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You like Bill Champlin, Chicago... Discover the music of Viktor Jacob-Jonsson!!!

Viktor

Hailing from a small town in northern Sweden’s Lapland region, Viktor Jakob-Jonsson now resides in Stockholm with his wife Jana and newborn son Benjamin. While he’s working with communications, journalism and graphic design for a living, music has always been a strong passion in his life. In many ways, this was to be expected, being the youngest in a big and musical family with the town’s music teacher as father. Early introduced to Westcoast music by his older brothers, he found the center of his musical universe early on. Michael McDonald, Richard Page and Al Jarreau were just a few of the artists that ruled the airwaves in the Jonsson household. Viktor was especially hooked by the brilliant R&B infusions of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Bill Champlin and, fueled by youthful enthusiasm, created a website dedicated to Bill’s career at the mere age of 12 – a heartfelt project, which he took care of every night after school throughout his teens.

Needless to say, it kept him out of trouble but it also gave him a good reason to stay out of the practise room. Having started out on saxophone only to realize that he had more in common with a mallard than with Michael Brecker, he quickly switched gears to piano. Playing chords opened up a whole new world of possibilities as to what he could do with the melodies he kept hearing in his head. Through songwriting, he found his way of approaching music. Viktor is the singer of Swedish pop trio Stalon and is constantly working on a new song in his suburban cellar studio. During the covid-19 pandemic of 2020, he decided to start releasing songs in his own name. First out is the single “A Little Denial”, slated for release on August 25. When not making music or changing diapers, he enjoys being in the nature, especially in the beautiful area of his childhood, Vilhelmina.

Littke


It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro – The Man and His Music

Porcaro

One of the most recorded drummers in history, Jeff Porcaro became a music superstar held in equal esteem by fans and music professionals alike. A founding member of Grammy-award winning group Toto, Jeff also recorded and toured with a list of artists that reads like a who’s who of popular music in the late twentieth century.

With It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro,The Man and His Music, author Robyn Flans provides insight into Jeff’s musical career. Starting with his childhood and formative years, the book recounts his establishment on the L.A. scene, rise to stardom with Toto, and legendary career as one of the most sought-after studio drummers in the world until his tragic death in 1992 at only 38 years of age.

The author’s own interviews with Jeff, plus exclusive discussions with other stars provide a fascinating and revealing portrait of Jeff’s life—as well as how he was perceived by his fellow musicians. Bruce Springsteen, Donald Fagen, Ron Howard, Jackson Browne, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Richard Marx, David Gilmour, Peter Frampton, and many others share personal experiences and memories that recall Jeff’s larger-than-life playing and personality in vivid detail.

READ MORE AND PRE-ORDER THE BOOK HERE!


Japanese Label P-vine reissues Michael Stosic 1982 album!

Stosic

A miracle reprint. The refreshing breeze of the west coast comfortably tickles your ears.

American singer-songwriter Michael Stosic, who is currently active in the Gospel/CCM scene, released his first self-titled album in 1982. The original LP is rare and contents wonderful songs that will please "Soft Rock" fans. Sounds featuring brilliant horns, strings and high-level arrangements. Musicians are Tony Savage, Ray Kinman, Buddy Emmer, Jerry LaCroix, Mark Ishikawa, Jim Stipech, Lynn Groom, Scott Young, Larry Kinman and all the horn and string players including Edgar Winter. The names of David Batteau and Moon Calhoun are also in the composition.

From light mellow AOR to light urban boogie and sweet ballads, this is a masterpiece boasting rare music quality that sets it apart from most reissues!


LeRoux "One Of These Days"

Leroux

Louisiana's LeRoux announces the release of its seventh studio album, One of Those Days, was out on July 24th, 2020 worldwide.

Guitarist, Tony Haselden says, “It’s the best combination of LeRoux's musical palette and represents the abilities of the band better than any album we’ve probably ever done. It covers a wide spectrum of blues, southern rock, and zydeco.”  

One of Those Days was produced and engineered by Jeff Glixman at Esplanade Studios in New Orleans, LA. Jeff infused the band's latest effort with his signature punchy sound, and brilliant musical guidance that can be heard on Kansas, Gary Moore, The Georgia Satellites, and many other classic albums. 

Michael Doherty's Music Blog review: "The album opens with its title track, “One Of Those Days.” The exact moment this song had me was on the line “I put on a pair of jeans and Deadhead T,”...And, like a Dead song, this one has a good jam section, one you can dance to, and with a little nod to CCR on guitar. I seriously dig the percussion on this track. From the moment those drums start, there is no doubt that “Lucy Anna” is one of those great Louisiana songs designed to get us off our asses and dancing around. This is a song that effectively shouts New Orleans to us, and features some lively backing vocals and more delicious work on keys. But it is that groove that really grabs me. This is a ridiculously fun track."

Additional Musicians: Tab Benoit, Alexey Marti, Tim Courville, Keith Landry, Travis Thibodaux, Chapel Hart, Bobby Kimball & Bill Champlin


Wendy Moten "I've Got You Covered"

Wendy

Wendy Moten may have launched her career as a pop/R&B artist and taken cool detours into jazz throughout her fascinating career, but her heart clearly belongs to Nashville. Living and immersing in Music City for the past 23 years, the multi-talented vocalist has toured with Faith Hill & Tim McGraw (2005-2018) and Martina McBride (2014-2016) – and since 2016, has been on the road with the legendary Vince Gill (the man she calls “Emperor of Nashville”) when he hasn’t been touring with the Eagles. Their dynamic working relationship, and the 21-time Grammy winner’s long-held appreciation for Wendy’s versatility, culminates now in I’ve Got You Covered, an extraordinary passion project she’s had in her sights for years.

Produced by Gill and featuring the elite among Nashville’s most legendary hit making session musicians, the nine-track collection is the singer’s long-awaited moment in the country music spotlight. Effortlessly and intuitively inhabiting classic but lately little heard songs hand-picked by Gill, Wendy finds her groove – and her spiritual musical home – celebrating the gloried history of traditional country music by singing what she calls “real stories and real songs.”

READ MORE at TOM ESTEY PUBLICITY & PROMOTION


Terry McBride "Rebels & Angels"

Mcbride

In 1989, Terry McBride traveled to Nashville and the songs he had been writing found their way to MCA President Tony Brown, who would later go on to sign Terry to a recording contract with the label.  

Terry’s group, McBride & The Ride, recorded four albums for MCA, racking up several top five singles over the next few years, including “Sacred Ground” a #1 Single in 1992. McBride also received two million airplay awards for his writing credits for “Just One Night” and “Going Out of my Mind.” McBride & The Ride received CMA and ACM Nominations for Vocal Group of the Year before eventually disbanding in 1995.  

After McBride & the Ride disbanded, Terry began to focus most of his attention on songwriting, and through the years since has had songs cut by other artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr., Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin, Lost Frequencies, Kenny Rogers, John Anderson, Cole Swindell, Jim Lauderdale, Chase Bryant, Clare Dunn, Ricky Van Shelton, Jack Ingram, George Ducas, David Ball, Casey James, Wade Hayes, Gretchen Wilson, Andy Griggs, Jedd Hughes, Jason Michael Carroll, James Otto, Gord Bamford, Emerson Drive and Rosie Flores.

Terry has had over 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, which led to 13 singles and 12 BMI million air awards.

After his previous EP "Hotels & Highways", Terry is releasing a brand new album "Rebels & Angels".

READ MORE HERE!


Danny Frazier "Nobody Knows Where I Am"

Frazier

Danny Frazier was born the son of a Pentecostal preacher. Raised in Texas the family eventually moved to Ohio where Danny's father was born.

Danny put his first band together in 1991 and landed the house gig at the River Saloon on Covington landing. He was discovered there and signed to Decca records where he recorded a critically acclaimed album with the band Frazier River. They had two pick hit videos on CMT and billboard radio play.

Danny has continued as a full time musician and father of five beautiful children. He now resides in northern Kentucky.  

His new album "Nobody Knows Where I Am" is now available!!!

The Danny Frazier Band is:

 Danny Frazier - Vocals / Guitar
Chris Goins - Vocals / Guitar
Greg Amburgy - Vocals /Bass
Bobby Armstrong - Drums


LIONVILLE "Magic Is Alive"

Lionville

“Magic Is Alive“ is LIONVILLE’S fourth studio album, following the widely acclaimed “A World of Fools,” which was well received by melodic rock fans and critics alike in 2017.

Melodic rock/AOR fans have always held Lionville in high regard and “Magic Is Alive” will do nothing to dissuade them from this line of thinking. Pardon the pun, but a truly ‘magic’-al release, Lionville once again prove why they are one of the leaders of the melodic rock movement.

Lionville was started in 2010 by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in Genova, Italy and his brother Alessandro. Thanks to the incredible songs they had managed to write, they got none other than Lars Säfsund (Work Of Art, Enbound) involved as the lead vocalist, which was a true coup for the brothers.

After two indie releases, in 2017 Lionville finally signed with the Frontiers label, who managed to give the band’s releases larger support and distribution for the band’s third album “A World of Fools.” Lionville also appeared live at Frontiers Rock Festival in 2018 and became one of the new highest profile projects dedicated to pure AOR on the entire Frontiers roster.

The new album is certainly going to excite all the melodic rock/AOR lovers out there. With a sound that draws strong influences from classic AOR acts such as TOTO, Richard Marx, Giant, Bad English, Survivor and Boulevard, “Magic Is Alive” shows the winning combination of strong songwriting, stellar musicianship, and of course magnificent lead vocals.


A must hear for all AOR fans!


DEEP PURPLE "Whoosh!”

Deep

Deep Purple has released their brand-new studio album. “Whoosh!” follows their worldwide chart-topping albums “inFinite” (2017) and “NOW What?!” (2013).

Deep Purple joins forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who invited the band to Nashville to write and record new songs. Together they created the most versatile album in their collaboration. Deep Purple “stretched out in all directions” without any limitation, letting their creativity go.


“Deep Purple is putting the Deep back into Purple” was the half-joking motto in the studio after the first songs made it clear that Ezrin and Purple were on their path to creating an album pushing the boundaries of time, while voicing their resentment about the current situation of the world and addressing all generations.

“Whoosh!” is available as Limited CD+DVD Mediabook (incl. the 1h feature “Roger Glover and Bob Ezrin in conversation” and, for the first time, the full live performance at Hellfest 2017 as video), 2LP+DVD Edition, Limited Boxset and Digital on August 7, 2020 June 12th, 2020 on earMUSIC.