At the 1986 Newport Jazz Festival, jazz guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan delivered a breathtaking rendition of The Beatles’ poignant ballad ‘Eleanor Rigby.’ Using his distinctive two-handed tapping technique, Jordan added a unique touch to this heartrending classic, leaving the audience in awe.
Bas Announces North America Tour
GRAMMY-nominated, RIAA-certified artist Bas has announced his 2024 North America tour in support of his newly released fourth album We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up. Kicking off March 3 at House of Blues in Dallas the 23-city tour produced by Live Nation will make stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, Atlanta and more before wrapping up in New York at Irving Plaza on April 9.
Produced by Boi-1da, T-Minus, J.Cole among others Bas’s fourth album We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up was profoundly inspired by his travels having traversed five continents since 2022. Collaborating with an international roster of featured artists, Bas curated a journey to transcend borders, boasting an impressive lineup including J. Cole (NC), Amaarae (Ghana), AJ Tracey (London), FKJ (France), A$AP FERG (NYC), Adekunle Gold (Nigeria), Blxckie (South Africa) and Sha Sha (Zimbabwe) with additional production from Nigerian super producer Kel- P, J Lloyd (Jungle), Lydia Kitto, and more.
We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up follows a dual narrative for Bas. On one hand, the album sheds light on the societal phenomenon where sensitive topics become conversational only under the influence of substances, as evident in tracks like “Ho Chi Minh.” On the flip side, it also serves as a commentary on society’s tendency to remain indifferent to challenging scenarios until they reach critical junctures, as reflected in tracks like “Khartoum” and “Decent.”
BAS 2024 TOUR DATES:
Sun Mar 03 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Mon Mar 04 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
Tue Mar 05 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Fri Mar 08 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Sun Mar 10 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Mon Mar 11 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Tue Mar 12 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
Wed Mar 13 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Sat Mar 16 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
Sun Mar 17 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Mon Mar 18 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Thu Mar 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
Fri Mar 22 – Denver, CO – Summit
Sun Mar 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Mon Mar 25 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Wed Mar 27 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre
Thu Mar 28 – Montreal, QB – Beanfield Theatre
Sat Mar 30 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall
Sun Mar 31 – Washington, DC – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Mon Apr 01 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
Tue Apr 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Thu Apr 04 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
Tue Apr 09 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Sum 41 Announce Final Headlining World Tour ‘Tour Of The Setting Sum’
Grammy-nominated band Sum 41 has announced their last headlining world tour, ‘Tour Of The Setting Sum’, to celebrate the upcoming release of their final album Heaven :x: Hell. Sum 41 will be making stops in the United States, Japan, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and more, as well as performing their largest show to date to a sold-out crowd of over 35,000 people at Paris La Défense Arena in France later this year. Sum 41 will be playing their final show as a band in Toronto, Ontario, at Scotiabank Arena on January 30, 2025.
Recently, Sum 41 announced their upcoming double album, Heaven :x: Hell, expected for release on March 29 via Rise Records. Heaven :x: Hell is the most ambitious album from Sum 41 yet – Heaven is 10 tracks of snarling high energy pop punk, while Hell consists of ten heavy metal anthems spiked with fret-burning solos, thrashing riffs, and fist-pumping hooks. The band has been straddling the line of pop-punk and metal for their entire career, and Heaven :x: Hell is a testament to their innovative sound and unmatched skill, proving them as pioneers 27 years after the bands inception.
Heaven :x: Hell is available to pre-save and pre-order now at https://sum41.lnk.to/HeavenHell
Sum 41 shared previously “Rise Up” and “Landmines”, from Heaven :x: Hell’s metal Hell side and pop-punk Heaven portion, respectively. The tracks have gained the attention of notable outlets such as Entertainment Tonight, Revolver, Consequence, NME, Exclaim!, BrooklynVegan, Alternative Press, KNOTFEST, and countless others.
Earlier this year, Sum 41 announced their breakup after 27 years of making music together – the news was reported on by The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, CNN, Bloomberg, Pitchfork, TODAY, CBS, Billboard, and countless other major news outlets globally. Heaven :x: Hell is aiming for nothing short of greatness, a perfect parting gift from the band to the fans that have supported them endlessly.
Looking back at the band’s storied 27 year career, Sum 41 has firmly cemented their place in rock history with over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard Charting releases, a Grammy Award nomination, 2 Juno Awards (7 nominations), a Kerrang! Award in 2002, multiple Alternative Press Music Awards, and countless other accolades.
TOUR OF THE SETTING SUM DATES
March 1 – Jakarta, Indonesia – Uptown Park
March 2 – Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Kridosono Stadium
March 4 – Singapore, Singapore – Star Theatre
March 5 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Megastar Arena
March 14 – Sapporo, Japan – Zepp
March 16 – Tokyo, Japan – Punkspring
March 18 – Yokohama, Japan – Zepp
March 19 – Nagoya, Japan – Zepp
March 21 – Hiroshima, Japan – Blue Lives
March 22 – Fukuoka, Japan – Zepp
March 23 – Osaka, Japan – Punkspring
March 30 – Monterrey, Mexico – Pa’l Norte
April 19 – Omaha, NE – The Astro
April 20 – Wichita, KS – Wave
April 21 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
April 23 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
April 24 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
April 26 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
April 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Rave
April 29 – Baltimore, MD – Pier 6
April 30 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
May 1 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
May 4 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage
May 6 – New York, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
May 8 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
May 9 – Raleigh, NC – The Red Hat Amphitheater
May 11 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
May 12 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
May 14 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
May 15 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 17 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple
May 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Skyline Stage at The Mann
May 19 – Norfolk, VA – Chartway Arena
June 14 – Hradec, Czechia – Rock For People
June 15 – Nickelsdorf, Austria – Nova Rock
June 16 – Derby, United Kingdom – Download Festival
June 19 – Dublin, Ireland – Fairview Park
June 21 – Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany – Southside Festival
June 22 – Lyon, France – Slamdunk
June 23 – Schneesel, Germany – Hurricane Festival
June 26 – Viviero, Spain – Resurection
June 28 – Ysselsteyn, Netherlands – Jera on Air
June 29 – GeiselWind, Germany – Mission Ready
June 30 – Marmande, France – Garorock
July 4 – Nantes, France – La Nuit de l’Erdre
July 5 – Werchter, Belgium – Rock Werchter
July 6 – Belfort, France – Les Eurockéennes
July 7 – Hunxe, Germany – Ruhrpott Rodeo
July 9 – Milan, Italy – I-Days
July 11 – Argeles sur mar, France – Les Deferlantes
July 12 – Madrid, Spain – Madcool
July 13 – Lisbon, Portugal – Nos Alive
August 1 – Rimouski, Quebec – Parc Beausejour
August 7 – Saguenay, Quebec – La Baie’s Harbor Village Agora
August 8 – Québec, Quebec – Quebec City Old Port Agora
August 9 – Victoriaville, Quebec – Rock La Cauze
September 4 – San Francisco, CA – Masonic Auditorium
September 6 – Portland, OR – Alaska Airlines’ Theater Of The Clouds
September 7 – Seattle, WA – Wamu Theater
September 8 – Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House and Event Center
September 10 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Lot at The Complex
September 11 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
September 12 – Des Moines, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
September 14 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple
September 15 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
September 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – UPMC Events Center
September 23 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach
September 24 – Orlando, FL – Orlando Amphitheater
September 28 – Austin, TX – H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
September 29 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
September 30 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
October 3 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
October 5 – Las Vegas, NV – Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
November 23 – Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
January 30, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Bush Announces ‘Loaded: The Greatest Hits’ Tour In Support Of Career-spanning Compilation Album
GRAMMY-nominated, multi-Platinum band BUSH will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an extensive North American headline tour. Bush – Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour will kick off on July 26 in Bend, OR and include shows at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ (August 21) and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles (September 15). Most of the dates will be produced by Live Nation. Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox will be the special guests on all dates. Additional guests will be announced.
In order to make attendance possible for fans of every budget, a limited amount of tickets in participating markets will be as low as $19.94 (before taxes and fees), a nod to the 1994 release of BUSH’s debut album, Sixteen Stone.
With over 24 million records sold, 1 billion streams and a procession of No. 1 singles, the band—comprising Gavin Rossdale (vocals, guitar), Chris Traynor (guitar), Corey Britz (bass) and Nik Hughes (drums)—stand tall as rock outliers whose imprint only widens as the years pass. Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023 (Round Hill Records), their first-ever greatest hits collection, provides an expansive view of their incredible legacy with 21 tracks spanning nearly 30 years—from their breakthrough hit, “Everything’s Zen,” to their latest single, “Nowhere To Go But Everywhere,” which is already within the Top 20 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
Paste Magazine observed, “The gargantuan success of…Sixteen Stone, served as a palpable shift in the way rock music sounded.” Atwood Magazine noted, “31 years into their career, English rock band Bush sound better than ever as they come at life’s fleeting nature with unrelenting passion and zeal, unpacking impermanence in the heavy and hard-hitting ‘Nowhere to Go But Everywhere.’” Consequence said, “‘Nowhere to Go But Everywhere’ is a heavy grunger with surging power chords and a standout vocal performance from frontman Gavin Rossdale.”
The band also won acclaim for its 2023 tour, with Billboard noting, “[Rossdale] seems driven to connect with his audience and remind them that Bush is not just a heritage act, but very much alive and well and making new music.” Orlando Weekly said, “The energy and sound summoned up the essence of the 1990s, creating an immersive experience that resonated with fans in the building…blending the past with the present in a way that captivated the audience.”
Bush – Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour
With special guests Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox
Additional guests to be announced.
7/26 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
7/27 Airway Heights, WA BECU Live at Northern Quest
7/29 Great Falls, MT Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena – Montana State Fair
7/31 West Valley City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
8/1 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
8/3 La Crosse, WI Copeland Park*
8/4 Indianapolis, IN Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
8/6 Cedar Rapids, IA McGrath Amphitheatre
8/7 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
8/9 Nashville, TN Nashville Municipal Auditorium
8/10 Maryland Heights, MO Saint Louis Music Park
8/13 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion*
8/14 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
8/16 Sterling Heights, MI Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
8/17 Lewiston, NY Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater
8/19 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
8/21 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
8/23 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
8/24 Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion
8/26 Charlotte, NC Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/27 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
8/29 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
8/30 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live
9/1 Atlanta, GA Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Par
9/4 San Antonio, TX Freeman Coliseum
9/5 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall
9/7 Durant, OK Choctaw Casino
9/8 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
9/11 Las Vegas, NV Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood
9/13 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
9/14 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
9/15 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
Lionel Richie And Earth, Wind & Fire Extend ‘Sing A Song All Night Long’ Tour With 2024 Dates
Today, legendary singer, songwriter and producer Lionel Richie announced the extension of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour with very special guests and one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire. Produced by Live Nation, the 2024 13-date run of shows kicks off on Thursday, May 23 in Knoxville at Thompson Boling Arena, with stops in Jacksonville, Memphis, Kansas City, Columbus and more before wrapping up on Sunday, June 16 in Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Center.
The 2024 dates follow a highly successful 2023 sold-out 20-date run of the Sing A Song All Night Long tour which made its way through North America with stops in Chicago, Boston, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles and more.
2023 was another pivotal year for music icon Lionel Richie, who has sold over 125 million albums. He was recently inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library Congress and was honored at Kennedy Center Honors. Richie has served as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol,” for the past six seasons and will return for its 7th season, set to debut in February 2024.
With over 100 million albums sold worldwide and an impressive nine GRAMMY® Awards, Earth, Wind & Fire has cemented their lasting impact on popular music as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. Most recently, the legendary musical group earned their 27th career GRAMMY® nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance as a featured artist on Victoria Monét’s song “Hollywood.” These two iconic artists have now sold a combined quarter billion albums worldwide.
International superstar Lionel Richie boasts a discography of albums and singles that is second to none. With more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, an Oscar®, Golden Globe®, and four Grammy Awards®*, Richie has been honored with distinctions including 2016 MusicCares Person of the Year, 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, and the 2022 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. In 2022, he was both inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received the 2022 American Music Awards Icon Award, his 18th AMA award. The legendary singer, songwriter, producer, and Tuskegee, Alabama native is a true music icon.
Richie is known for his mega hits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Penny Lover,” “Stuck on You,” “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.” He co-wrote the 1985 song “We Are the World,” recorded by the history-making supergroup USA for Africa. Richie’s song catalog also includes his early work with The Commodores, where he developed a groundbreaking style that defied genre, penning smashes such as “Three Times a Lady,” “Still,” and “Easy.” Richie is one of only two solo songwriters who has written eight number one hits that made the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
A dedicated philanthropist, in 2019 Richie was named Global Ambassador and first Chairman of the Global Ambassador Group for The Prince’s Trust, a charity founded by King Charles III. In this role, Richie supports the charity as it sets to work on a new global remit, tackling issues such as youth education and unemployment, supporting indigenous youth and helping build sustainable communities. Richie was also honored at 2019’s Annual Power of Love Gala in Las Vegas for his support of Keep Memory Alive, the Cleveland Clinic’s center for improving the lives of those affected by brain disorders.
In April 2016, Richie launched his headline residency show in Las Vegas: “Lionel Richie—All the Hits.” In an unforgettable evening featuring his trademark era-defining anthems, Richie took his fans on a one-of-a-kind musical journey, performing hit-after-hit of his legendary songs. In 2024, Richie continues this historic residency, now at the Wynn Encore Theater, in “Lionel Richie: King of Hearts.”
In 2023, Richie concluded his acclaimed 20-city “Sing A Song All Night Long” arena tour featuring special guests—one of the best-selling bands of all time—Earth, Wind & Fire. The tour kicked off in St. Paul, with stops across North America in Chicago, Toronto, and New York, and finished with a showstopping performance at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Richie has served as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol,” for the past six seasons and will return for its 7th season, set to debut in spring 2024.
Earth, Wind & Fire are a music institution. In 1969, music legend Maurice White birthed the music force named after the elements from his very own astrological charts. With soul as deep as the planet, Earth, Wind & Fire charted a history that will live on forever. They’ve scored eight number one hits and have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. They’ve released 23 albums; eight of those albums went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of the best-selling artists of all time. They’ve won an impressive nine GRAMMY® Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement (2012). In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their lasting impact on popular music and, in 2019, their contributions to arts and culture was acknowledged in Washington DC with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.
The music of Earth, Wind & Fire is more alive than ever as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. Like the elements in their name, Earth, Wind & Fire’s music has withstood ever-changing trends in the world and shows no sign of vanishing as they continue to create joy and uplifting music that will forever reach a sacred universal atmosphere. From the funky and infectious “Let’s Groove” to the timeless dance classic “September” to the heartfelt “Reasons,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s catalog of hits has become the soundtrack to many lives; now, then and forever.
SING A SONG ALL NIGHT LONG 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu May 23 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena
Sat May 25 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Tue May 28 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena
Wed May 29 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
Fri May 31 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Tue Jun 04 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Thu Jun 06 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Fri Jun 07 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Sun Jun 09 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
Wed Jun 12 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
Thu Jun 13 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Sat Jun 15 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Sun Jun 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Alejandro Escovedo Releases First New Album In Six Years With “Echo Dancing”
Alejandro Escovedo returns to explore “one of the most fascinating paths in music” (NPR Music) on Echo Dancing – a career-spanning collection that’s less a look back than a bold new turn for this sonic adventurer and singular creative mind. Completely reinventing and re-recording his previous work – with inspiration from Brian Eno and Judy Nylon and Suicide – Escovedo traces a one-of-a-kind musical life from 70s New York punk to Austin’s “musical conscience and hometown hero” (NPR Alt Latino) to unflinching advocate for musicians’ mental health and immigrant causes. With the announcement of Echo Dancing – out March 29 via Yep Roc Records – Escovedo has also shared a scorching reimagining of “Bury Me,” a song he first wrote in the early 90s contemplating what would happen if he “should die before he turns 43″…fittingly it’s released today, on his 73rd birthday.
“I was planning this record just prior to boarding a plane to Italy to record with [co-producers] Don Antonio and Nicola Peruch, ” says Escovedo. “My original idea was to record an album of new material. But then I changed my mind and thought that revisiting songs from my various albums would be more interesting. I always feel that a well-written song can withstand a lot of abuse. Turning a past song inside out leads to discovery of new ideas you might not have understood. The songs never seem to be complete. They are always evolving.”
Throughout Echo Dancing, Escovedo revisits rarities from his 80s Austin groups Buick MacKane and The True Believers (natural picks for a recent Austin City Limits Hall of Fame inductee), solo standouts that had No Depression crown him Artist Of The Decade in the 90s and more recent work through 2018’s scorching and cinematic border epic The Crossing. That most recent album saw Escovedo deliver a powerful repudiation of the bigotry and xenophobia coming from Washington at the time – on a collection that garnered praise from CBS This Morning, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone and NPR’s Tiny Desk – for a sound that channeled “Townes Van Zandt and Iggy Pop teaming up for a film noir soundtrack” (Billboard). Holding true to his musical vision since his time opening for The Sex Pistols, as a member of punk pioneers The Nuns, Echo Dancing cements Escovedo as a too-often overlooked but integral legend of 21st century American music.
To celebrate the announcement of Echo Dancing, Escovedo will play an Austin homecoming show with many special guests at The Moody Theater on January 27 – as well as additional Texas dates in Fort Worth (Feb 9 at The Post) and Hico (Feb 10 at Hico Hall). Later in 2024 he’ll bring the new album on a full US tour, with more details to be announced soon.
ECHO DANCING TRACKLIST
1. John Conquest
2. Sacramento & Polk
3. Bury Me
4. Everybody Loves Me
5. Too Many Tears
6. Castañuelas
7. Outside Your Door
8. Sensitive Boys
9. Thought I’d Let You Know
10. Swallows of San Juan
11. Last to Know
12. MC Overload
13. Inside This Dance
14. Wave
Martin Luther King, Jr. Gives Great Life Advice In His 1967 Speech “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?”
Rarely seen footage of Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking to students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967, where he delivered his speech “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?”
Number one in your life’s blueprint should be: a deep belief in your own dignity, your own worth and your own somebodiness. Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.
Now that means you should not be ashamed of your color. You know, it’s very unfortunate that in so many instances, our society has placed a stigma on the Negro’s color. You know there are some Negros who are ashamed of themselves? Don’t be ashamed of your color. Don’t be ashamed of your biological features…
Secondly, in your life’s blueprint you must have as the basic principle the determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor. You’re going to be deciding as the days and the years unfold, what you will do in life — what your life’s work will be.
And once you discover what it will be, set out to do it, and to do it well.
Americana Rocker Matthew Holtby’s New EP is an Absolute Sonic Departure
Oshawa, ON-born, Warkworth, ON-based Matthew Holtby has been slowly adding to his collection of singles, one song at a time for the past two years. Working with Peterborough, ON Producer Michael Phillips, the pair have been digging out the sounds Holtby creates on his acoustic guitar with the help of his bandmates, best friends and even his Father. Last year saw the release of two independent singles which caught the ear of the CBC, and also helped to land him a few festival spots. He also had the pleasure of opening for legendary blues rocker David Wilcox to a sold-out crowd in his hometown of Oshawa. With the help of his last release, Holtby’s Americana style sound has garnered a few notable online reviews. This time, that stripped back acoustic sound has vanished and transformed into something mystical and magical
It’s a sound almost unrecognized with the lead off track on his brand new self titled EP. “A Certain Place In Time” begins with a shivering fiddle courtesy of Port Hope’s Manja Horner. The song crashes and implodes before old friend turned new bandmate Ken Kucharic does his very best David Gilmour impression on lead guitar. The hushed vocal is combined with a massive backing band that takes the listener on a trip that rolls like thunder, and crashes like the sea. References to nature and weather come to life with lines like “the green fades from leaves and trees carry weight of falling snow.” There is a picture being painted and the pallet is vivid and explosive.
The second song which is being delivered as the “single” of the three, is a straightforward pop-rocker that was written upstairs at Holtbys’ in-law’s home where he shared a bedroom apartment two years ago. He, his Wife and two kids were searching for their new home while staying above the garage in a loft near Stoney Lake, when he woke up to the melody he dreamed of the night before. “I grabbed my Norman, sat up and the song fell out of me.” The result is “Goodbye Song.” A three-and-a-half-minute jam that wouldn’t sound out of place on your playlist next to songs by The Lemonheads, Matthew Sweet or Wilco.
The final song of this collection is “People I Admire.” A somewhat biographical song that touches on real life loss, combined with a playful saxophone and honkey tonk piano. Holtby has never denied his love for New Orleans life and culture. The artwork features a photo and vibe that recalls the jazz releases of long ago, and that feeling is quite intentional. All in all, this 3 song EP is worthy of repeat listens, and adds a new colour to an already vibrant, yet small library of heartfelt music.
The release will be celebrated with live dates both solo, and with his band.
Jeff Rogers Brings Muscle Shoals, Alabama To Toronto! International Album Release Party Feb 10 at Hugh’s Room
Billboard Canada-tipped Ottawa roots singer/songwriter and keyboardist Jeff Rogers as one to watch today in 2024 and gave him the huge honour of featuring his first single “Lock & Key” as “Single of The Week” here.
Rogers is set showcase his new album with a performance at Hugh’s Room Live on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 8:00 pm for the International Album Release Party of his new album Dream Job.
Tickets are ON SALE NOW here.
For this special night, Jeff and his band will be joined by 3x Maple Blues Award nominee, Jenie Thai, who will kick off the night with her band for a show you don’t want to miss!
Jeff Rogers just made his headline at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on December 9th and performed a sold-out tour supporting The Legendary Downchild Blues Band in theatres throughout Ontario in November.
His highly anticipated new solo album Dream Job is set for physical and digital release International, including the U.S. on February 16, 2024, which is also the vinyl release date here in Canada. The album was co-written and co-produced by Dick Cooper of acclaimed country/rockers, The Cooper Brothers. The two went down to the revered music mecca of Muscle Shoals, Alabama to record the album, where many of the greats including, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Etta James, Paul Simon, Otis Redding and The Black Keys, have recorded.
For this album, Jeff is accompanied by some of the legendary musicians, including Kelvin Holly (Little Richard, Bobby Bland etc.), Clayton Ivey (The Staple Sisters, Thelma Houston), Justin Holder (Keb Mo’, Delbert McClinton) and Shonna Tucker (Booker T. Jones, Drive-By-Truckers). Dream Job features special guest appearances by Grammy Award winner, Colin Linden, and Juno Award winning singer, Kellylee Evans.
Don’t miss two of Canada’s, young, up and coming talents in the intimate setting of Hugh’s Room Live, before they take the world by storm!
Shawn Oates Offers A Fresh Take on David Lee Murphy’s ‘Dust On the Bottle’
Canadian country star Shawn Oates returns with an homage to the country greats with his rendition of David Lee Murphy’s 90s hit, “Dust On the Bottle.” Oates puts his distinctive touch on this timeless piece, offering audiences a brand-new and captivating listening experience.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Oates attributes his resilience and strength to the transformative power of music. His work consistently explores themes of love, life, and happiness; his mission is to spread positivity and inject his blend of soul and emotion into the heart of country music.
After opening for Jess Moskaluke and The Trews, Oates has established his name in the country genre. He continues collaborating with successful songwriters and producers to craft his unique sound. Oates’ recent single, “Spend It On You,” released in August 2023, garnered a significant following and further showcased his ability to connect with listeners.
Expertly breathing new life into this legendary country gem, Oates continues to showcase his artistry and triumphantly solidifies his position as a rising star in the country music scene. He successfully honors the song’s original sound while incorporating his style into the song. Oates shared his excitement after expressing a personal connection to the song, “I had the desire to create my own rendition of what I believe to be one of the finest country songs ever penned. It’s a personal favorite of mine in the genre, and I’ve always harbored the aspiration to produce a recording of it, which I finally did.”
As Oates steps into the spotlight, he invites audiences to join him for a captivating journey of positivity and soul. Whether collaborating with industry heavyweights or opening for established artists, Oates is on a mission to carve out a place in country infamy with his infectious hooks, upbeat honky-tonk, and classic country nods.