Page 1047 – That Eric Alper

My Next Read: “Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters, and Goddesses” by Peter Wolf

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 21, 2024

My Next Read: “Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters, and Goddesses” by Peter Wolf

In the tradition of classic collections of observations and musings such as Christopher Isherwood’s I Am a Camera and Truman Capote’s The Dogs Bark, Waiting on the Moon is a treasure trove of vignettes from a legendary musical figure whose career spans more than six decades and is still going strong.

Peter Wolf grew up in the Bronx, a child of “fellow travelers” whose artistic inclinations influenced both his love of music and his initial desire to become a painter. Stories of his loving and sometimes eccentric parents complement scenes depicting a very young Bob Dylan as he arrived on the Greenwich Village folk scene. Reflections on Wolf’s studies in Boston—where he shared an apartment with David Lynch—are braided with accounts of first love, an untraditional literary education, and early musical influences such as Muddy Waters.

After Wolf joined the J. Geils Band as their front man and his musical fame grew, he rubbed shoulders with other notables who left significant impressions on him, including members of the Rolling Stones, Sly Stone, Tennessee Williams, Alfred Hitchcock, and Van Morrison. Wolf’s marriage to Faye Dunaway is presented in a clear yet balanced and nuanced light.

Told with gentle humor and often heart-rending poignancy, the word portraits in Waiting on the Moon provide a revealing glimpse of artists, writers, actors, and musicians as they work—the creative forces that drive them to achievement; the demons they battle; the patterns of their human relationships. They are meant to inspire not only empathy but also admiration. Like Isherwood, Wolf remains “a camera with its shutter open.”

Peter Wolf, born in the Bronx NY, became a rock ’n’ roll convert at the age of eleven after attending an Alan Freed revue that included performances by Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others. Although at first, he aspired to a career as a painter and studied at the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts, he experienced a life-changing epiphany after jumping onstage with a band of fellow art students at a loft party forming one of Boston’s early rock bands, the Hallucinations.

Shortly thereafter, Wolf secured a job as an all-night DJ on the fledgling FM radio station WBCN, where he adopted the persona of the “Woofa Goofa” and spun obscure rock ’n’ roll and early rhythm and blues. His encyclopedic musical knowledge came in handy when he and some like-minded Boston players formed the J. Geils Band, much of whose early repertoire was drawn from Wolf’s vast record collection. In 1970 the band was signed by Jerry Wexler for Atlantic Records where they went on to release nine influential albums and earned a reputation as one of rock’s most exciting live acts. In 1979 they were signed by EMI America topping the charts world-wide with their hit songs “Freeze Frame,” “Love Stinks,” and “Centerfold.”

With the 1984 album Lights Out, Wolf began his career as a solo artist. In the ensuing years he collaborated with Aretha Franklin, Merle Haggard, John Lee Hooker, and Mick Jagger, among others. His album Sleepless was voted one of the top five hundred albums of all time by Rolling Stone. He currently tours with his band ‘The Midnight Travelers’ and will be releasing his ninth solo album in 2025. He lives and works from his home base in Boston, Massachusetts.

Unleash Creativity with the LEGO Retro Record Player

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 21, 2024

0

Unleash Creativity with the LEGO Retro Record Player

For kids aged 12 and up—or anyone young at heart—LEGO has hit the right note with the LEGO Retro Record Player (40699). This nostalgic build is not just a toy; it’s an invitation to explore creativity, celebrate a love for music, and create something truly unique. Packed with charming details, this set is a must-have for music lovers and retro enthusiasts alike.

The LEGO Retro Record Player is a fun and imaginative project designed to encourage creativity. Featuring 310 pieces, it’s perfect for boys and girls aged 12 and up, offering a satisfying build that’s equal parts playful and rewarding.

Music lovers will adore the authentic details this set has to offer. The buildable LP record spins, the needle moves into place, and the lid opens and closes. There’s even a movable antenna and printed tiles, including a realistic volume button tile, to bring the record player to life. Kids can role-play putting on a record and adjusting the sound, immersing themselves in the golden age of vinyl.

Once completed, this miniature record player transforms into a retro decor piece, ideal for a bedroom or music room. With its vintage design and attention to detail, it’s a statement piece that’s bound to catch attention wherever it’s displayed.

Looking for a gift that’s both creative and meaningful? This LEGO set is an ideal choice for budding DJs, musicians, and anyone who loves retro design. It’s not just for kids—adults with a passion for music and LEGO builds will appreciate its charm and craftsmanship.

When closed, the LEGO Retro Record Player measures over 1.5 inches (4 cm) high, 6 inches (16 cm) wide, and 4.5 inches (12 cm) deep, making it a compact yet eye-catching addition to any space.

Whether you’re a LEGO fan, a music lover, or someone who appreciates vintage aesthetics, the LEGO Retro Record Player (40699) is the perfect blend of creativity, nostalgia, and fun. Let your imagination spin and enjoy this delightful build today!

Genesis Detail THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 21, 2024

0

Genesis Detail THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition

In Genesis’ incredible body of work, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway is a landmark record. Originally released on November 22, 1974 (50 years ago this week), at the pinnacle of their early success, it came at a pivotal point in Genesis’ history. It is rated as one of the greatest albums of its era and one of the most influential progressive rock albums of all time.

The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition is the album’s definitive compendium, following the arc of the album’s creation and tour. With input from all of the band members involved in the record – Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford – it comes in 5LP/Blu-Ray Audio, 4CD/Blu-Ray Audio and Digital (including Dolby ATMOS) formats, all providing a deep dive into the music and visual elements around this album and includes;

The original album mix, remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Miles Showell from the 1974 analog tapes.
A Blu-ray audio disc includes the remastered 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio and Dolby ATMOS mixes of the studio album done by Bob Mackenzie at Real World Studios under the supervision of Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks.
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Live At The Shrine Auditorium from January 24, 1975. It is remastered and includes two encore tracks, “Watcher of the Skies” and “The Musical Box.” This is the first time the full live show, including the encore tracks, has been released in its entirety.
Three never-before-released demos from the legendary Headley Grange Session included as part of a digital download card with the full audio from the set.
A 60-page coffee table style book with Alexis Petridis liner notes, who interviewed all five band members to tell the story of The Lamb… – from the writing sessions to live performances – which is believed to be the only time this has happened since its original release.
The book also features images from Armando Gallo, Richard Haines and other noted photographers. A 1975 tour program reproduction, replica ticket and poster

This 50th-anniversary Super Deluxe Edition is a true celebration of a remarkable album that embraces the groundbreaking music, giving the whole band’s insight alongside evocative imagery and unseen photos. Ultimately, it celebrates the huge magnitude of what this record is, which Alexis Petridis sums up perfectly in the opening paragraph of the liner notes…

“Perhaps it makes sense that an album as complex as The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway has an equally complex history. The saga of its making is a strange and lengthy one, involving rat-infested country houses, uncanny presentiments of the future—or at least the future of rock music—Hollywood directors, personality clashes and inflatable penises. It’s also occasionally controversial: Talking to the former members of Genesis about The Lamb…nearly half a century on, it’s hard not to be struck by the fact that they seldom agree about it. Some members of the band have said they think it’s the best album of their career. Others think of it as a brave but flawed experiment. Some people view it as the absolute apotheosis of early-’70s progressive rock: a double concept album filled with dense, intricate, ever-shifting music, featuring a plot so knotty and strange even some members of the band didn’t understand it (“Ask Peter—I’m just the drummer,” shrugged Phil Collins when a journalist quizzed him about it shortly after release) and subject to one of the most famously theatrical live presentations in rock history. Some people think it presages the arrival of punk rock. In fact, there’s every chance that The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway is all those things—flawed experiment, career highlight, prog masterpiece, weirdly prescient precursor of punk—at once, which might account for its longevity.”

Releasing March 28, 2025. PRE-ORDER HERE.

Genesis, ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition’ Track Listing

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway – Remastered 2024 (From the Original 1974 Tapes)
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Fly on a Windshield
Broadway Melody of 1974
Cuckoo Cocoon
In the Cage
The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging
Back in N.Y.C.
Hairless Heart
Counting Out Time
The Carpet Crawlers
The Chamber of 32 Doors
Lilywhite Lilith
The Waiting Room
Anyway
Here Comes the Supernatural Anaesthetist
The Lamia
Silent Sorrow in Empty Boats
The Colony of Slippermen (The Arrival · A Visit to the Doktor · Raven)
Ravine
The Light Dies Down on Broadway
Riding the Scree
In the Rapids
It

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway – Live From the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA (January 24, 1975)
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Fly on a Windshield
Broadway Melody of 1974
Cuckoo Cocoon
In the Cage
The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging
Back in N.Y.C.
Hairless Heart
Counting Out Time
The Carpet Crawlers
The Chamber of 32 Doors
Lilywhite Lilith
The Waiting Room
Anyway
Here Comes the Supernatural Anaesthetist
The Lamia
Silent Sorrow in Empty Boats
The Colony of Slippermen (The Arrival · A Visit to the Doktor · Raven)
Ravine
The Light Dies Down on Broadway
Riding the Scree
In the Rapids
It
Watcher of the Skies
The Musical Box

The Headley Grange Demos – Download Card
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway/Fly on a Windshield (Take 1)
The Chamber of 32 Doors/The Lamia (Takes 1-2)
In the Cage [Strange Vocals] (Take 1)
Blu-ray Disc
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

Dolby ATMOS Mix
ATMOS Mix by Bob Mackenzie at Real World Studios
Studio Album Stereo Mix (24bit/96kHz Uncompressed Audio)
Remastered From the Original 1974 Tapes by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios With Assistance From Nick Davis

5 Surprising Facts About Bob Dylan’s ‘Blonde on Blonde’

Eric Alper

-

Nov 19, 2024

0

5 Surprising Facts About Bob Dylan’s ‘Blonde on Blonde’

When it comes to iconic albums, Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde is a milestone not just in his career but in the history of music. Released as a double album on June 20, 1966, it was a daring, genre-defining work that married rock and roll with poetic lyricism. While its reputation as one of the greatest albums of all time is well-earned, there are still mysteries and tidbits that even die-hard fans may not know. Here are five lesser-known facts that make Blonde on Blonde even more fascinating.

1. The Mysterious Album Release Date

For decades, fans and historians alike celebrated May 16, 1966, as the official release date of Blonde on Blonde. However, the true date—unearthed years later—was actually June 20, 1966. This discrepancy arose partly because of conflicting promotional materials and misreported timelines. The confusion is fitting for an album as layered and enigmatic as Dylan’s music itself!

2. An Unplanned Album Cover

The iconic blurred cover photo of Blonde on Blonde wasn’t a carefully curated artistic decision—it was a happy accident. Photographer Jerry Schatzberg captured Dylan outside in the cold, and the blur was simply the result of an unsteady camera and shivering hands. Dylan loved the imperfection, seeing it as a metaphor for the hazy, dreamlike quality of the album.

3. The Nashville Sessions Were a Gamble

Dylan’s frustration with his New York recording sessions was palpable. Only one song from the New York recordings made it onto the album: “One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later).” Producer Bob Johnston suggested moving to Nashville—a bold choice that paid off. The expertise of Nashville’s session musicians infused the album with its distinctive sound, blending Dylan’s lyrical genius with the precision of country rock instrumentation.

4. A Historic Double Album Feat

While double albums are now common, Blonde on Blonde was a trailblazer. It’s widely regarded as rock’s first double album by a major artist. Dylan’s wealth of material made this format essential, showcasing a breadth of creativity that couldn’t be contained within a single LP.

5. The Evolution of “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands”

Clocking in at over 11 minutes, “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” was not only groundbreaking in length but also in its improvisational creation. Dylan spent eight hours writing the song in the studio while the musicians played cards and waited for him. What emerged was a sprawling, hypnotic tribute to his wife, Sara Lownds, capturing the album’s romantic and surreal essence.

Blonde on Blonde remains a marvel, not just for its music but for the stories and mysteries surrounding its creation. From blurred album covers to misreported release dates, these lesser-known facts add new dimensions to our understanding of Dylan’s masterpiece. Whether you’re hearing it for the first or hundredth time, this is an album that keeps revealing itself—just like Dylan’s ever-evolving artistry. So, what’s your favorite track from Blonde on Blonde? Let us know in the comments!

Sam Fender Announces ‘People Watching’ North American Tour

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 19, 2024

0

Sam Fender Announces ‘People Watching’ North American Tour

If Sam Fender’s debut album, 2019’s Hypersonic Missiles, introduced a smart, streetwise young British songwriter with a penchant for euphoric, hard-hitting guitar anthems, it was 2021’s peerless Seventeen Going Under that sent the Newcastle artist stratospheric.

An acute observer who turns the mirror not only on the streets that he grew up walking, but to himself too, the record was a tough-talking but tender account of Fender’s childhood and finding his feet in the North-East of England. It’s also a classic coming-of-age story, marrying relatable family themes and broken friendships with colossal choruses.

The album’s subsequent success took Fender across the globe, playing to bigger rooms and wider stages. And having been invited to support the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, and Neil Young, Sam has since become not only an effortless festival headliner in his own right, but a stadium one as well.

Seventeen Going Under reaped a clutch of awards, including BRITs, NMEs, an Ivor Novello, and a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination too.

In February 2025, Sam Fender releases his third album, People Watching. Now solidified as one of Britain’s most accomplished songwriters of his generation and the next, if Seventeen Going Under was Sam’s “coming of age” record, People Watching is his next step forward – colourful stories and observations of everyday characters living their everyday, but often extraordinary, lives.

SAM FENDER TOUR
02 Dec 24 Dublin 3Arena
04 Dec 24 Leeds First Direct Arena
06 Dec 24 Manchester Co-Op Live
07 Dec 24 Manchester Co-Op Live
10 Dec 24 London The O2
12 Dec 24 London The O2
13 Dec 24 Birmingham Utilita Arena
16 Dec 24 Glasgow Ovo Hydro
17 Dec 24 Glasgow OVO Hydro
20 Dec 24 Newcastle Utilita Arena
11 Feb 25 New York Webster Hall
04 Mar 25 Paris Olympia
05 Mar 25 Tilburg 013 Poppodium
08 Mar 25 Zurich Halle 622
10 Mar 25 Cologne Palladium
12 Mar 25 Munich Zenith
13 Mar 25 Bergamo ChorusLife Arena
16 Mar 25 Berlin Uber Eats Music Hall
18 Mar 25 Amsterdam Afas Live
19 Mar 25 Brussels Forest National
05 Apr 25 Vancouver Thunderbird Sports Centre
07 Apr 25 Seattle The Paramount Theatre
09 Apr 25 Portland Roseland Theater
11 Apr 25 Oakland Fox Theater
21 Apr 25 Tempe Marquee Theatre
23 Apr 25 Salt Lake City The Union Event Center
24 Apr 25 Denver The Fillmore
05 Jul 25 Festivalpark Rock Werchter

R.E.M. performing ‘Shiny Happy People’ during SNL rehearsals in 1991

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 19, 2024

0

R.E.M. performing ‘Shiny Happy People’ during SNL rehearsals in 1991

R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People” is the ultimate feel-good anthem that makes you want to dance, laugh, and hug your friends all at once, and the band even gave off the vibes during their rehearsals on Saturday Night Live. Featuring the infectious vocals of Kate Pierson from The B-52’s, this 1991 hit from the Out Of Time blockbuster album proved that even alternative rock can sparkle with pure joy.

Peach Pit and Briston Maroney Announce 2025 ‘Long Hair, Long Life’ Co-Headline Tour

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 19, 2024

0

Peach Pit and Briston Maroney Announce 2025 ‘Long Hair, Long Life’ Co-Headline Tour

Today, Peach Pit and Briston Maroney announced their 2025 Long Hair, Long Life co-headline tour across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 25-date run kicks off on Tuesday, May 20 in Philadelphia, PA at The Met, with additional stops in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, Charlotte and more before wrapping up on Thursday, June 28 in Toronto, ON at Budweiser Stage. Indie rock band Bnny will join both bands on all dates.

Tickets will be available starting with artist presales beginning Wednesday, November 20 at 10am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Thursday, November 21 at 12pm local at livenation.com.

Peach Pit’s most recent album Magpie was released last month via Columbia Records, and in the first week found itself amongst the top 10 selling vinyl albums. The LP is a masterclass in expansive arrangement and deeply felt songwriting—a winning formula that only continues the incredible trajectory the band’s been on since their star-making debut EP Sweet FA in 2016. The eleven songs captured on Magpie find the quartet—lead singer Neil Smith, guitarist Chris Vanderkooy, bassist Peter Wilton, and drummer Mikey Pascuzzi—diving deeper into classic sounds while honing a musical style that entirely feels like their own. Known for their legendary live show, featuring plenty of stage diving and guitar solos, Magpie captures a glimpse of that same energy.

Of the tour, Smith quips “We couldn’t be more excited for this upcoming 2025 NA tour with our good friend Briston Maroney. It’s our biggest tour ever and we’re playing some really crazy venues, places like Red Rocks in Colorado that I honestly never really thought were in the cards for us. It freaks me out that we somehow managed to go from rehearsing in Chris’ bedroom ten years ago to venues like The Greek in LA and Pier 17 in New York. 2014 Peach Pit would be tripping out right now😵‍💫”

Ahead of the Long Hair, Long Life tour, Peach Pit will be touring Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and The UK.

Over the course of the last year and half, Briston Maroney solidified his place in both the indie & folk music scenes with the release of his sophomore album, Ultrapure. Briston calls the album, produced by Daniel Tashian, his “humble, unqualified, and earnest as hell attempt” at understanding the feelings that make up the human experience. Following Ultrapure’s release, Maroney embarked on an extensive world tour, captivating audiences at sold out headline shows across North America and Europe and appearing at notable festivals, including Lollapalooza, Osheaga, and All things Go. To close out the year, Maroney released three singles “I Told You So”, “Skydiver”, and “Monday” and launched the third annual Paradise Festival in Nashville, which played this past weekend. With plans for new music in 2025, there is nothing but excitement for the Long Hair, Long Life tour.

Peach Pit has become a standout in indie rock, known for their ability to craft songs that are both sonically rich and emotionally resonant. Since their 2016 debut Sweet FA, the Vancouver-based band—lead singer Neil Smith, guitarist Chris Vanderkooy, bassist Peter Wilton, and drummer Mikey Pascuzzi—have continuously evolved, expanding their sound while staying true to the heartfelt songwriting that first captured listeners’ attention. Their previous albums, You and Your Friends (2020) and From 2 to 3 (2022), saw the band honing their blend of introspective lyrics and dreamy, guitar-driven arrangements, incorporating elements of psychedelia and classic pop. With Magpie, Peach Pit takes this evolution further, infusing their signature indie-rock style with even more expansive, kaleidoscopic arrangements and raw emotional depth. The album reflects both personal growth and artistic exploration, drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical influences while embracing the duality of life’s choices, challenges, and moments of reflection. The energy on Peach Pit’s Magpie is also the closest the band has ever come to capturing the essence of their legendary live show. Selling out nearly every headline show they’ve ever played, the band has also graced the bills of festivals such as Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees Festival, Bonnaroo, Osheaga, and played numerous sold-out tours in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe.

After a childhood spent between Tennessee and Florida, 26-year-old singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Briston Maroney settled in Nashville — cutting his teeth playing house shows and winning over fans one living room at a time, which led Maroney to his first record deal with Atlantic Records.

In 2018, Maroney released Carnival, his debut EP, which spurned the RIAA Platinum-certified single “Freakin’ Out On The Interstate.” Additional EPs Indiana and Miracle followed, before Maroney unveiled his debut full-length album, Sunflower, in April of 2021 accompanied by a visual album directed by long-time collaborator Joey Brodnax. 2022 saw Maroney embark on his first sold out headline tour and the release of new singles include: “Paradise”, “Oregon”, and “Harvard”.

2023 marked Maroney’s release of his sophomore album Ultrapure. Produced by 2x GRAMMY-winner Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves) and engineered by Konrad Snyder (Noah Kahan, Rainbow Kitten Surprise), the 13-track LP was crafted in Maroney’s adopted hometown of Nashville, TN and showcases the artist playing every instrument.

On the live front, Ultrapure led to sold-out headline tour dates featuring multiple nights in iconic clubs across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe, including Webster Hall in New York, the 9:30 Club in Washington DC, and Scala in London, UK. Maroney has also secured opening slots for Vance Joy & Noah Kahan; festival appearances from Lollapalooza to Osheaga to All Things Go, and the announcement of his 3^rd annual ‘Paradise Festival,’ a three-night celebration of his adopted hometown (now an annual event set to return to Nashville each fall).

Maroney’s catalog has amassed over 700 million global streams across all platforms and he has made his television debuts on CBS Saturday Morning and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

LONG HAIR, LONG LIFE 2025 TOUR DATES:
Tue May 20 – Philadelphia PA – The Met
Thu May 22 – New York NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
Sun May 25 – Sterling Heights MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Mon May 26 – Indianapolis IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Wed May 28 – Milwaukee WI – BMO Pavilion
Thu May 29 – Chicago IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Fri May 30 – Minneapolis MN – The Armory
Wed Jun 01 – Morrison CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Tue Jun 03 – Sandy UT – Sandy Amphitheater
Thu Jun 05 – Woodinville WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle
Fri Jun 06 – Burnaby BC – Deer Lake Park
Sat Jun 07 – Troutdale OR – McMenamins Edgefield
Tue Jun 10 – San Francisco CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Wed Jun 11 – Los Angeles CA – Greek Theatre
Fri Jun 13 – San Diego CA – Park at the Park – Petco Park
Sat Jun 14 – Phoenix AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Mon Jun 16 – Austin TX – Moody Amphitheater
Tue Jun 17 – Dallas TX – South Side Ballroom
Wed Jun 18 – Houston TX – 713 Music Hall
Fri Jun 20 – Atlanta GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
Sat Jun 21 – Charlotte NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Jun 22 – Washington D.C. – The Anthem
Tue Jun 24 – Boston MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Wed Jun 25 – Shelburne VT – The Green at Shelburne Museum
Thu Jun 26 – Toronto ON – Budweiser Stage

Lewis Black Adds Dates to ‘Goodbye Yeller Brick Road: The Final Tour’

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 19, 2024

0

Lewis Black Adds Dates to ‘Goodbye Yeller Brick Road: The Final Tour’

Two-time Grammy Award winning Comedian Lewis Black announces more dates for his GOODBYE YELLER BRICK ROAD, THE FINAL TOUR.

After 35+ years as a touring stand-up comedian, Lewis Black is parking his tour bus for good next year, marking the end of his legendary world touring career. Black will write the next chapter of his career by going back to his roots and focusing on writing a new play, penning a new book, and expanding his podcast, RantCast, to include live recordings. He will also return as the voice of “Anger” in the upcoming Pixar sequel, Inside Out 2.

Lewis on being asked about touring retirement, “For a while now I have been letting folks know that I am going to retire from touring. No one believed me. ‘Why would you retire from touring?’, they asked. This is after years of being asked why I was touring, ‘it must be exhausting.’ So, today I am announcing that I am retiring from touring. It is a life that has given me great joy and opened a world of possibilities for me.

I thought the road would go on forever, well I was wrong about that. And the fact is as hard as the road maybe to be on, it’s harder to leave it. I am only retiring from touring. It’s time for me to explore other avenues such as writing, reading your rants, and pitching tv shows that will be rejected. (Which is why I know they are good.) More importantly I can finally give my Fantasy Football team the focus and time it truly needs. And maybe, just maybe I can become the professional golfer I was born to be.”

The LA Times asks, “Is this the end of the road for Lewis Black? America’s crankiest comic reflects on his final tour”.

Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world. He has performed throughout the world and the US, where he performed at Carnegie Hall and had two successful Broadway runs.

His latest stand up special, Tragically, I Need You, released earlier this year and has already surpassed 1.3 million views on YouTube. The brand-new special explores topics including his ways of coping with the pandemic, his frustrations with the evolving world, and of course his thoughts about the chaos of America these last few years.

Adding a unique element to podcasting, Black delivers audience-written Rants which have been submitted from fans around the world on his podcast, Rant Cast.

In 2015, Black notably voiced the character “Anger” in the Pixar Academy Award-winning film, Inside Out. He can be seen reprising his role in the sequel which just released its trailer.

Black is the longest-running contributor on Comedy Central’s THE DAILY SHOW and his stand-up specials have appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix.

In 2020 he released Thanks for Risking Your Life. His other notable films include Universal’s Accepted co-starring Blake Lively and Justin Long, Man Of The Year opposite Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney and Jeff Goldblum and the greatest children’s Christmas movie of all time, Unaccompanied Minors directed by Paul Feig.

The comedian has released eight critically acclaimed comedy albums including the 2007 Grammy Award-Winner, The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second Grammy in 2011 for his album, Stark Raving Black, and has a total of 6 Grammys nominations. He has published three bestsellers: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010).

A published playwright, he’s written over 40 plays and has found his work performed throughout the country, including at the A.C.T. Theatre, the Magic Theatre, The Williamstown Theatre Festival, and The Public Theatre.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Lewis is dedicated to a number of charitable organizations and entities including the the Luv U Project, The 52nd Street Project, The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library and the National Comedy Center.

He’s also deeply committed to supporting our troops. A seasoned USO tour veteran, he’s performed for the troops on three Christmas tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more info on the 2024 Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour, go-to www.Lewisblack.com

11/22/2024 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall
11/23/2024 Austin, TX ACL Live @ Moody Theater
11/24/2024 Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre
12/7/2024 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live Orlando
12/8/2024 Fort Lauderdale, FL Wells Hall @ The Parker Playhouse
1/23/2025 San Luis Obispo, CA Fremont Theater
1/24/2025 Santa Cruz, CA Rio Theatre
1/25/2025 Sacramento, CA Crest Theatre
1/26/2025 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
1/31/2025 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre
2/1/2025 Los Angeles, CA The Orpheum Theatre
2/4/2025 Phoenix, AZ Stand Up Live Phoenix
2/5/2025 Phoenix, AZ Stand Up Live Phoenix
2/6/2025 Phoenix, AZ Stand Up Live Phoenix
3/6/2025 The Villages, FL The Sharon L Morse P.A.C.
3/7/2025 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
3/8/2025 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckard Hall
3/11/2025 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
3/13/2025 Stuart, FL Lyric Theatre
3/14/2025 Fort Myers, FL Barbara B Mann P.A.H.
3/21/2025 Toronto, ON, Canada Massey Hall
3/22/2025 Montreal, QC, Canada L’Olympia
4/29/2025 Chapel Hill, NC Memorial Hall @ Carolina Performing Arts

Blue Note Signs Brandon Woody: Acclaimed Trumpeter’s Debut Album Drops Spring 2025

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 19, 2024

0

Blue Note Signs Brandon Woody: Acclaimed Trumpeter’s Debut Album Drops Spring 2025

Blue Note Records has signed the acclaimed trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody, a talented young Baltimore-born and based jazz artist who has been turning heads in the jazz world and beyond in recent years. Woody has just finished recording his debut album featuring his longtime band Upendo, which will be released in Spring 2025.

“It’s a huge honor to be a part of this label’s legacy,” says Woody. “I am excited to begin this new era in collaboration with Blue Note.”

“Brandon is one of those rare artists who possesses both a vibrant vision and the chops and knowledge to manifest it,” says Blue Note President Don Was. “As such, he is a natural exponent of the Blue Note Ethos and we’re proud to welcome him to the family.”

Esteemed critics Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello enthusiastically name-checked Woody as an artist to watch in an episode of the New York Times Popcast earlier this year, with Russonello declaring him “the exact trumpeter of this moment, Roy Hargrove by way of Eddie Gale [and] Freddie Hubbard.” Moore added that “Brandon is the best parts of ‘old school jazz’ and ‘new school jazz,’” calling him “a person that everyone needs to be looking out for in a really big way.”

Writer Nate Chinen co-signed their Woody endorsement in a rave review of the trumpeter’s “powerfully transporting show” in Philadelphia this summer on The Gig. Chinen wrote that “Woody has racked up a ton of experience on [the Baltimore] scene — forming connections, hosting residencies, garnering accolades,” and praised both his remarkable sound (“dark and burnished, low-gloss, with a cutting edge that he can sharpen or dull on command”) and Upendo (“the band achieves a deeply impressive cohesion”).

Trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and started his musical journey at the age of 7. Since then, Woody has gone on to become an international artist, performing with his band Upendo, curating projects for major museums, film scoring, collaborating with brands, teaching, and performing at major venues and institutions around the globe. Woody uses music as a tool for healing, genuine connection, and celebrating community.

After attending the Baltimore School for the Arts, Woody went on to study at the Brubeck Institute and Manhattan School of Music with the likes of Ambrose Akinmusire, Cecil Bridgewater, and Stefon Harris. Woody has since performed alongside artists such as Marc Cary, Casey Benjamin, Steve Wilson, Marcus Gilmore, Tarus Mateen, Tim Green, Theljon Allen, Sean Jones, Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Solange, Lalah Hathaway, Bilal, Craig Alston, Terri-Lyne Carrington, Quincy Phillips, Benny Maupin, Plunky, Jon Faddis and Danilo Perez, who have all greatly influenced his artistry.

Woody formed his longtime band Upendo in 2017 while still in school as a vehicle to perform his own original compositions. A modern jazz juggernaut, Upendo is a multi-generational and expandable group that features a core quartet of pianist Troy Long, bassist Michael Saunders, and drummer Quincy Phillips.

Woody’s work has garnered the attention of international brands which has led to collaborations with Calvin Klein (One Future), Saucony, Vogue Italy, Nike, Reebok X Eames, Union Los Angeles, High Snobiety X Newport Jazz Festival, and Plain Jane. Woody had the opportunity of casting musicians and acting as a band leader in the Apple TV series Lady in the Lake.

In 2021, Woody became a Bach/Conn endorsed artist and was named the Musician to Watch by Baltimore Magazine in 2022. Woody’s other accolades include the 2021 Best Musician of the Year Award by the Baltimore Crown Awards and the 2020 Emerging Voice Award from the Festival of New Trumpet.

Post Malone Presents: The Big Ass Stadium Tour With Jelly Roll

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 19, 2024

0

Post Malone Presents: The Big Ass Stadium Tour With Jelly Roll

9x diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-nominated global superstar Post Malone is set to embark on his biggest headlining tour to date with Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour, kicking off in April 2025. Known for redefining the modern concert experience with his genre-blending sound and electrifying stage presence, Post will bring a massive production to 25 stadiums across the United States and Canada.

Beginning April 29 at Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium, Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour, produced by Live Nation and sponsored by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of The BIG ASS Stadium Tour, promises fans a concert experience filled with a mix of his biggest hits, fan favorites, and brand new songs from his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion, released August 2024. With venues that include Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and the iconic Citi Field in New York City, Post Malone is set to deliver unforgettable performances across North America before wrapping up July 1 at San Francisco’s Oracle Park.

Adding to the excitement, Post Malone will be joined by the breakout sensation Jelly Roll, whose recent crossover hits and authentic storytelling have made him a powerful voice in modern country music. Fans will also enjoy the eclectic sounds of Sierra Ferrell on select dates, whose genre-defying style and soul-stirring vocals make her an exceptional addition to this star-studded lineup.

Post released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and was just nominated for a GRAMMY award for “Best Country Album.” Included on the album was hit single “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen which crash landed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained at #1 for six consecutive weeks. “I Had Some Help” also landed the #1 title on Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart for 2024 and was just nominated for a GRAMMY for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Duo/Group Performance.”

Fans in the U.S. and Canada can register for access to tickets in the Artist Presale now at signup.ticketmaster.com/postmalone. Tickets will be available first starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Wednesday, November 20. The Artist Presale will begin on Friday, November 22. Additional presales will run ahead of the general onsale beginning on Tuesday, November 26 at 12pm local time at livenation.com

Citi is the official card of the Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Wednesday, November 20 at 12pm local time until Monday, November 25 at 10 pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

As the official wireless partner of the tour, T-Mobile is giving customers exclusive access to preferred tickets at every U.S. tour stop — even sold-out shows. T-Mobile customers can get their Reserved Tickets starting 30 days prior to each show, just another benefit of having Magenta Status, the Un-carrier’s suite of premium perks and experiences. For more information, visit t-mobile.com/music.

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, pre-show VIP Lounge access, exclusive VIP gift item and more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

A 9x diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-nominated phenomenon, Dallas, TX artist Post Malone regularly rewrites history, blurs boundaries, and incites internet-breaking conversation with every move. Emerging in 2015 with a genre-less brew that inspired a movement, he delivered the diamond-selling “Congratulations” [feat. Quavo], achieved back-to-back #1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200, received countless multi-Platinum certifications around the world, and smashed one record after another with his Hot 100-topping hits. As the writer or co-writer of all of his songs, Post Malone is one of our generation’s literary geniuses.

Most recently, Post released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Ahead of the album, Post released “Guy For That” featuring Luke Combs, “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton and mega-smash “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. Upon release of “I Had Some Help” it crash-landed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tallying “the highest weekly sales and streams since 2020” and remained at #1 for six consecutive weeks. This fall, Post wrapped his record breaking F-1 Trillion Tour.

In 2023, he released his fifth album AUSTIN. That same year, he garnered a “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” GRAMMY Award nomination for “I Like You (A Happier Song)” [with Doja Cat], marking his tenth career nomination in six years. In 2022, Post released his fourth album, Twelve Carat Toothache, which marked his fourth consecutive Top 5 bow on the Top 200. He even scored “the highest-certified single in RIAA history” with “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” [feat. Swae Lee] reaching 20x platinum, or double diamond, in the United States. This makes it the first song to ever achieve this status, netting the biggest single of his generation.

In 2019, his third full-length album, Hollywood’s Bleeding, arrived at platinum status and eventually went triple platinum. It reigned at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 for four weeks. Hollywood’s Bleeding followed the immense success of the triple-Platinum beerbongs & bentleys, which also landed at #1 a year prior. In the wake of beerbongs & bentleys, Post crushed a record in place for 54 years. He charted nine songs in the Top 20 of the Hot 100, notching “the most songs in the Top 20 of the Hot 100 ever.” Moreover, he also trounced the record for most simultaneous Top 40 Hot 100 hits with 14.

Post’s catalog comprises the GRAMMY Award-nominated “rockstar” [feat. 21 Savage” (Diamond), “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” [feat. Swae Lee] (2x Diamond), “I Fall Apart” (Diamond), “Psycho” [feat. Ty Dolla $ign] (Diamond), “White Iverson” (Diamond), “Better Now” (Diamond), and more. It all started with his quintuple-platinum influential 2016 debut, Stoney. With records under his belt that will likely never be surpassed and a generation of artists and audiences worldwide under his spell, Post Malone simply doesn’t stop.

POST MALONE PRESENTS: THE BIG ASS STADIUM TOUR 2025 DATES:
Tue Apr 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rice-Eccles Stadium^
Sat May 03 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium^
Wed May 07 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome^
Fri May 09 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium^
Sun May 11 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium^
Tue May 13 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium^
Sun May 18 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field^
Tue May 20 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium^
Thu May 22 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field^
Sat May 24 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park^
Mon May 26 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre^
Wed May 28 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium^
Thu May 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park^
Sat May 31 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
Mon Jun 02 – Washington, DC – Northwest Stadium
Wed Jun 04 – New York, NY – Citi Field
Sun Jun 08 – Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium*
Tue Jun 10 – Orlando, FL – Camping World Stadium
Fri Jun 13 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Sun Jun 15 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
Sat Jun 21 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium*
Tue Jun 24 – Boise, ID – Albertsons Stadium
Thu Jun 26 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park
Sat Jun 28 – Portland, OR – Providence Park
Tue Jul 01 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park
*Without Jelly Roll
^With Sierra Ferrell