Monday, June 1, 2009

Music News & Notes

New Music From Young, Matthews, Costello Coming Tomorrow

"Neil Young Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972," Neil Young will be released tomorrow. Some, who may be expecting a trove of unheard songs may be disappointed in this endlessly delayed eight-CD set. There's only a smattering of truly new material here, some of it more interesting than it is essential. Spring for the pricey DVD or truly extravagant Blu-ray versions -- each a whopping 10 discs -- and you'll also get a warehouse's worth of photos, lyrics, and audio and video clips. An impressive package, but fans will be paying big bucks for a lot of stuff they already own; which may be a cause for concern.

"Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King," Dave Matthews Band is also scheduled for release on Tuesday, June 2. Dave Matthews Band have somberly been faced with the sudden loss of one of the founding members (Saxophonist LeRoi Moore died in August from injuries incurred in an ATV accident, midway through the recording of their latest album). However, his spirit -- and his sound -- looms large, on "Big Whiskey." The GrooGrux King of the title references Moore, as does the figure at the center of Whiskey's intricate cover art (drawn by Matthews himself); his sweet, solitary sax flourishes even bookend the album. Throughout, the spectre of death rarely recedes, but life -- embodied by the proto-DMB revelry of "Why I Am" -- still prevails. Moore's spirit is effident throughout the album, another fine effort from the band.

"Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane," Elvis Costello is also set for a June 2 release. In this new effort, Elvis Costello sounds downright acousticly-frisky at times which musically calls to mind 1986's sublime, countryish "King of America." (The two albums share producer T Bone Burnett.) "Sulphur to Sugarcane" in particular is a lusty delight, pinpointing the notable (alleged) qualities of ladies from different locales ("The women in Poughkeepsie/Take their clothes off when they're tipsy ..."). Fans will not be disappointed, in fact, this is Costello's best effort in a long time.

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STATIC RADIO NJ Set For Tour

The New Brunswick, New Jersey punk trio will be playing shows in support of the vinyl release of their debut full-length, "An Evening Of Bad Decisions." Originally issued on CD by Black Numbers in September of 2008, the 12-inch version was released by the label earlier this month. It features brand new artwork and a free digital download for all the songs. There were 1000 copies pressed on 3 limited colors: 500 black, 300 white and 200 clear, creating a buzz among collectors

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World Renowned Reggae Label VP RECORDS Releases REGGAE GOLD

Album to Feature Some of the Summer’s Hottest Tracks by Sean Paul, Mavado, Estelle, Elephant Man, T.O.K., Beres Hammond and Jazmine Sullivan

VP Records has released the long-awaited and latest installment of "Reggae Gold" on June 30th, 2008. The compilation is Reggae’s most highly-anticipated release of the year and will be part of the definitive collection from the genre this summer.

Reggae Gold 2009 compilation features a varied assortment of top reggae artists and hits including Estelle featuring Sean Paul on the international smash “Come Over”, as well as tracks by Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, T.O.K. and Serani’s massive radio hit, “Playing Games”. The JTB (Jamaican Tourist Board) and VP Records have partnered to re-create the iconic “Welcome to Jamaica” image for the album cover. In cooperation with JTI (Jamaica Trade and Invest), JTB and Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, VP Records will launch an extensive marketing campaign around the release of Reggae Gold 2009 that extends until the end of the year. All details of the campaign’s phases will be announced on www.myspace.com/reggaegold and www.vprecords.com.

For the past 16 years, VP Records has been at the forefront of reggae music with their Reggae Gold series. Since it’s inception this collection has featured the biggest songs of the year in reggae/dancehall but has also included music from international artists and crossover recording acts. Reggae Gold has featured superstars such as Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and Lady Saw. Reggae Gold is renowned for featuring dancehall and reggae hits, as well as tracks from up and comers which on this offering includes Laden, Jah Vinci and Prodigal Son.

Tracklisting for Reggae Gold 2009:
“Come Over” – Estelle featuring Sean Paul
“Need U Bad” – Jazmine Sullivan
“Love Is Wicked” – Brick & Lace
“Playing Games” – Serani
“So Special” – Mavado
“Nuh Linga” – Elephant Man
“Watch Your Friends” – Jah Vinci
“Protected” – Chino featuring Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor
“See You Again” – Beres Hammond
“Blessings” – Etana & Alborosie
“Start A New” – Tarrus Riley
“Far Away” – Queen Ifrica
“Head Cyaan Hot So” – Prodigal Son
“Praise and Worship” – Busy Signal
“Money Over War” – Laden
“Dance and Sweep” – Elephant Man
“Couple Up” – T.O.K.
“Leave If You Want To Leave” – I Wayne

BONUS I-TUNES ALBUM TRACKS:
“So Blessed” – Mavado
“Stay Close” – Wayne Wonder

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Award-Winning Caribbean Trumpet Phenom Etienne Charles Releases Landmark CD “Folklore” To International Acclaim

NEW YORK – World-renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles announces the release of the highly-awaited CD, "Folklore," already being hailed internationally as a landmark recording.

A native of Trinidad and Tobago and emanating from a robust fourth-generation musical family heritage, Charles has composed and brilliantly delivered a unique suite of Caribbean/Afro-Caribbean music based on West African-Caribbean mythology.

A banner CD release event is scheduled with performances July 21-25, 2009 at 11PM nightly at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center in New York. For ticket/reservations, please call 212-258-9595 or visit http://www.jalc.org.

“The music of Folklore employs and combines jazz improvisation and harmony with folk rhythms and chants inspired by the African experience of Trinidad and Tobago,” stated Charles, a graduate of Julliard who won the 2006 National Trumpet Competition, among other performance awards. “At the album’s core is a suite of compositions based on mythical characters of Afro-Caribbean folkloric tradition - creatures that have been a part of that heritage for centuries, as they were brought over by West African slaves and passed down from generation to generation through stories, chants and dances,” he added.

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SLASH Issues Update On Solo Record

VELVET REVOLVER and ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash has posted an update on the recording process for his new solo album, which he is tracking with former NINE INCH NAILS drummer Josh Freese and ex-JANE'S ADDICTION bassist Chris Chaney. Confirmed guest singers so far include Ozzy Osbourne and AVENGED SEVENFOLD's M. Shadows.

Slash writes on his MySpace page: "We're almost done with vocals — two more songs left and a couple of odds and ends. Then, I can stand back and see what we've got. It is a fucking awesome ensemble, that much I do know, with brilliant performances from each and every singer. I do hope to have a release date soon, but I can assure you, as I said before, it won't be this year. It will, most definitely, be out be very early in the New Year.

"Even though the recording process is almost done, the legal logistics involved with so many different artists takes a minute to iron out.

"When the record is released, I plan on posting what gear was used on what songs; guitars, amps etc. Although most of it was done with one guitar and two amps. A lot of interesting mic set-ups, though. The record is being recorded anolog as well. This might be one of the last rock and roll records to be recorded that way, no joke. So, of course, I have to release it on vinyl, as well as CD."

Slash will be joined by BLACK SABBATH legend Ozzy Osbourne, THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Ron Wood and LED ZEPPELIN drummer Jason Bonham — son of the late John Bonham, the band's original drummer — for the axeman's headlining appearance at this year's edition of the Quart festival, set to take place June 30 - July 4, 2009 in Kristiansand, Norway. Slash will perform a mixture of old and new material on the festival's opening day.

Commented Slash: "My gig at the Quart fest is coming up in Norway, June 30, which is starting to come together. I'll [announce] who all's playing next week, but it's a great lineup and the songs so far are shaping up to be a really great set."

Slash previously played with Ozzy at the 77th Royal Variety Performance in November 2005 in Cardiff. They performed a version of THE BEATLES classic "In My Life", with family photographs projected onto the background of the stage.

Slash left GUNS N' ROSES in the mid-'90s, forming SLASH'S SNAKEPIT before later assembling VELVET REVOLVER with several other ex-members of GUNS N' ROSES and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland.

VELVET REVOLVER is currently searching for a replacement for Weiland, who was dismissed in April 2008.

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The New Riders of the Purple Sage are releasing their first studio CD in over 20 years on June 2, 2009 !


This legendary SF group’s renaissance began four years ago and continues today with over 100 shows annually to audiences throughout North America. The new album, "Where I Come From," is produced by Michael Falzarano and features 12 new songs, seven of which were written by David Nelson and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Also included are Carl Perkins "Wears The Crown," an ode to the rockabilly king, written by Michael Falzarano (formerly of Hot Tuna) along with "Something in the Air Tonight," two live show favorites Higher, penned by Johnny Markowski, and Olivia Rose by Ronnie Penque, and a cool cover of the classic "Minglewood Blues." NRPS is David Nelson, Buddy Cage, Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque & Johnny Markowski. (cover art by San Francisco artist Stanley Mouse)

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