Page 762 – That Eric Alper

Tracy Bonham Reclaims Her Voice on New Single “Jumping Bean” Ahead of ‘Sky Too Wide’ Album Release

Music

Eric Alper

-

Apr 25, 2025

Tracy Bonham Reclaims Her Voice on New Single “Jumping Bean” Ahead of ‘Sky Too Wide’ Album Release

“‘JUMPING BEAN’ is about the inner strength and belief in oneself needed so that we can stand up to anyone who tries to limit, diminish or categorize us,” says indie rock maven TRACY BONHAM about her new single. “This is written from a woman’s perspective but can be applied to anyone who feels marginalized.” Taken from her upcoming album SKY TOO WIDE which will be self-released on June 6, 2025 via A Woody Hollow, “Jumping Bean” is a reimagining of a guitar track that she released in 2000 off of her album Down Here.

This struggle against patriarchal thinking is nothing new, of course, but for Tracy, she felt it firsthand in the music business. “This was a growing awareness I had, as my world expanded from being a young woman treated as a subordinate and dealing with sexist bosses, to sitting in boardrooms and business dinners with ‘powerful’ men in the music business who thought nothing of telling me what to wear, how to pose, and how to step out of the way,” she describes. While it may have the same lyrics, it is now coming from a place of liberation rather than a feeling of helplessness… Releasing the spunky energy from the original, the 2025 version of the song trades in the vigorous abandon for a much more confident and deliberate control, displaying a healthy dose of female agency and power.

The accompanying video was filmed with the Eugene Ballet, featuring choreography from the acclaimed choreographer Suzaane Haag. “This live performance exemplifies what it is to dissent as a female artist working in a traditionally misogynist art form; classical ballet,” Tracy says. “For a big part of it, Suzaane used literal choreography from some of the oldest, most classic ballets (La Bayadère, Paquita, Swan Lake, and Giselle).

Tracy’s embrace of ballet reflects the artistic path she is currently blazing. While primarily known for her initial indie rock entrance into the mainstream, she has evolved her music by embracing the classical structure she was trained in, as well as adding in elements of jazz rhythms. Part of this transformation is due to her current band, Rene Hart on bass and Alvester Garnett on drums, both of whom are experienced and respected jazz musicians. “I had been playing ‘Jumping Bean’ solo – just guitar and vocals – with a PJ Harvey-esque bluesy vibe for many years,” she explains. “When my rhythm section joined me, they added a rhythmic element that transformed the choruses into a rock-blues anthem that is incredibly unique and powerful.”

Coupling the release of Sky Too Wide with a record release show at New York City’s Joe’s Pub on June 10th, Tracy will be joined by a good friend who just happens to be comedian, actor and musician, Fred Armisen. “Fred and I met 23 years ago when U2 came over the Manhattan Bridge on the bed of a flatbed truck to ultimately play on a stage set up in Fulton Park in DUMBO. Fred came up to me and the first thing he said was ‘you’re great,’” Tracy recounts. “It was 2002 so I had to wait until I got home to look him up on the computer… Since then Fred has always been gracious and kind and he helped me make a video for a crowdfunding campaign back in 2017… All he needed was the main idea and he took it from there. It was impossible not to laugh when filming with Fred.“

Tracy’s breakthrough debut album The Burdens of Being Upright (1996, Island Records) spawned the massive #1 alternative chart-topping single “Mother Mother.” A classically trained violinist and pianist, and twice GRAMMY™ nominated, Tracy spent the following 27 years evolving as an artist through her albums and live performances. That debut album catapulted Tracy into the spotlight with MTV fame, major radio play, and more, continuing relevancy until even recently, when “Mother Mother” was featured in Showtime’s Yellow Jackets (Season 1 Episode 2). Tracy continues to meld her 90’s songs with her outlook as a self-actualized person and artist today, and her wide breadth of work continues to resonate.

Lukas Nelson Unveils New Song “Pretty Much,” Prepares for Solo Album ‘American Romance’ Release This June

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 25, 2025

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Lukas Nelson Unveils New Song “Pretty Much,” Prepares for Solo Album ‘American Romance’ Release This June

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson’s new song, “Pretty Much,” is out today alongside an official music video.

Of the track, Nelson shares, “Sometimes I wonder about a love so strong that I want their face to be the last I see. This is a song about that kinda love. Surrounded by family, recounting all the different times you fell in love with each other again, and again, and again….”

“Pretty Much” is the second song unveiled from Nelson’s highly anticipated new album, American Romance, which will be released June 20—his first solo project and first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville (pre-order/pre-save here). Produced by Grammy Award-winner Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), American Romance cements Nelson as a singular artist, as he showcases his songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound in a way that feels both familiar and new. Across these twelve tracks, including collaborations with Sierra Ferrell and Stephen Wilson Jr., Nelson tells stories of his life on the road, detailing the joys, complexities, beauty and heartbreak he’s encountered during his travels across the country.

Already receiving critical attention, Nelson recently shared album track, “Ain’t Done,” of which Billboard praised, “it brims with the insightful songwriting and grizzled voice he’s known for,” while Relix declares, “the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s new project brings more masterfully crafted Americana, but with a newly intimate focus on the soloist’s words and voice” and Whiskey Riff proclaims, “a beautiful song full of hope…showcases his incredible, very honest talent for songwriting that is unlike anyone else in country, but music in general.”

Reflecting on the project, Nelson shares, “This album is the first chapter in a whole new era of my life as an artist. It’s a love story to the country that raised me. Diners and highways that carried me through the joy and pain that led to the music you hear now.”

In addition to Nelson and Jennings, the record also features special contributions from Anderson East (“Disappearing Light,” producer) and SistaStrings (“Montana,” cello and viola) as well as Matt Chamberlain (drums), Corey McCormick (bass), Marty Muse (dobro), Russ Pahl (pedal steel), Chris Powell (drums), Brian Whelan (acoustic guitar) and Eleanor Whitmore (fiddle).

Known for his captivating live performances, Nelson will perform select headline shows this spring and summer including stops at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Phoenix’s The Van Buren, Tucson’s Rialto Theatre and Charlottesville’s Jefferson Theater. He will also perform at several major festivals this year such as CMA Fest, Newport Folk Festival and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. See below for current tour itinerary, additional dates to be announced soon.

Since his debut over a decade ago, Nelson has become one of the most respected voices in music and released eight studio albums, including 2023’s Sticks and Stones, which spent 18 weeks in the top 10 of the Americana Albums chart and reached #1 on the Alt Country chart. A highly sought-after collaborator both in the studio and on stage, Nelson recently joined forces with The Travelin’ McCourys and Sierra Ferrell for a bluegrass-inspired rendition of Adele’s iconic hit, “Someone Like You,” and has also worked with artists such as Lainey Wilson, Ernest, Miranda Lambert, The Pistol Annies and more. Most recently, he performed at the MusiCares 2025 Person of the Year Gala, where he honored the Grateful Dead by performing “It Must Have Been the Roses” with Sierra Ferrell.

Nelson has also sold out countless headline shows, been featured at renowned festivals such as Stagecoach, Ohana Festival, Bourbon & Beyond and Farm Aid and has made multiple appearances on late night shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Additionally, Nelson co-produced and co-wrote much of the music for the acclaimed 2018 film A Star is Born, in which he also appeared. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.

AMERICAN ROMANCE TRACK LIST:
1. Ain’t Done
2. Pretty Much
3. Make You Happy
4. Outsmarted
5. Disappearing Light (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.)
6. Born Runnin’ Outta Time
7. All God Did
8. Montana
9. Friend in the End (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
10. The Lie
11. American Romance
12. You Were It

LUKAS NELSON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
May 6—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
May 7—Santa Fe, NM—Lensic Performing Arts Center
May 9—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren
May 10—Flagstaff, AZ—Orpheum Theater
May 11—Tucson, AZ—Rialto Theatre
May 15—West Des Moines, IA—Val Air Ballroom
May 16—Kansas City, MO—Knuckleheads
May 17—Bentonville, AR—FreshGrass
June 6—Nashville, TN—Ascend Amphitheater – CMA Fest
June 26—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest 2025+
July 17—Charlottesville, VA—Jefferson Theater
July 18—Allentown, PA—Archer Music Hall
July 19—Trumansburg, NY—Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival 2025
July 23—Kingston, NY—Ulster Performing Arts Center
July 25—Rutland, VT—Paramount Theatre
July 26—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival
July 28—Deerfield, MA—Tree House Brewing Company
August 1—Big Sky, MT—Wildlands Festival#
August 2—Big Sky, MT—Wildlands Festival#
August 6—Billings, MT—Pub Station
August 8—Park City, UT—Canyons Village at Park City
August 10—Alya, WY—Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
September 13—Telluride, CO—Telluride Blues and Brews 2025
September 19-21—Bristol, TN—Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
October 10—North Charleston, NC—Riverfront Revival Music Festival
*with Shane Smith & The Saints
+with Lainey Wilson
#with Dave Matthews

Jersey City Jazz Festival 2025 Announces Diverse Lineup Featuring Artemis, The Rumble, Fred Hersch, Steven Bernstein’s MTO, Sam Barsh, Winard Harper, And More

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 25, 2025

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Jersey City Jazz Festival 2025 Announces Diverse Lineup Featuring Artemis, The Rumble, Fred Hersch, Steven Bernstein’s MTO, Sam Barsh, Winard Harper, And More

Riverview Jazz, the non-profit producer of the Jersey City Jazz Festival, has just announced the lineup for its ambitious 2025 festival. The annual event, which will see hundreds of musicians perform for thousands of attendees, will take place Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at Exchange Place plaza on the Hudson River waterfront. The festival will also host events throughout Jersey City leading up to it beginning Tuesday, May 27.

“We are so excited for this year’s festival. Each year has a different feel, and this year sure looks like it’s going to be a fun one”, says festival founder and director Bryan Beninghove. “It’s really amazing to see the response we get, people are coming from all over to attend. But honestly, it’s shooting fish in a barrel, I mean the riverfront location is unparalleled and we have the best musicians in the world here!”

This year’s lineup will feature a number of diverse musical acts spanning the spectrum of jazz. Bands include the funky New Orleans outfit The Rumble, the Jersey City-based legend Winard Harper & Jeli Posse, Downbeat’s jazz group of the year Artemis, the genre-defying Steven Bernstein’s MTO featuring Catherine Russell, a combo featuring Fred Hersch, John Hébert, and Bennie Wallace, and the LA-based keyboardist/producer and Kendrick Lamar collaborator Sam Barsh. The lineup will also include two Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition winners, April May Webb (with Sounds of April & Randall) and Tyreek McDole. Also performing will be the supremely talented WBGO’s Next Gen Collective, the Riverview Jazz All-Stars led by festival founder Bryan Beninghove, the NJCU Jazz Ensemble, and the United Children’s Music Program’s Latin Ensemble. As is tradition, there will be a parade of brass through the plaza with Honk NYC. As always, dance will have a prominent place at the festival with swing dance classes leading into a performance from the Robert Edwards Big Band, and Salsa Fever on2 will host dance classes leading up to a performance from the Astoria Salsa Company, a Columbian-flavored NYC salsa group led by master percussionist Samuel Torres.

Beginning Tuesday May 27, venues across Jersey City will be filled with music. The Junto, a downtown cocktail bar, will host some fabulous singers, Champian Fulton (5/27) and Lezlie Harrison (5/28). The Pet Shop basement will host some of the wilder performances of the week with both John Hébert (5/27) and Tim Berne (5/28). The Heights-based performance space The Statuary will present trumpeter Kali Rodriguez Peña (5/29), a special Live at Brennan’s show will feature James Austin Jr.’s Songs in the Key of Wonder (5/29), Groove on Grove will host a jazz show (5/28), as well as a special happy hour performance at the Hyatt Regency (5/30). The official jam session will be hosted by saxophonist Mike Lee at the Hyatt House (5/30), and the official closing party will be held at Moore’s Place (6/1).

The outdoor festival will feature a Community Zone presented by the Jersey City Public Library that will have arts & crafts and kids programming. There will be two bars, a VIP experience, and plenty of food and local vendors. The majority of the festival is free with the exception of the Clubhouse presented by Ford’s Gin, a tented stage with a cocktail jazz club feel.

This year’s event is presented once again by Exchange Place Alliance. Other community and corporate partners include RWJ Barnabas Health, the Jersey City Free Public Library, WBGO, NJ PBS, the City of Jersey City, Fifteen, and many more. Funding is also made possible in part through the Jersey City Arts & Cultural Trust Fund, the Hudson County LAP grant, and the Princeton Foundation grant. Lodging partners include Hyatt House, Hyatt Regency, and the Canopy Hotel.

For a full schedule and tickets, go to www.JerseyCityJazzFestival.com.

Cascade Equinox Festival 2025 Unveils Dance Music–Focused Lineup With Disclosure, Passion Pit, Sylvan Esso, Chromeo, Big Gigantic, And More

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 25, 2025

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Cascade Equinox Festival 2025 Unveils Dance Music–Focused Lineup With Disclosure, Passion Pit, Sylvan Esso, Chromeo, Big Gigantic, And More

As it enters its third year, Cascade Equinox Festival is gearing up for its most dynamic edition yet, returning to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, OR from Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21, 2025. Known for its eclectic programming and immersive experiences, the festival embraces a bold new direction in 2025, shifting toward a dance music focused lineup highlighting premier electronic talent.

Topping the stacked list of Cascade Equinox 2025 headliners is GRAMMY-nominated electronic duo Disclosure, who will be performing their first proper set in the state of Oregon since 2016. Famed for their genre-defining fusion of deep house, UK garage, and synth-pop, Disclosure’s vibrant performance promises to be a festival highlight, delivering their signature blend of infectious beats and soulful melodies.

Additional Cascade Equinox 2025 headliners include acclaimed dance music artists such as electropop duo Sylvan Esso, trap pioneer TroyBoi, saxophone-wielding bass music duo Big Gigantic, and Montreal electro-funk duo Chromeo (DJ Set).

The third annual edition will also feature an exclusive DJ set from beloved indie-electronic band Passion Pit, marking a rare festival appearance from the band’s frontrunner Michael Angelakos.

The 2025 edition will also showcase a stacked roster of cutting-edge electronic artists, including dubstep heavyweight Mersiv, electro-folk favorite Moontricks, bass virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Boogie T, electro-soul craftsman Artifakts, future-funk producer Flamingosis, 70s-inspired groove duo The Sponges, and dubstep queen Zen Selekta.

Cascade Equinox will also stay true to its band and live music roots, featuring performers such as electro-swing dance outfit High Step Society, percussion-oriented trio Moon Hooch, Portland-based indie group New Constellations, Pink Floyd/Phish/Talking Heads-tribute band Pink Talking Fish, and genre-blending psychedelic rock band White Denim.

Rounding out the lineup are local and regional favorites like Barisone, Cliche, Yak Attack and more – further grounding the festival in its Pacific Northwest identity.

In 2025, Cascade Equinox will take a more refined approach, offering a thoughtfully curated experience that allows fans to soak in more of the music they love with fewer overlapping sets. By condensing elements of the festival site and programming, this year’s event will emphasize quality over quantity – enhancing flow, connection, and immersion across the board.

Cascade Equinox made its debut in 2023, quickly establishing itself as a unique destination for fans of diverse music styles. The inaugural lineup featured over 50 acts that spanned genres, including Pretty Lights (marking his first festival appearance after a 5-year hiatus), Big Wild, Goose, Phantogram, Trevor Hall & The Great In Between, Of The Trees, and Emancipator.

In 2024, the event continued to captivate attendees with another impressive lineup, welcoming Jungle, CloZee, STS9, Marc Rebillet, Liquid Stranger, among others. The second year expanded the festival’s sonic landscape even further, drawing a diverse crowd and offering a memorable weekend of genre-defying performances.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, the Pacific Northwest’s premier event venue, this year’s edition is gearing up to be one of the most special yet. With sweeping panoramic views of snow-capped mountain peaks, trees, and a creek running through its expansive 340-acre space, Cascade Equinox offers a breathtaking setting for an unforgettable festival experience. Attendees can look forward to a variety of experiential programming and activations designed to complement the natural beauty of the venue and elevate the festival atmosphere.

Cascade Equinox will once again offer a bevy of activities and programming, including a vendor marketplace, kids zones, a roller rink, workshops, culinary commons, a healing sanctuary, yoga, beer and wine tastings, interactive art installations, and live art. This year, the festival will also feature an expanded Healing Garden zone, offering even more space for relaxation and rejuvenation and providing opportunities for self-care throughout the weekend.

The festival will offer various camping options, including glamping in the Alpenglow Campground. The centrally located, boutique campground is just a stone’s throw away from the festival’s epicenter, making it the perfect basecamp for festival-goers who want to immerse themselves in the excitement while also enjoying the comfort and convenience of premium accommodations. Due to popular demand, the festival is expanding its premium car camping spots, giving more attendees the chance to enjoy this elevated camping experience.

The Alpenglow Campground will offer amenities such as sponsor-activated happy hours, phone charging stations, yard games, dressing room and private areas to get ready, a lounge with music, premium bathrooms, concierge services, a separate private check-in, and a premium parking pass for one vehicle. This campground area will be fenced off with security guards and will have a prime location on grass.

Cascade Equinox Festival will also offer Expo Center RV Park for RV hookups, as well as areas for dry RVs, car camping, walk-in camping, and basic camping packages. All onsite accommodation packages, as well as off-site hotel packages, are available here.

Attendees who have already bought a 3-Day GA pass to the festival have the opportunity to purchase the The Inner Circle upgrade ($228 per person), which will give VIP access to:
Express check-in at the box office

Inner Circle parking on festival grounds

Express entry into the festival, with dedicated Inner Circle – only entrances

Full time hosts in lounges

Beautiful lounge area with comfortable seating & shade

Complimentary snacks and beverages in the lounges

A designated viewing area at the main stage, with unobstructed views of the performers

Inner Circle Private Bars in viewing areas and lounge

Pop-up experiences

Access to private restrooms

A gift bag with festival merchandise and other surprises

Phone charging stations

Early Bird 3-Day GA passes for Cascade Equinox are on sale now, along with a 6-person Party Pack option and the Inner Circle VIP upgrade. Payment plans are available for all festival passes. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit: https://cascadeequinox.com/ 

Cascade Equinox aims to redefine the festival experience, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation. With a commitment to inclusivity and dynamism, this pioneering event caters to the diverse tastes and evolving expectations of its attendees. The festival is driven to showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest region by featuring local artists, food and craft vendors, performers, and more. Going beyond the usual crowd, it seeks to connect with individuals who share its mission, inviting them to be part of an extraordinary and transformative celebration for their third annual edition.

Lettuce To Premiere ‘Lettuce With The Colorado Symphony’ Film Digitally On May 28

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 25, 2025

0

Lettuce To Premiere ‘Lettuce With The Colorado Symphony’ Film Digitally On May 28

As Lettuce continues their robust touring schedule loaded with symphony collaborations, co-headlining shows with GZA of Wu-Tang Clan, and trekking coast-to-coast, they will host a digital film premiere of their recent concert movie Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony. Currently only available via DVD, the film features over 90 minutes of music visually showcasing the future funk group’s recently released album Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony as the lauded sextet is joined by over 80 musicians from the Colorado Symphony. The premiere will take place on May 28 at 6pm PT/9pm ET via VEEPS. Buy tickets HERE.

VEEPS is a streaming service that offers direct access to live and on-demand concerts, events, performances by award-winning artists and shows at the most iconic venues in the world, making it a fitting platform to partner with for the digital premiere of Lettuce’s remarkable inaugural collaboration with the Colorado Symphony. The band will be selling signed copies of the limited edition triple vinyl LP of the record throughout the duration of the premiere.

Additionally, Lettuce just announced expanded tour dates with a handful of new dates announced in the midwest in August with support from rising Colombian psychedelic funk trio BALTHVS on most of those performances. A full list of dates in below.

Lettuce continues their symphony collaboration series with a performance with the Nashville Symphony on April 30th. They immediately head to New Orleans for their annual late night performance during Jazz Fest at The Orpheum on May 1st. Lettuce will play two additional co-headlining shows with GZA in Cincinnati, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois before heading to Grand Rapids to perform with the Grand Rapids Symphony on May 17th and beginning their summer tour scheduled filled with festival plays, international dates in Europe & India, the newly announced August shows, and more.

To learn more about Lettuce and purchase tickets to all performances, please visit lettucefunk.com.

2025 Tour Dates

Apr 30 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center ^

May 14 – Cincinatti, OH – Taft Theatre *

May 15 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre

May 16 – Chicago, IL – Ramova Theatre *

May 17 – Grand Rapids, MI – Devos Performance Hall +

May 18 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre

May 21 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City

May 22 – Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron

May 23 – Lexington, KY – The Burl

May 24 – Martinsville, VA – Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival

May 29 – Hanover, Germany – Hannover Open Air Festival

Jun 30 – Jakarta, Indonesia – Java Jazz Festival

Jun 6 – Norfolk, VA – HarborFest

Jun 12 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point $

Jun 13 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music & Arts Festival

Jun 14 – Brooklyn, NY – SummerStage $

Jun 27 – Rochester, NY – Rochester Jazz Festival

Jun 28 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Jazz Festival

Jul 3 – Avon, CO – AvonLIVE!

Jul 4 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom *

Jul 10 – Mills River, NC – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Jul 11 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre

Jul 12 – Wilmington, NC – BAD Day Music & Arts Festival

Aug 15 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi Annex #

Aug 16 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall #

Aug 17 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Ballroom

Aug 20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue #

Aug 21 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre #

Aug 22 – Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall #

Aug 23 – Clive, IA – Horizon Events Center #

Aug 24 – St. Louis, MO – Atomic Pavillion

Aug 27 – Toronto, ON – Annabel’s Music Hall

Aug 29 – Charlestown, RI – Roots & Rhythm

Oct 24 – Melbourne, AUS – Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Oct 25 – Sydney, AUS – The Metro Theatre

* Co-Headline w/ GZA

^ w/ Nashville Symphony

+ w/ Grand Rapids Symphony

# new date with support from BALTHVS

$ new date with Styles P

Track Listing:

1. Mt. Crushmore

2. The Lobbyist

3. Requiem

4. Gang Ten

5. Ghost of Jupiter

6. Move On Up

7. The Force

8. New Intro

9. Larimar

10. Tryllis

11. Moksha

12. Everybody Wants to Rule the World

13. Elephant Walk → Madison Square

14. Trapezoid

Clifton Chenier Celebrated With 100th Birthday Tribute Album Featuring The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Majal, Steve Earle, And More

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 25, 2025

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Clifton Chenier Celebrated With 100th Birthday Tribute Album Featuring The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Majal, Steve Earle, And More

There is exactly one accordion player in the world whose legacy could inspire a group of fans like The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Majal, Steve Earle, and more for a 100th birthday all-star tribute: The King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier. Bursting onto the scene in 1955 with his first hit, “Eh, ‘tite Fille,” Chenier blended blues and R&B, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with Louisiana Creole music setting dancefloors and AM receivers alight from the deep South, across the pond, and beyond until his passing in 1987. This June, Louisiana-based Valcour Records will help celebrate the genre-pioneering Louisiana musician’s centennial with the release of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, a 14-track romp through Chenier’s legendary catalog with performances from the aforementioned icons and many more. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer and member of Los Lobos, Steve Berlin, and Joel Savoy, Valcour Records Founder and member of the “First Family of Cajun Music,” A Tribute to the King is due out on June 27th.

Today, Valcour released the first single from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, “Release Me,” featuring Americana legend Lucinda Williams, Hall of Fame Swamp Pop musician Tommy McClain, and the “Zydeco Boss” himself, Keith Frank, on accordion. Showcasing Chenier’s love for soulful rhythm and blues, “Release Me” was initially recorded in his zydeco style in 1969, slowing the tempo down just enough for dance partners to get in close with each other. This version is a sultry duet between Williams and McClain, sticking closely to Chenier’s original feel—which was adapted from Eddie Miller and His Oklahomans’ 1950 version, “Release Me (And Let Me Love Again).”

In order to keep this track leaning more into Chenier territory and less like the country original, “Release Me” single producer C.C. Adcock kept things as Louisiana as it gets. “We started by using a crack Lafayette all-star band and a slinky Swamp Pop ‘triplet-feel’ sound that placed it undoubtedly sounding like it was coming from deep inside a vintage South Louisiana dancehall,” says Adcock. “The dovetailing of Keith Frank’s Clifton inspired accordion, Steve Riley’s bluesy fiddle and Dickie Landry’s fragile but soulful saxophone solo set the bayou scene. I swear I could see Lu and Tommy couple-skating hand in hand at an Opelousas, LA roller rink, circa 1966… Maybe Clifton’s even there in the corner, working the snack bar!” The resulting recording sets an unmistakable tone for the rest of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco: This is a real-deal tribute for a real-deal legend.

In addition to the announcement of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, Valcour Records recently joined the Chenier family estate and the University of Louisiana Lafayette to form the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the King of Zydeco in 2025, the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship honors Clifton Chenier’s legacy at the College of the Arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The scholarship fund will offer annual financial assistance to students studying Traditional Music, specifically Zydeco accordion, at UL Lafayette. All proceeds from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco will go directly toward funding this new scholarship. To learn more about the scholarship or to donate, please visit this link.

On Friday, May 2, a very special Clifton Chenier Centennial show will be held at the Fais Do-Do stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Featuring the “Dockside Allstars,” the house band from A Tribute to the King—including Roddie Romero, Eric Adcock, Derek Huston, Lee Allen Zeno, Jermaine Prejean, and Sherelle Chenier Mouton—as well as special guests C.J. Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, and Curley Taylor, the 5:50 pm set may also include a surprise guest performance or two.

Tribute to the King Tracklist:

“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” – The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley

“Easy Easy Baby” – Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr.

“Hey ‘Tite Fille” – Taj Mahal and Keith Frank

“Release Me” – Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain, and Keith Frank

“Just Like A Woman” – Steve Earle and Anthony Dopsie

“I’m On The Wonder” – Jon Cleary and Curley Taylor

“My Soul” – Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas, and Steve Riley

“Hot Rod” – David Hidalgo and CJ Chenier

“Tout Le Temps En Temps” – Shannon McNally, Keith Frank, and Molly Tuttle

“Ay Ai Ai” – Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs and Augie Meyers

“I May Be Wrong” – Marcia Ball and Geno Delafose

“I’m Coming Home” – CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth

“You Used To Call Me” – John Hiatt and Roddie Romero

“Why Did You Go Last Night” – Kam Franklin, A. J. Haynes, and Roddie Romero

Album produced by Steve Berlin and Joel Savoy with Executive Producer John Leopold. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” and “Release Me” produced by C.C. Adcock.

A Tribute to the King of Zydeco is funded through the generous support of Lafayette Travel, Rex Foundation, Gia Maione Prima Foundation, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Jeffrey & Lester Price, Steve Zieff & Elaine Leitner, Ray Flores/Pink Trailer Productions, Love of People, and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

Young Thug Drops New Single “Money On Money” Featuring Future

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 25, 2025

0

Young Thug Drops New Single “Money On Money” Featuring Future

GRAMMY Award-winning, Diamond-certified superstar Young Thug makes his triumphant return today with “Money On Money” featuring Future, available now. Produced by Southside, Wheezy, Beatzbyrrose, Dez Wright, and 9jay, the track – which marks the massively influential hip-hop icon’s first new solo track in more than 18 months – is joined by an official music video directed by Kaito and Brendan O’Connor.

“Money On Money” heralds the upcoming arrival of Young Thug’s hugely anticipated fourth solo album, UY Scuti, due this summer. The album – which takes its name from what is often called the biggest known star in the Universe, a red supergiant located 5,900 light-years away in the constellation Scutum – has been teased in recent weeks by a series of enigmatic clues, from a custom basketball jersey held up by Young Thug while courtside at a Miami Heat game and a cryptic tweet from “Money On Money” collaborator Future to a mysterious billboard spotted near Coachella earlier this month.

Young Thug will celebrate UY Scuti with a busy live schedule, this summer will see top-billed appearances at an array of international festivals, including Chicago’s Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Festival 2025 (June 22), Gräfenhainichen, Germany’s Splash! 2025 (July 4), Liège, Belgium’s Les Ardentes Festival 2025 (July 5), Costinesti, Romania’s Beach, Please! Festival (July 10), Frauenfeld, Switzerland’s Openair Frauenfeld 2025 (July 11), and Warsaw, Poland’s Clout 2025 (July 12). Additional dates will be announced.

Young Thug is an unrivaled, once-in-a-lifetime superstar, a true game-changer whose dynamic lyricism, genre-defying sound, and groundbreaking style have forever transformed the face of hip-hop, fashion, and culture for generations to come. Instantly exploding to the vanguard of hip-hop in 2011, he has since earned three #1 singles on Billboard’s “Hot 100,” two back-to-back #1 solo albums on the Billboard 200, and more than 30 Gold and Platinum certifications from the RIAA (including RIAA Diamond status for his show-stopping feature on Camila Cabello’s worldwide blockbuster hit, “Havana”), along with countless awards, nominations, and accolades around the globe. As Founder and CEO of Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records, Young Thug has made a landmark impact with projects like 2016’s critically acclaimed Jeffery and 2021’s chart-topping Slime Language 2 among his many hit singles, mixtapes, and compilations. Long known as a monumental live performer, he has stolen the show with innumerable top-billed festival appearances, record-breaking world tours, unforgettable performances on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and more. 2025 has already seen Young Thug making his milestone return to the forefront of hip-hop by joining forces with Lil Baby for the smash single, “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber (Ft. Young Thug & Future).” With today’s premiere of “Money On Money” and the massively anticipated UY Scuti finally on the horizon, Young Thug is back to retake his hard-earned position as the biggest, brightest star in the Universe, now and always.

YOUNG THUG

SUMMER SHOWS 2025

JUNE

22 – Chicago, IL – The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Festival 2025 *

JULY

4 – Gräfenhainichen, Germany – Splash! 2025 *

5 – Liège, Belgium – Les Ardentes Festival 2025 *

10 – Costinesti, Romania – Beach, Please! Festival 2025 *

11 – Frauenfeld, Switzerland – Openair Frauenfeld 2025 *

12 – Warsaw, Poland – Clout 2025 *

* denotes festival performance

Whitesnake Opens The Vaults With 8CD Box Set ‘Access All Areas: Live’

Music

Eric Alper

-

Apr 25, 2025

0

Whitesnake Opens The Vaults With 8CD Box Set ‘Access All Areas: Live’

Whitesnake invites fans behind the velvet rope with Access All Areas: Live, an 8CD collection arriving today that offers a front-row seat to the band’s modern live legacy.

Curated by frontman and founder David Coverdale, the set is the latest entry in the band’s deep-dive archival series. It features live performances recorded between 2004 and 2015, capturing Whitesnake in full flight on stage, with world-class musicians delivering setlists that mix fan favorites with plenty of surprises.

Access All Areas: Live comes packaged in a box that resembles a touring road case and includes a booklet featuring rare photos, detailed liner notes, and a new interview with Coverdale. All the performances have been newly remastered for 2025.

In addition to the boxed set, Live… In The Still Of The Night will also be available separately as a double LP. Order both HERE.

Coverdale describes the collection as a reflection of the journey he’s shared with his bandmates—and the music they’ve brought to life on stage over the years. “I am thrilled with the players with whom I’ve had the pleasure and excitement of working with…and this collection honors that, I feel,” he said. “It’s an appropriate part of the legacy series of releases we’ve been working on. Thrilling stuff!”

The collection opens with Live… In The Still Of The Night, a show recorded at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in 2004, capturing Whitesnake’s high-octane return to the stage after a long hiatus. Originally released as a bonus CD along with the concert film of the same name, the performance features Coverdale backed by a fierce lineup: Doug Aldrich, Reb Beach, Marco Mendoza, Timothy Drury and longtime drummer Tommy Aldridge. They tear through hits like “Here I Go Again,” “Still Of The Night,” and more.

Live… In The Shadow Of The Blues picks up two years later on the band’s 2006 world tour, delivering a high-voltage mix of hits and deeper cuts. Named after a track from 1979’s Lovehunter—and included in the set—the collection nods to the band’s early blues-rock roots with swaggering performances of songs like “Ready An’ Willing” and the slow-burning “Crying in the Rain.”

Captured at the Loud Park festival in 2011, Made In Japan finds Whitesnake in front of one of its most loyal fan bases, unleashing a set that’s equal parts muscle and melody. With Brian Tichy on drums, Michael Devin on bass, and Brian Ruedy on keys, the band powers through modern-era tracks like “Love Will Set You Free” and “Steal Your Heart Away” alongside a slate of the band’s signature songs. Several acoustic soundcheck recordings are also included, featuring stripped-down versions of Forevermore tracks like “Fare Thee Well” and “One of These Days.”

Made In Britain pulls from the UK leg of the 2011 Forevermore Tour, bringing Whitesnake back to home turf with a crowd-ready mix of new and classic material. Aldrich and Beach shine across the set, turning in standout takes on “Forevermore” and “My Evil Ways.” It’s a snapshot of a band in command— returning to the country that helped shape its sound.

The World Record lives up to its name with performances recorded around the globe during the 2011 Forevermore Tour, featuring a setlist that spans multiple eras of the band’s history. Alongside high energy staples like “Bad Boys” and “Slide It In,” the band dives into deeper cuts including “Pistols At Dawn” and “Can You Hear The Wind Blow.”

The idea to revisit the Deep Purple catalog was first sparked by a conversation Coverdale had with Jon Lord, his former bandmate in the group’s classic ’70s lineup. Lord had originally suggested a reunion, but after his passing, the idea evolved into a studio album and tour instead. That inspiration ultimately led to The Purple Tour • Live, which reimagines the music that helped launch Coverdale’s career. With new lead guitarist Joel Hoekstra in the fold, Whitesnake rips into Purple classics like “Burn,” “Mistreated,” and “Soldier of Fortune” with renewed intensity.

Coverdale recalls a comment from his wife, who saw it as a full-circle moment: “Cindy was the one who said maybe this would be the perfect way to complete my recording career…go out as I came in, as it were.” True to form, Coverdale didn’t hang up the mic there—he’s stayed busy ever since, writing, recording, and continuing to explore the Whitesnake legacy.

ACCESS ALL AREAS: LIVE

8CD Track Listing

CD One: Live… In The Still Of The Night

Hammersmith Apollo, London, U.K. (October 20, 2004)

1. “Burn / Stormbringer”

2. “Give Me All Your Love Tonight”

3. “Is This Love”

4. “Love Ain’t No Stranger”

5. “Judgement Day”

6. “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”

7. “Fool For Your Loving”

8. “Here I Go Again”

9. “Take Me With You”

10. “Still Of The Night”

CD Two: Live… In The Shadow Of The Blues (Part I)

Recorded live from the 2006 World Tour

1. “Bad Boys”

2. “Slide It In”

3. “Slow An’ Easy”

4. “Love Ain’t No Stranger”

5. “Judgement Day”

6. “Is This Love”

7. “Blues For Mylene”

8. “Snake Dance”

9. “Crying In The Rain”

10. “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”

11. “Fool For Your Loving”

12. “Here I Go Again”

13. “Still Of The Night”

CD Three: Live… In The Shadow Of The Blues (Part II)

Recorded live from the 2006 World Tour

1. “Burn / Stormbringer”

2. “Give Me All Your Love Tonight”

3. “Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues”

4. “The Deeper The Love”

5. “Ready An’ Willing”

6. “Don’t Break My Heart Again”

Warner Music Global Catalog 777 South Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021

7. “Take Me With You”

CD Four: Made In Japan (Part I)

Recorded live at Loud Park, Saitama Super Arena, Japan (October 15, 2011) 1. “Best Years”

2. “Give Me All Your Love Tonight”

3. “Love Ain’t No Stranger”

4. “Is This Love”

5. “Steal Your Heart Away”

6. “Forevermore”

7. “Six String Showdown”

8. “Love Will Set You Free”

9. Drum Solo

10. “Fool For Your Loving”

11. “Here I Go Again”

12. “Still Of The Night”

CD Five: Made In Japan (Part II)

Soundcheck from Loud Park, Saitama Super Arena, Japan (October 15, 2011) 1. “Love Will Set You Free”

2. “Steal Your Heart Away”

3. “Fare Thee Well” (Acoustic Version)

4. “One Of These Days” (Acoustic Version)

5. “Lay Down Your Love”

6. “My Evil Ways”

7. “Good To Be Bad” (Acoustic Version)

8. “Tell Me How” (Acoustic Version)

CD Six: Made In Britain

Recorded live in concert across the UK from the Forevermore Tour, 2011 1. “Best Years”

2. “Give Me All Your Love Tonight”

3. “Love Ain’t No Stranger”

4. “Is This Love”

5. “Steal Your Heart Away”

6. “Forevermore”

7. “Love Will Set You Free”

8. “My Evil Ways”

9. “Fare Thee Well”

10. “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”

11. “Fool For Your Loving”

12. “Here I Go Again”

13. “Still Of The Night”

CD Seven: The World Record

Recorded live all over the world from the Forevermore Tour, 2011

1. “Bad Boys”

2. “Slide It In”

3. “Lay Down Your Love”

4. “Pistols At Dawn”

5. “Snake Dance”

6. “Can You Hear The Wind Blow”

7. “Fare Thee Well”

8. “One Of These Days”

9. “The Badger”

10. “The Deeper The Love”

11. “Soldier Of Fortune”

Warner Music Global Catalog 777 South Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021

12. “Burn / Stormbringer”

13. “Ain’t Gonna Cry No More” (Acoustic, Japan Bonus)

CD Eight: The Purple Tour • Live

Recorded live from The Purple Tour, 2015

1. “Burn”

2. “Bad Boys”

3. “Love Ain’t No Stranger”

4. “The Gypsy”

5. “Give Me All Your Love Tonight”

6. “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”

7. “Mistreated”

8. “You Fool No One”

9. “Soldier Of Fortune”

10. “Is This Love”

11. “Fool For Your Loving”

12. “Here I Go Again”

13. “Still Of The Night”

LIVE… IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT

2LP Track Listing

LP One: Side One

1. “Burn / Stormbringer”

2. “Give Me All Your Love Tonight”

3. “Is This Love”

Side Two

1. “Love Ain’t No Stranger”

2. “Fool For Your Loving”

3. “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”

LP Two: Side One

1. “Judgement Day”

2. “Here I Go Again”

Side Two

1. “Take Me With You”

2. “Still Of The Night”

Tina Turner’s “Hot For You Baby” Gets New Remix by Pet Shop Boys

Music

Eric Alper

-

Apr 25, 2025

0

Tina Turner’s “Hot For You Baby” Gets New Remix by Pet Shop Boys

This year, the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Tina Turner’s Private Dancer kicked off with a newly unearthed, never-before-heard track, “Hot For You Baby.” Today, the festivities continue with a brand new remix of the track by dance-pop pioneers, Pet Shop Boys.

The Pet Shop Boys –Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe– have dressed this track in their signature electronic style, seamlessly blending Turner’s powerfully raw vocals with synth-pop beats. “We had the joy of working with Tina in the mid-90s on our song ‘Confidential’ and now it’s a pleasure to be able to remix this funky song from the 80s with an awesome vocal from Tina,” the duo shared.

The previously unheard track “Hot For You Baby” was written by Australian singer John Paul Young, produced by John Carter, and recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Originally intended as an album track, it was believed to be lost to time, but this exciting discovery opens a new chapter in the Private Dancer story.

Last month, Private Dancer (40th Anniversary Edition) was released as a 5CD/Blu-ray, 2CD, a striking 1LP picture disc featuring the official UK/EU cover on one side and the US cover on the other, a limited-edition 1LP pearl vinyl with a 12×12 art card of the US album artwork, and digitally. Order HERE.

The centerpiece is the 5CD/Blu-ray set, which includes a newly upgraded 55-minute Private Dancer Tour show filmed at the NEC in Birmingham between two historic nights, March 23 and 24, 1985. Directed by David Mallet and featuring unforgettable performances with David Bowie and Bryan Adams, this landmark concert has been meticulously restored, offering a front-row experience of Turner at her electrifying best. Alongside the live performance, the set includes five upgraded music videos, with the “Private Dancer” fully restored to 4K from its original 35mm film.

Released in May 1984, Private Dancer marked Turner’s triumphant comeback, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Dubbed by American Songwriter as “one of the most charismatic comebacks of modern rock” and AllMusic as “without question,… Turner’s finest hour as a solo artist.” The 5x platinum record peaked at #2 on the UK Albums Chart, #3 and #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Turner would later bring home four GRAMMY® Award wins for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for “Better Be Good To Me” and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for the top Billboard Hot 100 track, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”