Historic Recordings By French Jazz Trio Alien Featuring Magma Legend Christian Vander Sees CD Release

Much to the elation of Magma/Christian Vander fans worldwide, a rare recording of jazz trio Alien live in Antibes, France in 1983 has been released on CD. Part of Seventh Records AKT collection (AKT XVI), Alien features Christian Vander on drums Michel Graillier on piano and Alby Cullaz on bass.

The CD is also highlighted with long extracts from fully unreleased studio sessions. In February 1988 the trio entered the studio to work on an album, but the project never got off the ground. Following the death of Alby Cullaz in 1998 and Michael Graillier in 2003, the recordings were shelved until now. The CD showcases the moving intimacy of the studio sessions and the incredible energy of this unique concert, along with honoring the memory of these great musicians who passed away before their time.

Christian Vander was born of February 21^st, 1948. From an early age his mother introduced him to the company of famous jazzmen such as Elvin Jones and Kenny Clarke. Indeed, Chet Baker gave him his first drum kit. He listened to all the greats of jazz and especially John Coltrane, whom he had the chance to meet only once. Vander also listened to composers such as Wagner, Stravinsky and Bach, as well as many rhythm & blues bands and singers. He formed his first group, the Wurdalaks, in 1966 and wrote his first themes at the time. Following the death of John Coltrane in 1967, which had a profound affect on Vander, he left for Italy where he played in clubs with jazz and R&B groups.

In 1969 Christian Vander founded Magma. Between 1969 and 1984 approximately 50 musicians entered the ranks of Magma, many of them destined to become musicians of great renown: Didier Lockwood, Jannick Top, Claude Engel, Bernard Paganotti, Yochiko Seffer, Teddy Lasry, Michel Graillier... Magma quickly gained an international reputation, notably following their appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1973, where the band was joined by the Brecker Brothers. In the course of Magma's first album, the band tells the story of a group of people fleeing a doomed Earth to settle on the planet Kobaïa. Later, conflict arises when the Kobaïans, who are descendants of the original colonists, encounter other Earth refugees. A distinguished aspect of Magma's music is that Vander actually invented a constructed language, Kobaïan, in which most lyrics are sung. Later albums told different stories set in more ancient times; however the Kobaïan language remained an integral part of the music. At the present time 22 Magma albums have been released.

In 1979 Christian Vander formed a parallel complimentary group to Magma, the Alien Quartet, with Benoit Widemann, Patrick Gauthier, Jean-Pierre Fouquey and Dominique Bertram. This group was followed by the Trio Vander (Alien Trio) with Michel Graillier and Alby Cullaz. Two trio albums were recorded between 1990 and 1993. The Vander Trio today, featuring Emmanuel Grimonprez on double bass and Emmanuel Borghi on piano, appears regularly in France and the rest of Europe.

In 1983 a new, complementary Magma line-up with a largely acoustic slant was created, being based on voices, keyboards and percussion. The first Offering concerts took place in October 1983 in Paris. Two albums 'Offering 1 & 2' and 'Offering 3 & 4' were released in 1986 and 1990. In May 1993 a new album appeared, 'Affieh'. This was an important stage for Christian Vander as it showed a return to his roots in Magma.

Between 1992 and 1993 Christian Vander directed the group Les Voix De Magma, comprised of a dozen musicians and singers. The repertoire, largely inspired by the main Magma themes, put a new perspective on the vocal aspect of Vander's compositions. A live album was recorded at the Douarnenez festival entitled 'Jazz En Baie'. In 1994 Vander and Simon Goubert created Welcome, a line-up composed of two drummers, two double-bass players, two saxophones and one piano. A first album appeared under the title 'Bienvenue'. Since 1996 Magma has returned to the stage with a group of talented musicians, playing the mythic works of the '70s repertoire to an audience mainly comprised of young people. The music of Magma is eternal!

And now one important historical aspect of Christian Vander's career, the Alien Trio of 1983, is preserved forever for generations of Magma fans and jazz fans to enjoy with the release of 'Alien - Live In Antibes 1983' CD.

American Speedway "A Bigger Boat" Due April 26 plus Tour Info

American Speedway, the beer guzzlin' punk rock n roll foursome from the Philadelphia-area, have completed their sophomore album A Bigger Boat. The album will be relased on vinyl and CD on April 26^th and distributed through Hostile City Distribution.

For this album, Lorraine "Dirty" McGurty joins the band as the new lead guitarist. McGurty was lead axe for WENCH, an all female Metal group who achieved international success with hit songs as "Stone Cold" and "Die Crying", while touring Europe and the UK in the early 90's.     

   

American Speedway is most known for topping the charts on Sirius Satellite Radio's Punk Channel with their hit single "One Foot In, One Foot Out" back in Summer of 2008. The song was within the Top 5 Most Played Songs for five months straight.  They also charted on CMJ's Heavy Rock charts with their single "Ship of Fools" in November 2008. "Ship of Fools" was the title track to their debut album released in January 2007.   

The band has engaged on tours with The Meatmen, as well as provided main support for The Supersuckers, Mike Watt, Valient Thorr, just to name a few. They'll be touring in support of A Bigger Boat at the end of March and throughout April.

   

3-31      Asheville, NC     The Get Down

4-1        Charleston, SC Jimbo's Rock Lounge

4-2        Savannah, GA   The Jinx           

4-3        Charlotte, NC     Snug Harbor     

4-4        Boone, NC        Tba      

4-5        Charleston, WVThe Vault         

4-6        Washingston, DC   The Asylum

4-7        Philadelphia, PA  The Fire

4-8        Martinsville, WV  Dub V

4-9        Lafayette, IN      Jerliee's Pub     

4-10      Lombard, IL       Brauerhouse     

4-11      Cleveland, OH    Now That's Class          

4-12      Pittsburgh, PA   Belvedere's       

4-13      Kent, OH           Euro Gyro        

4-14      Indianapolis, IN   Melody Inn Tavern        

The band is:

Michael Thursby Speedway - Guitar/Lead Vocals

Chris Callahan - Drums

Billy Angry - Bass/Vocals

Lorraine "Dirty" McGurty - Guitar

facebook.com/americanspeedway

Brian Eno "1971 - 1977 : The Man Who Fell To Earth" on DVD May 17

Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno - Brian to his friends, Eno to the rest of us - defies categorisation. Musician, composer, record producer, music theorist, singer and visual artist covers some of what he does, but he's probably best known for his early work with Roxy Music, his production duties for U2 and Coldplay and as one of the principal innovators of ambient music. But however he's pigeon-holed, this remarkable, creative visionary remains amongst the most influential individuals to have ever worked within the music industry.

This documentary film - the first ever about Eno - explores his life, career and music between the years 1971 and 1977, the period that some view as his golden age, others as just one era in a long, extraordinary and very eclectic career.

Featuring numerous exclusive interviews, contributions from a range of musicians, writers [including his official biographer], colleagues, collaborators and friends - plus archive footage, performance and studio film and an abundance of arguably the most exceptional music ever created. 

 

Also contains many extra features including extended interviews, digital biographies and more.

Hands of Hope Benefit Featuring Music Artist Billy Jonas To Take Place At Asheville, NC's Orange Peel March 27, 2011

Much to the anticipation of music fans around Western North Carolina, renowned music artist, Billy Jonas, will be performing at the Orange Peel in support of the third annual Hands of Hope Benefit. This year, students and staff of Odyssey Community School are partnering with Maccabi Academy to participate in 'Hands of Hope'. On Sunday, March 27, 2011 the schools will celebrate their work with Children First and RiverLink at the 'Hands of Hope' family concert at the Orange Peel in downtown Asheville. As in past years, this benefit concert will feature Billy Jonas, a nationally known and locally loved family entertainer. Doors open at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Throw out the rules when Billy Jonas hits the stage! It's a musical conversation… a sonic celebration … a splendid gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas show, the ensemble is…everyone. "My favorite instrument is the audience,” says Billy. “I work to 'tribalize' the compositions … to create songs that provide an immediate opportunity, on first hearing, for the listener to join in, as if the song had been a part of their life for a long time.”

“Billy Jonas' talent, wit and obvious love for children and learning make him and his music irresistible. Whenever I see him perform, my face hurts from smiling.” – Alison Krauss

Billy Jonas is one of those rare performers who can engage and delight both young and adult audiences. Billy's clear tenor voice is well suited to a plethora of venues, from intimate settings and workshop sessions to large halls and outdoor festivals. For more than two decades, his creative and interactive performances have enchanted and inspired folks from all walks of life — touching hearts, souls, and minds world-wide. As a founding member of the acclaimed duo 'The Billys', Billy Jonas has made innovative use of “found objects” (buckets, broom handles, bottles, key chains and more) as well as traditional instruments. But on any given day, the specific nature of this unforgettable neo-tribal hootenanny is largely determined and shaped by the audience. He tailors both his song selection and its presentation to suit the needs and vibe of each audience; every Billy Jonas concert is a unique experience. He makes spirited, straightforward music that is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. The big-tent festival quality of Billy's music facilitates connection and community while fostering inspiration and, most importantly, FUN.

Billy Jonas' recordings and live concerts across the US and Canada have generated an enthusiastic following. His CD 'What Kind of Cat are You?!' received multiple awards including a First Place/Gold from AFIM (American Federation of Independent Musicians), and a Parent's Choice Gold. Jonas' videos have garnered critical acclaim, including Parents Choice Awards and a New York Times “Best” listing.

Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Patti Larkin, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger. His upbeat, engaging presence (both onstage and off) encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-ended, anything-can- happen spontaneity. Billy Jonas offers family and adult oriented concerts, primarily with his three or four piece band. Billy's educational concerts include study guide materials and are usually booked in conjunction with a public performance in a community.

The Billy Jonas Band:

Led by guitarist / vocalist / industrial re-percussionist Billy Jonas, on selected dates the Billy Jonas Band also features the supreme talents of:

•Ashley Farmer (vocals, percussion) – In turns soulful, sensual and humorous, Ashley adds an exciting vocal dimension to the Billy Jonas Band.

•River Guerguerian (percussion, vocals) – River's inventive and lyrical percussion highlights the exciting and mystical quality of Billy's songs.

•Jake Wolf (bass, percussion, vocals) – With a varied background in classical, jazz and world music, Jake holds down the funky bottom for the band.

•The audience (vocals, percussion) – because everybody's in the band!

"He engages the audience with a wild assortment of rhythm and word play that usually leaves them both entertained, and a little more in touch with their spiritual selves. He teaches, through experience, that music is everywhere." – Sing Out! Magazine

For more information about the Hands of Hope benefit concert: ginnyhunneke@charter.net

http://handsofhope.moonfruit.com  

For more information about Maccabi Academy: www.maccabiacademy.org or call

(828) 254-566

For more information about Odyssey Community School: www.odysseycommunity.org or call (828) 259-3653

For more information of Billy Jonas go to: www.BillyJonas.com

Middle of the Map Fest - April 8th & 9th - Kansas City

Ink's Middle of the Map Fest - April 8th & 9th - Kanas City, MO from The Record Machine on Vimeo.

The Grateful Dead Movie Event

Don’t miss your chance to see a flashback concert experience with the Grateful Dead on the big screen. Fathom and Rhino Entertainment present “The Grateful Dead Movie” in movie theaters nationwide for a one night event on Wednesday, April 20th at 7:30pm (local time). This special event will include an exclusive never-before-seen interview with Jerry Garcia conducted while he was directing this legendary production over 35 years ago. “The Grateful Dead Movie” has not been available in wide theatrical distribution since its initial release in 1977.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 18th. Sign up here for an email reminder when tickets go on sale.

Click here for a list of all participating movie theaters.

“The Grateful Dead Movie,” a combination of cinematic rockumentary and concert film takes a look at the original Dead Head phenomena. Originally recorded at San Francisco’s Winterland Arena in 1974, this feature has taken a place in film history with legendary performances of  “U.S. Blues,” “One More Saturday Night,” “Casey Jones,” “Playing in the Band” and “Sugar Magnolia,” among other Grateful Dead classics.

JAMES LEG (BLACK DIAMOND HEAVIES) TO RELEASE SOLO DEBUT APRIL 5TH!

James Leg, growler, shouter, composer, and Fender Rhodes finger-f*cker, of the Black Diamond Heavies, steps out with some friends for more songs of hedonistic excess, crazy-ass women and Southern salvation.

On Solitary Pleasure he is joined by longtime friend and Cincinnati heavy hitter, Andy Jody (The Gazelles, Pearlene, The Long Gones, The Customs, Oxford Cotton, Barrence Whitfield and The Savages) on drums.

The album was recorded in December 2010 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee during a record cold snap, in the oldest standing church in Rutherford County, now the home of an all analog studio called Grand Palace Studio. The result was then rushed up to Detroit and mixed by Jim Diamond at Ghetto Recorders.

Solitary Pleasure will be available on April 5th on CD, Limited Editon Pink Vinyl (with free poster) and Digital formats through Alive Records. "DROWNING IN FIRE" FROM SOLITARY PLEASURE

GUITAR CENTER LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST WITH "AMERICA'S ARBITER OF COOL MUSIC" NIC HARCOURT

Guitar Center (www.guitarcenter.com), the world's largest musical instrument retailer, has just added a free podcast to its list of music programming. At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt is a new podcast hosted by renowned music tastemaker and music journalist Nic Harcourt that will feature riveting interviews and intimate performances with some of the biggest names in music. The podcasts are available now on the iTunes, Zune and Blackberry networks and at www.atguitarcenter.com/podcast.

The free podcast is an extension of the same concept behind the award-winning television show Guitar Center Sessions, a series also hosted by Harcourt that runs exclusively on DIRECTV and features exclusive performances and in-depth conversations with revered musicians. The podcasts will highlight compelling artists by engaging them in insightful conversation that inspires musicians and encourages individuals to make music a part of their lives. Past sessions have recently presented Weezer, Cake, Peter Gabriel, Jane's Addiction, Buddy Guy and The Cult. For clips of upcoming episodes, visit www.guitarcenter.com/sessions.

"When Guitar Center asked me to be a part of this new podcast, I was excited at the opportunity to engage artists in conversations they're most passionate about - music," said Harcourt. "No noise - no advertisers - just the stories behind the great artists of our time, told from their perspective. I'm excited that Guitar Center recognizes the potential in a program like this."

"Nic is a phenomenal talent with an unparalleled taste in music," said Dustin Hinz, director of music and entertainment marketing for Guitar Center. "He is authentic and credible throughout the industry, and his ability as an interviewer to dig deep with some of the household names in music and get incredible stories never ceases to amaze us. Guitar Center is honored to work with someone who continues to make such a lasting impact on popular culture."

At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt is free to stream or download, and is readily available for subscription via iTunes, Zune and Blackberry Podcasts. The current podcast includes an in-depth live studio interview with innovative artist and producer Quincy Jones, featuring the legend's take on art, production and an uncertain future of the music industry.

"I think the consumer wants to be closer to the creator," said Jones. "We are all trying to figure it out. We've never faced it before, but it's here."

Nic Harcourt, renowned tastemaker and host of the award-winning program Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV, is a highly regarded interviewer and an authority on music and pop culture. From his post as music director of the legendary radio station and Los Angeles cultural institution KCRW, and as host of the station's Morning Becomes Eclectic program, the New York Times dubbed the United Kingdom native "America's arbiter of cool music." Harcourt's interviews have told the story of some of pop history's most iconic artists, and he has been credited with helping launch the careers of numerous popular acts, including Coldplay, Norah Jones, Death Cab For Cutie and Sigur Ros, among others.

In his roll on Guitar Center Sessions, Harcourt delves into the anatomy of a successful band, offering real connections between fans in the live studio audience and their icons. At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt furthers the retailer's mission to advance the aspiring artist by bringing real stories of success within arms reach of any listener. 

The Million Musicians March for Peace 2011

The Million Musicians March for Peace 2011
Remembering the costs of endless war.

Seeking solutions to the mass misinformation that sustains it.

Where: Texas State Capitol...MUSIC, POETS, SPEAKERS!

When: March 19th, Austin, Texas. The 8th anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq. Noon - 3 p.m.

3 p.m. Parade through downtown...Bring your Instrument, everyone welcome! End parade playing "Down By The Riverside" with all the musicians at the Folk Alliance International event at Threadgills on Riverside.

Musicians lead Austin's annual parade for peace...again. Organized by a network of Austin musicians and friends, with participation by a wide variety of groups and individuals standing for peace, liberty, justice, prosperity, sustainability, Instruments For Peace, is once again inviting everyone to join Austin's annual Million Musicians March for Peace. These common vital concerns are only solvable through increased public awareness and involvement.

Musicians include: Sara Hickman, Eliza Gilkyson, Guy Forsyth, Carolyn Wonderland, David Garza, Barbara K, Michael Fracasso, Will T. Massey, Bill Oliver, Leeann Atherton, Kris Gruen, Atash, Jericho Brass Band...and more!

Poets include: Thom O Peace...and more!

Speakers include: Iraq veteran Hart Viges...and more!

 With music, poets, speakers, and a parade, this Austin-style remembrance on the 8th anniversary of the invasion and ongoing occupation of Iraq will spotlight the terrible human and financial costs of the wars we are engaged in and will point to mass misinformation as the root cause. 

According to the Instruments for Peace a possible solution to endless war would be a mass movement for peace. They say this will happen when the American public becomes aware of the real costs, to them and to others of the USA's ongoing "police to the world" policy.  The organizers encourage everyone to become smarter "news consumers."

"War, injustice, environmental degradation... are only solvable through mass public awareness and resulting appropriate mass action. Together, we are powerful," says Richard Bowden, fiddler, Director of Instruments For Peace

  

The Instruments for Peace organizers ask everyone to patronize and promote news sources that serve the public, supporting a deeper understanding of our common problems and their possible solutions.

The Million Musicians March for Peace is endorsed and assisted by Artists for Media Diversity, Under The Hood, Vote Rescue, Texans For Peace, Veterans For Peace, Waco Friends Of Peace, Instruments of Freedom for Justice,  Iraq Veterans Against War-Austin, Code Pink-Austin, and Monkey Wrench Books.

Non-musicians (are there any? - everyone can sing along!) and musicians welcome!

  
Everybody can be an instrument for peace.

www.instrumentsforpeace.org

millionmusiciansmarch.org

Million Musicians March for Peace on Facebook!

The Music Never Stopped

Mountain Jam 2011

ERNIE BALL ANNOUNCES 15TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITION

Ernie Ball Inc., the world's premier string and accessory manufacturer, today announced the launch of its 15th annual Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands. In the largest and longest-running unsigned artist competition of its kind, Ernie Ball will give talented, undiscovered artists worldwide a platform to play live on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour and win a 3-song EP with multi-platinum producer Matt Squire, in addition to an incredible prize package which includes a $15,000 Guitar Center shopping spree.

Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands is entering its 15th year of providing a platform for thousands of undiscovered bands to get mainstream exposure. The competition continues to transform Ernie Ball Music Man's legacy of encouraging growth, quality and opportunity in music by supporting unsung talent.

"We truly believe that live music is the lifeblood of our industry," said Brian Ball, of Ernie Ball Inc. "Over the past 15 years, we've been committed to providing a springboard for emerging talent to play live and enhance their exposure. In partnership with the Vans Warped Tour, we couldn't be more excited to launch the 15th Annual Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands."

To enter the competition, bands can sign up at www.BattleoftheBands.com and upload music and create their artist profiles, beginning today. The deadline to submit music is June 1st, at which time a panel of judges will select the bands that show the most promise, focusing on musicianship and songwriting, and will offer them an opportunity to perform live on Vans Warped Tour 2011. There are four slots at each stop on the tour. In 2010, 186 bands were chosen to perform on the tour, selected from almost 16,000 entries, and 2011 promises to be even bigger.

Ernie Ball's panel of expert judges will also review each show on the tour, selecting the top four from across the country to compete in Hollywood at the Vans Warped Tour official after party taking place at the end of 2011. After playing for celebrity judges and a who's who of music industry legends, America's best undiscovered band will take home an exclusive prize package and the title of "2011 Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands Champion".

The Grand Prize Package Includes:

$15,000 Shopping Spree at Guitar Center · 3-Song EP with producer Matt Squire · 2-Week Slot on Vans Warped Tour 2012 · One year of paid TuneCore service · Custom Atticus Apparel Package & Custom Vans Shoes · Select Music Man instruments · Ernie Ball Guitar and Bass Strings Ernie Ball has joined forces with a host of partners to make this competition the opportunity of a lifetime for aspiring artists. With the help of Van's, ReverbNation, Guitar Center, Electro-Voice, TuneCore and Atticus, Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands 2011 offers more impressive prizes and even more opportunities for bands to get the exposure they deserve than ever before. The top four bands will also be invited to play at Vans Warped Tour 2012.

For more information on Battle of the Bands, including stories behind recent competitions, visit www.BattleoftheBands.com.

About Ernie Ball
In 1962, veteran player and teacher Ernie Ball created Slinkys®, the iconic light gauge electric guitar strings widely revered by hundreds of guitar greats including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, The Edge and John Mayer. In addition to hand crafting high-end Music Man® guitars and basses, Ernie Ball Inc. offers state-of-the-art instrument accessories that are carried in more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. and 110 countries worldwide. The family-run company maintains its founder's dedication to preserving the musician's playing experience and delivering superior sound quality through the development of new products, such as the revolutionary Element Shield Packaging which hermetically seals guitar strings keeping each set as fresh as the day they were made. The company also fosters artist development through musician-focused programs such as the Golden Pick promotion featuring Slash and Eric Clapton, and the world's largest and longest running Battle of the Bands, where unsigned bands compete each year for the chance to win a $15,000 Guitar Center shopping spree and more. Visit them online at www.ernieball.com.

California Rockers Release EP With Mike Clink and Single with Slash as Winner of Guitar Center's Groundbreaking Unsigned Artist Competition

On March 8th, State Line Empire released "Drive Me", the anticipated single featuring legendary guitarist Slash. As the winners of Guitar Center's Your Next Record with Slash, the groundbreaking unsigned artist discovery program, the San Mateo outfit recorded a 4-song EP with iconic producer Mike Clink (Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Megadeth) with Slash performing on the lead single "Drive Me." Recorded at The Village and East West Studios in Hollywood, the single will be featured in the iTunes rock section and distributed by TuneCore.

After sifting through more than 12,000 entries, Slash and Mike Clink handpicked State Line Empire to receive the ultimate career-altering opportunity that included a management development deal with "The Collective"; a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree; new gear; endorsement deals from Ernie Ball Music Man; an opening slot on Slash's Monster Energy Bash; as well an editorial feature in Guitar World Magazine and promotion from iTunes.

"Guitar Center and I were looking for a great new rock band that hasn't been able to get a foot in the door otherwise. With State Line Empire, we found that, and this song is very representative of the band," said Slash "It's got a great hook. It's catchy, simple, and not too long - and it just rocks."

"I thought this was a great opportunity to give someone a leg up in the business," said Clink. "For this band to be managed by a great company, to have the support of Guitar Center, to have Slash play on the record, and to have my involvement as well - It's as if you're getting a major label deal."

State Line Empire formed in 2009 and after a whirlwind first few months of songwriting, Tyson Yen, Dave Pearl, Cat and Jay Michaelis found that an exciting chemistry had emerged and the band was born. Their EP titled Octane will also be available on iTunes on March 8th. For more information on the band including upcoming tour information, visit http://www.myspace.com/statelineempire.

"The whole experience has been amazing. At the time that I got the phone call from Slash telling us that we won, I kinda didn't believe it," said Dave Pearl, bassist for State Line Empire. "This is a dream come true."

Launched with Slash in February 2010, Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record is a first-of-its-kind unsigned band competition. Since this unprecedented collaboration with Slash and State Line Empire, the program has also featured the acclaimed singer/songwriter Keith Urban, who hand-selected Texas' Brandon Green to head to the studio with producer Dan Huff in May and open for Urban on his upcoming tour. In March, Guitar Center and Travis Barker joined forces for the third iteration of Your Next Record, giving another group of aspiring artists a chance to record with an acclaimed artist, exposing their music to the masses.

Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with Slash is just one of many Guitar Center initiatives created to foster growth and success within the music community. Other programs include its annual Guitar Center Sessions, King of the Blues, On-Stage and Drum-Off competitions, among others.

 

23rd Psalm Coming to DVD on April 19

A smartly written, modern day, metaphysical tale with a "surprise" ending,  

THE 23RD PSALM ushers in a new generation of urban transcendental cinema.

Available from See of Sound

An evolving, empathetic, African-American police detective, unconsciously channels his intuition to transcend his shortcomings and unravel the enigmatic murder of a transformed prostitute...

SYNOPSIS:

Set amongst the urban decay and unfettered angst of Los Angeles, Police Detective John Smith battles alcoholism and cynicism. Going about his daily routine, initially John remains complacent over a seemingly ordinary prostitute murder. But when John's intuition awakens, he experiences revealing visions about the victim and her murder. John must conquer his vices and overcome his skepticism to embrace intuition, question the unusual suspects, and allow his visions to illuminate the truth.

  

John experiences a brief vision of a murdered prostitute and 12 hours later the vision becomes a reality, whereas John is the homicide detective called to investigate the murder site. With very few clues, John does his due diligence and contacts anyone who had recent interaction with the prostitute. A bottle of morphine with a doctor's name on it becomes the first clue in a trail of clues that seem to lead nowhere.  

On the surface, John meets a dedicated doctor, a sympathetic shopkeeper and a pious pastor. The doctor paints the story of the murdered prostitute as a crazed drug addict, the pastor tells the story of the murdered prostitute as a troubled soul who needed salvation, and the shopkeeper recants the story of the murdered prostituted as an abused victim who needed a friend. They all persuade John to take the honorable way out and close the case: "It was obviously a John that killed her." And although John's clues seem to lead nowhere and suggest the closure of the case, intermittent with enormous urges to turn to the bottle, John is beleaguered with growing visions of the spirit of the murdered prostitute which could possibly be a communication from the beyond to solve her murder.

Nothing seems to make sense until John has a chance meeting with the homeless people in the neighborhood who paint a much different picture about the murdered prostitute - a story of transformation and wonder on a magnanimous scale.  Realizing that the shopkeeper, pastor and doctor had been far from accurate in their depictions of their interactions with the murdered prostitute, John questions them again, this time guns ablaze, intent on illuminating the truth and the film's shocking powerful ending. 

- Winner, Best Film, Dir./Writer Christopher C. Odom, Berlin Black Cinema International, 2007
- Winner, Best Film, Dir./Writer Christopher C. Odom, San Diego Black Film Festival, 2007
- Winner, Best Lead Actor, Markhum Stansbury, Jr., San Diego Black Film Festival, 2007
- Winner, Best Supporting Actor, Arnita Champion, San Diego Black Film Festival, 2007

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-BwhLOSbyE

Duologue Announce Details of Debut EP - Free Download

London-based quintet Duologue have announced details of their debut self-titled EP on the 5th May (self-released) and the release of a sample track free download. 'Get Out While You Can' premiered late last week on Abeano with them stating...

"Patching together gritty blues rock and skewed glitches, Duologue’s sound billows like a gust of desert dust and city dirt. Intense and urgent, the lead track on the group’s self-titled debut EP might as well be warning us not to get too sucked in to their spiral of sound. A near futile mission..."  

Over the past six months Duologue have emerged from London’s live music scene swirling up a storm of anticipation via the incredible one off shows they’ve created at underground venues and newly discovered performance spaces, promoted solely through word of mouth and a burgeoning mailing list of loyal fans and faithful followers.

Deceptively titled they are in fact a five piece, consisting of founding members Tim Digby Bell (vocals) and Toby Leeming (live programming and beats) as well as violinist Seb Dilleyston, guitar, Toby Lee and Ross Stone on bass. Theirs is a hard to quantify sound, one which eschews the usual prescribed definitions of a rock band as they meld electronic and analogue over inescapably haunting melodies, cinematic strings and growling shadowy bass.

Though born out of Digby-Bell’s and Leeming’s shared passion for future music – dubstep, Aphex Twin and the rest of Warp’s output and Detroit technicians such as Carl Craig – what makes Duologue a band, and not just another experimental act destined for a glittering career in the blogosphere underground, is a real ability to use such a wide range of disparate yet vital influences to produce knockout rock songs fit for stadiums.

Their eponymous debut EP is the perfect example of their eclectic catalogue, opening with the grinding blues electronica of ‘Get Out While You Can’ leading into the thrilling post-dubstep rock of ‘Racketeer’, the rousing and hypnotic ‘Marching Orders’ all sewn up with anthemic ‘Zeros’.

With a self mixed and produced album already sketched out the band continue to write, explore, risk take and seek out untapped juxtapositions of beats and melodies, riffs and samples redefining and injecting rock music with a whole new purpose in the process.

Track listing below:

1. Get Out While You Can

2. Marching Orders

3. Racketeer

4. Zeros

 
  Duologue - Get Out While You Can (free download) by Stayloose

Bob Dylan "Revealed" Coming to DVD and VOD on May 1

Highway 61 Entertainment and MVD Visual announce the release of Bob Dylan "Revealed" for worldwide DVD distribution (and VOD) on May 1, 2011 in conjunction with Bob Dylan's 70th birthday.

When Bob Dylan turns 70 in May, his iconic career will have spanned five decades. Yet, a true portrait of the reclusive "voice of the generation" has eluded Dylan fans. Through exclusive insider interviews, and never-before-seen photos and footage spanning Dylan's 50-year career, Bob Dylan Revealed offers an intimate biography of who Bob Dylan was, and who he is today.

Producer Jerry Wexler and award-winning songwriter Al Kasha provide an untold account of Dylan's early days at Columbia Records in 1962. Drummer Mickey Jones chronicles the 1966 Bob Dylan and the Band electric world tour that changed Rock n' Roll forever, while soon after, Dylan used the cover of a motorcycle accident to enter drug rehab. Dylan's 1974 comeback tour is illustrated by tour photographer Barry Feinstein through his finest photos and behind-the-scenes accounts. In 1975, Bob Dylan hit the road with a rag-tag band of folk troubadours, culminating in "The Night of the Hurricane". Folk legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott, violinist Scarlet Rivera, bassist Rob Stoner, and Rubin "Hurricane" Carter reveal the inside story of Dylan's Desire album and Rolling Thunder Revue tour.

Following a stint as The Entertainer in 1978, Bob Dylan fell into the arms of the Lord through the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church, producing three Gospel albums. Derided as "God-Awful Gospel," Dylan's radical new direction alienated fans and enraged critics. Pastor Bill Dwyer, journalist Joel Selvin, singer Regina McCrary, keyboardist Spooner Oldham, and Dylanologist AJ Weberman share intimate accounts of Bob Dylan's "born-again" transformation - and his return to Judaism! Bob Dylan Revealed culminates with Dylan's Never Ending Tour that began in 1992 and continues to this day, as drummer Winston Watson recounts his personal journey as a warrior in Bob Dylan's "Never Ending Band".

As Bob Dylan turns 70, a true portrait of the reclusive "voice of the generation" is revealed through exclusive interviews, and never-before-seen photos and films of Dylan's 50-year career.