westcoastmusic

10th Annual Carlos Vega Memorial Birthday Concert

Every year, some of the greatest singers and musicians from the West Coast come together to pay musical tribute to their long lost friend and drummer extrordinaire Carlos Vega. By getting together to play and remember Los, they have fun and make some great music. People come from all over the world and usually some of Carlos's family and friends attend as well.

The 2007 line up will include David Garfield, Jim Keltner, Abe Laboriel Jr, Tom Brechtlein, Forrest Robinson (Drums), Denny Dias , Lee Rittenour, James Harrah (Guitar), John Peña (Bass), Carlitos Del Puerto (Bass), Lenny Castro (Percussion), Richie Garcia (Percussion), Chris Trujillo (Percussion), Alex Ligertwood, Moon Calhoun, Rosemary Butler, Leslie Smith, Jaymes Felix (Vocals), Bill Bergman (Sax), Larry Klimas (Sax), Harry Kim, Walt Fowler (Trumpet) ....And Many, Many More TBA

All proceeds from the event will go to The Carlos Vega Memorial Drum Scholorship.

The 10th Annual Carlos Vega Memorial Birthday Concert will be on saturday december 8, 2007 at 8 pm - Musician's Institute - 1665 McCadden Place - Hollywood, CA.
Purchase tickets or make a donation to the scholorship fund here.

Greg Guidry MySpace tribute page by his son Theogene Guidry

There was a time when i discovered again where Greg Guidry was. This was in 1993 if I well remember. One day, Pierre Hourcade, a french lawyer told me he was in touch with Greg Guidry. I got in touch with Greg via fax messages at this time and like Pierre, I told Greg there was an audience for him in France and in Europe.

Thanks to his longtime friend Rich Lang and to the staff of Disney Village, I have been very proud being a part of an opportunity for him: what was a dream for Greg: Playing in France, doing a concert with his own band to what he told me for his first time ever. This was in October 1996.

I still remember that I saw an incredible hope in his new career, in meeting real european fans for the first time ever and being there with his two great sisters. I remember that I cried in seeing Greg rehearsals at Disneyland the day before the concert in a small club with his ownd band. I remember how Cathy and Sandy were moved. I also remember how Greg was happy to be there at The Westcoast Music Festival. I remember that Greg invited Robbie Dupree on stage to sing with him. Greg was more than a very talented artist, he was a great human being and a deeply emotional person.

I remember all these email messages I have exchanged with Greg Guidry after the mid-nineties. I remember how he was proud to work on "Soul'd Out" his last album. Greg was a genius. I did all of this for Greg simply because I love his music, songs, voices as a volunteer.

In August 2003, my buddy friend Robbie Dupree learnt me the piece of news via an email message. Greg died July 28th, 2003. I was deeply sad and I am still sad. I will never forget you Greg.

Greg, you know what I was more than your manager in Europe. Greg, wherever you are, you know I have told you times and times : "You have the voice an angel" (and you are a magical piano player) and i was so proud you were on the line-up of the Westcoast Music Festival at Disneyland Paris during the 90s'. I know it was one of your dearest dreams to reach live your fan audience in our continent. Thank you a million times for all the joy and love your have brought to this world and to your fans.

Theo (and Candice), you can be proud of your father. Thanks for your GREAT initiative of your MySpace page in the memory of your father Greg Guidry. Theo, if you read this article, please join me at [email protected] , i have memories of your father I wanna share with you and your family (Candice, Cindy, Cathy and Sandy...).

(Picture: Greg Guidry at The Westcoast Music Festival in October 1996 - Disneyland Paris - Copyright Disneyland Paris - All Rights Reserved).

Roy Orbison Would Have Been 69 Years Old on Saturday, April 23rd, Roy Orbison anniversary

Roy Orbison Would Have Been 69 Years Old on Saturday, April 23rd, Roy Orbison anniversary.

Out of the tiny oil town of Wink, in West Texas, he became a worldwide superstar, topping the charts around the planet for four decades. He toured with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Eagles and Patsy Cline, and made a tremendous impact on every single soul that heard his sound. Elvis Presley called Roy "The Greatest singer in the world."

Roy Orbison was born in Vernon, Texas on April 23rd, 1936. He got his first guitar for his 6th birthday, had his own radio show at the age of 8. At the age of 13 he formed his first band, the Wink Westerners, and they became local heroes. By 18 he had his own television show and one of his guests was Johnny Cash, who pointed him to Sun Records, the home to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.

From there he went to Monument Records in Nashville and a tremendous string of hits followed. First came "Uptown," followed by "Only The Lonely," "Blue Angel," "Running Scared," "Crying," "Dream Baby," "In Dreams," "It's Over," and one of the most popular songs of all time, "Oh, Pretty Woman."

In January of 1987, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later that year, he recorded the archetypal Black & White Night, the Coconut Grove performance featuring artists Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, James Burton, and Bonnie Raitt, to name a few. During that year, Roy was recording two albums at the same time, one with the Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1, and his solo effort, Mystery girl. In December of 1988 Roy passed away and he had two # 1 songs on the charts at that time, "Handle With Care" with the Wilburys and his own, "You Got It."

Roy Orbison received multiple Grammy awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989.

In one of his last interviews he was asked how he wanted to be remembered, and he just replied: "I would just like to be remembered."

We celebrate Roy Orbison's 69th birthday on April 23rd.

Roy Orbison "Black & White Night" new DVD & DVD Audio (live): ORDER IT NOW.

A new Luther Vandross tribute LP on the way, A new Luther Vandross tribute album

A new Luther Vandross tribute LP on the way, a new Luther Vandross tribute album.

Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, Celine Dion and Angie Stone are one of the few stars who are taking part in a new Luther Vandross tribute album.

Although a Jazz tribute album honouring Luther Vandross was released last year (2004), the new project, which was dreamed up by music mogul Clive Davis, will be more of a direct translation of the Soul veteran's work.

Producer Jimmy 'Jam' Harris says, "Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson both called and said they were interested in doing something for it.
This is really the best of the best singers coming together. It's going to be an incredible project.
It's basically artists doing Luther Vandross songs, but they're doing them their way. Some of the arrangements are very similar to Luther's arrangements."

Luther Vandross suffered a debilitating stroke almost two years ago.

To date, Luther Vandross has won five Grammy Awards for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance with his #1 R&B / Top Ten Single, "Here and Now," two for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance with "Power Of Love / Love Power," and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance for "Your Secret Love." In 2000, Luther Vandross was honored with a special BET Walk Of Fame tribute and as brilliant performer who is known for his compelling live shows, Luther Vandross has consistently toured and enjoyed sold-out shows year in and year out. And, a first for any black male vocalist, Luther's impressive catalog of fourteen albums have all achieved either platinum or multi-platinum status.

"Forever for Always for Luther" Tribute To Luther Vandross CD (feat. George Benson, Brian Culbertson, Boney James...): ORDER IT NOW.

A Tribute To Quincy Jones on BET: An Evening Of Stars (Oprah Winfrey, Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie...)

A Tribute To Quincy Jones on BET: An Evening Of Stars (Oprah Winfrey, Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie...). Legendary songwriter, composer and producer, Quincy Jones, will receive an all-star tribute for his lifetime achievements on the United Negro College Fund's (UNCF) annual televised fundraiser, "An Evening of Stars." The four-hour special airs January 8th and 9th, 2005 in over 65 markets, and is syndicated nationally on BET and Super Station WGN.

Performing for Quincy Jones at a gala celebration previously taped at Hollywood's Kodak Theater are music legends Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Lionel Richie and Chaka Khan; as well as some of the hottest entertainers, including Musiq, Joss Stone, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Savion Glover, Brian McKnight and Tamia. Scheduled gospel performances include top selling artists Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin and Bebe Winans. Mo'Nique, Salma Hayek and Debbie Allen, Bill Cosby and Whoopi Goldberg are just a few of the featured presenters to salute Quincy Jones. Longtime friend, Oprah Winfrey presents Quincy Jones with UNCF's "Award of Excellence."

The first Lou Rawls Parade of Stars aired in 1979, and since has become one of the longest running and most successful televised events in U.S. history; raising over $200 million to supplement the cost of higher education for its scholarship recipients and member institutions. The event has featured a who's who of the most recognizable talent, including Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dick Clark, Reba McIntyre, Richard Pryor, Beyonce Knowles, Jill Scott, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, Ed McMahon, Michael Bolton, Hall and Oates, Ziggy Marley and scores of others.

Today, the show, now called An Evening of Stars, is broadcast nationally and supported by major corporations such as this year's national sponsors, American Airlines, Kodak, McDonald's, Prudential Financial, Target and Toyota.

Founded in 1944, The United Negro College Fund is the nation's oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization. UNCF has raised $2.3 billion to support its 38 member institutions and has helped more than 350,000 students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. UNCF administers more than 450 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.

*An Evening of Stars will air January 8th and 9th, 2005 in over 65 markets. Check your local listings or visit http://www.uncf.org/.

Quincy Jones "In the Pocket (American Masters)" (2002) DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

A Tribute To The Cars in memory of late Benjamin Orr

"A Tribute To The Cars" CD in memory of late Benjamin Orr.

Jason Falkner, the Posies' Jon Auer, Bleu, Damone and Butch Walker and other artists contribute tracks to to "Substitution Mass Confusion," a tribute to The Cars that will be released January 4 on Not Lame Recordings.

Some proceeds of the compilation profits will be given to the American Cancer Society in memory of Cars bassist Benjamin Orr, who died of cancer during the year 2000.

Photographer and fan Peter Kuehl organized the CD, inspired by Benjamin Orr's passing. "The first thing I thought was that someone should get a tribute together. And I thought that it should be for charity. After three years, none had been produced, so I decided to do it myself."

An album release show featuring a number of the bands on the disc is planned for Feb. 10 at Boston venue T.T. the Bear's Place.

Please also note The Cars frontman Ric Ocasek has left his post as senior VP of A&R at Elektra Records. According to a spokesperson, the artist no longer has a role at Warner Music Group. He recently joined the Sanctuary Music Group.

"A Tribute To The Cars, Substitution Mass Confusion" album tracklisting:
"Touch and Go," Jason Falkner
"My Best Friend's Magic Girlfriend," Butch Walker
"You Might Think," Bleu
"Misfit Kid," Jon Auer
"Just What I Needed," Damone
"Got a Lot on My Head," Owsley
"Hello Again," the Argument
"I'm Not the One," Gigolo Aunts featuring Kid Lightning
"Bye Bye Love," Spiraling
"Tonight She Comes," Action Action
"You're All I've Got Tonight," the Millions
"Drive," Chris von Sneidern
"Shake It Up," PurrBox
"Dangerous Type," Johnny Monaco
"It's All I Can Do," the Bravery
"Candy-O," Doug Powell
"Since You're Gone," the Andersons!
"Let's Go," Dum Dog Run
"Slip Away," sparkle*jets u.k.
"Nightspots," the Cautions
"Good Times Roll," the Daybirds

You can know more about this CD, order it and listen to .mp3 samples of it at this address.

The Cars "Live - Musikladen 1979" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Smokey Robinson honored

Smokey Robinson honored in The Walk Of Fame. BET's 10th Anniversary Walk of Fame Salute to Smokey Robinson Sets New Viewership Record. On a night filled with heavy-duty broadcast and cable network competition, BET's 10TH anniversary Walk Of Fametelecast honoring soulful crooner Smokey Robinson shattered viewership marks to become the #1 telecast of its kind in BET history. Premiering on October 26, the star-studded salute to Robinson's career as a singer, songwriter and Motown label executive drew a record 2.6 million viewers (2.16 rating; 1.7 million households), topping the viewership of the 2003 Walk Of Fame recognition of Aretha Franklin (2.2 million viewers) by 17%.

Joining in the celebration of Robinson's amazing legacy were past Walk Of Fame honorees Stevie Wonder and Boyz II Men, along with artists India.Arie, Floetry, Christina Milian, New Edition, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Levert, and Brian McKnight. Newcomers Ricky Fante and John Legend rounded out the performance slate during a spectacular night punctuated with special video tributes from Usher, Gladys Knight and R. Kelly. Hosted by award-winning radio personality and BET legend Donnie Simpson, an encore telecast of the 2004 WALK OF FAME is set for Tuesday, November 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The highly-anticipated event paid homage to one of the most prolific producers, songwriters and recording artists of the Motown era, as well as raised financial support for worthy causes. This year, proceeds were shared between the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and BET Foundation, which executes the Healthy BET obesity-awareness campaign and other pro-social causes. The annual charitable black-tie affair has raised more than $3 million dollars since its 1995 inception.

Robinson joined an illustrious group of past Walk Of Fame honorees, including Michael Jackson (1995), Whitney Houston (1996), Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (1997), Boyz II Men (1998), Diana Ross (1999), Luther Vandross (2000), Patti LaBelle (2001), Stevie Wonder (2002) and Aretha Franklin (2003).

Smokey Robinson "Food For The Spirit" album: ORDER IT NOW.

Concert Tribute to Trevor Horn: November 11, London, Wembley Arena: A Concert for The Prince's Trust feat. Seal, Simple Minds, Yes, Lisa Stanfield, Belle & Sebastian

Concert Tribute to Trevor Horn: November 11, London, Wembley Arena: A Concert for The Prince's Trust feat. Seal, Simple Minds, Yes, Lisa Stanfield, Belle & Sebastian, Pet Shop Boys, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Buggles, ABC, Propaganda and Art Of Noise.

All on stage for one night only and for a mega-concert, November 11, 2004 at The Wembley Arena in London, A Concert for The Prince's Trust, celebrating 25 years of Trevor Horn.

The Prince's Trust will benefit from a concert celebrating award winning producer Trevor Horn's 25 years in the music industry. In his legendary career to date, Trevor Horn has produced chart topping singles by artists as diverse as The Pet Shop Boys, Simple Minds, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Tatu.

Seal, Simple Minds, Yes, Lisa Stanfield, Belle & Sebastian, Pet Shop Boys, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Buggles, ABC, Propaganda and Art Of Noise are performinng at this celebration concert and other top selling acts will be announced in the near future.

You can win tickets for the concert there.

Smokey Robinson honored in the Walk Of Fame

Smokey Robinson honored in the Walk Of Fame. Adored Motown alum Smokey Robinson was inducted as the tenth honoree to be enshrined along BET's prestigious Walk Of Fame during a sophisticated night of elegance on Saturday at the network's Washington, D.C. corporate headquarters. In recognition of Smokey Robinson's lauded career, BET packed the house with Washington D.C.'s movers and shakers, bestowing the "man behind the music" with a star-studded evening of tributes and performances by distinguished friends, contemporaries, and mentors. Joining in on the celebration of Smokey Robinson's amazing career were past Walk Of Fame honorees Stevie Wonder and Boyz II Men, along with artists India.Arie, Floetry, Christina Milian, New Edition, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Levert, and Brian McKnight.

Newcomers Ricky Fante and John Legend rounded out the performance slate during a spectacular night punctuated with special video tributes from Usher, Gladys Knight and R. Kelly. Hosted by award-winning radio personality and BET legend Donnie Simpson, viewers will have a front row seat to all the excitement when the 10the Annual BET Walk Of Fame premieres on Tuesday, October 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The highly-anticipated event paid homage to Smokey Robinson, one of the most prolific producers, songwriters and recording artists of the Motown era, as well as raised awareness and financial support for worthy causes. This year, proceeds will be shared between United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the BET Foundation, which executes the Healthy BET obesity-awareness campaign and other pro-social causes. The annual charitable black-tie affair has generated over $2.5 million dollars since 1995.

The night was threaded with fanfare and serenades to the famed falsetto, including concert-style rotations of his groundbreaking hits redone by a host of longtime followers and newfound devotees. Arranged by acclaimed musical director Patrice Rushen, performances featured reflective renditions by respected Grammy Award-winners Stevie Wonder and Boyz II Men who crooned "Tears of A Clown," and "Shop Around" respectively, a sensual "Ooo Baby Baby" by Gerald Levert heated things up a notch, and a fitting Temptations-style medley of "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "Get Ready," and "My Girl" by New Edition brought the audience to their feet. Additional highlights included Christina Milian's sultry performance of "My Guy," India.Arie's soulful version of "Tracks of My Tears," Floetry's mesmerizing rendering of "Who's Loving Who," and a flirtatious duet of "Ebony Eyes" belted out by Marsha Ambrosius (Floetry) and Gerald Levert.

Smokey Robinson joins an illustrious group of past Walk Of Fame honorees, including Michael Jackson (1995), Whitney Houston (1996), Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (1997), Boyz II Men (1998), Diana Ross (1999), Luther Vandross (2000), Patti LaBelle (2001), Stevie Wonder (2002) and Aretha Franklin (2003).

"I don't know how to say thank you," enthused Smokey Robinson to the elite crowd after receiving his award from BET President and Chief Operating Officer Debra Lee. "This has been one of the best nights of my life," he reflected, speaking fondly of the activities leading up to the presenting moment. The show's conclusion was the pinnacle of the night as Smokey Robinson wowed the audience with a combination of blockbuster hits from his dynasty of sound, proving his status as an icon worthy of the occasion.

Smokey Robinson, the Detroit-born star's ballads have brought listening pleasure to millions of enthusiasts nationally through a remarkable career with scores of chart-topping hits. His extensive body of work has earned him countless awards including a Grammy Award (R), NARAS Living Legend Award, American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers Award (ASCAP), the National Medal of Arts Award from the White House, as well as a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame to name a few.
Smokey Robinson has helped to shape the landscape of R&B and can be credited for one of the most popular late-night radio genres, "Quiet Storm," a radio format dubbed for its likeness to Robinson's biggest solo album's title track, Quiet Storm.
This year, Smokey Robinson independently released a Gospel album titled "Food For The Spirit," and also launched "Smokey Robinson's Soul In the Bowl Gumbo."

From the Motown era to present, Smokey Robinson's contributions are irrefutable -- for over three decades he has graced the music industry with timeless tunes that spotlight his songwriting expertise, sophisticated vocal ability and superior musical talent.

It Was 40 Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles feat. Andrew Gold, Al Kooper, Bill Lloyd...

"It Was 40 Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles" 2 CD set has been released in last July on Bulleyes Canada and it features great artists like Andrew Gold and Bill Lloyd (from Foster & Lloyd).

Four loveable lads from Liverpool walked off an airplane at New York’s JFK airport in February 1964 and the world was never the same. Forty years after The Beatles sparked the British music invasion, a celebration of the achievements of one of Pop music's most iconic music groups comes to fruition.

Bullseye Records of Canada is releasing a 50 song, 2CD compilation of Beatle songs performed by the world’s pop community to pay homage to the heroes of an entire musical generation. "It Was 40 Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles" is an overview of the Beatles' musical output from 1962 through 1970 as done by artists who owe a debt of musical gratitude to John, Paul, George & Ringo.

Assembled over three years by Bullseye Records execs Jaimie Vernon and Jim Hoeck with co-production by Greg Godovitz (Goddo, Fludd, Carpet Frogs) and Terry Draper of Klaatu (who were once thought to be the actual Beatles reunited), the 50 songs span interpretations in every musical style from 48 artists including world-renowned performers:
- Al Kooper (Blood, Sweat & Tears),
- Andrew Gold ("Thank You For Being A Friend"),
- Bill Lloyd (Foster & Lloyd),
- The Kings ("Switchin' To Glide"),
- Jeff Jones (Red Rider),
- Tom Hooper (Grapes Of Wrath),
- Dee Long (Klaatu),
- Paul Myers (author of "Public Stunts, Private Stories"),
- The Spongetones (featuring Jamie Hoover),
- Eight Seconds (who reunited specifically for this project),
- Frank Soda,
- Goddo,
- Bob Segarini,
- Eytan Mirsky ("Tao Of Steve" soundtrack),
- Brian Gagnon (The Hunt),
- Michael White (from Zeppelin tribute act The White)
- Dave "Rave" DesRoches (Teenage Head, The Shakers),
- and Australia’s Michael Carpenter.

The project has also opened the doors for independent artists across North America whose current projects are gaining notoriety — The First Time, Cadence, The Lolas, Cats & Dogs, The Lackloves, Popdudes, Phil Vincent, Jeremy, The Oohs, Geoff Gibbons, and Steve Barton.

Liner notes for the project were written by Craig Cross, author of 'Beatles-discography.com: Day-by-Day, Song-by-Song, Record-by-Record'.