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Jewel Announces 25th Anniversary Of Multi-Platinum Sophomore Album, Spirit With Expanded And Remastered Editions

Eric Alper
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Jewel Announces 25th Anniversary Of Multi-Platinum Sophomore Album, Spirit With Expanded And Remastered Editions

Today, singer-songwriter and mental health pioneer, Jewel, celebrates the 25th anniversary of her multi-platinum sophomore album, Spirit, with expanded and remastered reissues of the 1998 release, via Craft Recordings. Arriving November 17th on 2-CD and digital platforms, the deluxe album features the GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter’s Top 10 US hit “Hands,” fan favorites “Down So Long” and “Jupiter (Swallow the Moon),” plus 23 bonus tracks, including eight previously unreleased demos and outtakes, rare live performances from the era, alternate takes, remixes and much more. Additionally, the original 13-track album will be reissued as a 2-LP set, marking Spirit’s first availability on vinyl since 1998. In addition to the black pressing, the 2-LP set will also be available on blue swirl vinyl exclusively via Jewel’s store.

In the mid-late ’90s, singer-songwriter Jewel captured the hearts and souls of a generation with her engaging vocals, folk-pop melodies and introspective lyrics. Raised in Homer, AK, the mononymous artist (born Jewel Kilcher) moved to San Diego to pursue her musical dreams. Living out of her van as she struggled to make ends meet, Jewel built a loyal following in local coffee shops and clubs and soon attracted the attention of industry tastemakers, including legendary songsmiths like Bob Dylan (who brought the young artist on tour as a supporting act) and Neil Young, as well as execs at Atlantic Records, who released her debut, Pieces of You, in 1995. Over the next two years, the album—which featured such era-defining hits as “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “Foolish Games” and “You Were Meant For Me”—gained momentum, eventually selling over 12 million copies and becoming one of the highest-selling debuts of all time.

Jewel began recording her eagerly anticipated follow-up in 1998 (a year which found the artist performing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXII and publishing a New York Times bestselling book of poetry, among other accomplishments). Expectations were high as the artist entered the studio with producer Patrick Leonard (known best for his extensive credits with Madonna, as well as projects with Carly Simon, Pink Floyd and Bryan Ferry, among many others). Jewel certainly did not disappoint, as she served up an inviting collection of reflective, vivid songs that were far beyond her 24 years.

Setting the tone for the album is opener “Deep Water,” which offers a hopeful message that love conquers all, even when life gets tough. Similarly, lead single “Hands” is based upon a desperate moment in the artist’s youth when she considered shoplifting. Instead, she decided to put her hands to better use and start writing songs. The uplifting song speaks to the power of seemingly small decisions. “Life Uncommon,” meanwhile, reminds listeners to be brave and stand up to the forces that tie them down. Spirit also features several love songs, including the playful “Jupiter” and the sweet “What’s Simple Is True.” Other highlights include the single “Down So Long,” written when the artist was just 18, as well as the haunting “Barcelona,” which features the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea on bass guitar.

Upon its release in November 1998, Spirit was an instant bestseller, debuting at No.3 in the US, where it was certified 4x Platinum. The album also peaked at No.2 in Canada and No.5 in Australia. The hit single “Hands,” landed at No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Canadian pop charts.

The album was also acclaimed by critics, including Rolling Stone, which declared Spirit “musical comfort food.” Entertainment Weekly praised, “The way Jewel’s voice dips from a mountain-stream soprano to a vulnerable lower octave in the chorus demonstrates what a stronger, more confident singer she’s become,” while Music Week hailed “Hands” as “a delicious, softly-sung number, showcasing this talented Alaskan’s songwriting skills.”

25 years later, this special reissue of Spirit offers a deeper look into Jewel’s creative process through a trove of bonus material. Among the eight previously unreleased tracks are demos for “Last Dance Rodeo” (which later appeared on 2006’s Goodbye Alice in Wonderland), “Gloria” (off 1999’s Joy) and “The Sue Lee Song”; outtakes and alternate versions of “Hands,” “Songs of Freedom” and “Jupiter”; plus live recordings like “Down So Long,” captured at Woodstock ’99. The album’s expanded content also offers highlights from a 1999 concert at Spain’s Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, plus rare live performances of Pieces of You B-sides, including “You Were Meant for Me” and “Who Will Save Your Soul” (both culled from the Dutch program 2 Meter Sessions in 1996).

Speaking to the 25th anniversary of Spirit, Jewel says: “My sophomore album, Spirit, is 25! I still cherish this album and sing many of these songs during my shows, so I’m glad my fans can pick up new copies and hear some unreleased tracks, outtakes, and live recordings. I also get to share this with my son now – it’s incredibly special to tell him stories about what was happening in my life and the world during this time. Whether you heard Spirit back then or are just discovering it now, I appreciate you listening.”

In the years since releasing Spirit, Jewel has continued to inspire through her music, words and voice. During her nearly three-decade-long career, she has released 13 studio albums (six of which were in the Billboard 200 Top 10), published five books (including her 2015 New York Times best-selling memoir, Never Broken – Songs Are Only Half the Story), and earned 26 nominations for such awards as the GRAMMYs, American Music Awards, MTV Awards, VH1 Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Country Music Awards, winning eight times. Jewel has also dedicated herself to pioneering change in the mental health space, offering mental health tools and resources to those who need it through her Inspiring Children Foundation and Inner.world, a new virtual mental health platform.

In 2021, Jewel captured the ears of a new generation when she won the sixth season of Fox’s hit competition TV series, The Masked Singer. Later that year, she appeared on The Masked Singer Christmas Singalong, where she performed “Hands” with her then-10-year-old son, Kase. Most recently, Jewel released Freewheelin’ Woman—her first studio album in seven years. Produced with Butch Walker, the 2022 LP earned acclaim from the likes of American Songwriter, Spin and AllMusic.

Tracklists:

Spirit (25th Anniversary Edition) (2-CD):

Disc 1:

Deep Water
What’s Simple Is True
Hands
Kiss The Flame
Down So Long
Innocence Maintained
Jupiter
Fat Boy
Enter From The East
Barcelona
Life Uncommon
Do You
Absence Of Fear
This Little Bird
Hands (Single Remix)
Down So Long (Single Remix)
Jupiter (Swallow The Moon) (Single – Alternate Version)
What’s Simple Is True (Soundtrack Version)
You Were Meant For Me (Live 2 Meter Sessions At VARA Studio, Netherlands – October 16, 1996)
Who Will Save Your Soul (Live 2 Meter Sessions At VARA Studio, Netherlands – October 16, 1996)

Disc 2:

Down So Long (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
What’s Simple Is True (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Foolish Games (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Do You (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Who Will Save Your Soul (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Innocence Maintained (Live At Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, CO – January 22, 1999)
Fat Boy (Live At Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, UK – November 14, 1997)
Deep Water (Live At Fox FM Studios, Melbourne, Australia – February 25, 1999)
Enter From The East (Solo Acoustic Outtake)
The Sue Lee Song (Demo)*
Hands (Studio Outtake)*
Songs Of Freedom (Studio Outtake)*
Last Dance Rodeo (Home Boombox Demo)*
Wandering (Demo)*
Gloria (Demo)*
Barcelona (Live At Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX – July 9, 1999)*
Down (Live At Woodstock ’99, Rome, NY, July 25, 1999)
Beeswax Operetta (Studio Outtake)*
*previously unreleased

Spirit (25th Anniversary Edition) (Digital):

Deep Water
What’s Simple Is True
Hands
Kiss The Flame
Down So Long
Innocence Maintained
Jupiter
Fat Boy
Enter From The East
Barcelona
Life Uncommon
Do You
Absence Of Fear
This Little Bird
Hands (Single Remix)
Down So Long (Single Remix)
Jupiter (Swallow The Moon) (Single – Alternate Version)
What’s Simple Is True (Soundtrack Version)
You Were Meant For Me (Live 2 Meter Sessions At VARA Studio, Netherlands – October 16, 1996)
Who Will Save Your Soul (Live 2 Meter Sessions At VARA Studio, Netherlands – October 16, 1996)
Down So Long (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
What’s Simple Is True (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Foolish Games (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Do You (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Who Will Save Your Soul (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)
Innocence Maintained (Live At Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, CO – January 22, 1999)
Fat Boy (Live At Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, UK – November 14, 1997)
Deep Water (Live At Fox FM Studios, Melbourne, Australia – February 25, 1999)
Enter From The East (Solo Acoustic Outtake)
The Sue Lee Song (Demo)*
Hands (Studio Outtake)*
Songs Of Freedom (Studio Outtake)*
Last Dance Rodeo (Home Boombox Demo)*
Wandering (Demo)*
Gloria (Demo)*
Barcelona (Live At Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX – July 9, 1999)*
Down (Live At Woodstock ’99, Rome, NY, July 25, 1999)
Beeswax Operetta (Sudio Outtake)*
*previously unreleased

Spirit (2-LP Vinyl):
A1: Deep Water
A2: What’s Simple Is True
A3: Hands
B4: Kiss the Flame
B5: Down So Long
B6: Innocence Maintained
B7: Jupiter
C8: Fat Boy
C9: Enter From the East
C10: Barcelona
D11: Life Uncommon
D12: Do You
D13: Absence Of Fear

Barenaked Ladies Commemorate 35 Years Together, New Album ‘In Flight’ With A SiriusXM Town Hall

Eric Alper
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Barenaked Ladies Commemorate 35 Years Together, New Album ‘In Flight’ With A SiriusXM Town Hall

t’s been 35 years since Barenaked Ladies looked at us for the first time, and the Toronto band is still going strong all these years later.

The band recently released their 18th studio album, In Flight, and marked the occasion by visiting the SiriusXM studios for an exclusive Town Hall hosted by Eric Alper of SiriusXM Canada Talks 167.

During their Town Hall, Barenaked Ladies band members Ed Robertson, Kevin Hearn, Tyler Stewart and Jim Creegan discussed writing and conceiving parts of their new album In Flight during COVID lockdowns, what it was like to be isolated from each other when they have such a long history as a band and as friends, what inspires their songwriting 30+ years into their career, and much, much more.

You can hear the Barenaked Ladies Town Hall on That Eric Alper’s Show:

Saturday, October 7 at 8 am and 4 pm ET
Sunday, October 8 at 12 pm and 8 pm ET
Wednesday, October 11 at 7 pm ET

You can also listen to the Town Hall anytime on the SiriusXM App.

Women In Music Is Promoting A New Accelerator Program

Eric Alper
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Women In Music Is Promoting A New Accelerator Program

Presented with partners ADVANCE and the International Indigenous Music Summit, this program will work to prepare more women and gender diverse professionals for executive level leadership roles.

This program is intended for mid-level industry professionals, in existing music companies or entrepreneurs, with a primary goal of preparing women and gender diverse music professionals for advancement to senior management and director-level opportunities. This will serve as a catalyst to create an ecosystem with more women and gender diverse role models and mentors in senior positions. This new national program will especially cater to intersectional women and gender-diverse people who have the least representation in organizational leadership roles, and as leaders in the music industry nationally.

Women in Music Canada and program partners value diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes and invites female and gender-diverse folks from diverse backgrounds to apply.
* Enrolment for this program will be 2/3 by paid registrations through companies, and 1/3 subsidized (free) participants through applications and juried selection. Space is limited to fifteen participants total.
This program is financially supported by Ontario Creates, and City of Toronto.
Additional partneship oportunities for this program are available. If your company is intertested in being part of this important work, please reahc out to robyn at womeninmusic.ca.
Deadline to apply is November 30, 2023
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by December 15, 2023. 

The Leadership Program including mentorship and training will run online January 25, 2024 through February 29, 2024. Sessions will run from 7:00 PM through 9:00 PM ET (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT) Tuesday and Thursday, weekly. Mentorship sessions will run as per specific arranged times by participants. An in-person component will following these dates, to be hosted at ArtHaus in Toronto in March, 2024. Details to come. 

First Day of Fall: Canadian Singer ALEX BIRD’s Ballad to Canadian Thanksgiving

Eric Alper
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First Day of Fall: Canadian Singer ALEX BIRD’s Ballad to Canadian Thanksgiving

While American Thanksgiving gets a ton of attention and fanfare, Canadian Thanksgiving is arguably the superior holiday.

https://youtu.be/jOb-p-vl7mw 

Alex Bird, the Toronto-based singer, thinks Thanksgiving is so special, in 2022 he wrote Canada’s first official Thanksgiving tune called “The Sweetest Moments”.

Alex Bird is a JUNO nominated jazz singer, songwriter, and actor in Toronto, Ontario. Alex and his band “The Jazz Mavericks” are working on an entirely new chapter of the Great American Songbook and pushing the boundaries of a beautiful tradition by bringing it into a new era. Bird’s original debut album “Whisky Kisses” (Oct 2020) received glowing reviews, awards, airplay, and distribution around the world, and was recently followed up by his sophomore album, “Songwriter” (2022) in collaboration with Ewen Farncombe. To learn more visit Alexbird.net.

The heartwarming, nostalgic tune captures the unique essence of Canadian Thanksgiving – including the smell of cool, crisp autumn air and turkey roasting in the oven, two elements that Canadians associate most with the season. The song remains Alex’s most-played song, with over 272K listens and counting on Spotify and is gaining momentum right in time for the first day of fall!

 

“The Sweetest Moments” can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.

Lighters Aloft For Renowned Musician Martin Larose’s Classic Rush Cover Of ‘The Spirit Of Radio’

Eric Alper
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Lighters Aloft For Renowned Musician Martin Larose’s Classic Rush Cover Of ‘The Spirit Of Radio’

Martin Larose, the renowned musician, and owner of Le Studio Septentrio from Quebec’s picturesque Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region is set to enthrall music lovers once again with the release of his latest single, the classic Rush cover “The Spirit Of Radio” – available now.

This musical rendition is a captivating cover of the iconic Rush classic and a testament to Martin’s exceptional talent and unique approach to making music. “The Spirit Of Radio” which coincides with the upcoming launch of his album, ‘Hek of a Ride,’ co-written with lyricist Nath Farley, is scheduled to be released in late 2023.

“The Spirit Of Radio” is a demonstration of Martin’s deep-rooted admiration for Rush, a band he has been a fan of since 1980. Martin, who had never seen Rush perform live until 2013, was finally able to experience the band’s incredible live performance. However, the show was abruptly halted by a thunderstorm and despite being soaked to the bone, this experience left an indelible mark on Martin, fueling his passion to pay homage to Rush in his own creative way.

“I’m usually reluctant to cover other people’s material and prefer to work on my own stuff,” proclaims Martin. “However, I had this idea in the back of my mind for quite some time and wanted to release it alongside my new album, ‘Hek of a Ride,’ as it showcases another facet of my musical style.”

Influenced by legends such as Michael Hedges, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Howe, Chris Whitley, and Pete Townshend, Martin developed an original sound combining tapping, atmospheric ambience, and intricate gameplay. His exceptional talent and technique earned him recognition, with his work being featured in the prestigious magazine, Guitar World.

“I’ve been playing the harp guitar for 12 years now. I’m also fortunate to own an Allan Beardsell HG1 HarpGuitar, which is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba,” says Martin. “It’s a wonderful instrument built by a tremendously talented Canadian luthier, so it’s a Canadian guitar played by a Canadian guitarist interpreting a Canadian song.”

His contributions to the regional music scene extend beyond the stage, having served as the producer and host of the television show “Studio Boréal.” Recently, he and his wife directed the documentary, “Les Cordes Insensibles,” providing an intimate look into the world of independent music. Martin was also instrumental in training and recording Québec’s singing sensation Jeanick Fournier who won last year’s edition of Canada’s Got Talent.

Sing Along with Multi-Award-Winning Country Music Star Laurie LeBlanc on His Cozy “Campfire Song”

Eric Alper
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Sing Along with Multi-Award-Winning Country Music Star Laurie LeBlanc on His Cozy “Campfire Song”

Grab a blanket, a cold one, and your closest friends– Laurie LeBlanc proves that summer never ends in his new single “Campfire Song,” out now.

“I won’t deny that one of the most incredible feelings on earth is being on stage singing for hundreds/thousands of fans,” says LeBlanc, “but there’s something magical when you’re sitting by a campfire with family and friends, and everybody sings along to some classic campfire songs.”

“Campfire Song” is both a tribute and invitation to reflect on the meaningfulness of gathering and connection, especially when bolstered by the magic of nature and music. It captures the essence of a campfire gathering and evokes cherished memories of warmth, camaraderie, and summer fun. On the track, LeBlanc shouts out John Denver, Chris Stapleton (George Jones), and The Beatles; but more importantly, he calls out to all listeners to embrace the shared experience of singing around a campfire. Everybody knows that true cool kids will always sing along!

Laurie LeBlanc is one of Canada’s rising country music stars, whose distinctive style contains a sizable helping of east coast Acadian flavor. Ten years after releasing his first album La Pitoune in French, establishing his reputation in his home province of New Brunswick and throughout the Maritimes and Quebec, LeBlanc released his first English album When It’s Right It’s Right in 2020.

This month Laurie received 3 new nominations for his album Long Weekend from two different associations: Album of the Year (multilingual and other languages) from Gala ADISQ, and Recording of the Year and Song of the Year (French) from Music New Brunswick Awards . The accolades follow his nomination for Album of the Year (other language), Album of the Year (classic country), Male Vocalist of the Year (Country Album), at the Gala Country. And Country Album of the Year, World Artist of the Year “Francophone” and Music Video of the Year, Male, at Nashville Tennessee’s Josie Music Awards . He is also a recent inductee into The Akademia Hall of Fame.

Now having firmly found his place within the English country music scene, LeBlanc has created simultaneously his most personal and accessible recording to date. His most recent studio album Long Weekend has six brand new songs in English and six in French, all crafted to convey a feel-good summer vibe in both languages. With his dynamic voice and undeniable charm, there is no stopping Laurie LeBlanc as he continues to build his fan base around the world.

“I’ll always love singing in French and cherish the support I get from my francophone audience,” Leblanc says, “but hearing one of my songs on the radio alongside the Canadian and American country artists I admire gives me so much joy.”

So, keep your eyes peeled– Laurie LeBlanc and “Campfire Song” are sure to be coming to a radio (or campfire!) near you soon!

CBC 2023 Searchlight Winner Mattmac Teams With Mariame On New Inspiring Single ‘Find My Love’ Encouraging Dream Chasers Everywhere

Eric Alper
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CBC 2023 Searchlight Winner Mattmac Teams With Mariame On New Inspiring Single ‘Find My Love’ Encouraging Dream Chasers Everywhere

Chasing a dream isn’t easy, but sometimes the right song can motivate you to keep going. Alongside singer Mariame, Indigenous Garden Hill First Nation Hip-Hop artist Mattmac – winner of this year’s CBC Searchlight – inspires others to follow their dreams in his new single, “Find My Love”.

The songs opens with a catchy chorus and sweet vocals sung by Mariame. The lyrics show how you smile through the pain and strife while trying your hardest to achieve your dreams. It hooks the listener and leads them into the song’s first verse that is rapped by Mattmac.

“Everybody if you hear me time to wake up
Get your grind, get your coin, get your Cake up
Yeah just ride with the boy I’m on the way up
I’m feeling young, feeling free and Feeling dangerous
This for the haters
To all the brave ones
We just doing our thing can you Blame us
We on fire let’s Show em what the flame does
It’s a vibe yeah we on that New wave son
It’s a celebration”

Throughout the song, Mattmac’s verses are a rallying cry buoyed by youthful exuberance and a strong drive. Moreover, Mariame’s vocals provide a soothing yet strong-willed backdrop to the song in the chorus as well as the song’s penultimate verse.

“Find My Love” is a song that was created in connection to Mattmac’s upcoming album release THAT SAUCE Volume 1. The song is a celebratory anthem for Indigenous Peoples; as September is a huge month surrounding Orange T-Shirt Day and the National Day For Truth & Reconciliation. This song also features Mariame, who is a Cree Pop Singer from the Cree Nation of Chisasibi in Northern Quebec.

Blind music producer and recording artist Mattmac has harnessed his melodic pop-trap beats and inspiring story, quickly establishing himself as ‘one to watch’ on the national scene with more than 15 million + streams across platforms, and critical acclaim across all major media outlets such as CBC, CTV, and Virgin Radio. Recently, he became the winner of CBC’s 2023 Searchlight contest with his song “Rez (Remix)”, which will appear on his upcoming full length album.

Mattmac debuted his entry to the music scene in 2016 when N’we Jinan, a traveling music studio program, visited his community and invited him to collaborate on a project. Pulling inspiration from his personal story, they created a song and video titled “Help You See” that has received over 250,000 views on YouTube and Facebook. From there, he released his debut album 20/20 in 2020, followed by a second album Blurred Visions in 2022.

Currently, Mattmac is gearing up to release his new project THAT SAUCE Volume 1, a special collaboration album entirely produced by Mattmac and features over 16 Indigenous artists.

Mariame broke out into the Canadian music scene in 2015 with the release of her award-winning debut EP Bloom. Blending elements of R&B, pop, and EDM, Mariame delivers irresistible music as electric as her stage presence. The project peaked at #3 on the iTunes Pop Charts and reached #1 on the NCI FM National Indigenous Music Countdown.

In 2017, Mariame’s Bloom won Best Pop Album at the Indigenous Music Awards presented by SiriusXM Canada. She is currently working on her follow-up album set to come out summer of 2024.

Hartbeat and SiriusXM Release Never-Before-Heard Bernie Mac Comedy Special To Commemorate the Late Comedian’s Birthday on October 5th

Eric Alper
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Hartbeat and SiriusXM Release Never-Before-Heard Bernie Mac Comedy Special To Commemorate the Late Comedian’s Birthday on October 5th

Hartbeat, the global, multi-platform entertainment company founded by Kevin Hart, in collaboration with SiriusXM, have exclusively released late comedian Bernie Mac’s first-ever solo full-length stand-up album. Bernie Mac: Tapes From A King is a collection of never-before-heard stand-up from the early days of Bernie Mac’s legendary career. Originally recorded on VHS for Bernie to review his material after shows, these remastered recordings provide a unique window into the creative process of a comedy legend. Bernie Mac: Tapes From A King is produced by Hartbeat in collaboration with NBW Studios and Rhonda R. McCullough, Bernie Mac’s beloved wife of 31 years.

Beginning today, October 5th at 6pm ET, Bernie Mac: Tapes From A King will be available exclusively for SiriusXM subscribers on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio for (1) one month, and will then be released widely across all streaming platforms. Repeat airings will occur on October 6th at 9am, 2pm, and 8pm ET; October 7th at 11am, 3pm, and 7pm ET; and October 8th at 6am, 12pm, 6pm and 9pm ET.

Laugh Out Loud Radio is available to SiriusXM subscribers nationwide

Global Hitmakers, MARC JORDAN AND JOHN CAPEK, to be Inducted to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

Eric Alper
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Global Hitmakers, MARC JORDAN AND JOHN CAPEK, to be Inducted to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is pleased to announce two of the music industry’s most sought-after songwriters, Marc Jordan and John Capek, as the newest Inductees to join the class of 2023 on November 1st in Toronto, ON. Jordan is an acclaimed producer, jazz vocalist, and considered a “songwriter’s songwriter” by many of his peers and music icons that he has worked alongside; and Capek’s songs have regularly achieved gold, platinum and diamond sales for some of the biggest international artists throughout the decades. Although Jordan and Capek will be honoured individually as songwriters for their respective catalogues, they are also long-time collaborators most recognized for co-penning Rhythm of My Heart, which became one of Rod Stewart’s most successful global hits.

2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF), a national and non-profit organization that is dedicated to honouring and celebrating Canadian songwriters and those who’ve dedicated their lives to the legacy of music. The CSHF also works to educate the public about these achievements, and to foster the next generation of songwriters through year-round initiatives and events. In December of 2011, SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) acquired the CSHF; however, the Hall of Fame continues to be run as a separate organization and is guided by its own Board of Directors, comprised of both Anglophone and Francophone music creators and publishers, as well as representation from the record industry. The CSHF’s mandate aligns with SOCAN’s objectives as a songwriter and publisher membership-based organization. www.cshf.ca

“It’s very gratifying to be recognized with and by your peers anywhere in the world, but it makes it all the more gratifying to be recognized at home here in Canada – and at the same time as my first and most successful writing partner John Capek with whom I have worked on and off for almost 50 years,” says Marc Jordan.

“Anthems, songs that stand the test of time are what we hope to create as songwriters,” says John Capek. “To be recognized for that by my peers, and for my body of work is an honour. Thank you to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame for this recognition and to all the incredible, individual artists with whom I have had the privilege of working with along the way.”

As part of its 25th anniversary initiatives, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is also announcing the inaugural Legends Series, supported by the RBC Foundation through RBC Emerging Artists. The induction series will celebrate songwriters and song inductions in various cities across Canada with performances from emerging artists, intermingled with conversations with Inductees in intimate settings.

The first event of the Legends Series will take place in Montreal on October 11, honouring recently announced 2023 Inductees Michel Rivard, Marjo and Jean Millaire; and in Toronto at the Glenn Gould Studio on November 1st, honouring Inductees Marc Jordan and John Capek, with additional song inductions and performers to be announced in the coming weeks. On-stage interviews will be moderated by Host Sonia Benezra, who will delve into their journeys as songwriters and the stories behind some of their most beloved songs; with performances backed by a house band led by revered Musical Director, Lou Pomanti.

The legendary songwriting partnership of Marc Jordan and John Capek has resulted in multiple hits with the leading pop stars of our time. In addition to their success with Rhythm of My Heart, the duo also wrote three other songs recorded by Rod Stewart including the Canadian hit single, This. Other memorable Capek-Jordan collaborations include Bonnie Raitt’s Deep Water; Joe Cocker’s Take Me Home; Love So High and The Same Mistake by Cher; Diana Ross’s Pieces of Ice; Victorious by Chicago; and Amanda Marshall’s Promises that reached over one million sales in Canada.

Jordan and Capek’s songs have also appeared in film on the soundtracks for THE PERFECT STORM, starring George Clooney; and LOCH NESS, with Ted Danson and Ian Holm. They have garnered several nominations and a win from the AFI (equivalent Australian Oscars) for the Australian film BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS – featuring songs co-written by Jordan-Capek, with the soundtrack scored and produced by Capek (Capek’s film credits also include TWO IF BY SEA starring Sandra Bullock, and COCKTAIL starring Tom Cruise).

Over his 50-plus years in the business, Marc Jordan has recorded 15 studio albums, numerous hits, and is an award-winning producer and recording artist. Jordan has written songs with CSHF Inductees Dan Hill and Eddie Schwartz; Stephan Moccio, Damhnait Doyle, Alan Frew, Amanda Marshall, Christopher Ward (of Black Velvet fame), as well as for singer-songwriter (and spouse) Amy Sky, and Grammy-winning producer David Foster among others.

Jordan is also a JUNO-nominated contemporary vocalist; and won a JUNO Award for producing Waiting For a Miracle on his 1993 album “Reckless Valentine.” Outside of Canada, he has established himself as a leading songwriter for many chart-topping artists including Cher’s Grammy-nominated album “Believe”, Bette Midler, Olivia Newton-John, Chicago, Kansas, Joe Cocker and Bonnie Raitt.

Early in his music career, Jordan met and immediately formed an instant connection with songwriting partner John Capek. They always seemed to be on the same page lyrically and melodically. The two have penned many songs together including their most recognizable hit, Rod Stewart’s Rhythm of My Heart, which reached No. 1 in Canada and Ireland. Rhythm has become so synonymous with Stewart’s Scottish homeland that the song was chosen to open the 2014 Commonwealth Games and earned a SOCAN Classics Award and a Canadian Music Publishers Association Award.

Stewart’s recording almost didn’t get released because of the Persian Gulf War. Jordan recalls, “Both John and I felt Rhythm of My Heart was a hit song. I remember John wanted a bag pipe player on the demo which we did at the Lawerence Welk studio in Hollywood; and some months later, label rep Rob Dickins received the demo and played it for Rod who flipped over the song. But just before it was to be released, the BBC called me and said they wouldn’t play the record because it was about war and the US had just begun the Gulf War and that was a problem. The war lasted a little over a month, and once we were able to release Rhythm, it was an instant hit all over the world.”

John Capek is known as a triple threat in the music industry, starting out as a child prodigy and going on to become a sought–after producer, player and hit songwriter. John has lived and worked on three continents; born in Czechoslovakia, raised in Australia, resident in Los Angeles, Nashville and Toronto – but it is Canada that holds a special place in his heart. Undoubtedly due, in part, to some of the Canadian artists he has written with, or for, that include Dan Hill, Marc Jordan, Carole Pope, Amy Sky, Randy Bachman, Murray McLauchlan and Christopher Ward to name a few.

He has produced and contributed his playing talents to The Good Brothers, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Downchild, Ron Hynes, Gene Maclellan, Anne Murray, Fred Penner, Paul Quarrington, Ian Thomas, Ken Tobias and Sylvia Tyson amongst many others. Capek has appeared multiple times on the Top 10 Billboard Charts with Dan Hill on Carmelia, Can’t We Try, and Never Thought That I Could Love.

Internationally, Capek’s reputation as a writer of hits, thanks to his melodic hooks and meticulous arrangements, has drawn numerous artists to record his work such as Toto’s Love Has the Power, and Let’s Talk About Tomorrow for Olivia Newton-John’s album “The Rumour”.

Capek also gained ‘blues cred’ for whom he has written songs for, notably a Grammy nomination for the album “Coast to Coast” by Aretha Franklin’s guitar player, Cornell Dupree; and Capek’s song Blame It On Me, recorded by Bonnie Raitt on her current album, co-written with Canadian/British lyricist Andrew Matheson. Raitt took home three Grammy Awards for the critically acclaimed album, which British music reviewer Terry Staunton wrote: “On an album bursting with selections that confidently stand tall with almost any high-water mark in the Raitt canon, the atmospheric torch of Blame it on Me warrants special mention. The singer returning to the catalogue of reliable hitmaker, John Capek.”

Raitt, who also recorded Capek’s Deep Water, told NashvilleMusicGuide.com that Capek is “… one of the deepest, most talented and soulful writers I know.”

For more information, go to www.cshf.ca. The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends series is supported by the RBC Foundation through RBC Emerging Artists, and sponsored by YouTube Music, SOCAN and CMRRA.

First Look Of Production Photos For The North American Tour of JAGGED LITTLE PILL

Eric Alper
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The Toronto premiere of Jagged Little Pill will play the Princess of Wales Theatre, beginning performances on Tuesday October 24 through November 26, 2023.  The media night is Thursday October 26 at 8PM, 2023.

Tickets are available now at mirvish.com or by calling 1-800-461-3333.

Toronto native Jade McLeod (they/them) will continue their role as Jo in the touring company of Jagged Little Pill. After graduating from St. Clair College in 2017, Jade has performed in shows across Canada such as Mamma Mia!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert & Feelin’ Groovy (Stage West Calgary).

Julie Reiber (she/her), Benjamin Eakeley (he/him) and Teralin Jones (all pronouns) join the cast for year two, with year one principals Dillon Klena (Nick Healy, he/him), and Allison Sheppard (Bella Fox, she/her) continuing their roles.

The ensemble includes Lee H. Alexander (he/him), Delaney Brown (she/they), Justin Scott Brown (he/him), Chelle Denton (she/her), Shelby Finnie (she/her), Rishi Golani (he/him), Liesie Kelly (they/them), Cydney Kutcipal (they/them), Jordan Quisno (he/him), Carmella Taitt (she/her), Alexander Tan (he/she/they), Daniel Thimm (he/him) and Elaine Watson (she/her). The cast also includes Naima Alakham (she/her), Claire Crause (she/her), Sophie Lee Morris (she/her), Sergio Pasquariello (he/him) and George Vickers V (he/him) as swings.

The North American tour of Jagged Little Pill launched September 6, 2022 at The Smith Center in Las Vegas, NV and has played more than 30 cities in its first year. For a complete list of tour stops, please visit: JaggedLittlePill.com.

Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (she/her; Waitress, Pippin, 1776), Jagged Little Pill is an “electrifying, visceral and stunning” (The Hollywood Reporter) musical with an original story by Tony and Academy Award-winning writer Diablo Cody (she/her; Juno, Tully), about a perfectly imperfect American family that “vaults the audience to its collective feet” (The Guardian). Nominated for a season-record of 15 Tony Awards following its Broadway premiere, The New York Times declared the show “redemptive, rousing and real… Jagged Little Pill stands alongside the original musicals that have sustained the best hopes of Broadway.”

Ignited by Morissette’s groundbreaking lyrics and music – from beloved hits such as “You Oughta Know,” “Head Over Feet,” “Hand In My Pocket,” and “Ironic”, to brand new songs written for the show – Jagged Little Pill  features explosive choreography by Tony Award nominee and frequent Beyoncé collaborator Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (he/him; “Apesh*t”, “Love Drought/Sandcastles” Live at The Grammys), and the raw power of an onstage band under the Musical Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements of Grammy, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt (he/him; Next to Normal, American Idiot).

The Jagged Little Pill creative team includes Tony-nominated Scenic Designer Riccardo Hernandez (he/him; Parade), Tony-nominated Costume Designer Emily Rebholz (she/her; Dear Evan Hansen), Tony Award-winning Lighting Designer Justin Townsend (he/him; Moulin Rouge!), Tony-nominated Sound Designer Jonathan Deans (he/him; Waitress), and Tony-nominated Video Designer Lucy Mackinnon (she/her; Spring Awakening). Hair, Wig, and Make-up Design is provided by J. Jared Janas (he/him; Sunset Boulevard).

Jagged Little Pill officially opened on Broadway December 5, 2019 at the Broadhurst Theatre after beginning previews November 3. Prior to Broadway, Jagged Little Pill completed a record-breaking, sold-out run at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, MA. That pre-Broadway world premiere production ran for 79 sold-out performances, from May 5–July 15, 2018, marking the longest-running and highest-grossing production in A.R.T.’s history. Jagged Little Pill concluded its award-winning Broadway run on December 17, 2021, after playing 36 previews and 171 performances. That same month, the production made its international debut in Australia at Theatre Royal Sydney.

Released on June 13, 1995, the tremendous success of Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill skyrocketed her to become the bestselling international debut artist in history; a title she still holds, with the record’s sales reaching 33 million copies worldwide. Now, 25 years after its release, Jagged Little Pill continues to be one of the Top 20 Best-Selling Albums of All Time. With ten eclectic and acclaimed albums released over the subsequent years, Morissette’s music has garnered 7 Grammy Awards (with 14 nominations), a Golden Globe nomination, and total sales of over 60 million albums.

 

In 2019, Atlantic Records partnered with the Broadway production for the release of its Original Broadway Cast Recording, adding the show to the label’s elite roster of Grammy Award-winning artists and cast albums. The cast album for Jagged Little Pill was officially released on December 6, 2019 – the day after the show’s opening night on Broadway – and won the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

 

In the fall of 2020, the musical garnered a season-leading 15 Tony Nominations – including Best Musical – and Grand Central Publishing released a hardcover coffee table book following the journey of Jagged Little Pill to Broadway, with behind-the-scenes photos and stories from Alanis Morissette, Diablo Cody, the cast and more. Following the show’s big Grammy Award win in 2021, Jagged Little Pill also won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical (Diablo Cody) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Lauren Patten).

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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