Thursday, January 31, 2013

Upcoming: Bilal CD Release Party at Highline Ballroom on 2/12


This is happening...


BILAL
"A Love Surreal" CD Release
Produced By Jill Newman Productions
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Highline Ballroom
431 W.16 Street, NYC
(212) 414-5994
Showtime @ 9:00 PM
Doors open @ 7:00 PM
Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

PYYRAMIDS To Release New Album April 9


PYYRAMIDS, Tim Nordwind from OK Go and Drea Smith of He Say/She Say, will release their debut album Brightest Darkest Day on April 9 via Paracadute.  Having recently re-discovered their EP Human Beings when I was transferring music to my new portable media player, I'm tickled to hear new work from them.  Check out their new song, "Do You Think You're Enough?" below.



"PYYRAMIDS' music is a perfect combination of catchy songwriting, vulnerable lyricism and pop," said Interview.  "Their reverberating textured beats and strangely catchy hooks...we didn't know whether we should brood or dance when we first listened," observed NYLON when gushing over the band's debut EP, Human Beings.  "But soon we realized that we didn't have to decide.  And if you ask us, it's exactly this two-sidedness that makes PYYRAMIDS so damn cool."  MTV's Buzzworthy blog praised Smith's "sultry, lush vocals" and pronounced the band's "Don't Go" video "absolutely perfect."

Recorded in Nordwind's basement studio, with the final tracks recorded at Dan Konopka of OK Go's studio, Brightest Darkest Day was mixed by Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT) and Konopka.  Brightest Darkest Day finds its creators once again venturing into fresh territory.  "There's a pop sensibility to the album that's bright but the sound and delivery is very dark," explains Smith.

Little Brother Eli Release New Video


A couple of weeks ago, we were introduced to UK band Little Brother Eli.  We like them and we're looking forward to a recorded effort from them hopefully sooner rather than later.  This week, they've released a new video.  The clip is for the song "Hanging".  Check it out below.




Alex Grew - vocals
Josh Rigal - bass
Adam Stowe - guitar
Linus Taylor - guitar
Benji Page - shoe box (percussion)

Filmed by Mim Donoghue
Edited by Sam Rigal
Audio mixed by Josh Rigal
Audio mastered by Mike Saminaden


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Dawes To Release New Album In April


Dawes will be releasing their third full-length album on April 9 via their own HUB Records.  Stories Don't End was produced by Jacquire King.  Check out the trailer for the upcoming record below.





Track Listing

  • Just Beneath The Surface
  • From A Window Seat
  • Just My Luck
  • Someone Will
  • Most People
  • Something In Common
  • Hey Lover
  • Bear Witness
  • Stories Don't End
  • From The Right Angle
  • Side Effects
  • Just Beneath The Surface (Reprise)

Upcoming: Madison To Release We've Been Nothing EP on 2/5


Madison has a new EP coming out on February 5 via her own G Records.  We've Been Nothing is insanely catchy pop that dares you to try and stay seated.  It's a dare you'll lose!  I got hooked on her work with her 2011 release The Noise Some People Make, a stellar piece of work but, personally, I think We've Been Nothing has a tighter, smoother sound musically and the vocals are warmer and more soulful.



As you listen to her new EP, Madison's evolving sound is apparent. The infectious melodies are still there, but the guitars, backing vocals and overall soulfulness on the track take things to a new territory. Throughout We've Been Nothing, Madison gets a little darker too, and employs some good friends of hers such as Chappo's Zac Colwell on drums, Caught a Ghost's Jesse Nolan adding horns and small arrangement details, and The Heavy's glorious soulful backing singers Mavis and Kiki. The forthcoming EP is the second in a four part EP series.  "Since it's all on my own label and all up to me, calling on talented friends who are down to jam is how things get done," she told NYLON

The new sound on the EP is thrilling and multi-faceted, working as the backdrop for a late sexy night, a long drive with the windows down, or an underground party. It combines elements of the 1920's in "Speakeasy," big band drums in "Ship Off  Shore," but also bridges to a beat-heavy, confident club banger 'Nobody Like Me'.  The new material is hook laden as usual for Madison with each chorus standing out as a complete sing along, yet the production, arrangement and live instrumentation allows it to be a little bit slinkier, grittier, raw, and exactly as she intended it to be: an exciting new experience for her and her listeners.

Tracklist

  • Sweet Life
  • Nobody Like Me
  • Ship Off Shore
  • Speakeasy




Monday, January 28, 2013

Upcoming: Nico Vega at Santos Party House, 2/22


UPDATE: NEW date of 2/19… all previous ticket purchases for the 2/22 show will still be honored.

The band posted the following on their Facebook page: Hey guys -- The rumors are true — we had to cancel a few of our headlining dates -- we were offered an opportunity we couldn't turn down. We will, however, still be HEADLINING in NYC at the Santos Party House on the NEW date of 2/19… all previous ticket purchases for the 2/22 show will still be honored. Please come out and say hi!! We certainly love you and we will be back really soon!!


New York, Nico Vega is heading East and will be making a stop at Santos Party House on Friday, February 22.  If you haven't seen them live then, well, it's high time you did!  Doors are at 6:30PM and it'll cost you $10 advance / $12 dos, 16 and older.




Nico Vega
with Eytan and the Embassy and Spirit Animal
Feb 22, 2013
Santos Party House (downstairs)
Doors @ 6:30 PM
16
$10 ADV/$12 DOS

Upcoming: HITS at Mercury Lounge, 1/31 + New Video


New York, your Thursday to-do list should include a trip down to Mercury Lounge to catch HITS.  They're on the road with Gemini Club doing that thing they do so well.  

Thursday, January 31, doors are at 9:30PM and it'll cost you $10 advance / $12 dos providing you're 21 and over.

To whet your appetite check out the new video from HITS.  It's for the song "Madness" from their highly recommended, self-titled EP.  Enjoy the goodness below.





Tour Dates w/Gemini Club



Thursday, January 24, 2013

Video of the Day: Beth Hart - "Bang Bang Boom Boom"


Today we have for you the video for "Bang Bang Boom Boom" from Beth Hart, who is a fave of mine. The song is the title track from her recent album which was released in Europe back in October.  A US release is scheduled for sometime this year ... or, as an import, HERE.

Bang Bang Boom Boom is the album where Beth is finally able to admit she might actually be happy. “Often on old records, I wrote about pain and fear,” she says. “I didn’t write so much about love. I always felt like I didn’t understand it or wasn’t worthy. This is the first album where I have, and it’s such a beautiful feeling. I feel like I’ve gotten to fit into a new pair of shoes, y’know, and I can walk a different walk. Every album is special to me. But with this one, there’s a real specialness about it, because I’m at a different age and in a new head-space.”




Thursday, January 17, 2013

Video of the Day: Ari Hest - "Something To Look Forward To"


Today we have for you "Something To Look Forward To" from Ari Hest.  The track is from his latest album The Fire Plays.  If you haven't yet, give it a spin. I've been listening to and thoroughly enjoying it ... "Set In Stone" is the highlight for me.  I had a bit of a Hest marathon yesterday, sadly I discovered my Sunset Over Hope Street CD is MIA, well darn!  Anyway, check out "Something To Look Forward To" below and enjoy.





Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Caught My Ear: Little Brother Eli


Today we have for you a new band out of the UK.  Joshua Rigal and Alex Grew, collectively known as Little Brother Eli.  They've been working on a project for the last six months or so and the results, we will hear on an upcoming EP.

To whet your appetite, check out the video for "Awkward Positions" below.  It's a live acoustic number. 
Grew has a warm soulfulness to his voice that really lends itself to this type of performance. After hearing this song, I'm looking forward to hearing more of their work.  Check out the clip below and keep an ear out for more from these guys.  



Tuesday, January 15, 2013

2013 Newport Jazz Festival Line-up Announced



Natalie Cole
Well my music loving friends, the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. has announced the line-up for the 2013 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management.  The festival takes place August 2 - 4 in scenic Newport, RI at Fort Adams State Park.  Tickets go on sale this Thursday, January 17 at 10AM at www.newportjazzfest.net.

Check out the line-up below.  And if that's not enough for you, the iconic festival which turns 60 next year, still has other artists that are yet to be announced.






Friday, August 2, at 8:00 pm
International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino (194 Bellevue Avenue)

  • Natalie Cole
  • Bill Charlap Trio with special guest Freddy Cole

Saturday, August 3, at 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Fort Adams State Park (90 Fort Adams Drive)


Wayne Shorter
  • Wayne Shorter’s 80th Birthday Celebration: Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Danilo Perez, John Patitucci & Brian Blade plus special guest Herbie Hancock
  • Esperanza Spalding - Radio Music Society
  • Michel Camilo Sextet
  • Terence Blanchard Quintet
  • Robert Glasper Experiment
  • Gregory Porter
  • Edmar Castañeda
  • Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band
  • Amir ElSaffar Two Rivers
  • Bill Charlap Trio with guests Bob Wilber and Anat Cohen
  • Mary Halvorson Quintet
  • Rez Abassi Trio

Sunday, August 4, at 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Fort Adams State Park (90 Fort Adams Drive)

Chick Corea
  • Chick Corea & The Vigil with Christian McBride, Tim Garland, Marcus Gilmore and Charles Altura
  • Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra
  • Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band featuring Jaleel Shaw, Martin Bejerano and David Wong
  • Dizzy Gillespie™ Big Band under the direction of Paquito D’Rivera
  • Hiromi: The Trio Project with Anthony Jackson and Steve Smith
  • Joshua Redman Quartet
  • Jim Hall Quartet featuring Julian Lage
  • Jon Batiste & Stay Human
  • Dee Alexander: Songs That My Mother Loved
  • The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
  • Lew Tabackin Quartet with Randy Brecker, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash
  • Donny McCaslin Group
  • Steve Coleman Projects: Five Elements, Talea Ensemble and Duo with Tyshawn Sorey
  • David Gilmore & Numerology featuring Claudia Acuña, Miguel Zenón, Luis Perdomo, Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Watts and Mino Cinelu


TICKETS & OTHER INFORMATION

Tickets for the 2013 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management go on sale worldwide Thursday, January 17, at 10:00 am at www.newportjazzfest.net, by phone and by mail. 

Tickets for the Friday, August 2, concert are $ 40.00 – $100.00.  All seats reserved. The Opening Night Cocktail Party, a Newport summer tradition, kicks off the evening from 6:30 – 7:45 pm. This exclusive party welcomes a limited number of attendees for an evening of great music, food and beverages.  Tickets are $50.00 for Tennis Hall of Fame members and $60.00 for non-members. Pricing includes open bar and hors d’oeuvres.  Party attendees must have a ticket to the Newport Jazz Festival concert.  To order Cocktail Party tickets, call (401) 324-4072 or go online at www.tennisfame.com.

A limited number of general admission adult two-day passes are available now for $135.00 for Saturday and Sunday.  Single day general admission adult tickets are $74.00 in advance and $84.00 at the gate, if available.  Children’s tickets for ages 3 - 15 are $15.00 per day.  Children under 3 are free.  A new student price of $20.00 is available for high school students older than 15 and college students with valid ID. Students must use the Student gate and present valid ID to enter the festival. Offer valid for eligible students while supplies last. Not valid on reserved seating or for the Friday night event.

Parking passes are also available on-line for $12.00.  Service charges apply to all tickets purchased on-line or by phone. 

Premium Seating tickets for Fort Adams concerts are available for $125.00 per day. Reserved Seating is $90.00.

Single day general admission tickets also can be purchased in person at the Newport Visitors Information Center, located at 23 America’s Cup Avenue.  Visit www.gonewport.com for office hours and information. No service charges apply.

There will be a festival office in the Newport area where tickets can be purchased in person at a later date.  For general information, craft vendor information or to leave a message for festival staff, call the festival hotline at (401) 848-5055.  For more information, log on to www.newportjazzfest.net or www.newportfestivalsfoundation.org.