Music News & Notes

Cat Having Visa Problems- Again

It's reported that Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is having trouble getting into the United States again. He was supposed to play small shows in New York and Los Angeles in support the release of his new album, "Roadsinger," but he will not be able to gain access to the country in time due to "paperwork" issues.

This isn't the first time Islam has had problems getting into the United States. He went through an extended fight a few years ago around the time of the release of his first comeback album. Hey, here's an idea- go back to being Cat Stevens!

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

Matador Remasters OK

I had reported that there was a problem with the company losing the masters, but this note from Matador explains everything:

Matador Vinyl Masters Actually Just Fine

"Matador's former vinyl pressing plant, 33 1/3 (originally the vinyl arm of WEA Manufacturing) went bankrupt in June 2006. Many labels, including Matador, lost vinyl LPs, jackets and masters in this bankruptcy.

This was 3 years ago and we have long since made new masters, re-pressed records at other plants and in general moved on, but a recent Comcast story about the bankruptcy ran without a date and was picked up by Pitchfork who added the adjective "recently" in reporting it. Although Pitchfork ran a correction and Comcast added in the historical context, it was too late and the story had run wild as an internet meme.

The crucial point to take home is: the bankruptcy and the loss of our masters took place 3 years ago, and is now ancient history! We have always released, and continue to release, just about every record on vinyl, and our sales in the format are quite healthy at the moment, thank you very much."

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

Pete Seeger Celebration

This Sunday, May 3 in Madison Square Garden, an amazing group of musicians will get together to wish veteran folkster Seeger a happy 90th with "The Clearwater Concert: Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders."






Slated To Peform:

Bruce Springsteen
John Mellencamp
Dave Matthews
Eddie Vedder
Richie Havens
Taj Mahal
Steve Early
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)
Warren Haynes
Arlo Guthrie
Ani DiFranco
Bella Fleck
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Ben Harper
Billy Bragg
Bruce Cockburn
Emmylou Harris
Joan Baez
Kris Kristofferson
Tom Chapin
Preservation Hall Jazz Band with Del McCourey
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Tom Paxton
Tommy Sands
...and many more

All proceeds form the show will go to the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. American Express cardholders can get advanced tickets starting March 23. Public sale of tickets starts March 30.