where It's Warm," and "You to Me Are Everything," and an album.

The RSO deal ended in 1977, after which Revelation signed with RCA Records and, accompanied by the New York Community Choir, made an acclaimed album called "Make Every Day Count." Uncredited, they backed Vickie Sue Robinson in 1979 on her hit RCA album "Turn the Beat Around." Finally, Revelation signed with a smaller company called Handshake Records and made several recordings, after which they disbanded.

Next, Phillip Ballou performed in off-Broadway musicals, then became a highly successful background vocalist. He toured and recorded with James Taylor and Todd Rundgren as well as Laurie Anderson and John Hall, and began a recording and touring association with Luther Vandross that lasted until just before Vandross' latest album. In addition, he recorded with Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Tom Jones, George Benson, Billy Ocean, Kashif, Nona Hendryx, Jonathan Butler, Teddy Pendergrass, Melba Moore, Irene Cara, John Hall, Asleep at the Wheel, the disco group SOS All-Stars, gospel singer Tramaine Hawkins, and many more.

He sang with John Hall at the fabled 1979 "No Nukes" concert at Madison Square Garden. He also appeared in the 1978 film "American Hot Wax" and the Nicolas Cage movie "Kiss of the Vampire." He issued three solo gospel recordings.

Since the beginning of 2004, Phillip Ballou was the Minister of Music at Pentecostal House of Prayer in Brooklyn (Bishop Luther Dingle, Senior Pastor).

Recalling their childhood, Ballou's younger sister Faith Ross-Thornton, a fashion designer and businesswoman, said, "I was very close to Phillip, and we were very involved in our church choir. I didn't keep up with the singing, but he did, and when he performed with all the wonderful singers with whom he worked over the years, I was excited and happy for him, very pleased and proud. He was my mentor."

Survivors in addition to Ross-Thornton, her husband Ralph Thornton and her son Arthur are Ballou's older sister Eunice Washington; older brother Timothy Ballou and his wife Darlene; another younger brother, Talib K. Ghafoor; nieces Desiree, Tuesday, Talina, Timara and Edythe; nephews Timothy, Quinton, and Rashad; great nieces Maya and Bobbi; and great nephews Robert and T.J. A younger sister, Chicrita, passed away in the mid-1980s.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 24 (5 to 7:30 p.m. visitation with the family; 7:30 p.m. memorial service) at the Evening Star Baptist Church, 265-267 Gates Avenue at Franklin, Brooklyn, NY 11238. A memorial will be also held in Pittsburgh with the date to be announced shortly.

Donations to cover funeral expenses will be gratefully accepted by the family and may be sent to Faith Ross-Thornton at 2977 Cherry Hill Drive, Antioch, TN 37013.

R.I.P.

(Thanks to David Lasley webmaster for this information).

"No Nukes" live mega concert double CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Jimmy Buffett "Live In Hawaii", Jimmy Buffett Live CD+DVD out March 22, 2005 on Mailboat Records.

This incredible collection is a Parrothead's dream! The two CD set includes live performances from Buffett in Honolulu and Maui from January 28-30, 2004, and features all of his most popular songs, including his latest hit "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere." The recording also contains guest appearances by Don Ho, Martin Denny, and Henry Kapono.

About Jimmy Buffett... Recently topping the charts with "Meet Me In Margaritaville" and the #1 country duet with Alan Jackson, "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," Jimmy Buffett shows no signs of slowing down!

This two-CD set includes 29 tracks, recorded live in Hawaii, 2004. Album features guest appearances by Hawaiian music legends including "Exotica" King - Martin Denny, Henry Kopono and an introduction by Don Ho. "Live In Hawaii" feat. receive a bonus DVD, containing 3 songs!

Jimmy Buffett "Live In Hawaii" double-CD set (+DVD):
1. Great Heart
2. Coconut Telegraph
3. Gypsies In The Palace
4. In The Shelter
5. Burn That Bridge
6. Son of a Son of a Sailor
7. Come Monday
8. Natives Are Restless Tonight
9. Grapefruit Juicy Fruit
10. It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
11. One Particular Harbour
12. Cheeseburger in Paradise
13. We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About
14. Quiet Village (with Martin Denny)
15. Tiki Bar
16. Everybody's Talkin'
17. Why Don't We Get Drunk
18. Jolly Mon
19. It's My Job
20. Boat Drinks
21. Far Side Of The World
22. A Pirate Looks at Forty
23. Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes
24. Mexico
25. Margaritaville
26. Volcano (with Henry Kopono)
27. Fins
28. Back To The Island (new version w/ Henry Kopono)
29. Stories We Could Tell

Jimmy Buffett "Live In Hawaii" 2-CD set+DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Frank Stallone and The Contender, Frank Stallone and a new reality show "The Contender".

Grammy-and Golden Globe-nominated singer and songwriter Frank Stallone know what he was getting into when he was asked by his brother Sylvester Stallone to go out and find a bunch of fighters for a new reality show on boxing called "The Contender." Frank Stallone, the ex-fighter and world-renowned boxing historian and collector, readily agreed - until he got his first briefing about the show.

"This was like a rock tour - thirteen cities and eight weeks on the road. I had to re-think this, being on the road going to all these boxing gyms with people I didn't even know," Frank Stallone said.
He did re-think it, and decided that this could be a tremendous adventure.

"My partner Prentiss Byrd and I auditioned close to two thousand fighters, with weights ranging from 105 lbs. to close to 500 lbs. We saw ex-convicts, former world champions, ballet dancers, and even angry women who thought we were sexist for not letting women try out. We had one guy in New York who wore all pink from head to toe. He ran around the ring jumping in the air and didn't throw one punch," Frank Stallone said.

One of his favorite stories from the road happened while they were auditioning fighters in the South.
"We were in Tunica, Mississippi, in the middle of nowhere, with no fighters showing up, and sharing the venue with a livestock auction. Believe it or not, we picked two fighters from Tunica who are on the show. Most people were out of gas within 40 seconds, some guys almost needed an iron lung after one round," Frank Stallone said.

Frank Stallone "In Love In Vain" CD (2003, Simba Records): ORDER IT NOW.

Smokey Robinson "My World: Definitive Collection", Smokey Robinson new Best Of out May 3, 2005 (on Motown Records).

For the first time in the phenomenal career of William "Smokey" Robinson, all nine of his Top 10 pop hits, both with The Miracles and solo, have been collected on one CD. Bringing together for the first time every era of Smokey's recording legacy, from the '60s to today, "My World: Definitive Collection" (Motown/UMe), released May 3, 2005, celebrates some of the most romantic pop songs of our time and one of the most beloved and acclaimed artists in music.

But Smokey Robinson's world has never been just about the past. In addition to the disc's 19 timeless classics, each digitally remastered, "My World: Definitive Collection" features two songs recorded in 2005: "My World" and "Fallin'." The new tracks were co-penned by Smokey Robinson and produced by him with legendary writer-producer Mickey Stevenson (Marvin Gaye, Righteous Brothers, Temptations, Funk Brothers, etc.). Smokey Robinson also co-produced the compilation, which includes a 24-page booklet highlighted by numerous photographs and an essay.

The earliest track on "My World: Definitive Collection" is 1961's "Shop Around" from The Miracles of Smokey, Warren "Pete" Moore, Ronnie White, Emerson "Sonny" Rogers, Bobby Rogers and Claudette (Rogers) Robinson. The #1 R&B/#2 pop hit was a major breakthrough, not only for the group, but for producer and co-writer Berry Gordy and his fledgling Motown label.

An impressive string of '60s hits followed, the vast majority written and/or produced by Smokey Robinson, establishing him as one of contemporary music's most prolific and successful songwriters and producers as well as artists: "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" (#1 R&B/#8 pop), Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Mickey's Monkey" (#3 R&B/#8 pop), "I Second That Emotion" (#1 R&B/#4 pop), "Going To A Go-Go" (#2 R&B/#11 pop), "The Tracks Of My Tears" (#2 R&B/#16 pop), "Yester Love" (#9 R&B/#31 pop), "Ooo Baby Baby" (#4 R&B/#16 pop), "More Love" (#5 R&B/#23 pop) and "The Tears Of A Clown" (#1 R&B/#1 pop).

In 1972, Smokey Robinson exited the Miracles to launch his solo career, and the following year "Baby Come Close" (#7 R&B/#27 pop) served as an indicator of things to come by revealing a far more intimate side. He helped define the Quiet Storm genre in the '70s with his 1975 R&B Top 30 hit, "Quiet Storm." The period also brought "Cruisin'" (#4 R&B/#4 pop) and "Baby That's Backatcha" (#1 R&B/#26 pop).

In the '80s, he scored with "Let Me Be The Clock" (#4 R&B/#31 pop), "Being With You" (#1 R&B/#2 pop/#4 Adult Contemporary), "I've Made Love To You A Thousand Times" (#8 R&B) and, in 1987, the same year Smokey Robinson & The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, "Just To See Her Again" (#2 R&B/#8 pop/#1 AC) and the Grammy-winning "One Heartbeat" (#3 R&B/#10 pop/#2 AC).
"My World: Definitive Collection" is a reminder that it is near impossible to imagine our musical world without Smokey Robinson.

Smokey Robinson And The Miracles "The Ultimate Collection" CD: ORDER IT NOW.