Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Music News & Notes

Gallagher Dumps Oasis Name - Debut Album Due In July

Liam Gallagher has revealed that his new group are set to ditch the Oasis name in favour of something new.

Oasis finally shook themselves apart last year. Walking away from the wreckage of his former group, Liam Gallagher went on holiday to Italy taking some close friends along with him for the ride.

Since then, speculation has been rife over the singer's solo plans. Forming a new group with some familiar faces, Liam Gallagher is set to front what is essentially the final version of Oasis without his brother.

Speaking to XFM Radio, Liam Gallagher revealed that he does not intend to use the Oasis name on his new album.

"No, it's not Oasis, that was a shit name anyway," Liam Gallagher revealed. "I'm glad to see the back of it."

Oasis took their name from a venue in Swindon. Continuing, Liam Gallagher claimed that he wanted to release an album of new material by July, with recording sessions ongoing with the new band.

The singer remained tight-lipped over a possible name for the collective. "There's a name that we're digging at the moment, but we're going to get on with the music and see how it goes."

==================================

British Jazz Icon Johnny Dankworth Dies

Sir John Dankworth, one of the most important figures in British jazz music, has passed away.

Britain has long had a passionate relationship with jazz music. However, for a very long time, it was accepted that jazz was simply something that Americans did - and hence a progressive scene could never exist in Britain.

It is thanks to pioneers such as Sir John Dankworth that the British jazz scene exists at all in its current state. Emerging after the Second World War the saxophonist quickly caught attention with his dextrous skills.

Performing with touring American bands, the musician travelled to Paris in 1949 where he jammed with his idol Charlie Parker. Winning acclaim for his distinctive style, Dankworth then went on to become a hugely successful composer.

Working on the themes for The Avengers and the film 'Saturday Night, Sunday Morning' the saxophonist always led his own band.

Continuing to work until recently, John Dankworth was knighted by the Queen in 2006. Sadly the saxophonist fell ill last year after a tour of the United States. Dankworth's last gig was at the London Jazz Festival, playing his horn from the confines of a wheelchair.

Sir Johnny Dankworth died in a London hospital on Saturday (February 6th). His wife Cleo Laine was starring in a show with her children at the time, and announced the death after the concert.

==================================

Flying Lotus Planning New Album

Los Angeles producer Flying Lotus is set to return in May with his eagerly awaited new album 'Cosmogramma'.

Real name Steve Ellison, Flying Lotus is simply one of the finest producers of his generation. Blending free jazz, electronica, hip hop and dubstep the Los Angeles kingpin's music has lit a trail for others to follow.

Over a series of seminal albums Flying Lotus has carved out a reputation as one of the most forward thinking musical minds on the planet. Joining the dots between continents, the producer has broken new ground.

Releasing 'Los Angeles' in 2008 Flying Lotus reached a new level of critical adoration. With the release of 'Cosmogramma' on May 3rd the producer could be set to stun fans once again.

A travelogue through his home city, 'Los Angeles' now seems to be just a primer for the American producer's talent. On 'Cosmogramma' Flying Lotus predicts and anticipates trends, then demolishes then in the blink of an eye.

A wide eyed pursuit of new music, Flying Lotus has been joined by some guest collaborators for the new album. Fresh from working with soulful jazz vocalist Jose James, the producer has roped in some friends for his own material.

Echoing the spirit of his famed aunt Alice Coltrane, Flying Lotus is joined by Ravi Coltrane, bass virtuoso Thundercat and the brilliant harp prodigy, Rebekah Raff.

In addition to this Flying Lotus is set to be joined by Radiohead vocalist Thom Yorke. Laura Darlington is due to reprise her role on 'Los Angeles' while collaborators include Erykah Badu and Outkast string arranger Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

Flying Lotus is due to release 'Cosmogramma' on May 3rd.

==================================

Arctic Monkeys Prep New Single, Tour

Apparently the Arctic Monkeys are not done supporting their twisty, stoner-rocking 2009 album Humbug. They've got a new single coming out fronted by Sabbath-y album opener "My Propeller" and backed by three brand new tracks, including one excellently titled "Don't Forget Whose Legs You're On". The single is due March 23 digitally and through the band's web store before it hits record stores everywhere April 13 via Domino.

The Sheffield lads are also heading back to the United States for two weeks of touring come April.

==================================

Ratt Reveal Artwork, Tracklisting For Infestation

It’s no secret that RATT are back and raring to go. The band is proud to announce April 20, 2010 as the release date for their Loud & Proud debut, Infestation, an 11-song opus that is their first studio record in 11 years. The first single, “Best of Me,” is scheduled to impact rock radio on February 21. The song is available at all digital stores.

There’s been a flurry of activity in the Ratt camp in the past few years. Vocalist Stephen Pearcy has returned to the fold and the band has since signed to Loud & Proud/Roadrunner. The legendary Los Angeles rock squad, also featuring guitarist Warren DeMartini, drummer Bobby Blotzer, bassist Robbie Crane and new guitarist Carlos Cavazo, engineered Hollywood’s much-heralded Sunset Strip sound in the 1980s.

“We wanted this to be like something that we would have written right after [1984’s] Out of the Cellar, Pearcy said. “We definitely went back to basics with the mindset of a band with a lot of excitement and some great songs to get out.” Infestation was produced by Elvis Baskette (Chevelle, Alter Bridge.) in the helmer’s Virginia studio, marking the first time the band has recorded outside of Los Angeles. The album is full of attitude and of reflection, cycling through a range of emotions. There are party anthems that Ratt are known for alongside more contemplative, thoughtful tunes.

==================================

U2 360 Degree World Tour Crowned Best Stage Show By Stage Crews

U2's 360 degree world tour, which featured a huge “claw” structure, has been crowned the best stage show of 2009.  The jaunt picked up the accolade - voted for by stage crews - at the Total Production International Awards, hosted by TPI magazine.

The stage set featured an innovative 360 degree design which affords an unobstructed view for the audience.

"It is a massive engineering feat - from scenery to video to audio, with the biggest PA system that has ever been seen on a tour," the magazine's editor-in-chief Mark Cunningham said.

"It's a fantastic achievement and the four members of U2 are effectively the icing on the cake."

U2 production guru Willie Williams took home two awards while guitarist The Edgie's roadie Dallas Shoo also won, reports the BBC.

U2's 360 degree world tour is due to resume this summer with additional European dates, starting in Frankfurt on August 10.

Other concerts are scheduled for venues in Moscow, Munich, Athens and Paris.

No comments: