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A Thousand Stories, Photos & Memorabilia Moments In New “That Night At Massey Hall” Book

Eric Alper
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A Thousand Stories, Photos & Memorabilia Moments In New “That Night At Massey Hall” Book

In an epic archival for the ages of one of Canada’s most iconic venues, author David Binks has written and compiled That Night At Massey Hall — available for pre-orders now here.

At 240 pages, this limited-edition tome teeming with tales from Toronto’s ‘Old Lady of Shuter Street’ is home to more than 1,500 individual story, photo, and memorabilia contributions, and features over 500+ artists — including Rush, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Pavarotti, Aretha Franklin, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Van Morrison, U2, and The Tragically Hip.

Following a foreword from Grammy Award-winning musicologist Rob Bowman, Binks wastes no time before diving into Massey Hall’s 100+ year history: how protestors of the former USSR marked their presence, or details on which artists turned up at the wrong venue, why the ‘greatest Jazz concert ever’ didn’t ultimately sell-out, and which show was the perfect prelude to a stint in jail…

“That Night At Massey Hall gets into who Gordon Lightfoot called with advice before their debut appearance, which performer saved an audience member’s life, and nuggets like how to secure Keith Richards’ guitar pick,” Binks shares. “These are not just stories about what happened on the stage itself, but also first visits, chance meetings, missed opportunities, first dates…

“And a few last ones, as well.”

Originally from Sheffield, England, and now based in Amsterdam, Binks is a retired CEO, and consultant who first visited Toronto in 2000. “I developed an instant affection for Massey Hall,” he recalls. “One evening, I was reading old advertising notices in the bar area when I first had the idea to collect from people their own personal stories of their favourite ‘Nights’ at this fabled place.

“For Torontonians and Canadians — as well as visitors, artists, and music fans everywhere — I wanted to create a book that offered a lasting connection to our past, and to so many great memories,” he continues. “I worked over a three year period to gather as many stories as I could from artists, audience members, and employees, all through an online submission form on the book’s website. Folks like Alan Cross, Michael Hainsworth, and John Derringer, as well as some well-placed ads in NOW Magazine, etc, were instrumental supporters to help get the word out on what I was looking for.”

Twelve years after his own ‘Night At Massey Hall,’ Binks has produced a beautifully designed collector’s item that, with every turn of the page, whisks readers away on an intimate and inimitable journey through time. “Because the stories were collected from those who spent time within its walls, That Night At Massey Hall is the patrons’ way of giving something back to the venue itself,” he considers. “It captures the affection and emotional connection felt towards it.

“There are definitely lots of fun surprises I came across,” he hints. “Overall, it’s a book about growing up, settling down, looking back, being inspired, and — of course — rock n’ roll.”

That Night At Massey Hall is available for pre-orders now, with shipping slated to begin in October.

SIOBAMM Toys With a Dangerous Dose of Rock and Skating in “Pick Yr Poison”

Eric Alper
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SIOBAMM Toys With a Dangerous Dose of Rock and Skating in “Pick Yr Poison”

Canadian rocker, Derby-enthusiast, and Roller Skating extraordinaire Siobamm faces off with another synth-infused rock anthem in searing new single, “Pick Yr Poison” — available now.

The Toronto-based Roller Derby athlete focused her attention on music during the global pandemic, giving her a chance to marry her love for creating with her passion for skating. The two coming together in phenomenal fashion, Siobamm becomes them both: the champion of a grossly underrated sport, and a stand-out voice in a crowd of indie musicians clamoring to be a part of the scene.

And she weaves the two seamlessly.

Fresh off her recent EP, Gloom Patrol, “Pick Your Poison” sees Siobamm wrestle with love lost, and a woman scorned. Hell hath no fury, they say, and for this music maven, revenge is a dish best served cold.

“I wrote this song with the idea of a revenge fantasy in mind: a woman speaking to a man she knows wants to hurt her,” Siobamm reveals. “The woman turns the situation around and becomes the predator, hunting and taunting her male prey.”

Having penned the track in 2015, she was readily influenced by the media coverage happening that year. “It is inspired by what I was seeing in the media at the time; namely, a lack of consequences for men who violated women, as well as my own experiences with sexual assault,” she recalls. “I wrote ‘Pick Yr Poison’ during the court trials of Brock Turner and Jian Ghomeshi. I had just finished Carrie Brownstein’s memoir, and was in awe of the riot grrrl scene of the Pacific Northwest in the 90’s — both sonically and what they were writing about content-wise.”

Mostly written, recorded, mixed, and produced during quarantine, Gloom Patrol is a steady influence of hazy guitar riffs, gothic linguistics, a myriad of melancholy, and acceptance of reality — flowing with pop melodies and alternative hooks. The result is a dark, beautifully vulnerable piece of work that showcases her as an authentic songwriter with a unique sound.

Following up “Bones”, “Pick Yr Poison” is a sexy, Mazzy Starr-esque love child, mashing a mosaic of feel-good vibes, with dark and edgy lyrics. The song reaches inside the listener and refuses to let go. The beautifully orchestrated pop fringe masterfully masquerades an otherwise haunting story. And that’s the cleverness of Siobamm.

The visual component of the “Pick Yr Poison” is a day at the park with Siobamm’s fellow park skaters. Featuring stunning aerial views of the athletes letting it all hang out on the half-pipe, the video highlights Siobamm’s second love, and feeling of freedom.

Shot in Toronto as COVID-19 restrictions eased, Siobamm says she was inspired to try and emulate an old school skate vibe. “But give it a new twist by featuring female and non-binary roller skaters!” she adds.

“We are all strong, confident, and physically empowered. Being able to do cool moves and keep control of my body at high speeds makes me feel powerful and capable of anything, and I wanted to emulate that feeling with this video. Especially since for the second year in a row, local skaters have to share info through Instagram about the attempted abductions of women at night around local skateparks. We are powerful, but we are also targeted. And that makes me angry.”

It’s that zest for justice and utilizing her power platform to give a voice to the voiceless that sets Siobamm in a league of their own. On “Pick Yr Poison” she offers you two things: one, the chance to revel in the finality of your fate, and two, realize that how you cross the finish line is a decision you get to choose for yourself.

And as the listener slides down the rabbit hole of this sonic soundscape, it’s reasonable to believe you’ll be offering the poison, too.

“Pick Yr Poison” and Gloom Patrol are available now.

CANADIAN BRASS Announce ‘Canadiana’ Featuring Covers Of Rush, Drake, Daniel Caesar, Shawn Mendes, Joni, kd, Leonard and More

Eric Alper
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CANADIAN BRASS Announce ‘Canadiana’ Featuring Covers Of Rush, Drake, Daniel Caesar, Shawn Mendes, Joni, kd, Leonard and More

As the most celebrated and enduring brass quintet in history, Canadian Brass unveil the first peek at their forthcoming and first ever all-Canadian album with the release of “Hallelujah” — available now. You can pre-order and pre-save the album here.

The Leonard Cohen cover is first to arrive from the iconic ensemble’s upcoming album, Canadiana. The 11-song collection is set to arrive November 12th via Linus Entertainment, and adds to Canadian Brass’ impressive catalogue that has collectively sold over 2 million albums.

On Canadiana, Canadian Brass celebrates the popular Canadian artists the group both loves to listen to, and has impressed them throughout their career. In addition to Cohen, Canadiana includes songs by Joni Mitchell, Drake, Daniel Caesar, Shawn Mendes, Rush, Bruce Cockburn, Deadmau5, k.d. lang, and Lara Fabian.

“While we were busy practicing our repertoire and honing our craft, we were also listening to these incredible songs as they were released,” Canadian Brass shares. “We now have the incredible opportunity to play these songs ourselves. “

“This recording project gave us a chance to explore the music generated by the great artists that have been around us throughout our performing career.”

A formidable force in the world of Chamber Music since its 1970 inception, and having sold well over 2 Million albums worldwide, the group has been hailed as the ‘Kings of Brass’ for single handedly establishing brass as a major influence on the classical music scene.

The young players in the ensemble today are inheritors of this long tradition, inaugurated over fifty years ago, having grown up with the sound and style of Canadian Brass as a model. With a discography of over 130 albums, and an extensive worldwide touring schedule, Canadian Brass is an important pioneer in bringing brass music to mass audiences everywhere.

Currently, Canadian Brass are Achilles Liarmakopoulos (trombone), Jeff Nelsen (horn), Caleb Hudson (trumpet), Brandon Ridenour (trumpet), and Chuck Daellenbach (tuba), with “Hallelujah” also representing a reunion of sorts; a host of former members of Canadian Brass joined the quintet for this treasured tune.

The ensemble enlisted their trumpet player and in-house arranger Brandon Ridenour to breathe new life into the selected works. Additionally, the album features Grammy-winning Attacca Quartet member Nathan Schram (for Drake’s “Laugh Now, Cry Later”), internationally-beloved guitarist and singer Bruce Cockburn on his own “Thoughts on a Rainy Afternoon,” JUNO-winning jazz trumpet player Ingrid Jensen (Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now”), as well as guitarist Sean Kelly and percussionist Tim Timleck (“2112 Overture” by Rush).

Canadiana Track Listing
[01] Je Me Souviens (Originally recorded by Lara Fabian) 02:49
[02] Senorita (Originally recorded by Shawn Mendes) 03:11
[03] Constant Craving (Originally recorded by k.d. lang) 03:26
[04] Both Sides, Now (Originally recorded by Joni Mitchell)* 06:12
[05] I Remember (Originally recorded by Deadmau5) 04:39
[06] Laugh Now, Cry Later (Originally recorded by Drake)** 03:37
[07] Overture 2112 (Originally Recorded by Rush)*** 03:11
[08] Best Part (Originally recorded by Daniel Caesar & H.E.R.) 05:14
[09] 13th Mountain (Originally recorded by Bruce Cockburn) 03:29
[10] Thoughts on a Rainy Afternoon (Originally Recorded by Bruce Cockburn)**** 03:27
[11] Hallelujah (Originally recorded by Leonard Cohen) 03:36

*With Juno-winning jazz trumpet player Ingrid Jensen
**Beat production by Grammy award winning Attacca quartet member Nathan Schram
***With Sean Kelly (guitar) and Tim Timleck (percussion)
****With Bruce Cockburn (guitar, vocals)

“Hallelujah” is available now. Canadiana is available November 12th, 2021 via Linus Entertainment.

Canadian Brass Tour Dates

November 20, 2021 Hayes Hall Naples FL USA
November 27, 2021 George Mason University Fairfax VA USA
November 30, 2021 Augusta University Augusta GA USA
December 5, 2021 Staplin Performing Arts Center West Des Moines IA USA
December 6, 2021 Helzberg Hall Kansas City MO USA
December 7, 2021 Hesston Mennonite Church Kesston KS USA
December 11, 2021 Nellerbach Hall Berkeley CA USA
December 17, 2021 Bradley Symphony Center Milwaukee WI USA

Hot Mondy Enlists Acclaimed Talents to Feature on Vagabond-Inspired “Desert Moonlight”

Eric Alper
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Hot Mondy Enlists Acclaimed Talents to Feature on Vagabond-Inspired “Desert Moonlight”

If you thought Halifax, NS-based country rock band Hot Mondy couldn’t pull any more aces out of their sleeve this season, you are sorely mistaken. Featuring the all-star cast of musicians you have come to know and love, their newest single “Desert Moonlight” — available now — creates an illustrious image of vagabonds and bagmen working under the cover of darkness.

Featuring five friends who have a passion for outlaw country music, Hot Mondy recently debuted single “Pale Embers” and, while the track created an emotional and dramatic picture of the final strings that tend to keep fading love together, “Desert Moonlight” steers Hot Mondy in a different direction.

‘I make the drop, take my brick of cash.
Back on the road to make another dash.’

Hot Mondy takes a crack at elevator pitching their newest single, stating “Desert Moonlight is a pulpy roadhouse epic that tells the story of a bagman who does his work under the cover of night” — which doesn’t do their newest single justice. In addition to being a succulent ballad about a middleman working under the cover of night, “Desert Moonlight” serves as a masterclass in vivid storytelling through a musical medium.

While being extremely talented and versatile, Hot Mondy has an incredible ability to enlist the perfect talents to accompany their productions. It all started with multi-JUNO Award winning producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda dedicating months of his time to hone Hot Mondy’s sound into the Pale Embers EP, which features Hot Mondy’s newest release, “Desert Moonlight.” From there, Hot Mondy sought after accredited film director Brad Tobler of Imagine That Films to assist in creating a visual space for the album, leading up to the eventual release of a full visual album for the Pale Embers EP.

Despite Wojewoda and Tobler onboarding for the whole project, Hot Mondy continued to recruit the help of some very special talent for the production of “Desert Moonlight” — including Wintersleep’s drummer, Loel Campbell, as well as Grammy-nominated strings arranger Drew Jureka.

However, it hasn’t been all daisies and roses for the group; not soon after Hot Mondy finished tracking at Revolution Recording in Toronto, Canada was closed for lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was both fun and challenging figuring out how to finish the EP during covid, but the end result was worth it,” they share.

The restrictions placed on the country didn’t hinder Hot Mondy’s creative prowess one bit, and they have continued working on more than ten songs set to debut in a follow-up album in 2022.

“Hot Mondy’s music is familiar yet original, satisfying but unpredictable. With a love of writing, groove, production and storytelling, the music will take you on a journey that you’ll want to return to again and again.”

While brief introductions could never do these men justice, it is worth mentioning who they are. Hot Mondy is Matt Rhind (lead vocals), Travis Flint (guitar and lead vocals), Troy Arseneault (lead guitar), Mat Budreski (rhythm guitar), Matt Brannon (Bass); Hot Mondy is also joined by friend and collaborator Loel Campbell of Wintersleep on drums. As the band grew to love performing together it became clear there was a love of creating and writing together, with a rare chemistry. From there, Hot Mondy started drumming up the concept for the Pale Embers EP in 2019.

Loel Campbell handles the brushes while keying into Travis Flint’s “pulsing hypno-riff” featured in “Desert Moonlight.” It’s this rhythm section that creates a solid foundation for the lead vocals belting out of Matt Rhind, who drums up imagery of “lying penniless in a gutter to standing on top of a mountain with nothing but a loin cloth and a bottle of whiskey.” From there, the flair is left to Troy Arseneault with finessed guitar shredding during his solo, paired with the enlisted help of Drew Jurecka.

While it’s hard to say what is next to come, Hot Mondy is absolutely right when they say their music is “familiar yet original – satisfying but unpredictable.” Hot Mondy’s blend of country, roots, and rock create a devastatingly addictive listening experience that leaves the listener fiending for another “drop” of music. In the meantime, we’ll have to keep waiting for our next fix of Canadian based country rock group, Hot Mondy.

“Desert Moonlight” is available now.

Ringo Starr And 100 Drummers Perform The Beatles’ “Come Together”

Eric Alper
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Ringo Starr And 100 Drummers Perform The Beatles’ “Come Together”

WhyHunger’s Drum Together harnesses the power of music through The Beatles’ iconic song “Come Together” to build a just, hunger-free world.

More than 100 drummers and percussionists have joined forces to create Drum Together—a never-before-heard, drum-focused version of “Come Together,” all to support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger in the U.S. and around the globe and advance the human right to nutritious food for all.

Drum Together features the greatest collection of drummers ever performing on one song, including: Ringo Starr, Alan White, Andrew Marshall, Brian Frasier-Moore, Chad Smith, Cherisse Osei, Cindy Blackman Santana, Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, Jim Keltner, Lil’ John Roberts, Jon Fishman, Jonathan Moffett, Kenny Aronoff, Liberty DeVitto, Matt Cameron, Max Weinberg, Nandi Bushell, Pedrito Martinez, Sarah Thawer, Simon Kirke, Steve Gadd, Stewart Copeland, Valerie Naranjo, Vinnie Colaiuta, and many more. See the full list of performers at https://www.WhyHunger.org/drum/about/

Peter Hook & Guests From Joy Division Orchestrated Perform “Love Will Tear Us Apart”

Eric Alper
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Peter Hook & Guests From Joy Division Orchestrated Perform “Love Will Tear Us Apart”

Bringing together vocalists, musicians and artists performing with Joy Division Orchestrated, founding band member Peter Hook and musical director Tim Crooks have produced a first collection of newly orchestrated tracks from the show, the “Dreams” EP to be released digitally via Townsend Music on 24th September 2021, with physical version available in 2022. You can pre-order it here.

Featuring four tracks from the show, the EP showcases the performers recruited by Hooky and Tim and their contributions to the production which sold out London’s Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House in its first run of dates in 2019.

CD
1) Love Will Tear Us Apart (Piano Version)
2) Atmosphere
3) New Dawn Fades
4) A Means To An End
Bonus Tracks
5) Love Will Tear Us Apart (Alternate Version)
6) Atmosphere (Tom Toms Version)
7) Dreams EP (Full Version)

Vinyl
Side A – 33rpm
A continuous version of all four main mixes of the Dreams EP tracks, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (Piano Version)”, “Atmosphere”, “New Dawn Fades” and “A Means To End” to be listened to as a unit of songs
19 Min Mix

Side B – 45rpm
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Alternate Version)
Atmosphere (Tom Toms Version)

Judas Priest’s Rob Halford Fronts the Supergroup Bad Penny on Their Epic New Single, ‘Push Comes to Shove’

Eric Alper
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Judas Priest’s Rob Halford Fronts the Supergroup Bad Penny on Their Epic New Single, ‘Push Comes to Shove’

Judas Priest Lead Singer and “Metal God” Rob Halford is the latest legend to sign on to front a single from the rock super-group “Bad Penny,” which features former Queen + Paul Rodgers bassist Danny Miranda, Blue Oyster Cult drummer Jules Radino and guitar virtuoso/songwriter Mike Holtzman. Bad Penny’s previous releases feature former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri and Queensryche vocalist Todd LaTorre.

Halford took time prior to rehearsals for Judas Priest’s upcoming tour to drop the vocals to the Pennies’ “Push Comes to Shove,” a metallic, Arabic-tinged track featuring a syncopated guitar-drum battery. “This song just grabbed me,” Halford said. “It’s mysterious, dark, and sexy.” New York-based metal singer Militia Vox, who has been dubbed one of the greatest female rock vocalists of her generation, rounds out a powerhouse duet.

“Danny (Miranda) and I came up with the music and melody for this one,” said Mike Holtzman. “We knew we had something special… these exotic world-music elements, the inner dialogue, the heavy groove…it just needed extraordinary voices to bring it home. We are thrilled Rob and Militia agreed to sing it. They absolutely killed it.”

After scoring radio hits with their debut singles, the bluesy rocker ‘Voices in My Head” (sung by LaTorre) and the power ballad “Lose Myself,” (sung by Augeri), Bad Penny took a turn towards classic metal with “The Mirror Lies,” again featuring LaTorre on vocals. “Push Comes to Shove” delves further into dark and heavy territory.

“The object of this band is to tap into sounds and genres we love, and not to pigeon-hole ourselves as this-or-that,” said Holtzman. “We want to keep ourselves and our listeners surprised and challenged. There are a few more cool twists and turns ahead.”

Rick James’ Hit Album ‘Glow’ Is Available As A Digital Deluxe Edition

Eric Alper
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Rick James’ Hit Album ‘Glow’ Is Available As A Digital Deluxe Edition

Celebrating the extraordinary life of Punk Funk singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and pioneer Rick James, today Motown/UMe released the digital Deluxe Edition of James’ 1985 hit album Glow, featuring 11 bonus tracks. Previously available only within James’ Complete Motown Albums digital collection, this new Deluxe Edition of Glow is available digitally on its own for the first time, and can be streamed here.

Originally released in May 1985, Glow was James’ fifth solo album for Motown. Its fusion of rock, funk, and R&B, demonstrates James’ unique versatility and vision as an artist and showcases the tight and eclectic sounds of The Stone City Band. Upon its release, Glow hit Top 50 on the Billboard 200 and No. 7 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, and features the funky title track, “Glow,” a Top 5 Hot Black Singles chart hit that, combined with “Glow (Reprise)” on a 12″ single, also hit No. 1 on the Dance Club Songs chart. James and the band performed the song on an episode of the hit NBC-TV show, The A-Team , that year.

Another highlight is “Can’t Stop,” a Hot Black Singles and Dance Club chart top 10 that was featured in the blockbuster film Beverly Hills Cop starring Eddie Murphy. (That same year, James produced Murphy’s only major pop hit, “Party All the Time.”)

Glow: Deluxe Edition features 11 bonus tracks including the rare, original 12″ mixes of “Glow” and “Spend the Night With Me,” along with each song’s extended instrumental version; the 12″ instrumental version of “Can’t Stop;” plus the then-new songs included on James’ hits collection from the previous year, Reflections , among them “Oh What A Night (4 Luv)” and “You Turn Me On,” with the additional bonus of the long 12″ and instrumental versions of the latter.

Also on September 3, the critically acclaimed documentary BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES, directed by Emmy®-nominee Sacha Jenkins (WU-TANG CLAN: OF MICS AND MEN; BURN, MOTHERF*CKER, BURN!) will premiere on SHOWTIME®. The documentary is an intimate yet propulsive look at James, one of rock, funk and R&B’s most legendary and often underappreciated figures and features a wealth of rare footage of James’ incredible live shows and never-before-seen home video. Through original interviews with artists, including Bootsy Collins, Ice Cube and members of The Stone City Band, collaborators and friends, BITCHIN’ focuses on the groundbreaking “punk-funk” music James left behind while illuminating his fearless attitude, social justice advocacy and bold musical aspirations. The highly anticipated documentary premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June to rave reviews and has Rolling Stone saying James “gave funk music a pop edge … [and] outfunks his rivals.” In Review Online wrote that the film “reclaims the memory of both the great musician and the troubled human at the artist’s core from being simply a source of cheap punchlines and glib catchphrases,” while Tilt said, “James was a talented musician who lived a much more interesting life than you probably thought.” BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES will premiere on SHOWTIME on Friday, September 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

In addition, twelve of James’ videos have now been remastered in HD, eight are new to digital platforms, and will be available on his official Rick James YouTube channel. The HD videos for “Super Freak” and “Give It To Me Baby,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of James’ iconic album, Street Songs, along with his 1982 hit “Hard To Get,” have recently been added, with “Throwdown,” “Ebony Eyes,” featuring Smokey Robinson (long and edited versions), and “In My House,” which James wrote and produced for the Mary Jane Girls, available in September. Both the original long version and edited version of the video “Glow” will premiere on September 17.

Brilliant hitmaker, soulful singer, riveting performer, influential producer/impresario, pioneer in the fusion of funk groove and rock attitude — James was all of these and more. Flamboyant, provocative, charismatic, volatile, and always outrageous, he was a consummate artist and a bona fide star. Constantly reaching, growing, and exploring new aspects of his talent were all part of the genius of Rick James. Since James made the scene in the 1960s with The Mynah Birds, featuring the then unknown Neil Young, and into the late ’70s forward, with his own unique brand of Punk Funk music, he has been an inspiration to his peers and won the acclaim of audiences and critics alike. His songs have been covered and sampled by artists across different eras of music and genres, and the popularity of James’ music continues to garner new fans with digital Deluxe Editions of his entire Motown catalog, including Come Get It!, Bustin’ Out Of L Seven, Fire It Up, Garden Of Love, Street Songs, Throwin’ Down, Cold Blooded and The Flag. Also available are digital releases from James’ productions including three albums from the Stone City Band – In ‘n’ Out, The Boys Are Back and Out of the Shadow – as well as singer Val Young’s Seduction and Rick James Presents Bobby M: Blow.

Rick James left us far too soon, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to get their super freak on.

Glow Tracklisting

Original Album (released 1985)
1 Can’t Stop
2 Spend The Night With Me
3 Melody Make Me Dance
4 Somebody (The Girl’s Got)
5 Glow
6 Moon Child
7 Sha La La La La (Come Back Home)
8 Rock And Roll Control
9 Glow (Reprise)

Bonus Tracks
10 Glow / Glow (Reprise) – 12″ Version
11 Glow – 12″ Instrumental
12 Spend the Night With Me – 12″ Extended Version
13 Spend the Night With Me – 12″ Instrumental
14 Can’t Stop – Instrumental
15 17
16 17 – 12″ Instrumental
17 Oh What A Night (For Luv)
18 You Turn Me On
19 You Turn Me On – 12″ Long Version
20 You Turn Me On – 12″ Long Version Instrumental

Hip-Hop Artist JusJrdn Flexes High Energy & Infectious Rhythms In “Ur Luv”

Eric Alper
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Hip-Hop Artist JusJrdn Flexes High Energy & Infectious Rhythms In “Ur Luv”

Great highs can be accompanied by great lows, and Edmonton, AB-based artist JusJrdn — an impassioned creator who wears his life’s trials and tribulations unabashedly on his sleeve — is here to talk about them, flexing his magnetic zest for life alongside some equally infectious rhythms in this, his newest single, “Ur Luv” — available now.

“Ur Luv” is part and parcel of JusJrdn’s newest project, the Olympus album. Bringing his now-trademark “insane high-energy” to the recording studio, JusJrdn reflects on new love after a rough trip to rock bottom. “In May of 2018, as I was preparing to tour Europe, it all fell apart,” he recalls. “Some business deals went chaotic… My girlfriend left… And I faced the challenge of running my personal training company, F.R.E.E. Fitness.”

After learning about some of life’s ups and downs the hard way, he shares, rapper decided it was time to come back ‘better and stronger than ever.’ There and then, committing to a dedicated health regimen and considerable soul-searching, he got ‘back to work,’ he says.

“I had hit a wall, and what followed was a period of isolation, depression and crippling anxiety. But then, after some time in isolation to heal and rejuvenate, reading and meditating daily, along with an intense workout and fasting schedule, I found my way back to the light — better, faster, stronger.”

Once you settle in and give “Ur Luv” a good listen, it becomes increasingly obvious JusJrdn most definitely found his light once again — whether it’s whoever the lucky girl in “Ur Luv” is, or the result of manifesting his own passions into reality. Either way, JusJrdn is back, and better than ever.

“The concept of this album originated once I started to take a deep dive into ancient Greek philosophy, exploring the idea that you are a God,” he shares around the concept of the Olympus. “There is this power inside yourself that is intangible, unexplainable, and that being human is being Godly.

“A lot of the growth I experienced as an artist came from growing as a human, and as a man,” he continues. “I learned a lot about myself while I created this art: a lot I liked, and a lot I didn’t like…. In fact, a lot I hate — and I am still working on that.”

When you get a chance to know JusJrdn, it’s clear listening to his music is almost a double-entendre. On one hand, its poppy, up-beat, feel-good hip-hop is easy to get behind and throw into any daily listening playlist. And on the other hand, when you give it a critical listen, that is when you find the soul and deep-rooted growth buried in the rhythms and lyrics. It almost becomes a learning experience for the listener; an opportunity to reflect internally.

“I listen to a lot of podcasts, from a lot of people,” he shares, “and I found a lot of really cool, almost like ‘modern stoic’ quotes that fit into the whole Olympus vibe. I think they are small nuggets of wisdom, and this album we can learn something from.”

One such lesson is perseverance and resilience, and — through the fire and flames of life — JusJrdn has emerged the other side a victor of his own shortcomings. From here, he bestows the power of self-worth and manifestation on his listeners through fantastically produced hip-hop. JusJrdn has an excellent team behind him on this Olympus project, and it shows through the infectious energy contained in “Ur Luv.” It is obvious this energy is passed from the music to his fans, and it’s hard to imagine they are any less excited about the new Olympus album than we are.

“Ur Luv” is available now.

Montreal’s IZZO BLUES COALITION Say “Take It or Leave It” in Searing New Single

Eric Alper
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Montreal’s IZZO BLUES COALITION Say “Take It or Leave It” in Searing New Single

Ripping guitar riffs, hot-as-hell horns, plus a torqued, musclebound rhythm section with firestarter vocals and the swagger of rhythm and blues masters delivering the goods with confidence and precision… These key ingredients combine and react for the Izzo Blues Coalition’s explosive new single, “Take It or Leave It” — available now.

The song serves as the title-track for the Montreal-based band’s forthcoming sophomore release; Take It or Leave It is set to land this Fall.

Conceived and recorded during the heart of our global pandemic, Take It or Leave It was chosen as the new album title for not one, but two life and art-affirming reasons. “Thematically, the title track deals with the notion that we have no choice but to get up every morning and make the best of it,” band co-lead Tino Izzo says. “It’s a theme that resonates throughout the album and speaks to our pandemic experiences.

“Secondly, this collection of songs was conceived for the sheer pleasure of it.”

Izzo Blues Coalition is award-winning guitarist, hit songwriter, and producer Tino Izzo (Celine Dion/Roch Voisine/Bobby Bazini), and his longtime creative partner, drummer/percussionist Bob Telaro.

As contemporary blues artists, Izzo and Telaro say the new album truly represents who they are and where they come from. It also builds on the ‘Coalition’ aspect, with Izzo and Talero inviting two other lead vocalists, Annie Major-Matte and Mimmo Oliveri, to sing songs. Working with a rotating cast of singers, musicians, engineers and arrangers, Izzo and Talero created a celebratory atmosphere of music making for their second opus that deftly navigates the side-by-side, sonic neighborhoods of contemporary blues, blues rock and traditional blues.

An energetic, driving shuffle, “Take It or Leave It” features an off-the-charts vocal performance by Oliveri, and a huge brass arrangement by Saby Buccella. Buccella is a frequent IBC collaborator who arranges the horns throughout the new album, as well as the symphonic arrangement on the album’s final track, the soaring and emotional instrumental, “2020.” Izzo and Talero call Buccella “a true musical force to be reckoned with.”

Take It or Leave It is composed of eleven original songs written by Izzo, and punctuated by a breathtaking cover of the Carole King/Gerry Goffin/Jerry Wexler classic, “A Natural Woman” — arranged by Buccella and showcasing stunning vocalist Annie Major-Matte’s unbelievable range, tone and precision. “The girl can sing!” notes Izzo.

Izzo’s characteristic fingerpicking technique and immaculate playing are front and center throughout the new album and, along with the production, arrangements and overall vision, provide for a slick and expansive listen that highlights the Billboard Choice Award winner’s distinct intensity and passion.

Take It or Leave It brings a fresh perspective to the contemporary Canadian blues landscape, spotlighting Izzo’s producer chops and the extensive experience the band has accumulated in studio and over numerous live concerts, and most recently, a string of pandemic-necessitated live videos. Izzo Blues Coalition has reached a new plateau of creativity captured in a stellar new album to discover.

“Take It or Leave It” is available now. Take It or Leave, the album, is available this Fall from TAB Records.

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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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