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Verve Label Group/UMe Announces Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series Acoustic Sounds To Offer Definitive Audiophile Grade Versions Of Classic Jazz Records

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Verve Label Group/UMe Announces Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series Acoustic Sounds To Offer Definitive Audiophile Grade Versions Of Classic Jazz Records

Seeking to offer definitive audiophile grade versions of some of the most historic and best jazz records ever recorded, Verve Label Group and UMe’s new audiophile vinyl reissue series Acoustic Sounds will launch July 31 with its inaugural releases – the sensational collaborations, Stan Getz and João Gilberto’s landmark Getz/Gilberto (1964) and the remarkable Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959). Utilizing the skills of the top mastering engineers and the unsurpassed production craft of Quality Record Pressings, all titles will be mastered from the original analog tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged by Stoughton Printing Co. in high-quality tip-on gatefold jackets. The releases will be supervised by Chad Kassem, CEO of Acoustic Sounds, the world’s largest source for audiophile recordings.

The Acoustic Sounds series will feature two releases a month highlighting a different storied label spanning Verve/UMe’s extraordinarily rich archive. To begin with, the series will largely focus on some of the most popular albums from the ’50s and ’60s in their unmatched catalog. The July releases will celebrate two of Verve’s most beloved albums, the aforementioned Getz/Gilberto and Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson, and will be followed in August by John Coltrane’s immortal Impulse! records, A Love Supreme (1964) and Ballads (1963). Two of Nina Simone’s legendary Philips albums I Put A Spell On You (1965) and Pastel Blues (1965) will come in September which will be succeeded in October by two from the EmArcy Records vault: Sarah Vaughan‘s self-titled 1954 album, the vocal great’s sole collaboration with influential trumpeter Clifford Brown, who is also represented alongside pioneering drummer Max Roach on the hard bop classic, Study In Brown (1955). November will spotlight Decca Records with the iconic Peggy Lee’s first album, Black Coffee (1956), and composer George Russell’s important New York, N.Y. (1959) performed by an all-star orchestra that includes Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Art Farmer and Milt Hinton, among others. All titles and exact release dates are listed below. Additional titles will be announced as the series progresses.

Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson is a brilliant undertaking in which Verve’s legendary “house pianist” encountered one of jazz’s most revered giants. A significant part of Peterson’s genius was his ability to be an exceptional pianist and leader, while also being a perfect accompanist when the circumstance demands… and in a situation like this, to be both. Armstrong is not only recognized as one of the most innovative, singular, fascinating and beloved artists of the 20th century, but also one of the most generous in the way he embraced and stimulated his collaborators. Backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio – bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis, and augmented by frequent fourth member Louis Bellson on drums – these peerless heavyweights created an album that is utterly compelling, radiantly jubilant and consummate in artistry. The musicians provided the setting for the jewel that is Pops, with Peterson perfectly embellishing every phrase Armstrong sings or plays. The focus here is primarily upon his totally personal and thoroughly captivating vocal style, with his occasional trumpet solos limited in all but one case to a single chorus. Essentially culled from the Great American Song Book – Cole Porter, the Gershwins and Harold Arlen among the songwriters – the pieces range from poignant ballads and blues to effusive easy-grooved swing. Each song is an exquisitely crafted gem that will warm the heart and enrich the soul.

Getz/Gilberto is not only a marvelous album, but one which had a profound influence upon the face of jazz and American popular music. This stunning 1964 collaboration between Stan Getz, one of the most popular and respected tenor saxophonists of the era, and the remarkable Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto, launched the bossa nova craze and the career of João’s wife Astrud Gilberto with the hugely popular and iconic hit song, “The Girl from Ipanema (Garota de Ipanema).” Even more impactful, it introduced the famed Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim to the English-speaking musical world. In addition to playing piano on the album, Jobim also composed six of the eight compositions, including two of his most popular masterpieces, “Desafinado” and “Corcovado,” along with the aforementioned “Garota de Ipanema.”

While Getz had embraced the music of Brazil prior to this with two outstanding Verve albums – Jazz Samba and Big Band Bossa Nova – Getz/Gilberto, with multiple Grammy Awards and a permanent place on various Best Albums of All-time lists is the album that launched a revolution. Regardless of that, the collaborative blending of Getz’s fluid, muscular virtuosity and João’s impeccable acoustic guitar stylings and captivating vocals, Astrud’s enchanting almost-whispered singing on two tracks, all backed by Jobim’s minimalist subtlety on piano and the flawless support of Sebãstio Neto and Milton Banana on bass and drums, make this an utterly momentous musical experience regardless of its lofty place in musical history.

Now these albums and many more will be heard better than ever in the exciting new audiophile Acoustic Sounds series.

Acoustic Sounds Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series:

July 31 / Verve Records

  • Stan Getz and João Gilberto – Getz/Gilberto (1964)
  • Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson – Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)

August 28 / Impulse! Records

  • John Coltrane – Ballads (1963)
  • John Coltrane – A Love Supreme (1964)

September 25 / Philips Records

  • Nina Simone – I Put A Spell On You (1965)
  • Nina Simone – Pastel Blues (1965)

October 30 / EmArcy Records

  • Sarah Vaughan – Sarah Vaughan (with Clifford Brown) (1954)
  • Clifford Brown and Max Roach – Study In Brown (1955)

November 27 / Decca Records

  • Peggy Lee – Black Coffee (1956)
  • George Russell – New York, N.Y. (1959)

Hazelridge, MB’s Country Bros BANNED & OUTLAWED Learn There’s a “Beer For Everything”

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Hazelridge, MB’s Country Bros BANNED & OUTLAWED Learn There’s a “Beer For Everything”

Canadian country duo Banned & Outlawed are back with another bangin’ backwoods anthem in their latest track, “Beer For Everything” — available now!

Bandmates and brothers Jon and Dan Hnatishin say the new single is far more than “just another mindless, beer-slingin’ song…

“This one tugs a bit on your heartstrings while leaving plenty of room for a good time,” Jon says. “It’s about growing up and learning lessons.”

“It stands right beside you while you crack a cold one after a hard day’s work,” Dan adds. “Heck, this song’s been with you since you stole that first drink from your parent’s basement fridge.

“You never need to drink alone again!”

Recorded and produced with Golden Oak Record Co’s Greg Arcade and Nathan Kehler, the track proved an interesting experience for the band and production team due to an unexpected location change mid-way. “During the tracking, Greg had an opportunity to move into a new studio space, which resulted in everyone having to come with him,” the brothers recall. “At the end of the day, the new creative space allowed for a heightening of creative quality, and the final production feels very organic and smooth.”

Studio recordings are par for the course now for the pair of siblings who sawed their first fiddles at ages three and four, respectively. With roots in the town of Hazelridge, Manitoba, the rural young-guns have performed in and around Canada’s western-most provinces at just about every county fair, rodeo, or town event imaginable.

“It doesn’t get much more country than growing up in small-town Manitoba,” they share. “It’s all cutting up dirt roads or drinking ice-cold long-necks at a bush party… We wanted to make music for that.”

“We play newer country music with our own twist, and we like to go big or go home,” Dan says. “We’re looking to do right by country music in a big way… We keep it modern with production while believing in traditional sensibilities in the songwriting.

“Business in the front, party in the back,” Jon adds, laughing. “Just kidding… No mullets here. Yet!”

“Beer For Everything” follows Banned & Outlawed’s premiere release, the internationally radio-featured “Write A Song,” and precedes their forthcoming debut album.

“Beer For Everything” is available now.

Rocker & Actor MICHAEL DES BARRES Offers Timely Take on “Anarchy In The UK”

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Rocker & Actor MICHAEL DES BARRES Offers Timely Take on “Anarchy In The UK”

Rocker, actor and European Marquis Michael Des Barres has released his newest single, his alternative and timely take on the Sex Pistols’ 1976 classic, “Anarchy In The UK” — available now!

“My version of ‘Anarchy In The UK’ is not an angry one,” Des Barres is quick to confirm. “The Sex Pistols were angry, but I am not angry!”

The track is backed with a self-written song “Where Did All The Lovers Go?” featuring Genya Ravan (Ten Wheel Drive, Dead Boys, Ronnie Spector) on co-lead vocals. It’s anchored in additional purpose, as well; “100% of the proceeds from the release will be donated to the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival in an effort to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism,” Des Barres shares.

“I wanted to record the song as if it was a warning that we live in dangerous times and the only thing to negate that danger is loving and being there for each other. It’s an opportunity to understand that love conquers all, especially now.

“I’m a huge fan of the Sex Pistols — Steve Jones, who I was in a band with in the 80s (Chequered Past), is one of the greatest guitarists rock n’ roll has ever experienced and I love him dearly,” he continues. “And I think John Lydon created a masterpiece lyrically.

“I have reinterpreted it in my own way to reflect the times we live in.”

With his own songwriting repertoire to lean on — including selling over seven million+ albums both as a recording artist and songwriter (his hit song “Obsession,” which hit #1 in 27 countries for LA new wavers Animotion, and continues to be featured in countless movies, tv shows and commercials) — why a cover?

“I think doing cover songs is a very good way to show audiences who you like and, for young bands, to learn how to write a great song,” he considers. “Listen to the greats, but never copy them.”

Sage advice coming from a man who’s rock-royalty resume includes fronting seminal 70s bands Silverhead and Detective, playing 1985’s Live Aid as part of Duran Duran spin-off The Power Station, and taking up Chequered Past with Sex Pistols alum Steve Jones and Blondie’s Clem Burke and Nigel Harrison.

These days, he can be heard DJ-ing on SiriusXM, including Little Steven’s Underground Garage, and continuously releasing new music through rocker (E Street Band) and actor (The Sopranos) Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records.

“Working with Steven producing has been the highlight of my musical career,” he says.

The love is mutual: “Michael continues to evolve, evoke, and provoke,” Van Zandt adds. “As he extends his streak of his new work being his best work, he proves once again that virtually everyone from the Rock Era has made the very concept of chronological time totally irrelevant!”

Considering Des Barres is an artist who says “volume is an instrument,” it’s no wonder there’s a documentary slated for upcoming release following and reflecting on his storied career. His comfort in front of the screen vs stage will be natural: Also an actor, Des Barres’ credits include starring as Murdoc on the original MacGyver, as well as parts on Seinfeld, To Sir With Love, Roseanne, appearing in more than 40+ feature films, and more.

“We’re not here to impress, we’re here to learn and entertain,” he offers. “I’ve never been interested in technical ability, I’m interested in what an artist is feeling. It’s why I say to only write music to please yourself, never write what you think you should be writing.

“Regret nothing. Just be kind, be cool, and be courageous!”

“Anarchy In The UK” is available now.

Rush release official conceptual animated music video for “The Spirit of Radio”

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Rush release official conceptual animated music video for “The Spirit of Radio”

Today, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Permanent Waves, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Rush premiere their new official conceptual music video for “The Spirit of Radio.” The animated video captures the magic, spirit and growth of the FM radio format with a nostalgic nod to the pioneering DJ’s broadcasting music into homes around the world. The video also pays homage to Rush’s friend, soul brother and fellow bandmate Neil Peart whose music and lyrics continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of the fans.

“The Spirit of Radio” is the first single off their 1980 album Permanent Waves, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and No. 3 in Canada. It is Rush’s seventh studio album and signaled a new direction for the Canadian band as it entered a new decade. “The Spirit of Radio” marked the band’s successful step from the more lengthy and thematic writing style they were known for and it has become one of their most cherished songs among fans. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 51 in the U.S., No 22 in Canada, the Top Twenty on the U.K. Singles chart and was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

UMe/Mercury/Anthem label group recently released a new, imagination-capturing expanded edition of all the magic music that comprises the band’s remarkable 1980 release, Permanent Waves. Permanent Waves-40th Anniversary is available to fans in four distinct configurations, including the (1) Super Deluxe Edition, (2) two-CD Deluxe Edition, (3) three-LP Deluxe Edition, and (4) Deluxe Digital Edition.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the first entertainment radio broadcast from the XWA studio in Montreal as well as the first licensed broadcasting station in the U.S.

Paul McCartney Flaming Pie Archive Collection Limited Numbered Deluxe Editions To Include Remastered Original Album, Bonus Tracks, Previously Unreleased Material

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Paul McCartney Flaming Pie Archive Collection Limited Numbered Deluxe Editions To Include Remastered Original Album, Bonus Tracks, Previously Unreleased Material

Paul McCartney proudly announces the thirteenth installment in his GRAMMY Award-winning Archive Collection: On July 31, Paul’s critically acclaimed and universally beloved tenth solo album Flaming Pie will be the latest to receive the Archive Collection treatment, being released on formats including a 5CD/2DVD/4LP Collector’s Edition, a 5CD/2DVD Deluxe Edition, plus 3LP, 2LP and 2CD editions.

All digital pre-orders for the Archive Collection release of Flaming Pie will include YOUNG BOY. Also available as a stand-alone for digital download & streaming, the EP recreates the 1997 “Young Boy” maxi single and features the remastered Flaming Pie single “Young Boy,” a home-recorded version of the song, the original B-side “Looking For You,” and excerpts of “Oobu Joobu Part 1,” also from the original single. The two music videos for the track have been restored and will also be published on the same day.

Two additional EPs will be available with “The World Tonight” arriving on June 26 and “Beautiful Night” on July 17.

Originally released May 5, 1997, Flaming Pie ended a four-year gap between McCartney studio albums. Recorded largely in the wake of Paul’s involvement in the curation and release of The Beatles Anthology series, Flaming Pie was shaped and inspired by that experience, with Paul remarking at the time “(The Beatles Anthology) reminded me of The Beatles’ standards and the standards that we reached with the songs. So in a way it was a refresher course that set the framework for this album.” Produced by Paul, Jeff Lynne and George Martin and featuring a supporting cast of family and friends including Ringo Starr, Steve Miller, Linda McCartney and son James, Flaming Pie is equal parts a masterclass in songcraft and a sustained burst of joyful spontaneity. With highlights ranging from the uplifting and inspirational opener “The Song We Were Singing” to the raucous title track (named for a quote from an early John Lennon interview on the origin of The Beatles’ name: “It came in a vision – a man appeared on a flaming pie and said unto them, ‘from this day on you are Beatles with an A.'”) to the pensive “Calico Skies,” and featuring singles “Young Boy,” “The World Tonight” and “Beautiful Night,” Flaming Pie would represent yet another pinnacle in Paul’s solo catalogue: Released to rapturous reviews, the album would be Paul’s most commercially successful release of the ’90s, achieving his highest chart positions since the ’80s and would receive gold certifications in the US, UK, Japan and more.

As the thirteenth release in the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, Flaming Pie will be available in formats including a numbered, limited seven-disc (5CD/2DVD) Deluxe Edition Box Set comprised of the original album remastered at Abbey Road Studios, 32 bonus audio tracks including unheard home recordings and demos, alternative studio recordings, rough mixes and B-sides including selections from Oobu Joobu parts 1-6, Flaming Pie At The Mill CD (Paul’s hour-long tour of his studio), video content including the  In The World Tonight documentary, original music videos, EPKs, interviews, performances and behind-the-scenes material, a 128-page book containing previously unpublished images by Linda McCartney, expanded album artwork from the archives and the story behind the album written by Chris Heath – including track-by-track information, recipes and new interviews with Paul, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, Steve Miller and key album personnel, studio notes, handwritten lyrics, the 1997 Flaming Pie issue of Club Sandwich, the official newspaper of the Paul McCartney Fanclub, downloadable 24bit 96kHz HD audio, and more.

A 4LP/5CD/2DVD Collector’s Edition — strictly limited to 3,000 numbered copies issued in a cloth wrapped two-piece collector’s box — will feature everything in the Deluxe Edition plus a marbled art print portfolio of six silkscreened Linda McCartney art prints, exclusive vinyl versions of the remastered album cut at half speed across 2LPs in an exclusive gatefold sleeve, an LP of home recordings in a hand-stamped white label sleeve, and “The Ballad of the Skeletons” – Paul’s 1996 collaboration with Allen Ginsberg, also featuring Philip Glass and Lenny Kaye – released for the first time on vinyl and cut at 45 RPM with vinyl etching and poster.

Additional Flaming Pie Archive Collection formats will include 2CD (remastered album + 21 tracks of bonus audio), 2LP (remastered album cut at half speed across two 180g LPs in gatefold sleeve with booklet), and 3LP (remastered album cut at half speed across two 180g LPs in gatefold sleeve with booklet, plus single 180g LP of unreleased home recordings in hand-stamped white label sleeve both housed in a slipcase). The release will also be available on streaming platforms.

The Paul McCartney Archive Collection debuted with the November 2, 2010 re-release of Paul McCartney and Wings’ 1973 milestone Band on the Run, which won the 2010 GRAMMY Award for Best Historical Album, while the Archive Collection’s Deluxe Edition Box Set of the 1976 classic Wings Over America took the 2013 GRAMMY for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package. Every release in the ongoing Paul McCartney Archive Collection is supervised by Paul himself, who oversees all aspects of each and every title from remastering to the curation of lost tracks, outtakes, artwork, photographs and video from his personal vaults, and much more. The result is one of the most ambitious and personal undertakings of its kind, one that encompasses more than 50 years of cherished, classic material from the most successful songwriter and recording artist in music history.

FLAMING PIE – PAUL McCARTNEY ARCHIVE COLLECTION

DELUXE EDITION

  • Numbered cloth wrapped clam shell box
  • CD portfolio containing 5CDs and 2DVDs
  • 128-page book containing previously unpublished images by Linda McCartney, expanded album artwork from the archives and the story behind the album – including track-by-track information, recipes and new interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, Steve Miller and key album personnel, written by Chris Heath.
  • Facsimiles of John Hammel studio notebook, Club Sandwich Magazine, Flaming Pie plectrum, and envelope containing handwritten lyrics for 8 tracks and The Flame newspaper

CD1 – Remastered Album

  1. The Song We Were Singing
  2. The World Tonight
  3. If You Wanna
  4. Somedays
  5. Young Boy
  6. Calico Skies
  7. Flaming Pie
  8. Heaven On A Sunday
  9. Used To Be Bad
  10. Souvenir
  11. Little Willow
  12. Really Love You
  13. Beautiful Night
  14. Great Day

CD2 – Home Recordings

  1. The Song We Were Singing [Home Recording]
  2. The World Tonight [Home Recording]
  3. If You Wanna [Home Recording]
  4. Somedays [Home Recording]
  5. Young Boy [Home Recording]
  6. Calico Skies [Home Recording]
  7. Flaming Pie [Home Recording]
  8. Souvenir [Home Recording]
  9. Little Willow [Home Recording]
  10. Beautiful Night [1995 Demo]
  11. Great Day [Home Recording]

CD3 – In The Studio

  1. Great Day [Acoustic]
  2. Calico Skies [Acoustic]
  3. C’mon Down C’mon Baby
  4. If You Wanna [Demo]
  5. Beautiful Night [Run Through]
  6. The Song We Were Singing [Rough Mix]
  7. The World Tonight [Rough Mix]
  8. Little Willow [Rough Mix]
  9. Whole Life [Rough Mix]
  10. Heaven On A Sunday [Rude Cassette]

CD4 – Flaming Pies

  1. The Ballad Of The Skeletons
  2. Looking For You
  3. Broomstick
  4. Love Come Tumbling Down
  5. Same Love
  6. Oobu Joobu Part 1
  7. Oobu Joobu Part 2
  8. Oobu Joobu Part 3
  9. Oobu Joobu Part 4
  10. Oobu Joobu Part 5
  11. Oobu Joobu Part 6

CD5 – Flaming Pie At The Mill

DVD1 – In The World Tonight

DVD2 – Bonus Film

  1. Beautiful Night
  2. Making Of Beautiful Night
  3. Little Willow
  4. The World Tonight [Dir. Alistair Donald]
  5. The World Tonight [Dir. Geoff Wonfor]
  6. Young Boy [Dir. Alistair Donald]
  7. Young Boy [Dir. Geoff Wonfor]
  8. Flaming Pie EPK 1
  9. Flaming Pie EPK 2
  10. In The World Tonight EPK
  11. Flaming Pie Album Artwork Meeting
  12. TFI Friday Performances

Plus downloadable 24bit 96kHz HD audio

COLLECTOR’S EDITION

  • All the contents of the Deluxe Edition plus:
  • Numbered cloth wrapped two-piece collector’s box
  • 4LPs including: exclusive remastered album cut at half speed across 2LPs; hand-stamped white label vinyl featuring home recordings; exclusive “The Ballad Of The Skeletons” 12″ single with vinyl etching and poster
  • Exclusive marbled art print portfolio housing six Linda McCartney art prints
  • Watch the unboxing video here:

LP1 – Remastered Album
Side 1
1.     The Song We Were Singing
2.     The World Tonight
3.     If You Wanna
Side 2
4.     Somedays
5.     Young Boy
6.     Calico Skies
7.     Flaming Pie

LP2 – Remastered Album
Side 3
8.     Heaven On A Sunday
9.     Used To Be Bad
10.  Souvenir
Side 4
11.  Little Willow
12.  Really Love You
13.  Beautiful Night
14.  Great Day

LP3 – Home Recordings
Side 1
1.     The Song We Were Singing [Home Recording]
2.     The World Tonight [Home Recording]
3.     If You Wanna [Home Recording]
4.     Somedays [Home Recording]
5.     Young Boy [Home Recording]

Side 2
6.     Calico Skies [Home Recording]
7.     Flaming Pie [Home Recording]
8.     Souvenir [Home Recording]
9.     Little Willow [Home Recording]
10.  Beautiful Night [1995 Demo]
11.  Great Day [Home Recording]

LP4 – The Ballad Of The Skeletons
Side 1
1.     The Ballad Of The Skeletons

Side 2
–      Vinyl etching

3LP FORMAT

LP1 – Remastered Album
Side 1
1.     The Song We Were Singing
2.     The World Tonight
3.     If You Wanna
Side 2
4.     Somedays
5.     Young Boy
6.     Calico Skies
7.     Flaming Pie

LP2 – Remastered Album
Side 3
8.     Heaven On A Sunday
9.     Used To Be Bad
10.  Souvenir
Side 4
11.  Little Willow
12.  Really Love You
13.  Beautiful Night
14.  Great Day

LP3 – Home Recordings
Side 1
1.    The Song We Were Singing [Home Recording]
2.    The World Tonight [Home Recording]
3.    If You Wanna [Home Recording]
4.    Somedays [Home Recording]
5.    Young Boy [Home Recording]
Side 2
6.    Calico Skies [Home Recording]
7.    Flaming Pie [Home Recording]
8.    Souvenir [Home Recording]
9.    Little Willow [Home Recording]
10.  Beautiful Night [1995 Demo]
11.  Great Day [Home Recording]

2LP FORMAT

LP1 – Remastered Album
Side 1
1.     The Song We Were Singing
2.     The World Tonight
3.     If You Wanna
Side 2
4.     Somedays
5.     Young Boy
6.     Calico Skies
7.     Flaming Pie

LP2 – Remastered Album
Side 3
8.     Heaven On A Sunday
9.     Used To Be Bad
10.  Souvenir
Side 4
11.  Little Willow
12.  Really Love You
13.  Beautiful Night
14.  Great Day

2CD FORMAT

CD1 – Remastered Album

  1. The Song We Were Singing
  2. The World Tonight
  3. If You Wanna
  4. Somedays
  5. Young Boy
  6. Calico Skies
  7. Flaming Pie
  8. Heaven On A Sunday
  9. Used To Be Bad
  10. Souvenir
  11. Little Willow
  12. Really Love You
  13. Beautiful Night
  14. Great Day

CD2 – Bonus Audio

  1. The Song We Were Singing [Home Recording]
  2. The World Tonight [Home Recording]
  3. If You Wanna [Home Recording]
  4. Somedays [Home Recording]
  5. Young Boy [Home Recording]
  6. Calico Skies [Home Recording]
  7. Flaming Pie [Home Recording]
  8. Souvenir [Home Recording]
  9. Little Willow [Home Recording]
  10. Beautiful Night [1995 Demo]
  11. Great Day [Home Recording]
  12. Beautiful Night [Run Through]
  13. Whole Life [Rough Mix]
  14. Heaven On A Sunday [Rude Cassette]
  15. Great Day [Acoustic]
  16. Calico Skies [Acoustic]
  17. C’mon Down C’mon Baby
  18. Looking For You
  19. Broomstick
  20. Love Come Tumbling Down
  21. Same Love

Lord Finesse Remixes And Reimagines Classic Motown Songs For Inspired New Album, ‘Motown State of Mind,’ Due June 26

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Lord Finesse Remixes And Reimagines Classic Motown Songs For Inspired New Album, ‘Motown State of Mind,’ Due June 26

 Legendary rapper, hip-hop producer, and founding member of the influential collective Diggin’ In The Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.), Lord Finesse is back with his most ambitious project to date: Motown State of Mind [Digital Preorder | Physical Preorder], a set of handpicked Motown classics remixed and reimagined. The inspired new remix album will be available to stream on June 26 via Motown/UMe and the remix of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” is available to stream now (available here). In true DJ style, the remixes will also be released as a 45 RPM box set on July 24 containing seven 7-inch records on black vinyl featuring the remixed version on Side A and the classic original on Side B. In support of the release, there will be digital activations throughout June including livestreams and IG live takeovers from Motown’s various handles.

Curated and arranged for the new generation, going back to the original masters/sources, the remixes include chart toppers such as Michael Jackson’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are” and DeBarge‘s “I Like It” alongside deep cuts from Motown’s catalog like Sisters Love‘s “Now Is The Time.”

“Now Is The Time” is a unique track as it was originally recorded in 1970 and in 1973 the group recorded a version of the song which was produced by Willie Hutch and appeared in the movie The Mack, but was never officially released. As an ode to the 1973 version, Lord Finesse and J Zone (producer, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper, and writer) recreate the song as if it was released that year. The instrumental version of the track will be included as the B-side in the 45 box set.

The reimagined versions also feature collaborations from the likes of Dinky Bingham (the CEO of production/publishing company Dinky B. Music and a producer of gold and platinum hits for artists such as Changing Faces, New Edition, Kylie Minogue and Jaheim) as well as producer Tall Black Guy (who’s worked with artists such as Gilles Peterson, Lefto, Anthony Valadez, Jazzy Jeff, Questlove, amongst others).

Lord Finesse classifies the remixes to be his “best project to date.” “I’m my own worst critic. If I like it, I don’t think no one can really tell me anything,” he explains. With that in mind, Finesse closes out the album with a mastermind remix of the critically acclaimed Jackson 5 medley “I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save.” The standalone singles of those three original aforementioned tracks, alongside the release of their fourth single “I’ll Be There,” made the group the first to debut with four consecutive number one hits on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Lord Finesse (born Robert Hall, Jr., in February 19, 1970) is a hip-hop artist and producer, hailing from The Bronx, N.Y. and best known as the leader of the D.I.T.C. rap crew. In 1989, Finesse and his former partner DJ Mike Smooth signed to Wild Pitch Records, and the next year, the duo released their debut album Funky Technician (which featured production from future star beat-makers DJ Premier, Diamond D and Showbiz). Shortly thereafter, Finesse along with Showbiz & AG and Diamond D formed the popular New York underground crew ‘Diggin In The Crates’ (aka D.I.T.C.), future members would include Fat Joe, O.C., Buckwild and the late Big L.

Finesse’s second solo album Return of the Funky Man was released in 1991 and featured guest appearances from Percee P and AG as well as some songs produced by Finesse himself. The title track, “Return of the Funky Man,” peaked at #13 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. Return of the Funky Man started his career as a much respected hip-hop producer, most notably for The Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, his fellow D.I.T.C. members, as well as for his third album, The Awakening.

Finesse has also been notably recognized for having provided the vocal sample on the hook to “The Rockafeller Skank,” the 1998 hit single by British musician Fatboy Slim as well as having produced “The Message” on 2001 by Dr. Dre. He was also featured on Handsome Boy Modeling School’s 2004 track “Rock ‘N’ Roll (Could Never Hip-Hop Like This) pt. 2,” collaborating with famous DJ’s as QBert, Grand Wizard Theodore and Jazzy Jay. Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park make appearances, as well as Rahzel formerly of The Roots.

Pre-order the Motown State Of Mind vinyl HERE

TRACKLISTING

DIGITAL 

I Wanna Be Where You Are (Underboss Remix)
I Want You (Underboss Remix)
I Like It (Soul Synopsis Mix)
There’ll Never Be (Solidified Soul Mix)
Body Talk (TBG Mix)
Now Is The Time (The Mack Revisited Mix)
Tribute Medley (Underboss Remix)

VINYL

Side A

Michael Jackson – I Wanna Be Where You Are (Underboss Remix)
Marvin Gaye – I Want You (Underboss Remix)
DeBarge– I Like It (Soul Synopsis Mix)
Switch – There’ll Never Be (Solidified Soul Mix)
Eddie Kendricks – Body Talk (TBG Mix)
Sisters Love – Now Is The Time (The Mack Revisited Mix)
Jackson 5 – Tribute Medley (Underboss Remix)

Side B

Michael Jackson – I Wanna Be Where You Are
Marvin Gaye– I Want You
DeBarge – I Like It
Switch – There’ll Never Be
Eddie Kendricks – Body Talk
Sisters Love – Now Is The Time (The Mack Revisited Mix) [Instrumental]
Jackson 5 – Medley: I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save

1-minute tip for artists: Summer!

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1-minute tip for artists: Summer!
1-minute tip for artists: Summer!👕 – Indigo Girls

How to Make Your Birthday Party All About the Music

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For big fans of music, a birthday party is a chance to show off your playlists and your favourite kinds of music, while also enjoying an evening swaddled in the best tracks in your life. When you’re organizing your birthday event, as a music fan, you want the sounds to be front and centre of the entire evening — and to do this, you need to think carefully about how you’re going to curate your event around your favourite songs.

In this article, we provide a few tips to help you plan an unforgettable birthday party, serenaded by the music you love.

Speakers

The first and most important step in organizing a birthday party with music is to think about the speaker system and the audio connectivity. If you don’t own the kinds of speakers that can generate the sound you need for your party, you’re going to need to find a company from which you can hire some in your local area. Think, too, about the acoustics in your venue and whether you need to keep under a certain decibel level in recognition of neighbours and noise pollution.

Hire a DJ

The best way to play music at your event is with the help of a DJ. Without such help, you’re going to have small pauses in the music between each song, which will break up the rhythm of your evening. Hiring a DJ, and giving them a set list that you’re particularly interested in hearing, can make for a better flow of music throughout your evening. Or, if you know someone who’s got mixing skills, you can ask them to curate a mix to play at your special event; it won’t be live, but at least it’ll be smooth.

Live Music

On the other hand, if you’re more into the sound and sight of musicians — and if you and your friends love gigs — then you might prefer to hire music for your event, instead of playing it from speakers. You can find an exciting list of such professionals for hire here, all of whom have experience setting up and playing to parties in your local area. This is your chance to find the band and the sound that you really want at your birthday party, and a chance to blow your guests away with live music from talented individuals.

Dance Floor

Finally, where there is music, there is dancing. Birthday parties that are the most memorable are those that leave ample space for dancing, where people can enjoy the evening with the music that they adore. When you’re picking a venue or curating the room in which your party will take place, remain cognizant of the area where your guests will dance. Towards the end of the night, this’ll be the place at which you and your friends dance the night away with broad smiles.

For music fans, the prospect of a birthday party built around music is something that’s too wonderful to miss. As such, this article looks at what you’ll need to do to plan a musical birthday party this year.

50th Anniversary: Judy Collins & The Global Virtual Choir Re-Release Her Version of “Amazing Grace” in Aid of the WHO Solidarity Response Fund

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50th Anniversary: Judy Collins & The Global Virtual Choir Re-Release Her Version of “Amazing Grace” in Aid of the WHO Solidarity Response Fund

Over the past few weeks, 1000 singers from across the globe — professional and amateur, alike — answered Judy Collins’ call to sing “Amazing Grace” with her as a sign of solidarity in this unprecedented time.

This new version of Judy’s historic recording is out now, and Alan Cumming, Judith Owen, Steve Earle, Madeleine Peyroux, Mandolin Orange, and Tift Merritt — plus internationally known choirs like The Sixteen, New York Choral Society, Voices International, and GOA University Choirare — are just some of the singers who participated in this Global Virtual Chorus event.

Watch moving messages via YouTube from Alan Cumming, Steve Earle and Tift Merritt about what Judy’s recording of “Amazing Grace” means to them, and a message from Ringo Starr too supporting the work of WHO. Messages from around the world have been flowing in from people who wanted to share their experience with the song and their appreciation of WHO.

All proceeds raised from this single will be going to the World Health Organization Solidarity Response Fund: https://covid19responsefund.org/

“Amazing Grace” has become a source of comfort during these unprecedented times, and Judy’s version has been played to Charing Cross Hospital, which received a swell of emotional outpouring on social media and over five million views (view via Facebook here); the now-famed priest of Notting Hill — Pat Allerton AKA @theportablepriest on Instagram — also played Judy’s version of the song for his sermons on the streets (view the Independent here)

“I recorded ‘Amazing Grace’ with a group of friends at Saint Paul’s Chapel on the Columbia University campus in New York City,” Collins recalls. “When my recording was released, it became enormously popular all over the world.

“It was written by John Newton in 1772 — a man who evolved from a slave ship captain to a writer of powerful hymns, changing his entire life, and becoming a model for spiritual transformation.

“That’s what we need today once again. Stay safe, help others, and pray for the planet.

“I am sending this song out to all the doctors, nurses and patients. We will survive this with love and music and amazing grace.”

Judy Collins embraced “Amazing Grace” in 1964 after witnessing marchers singing the hymn and being led by voting and women’s rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer; she saw its equal emotional impact on the marchers, witnesses, and law enforcement who opposed the civil rights demonstrators. Considering it as a talisman of sorts for peace, she started to perform the song in her sets from that point on, and it soon became one of her most requested songs when she played live.

Judy recorded “Amazing Grace” for her 1970 album Whales & Nightingales, and connected the recording to the Vietnam War, to which she objected; when asked why, she explained, “I didn’t know what else to do about the war in Vietnam. I had marched, I had voted, I had gone to jail on political actions and worked for the candidates I believed in. The war was still raging. There was nothing left to do, I thought, but sing ‘Amazing Grace.’”

A sentiment that will ring true with many today.

Judy’s version of the song became a global hit finding chart success repeatedly.  It remained on the charts in the US for 70 straight weeks after it was released. In the UK, the song charted five different times between 1970 and 1972, and has also already made history and was registered with the Library of Congress.

Judy Collins’ 50th anniversary re-release of “Amazing Grace” is available now.

DOWNCHILD Live Streaming Concert with Dan Aykroyd, Colin James & More – Fundraiser For Unison

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DOWNCHILD Live Streaming Concert with Dan Aykroyd, Colin James & More – Fundraiser For Unison

In celebration of Father’s Day and what would have been the final date of The Legendary Downchild Blues Band’s 50th Anniversary Tour, the band are streaming their “Live At Massey Hall” concert in its entirety as a FREE SHOW for fans on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 7:00 Pm (EST), all in support of a very important cause, the Unison Benevolent Fund.

Downchild were joined on stage by some very special guests for their historic “Live At Massey Hall” performance, including Hollywood Star Dan Aykroyd, blues/rock icon Colin James, American blues legend, James Cotton, Grammy Award winner Colin Linden, Montreal chart topping rocker Jonas and the one and only Wayne Jackson of The Memphis Horns.

For a sneak preview of the concert watch “Soul Man” featuring Dan Aykroyd performing alongside Downchild at https://www.youtube.com/c/DownchildBluesBand

Downchild will premier their “Live At Massey Hall” concert for an exclusive one-night-only viewing on their official Youtube Channel on June 21st at 7:00 PM (EST) at https://www.youtube.com/c/DownchildBluesBand

Donations to Unison in conjunction with the Downchild concert can be made by texting UNISON to 45678 or visiting UnisonFund.ca/Donations/Spotify

All donations made to Unison will be matched by Spotify as part of the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project that has been created to amplify the efforts of organizations that focus on helping those most in need, like the Unison Benevolent Fund. Spotify will match donations made to Unison dollar for dollar up to a collective total of $10 million USD.

The Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. They are there to help professional music-makers in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulties. For further, information on Unison and they great work they do, please see https://www.unisonfund.ca/about/mission

“We are honoured to be able to support a great cause like Unison, that truly takes care of our own, in supporting Canadian artists and Canadian music industry professionals in this difficult time. Like so many people across the country and around the world, the music community has been hit hard by the pandemic.” – Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh

Downchild came to international prominence as the inspiration for Hollywood stars Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi’s hit film, The Blues Brothers. In fact, two Downchild songs, “Shotgun Blues” and “(I Got Everything I Need) Almost” were even covered on The Blues Brothers’ 1978 multi-platinum album Briefcase Full of Blues.

“There would be no Blues Brothers if it weren’t for Downchild” – Dan Aykroyd

2018 Juno Award winners, Downchild, include some of the most well respected musicians in the country, who have performed together for over 25 years.  Including lead singer and harmonica player CHUCK JACKSON, PAT CAREY on tenor sax, MIKE FITZPATRICK on drums, GARY KENDALL on bass, and former American super-group rocker MICHAEL FONFARA (of Rhinoceros/Lou Reed fame) on keyboards.

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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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